Looking for Something in Etobicoke Creek

About a kilometer upstream from where Etobicoke Creek meets lake Ontario, a bend in the river is slowed down through a man-made waterfall. This water management barrier hides something, a point of interest, that is still leaving me searching after many visits.

Winter 2016
Winter 2016

A no doubt necessary waterway management component, this cascade creates somewhat of a break point in the flow. This small waterfall marks that final transition in the flow of the creek from more closely defined into a free flowing playground. Water picks its way over the concrete and rocks and into a wide expanse of shale fragments, bounded by retaining wall on one side and naturally carved shoreline on the other. Reducing the creek into a trickle at spots, calming it down before passing underneath CN’s railroad bridge and Lakeshore Road, those critical transportation arteries.

Winter 2016
Winter 2016

Along with the rest of the lower Etobicoke creek, part of the ravine south of Queen Elizabeth Way, this stop continues to elicit time and interest. At this waterfall, the creek goes from a more narrow section into a wider flood plane, entering the last straightaway on its path into the great lake. The water slows down in that last stretch, completely changing the character and slowing down to a crawl through Marie Curtis park and into the lake.

The Big Melt, February 2016
The Big Melt, February 2016

Slowing down of the river, settling the flow, starts with a short drop that creates intimate rapids, favoured by local fisher men and hikers. Accessible and yet insular, the falls offer a quick stop in the middle of the city, far away from the bustle and noise. The turn and the slowdown shows is full strength in late Winter and early Spring as the snow melts and water rushes down the ravine in it’s full force. The fall helps regulate that transition from ice covered and subdued Winter hibernation, to wild rush of Spring.

Shackled by Ice, February 2016
Shackled by Ice, February 2016

Something about flowing water, rapids and rocks keeps bringing me back here. Year round, the place changes little. The water rushes to the lake and flows over slowly decaying concrete, as if testifying to that unbeatable power of the water and nature. The story of ongoing struggle between natural flow and our desire to control, harness, manage. The dramatic narrative developing slowly all around our hybrid landscape.

 

Leave a Reply