Partnership as key to transforming a Toronto ravine
Years of stormwater runoff, erosion and urban development left Taylor-Massey Creek vulnerable to unstable channels, frequent flooding and declining water quality. As threats to infrastructure and local habitats increased, the Onterris team set out to restore the creek’s health, revitalize the neighborhood and help secure the city’s resilience.
In partnership with community leaders, the city, and the Onterris team, our client’s vision was clear: restore ecological integrity, protect public infrastructure, and invite people back to the ravine. The team blended technical expertise, innovative design and a people-first mindset to deliver a solution that balanced all three priorities. Water resources engineers, ecologists, and geomorphologists collaborated to create a resilient channel and corridor, supporting both the neighborhood and the ecosystem for years to come.
Resilient solutions for today and tomorrow
At the heart of the project is a self-sustaining, adaptable creek channel. Built to manage changing storm patterns and urban sediment, the design features stabilized banks, carefully sized cross-sections and bioengineered habitats. This holistic approach supports biodiversity, reduces maintenance and ensures long-term durability. With climate resilience in mind, the solution protects vital infrastructure while prioritizing public safety.
New pedestrian bridges and a connected trail network invite neighbors to explore and enjoy the revitalized space. The project honors the city’s ongoing promise to enhance its watercourses and green spaces, building on a legacy of integrating natural and urban systems.
Our success was built on collaboration, thoughtful listening, and a shared commitment to rehabilitating the creek and its surrounding natural area. This project shows that science-based ecological restoration can transform urban spaces to benefit everyone.
Setting a new standard for urban restoration
With the creek restored, Toronto stands out as a leader in urban waterway renewal. The project demonstrates that infrastructure protection and ecological restoration are mutually beneficial. This example encourages other communities to invest in nature-based solutions that deliver both environmental and social benefits, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and connected future.
For planet and progress
Onterris helps clients navigate change with confidence, blending scientific expertise with practical solutions to protect what matters most. From pilot projects to full-scale integration, our team brings clarity, collaboration and commitment to every challenge.
Browse our before and after images from the project
