lake ontario toronto

Here's what all those tubes are doing in the waters of Lake Ontario near Toronto

If you've visited Woodbine Beach recently, you might've noticed several underwater tube-like contraptions near the harbour at Ashbridges Bay. 

These 'port protection maintenance holes' are located at all 50 risers located along the lakebed, between 15-20 metres under Lake Ontario.

The holes are all part of the city's efforts to improve lake water quality in the Lower Don River, Taylor-Massey Creek, and Toronto's Inner Harbour by keeping combined sewer overflow out of our waterways. 

The maintenance holes are just another major construction milestone as part of the Don River and Central Waterfront & Connected Projects, which is Toronto's largest and most significant stormwater management program. 

The projects have a whopping budget of $3 billion, and began construction back in 2018. 

According to the city, water quality in the Lower Don River, Central Waterfront and Taylor-Massey Creek has degraded due to combined sewer overflows, stormwater runoff, and erosion and sediment conditions. 

The projects will address these issues in order to significantly improve water quality in the aforementioned areas, enhance recreational uses such as swimming, and improve habitats for fish and other wildlife.

Lead photo by

@cityoftoronto


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Canada just got a new goth coin that showcases the maple leaf

Videos show passengers evacuating Delta plane after crash at Toronto airport

Delta plane flips over in crash at Pearson airport in Toronto

Homes taken over by Metrolinx for new Toronto subway will soon be demolished

What's open and closed on Family Day 2025 in Toronto

Gardiner Expressway construction faces new hiccup with upcoming lawsuit

Law-breaking Toronto driver stopped by cops during live news broadcast

Second Toronto storm could bring another 30 cm of snow