Culture Days in Berczy

As part of the annual Culture Days event, First Nations performers brought Aboriginal music, drumming, a cleansing ‘smudging’ ceremony and free bannock bread and cedar tea to Berczy Park visitors on Sept  29th. A canoeist even navigated the tranquil fountain.

 

 

Berczy renovation gets rolling

The City’s revitalization of Berczy Park is now full steam ahead. They have selected Claude Cormier + Associates as the design firm and a Berczy Park Working Group is now immersed in planning details.

The Working Group includes The City, Councillor Pam McConnell and her team, the Parks Dept and the Cormier design team and their consultants. The group includes members of the Friends of Berczy Park working committee, and reps from the St Lawrence Market BIA, the St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association and other local stakeholders.

This major project is funded through the City’s capital budget, from park levies and Section 37 benefits received from developers’ projects.  A public art installation will be funded by the City Percent for Public Art program with developers.

Here is a summary of key stages, including upcoming public consultations.  Friends of Berczy Park will provide updates, but please also visit The City’s specific project website, at http://www.berczypark.org/ for the latest details and project notes.

Berczy renovation timeframe:

• 2012: Non-profit group 8-80 Cities prepares a report on Berczy Park including rough design concepts (see our Dec 13 blog update below);
• Early 2013:  the City issued a Request for Proposal to landscape design firms.
• August 2013: City selected design firm (Claude Cormier + Associates).
• Ongoing: Berczy Park Working Group to meet regularly to plan Berczy changes.
• October 23, 2013: First public consultation occurs:  Wed. Oct 23, 7-9pm, North St. Lawrence Market Bldg, 92 Front St. East.
• December 9, 2013: Second public consultation: Mon. Dec 9, 6:30pm-9pm, St Lawrence Ctr for the Arts. Designer to present prelim. design concepts.
• Winter 2014: Designer will complete detailed park design and present the final design option.
• Spring 2014: City will prepare construction documents and tendering process.
• Mid-late Summer 2014: City will begin Berczy construction, targeting completion before July 2015 and the start of the Pan Am Games. Separately, the City plans to beautify Scott and Wellington Streets, but timing is under review.

 *The project will also encompass a tree health study and an archeological report, in light of the historic significance of the site.

 “How can you get involved?”

• Review 8-80 Cities Report Summary for background (See our Dec 13, 2012 blog update below).
• Follow our blog (click ‘follow’ on lower right’) and the City project site, for updates.
• Join our FOBP email list and watch for emails about public consultations. (write us at BerczyPark@gmail.com.)
• Share your opinions here on our blog. Or, write City officials directly, including Councillor Pam McConnell.

The 8-80 Cities Report included several rough concepts for Berczy.