BlogTO Article on the West Scarborough Rail Trail
Locals concerned about planned Toronto trail threatened by TTC project
The proposed West Scarborough Rail Trail (WSRT) is modelled after other multi-use trails in the city, including the West Toronto Rail Path, and would use existing infrastructure to stretch from Taylor Massey Creek to the Meadoway in the northeast.
Local groups, including The Scarborough Junction Community, argue that the three-kilometre trail is the "missing link in what could be a 25-kilometre off-street active transportation corridor and ribbon of recreational greenspace from Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Don River to Rouge National Urban Park via the Meadoway."
Along with direct connections to transit stops like Victoria Park, Warden, and Kennedy, proponents of the trail say the multi-use path would also provide access between neighbourhoods, schools, ravines, and recreational areas.
However, in a release on Friday, the group noted that the extensively debated project could be in jeopardy thanks to the TTC's Warden Storage Project, which is identified in capital planning documents as part of broader Line 2 capacity improvements.
Back in December, city councillors Parthi Kandavel and Jamaal Myers put forward a motion addressing the issue and emphasized the need to protect the corridor.
"This motion is urgent as Council direction on this approach to support the West Scarborough Rail Trail is needed to inform the 30 per cent design for the Warden Storage Track Project which TTC is finalizing by Q1 2026," the item reads.
"To advance the feasibility of the West Scarborough Rail Trail, this motion requests Transportation Services initiate a study to advance next steps, including preliminary design work and identifying property requirements and cost estimates. The motion would also direct city staff to work collaboratively with partners, including the TTC, to reserve necessary rights relating to the Warden Storage track and associated Warden spur bridge, in order to implement the West Scarborough Rail Trail."
The group argues that the commission's plans to create a "pocket track" at Warden subway station to park two empty trains overnight on the former Canadian National GECO spur rail bridge and abandoned rail corridor could have devastating impacts on the trail's feasibility.
"The TTC proposes to create a pocket track at Warden Station and use the rail bridge and lands as a parking site for two trains. If that happens, all hopes for the trail die. It would be a permanent loss of public potential," the group's website reads.
"The WSRT will have immeasurable benefits to active transportation, connectivity, equity, recreation, greenspace, tourism, and commerce across the entire city," the group continues, noting that the trail has been endorsed by city planners, engineers, and multiple city councillors.
The Scarborough Junction Community is set to host a WRST meeting this Sunday.