Midtown Ravines

For a restored and vibrant ecosystem
in midtown Toronto

We need ravines

With the City’s population expected to grow by another million people over the next 25 years, we will need them even more in the coming years. The buildings already in the development pipeline for the Yonge Street corridor and the area north of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery — buildings under construction, approved, or submitted as applications — will add at least 100,000 more residents to the area immediately adjacent to the Midtown ravines. And more developments will come.

The Midtown Ravine Group is a confederation of ten residents’ associations seeking to revitalize the ravines in Toronto’s midtown core. Our ravines — potentially and historically a recreational resource and an ecological treasure — are a pale shadow of the destination parks that existed in the 19th century, degraded by the inexorable effects of erosion coupled with lack of maintenance. Our mission is to bring back and realize that potential.

Ravine News

Wooden footbridge over creek surrounded by forest

July 2026 MRG Community Survey Summary Results

September 18, 2026

Thanks to everyone who completed our July community survey on what you value about Vale of Avoca. The overall message we took from the survey results was that addressing erosion and upgrading the trail network should be done in ways that safeguard the ravine’s unique natural setting and biodiversity.

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Ecological survey looks at the impact of Norway Maples on Avoca’s biodiversity

September 12, 2026

An ecological survey of the Vale of Avoca conducted this summer found that the Vale still supports a significant mature oak forest, but without active management, parts of the ravine are likely to continue transitioning toward a forest dominated by invasive Norway Maple trees.

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Events and walks

Drop-in at the Avoca Project open house

Drop-in at the Avoca Project open house

The City’s community engagement exercise relating to Vale of Avoca improvements is now underway. Be sure to take this valuable opportunity to learn and to share your views.

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Carstowe Road Restoration Site Tour

Carstowe Road Restoration Site Tour

Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Meet: Ramp at MacLennan foot bridge

This is a guided walking tour of Carstowe Road Park, a natural area in the south of Moor Park that is being restored by Toronto Nature Stewards.

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Vale of Avoca walk – 12 gateways to Avoca

Vale of Avoca walk – 12 gateways to Avoca

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 2 to 4 p.m. Distance: 3.75 km (approx.)
Meet: St. Clair Subway, Alvin Ave. exit

Not many people know that there are twelve trail routes in and out of midtown Toronto’s Vale of Avoca ravine.

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Secrets of Rosehill Reservoir

Secrets of Rosehill Reservoir

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Deer Park Branch, Toronto Public Library,
40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto (St. Clair Subway Station)

Join photojournalist Ian Darragh for an illustrated talk about this much-loved park.

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