downsview park

One-third of Downsview Park to be sold

Many residents furious, wonder what can be done to stop it

Beginning this month, Downsview Park staff and consultants evaluate proposals for a controversial development as part of plans to develop one-third of total parklands.

Parc Downsview Park, Inc. (PDP) outlined a proposal to sell two sections of the 47.6-acre Stanley Greene neighbourhood located in the southwestern area of Downsview Park to “appropriate residential developers” in their summer 2009 newsletter.

In anticipation of the forthcoming Downsview Area Secondary Plan with the City of Toronto, PDP initiated a request to solicit interest in the neighbourhood from developers to construct an estimated 736 residential units. The newsletter further described plans to sell or lease one-third of total parklands in order to sustain the park.

“We’re not happy about it overall,” said Michael Calabrese, executive secretary of the Downsview Lands Community Voice Association. Calabrese said the timing of the request is premature and presupposed ongoing work by the city planning department to develop a new plan — including development guidelines — for the site.

“They’re basically usurping the process,” he said.

In addition to concerns with water management systems and traffic, Calabrese said increased density is a serious concern. Previously a Canada Forces base, Downsview Park was established in 1996 as a Crown corporation, with the stipulation that the park be self-financing.

According to David Soknacki, a director for PDP, a number of ideas were considered for generating the necessary revenue. He said the recent proposal represents both the best — and only — way to fund the park.

"Although you can make money having the equivalent of the Rolling Stones come on a regular basis, that would be incredibly disruptive."

Calabrese said he is not convinced. "I think it’s the easiest way for them to fund the work, and that’s why they’re going for that option."

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO