Scarborough residents have a new place to walk, ride and connect with nature after a section of The Meadoway officially opened on August 25.
The newly opened portion of Section 3 extends from south of Arsandco Park, across Midland Avenue, to Marcos Boulevard south of Lawrence Avenue East. According to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, it adds 1.1 kilometres of multi-use trail, a signalized crossing at Midland Avenue, and a pedestrian-cyclist bridge over a tributary of Highland Creek.
TRCA celebrated the opening alongside the Weston Family Foundation, the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto.
A 16-kilometre green corridor in progress
Once finished, The Meadoway will turn roughly 200 hectares of hydro corridor land into one of Canada's largest naturalized urban green spaces. The 16-kilometre corridor will link the East Don Trail in the west with Rouge National Urban Park in the east, creating a continuous route through Scarborough.
"The opening of the new Section 3 trail and bridge puts another vital connection in place in this part of Scarborough, making it safer and easier for people to move through this part of the City while experiencing nature close to home," John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer of the TRCA, said in a news release.
MacKenzie credited collaboration with the Weston Family Foundation, the City of Toronto, Hydro One, Parks Canada and other community partners, and thanked the federal government for additional funding to support accessibility, wayfinding and public amenities across the corridor.
Ecology and community at the core
The project converts mowed turf into diverse native meadow habitat, which TRCA says supports pollinators, birds and other wildlife while strengthening biodiversity, reducing flood risk and building climate resilience.
Benches, gathering areas and wayfinding are being added alongside the trail. Community participation has been central to the work, with TRCA running educational field trips, guided walks, restoration activities, litter cleanups, gardening workshops and hands-on environmental learning with residents, schools, volunteers and community organizations.
"The Meadoway shows what is possible when ambitious philanthropy, public-sector leadership, and community commitment come together around a shared vision," Christian Bauta, Chair of the Weston Family Foundation, said in the release.
Millions in funding behind the project
Overall funding includes a $25-million investment from the Weston Family Foundation, with $19 million in additional funding raised from other sources. The federal government has invested more than $5.6 million through the Natural Infrastructure Fund for the multi-use trail in Sections 6 and 3, $1.05 million through Parks Canada for public realm enhancements, and over $4.3 million through the Active Transportation Fund for improvements across the corridor, including permanent furnishings and wayfinding signage.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the creation of this multi-use trail through the vital greenspace in Scarborough. This trail will allow residents to travel to work, school, and other daily essentials while being active and supporting a sustainable environment," Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, said in the release.
The Meadoway also supports TRCA's Trail Strategy, which aims to establish a 1,000-kilometre regional trail network stretching from Lake Ontario to the Greenbelt, and will connect to the Loop Trail, an initiative led by the City of Toronto, Evergreen, the Toronto Foundation and TRCA.
More information about the corridor and its community programs is available at The Meadoway's website.
