The voice of our community
The program for the rehabilitation of the Vale of Avoca is beginning to take shape, and the City has now opened a project page where you can follow along. A public consultation expected in October will be an opportunity for you to hear about the scope of the project and share your views.
Come and learn about the fascinating history of David A. Balfour Park and the Vale of Avoca from journalist and photographer Ian Darragh’s illustrated talk about midtown Toronto’s largest green space at the Deer Park Branch of the Toronto Public Library at 40 St. Clair Ave E. on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
A brief but heavy rainfall on August 10, 2026, produced more erosion and stream overflow in the Vale, underlining the importance of the work that is planned with the Vale of Avoca Improvement Project.
For anyone concerned about the Vale of Avoca, there’s no need to wait for the completion of the master plan, important though that is. Last month community volunteers got to work on ecological stewardship of the ravine through a joint project between the Midtown Ravines Group and Toronto Nature Stewards.
With summer temperatures reaching peak levels, our local Vale of Avoca ravine continues to provide a natural refuge for Deer Park residents doing their best in the heat. Measures leading to rehabilitation of the ravine will soon be entering a more active phase. The City of Toronto has recently awarded a contract for the development of a master plan for the ravine to engineering, architectural and environmental consultancy GHD.
One of the most invasive plants currently plaguing southern Ontario is the Phragmites reed (Phragmites australis ssp. australis). It is seen in increasing large swathes alongside many highways. The stalks can be over 5m tall, swaying majestically in the wind. Despite its serene appearance, phragmites are very harmful to local ecosystems, and there are at least two colonies in the Vale of Avoca.
A potential bright spot. In September 2025, the City launched a two-stage international design competition for the new Ramsden Park Community Recreation Centre. This marked the first City of Toronto design competition held for a community recreation centre since 1987. Stage 1 asked applicants for a RFSQ (Request for Supplier Qualifications). Based on their qualifications, the City invited the top five teams to advance to Stage 2 which will involve an RFP (Request For Proposal). ,/p>
St. Clair Staircase: The Toronto Region Conservation Authority Request for Proposals to procure a geotechnical consultant to conduct slope stability assessments and conceptual design of the staircase has been drafted and will be released for bidding shortly.
As we worry about some of the issues facing the neighbourhood, it’s great to learn that the new park at 15 Delisle is progressing well.
Anticipated Project Timeline
A project to restore the long-closed access to the ravine at St. Clair and Avoca is being initiated! A big hooray to that. Phase 1 will be a geotechnical investigation informing the feasibility and positioning of the staircase and Phase 2 will be a design-build contract to expedite implementation.