East Don Trail May 2025 Update

The last time I checked out the East Don Trail was in October 2024 when I first noticed the completion of the bridge adjacent to the double switchback structure. This effectively left the tunnel as the only major obstacle remaining. Earlier this month, the Urban Toronto forum showed some posts indicating new activity at the tunnel site. I decided to bike over and check things out, as well as highlight a few other updates along the way.

A construction sign has been placed at the East Don Trail entrance stating a completion date of September 2025. If true, that would make it yet another summer of not having this crucial trail link between Downtown Toronto and The Meadoway.

Some metal structures left along the trail.

Bridge #2 is no longer accessible for the time being. However, a temporary bridge has been built next to it to allow for the moving of concrete tunnel rings to the tunnel site.

The tunnel site with some construction vehicles, tunnel rings, and additional metal pieces.

Some preparatory work has been done next to the railway tracks where the tunnel will go.

The tunnel rings had been lying around for so long some graffiti ended up being visible. A total of fifteen rings could be found.

My bike to show the scale of these rings. You have to take the path to the right of these rings to cross the tracks which I hope won’t be needed for too much longer.

Time to go up the double switchback and cross the bridge.

Since last October, the trail from the Richmond Hill GO line to Bermondsey Road has become fully paved. This effectively makes the East Don Trail north of the tunnel site complete.

The trail ends at Bermondsey Road. However, I was informed by city staff last month the Bermondsey to Eglinton stretch of The Meadoway could start construction in late 2025 or early 2026 which would complete the missing link between the Don River Trails and The Meadoway.

In other news, construction started on a new stretch of The Meadoway from Marcos Boulevard to Midland Avenue known as Section 3 Phase 1 which is expected to be completed by December.

A Community Environment Day was being held next to the trail at the Bermondsey Transfer Station.

I then took the Eglinton bike lanes to get to the West Don Trail. At Leslie, I noticed a new bi-directional cycle track next to the westbound bike lane. Wonder where it leads to?

This cycle track leads you to a new switchback trail to connect the West Don Trail with Eglinton which was fenced off when I was in the area in March 2024. A much safer option than taking Leslie Street.

A lot of new condo towers went up along Eglinton between Don Mills and Leslie as part of Aspenridge’s Corsstown and Tridel’s Auberge on the Park developments.

With the trail underneath Eglinton open, some green paint was added to guide cyclists across the parking lot and warn drivers to expect cyclists in the area. Personally, I would have preferred switching the parked cars and green paint area to eliminate this potential conflict.

On the way back, I did a slight diversion to check the outside of the Ontario Science Centre which was closed last June. A real shame given a recent Canadian Architect article found there was no need to close it and makes me wonder what the next steps will be for Save OSC.

Some more construction related to the Ontario Line after descending from the Science Centre.

Once back at the trail fork at Charles Sauriol Park, I noticed the Lower Trail entrance had “Lake to Lake Route” signage for the first time. Something which needs to be added to the rest of the Toronto part of this trail.

Hopefully the next time I decide to check out the East Don Trail, the tunnel ends up being done and the full length from Charles Sauriol Park to Bermondsey Road is navigable. If you end up seeing the tunnel completed over the next few months, by all means let me know! 😊