As part of the East Harbour Transit Hub / Ontario Line Projects, Ontario and Metrolinx promised to build a multi-use path (MUP) across the Don River, from Corktown Common to the East Harbour Transit Hub.
As of June, 2025, Metrolinx indicates that the MUP remains within the formal scope of the Projects, but the bridge was not included in a recent construction contract and is subject to “discussions on alternative future delivery”. There is a significant risk that the bridge will be removed from scope or cancelled.
Why It’s Important
A pedestrian/cycling bridge across the Don River, between the Canary District and East Harbour Neighbourhood and Transit Hub, is important to the residents of both neighbourhoods, as there is no reasonable alternative route. Without the bridge, the neighbourhoods will be isolated from one another.
It is unclear whether Metrolinx remains committed to construction of the MUP and how it might be delivered in the future. There is no guarantee that the MUP will not be removed from the project scope, cancelled, or indefinitely deferred, leaving the neighbourhood with no reasonable alternative routes.
Source: SmartTrack Stations Program Technical Update, City of Toronto
The Story
November 2021
The pedestrian/cycling bridge across the Don River is permanently closed as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project. It is to be replaced with a new bridge.
March 2023
Per a SmartTrack Stations Technical Update and since-deleted versions of Metronlix’s website pertaining to the East Harbour Transit Hub / Ontario Line Projects, the scope of the Projects included construction of a new Multi Use Path (MUP) across the Don River, which would include a pedestrian/cycling bridge. “A multi-use pathway (MUP) bridge will be provided to connect the Corktown Common and communities on the west side of the Don River with the station.” (see page 11)
June 2024
Metrolinx holds an Open House (minutes here) in which their responses vaguely refer to the “potential for a future pedestrian/cycling bridge” and mention “discussions with the City of Toronto”. In another response Metrolinx offers that pedestrians can access East Harbour by using the Queen Street East bridge and the Lower Don Trail or travelling from Corktown Station using the Ontario Line.
August 2024
CDNA writes a letter to Metrolinx and the City expressing concerns about the lack of commitment to the bridge.
September 2024
The City replies saying that the bridge is still included in the East Harbour Transit Hub Project scope, and that “an optimized means of delivering the bridge is being reviewed by MX to better address design requirements and construction schedule conflicts with the Ontario Line bridge” and promising a “dedicated Community Liaison Committee (CLC)”.
Metrolinx replies saying that “The proposed scope of the East Harbour Transit Hub, which includes the Multi-Use Path, is being delivered by the SmartTrack GO Expansion program and not the Ontario Line program.” Mr. Erkoc indicates that “Throughout the Development Phase, all scope items, including the MUP, will continue to be refined. The final scope of the project will be clearer when the Development Phase concludes.”
March 2025
Metrolinx signs a construction contract for the East Harbour Transit Hub. The MUP does not appear to be included in the contract and the Project Overview no longer includes a MUP across the Don River.
May 2025
CDNA writes Metrolinx asking for an update on the status of the MUP trail bridge and landings over the Don River, noting that the construction contract has now been awarded for construction of the East Harbour Transit Hub.
June 2025
Metrolinx writes to say “The East Harbour Transit Hub Project Alliance Agreement was executed on March 5th 2025 signalling the formal entry into the project implementation phase. Due to deliverability and schedule conflicts identified in the development phase the MUP bridge was not included in the Alliance’s construction contract. The bridge remains within the formal project scope, but outside the current contract, and discussions on alternative future delivery for the bridge continue to occur between Metrolinx and the City.”
What You Can Do
The CDNA will continue to advocate for a MUP bridge across the Don River between the Canary District and East Harbour Transit Hub, involving the local Councillor’s Office, MPP’s Office, and other neighbourhood groups as necessary. Interested community members can reach out to the CDNA or are encouraged to contact Metrolinx, the City, and others as appropriate to express support for the MUP.