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

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Stream with rock wall edge and trees and underbrush in background in fall, with leaves on ground

A Community Vision for the Vale of Avoca Ravine – Presentation 2025

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Vale of Avoca - pathway through valley floor with large trees and open area in foreground.

Explore our ravines – self-guided walks and cycling opportunities

Events & Walks

Stream with rip rap banks and trees in background with wooden fence and woman hiker in foreground on a sunny summer day.

Ravine Days in David Balfour Park

Saturday, Oct 4, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Lost Rivers Midtown Ravines Group Vale Walk with Floyd Ruskin of Lost Rivers and MRG’s John Bossons and Rob Spindler

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A variety of eciduous trees with lawn in foreground in summer.

The Beautiful Trees of David Balfour Park

Saturday, Oct, 18, 2025; 2–3:30 p.m.

Join Urban Forestry Associates’ (UFORA) arborist Stephen Smith for a guided walk through the park’s wonderful tree canopy.

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