Interlocking Driveways in Humber Valley Village

This neighbourhood sits on the high ground beside the Humber River, and its streets follow the land, so plenty of houses have driveways that climb or drop noticeably between the road and the garage. The mid-century homes were often set to the contours of each lot, which is why two neighbouring driveways can slope in opposite directions.

The slope decides everything. A driveway that runs down toward the garage needs its base graded so water doesn't collect at the door, and on steeper ones a trench drain across the entrance, tied to a proper outlet, is worth the cost. A driveway that climbs toward the house needs the base built so the pavers don't creep downhill, which means firm edge restraint on both sides and careful compaction on the incline. In winter, the texture and joints of interlock give better footing than smooth poured concrete, and the joints let it move with frost instead of cracking. A sloped driveway also sends salty meltwater straight to whatever sits at the bottom, so we keep that runoff away from lawn edges and planting where we can.

Big trees line many of these streets, and their roots run under the boulevard and into front yards. Excavation near them is planned rather than rushed, since Toronto protects private trees 30 cm and up in diameter under its tree by-law and street trees belong to the City. Because Humber Valley Village is in Toronto, changing the curb cut or working on the boulevard needs a permit from Transportation Services, which we confirm before quoting.