Environmental experts have proposed a series of measures to preserve the Toronto Islands in the wake of flooding that in recent years has significantly impacted the entire length of the city's waterfront.
A new environmental study by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) pitched building infrastructure protections like low flood walls, raised roads and berms (an artificial embankment of level space or raised land that borders a waterway to promote drainage).
Flood measures are needed to safeguard the Toronto Islands after record breaking water levels in Lake Ontario led to shoreline flooding across Toronto in the spring of 2017 and 2019.
The study noted the springtime floods led to "millions of dollars in damage and municipal revenue loss, as well as significant impacts to the local community and park users."
The City of Toronto partnered with the TRCA to look at ways of protecting Toronto Island Park, a 242-hectare plot of land.
The study is now open to the public for comment as part of a Class Environmental Assessment. In order to create a proposed action plan, various alternative solutions were considered and local Indigenous groups were consulted throughout the project.
Researchers are now suggesting an impermeable flood berm be constructed along shoreline and inland areas of the Toronto Islands, as well as a groyne, a low wall or sturdy barrier built out into the sea from a beach to track erosion and drifting. The report also suggested development of a sand fill to enhance the existing beach north of Ward’s Island ferry terminal.
The proposal suggested Centre Island raise half of a marina storage yard and some sections of road, as well as build an impermeable berm along the parkland shoreline. Researchers additionally pitched erecting a steel sheet pile wall supported by a riprap revetment, which are stones packed together along the shoreline, around Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Co. restaurant.
The Toronto Islands Centreville area would see shoreline naturalization and a flood berm placed around the perimeter of the site, as per the study's recommendations.
For Algonquin Island, measures would include construction of berms, a buttressed concrete flood wall and raising a section of land and walkways.
Across the islands, the study suggested raising roadways and building an impermeable shoulder that would be created by capping the base with clay.
The Toronto Islands are a popular destination for both local residents and tourists. Millions of visitors travel to the islands every year, while over 600 residents live there permanently.
The region is accessible via ferry or water taxi from the downtown core. The collection of small islands is home to clothing-optional Hanlan's Point Beach, Centreville Amusement Park and several yacht clubs.
The Toronto Islands flood management project is not yet at the the detailed design stage, with more public consultation underway.
Implementation of the flood protection measures could occur over several years, be subject to City of Toronto funding and would be phased in based on highest priority areas.
Written comments about the report must be sent by Dec. 19 to [email protected].
