Learn Ward 13 ‘Toronto Centre’ Council Candidates’ platforms for Toronto parks

To help residents in our community make informed choices in the October 22^nd municipal election, the Friends of Berczy Park working Committee asked candidates in Ward 13 to state their position on the Park People Parks Platform, a list of policy positions designed by the Park People non-profit organization, to improve funding for Toronto parks programming, operations, maintenance and community engagement.

Below we have published the responses received to date by the registered candidates in this ward. Please note, we contacted all candidates with published contact information on the list of candidates on toronto.ca. We have published their responses in the order to which they were received. We twice invited these candidates to respond and we thank those who found the time to do so.

Note: Berczy Park is located in Ward 13 ‘Toronto Centre”, the new ward designation for this location, following the amalgamation of wards by the provincial government in fall 2018. Previously, Berczy Park was included within Ward 21.

Keep in mind that many Berczy Park users actually live in Ward 10 “Spadina – Fort York”, since the ward boundary runs down the middle of the Esplanade. Residents on the south side of The Esplanade now reside in Ward 10. This Councillor should also be responsive to Berczy Park issues although the park does not sit directly in that ward.  See our separate blog post regarding park promises by candidates in Ward 10.

You can find Ward and Councillor contact information at www.toronto.ca.

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Response from Candidate Joseph Richard Forget (received Oct 3, 2018):

“I support parks and communities entirely as the main means to fight crime and ensure no groups are left out.  Parks bring peace and harmony.  The city cannot ignore parks and comunity centres any longer.”

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? No response.

2.     In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2): No response.

3.     In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6): No response.

4.     Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7): No response.

5.     What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? No response.

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Response from Candidate Tim Gordanier (received Oct 4, 2018):

“I am a big fan of the Berczy Park and Pam’s work on making that happen.  I currently reside in the new River City and have been here since it was being built, along with Canary District and the beautiful Corktown Common park as well.   I have a black lab named Hurley and she adores the parks too and I see first-hand the benefits of ensuring public parks are here and integrated properly and responsibly – and at the cost of developers who wish to build within our ward.  Responsible development is one of my core focus points with my platform.  The rest of where I stand can be found on my website at www.timfortoronto.com ”

1.     Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform?  Absolutely – I like the ability for community groups not having permits and insurance hassles and the ability to use the parks in meaningful ways that benefit our districts within Ward 13. The Green Line Master Plan is also one I would endorse as Councillor.

2.     In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2):  Yes I would endorse responsible budget planning for the operation and maintenance of our parks, however, I would be creative in how we find money at the same time to lessen the burden on taxpayers and instead create a fund that developers would pay into.  Pay-for-Play, so to speak.  Corktown Commons is a great example of how developers contributed to making that happen in order to get awarded the contract for new builds, in addition to building social housing as well.

3.     In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6).  I would absolutely support finding funding for long-term engagement.  My focus as President of my board for the last 3 years at River City 2 was based on building a social foundation within the community.  This was achieved through budgeting a social spend each year and organizing events for residents that most buildings don’t enjoy.  Our reward has been a strong social community within River City 2 .. this same method can be applied to this.  There is alot more we can do with our parks and bringing residents out to feel at-one with their city and neighbours!  

4.     Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7):   I answered this above, already. 🙂

5.     What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support?   I have addressed everything I support and explained in detail above.  I am familiar with the Parks Platform and endorse its current mandate and focus. 

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Response from Candidate Walied Khogali Ali (received Oct 9, 2018):

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform?  Yes. As an environmental advocate, I see Toronto’s park system as critically important for helping people of all ages to build a strong connection to the natural world. Parks contribute significantly to residents’ health and wellbeing, and provide vital space for activities that build social cohesion and promote cultural expression. As the former President of the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA), I’ve also become a proponent on the role that parklands can play in mitigating climate change and building resilience to extreme weather.

2.     In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2): Yes. Properly planning and maintaining our park system requires stable, multi-year funding. In addition, the creation of dedicated park supervisors would provide an opportunity to train and employ local people from the communities served by the parks and deepen community relationships.

