AYOUB ANSARI
East Toronto Observer
In an effort to protect and regenerate one of Canada’s most polluted creeks —Taylor-Massey Creek — one volunteer group released a draft rehabilitation plan on Nov. 25.
The 16-km creek is a tributary of the Don River and runs through the heart of East York. The 49-page report, dubbed Reach by Reach, was released by the Taylor-Massey Project (TMP) at its fifth annual fundraising event. The plan complements the new Don Watershed Plan currently being developed by the Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA).
Andrew McCammon, founding chair of the group, said the plan to regenerate the creek and complete the Taylor-Massey trail is forecasted to cost about $4.275 million, and will take five years after the shovels hit the ground. He said the city will be primarily responsible for the funding.
According to a study done by Environment Canada, the Don River is the most polluted river in Ontario — and the fourth worst in Canada — and, in turn, the report says, Taylor-Massey Creek is the Don River’s most polluted and degraded tributary.
McCammon says that although the creek contributes five per cent of the water to the river’s flow, it is actually responsible for 80 per cent of the Don River’s pollution.
Grainne Ryder, water quality chair of the TMP and a water resource engineer by profession, took samples from various parts of the creek and sent it to a lab for testing. She says results showed dangerous levels of E. Coli.
McCammon says that there are a couple of reasons for the creek’s pollution. There are 10 places where human sewage goes into the creek and the creek has a very small volume of water.
The creek runs right through Taylor Creek Park, one of East York’s most popular recreational parks. McCammon says the park is treasured for its greenery, because East York doesn’t have much green space.
Ryder, who moved into the area four years ago, takes her dog for walks there regularly — and describes the situation as a sewer practically running through the park. She wants the city to dispense with bureaucracy and do something about the pollution quickly.
Reach by Reach says the group envisions the creek becoming “a treasured local resource… where local residents can refresh themselves in nature.”
“The draft plan offers something that has never been provided before and is much targeted on the outcome,” McCammon said.
The final version of the plan will be released next year after the end of public meetings.
