Implementing the TOcore Parks and Public Realm Plan in South West Downtown - by Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton

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The decision

2021-07-14 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on July 14, 15 and 16, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in coordination with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to advance coordinated planning and implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan components serving the rapidly-growing neighbourhoods generally south of Queen Street West and west of University Avenue, including: a.

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assessing opportunities to improve and enhance park use in the area including but not limited to: Stanley Park, Ordnance Triangle parkland, Victoria Memorial Square Park, Clarence Square Park and Gore Park; b. continuing to actively pursue priorities for parkland acquisition and expansion that provide the greatest enhancement to existing parks and support the increasing population; c. developing a design refresh to Victoria Memorial Square Park, in consultation with the local Ward councillor and local stakeholders, which includes the expansion of the park into excess right-of-way to the north that has been previously endorsed by City Council; d. working with the local Councillor to identify funding sources to implement this work that may include local Ward 10 parkland reserve funds (Section 42 Above 5 percent Cash-in-lieu) and Section 37/45 community benefits, and submit recommendations through the 2022 Budget process; and e. reporting back to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the first quarter of 2022 with a status update on this work.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

The neighbourhoods to the south and west of the downtown core have grown rapidly in the past decade, and they have the potential to grow by tens of thousands of new residents and jobs in the coming years. As a result, our existing parks and public spaces are under increasing pressure to accommodate more people and a greater intensity of activity. We need to work continuously to upgrade, improve, and expand our existing public parks to reflect the evolving needs of local communities.

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We must also advance the comprehensive Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan, including the "Core Circle" and "Shoreline Stitch" initiatives to catch up with, and get ahead of, population growth. At the centre of this rapidly growing district, Victoria Memorial Square Park is in immediate need of community engagement on design solutions to challenges in the park along with opportunities to expand the park. I am requesting City staff initiate a new capital project for Victoria Memorial Square Park and, in parallel, advance the recommendations and initiatives in the area from the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan. Funds are available from Ward 10 parkland reserve funds (Section 42 Above 5 percent Cash-in-lieu) to support this work.

Staff recommended

Councillor Joe Cressy, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in coordination with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, to advance coordinated planning and implementation of the Downtown Parks and Public Realm Plan components serving the rapidly-growing neighbourhoods generally south of Queen Street West and west of University Avenue, including: a.

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On the record

The item as the City filed it

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