3.     In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6): Yes. Funding this type of programming is critical for advancing community engagement. Well-resourced programs can create welcoming and safe public spaces in parks where people of all ages can play, relax and interact with one another and natural world. In addition, this funding will advance more equitable enjoyment of the park system, since it removes the onus on residents to resource their own programs – a practice that disadvantages less affluent neighbourhoods. There are many local groups in our ward that could do tremendous public programming in our parks if they had access to funding.

4.     Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7): Yes. I am a big proponent of a more streamlined and accessible process. Many community members have spoken to me about the lack of community space as a major barrier that prevents them from organizing activities that promote social cohesion and community engagement.

5.     What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support?

• The greenway corridor projects (#9). In my platform, I describe my commitment to providing residents with access to a range of travel options supported by transit, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

• The stormwater fee for impervious surfaces (#10). It is appalling that John Tory’s Executive Committee shelved this initiative when our city continues to experience flooding that puts residents and risk, and does major damage to our infrastructure. Council must institute this fee and direct funds to green infrastructure to help the City to mitigate flooding (#11).

• Explore a tiered system for land/cash provided by developers based on building density (#3). It makes no sense that smaller and bigger towers pay the same levy, despite the differential in demand that these buildings generate for park infrastructure. This is a critical element of responsible development, which is a central tenet of my platform.

• Commit to maintaining the 50/50 redistributive policy (#5). It is vital that an equity lens be applied to how park levies fund new parkland acquisition and improvement. I wholeheartedly support that half this funding be directed to areas of the city that are under-resourced.

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Response from Candidate John Jeffery (received on Oct 10, 2018):

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? Yes.
2. In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2) Could explore contracting out park maintenance and re-purpose supervisors to ensure standards maintained and interact with public.
3. In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6) Yes.
4. Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7) Yes.
5. What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? Support exploring a tiered system rather than a firm cap on the amount of land or cash a developer must provide. Establish green-way corridors where practical and desirable.”

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Response from Candidate Jon Callegher (received Oct 11, 2018):

“As someone who loves Toronto’s parks, I am honoured to support the Park People Parks Platform and the long-term commitment to a strong park system for Toronto.  Should I have the honour of representing Ward 13, I would  seek an appointment to the Parks and Environment Committee to be a strong voice for the Park People Parks Platform platform.”

1.     Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? Yes.

2.   In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2) Yes. We must increase the operating and maintenance budget to keep our parks safe and well-maintained. 

3.     In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6) Yes. Long-term engagement is essential to keeping our parks friendly for children, families, seniors, and tourists. In many cases, local businesses will also benefit. An increase in funding is justifiable and would be well worth it. 

4.     Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7) Yes. Let’s streamline the permit process and expedite the approval wait time. Booking an event should be free or at very low cost (i.e. no more than $20 for the day). 

5.     What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? I support a tiered system for funding based on building density.

I’m highly supportive of prioritizing park system connectivity to promote exploration. I support a stormwater fee for large property owners.

The more parks with direct green infrastructure (like Corktown Common, which we enjoy daily), the better for the climate and neighbourhood enjoyment.

As a growing city, especially one with a growing number of young families and seniors, there will always be a need for more places to sit outdoors. I am a big supporter of having more creative seating in our parks and a No Net Bench Removal policy.

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Response from Candidate George Smitherman (received October 13, 2018):

1.     Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? Yes, I support Park People’s overall platform of investing in our environment, our economy and our physical and mental health.

2.     In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2) Yes, with some reservation about the management of the funds and the sustainability of the model if it isn’t “evergreen”. Philanthropy alone is not a sustainable substitute for a thriving, well-funded public park budget.  Dedicated park supervisors are required for uniformed maintenance of the parks and also to serve as a regular source of contact for local residents, should they have the need to connect with park personnel.

3.     In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6) Yes. Committing capital towards the long-term engagement and extended functionality of parks, including making them secure, would provide more levels of opportunities for people.

4.     Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7) Yes. This would allow local groups, not necessarily non-profits, to organize more community unity events in addition to the arts, music and movie events that free permits are currently available for.  

5.     What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? I have reviewed the Park People Park Platform and was very impressed. It reveals a strong recognition of the crucial role that the parks play, especially how much more expectations they – the parks and the staff- are being asked to take on in the context of population intensification.

