I am happy to share that the revitalization of Dundas-St. Clarens Parkette is well underway! Construction work on the upgrades, which were designed with extensive community input, is now underway and you can see the progress in the photo to the left. 

Work is expected to wrap up later this fall and when complete, Dundas-St. Clarens Parkette will include a new pathway, accessible swings, benches, trees and a new plaza complete with seating, plantings and a community chess table! 

The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 22, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park. Many family attractions, including two historic sites, a farm and other facilities will be open, however City-operated recreation centres will be closed and recreation programs across the city will not operate that day. Toronto Island Park continues to be closed to the public until further notice due to flooding.

The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 22. The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks with a spectacular finale.

Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will be increased on the 22 Coxwell and 92 Woodbine South routes for customers attending the fireworks display. The 501 Queen route will be operating on an adjusted schedule during the event from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. Members of the public are urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

All other TTC service will operate on a holiday schedule on May 22. The TTC website at http://ttc.ca provides information for planning transit trips.

City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City of Toronto park. Enforcement officers will be onsite to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay Park.

Golf

Toronto's five municipal golf courses are located on beautiful parklands and offer early-bird rates. These affordable, high-quality and TTC-accessible courses are open daily, including Victoria Day. More information about City-run golf courses is available at http://toronto.ca/golf.

Tennis courts

All public tennis courts will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend. Public sites are free and available to the general public. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts. More information about public tennis courts is available at http://toronto.ca/tennis.

Splash pads

Splash pads will begin to operate across the city on Saturday, May 20, with a few exceptions at sites under repair or located on outdoor pool decks. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are activated with push-button features. Caregivers are reminded to supervise their children at these unsupervised water-play areas. Information about splash pad locations, closures and late-opening sites is available at http://bit.ly/1Etsbt1 or by calling 311.

Riverdale Farm

Riverdale Farm is representative of a 19th-century Ontario farm and is home to heritage breeds such as Shorthorn cows, Tamworth pigs and Cotswold sheep. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. On Saturday, May 20 the farm will offer a free sheep-shearing demonstration between 11.30 a.m. and noon. More information is available at http://toronto.ca/parks/zoo, by calling 311 or on Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/RiverdaleFarmToronto/.

High Park Zoo

Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo's spring babies, including Bonnie and Clyde's three capybara babies. This attraction is open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information is available at http://toronto.ca/parks/zoo.

Conservatories

Flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.). Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288, or by visiting http://toronto.ca/conservatories.

Bike and skate parks

The City maintains several bike and skate parks across Toronto, including the new Sunnyside Bike Park. More information is available at http://toronto.ca/parks/bikeparks.

Historic sites  

Two of the City's 10 historic sites, Fort York National Historic Site and Spadina Museum, will offer activities and tours on Victoria Day, Monday, May 22. The remaining sites will be closed. All of the historic sites will be open over the Victoria Day weekend, except for the Market Gallery, which will be closed on Sunday. Admission fees and activities vary by location. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events.

3D TORONTO Sign

The 3D TORONTO Sign in Nathan Phillips Square will take part in the City's "TO Canada with Love" celebrations to honour Canada's 150th birthday. Starting on May 22, the seven 3D letters and Maple Leaf will be animated by a two-minute light sequence at the top of the hour between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. nightly for the remainder of 2017.

City of Toronto Archives

The City of Toronto Archives, located at 255 Spadina Rd., will be closed on May 22. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/archives.

Other municipal facilities and services

City of Toronto emergency and 24-hour services will operate throughout the long weekend. City administrative offices and service counters, City-operated child care centres and Children's Services district offices will be closed on May 22.

Toronto Island Park – closed

Following record levels of rainfall in April and May, Lake Ontario and watershed levels throughout the city continue to rise. Due to the flooding and in order to ensure the safety of the public and the security of facilities, Toronto Island Park remains closed to the general public and regular ferry service is suspended. This closure includes all beaches, attractions and amenities on the Islands.

As part of the community benefits secured from the 11 Peel development, a new public park will be constructed at the southeast corner of Dufferin St and Peel Ave. The new park will include a square with water jets, seating, grass areas and a connection to the future extension of the West Toronto Railpath.

Residents have the opportunity to cast their ballots and vote for their preferred name of the new park to be built at Peel and Dufferin. Voting is open for two weeks from November 4, 2016 to November 18, 2016!

The choices for the park name are:

• Pessoa Park ("pessoa" is the word for 'person' in Portuguese, and is intended to highlight the park's role as a community gathering place)

OR

• Peel Park

You can cast your vote by clicking here or on the link below.

Naming Survey For the New Dufferin-Peel Park

You can click here to learn more about this new greenspace with a detailed walk-through and renderings of the new park.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Dufferin-Peel Park please do not hesitate to contact my office at 416-392-7012 or via email at [email protected] 

An important part of the livability of our city and the quality of life is being able to access parks and greenspaces in our communities. Toronto is lucky to have been blessed with an extensive natural ravine system and a series of large and small parks which many of us use regularly, whether we're playing with our children, gathering with friends for picnics, or taking some time to relax.

