Toronto and Federal Government Partner on Major West Toronto Railpath Expansion
Toronto – In a significant boost for Toronto’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, the City of Toronto and the Government of Canada have unveiled a major partnership to fund the extension of the West Toronto Railpath. The project aims to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable transportation throughout the city.
The funding agreement, announced earlier today by Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport) and Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, allocates $23 million from the Government of Canada’s Active Transportation Fund and $125.7 million from the City of Toronto. Construction for the expansion is expected to commence in mid-2025.
Expansion Details
The extension will add two kilometres to the existing 2.1-kilometre West Toronto Railpath, stretching from Dundas Street West at Sterling Road to Abell Street at Sudbury Street. This extension will include four new pedestrian-cycle bridges, significantly enhancing the trail’s accessibility.
As part of the City’s Major City-wide Cycling Routes under the Cycling Network Plan, the expansion aims to make it easier for commuters to connect to the Bloor GO Station and the forthcoming King-Liberty Station, thereby promoting sustainable transportation choices.
Historical Context
The West Toronto Railpath follows a historic trade route once used by Indigenous peoples and later developed as a railway path starting in 1871. The Railpath’s first phase, from Cariboo Avenue to the Dundas Street West Overpass, was completed in 2008, with recent realignment work between Wallace Avenue and Bloor Street West beginning in August 2022.
Leadership Quotes
Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, praised the partnership: “Expanding the West Toronto Railpath will connect even more communities and make it easier for people to enjoy our city by walking, cycling or taking transit. Partnership between all levels of government made this possible. Working together, we can connect communities, provide more active transportation options and create new opportunities for sustainable travel. Thank you to Councillor Alejandra Bravo, our federal partners, and the residents of Davenport for their advocacy on this project.”
Julie Dzerowicz, MP for Davenport, highlighted the local impact: “The West Toronto Railpath is beloved by Davenport residents. Not only will it benefit the local community who love the Railpath to walk, run, and cycle, but this extension will also support our local economy.”
Councillor Alejandra Bravo emphasized the broader benefits: “The West Toronto Railpath’s innovative use of public land connects members of our community to local parks, schools, and other community hubs. Today’s investment will help the West Toronto Railpath reach even more people and encourage active transportation that will help Toronto meet our climate action goals. Residents of Davenport have long dreamed of and advocated for this project, which will benefit those walking, rolling, and cycling on the West Toronto Railpath in the coming years.”
For more details, including design images, visit the City’s West Toronto Railpath Extension webpage.
The West Toronto Railpath extension represents a key development in Toronto’s commitment to improving its urban transportation infrastructure and fostering sustainable, active transit options for all residents.