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Response from Candidate Kristyn Wong-Tam (received Oct 16, 2018): 

1.     Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? I have reviewed the policy positions,within the Platform, and I support them, overall.  I have worked closely with Parks People over the past 8 years towards achieving many of the aims of their platform.

2.     In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2) As the Councillor for many heavily used downtown parks, I have specifically asked city staff to increase the maintenance levels and supported a motion that saw an increase to the Parks Ambassador Budget, so that there were more dedicated staff to visit our busiest parks. Downtown parks are heavily used, and require a commensurate level of maintenance.  Our neighbourhoods have high population densities, and they are continuing to grow. Many of us are living in vertical communities, making our parks a vital and necessary amenity. Downtown neighbourhoods also see increased use, from those who travel downtown to work, play, and access services.

During my time in office, I have had countless conversations with Parks staff regarding maintenance.  The staff are dedicated and diligent, but they simply cannot hope to keep up, without increased staffing.  They deserve the resources to successfully do their jobs, and our communities deserve clean and usable park space.  I have, and will always, support funding the Parks budget at a level that allows our green spaces to flourish.

3.     In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6) Community engagement is what makes parks come alive, and it is also what keeps them safe.   I have worked closely with local BIAs and community groups to animate local parks with festivals, music and events.  Our parks need to be vibrant, dynamic spaces, with activities and events that engage residents of all ages and abilities.  For this to occur, we must invest in and prioritize programming that utilizes existing and new park features. Using and enjoying our green spaces, not only makes sense, it enhances and supports community health.   Animating our parks takes resources and many communities and businesses are already struggling. Our City should be investing in supporting communities so that programming can be sustained and expanded. These are investments we must make to benefit our quality of life in an urban environment.

4.     Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7) I fully support easier access to permits for free community events.  Over the years, I have had the privilege to work with several active BIAs and community groups.  They have been an essential partner in programming our parks with positive activities, such as concerts and family events.  Unfortunately, the park permitting process has been prohibitive both in cost and in time, and while some changes have been made to accommodate arts events, much more can be done.  Prohibitive fees and complicated applications should never be the barrier that prevents community groups from accessing our parks. The application requirements for community groups must also ensure accessibility, so that complex processes, and long wait times do not create further barriers.  There are wonderful ideas within our own communities, that could lead all of us toward greater engagement with our green spaces. These ideas must be encouraged and supported.

5.     What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? I support all of the elements of the Parks Platform and will be pleased to work with Parks People to realize these changes.  I am especially interested in looking at Section 42 development funding, to develop a funding model and system that secures more funding for parks, particularly in the downtown and allows city staff to move more nimbly to secure new parkland.  While negotiating the acquisition for a new 1.6 acre park at 25 Wellesley Street West, I saw how difficult it was for city staff to move quickly to negotiate the purchase of the land. In Toronto’s busy real estate market, we need to move quickly on opportunities to acquire and build new green space.   New parkland acquisition is a necessary priority that will support many other strategic improvements, including park connectivity, and climate-responsive initiatives.

6.     IF you are unfamiliar with Parks Platform, we encourage you to provide a paragraph summarizing your platform regarding Toronto parks. I believe that the first step in making new green space available to everyone is making existing parks and ravines more accessible. I have achieved this through pairing accessibility infrastructure with slope stabilization work in major parks and building out new all-ages infrastructure for more communities. This includes the dynamic new playground installed at Allan Gardens, the new all-ages Cloverhill Park, and family-friendly event spaces at Trinity Square and College Park.

I have also supported the expansion of accessible public park spaces along the Don Valley, the diversion of zoo waste to renewable energy production, and has called on the Province to improve fill remediation standards for debris and materials excavated at development sites in Toronto.

As City Councillor, I have fought for the investment of more than $40 million back into public parks downtown to enhance and revitalize neighbourhood green spaces. Toronto’s ravine infrastructure is a defining feature of the City, but is some of the most under-utilized green space available to residents. I initiated new ravine access infrastructure projects to open up the Vale of Avoca for increased public use and has worked with Evergreen to promote the Lower Don Valley into a super-park worthy of international attention. I led the revisioning work for the mouth of the Portlands through the Expo 2025 initiative.

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Learn Ward 10 ‘Spadina Fort York’ Council Candidates’ platforms for Toronto parks

To help residents in our community make informed choices in the October 22^nd municipal election, the Friends of Berczy Park working Committee asked candidates in Ward 10 to state their position on the Park People Parks Platform, a list of policy positions designed by the Park People non-profit organization, to improve funding for Toronto parks programming, operations, maintenance and community engagement.

Below we have published the responses received to date by the registered candidates in this ward. Please note, we contacted all candidates with published contact information on the list of candidates on toronto.ca. We have published their responses in the order to which they were received. We twice invited these candidates to respond and we thank those who found the time to do so.

Note: Berczy Park is located in Ward 13 ‘Toronto Centre”, the new ward designation for this location, following the amalgamation of wards by the provincial government in fall 2018. Previously, Berczy Park was included within Ward 21.

Keep in mind that many Berczy Park users actually live in Ward 10 “Spadina – Fort York”, since the ward boundary runs down the middle of the Esplanade. Residents on the south side of The Esplanade now reside in Ward 10. This Councillor should also be responsive to Berczy Park issues although the park does not sit directly in that ward.  See our separate blog post regarding park promises by candidates in Ward 10.

You can find Ward and Councillor contact information at www.toronto.ca.

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Response from Candidate Rick Myers (received Oct 4, 2018):

“I am in favour of more and greater access to green space.  Sadly, we can’t reclaim what current councillor’s have given away.  As a family and pet supporter, I would certainly champion for more family/pet friendly areas throughout the city. I often go to the Cork Common park, which in my opinion is a wonderful self sustaining eco system and is very well maintained.  That is the degree that I would push to bring other parks to as a  standard throughout.”

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? No response. 
2. In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2) No response.
3. In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6) No response.
4. Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7) No response.
5. What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? No response. 

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Responses by Candidate Kevin Vuong (received Oct 4, 2018):

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform?

Thank you so much for these Questions. It was an absolutely pleasure to learn more about and review the Park People Parks Platform. I thought the platform was well thought out, comprehensive, and sets a very good direction for parks in our city. As such I can say that yes, Without a doubt, I do support the broad policy positions of the Platform. 

2. In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2)

If elected I would be supportive of an increase to the parks operating and maintenance budget. I am also a very strong proponent of multi-year funding/budgeting for key city issues from Parks to transit to community programs. I support multi-year funding mainly to ensure that we provide predictability, consistency and reliability to our parks and other city services as well as to the users of our parks, the citizens of Toronto.

3.  In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6)

I support some base funding for long-term engagement, including community programming from capital budgets. I think ensuring that there is core funding is important to make sure programming is possible across the city regardless of the profile of the neigbourhood. That said, I do also believe there is a role for neighbourhood associations, community groups and other partners to contribute to local parks. The involvement of community and local business partners has the potential to build stronger and more engaged communities. 

4.  Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7)

I strongly, strongly, support this. I find that far too many city permits are needlessly expensive and are quite harmful to people, businesses and communities. In the case of parks I would strongly support the change to a free ‘community event permit’ as described in the Platform. 

5. What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support?

I generally enjoyed and support the Platform. However, specific areas where I am most interested (beyond my answers above) include my support for: 

i) A  tiered system over hard cap in terms of how many funds/in lieu the city gets based on land being developed. A tiered or density approach makes more economic and policy sense. I also support, and would work with communities if elected, to use funds raised under section 37 of the planning act for park improvement and creation. 

ii) In my ward, Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York, we have a shortage of quality park lands given that it is a heavily urban and increasingly vertical ward. As such I strongly support the connectivity of the park system and I am very excited about moving forward with the development of the Rail Deck Park. 

iii) Green infrastructure and the stormwater fee. This is something I have already loudly and publically spoken in favour of. Extreme weather events are causing havoc on  downtown communities which have a deficiency of greenpace. Concrete and other impermeable surfaces only adds to the damage and flooding caused by these weather events. We need both better nuts and bolts infrastructure and green infrastructure. Well designed wetlands, park spaces and using other natural elements both beautifies our neighbourhoods and helps us better control extreme weather events and flooding. It also reduces the impact on residents and other infrastructure. 

