Public spaces give everyone an opportunity to participate and belong. As our downtown communities grow, especially vertically, I’m working to make sure everyone has access to public spaces including public parks, libraries, and community centres. It’s been a busy few years!
Click on the links below to learn more, and sign up for our newsletter to stay tuned on updates!
What's Opened and Improved
- The ambitious waterfront destination of Bathurst Quay Common is welcoming visitors to the new park space and artistically programmed silos.
- Alexandra Park got improvements to paths, lighting, and a new community space around the bake oven and pickle ball court.
- The revitalization of Osler Playground is complete with new play structures, basketball courts, and a fenced in off-leash area.
- The Rainbow Road to Hanlan's Point Beach in greeting visitors on the Island and a new heritage plaque, sharing the story of the first Pride!
- Portland Parkette is open with new seating and green space for our downtown.
- Pathway improvements, with community consultation underway for more upgrades, at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
- New play structures, patio set, and seating at Randy Padmore Park, with Phase 2 coming soon.
- New parks-in-progress at 34 Hanna Ave and 50 Queens Quay E (with planning underway for permanent parks).
We’ve opened three new community spaces, which I know are so important for our downtown communities to learn and play at: One Yonge Community Recreation Centre, East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre, and the long-awaited McDonald Family YMCA on Richmond St W.
I’ve also prioritized investment in our arts and culture spaces. I worked with City staff, the Inspirit Foundation, and tenants at Youngplace on Shaw St to help secure their spaces. The new Under Gardiner Public Realm Plan will create new spaces like the Bentway at Strachan Gate, Lake Shore Blvd East, and from Dan Leckie Way to Spadina Ave.
What's Coming Next
- Construction begins on new parks at 801 Wellington St W and 10 Ordnance St, and 229 Richmond St W.
- Long-awaited park revitalizations at David Crombie Park and Victoria Memorial Square Park will start construction.
- Playground improvements are coming to Trinity Bellwoods Park.
- Two new dog-off leash areas are coming to Canoe Landing Park.