However, there are also parks deficient areas in our city with Ward 18 being considered one of those areas. I am conscious of this and have worked where appropriate to expand and create new parks in our community such as Lisgar Park, the future Peel Park, and have initiated improvements to many of our other Ward 18 parks since being elected. 

The proposal would deck over the Union Station Rail Corridor between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street adding 21-acres of new park space to our rapidly growing downtown core. This park has the potential to be both a community asset and a destination park for residents and tourists and as such, it is critical that Council has all the information before making any decisions to move forward with this park.

At City Council last week, we directed City staff to start work to protect the space above the park for future parkland use but also to undertake further study of this proposal, to determine the feasibility, provide further refined cost estimates and phasing options, and funding options with an emphasis on growth-related revenue sources that minimize debt-financing for this proposed park among other items. The preliminary cost estimates from our City staff indicate that this park would cost over one billion dollars. As we assess and move forward, it is crucial that we have a better understanding of the funding requirements and sources. 

In order to ensure that the proposed park is studied as an integrated space in our city and community, I successfully moved two motions when this item was at the Executive Committee:

• To ensure the Rail Deck Park Implementation Strategy is developed consistent with the principles and directions of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan and that this be addressed as part of the report to Council in 2017; and
• That City staff assess opportunities to create an implementation strategy to create new connections to Rail Deck Park, including the Green Line along the hydro lands and the northern and southern extensions of the West Toronto Railpath, for the purpose of creating an inter-connected network of parks.

The proposed Rail Deck Park provides an important opportunity to consider the future of the rail corridor and the ways we can connect a citywide parks network. I will continue to advocate for the interests of our community as the study moves forward and I look forward to reviewing the results when staff report back in 2017 with their findings.

The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents over the Labour Day long weekend, with many family attractions open. On Labour Day – Monday, September 5 –

City recreation centres will be closed and their recreation programs will not operate.

Swimming

The following 10 outdoor pools will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Labour Day (September 5):

Alex Duff Memorial Pool, 779 Crawford St.

Donald D. Summerville, 1867 Lake Shore Blvd. E.

Grandravine Outdoor Pool, 23 Grandravine Dr.

Heron Park Outdoor Pool, 292 Manse Rd.

McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.

Pine Point Outdoor Pool, 15 Grierson Rd.

Pleasantview Outdoor Pool, 545 Van Horne Ave.

Riverdale Park, 550 Broadview Ave.

Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

West Mall Outdoor Pool, 370 The West Mall

The City's other outdoor pools will close for the season at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 4. An exception is Alex Duff Memorial Pools, which will remain open for part-time operation during evenings and with reduced hours on weekends until September 18. Wading pools will close for the season on Sunday afternoon. 

All indoor pools will be closed on Labour Day and will re-open on Tuesday, September 6. 

Toronto's 11 designated swimming beaches will be open and supervised until 6 p.m. on Labour Day, weather permitting. 

Splash pads will be accessible on Labour Day from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and will remain open through Sunday, September 18. 

Parents are reminded to supervise children at all times when children are in and around water. More information about swimming is available at http://www.toronto.ca/swim.

Other recreation opportunities

Toronto Island Park, Toronto's largest downtown park, is a great place to walk, cycle, picnic and view the City's skyline. Toronto's ferries can carry up to 4,000 passengers an hour to and from Toronto Island Park. Tickets for the ferry can now be purchased online in a few easy steps and you can check the peak-times schedule at http://www.toronto.ca/ferry to help plan your day and avoid ferry lineups. More information about the park is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island.

Riverdale Farm in the Cabbagetown community is home to a variety of domestic farm animals, including Tamworth pigs, baby goats and Cotswold lambs. Visitors can tour the farm at their leisure. Riverdale Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available at http:www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo or by calling 311.

The High Park Zoo, which has been attracting visitors for more than a century, currently features bison, llamas, reindeer and highland cattle, as well as Toronto's famous capybaras, known as Bonnie and Clyde. The zoo is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo

Toronto's five municipal golf courses are situated on beautiful park lands. These affordable, high-quality and TTC-accessible courses will be open on Labour Day. Holiday rates will apply. More information: http://www.toronto.ca/golf

Flowers are in bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer free admission. More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288, and online at http://www.toronto.ca/conservatories.

Labour Day at Toronto's Historic Sites

Two of the City's 10 historic sites – Fort York and Spadina Museum – will be open on Labour Day Monday.

Fort York National Historic Site and its Visitor Centre at 250 Fort York Blvd. will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, featuring tours and ongoing exhibitions. Regular admission applies.

Spadina Museum at 285 Spadina Rd. will present afternoon tours themed on the Austin family, which made Spadina its home. Regular admission applies on September 5, with the museum open from noon to 5 p.m.

