In January, a water main break occurred during a particularly harsh cold snap, with frost levels reaching depths of three to four feet. This break resulted in a substantial sinkhole at Church and Wellesley, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of our community. City staff conducted thorough investigations, including inspections of our storm and sanitary infrastructure using closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Thankfully, no structural damage was found, and the city’s sewer system remains intact.
On February 25, another sinkhole appeared at the same intersection. Initially, City staff suspected it was due to a broken water main, but further investigations revealed that a void had formed beneath the surface, leading to the sinkhole.
I want to assure you that I take these matters seriously. I have asked our City staff with Transportation Services and Toronto Water to resolve this issue as swiftly as possible. I fully understand the concerns of residents and drivers passing through this intersection, and I appreciate your patience as we work through these challenges.
As we move into spring, I’m pleased to share that City staff will be conducting another round of CCTV inspections to ensure our sewer infrastructure remains in good working condition. Above ground, we have identified some hazardous road conditions that need immediate attention. To address these concerns, my office has worked with Transportation Services to install temporary asphalt. Additionally, Toronto Water is actively following up to investigate the area surrounding the sinkhole, and they will ensure that everything is fully restored.
Looking ahead, I have also requested that our staff develop long-term solutions to prevent similar issues in the future. It’s essential that we not only address the immediate concerns but also work toward sustainable strategies that will benefit our community for years to come.
