Community NewsToronto

City of Toronto Kicks Off Public Engagements for Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan and Parkland Strategy

Toronto, ON – On Friday, Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough – Rouge Park) launched a citywide outreach initiative to refresh and review Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan and Parkland Strategy. This significant undertaking aims to set the course for investments in new parkland and recreational facilities over the next 20 years.

The two key documents will guide how the city invests in recreational infrastructure, helping to address the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population while considering evolving needs and priorities. Community engagement efforts will be rolled out across all 25 wards, with a particular focus on engaging Indigenous communities, residents, and other interested groups.

“These plans will help shape Toronto’s public spaces for the next two decades, ensuring they reflect the values and aspirations of the people who call this city home,” said a City spokesperson. “We’re seeking to understand not just where to build new parks and facilities but how to design them to be inclusive, imaginative, and sustainable.”

Community Engagement Opportunities

Over the next six months, Toronto residents will have numerous chances to voice their opinions and contribute to the planning process. City staff will host a variety of in-person and online engagement sessions aimed at identifying key priorities and areas for improvement in the city’s parks and recreational offerings. This outreach will include efforts to ensure meaningful input from Indigenous, Black, and equity-deserving communities.

The feedback gathered during this period will influence the city’s strategy for investing in recreational facilities and guide principles to make parks more accessible and welcoming. The updated plans will specifically address the needs of Indigenous communities, aiming to make spaces that support Indigenous uses and traditions.

Residents can participate in the consultation process between October 18 and December 18, through in-person events or an online survey available in six languages. The survey can be accessed on the city’s website at https://cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=416688&d=l&h=66D856CDC3F0CD6&l=en.

About the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan

The Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan has been pivotal over the past five years in guiding the development of new recreational spaces such as community centres, indoor pools, and skating trails. These facilities aim to address service gaps across the city and keep pace with increasing demand for recreation programs due to population growth.

About the Parkland Strategy

The Parkland Strategy outlines Toronto’s long-term vision for expanding and enhancing park spaces. It helps prioritize areas with insufficient parkland, directing investments where they are most needed to ensure that outdoor spaces remain vibrant and accessible.

Mayor Chow stated, “We want to hear from our residents about their vision for our parks and recreation facilities. This is a unique opportunity for Torontonians to shape their community and make our public spaces more accessible, imaginative, and ready for people to enjoy for generations to come.”

Deputy Mayor McKelvie added, “The Facilities Plan and the Parkland Strategy aim to create a vision for our public spaces and common grounds that prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and community well-being. By gathering feedback from residents across all parts of the city, we can build beautiful public spaces that work for everyone.”

Toronto, with a population exceeding three million, continues to be a hub of diversity and innovation. As one of North America’s largest cities, it consistently ranks among the world’s most livable due to collaborative efforts between government, residents, and businesses. More information about the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan and Parkland Strategy, including engagement opportunities, can be found at toronto.ca/ParksAndFacilitiesPlans.

For updates, follow the City on social media: X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/CityofToronto, Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto, or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.

SOURCE City of Toronto

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