All of the City's historic sites will be open on Saturday and Sunday as usual this weekend, offering many activities. Hours and activities vary by location, with details available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events. 

The City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division, in consultation with Toronto Water, Transportation Services, City Planning and Economic Development and Culture, will develop a Tree Planting Strategy to inspire action to reach the City's target of 40 per cent tree canopy cover over the next 30 to 40 years. The development of the strategy will also involve consultation with residents, the public, internal and external stakeholders and community partners.

Toronto currently has 26.6 per to 28 per cent tree canopy cover, representing 10.2 million trees. About 40 per cent of these trees are on City lands, with the remaining 60 per cent on private lands. The City will work with community stakeholders to develop a planting strategy that focuses on increasing tree planting and stewardship on private lands.

You are invited to provide input through an online survey at http://bit.ly/1GIWkLr or by attending one of the upcoming public meetings: 

• Monday, November 16, Scarborough Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 150 Borough Dr., 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 17, Etobicoke Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 399 The West Mall, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Monday, November 30, Toronto City Hall, Committee Room 2, 100 Queen St. W., 6:30 to 9 p.m.

More information about the Tree Planting Strategy is available at http://ow.ly/UibNp.

Registration for fall and some winter City of Toronto community recreation programs begins at 7 a.m. on September 12 in Etobicoke/York, September 13 in Scarborough, September 17 in North York and September 16 in Toronto and East York districts.

Residents should note registration dates, select programs that are of interest and decide on their method of payment before registering for fall and winter recreation programs. Those who wish to register for programs will need a family number and a client number for each member of the family. Before registration day, call 416-338-4386 or speak with staff at a City community centre to get these numbers.

To explore recreation program options, visit http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun or pick up a FUN Guide at City Hall, civic centres, community centres and libraries.

The City of Toronto is committed to increasing access to recreational activities by offering yearly credits, free programs and older adult discounts, as described below.

Yearly credit (Welcome Policy)

The City of Toronto offers a yearly credit, called the Welcome Policy, for residents with low incomes. The credit can be used to register for City recreation programs. People receiving social assistance (Ontario Works) and living in Toronto are pre-approved to receive this credit and should speak to their caseworker. More information about the yearly credit is available at http://www.toronto.ca/wp.

Free programs

Many community centres offer free recreation programs including leisure swimming and skating, and drop-in programs for children, youth and older adults. More information about free and low-cost programming options is  available at http://bit.ly/1At00bg.

Older adult discounts

Older adults (60+ years) who register for adult programs receive a 50 per cent discount.

New! Self receipting

The City of Toronto has improved its registration process by adding a fast and easy way to access receipts. Receipts are no longer mailed out. Participants can review and print their own receipts. More information is available at  http://www.efun.toronto.ca.

Email information

Participants are asked to update their email address if it has changed by logging into their account at http://www.efun.toronto.ca, or by calling 416-338-4386 for assistance.

A summary of media coverage on our community's newest landmark, the Jenna K. Morrison Reflexology Footpath in Dufferin Grove Park

• Pathway to healing: Dead cyclist's family and friends cut ribbon to memorial footpath - Toronto Star reports

• Foot path at Dufferin Grove Park honours cyclist Jenna Morrison - CBC News reports

• Jenna Morrison’s Memorial Is Full of Life - Torontoist reports

• Dufferin Grove reflexology footpath to be unveiled in honour of Jenna Morrison - Bloor West Villager reports

• Memorial for pregnant cyclist killed 3 years ago uses reflexology footpath - CTV News reports

• Jenna Morrison Memorial Footpath Opening - Biking in a Big City (blog entry)

• New reflexology footpath unveiled in memory of Toronto cyclist - CityNews reports

• Jenna Morrison Reflexology Footpath opens in Dufferin Grove Park - Toronto Sun reports

• Commemoration of the Jenna Morrison Reflexology Footpath in Dufferin Grove park - YouTube video of my opening speech by Jo Fergus

Also, here is the City of Toronto media release and a few great photos from opening day. If you have more stories and/or photos to add to this list, please email [email protected]

Media Advisory

July 25, 2014

City of Toronto to open Reflexology Footpath in honour of Jenna K. Morrison

Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport) and City of Toronto staff will join Jenna Morrison's family and members of the community to honour her life and the opening of a reflexology footpath with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dufferin Grove Park.

Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 2 to 3 p.m., remarks at 2 p.m.
Location: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St. (south of Bloor St. W.)

The footpath is a concrete path embedded with stones of different shapes and sizes that knead your feet as you walk barefoot along it. It was inspired by a similar footpath Morrison saw in a South Korean park. This footpath is believed to be the first of its kind in a public park in Ontario.

Morrison was a loving mother and devoted wife who passed away suddenly in a traffic accident. Her loss has greatly affected her community. The footpath is located in Dufferin Grove Park where Morrison and her family spent many afternoons.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, [email protected]