Fall 2015

lakeview
WELCOME

Thank you for your continued interest in Downsview Park and welcome to this issue of the Downsview Lands newsletter. In an ongoing effort to engage and encourage public participation, Canada Lands Company has developed this newsletter to offer subscribers the latest information about the Downsview Lands project and offer insight into the planning process as Canada Lands continues to develop these exciting new neighbourhoods and deliver on community benefits. Please let us know your thoughts, we welcome your feedback!


William Baker Neighbourhood Update
Woodlot access update
 
As previously mentioned in our last newsletter, Canada Lands is pleased to provide the community with safe pedestrian access through the mature, permanent woodlot that's perfect for having a leisurely stroll, birding and observing wildlife and nature in the southern portion of the William Baker neighbourhood. Much of this woodlot will eventually be a park area once the neighbourhood is developed.

Demolition on the site as well as all of the interim landscape work to make the site safe and accessible such as adding pathways, seating, and additional tree planting is now complete. Downsview Park staff will be maintaining the site and signage will be going up soon.

If you plan on visiting the woodlot, please tweet or send us your pictures on Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to use the hashtag #DownsviewLands so we can see your photos!
 

Stanley Greene Neighbourhood Update
Site servicing and Block G

Site servicing and initial road building is well underway in the Stanley Greene Neighbourhood with base asphalt on the roads expected for late fall 2015 and residential building activity should be commencing right after this.

As mentioned previously, the second and final phase of the Stanley Greene neighbourhood consists of a 12-acre site known as Block G, and part of the City of Toronto's approved Secondary Plan. As part of formalizing this final phase Canada Lands has submitted, for approval, a draft plan of subdivision application to the City of Toronto that conforms with the requirements of the approved District Plan for this neighbourhood. 
 

Pedestrian Connections and Circulation Assessment Underway

Canada Lands Company will be looking at concepts to improve pedestrian circulation throughout portions of the Downsview lands. A key component of this will be the connections between the new TTC Subway / Metrolinx station and Carl Hall Road, both east and west of the rail line, including looking at improvements to intersections along Carl Hall Road for better traffic control and safer pedestrian crossing.
 
We anticipate the approval of the city's transit road environmental assessment in early 2016 will better define the primary infrastructure/road network in the Allen, Chesswood and Sheppard neighbourhoods. Further planning and design will follow afterwards. 

 

Stanley Greene Public Art Project
A Conversation with the Artist

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, October 24th for our "Conversation with the Artist" community consultation event. Despite the rain, participants were still eager to join Canada Lands staff for a tour of the Stanley Greene site and were able to share their ideas and recollections of the area with artist Michael Singer. 
 
Participants learned that the public art will not just look beautiful but will also serve a very functional purpose in helping to manage stormwater by incorporating important landscaping features. Mr. Singer remarked that locals of Downsview are fortunate to have such an exceptional green space, and that he looks forward to being a part of bringing the Park and the Stanley Greene neighbourhood together to create a new sense of place, not just for the new residents that will call this neighbourhood home, but the entire community.
 
If you were unable to attend the consultation or would like a refresher, an event recap including pictures and presentations will be posted on our website shortly. 


Downsview Park Update
Fall is in the air

If the colour of the leaves and the cold weather isn't indicative enough, the fall season is finally here. Our staff have been working diligently on cleanup and maintenance in the park from the summer season. The fountains in our Lake have been removed for repair but will be replaced in the spring. Park staff have also begun their fall tree and bulb planting, as well as the removal of annual displays and replacing them with autumn displays. Topdressing and seeding all the turf  is also underway in preparation for next year.
 
Orchard Pavilion Washroom Hours
The Orchard Pavilion washrooms are not winterized and are now closed for the season, but will reopen in the spring. 
 
Discovery Centre Education Update
The Discovery Centre is humming with activity! Our Curriculum based school programs are well underway as we welcome thousands of students from across the GTA. Nature Connection will continue into the fall and winter with free family programming on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month. 
 
Centennial College Update
Centennial College's preparations for the building at 65 Carl Hall Road are ongoing and they hope to start some of the physical work in early 2016. As part of the process, site plan review work is currently underway between Centennial College and the City of Toronto.

 

Free, Family-Friendly Programming 
Connect with your natural world and come on out to Downsview Park. Our staff will take you on a free indoor/outdoor Park program based on nature-themed topic to get you exploring the natural world, right here at Downsview Park!

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