Toronto has always been proud of its parks, and Ward 27 is lucky to boast several renowned green spaces and a robust ravine system. With growing populations across the ward, several of the city’s best-known parks continue to undergo renewals. The ice storm damaged many of Toronto’s 20 million trees, but it’s time to turn over a new leaf and plan for a green summer.
Ramsden Park is receiving a lot of attention through an extensive redesign. Community consultations begin on March 17 and will be followed by two further consultations and two site visits. The meetings are an ideal opportunity for residents and business owners to share how this multi-million-dollar project will transform a much-loved park. I am looking forward to rehabilitating tired infrastructure, like the tennis court, and installing dynamic lighting.
Another exciting park improvement is the replacement of 25 end-of-life pine trees in the award-winning Village of Yorkville Park. After numerous site visits and meetings by councillors, the trees are set to be replaced this summer, bringing a fresh look to a popular urban park.
Chorley Park in historic Rosedale is also receiving attention. In consultation with residents and the ratepayers’ association, the Chorley Park Switchback Trail will also be constructed this summer, protecting the endangered butternut trees and preventing erosion of the landscape.
As an advocate for expanding Toronto’s parkland and a member of the Board of Health, City of Toronto, I encourage the health of flourishing green spaces. The year 2014 in Ward 27 will truly be the beginning of a magnificent park renaissance.