The Taylor-Massey Creek restoration project in Toronto stands as a beacon for urban revitalization, addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by decades of stormwater impacts, erosion, and infrastructure vulnerability. Located within one of the city’s historic ravine systems, the watercourse had long suffered from poor water quality, increasing flood frequency, unstable channel conditions, and the cumulative impacts of urbanization. With potential health risks for the surrounding ecosystems and a high risk to local infrastructure, the project emerged as a timely and necessary restoration effort.

Teaming up to Champion Change

Driven by a commitment to restore the ecological integrity of the creek while enhancing community access, our client engaged Montrose as an expert partner. Combining technical insight, innovative design, and people-first thinking, we crafted a solution that not only protected at-risk infrastructure but also revitalized the ecosystem and community enjoyment. Through a multi-disciplinary approach that integrated water resources engineering, ecology, and geomorphology, we developed a sustainable and resilient channel and corridor design that achieved infrastructure, environmental, and community goals.

A Sustainable Solution with Lasting Impact 

The project’s key feature is its self-sustaining design—an adaptable channel engineered to handle changing storm intensities and sediment transport regimes common in urban areas. Stabilized banks, hydraulically sized cross-sections and bioengineered habitat features support both long-term durability and a healthy, biodiverse habitat, all with minimal maintenance. Designed with climate resilience in mind, it can handle more intense storms and variable flows, protecting city infrastructure while keeping public safety front and center. 

The integration of pedestrian bridges and a connected trail network enhances recreational access and transforms the area into a vibrant community space. The restoration aligns with the city’s long-standing commitment to rejuvenating its watercourses and green spaces, building on previous master plans aimed at harmonizing natural systems with urban infrastructure. 

A Model for Future Resilience and Community Well-Being 

The successful completion of this project positions Toronto as a forerunner in urban waterway restoration and provides a model other cities can follow. By integrating infrastructure protection with ecological restoration, rather than viewing them as competing priorities, this project shows how hybrid solutions can create more sustainable and adaptable urban spaces, encouraging other communities to take similar action. 

Key Stats 

1.5 hectares of urban ravine enhanced 

with natural and cultural features for public enjoyment.

75% reduction in erosion risks

and improved stormwater management dynamics. 

12+ pieces of urban infrastructure protected

from unmitigated channel migration.