By James Rayner
One of the benefits of living in Etobicoke is our proximity to the historic Humber River. Its waters have been used for thousands of years, first by indigenous tribes for transportation and food, and later, by settlers who also used it for recreational pursuits. Currently, the river is just a shadow of what it once was when it served as part of the canoe route from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron. Deforestation has dramatically lowered the water level. There is a Carrying Place golf course near the source of the Humber that reminds us of the portage that was necessary to reach the Holland River that flows north into Lake Simcoe.
This walk on November 22nd , 2023 was simply from the Old Mill subway station and parking lot down to the Lake Ontario shore, a route travelled by thousands over the years. Here is what we found.
The parking lot we used was near the Old Mill Restaurant, just north of the Bloor St. bridge. On the bridge is an indicator of how high the floodwaters rose during the terrible night of Hurricane Hazel.
The waves on the abutment show how much water filled the river valley that dreadful night.
The subway also crosses the river valley on a bridge that has been decorated with indigenous motifs.
The bridge is currently undergoing repairs.
We took the roadway south until it ended at a bicycle and pedestrian path. After passing by an unofficial exit to Park Lawn cemetery (through the fence!), we came to the yacht club that has its headquarters on the navigable part of the river.
South of the Humber Yacht club, is a huge off-leash dog park where we met a dog walker doing his job.
After this open area is a slight climb up to Riverwood Parkway and Stephen Drive. This is the area of the former Stonegate Plaza that has, perhaps, seen better days. It is being redeveloped, with much-needed housing being added to the new stores that are already being built. Here are some of the new structures.
It seems that the developers are doing a great job in restoring this area.
Following Stephen Drive south of Berry Road, the entrance to the path appears on the east side of the road. It winds around behind the sewage treatment plant and takes the walker or biker down to the Queensway and, eventually, to the lake shore.
Just east of Stephen Drive, stands the Oculus, one of Etobicoke’s great architectural pieces. It was conceived as a washroom/drinking fountain structure but, over time, fell into disrepair. It has recently been restored but the washrooms still aren’t open. This space-age structure has an opening in the roof to let the light in.
Perhaps the term “sewage treatment” doesn’t sound appealing, but efforts have been made to beautify the installation with art.
Passing under the Queensway, through a dark passage, we see the famous, beautiful bridge over the mouth of the Humber River.
If you check the supports for the bridge, you will find representations of native fauna.
Everyone in the group enjoyed the walk.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 