Section of Waterfront Trail in Pickering re-opens after $765,000 upgrade

A portion of the Waterfront Trail in Pickering has been re-opened after a winter-long closure to address safety and accessibility issues.

Representatives from the City of Pickering, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and Trans Canada Trail were joined by residents to celebrate the re-opening of the trail at Bruce Handscomb Memorial Park.

Total cost of the project was approximately $765,000 and included a $150,000 grant from Trans Canada Trail and a $31,000 contribution from TRCA. Project costs included the new trail design, construction, restoration works and slope stabilization/erosion repair.

The trail, originally constructed in the 1960s, was narrow, steep, and posed significant sightline issues, ultimately resulting in safety and accessibility concerns for the portion between the north side of Bruce Handscomb Memorial Park and Elvira Court. In recent years, the area has also faced severe erosion due to environmental conditions.

The trail was closed from winter 2023 to spring 2024 for reconstruction.

“Pickering’s waterfront is the shimmering jewel of our city, enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each year. These remarkable enhancements reaffirm our collective commitment to creating accessible, safe, and vibrant outdoor spaces for generations to experience,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe, who expressed his gratitude to the Trans Canada Trail and the TRCA for their “generous support” of the restoration efforts, “safeguarding our shared outdoor spaces and enriching community well-being.”

Mathieu Roy, the Trans Canada Trail’s CEO, said the improvements mean more people will be able to enjoy the “physical and mental health benefits” that come with connecting with nature. “This trail was already a great asset to Pickering and the surrounding area and with these improvements its value to the community will only increase for generations to come.”

The trail now boasts several improvements, including:

• 120 metres of new 3-metre-wide accessible asphalt path
• Two precast concrete retaining walls
• Upgraded pathway lighting
• Erosion management controls along the trail edge
• Tactile indicator plates, aiding individuals with visual impairments in transitioning between the sidewalk and city street
• Planting of native trees and shrubs

John MacKenzie, the CEO of the TRCA, said the “significant upgrades” to the trail will not only improve safety and accessibility, but also contribute essential erosion mitigation and habitat restoration measures.

“This work reflects input from the local community, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and the Pickering Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee. These enhancements will improve a key part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Pickering and are a great representation of TRCA’s trail strategy that aims to create a 1,000-kilometre network of trails connecting communities and enhancing access to nature in Durham Region and beyond.”