Toronto 
The federal government has awarded a $9.47 million contract to carry out major upgrades at Rouge Beach and Marsh in Rouge National Urban Park.
Credit: To Do Canada
The funding was announced Monday by Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.
The project targets habitat restoration, improved visitor facilities, and expanded accessibility in one of the park’s most ecologically significant areas. The investment also aligns with the park’s 10th anniversary year. Rouge National Urban Park covers more than 79 square kilometres in the Greater Toronto Area and sits within an hour’s drive of roughly 20 percent of Canada’s population, with public transit access.
Work planned under the Rouge Beach Improvements Project includes a new 2.3-kilometre accessible trail linking Rouge Beach to the Mast Trail, restoration efforts across Rouge Marsh, upgrades to the upper beach parking area with a permanent washroom facility, and a redesigned entrance with an accessible ramp. The lower beach parking lot will be decommissioned and returned to a natural state.
Elevated boardwalks and bridges will be added to protect wetlands while allowing safer access to the marsh and shoreline. The work is intended to improve conditions for native species and species at risk, while also addressing erosion and flooding.
The construction contract has been awarded to Greenspace Construction Inc.
Closure Map; Credit: City of Pickering
During construction, Rouge Beach and Marsh are closed, along with the Rouge Beach and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. The closure is expected to remain in place until Spring 2027.
Visitors are advised to follow posted detours and check Parks Canada bulletins before planning a visit.
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