Protecting and Upgrading Jimmie Simpson Playground due to Ontario Line Construction

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The decision

2023-10-11 · Toronto City Council · amended

As filed

City Council on October 11 and 12, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office, in consultation with the Acting General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, prior to the City issuing any new or amended agreements permitting construction access for the Ontario Line at Jimmie Simpson Park, to engage Metrolinx in order to secure a formal written undertaking from Metrolinx that: a.

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acknowledges that Metrolinx's planned construction activities will affect existing park facilities referenced in the Non-Right-Of-Way Licence Agreement between the City of Toronto and Metrolinx by creating an unsafe condition in the playground that contravenes regulatory safety requirements and requires temporary removal of existing playground equipment; b. commits Metrolinx to providing the funding necessary for the refurbishment of the Jimmie Simpson playground and wading pool area to the satisfaction of the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation; and c. provides a form of security to the satisfaction of the City to secure Metrolinx's funding for the park project in advance of project initiation.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

I am seeking your support today to reaffirm Council direction in TE5.46 that the City should not grant Metrolinx access agreements to Jimmie Simpson Playground unless the City has a written commitment from Metrolinx to restore and upgrade the playground and wading pool. While Metrolinx has always promised that park impacts from the Ontario Line construction will be minimal to non-existent, the City was very recently informed that Metrolinx has requested an access agreement to construct a retaining wall in Jimmie Simpson Playground (see attached MX communication regarding park impacts).

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This would involve an at least one week closure of multiple play structures, a several month reduction in space in the playground including impacting the largest play structure by closing off one side of it, and the relocation of a swing set. Jimmie Simpson Playground is a beloved and well-used neighbourhood destination, through all seasons.

Staff recommended

Councillor Fletcher recommends that: 1. The Toronto and East York Community Council request the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to report directly to the October 11, 12 and 13, 2023 meeting of City Council on the status of the access agreements for Metrolinx in Jimmie Simpson Park and request for replacement of the wading pool and playscape as requested by City Council in Item 2023.TE5.46. 2. City Council

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withhold the access agreement to Jimmie Simpson Park until the undertaking for the replacement of the wading pool, replacement the playscape and without the public release of the planned replacement wall has been received.

Considered

2023-09-19 · Toronto and East York Community Council · adopted
Decision as filed
The Toronto and East York Community Council recommends that: 1. City Council withhold the access agreement to Jimmie Simpson Park until the undertaking for the replacement of the wading pool, replacement the playscape and without the public release of the planned replacement wall has been received.
Clerk’s note
The Toronto and East York Community Council requested the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office to report directly to the October 11, 12 and 13, 2023 meeting of City Council on the status of the access agreements for Metrolinx in Jimmie Simpson Park and on the request for replacement of the wading pool and playscape as requested by City Council in Item 2023.TE5.46.
2023-10-11 · Toronto City Council · amended

On the record

The item as the City filed it

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