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Residents elated with news of Heath Crescent stair repairs

Advocates hope it will be the beginning of Yellow Creek Ravine remediation

BRIAN BAKER/TOWN CRIER NO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: Neighbourhood advocated John Bossons and Robert Spindler point out the erosive effects of Yellow Creek on the Heath Crescent stairs.
BRIAN BAKER/TOWN CRIER
NO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: Neighbourhood advocated John Bossons and Robert Spindler point out the erosive effects of Yellow Creek on the Heath Crescent stairs.

Residents along Heath Crescent, and the surrounding Deer Park neighbourhood have a lot to be happy about.

Their access to the Yellow Creek Ravine, a staircase at the foot of the street, will be revamped by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, as well as by Toronto Water, over the next two years.

The two-year project will cost about $1 million and was spearheaded by Ward 27 councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, along with Ward 22 councillor Josh Matlow.

The move is lauded by Moore Park Residents’ Association member Robert Spindler. The environmental advocate has been pressing the city for the remediation of the Yellow Creek Ravine.

“The rebuilding of the Heath Crescent stairs is a pretty big thing, and hopefully it’s a start because there’s a much bigger project in remediating the ravine as a whole,” Spindler said.

He said he’s not fazed by the two-year timeline, as it’s “realistic.”

More ravine repairs are expected as Mud Creek, along the Moore Park Ravine between Moore Avenue and the Heath Street bridge, will see channel restoration.

The TRCA will extend existing storm sewer outfall, regrade the slope and restore native plantings. They will close a section of the Beltline Trail during construction from Oct. 10 to early December, with additional work to be done in the spring.

However, he said it only starts with the reparations to the staircase. The stairs at the foot of Mathersfield Drive also needs work.

The Parks and Environment Committee has been supportive of the residents’ pleas, but Spindler said there is no budget for further work, and have asked him as well as other neighbourhood advocates to step up.

He’s game to answer the call. “I’m not tuning it down, I’m tuning it up.”

“Kristyn Wong-Tam has really stepped up with the Heath Crescent stairs, and hopefully she’ll stay with it, and Josh Matlow will stay with it,” Spindler added. “This needs to be sold to council as a whole.”

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