As anyone who has visited knows, the Don Valley is an amazing place, filled with nature and wonder. But it still could be improved, and the most pressing and obvious problem is the Don Valley River. Polluted since the mid 1900’s Toronto has yet to clean it properly, leaving a scent of sewage hanging around the valley, taking away from one of the best parts of our city. In this report I will describe the problems with the river, what people are doing right now to help, and my suggestions.

The Don River, which runs 38 km from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario, is the city’s aquatic mascot. Running through the downtown until it hits the bottom of our city, it’s presence is felt by all. Unfortunately, it has become a dumping place for refuse and waste. Combined sewer overflow pipes poured sewage into the river when ever there was an excess of water. While the piping has been remedied, the damage has been done and needs time and money to fix. Pollution, a poor entrance/exit of the river, and erosion are all problems our city should solve.

In 1989, a citizen advisory committee was formed name “Task Force To Bring Back the Don”. This group published a book, advised the city on many environmental issues, and sought to improve the Don in ways such as creating a naturalized mouth for the river. Unfortunately, Rob Ford disbanded this committee when he was elected, and it has not reformed. Apart from some fundraisers held by Manulife financial, there seems to be no help from the city on this issue.

I would like to reform this committee, so we have a dedicated team working to clean the River. Starting volunteer groups, petitions towards our municipal government, and funding from private organizations would all help the river.

By signing my petition, you would be supporting the reformation of the Task Force To Bring Back the Don, and agreeing that the government should give more funding towards the Don Valley River