Opportunities for enhancing stewardship among private property owners within Toronto's ravines

The City of Toronto and its unique ravine system is examined as a case study in urban ecosystem management. A brief history of the ravines and the city that emerged around them is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the current poor health of this system that is a rich source of cultural history and a major contributor to the City’s biodiversity. A review of existing legislation and policy complements a questionnaire delivered to 300 private properties throughout Toronto’s Moore Park, Park Drive and Cedarvale ravines as part of this study. This questionnaire was designed to assess participation in and openness to stewardship activities among private ravine property owners, as well as their awareness of existing legislation and a management guide produced by the City. Recommendations are made to address how the City of Toronto can improve efforts to restore the ravines by engaging private property owners that are willing and able to assist in stewardship efforts