6. If you are unfamiliar with Parks Platform, we encourage you to provide a paragraph summarizing your platform regarding Toronto parks.

My general policy on parks and greenspaces for Ward 10 is that we need much more of them, of higher quality and should be connected to other parks/natural systems in the city. However, after reading this Platform I will add to my general views with the well thought out and positive points in the Park People Park Platform. Thank you for sharing it. I have learned from it and will support it in my own platform and in discussions with voters!

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Response from Candidate Joe Cressy (received Oct 4, 18):

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? Yes, I fully support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform.
2. In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2): Yes, I fully support increasing the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans. 
3. In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6): Yes, I fully support including funding for long-term engagement including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs.
4. Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7): Yes, I fully support a free and easy community event permit open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in local parks for less then 75 people.
5. What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? Additionally I fully support the Parks Platform policies regarding reform park levies, to ensure we invest in new park space based on density being added across neighbourhoods, especially in the downtown, planning for parks connectivity and investing in projects like Rail Deck Park and others, investing in Climate resiliency including championing and implementing a stormwater charge. Adding additional seating across our parks systems is also a critical way to ensure residents across our neighbourhoods can enjoy our parks and greenspaces.

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Response from Candidate April Engelberg (Received Oct 11, 2018):

“Spadina- Fort York is very dense and needs more green space. We need another Trinity Bellwoods park, which is why it’s time to invest in the Rail Deck Park project. I strongly support the project to build a park covering the rail tracks all the way from Blue Jays Way to Bathurst Street. I understand your enthusiasm for this project and I will advocate to bring it to fruition. On a more immediate basis, we need to invest in our existing parks. I will work with the city to improve our existing parks to better serve our community.”

1. Overall, do you support the broad policy positions of the Park People Parks Platform? Yes – I am a big supporter of improving our existing parks and building new parks.
2. In terms of paying for parks, do you support an increase in the parks operating and maintenance budget and commit to clear, multi-year funding for park plans? This would enable the creation of dedicated park supervisors in heavily used parks and reduce workload on park staff. (Parks Platform points #1 & #2) Yes.
3. In terms of people in parks, do you support including funding for long-term engagement, including community programming, within capital budgets for new park designs? (Parks Platform point #6)  Yes. Parks are truly meant to be a highlight of the ward. 
4. Do you support a free and easy “community event permit” open to recognized, local community groups to organize open activities in the local park for less than 75 people? (Parks Platform point #7)  Yes. 
5. What other elements of the Parks Platform do you support? I support improved maintenance of parks and higher budgets for parks.

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Cheer the Marathon runners on Sunday, Oct 21!

As usual, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon route will run along the border of Berczy Park, on Sunday October 21, beginning at 10:30am.

Join the rambunctious, annual neighbourhood cheering squad (organized by Jamii arts organization, Canada Running Series and Friends of Berczy Park). Pick your spot along the street by Berczy Park (between Church and Scott Streets) and enjoy the music and excitement while rooting for these world-class runners as they complete the final kilometre to the City Hall finishline.

And, by simply showing up and contributing your voice or applause to our noisy cheering squad, you can help the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood again win a prize for ‘Best Neighbourhood Cheering Section’ by the Marathon organizers. This award includes prize money from the Marathon sponsor that will be directed to non-profit groups and community activites right in our neighbourhood.

Want to involve your children or pets? Then come out at 9:30am on the 21st to join the 1Km Family Run. Meet at the St Lawrence Cafe at 248 The Esplanade for a fun run through the community with prizes.

So, come out to have some fun cheering for the runners and support your local community at the same time!

The Secret of a Great Urban Space: Berczy Park designer Claude Cormier

The inventive Berczy Park designer, Claude Cormier, is profiled in the recent issue of University of Toronto Magazine. Follow the link to discover ‘The secret of a great urban space.’

Park designer Claude Cormier describes his park vision.

Berczy Park summer time reading group a success!

