Toporowski Stream Assessment and Rouge River Valleyland Restoration
The City of Richmond Hill and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) are working together to analyze the conditions of the Upper Rouge River in the valleylands north and south of Toporowski Avenue to find a solution that will allow for suitable drainage in the area.
The preferred solution includes the following:
- a complete corridor reconstruction that includes re-establishing a low flow channel for better water flow through the valleyland;
- removal of the sediment build-up in the valleyland channel; and
- removal of invasive plants and the development of a management plan to combat future growth of invasive plants.
This feasibility study is complete and the detailed design is underway, which is expected to be completed by late 2025/early 2026.
Project Background
The Study Area includes the Rouge River valleyland bounded by Elgin Mills Road East to the north and Redstone Road to the south. Within the Study Area, the watercourse flows south through both City and TRCA lands and between residential properties.
Some private property owners adjacent to the valleylands have expressed concerns about potential high water levels next to their properties. In addition, certain large portions of the Study Area are overgrown with invasive plants called Phragmites, which has impacted the flow of the stream. Phragmites is a fast-spreading reed that also threatens local wetlands, biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Public Communication and Consultation
| Notice of Field Work |
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A Notice of Field Work was mailed to residents adjacent to the Study Area in April 2024. |
| Public Open House |
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A Public Open House was held on October 29, 2024 at the Rouge Woods Community Centre where residents were invited to join us for an overview of the Toporowski Stream Assessment and Rouge River Valleyland Restoration project, as well as review and provide feedback on proposed rehabilitation solutions.
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| Upcoming Work: Phragmites Management |
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In summer 2026, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will reapply herbicide treatment to reduce phragmites populations within the project area ahead of the capital works. The work will take approximately one to two days to complete, weather permitting. |
| Questions or comments |
| If there are outstanding questions related to this project, please submit written questions or comments to the contacts listed below. Rachel Losier Jeremi Madsen |