This 2012 bridge refurbishment project over the Humber River (a Canadian Heritage River) was an opportunity to fix the unsafe cycling trail (experiencing severe erosion at the river’s edge), improve the public realm of the area (connection to local parks), and beautify the standard concrete bridge. A robust armourstone retaining wall, metal safety railing, and raised curb edge were installed at the water’s edge, and the asphalt cycling trail was reconstructed to meet current city standards. Heritage inspired design details included decorative lighting and black metal railings, and the patterned concrete bridge walls were created using special forms and a sand-blasted finish. Stone walls with coping step down the slopes and providing seating, while retaining slopes planted with a diversity of native plants. A butterfly garden was created where the trail divides, and park spaces on both sides of the bridge were connected visually with low, curved stone seatwalls at new rest areas to improve trail entrances.

Sheila led the public realm aspects of the project (as Urban Designer, City Planning), working closely with City of Toronto engineering and parks colleagues on project design and implementation.