Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas from the Don


Winter scene of the Don River

No this picture is not from this year. There has been no significant snowfall this year yet. This photo is from last February so technically it is from 2009. This fall has been relatively quiet in terms of developments and events in the Don. Several big projects are ongoing and expect to be finished on 2010. I hope to be there and report on them. Until then, have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Update on Don Mills LRT

Steve Munro, a local transit advocate, has recently commented on progress of Toronto's Light Rapid Transit plans. Among the mentioned updates is the Don Mills LRT plan. A few years ago this plan included an option that would run straight through the Don Valley but this idea appears to be less of a possibility (ie. dead in the water?) According to Munro, not much is happening with this plan which is currently unfunded. Current efforts are now concentrated on the Sheppard East LRT.

So for the near future, it looks like the valley will be spared any new infrastructure. Preliminary planning on the DMLRT is expected to be finished spring 2010 so we will see what the TTC staff have come up with.

P.S. A more detailed review of the Don Mills LRT is available here.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Construction at Todmorden Mills


Road and parking lot construction at Todmorden Mills

There is quite a bit of activity at Todmorden Mills these days. Construction has started on a new road access to the rear parking lot. This has been deemed necessary because the old bridge that was used to get to the parking lot has been condemned. The bridge was built in 1931 and used to cross the Don River when it ran through this part of the valley. When the Don Valley Parkway was built this section of the Don River was cut off and the bridge no longer served a major purpose. It has gone down hill ever since and now stands cut off and disused.

The new access road is being built next to the DVP embankment. Steps have been taken to protect trees near the construction site but other sizable trees were taken down that were in the way. I suppose it will look a lot better when it is finished. It's too bad they couldn't do anything with the old bridge since it is a part of the Don Valley's heritage and many of those are disappearing.


Tree protection fencing erected around large tree.


What the sign on the fence says


Straw bales have been placed to trap runoff from the parking lot during construction


Temporary catchment pond for water running from the pond and ditches.


The old bridge. On its way out?