A coalition of five local residents’ associations has banded together to urge the city to make the rehabilitation of Yellow Creek ravine a priority.

“The ravine has just gone way downhill. It’s in very bad condition,” said John Bossons of the Summerhill Resident’s Association (SRA).

Bossons argued that many of the stairs are in need of repair, and the bridges and paths have been washed out.

Yellow Creek ravine runs south from St. Clair Avenue and eventually intersects with Mount Pleasant Road at Roxborough Street. 

The problem, according to Bossons, is largely due to a lack of funding budgeted for the upkeep of the city’s ravines.

“All you need is a really bad summer storm and the emergencies at the Don Valley and so forth wipe out the annual funds,” he said.

An online petition that asks the city to develop a master plan for Yellow Creek ravine’s rehabilitation has garnered 723 signatures. 

Local councillors Kristyn Wong-Tam and Josh Matlow met with residents in the summer to hear their concerns. 

“Toronto Water told us at the meeting that they have already planned what is called a geomorphic study to determine or verify a lot of what Mr. Bossons has brought to our attention,” said Matlow.

City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation and City Planning and Toronto Water are currently developing a ravine strategy in consultation with other city divisions, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the public and a wide range of stakeholders; however, the timeline remains undetermined. 

Matlow said the study likely won’t take place until 2018. 

Additional consultations with the public were held throughout the summer months to gain feedback; however, Matlow said he also aims to put together a working group with the goal of creating a comprehensive master plan specifically for Yellow Creek ravine. He said he plans to hold a community meeting in September.