This summer, Friends of Berczy Park approached Dulce Gomes of the St. Lawrence Public Library, to see if we could bring adults together for some type of book club in the park. Our idea was to bring adults together in a shared activity, where human connections and relationships are fostered. In our neighborhood, where the population lives in high rise buildings, the park provides a major opportunity for social interaction.

Dulce offered to lead six sessions of a short story reading group; the library would provide print copies of short stories, and participants would take turns reading them out loud with time for discussion when we were finished. Although it took a few weeks for the group to grow and take off, it became a wonderful opportunity for neighbours to meet and learn about each other, and practice our reading/dramatic skills.

Each Tuesday morning we sat around the tables and chairs, grouped together in the shade and enjoyed each story, got to know a little about others in the group, and experienced the wonderful park and the hundreds of people visiting our beautiful new Park.

Were very grateful for the experience which Dulce provided us with, and hope to be able to return to more such mornings in the summer of 2019.

Participants of our reading club gathered each week in the Berczy Park shade to enjoy short stories and conversation.

Jacob’s Ladder kids play/artwork almost complete in Berczy Park

After installation began last fall, the art structure/kids play structure planned for Berczy Park is now nearing completion!

This weekend, Toronto artist Luis Jacob, and Montreal-based web-maker/artisan Serge, conducted a first fitting of the web-like rope lattice that will connect the two giant bronze hands of the artwork.

The massive hands were placed in the park in October 2017, as part of the planned artwork. Called ‘Jacob’s Ladder,’ with a rope lattice suspended between the fingers, it recreates the whimsical  string game.  Once completed later this fall, the artwork will be perfect for climbing, swinging, playing, or a backdrop for a casual badminton game or a great ‘selfie’ photo moment.  Over the past 12 months, the bronze hands have become a popular photo spot for park visitors and tourists, in addition to the park’s new famous dog fountain.

Art inspired by the timeless kids’ string game!

Luis says the concept encompasses an image very familiar to children (the universal ‘string game’), with the hand sculptures designed to create human scale in our rapidly-developing neighbourhood. The string imagery also ties to Toronto art traditions in which rope and string art has been a popular theme over the years, notes Jacob.

Born in Lima, Peru, Jacob is a multimedia artist based in nearby Parkdale. His recent works include ‘Spirits of the Grotto,’ a large-scale metal mosaic panel in the Dufferin & Queen St underpass.

The Berczy Park public artwork was selected as part of the City  arts procurement process, organized by the Cultural Services and the Parks, Forestry and Recreation departments, with the goal of creating a kid-friendly, playful centre piece for the green space in the redesigned Berczy Park. The City oversaw a community judging panel – a committee of local residents and art experts – who selected Jacob’s work to bring to life his kid-friendly art concept.

Park visitors are sure to enjoy this artistic park feature, although smokers are advised that they must not smoke within 9-metres of the artwork, since it is a designated kids play area, and park users must comply with City of Toronto non-smoking regulations.

Dying cork tree to be removed, replaced

This amur cork tree exhibited a greatly-reduced leaf canopy during summer 2018.

Despite efforts to preserve a number of mature trees from the original Berczy Park, the Urban Forestry Division of Parks, Forestry & Recreation Dept.  advised us that one of these beloved shade trees is dying and must be felled during the dormant season (autumn/winter).

The amur cork (oak) tree found in the centre of the Berczy Park greenspace was assessed by a certified arborist in July 2018 and determined that it cannot be saved. This follows an assessment by LEAF NGO representatives in summer 2017 that found the mature tree to be in fair (vs good, fair, poor or dead) condition, with insect damage and dead branches. The 2018 arborist review indicates that stress, reduced root flair and soil compaction during the park renovation did harm the tree’s root network, despite best efforts by construction crews to minimize impact near the mature trees.

The good news is that The City will plant a replacement tree of the same species in the spring of 2019 and our Friends of Berczy Park Adopt-a-Tree volunteers will assume care and watering of the tree in the spring/summer of 2019, to complement year-round Parks and Forestry Dept inspections, care and maintenance. Anyone interested in joining our eager corps of Adopt-a-Tree volunteers should review our June 2017 blog post on our Adopt-a-Tree program for details on participation and then email us at berczypark@gmail.com.