Trail Care Event:
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Toronto
Enhancing the Trail and creating community along the Waterfront Trail
On June 1, Trans Canada Trail staff, members of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail/ Waterfront Regeneration Trust, community members, government and volunteers gathered at Mimico Square along the Waterfront Trail to celebrate Trail Care Day.
The event kicked off with an opening ceremony emceed by Meghan Reddick, Trans Canada Trail’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. Featuring greetings from Amber Morley, Deputy Mayor, Ward 3 Councillor; Christine Hogarth, MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore; and James Maloney, MP of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Marlaine Koehler, event co-presenter and Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, and Heidi Tillmanns, Trans Canada Trail’s Director, Infrastructure and Trail unveiled the new trail signs that will be installed across the waterfront this summer.
“What I love about Trail Care Day along the Waterfront Trail is meeting and seeing all the dedicated local volunteers, trail groups, community organizations and members of government who come together for a common cause: to ensure the trails are well maintained for all to enjoy!” says Meghan. “It wasn’t just the good people from Toronto stepping up to help, but all across the country, on this same day, volunteers were coming together to clean up the Trail – and that makes me so proud of our network! It takes kind and generous volunteers at the local level to keep the Trans Canada Trail the iconic asset that it is!”
Following the opening ceremonies, volunteers set out on various trail care activities and were rewarded for their services with freshly baked cookies and refreshing lemonade provided by Birds and Beans Cafe, a local hotspot for trail users.
Repairing signage and beautifying the surroundings
Thanks to the Trail Care funds, the trail group was able to repair two badly vandalized signs. The first, a trailhead sign, necessitated complete removal and replacement of the panel artwork, and sanding and repainting the posts. The second, a park sign had graffiti removed.
The trail group also planted several drought-resistant native perennials: smooth blue asters, blazing stars, hairy beard tongues and more. Not only did this planting beautify the area, but it also encouraged pollinators – a win-win!
Approximately 30 dedicated volunteers also held a litter drive along a one-kilometre stretch of the trail, resulting in 40 pounds of collected garbage. To keep the event as sustainable as possible, a local coffee shop partner donated biodegradable burlap coffee bean bags for litter pickup.
Guided ecology walks and information expo for everyone
Friends of Humber Bay Park hosted two guided ecology walks along the Trail to demonstrate to participants how the Trail and surrounding lands contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust also held an information-sharing expo, including nine displays. “It was wonderful sharing progress on expansion of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail with the public in Toronto – one of our founding communities,” says Marlaine.
Raising awareness about trails and nature, thanks to Trail Care
Marlaine notes that the group achieved all of their objectives for Trail Care Day: addressing damage to wayfinding on the trail, renewing relationships with community partners, engaging elected leaders, enhancing the trail’s ecological functionality and connecting with the public in a new way.
“Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Care Day was a catalyst for renewing our relationship with several long-stranding community groups who helped shape the vision for the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and play a significant role in the Trail’s stewardship. As a small charity with an ambitious and geographically large vision and programming, we depend on these groups to carry the torch for the vision and ensure it is realized locally. Some of these volunteers have been at it for over 30 years. It was wonderful to show them some appreciation and catch up with them on their excellent work. We also received heart-warming feedback from the general public, which provided much-appreciated affirmations of our vision and work,” says Marlaine.
She adds that the group used Trail Care funds to support and engage volunteers, both through email and in-person outreach. The engagement efforts led to a partnership of eight community groups who pitched in to support the event and the trail enhancement projects.
Thank you to generous Trail Care sponsors and community supporters
Trail Care events like this one were made possible through the generous support of Columbia Sportswear and Toyota Canada. In addition, to encourage trail users to visit more sections of the Trail, VIA Rail and Trans Canada Trail held a giveaway contest at the event. Three lucky winners each received a $250 travel voucher for VIA Rail.
Several community partners also contributed to this Trail Care event: Mimico Residents Association, Mimico by the Lake BIA, Friends of Humber Bay Park, Citizens Concerned for the Future of the Etobicoke Waterfront, Stop Plastics, Birds and Beans Café, Oak Tree Learners, Live Green Toronto, and the office of Toronto Councillor Amber Morley.
VOLUNTEER/ORGANIZER SPOTLIGHT
Marlaine Kohler is Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. She has held this position for 17 years.
This exceptional Trail Care event in Toronto is a testament to how dedicated volunteers across Canada come together to enhance trails for their community. Tens of thousands of volunteers pitch in annually to maintain and improve their local trails, and we are so grateful for their support.
