Queen’s Park North underwent a significant facelift in 2019, but it looks like there’s still more work to be done. The Park, located near Queen’s Park Crescent E and Wellesley St W, could soon undergo more enhancements — this time funded by the Weston Family Foundation.
The Westons are offering a cool $50 million to improve the park design and to further support community engagement, park operations, maintenance, and programming in the long term.
The exact details of what will be done are a bit vague, but — if Council approves the donation agreement— the project will aim to enhance the park’s experience with immediate improvements and maintenance. Torontonians can expect opportunities related to Indigenous placekeeping, winter activation events, arts and cultural programming, environmental education programs, access to food amenities, year-round washrooms, and places to relax.
“[I]nvestments [will] enrich the park experience while sustaining the park’s natural heritage” a recent communication report on the project stated.
Last Friday, the Globe and Mail published more details about the proposed project, with drawings provided by the Weston family’s design firm, Janet Rosenberg & Studio. The proposal reportedly includes a skating rink and an outdoor café! The giant equestrian statue of Edward VII sitting amid the park would likely be moved to free up some room, and a non-profit group would work with the city to help prevent the Park from falling into disrepair.
“Queen’s Park North acts as a refuge, where residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy a bit of rest, sitting in the sun, watching the birds and chipmunks and dogs and people going about their days. It’s a well-travelled pedestrian route and part of a wildlife corridor that starts in Philosopher’s Walk, and will one day connect to University Park, a critical and imaginative project that will run along its western boundary, from Hoskin to College, down University to Queen Street. Such spaces are a rare and precious public amenity,” read a letter from the Sue Dexter, Board, Harbord Village Residents’ Association.
“We trust the Weston Foundation will follow the imaginative contributions from other private sector partners in past projects. All Toronto has benefitted from the generosity of Judy Matthews in the revitalization of St. George Street and the private donations that led to the realization of the Bentway. We hope Queen’s Park North might now be added to the list,” the letter continued.
So, Torontonians can expect a bit more compared to the previous renovations — in 2019, the Park’s walkways were updated, and new walkways were introduced to provide pedestrian links throughout the area. Over 100 new benches were placed along the promenades, with new trees transplanted at the site.
Council, with support from Mayor Olivia Chow, is looking to approve this partnership this week. Public consultations should begin this spring to gather input on the final design and usage of the park, with the project advancing by the fall of 2025.
