June 5, 2015

City of Toronto to develop a comprehensive Ravine Strategy

Parks, Forestry and Recreation, together with City Planning and Toronto Water, and in consultation with Economic Development and Culture and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), will be developing a Ravine Strategy to guide the future use, management, enhancement and protection of Toronto’s ravine system.

The strategy will include a shared vision for the ravine system and a set of principles to guide related policies, investments and stewardship.

“The ravine system defines Toronto’s landscape and provides many important ecological benefits and recreation opportunities,” said Mayor John Tory. “It is essential that we plan for the future, and as a city, we are rising to the challenge and are committed to a greener future.”

The development of the strategy will also involve consultation with stakeholders and the public and will be supported by an advisory group made up of internal and external stakeholders.

There is an opportunity for the public to share their views on ravines and the vision for their future at the Ravine Strategy Public Open House taking place on June 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Metro Hall (room 308/309). The public can also provide input through an online survey launched today. The survey is available at http://bit.ly/1HKumN0 and will remain open until July 24.

“Ravines are an essential part of Toronto’s geography, making up 17 per cent of the city’s total area,” said Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee. “I encourage all to take advantage of the opportunity to provide insight into how Torontonians view and use ravines and the
vision for their future.”

More information about the Ravine Strategy is available at:
http://bit.ly/RavineStrategy.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Garth Armour, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, 416-392-0360, garmour@toronto.ca.