This is a model for a new way of actively working towards a clean, green, liveable city. The quantity and quality of waters flowing into Toronto Bay vary depending on weather conditions. Pollutants quickly empty and spread along the shore within 6 to 8 hours of a rain storm and it takes another two days for these pollutants to disperse. In addition to the 11 CSOs and 9 storm sewers that empty directly into Toronto Bay, the Don River makes a significant contribution to the problem. Ironically, the people who live closest to these polluted waters only contribute a small portion of pollutants.
Most pollution comes from up the sewershed.
The Toronto Bay Sewershed extends as far north as St. Clair Avenue and just east of Dufferin Street. Much of what is poured down our sinks or flushed down our toilets sometimes end up in the Bay when the combined sewers overflow. This initiative originated as a partnership with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the offices of Mayor Barbara Hall and local city councillor Dan Leckie. It is foremost, project driven. Other key partners are Environment Canada, the City of Toronto, and the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.