Phase 2 of the Mimico Linear Park Waterfront Trail
Here is the latest on the Mimico Waterfront Park.
On the surface it sounds so good, but we in the cycling community have been misled. What was supposed to have a bike component will instead be a narrow multiuse path. The view of the TRCA and the Councillors office is cyclists will just have to respect other users. They stated that at the public meeting. Phase 1 is unusable to cyclists and the TRCA is proud of that fact. At the last public meeting, its spokesperson Connie Pinto said it is because it is so popular.
Instead of getting a part of the Waterfront Trail we can use what is going in is narrow, dangerous and openly hostile to cyclists. They are creating new land to make the trail but they claim there is no way to make it wide enough or have a separated path to address the needs of cyclists. There will be a cantilevered boardwalk in one section but will be accessible only to those who can walk. Anyone in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller will not be able to use it.
Here is something the Mayors office should be interested in. Off road, gets cyclists off a major arterial road and has the money. The project will come in under budget.
Official Groundbreaking of Mimico Waterfront Park (Phase Two)
Please join Waterfront Toronto, our government partners and Toronto and Region Conservation, on Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the official groundbreaking of phase two of Mimico Waterfront Park.
Upon completion, phase two of Mimico Waterfront Park will provide the missing link in the city’s waterfront trail and enable Torontonians to enjoy the lakefront west of Humber Bay Park West.
Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where: The event will be held at the water’s edge at the foot of Superior Avenue, south of Lake Shore Boulevard.
Getting There
By bus: Take the 76 Royal York South bus to Lake Shore and exit near Superior Avenue.
By car:
From the west – Take Lake Shore Boulevard east to Superior Avenue. Go south on Superior Avenue. Superior Avenue is approximately 5 kms east of Royal York Road.
From the east – Take Lake Shore Boulevard west to Superior Avenue. Go south on Superior Avenue. Superior Avenue is approximately 3 kms west of Park Lawn Road.
Catherine DeAbreu
Administrative Assistant, Waterfront
Watershed Management Division
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
70 Canuck Avenue, Downsview, ON, M3K 2C5
Tel (416) 661-6600 ext 5305
Fax (416) 667-6278
**Mimico Linear Park Update.
**
I received this today from Jennifer Hyland. She is a Planner in the Transportation department.
I have just confirmed with Toronto Region Conservation Authority (who are constructing the Mimico Phase 2 Waterfront Trail) that it will accomodate multi-use activities (including cyclists).The Mimico Waterfront Park has separated paths for cyclists (3.5 m multi-use trail) and pedestrians (cantilevered boardwalk). The park will be opening up in the summer of 2012.
Hope this helps to address your concerns.
Jennifer
This is the followup email on the Mimico Linear Park. I will ontinue to post updates as they come available.
Hi David:
Not sure of timing - but I believe there was always some plan to provide for wider pathway and pedestrian options - given the number of ped/cyclist conflicts along the trail at Humber Bay -- I don't think this wanted to be repeated.
The multi-use trail (at 3.5m) is not for cyclists only though -- it is still for all trail users (rollerbladers, cyclists and pedestrians). The boardwalk will however provide a better pedestrian option as it does further east along the waterfront.
Thanks for your interest and I too look forward to the trail opening next year - being a west-ender myself!
Jennifer