AFTER MAYOR Miller’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election next year, I feel relieved that we have a real chance to get back on the road we need to be on to make Toronto a better city in the future, most particularly in the way of our city finances, meaningful improvement of our environmental sustainability (not just planting flowers) and building more subways, not only streetcars.
I’d like to tell you about some of the improvements to our green spaces that my office is working on. My executive assistant, Chris Sellors, has been working with the Forest Hill Business Improvement Area (BIA) and city staff to renew Montclair Parkette. The public consultation meeting held Oct. 6 was well attended, and everyone voiced their support of the project while giving suggestions on how to make it even better.
The parkette will keep its trees.
New “graffiti-proof ” benches, tables and sitting areas will be made along a wider brick pathway. A new “Forest Hill Village” sign will adorn the corner.
Construction will start as soon possible in 2010.
The new Dunfield Parkette will be a welcome addition to south Eglinton, which is park deficient.
City staff have been generating concepts that will be brought to a public consultation meeting in the next month or two.
Currently, the concept includes a new accessible playground structure for children two to six years old, benches and sitting areas, a new retaining wall feature and a water fountain. The existing trees will be kept — and added to — if possible.
Since this is a new green space, we will need a name for it.We will be holding a public contest for a name in the coming months that I hope you and your neighbours will take part in.
