November 2025 East Don and Meadoway Checkup

Earlier this month, The Meadoway noted on their Facebook page that a new stretch had opened from Marcos Boulevard to Midland Avenue, though some people noted the trail had been paved since September. I was also informed by city staff recently that one of the bridges needed to complete the East Don Trail could be done as early as last week, though the November 9 snowstorm likely hindered things. Given these developments, I checked out both projects yesterday during my afternoon off.

New Developments on Overlea

Since the Lower Don Trail was closed between Beechwood and the Leaside Bridge, I took the Leaside Bridge and Overlea Boulevard to get to the East Don Trail. After getting off the Leaside Bridge, some new cycle tracks are under construction on Millwood just before Overlea as part of Metrolinx’s Ontario Line work.

The cycle track form can be found eastbound from Millwood to Leaside Park Drive.

At both Overlea-Leaside Park and Overlea-Millwood, you can find protected intersection corner islands; something increasingly used in Toronto. Past Leaside Park, the plan is to build the cycle tracks all the way to Thorncliffe Park Drive.

After getting on Don Mills to the Lower Don Trail, I noticed the trail signage now has additional information such as trail width, running and cross slopes, surface type, and the number of rest areas. I don’t recall these signs being used before.

A trail closure sign can be found on the Lower Don Trail at Forks of the Don.

East Don Trail

Back on the East Don Trail, the trail leading to Bridge #2 is still gravel, though a parked rolling machine could be an indicator of paving coming soon. I also noticed the trail surface has been a lot smoother than on past rides along this trail.

One thing I didn’t notice last time was the use of orange paint. This area looks like it will be used for a future rest area.

Unfortunately, the southern bridge approach still hasn’t been done, but a new concrete base can be seen while the four pylons are covering pipes where the large metal spans will be placed.

All three metal spans are placed by the bridge site suggesting installation is imminent. Will this bridge approach be done this year? Fingers crossed.

The dirt surrounding the trail next to the tunnel now has grass growing.

The Meadoway

The Meadoway’s entrance garden at Pharmacy Avenue was installed last year in partnership with the Garden Club of Toronto. It would have looked a lot nicer during the spring and summer months.

A lot of the wayfinding signage along The Meadoway (formerly Gatineau Hydro Corridor) has faded and needs to be replaced.

The new stretch of The Meadoway starts on Midland Avenue about 200 metres north of Marcos Boulevard. However, no traffic signal has been installed at Midland at this time.

This trail is relatively straight while a couple of concrete platforms suggest some benches could be added later.

Just before the existing trail continues, you approach this trail fork. You need to keep left to continue along The Meadoway.

This new stretch of The Meadoway ends at the Marcos and Lawrence intersection, while the existing trail was realigned slightly to meet the new trail.

The old trail access to Marcos has since been converted to grass.

Heading back, I noticed a new bridge was under construction west of Midland.

Along Eglinton, I noticed the Crosstown LRT vehicles have been doing their revenue service demonstration with trains coming by at regular intervals. However, the speeds along the surface stretch from Ionview to Victoria Park could be almost comparable to that of cycling. No wonder why groups like TTCriders have been calling for full transit signal priority, though I sincerely hope speeds are higher for the underground stretches.

Final Thoughts

If you end up going by the East Don Trail within the next few weeks and notice the bridge has been completed along with trail paving, please let me know. Once that trail is completed, I think a group ride should be organized next spring to celebrate this game changing connection from Downtown Toronto to Scarborough including The Meadoway with its most recent addition.