One of downtown Toronto’s most historic green spaces is one step closer to a major overhaul. A new city staff proposal asks Council to authorize the City to accept up to $50 million from the Weston Foundation for Queen’s Park North, while also setting up a new long-term partnership with the University of Toronto and the foundation to help shape how the park is built and maintained.
According to the report on the planned revitalization, the project shouldn’t require additional City capital funding.
“There are no current financial implications resulting from the adoption of the recommendations contained in this report. The Weston Foundation is committed to providing up to $50 million to advance capital improvements as part of the revitalization of the park, including funding for public engagement, design services, and capital costs for park enhancements,” the report states. It adds that the Foundation will provide an additional $43 million over 20 years (about $2.15 million a year) to U of T for enhanced maintenance and operations.
If Council signs off, the proposal would go far beyond a one-time construction donation; it would also reshape how the park could be run in the future. The report outlines a proposed tri-party agreement between the City, U of T, and the Foundation for about 20 years after the park reopens. Under this framework, the City would continue core municipal services, the university would take on enhanced maintenance and operation of park features, and a new steering committee would oversee the bigger picture.
If nothing else, the governance piece matters because Queen’s Park North is the city’s oldest municipal park, making it a historically and culturally important public space. The park opened in 1860 and sits on land the City leases from U of T under a 999-year agreement dating way back to 1859. Because the current lease restricts new buildings, it would have to be amended if the revitalization moves ahead with renovations.
As for what this revamp could actually look like, Torontonians could possibly expect enhanced tree care, a treewalk, understory planting, improved entrances, more seating, an upgraded running track, flexible infrastructure for small events, a commemorative garden and even a food-and-washroom building! These proposals are part of the draft concept, so they’re not set in stone, but public engagement will run through early April to gather more input before the design is finalized.
Next up: the staff report goes to the Executive Committee on March 10, with Council consideration later this month.
