July 21, 2005


Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation
207 Queen's Quay West
Suite 822
Toronto, ON
M5J 1A7

Dear Ms. Findlay:

Comments on the proposed improvements to the Martin Goodman Trail from Marilyn Bell Park in the west to Leslie Street in the east.

The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered charity that coordinates a partnership of 40 waterfront communities, conservation authorities, provincial and federal governments, business and community groups. The goal of the partnership is to complete, expand and promote the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail; and to facilitate and support initiatives that restore and rejuvenate the Lake Ontario Greenway. The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway extends from Niagara on the Lake to the Quebec border (approx. 650 kms tip to tip) ; with 6 U.S. border crossings and connections to the extensive Quebec Route Verte trail network. Over 59% of Ontario's population is within easy reach of the Trail.

The Martin Goodman Trail is part of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.

From our surveys, fitness and getting close to nature are the top two reasons cited by survey respondents for using the Trail; and people using the Trail to commute increased from 14% in 1996 to over 24% in 2002 and we expect this rate of increase again when we conduct our 2006 survey.

The Royal Commission on the Future of the Toronto Waterfront, in the document Watersheds, recommends the following nine principles to guide waterfront regeneration: clean, green, useable, diverse, open, accessible, connected, affordable and attractive. The WRT recommends that these principles form the context for improvements on the Trail and greenway.

The Martin Goodman Trail is a critical section of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail - locally it serves the Toronto residents; as well it is an important destination for Trail users from other communities; and for tourists visiting the city and region.

The presentation at the public meeting on July 13, 2005 was very informative and the discussion that followed provided very good ideas and input. Some further suggestions include:

Process - the Trust supports the inclusive process that the TWRC is following. Many of the users and adjacent neighborhoods were represented and suggestions were given for additional persons/organizations to be consulted;

Timing - a continuous, accessible Trail is key to the success of the Waterfront Trail. Although all of the area under study is critical and important, we suggest that the section from Marilyn Bell Park to Coronation Park is a high priority due to the closure of the existing Trail for special events (and there is no safe alternate route) and well as the dangerous mix of cars, pedestrians and cyclists/rollerbladers in the area around Ontario Place. The reality is that the Trail is an extremely popular and important recreational amenity in the City of Toronto and the improvements need to recognize this and make it a permanent, continuous facility.

Physical Issues, Challenges and Opportunities - there are many opportunities in this project to create a unique Toronto waterfront greenway experience that will excite Torontoians and create a landmark waterfront destination. Having said this, we realize that there are physical issues and challenges but similar conditions have presented themselves in the other 39 Lake Ontario waterfront communities and in each case an incredible amenity has resulted. In fact, within the City, the western beaches (twining of the trail and the boardwalk) is wonderful examples of what can be achieved. We would be pleased to assist in any way that we can in terms of connecting the consultants with other partners.

Also on October 20 of this year, the WRT will be hosting a Bikeway Technical Training session at Ontario Place - the workshop will cover Best Practices to develop cycling infrastructure; major steps in bikeway planning and development; and facility design and operation. Since cycling is an important use of the Martin Goodman Trail, we would be pleased to work with the TWRC to determine if there are opportunities to use this project as the 'on site' portion of the Workshop - please contact me if you are interested.

Some particular items that should be considered in the design and construction include:

• separating the Trail to accommodate the range and volume of users and minimize conflict
• creating a unique treatment of the Trail through Ontario Place to allow for both Trail users and visitors to Ontario Place.
• The Trail is a potential transportation corridor for visitors to Ontario Place
• incorporating native plant species (consult Toronto Region Conservation regarding aquatic and terrestrial species that would be beneficial to the waterfront greenway concept)
• ensure adequate rest stops, with benches, shade, bike racks etc
• providing signage, both Trailhead (at key gathering points) and directional (at decision points)

The Trust would be please to provide the artwork for the Toronto Central and Toronto West Trailhead signs, as well as for the directional signs.

I was very pleased at the support received at the Public Meeting for this Project. I think that the people of Toronto want to have the Trail improved and upgraded and that certainly was expressed at the meeting. This project represents an opportunity for the City of Toronto to create a landmark greenway amenity along a key section of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.

The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is excited about this opportunity and we are willing to assist in any way that we can.

Sincerely,

Vicki Barron, CGA
Executive Director
Waterfront Regeneration Trust
372 Richmond Street West, Suite 308, Box 8
Toronto M5V 1X6
416-943-8080
Let's make Ontario's lake Great!