Collaborating for public space

This month marks my 10th year serving the residents of North Toronto. Over the years, I have seen significant changes in our community and how the community responds to these changes. When I began in office, for example, the intensification of the Yonge and Eglinton area was just beginning. It created a great amount of concern; considerable energy was expended to try to limit that growth. This area, however, is so attractive to live and work in that it became apparent it is more productive for the community to actively manage the growth. In fact, the growth could be leveraged to achieve broader objectives.

The development of the Midtown Public Realm Master Plan illustrates the community’s sophisticated approach. The protection and enhancement of public spaces has unequivocally emerged as a top priority in our community. This thinking is shared by communities abutting our ward. 

Today, under the guidance of two city planning divisions, residents of three wards work together to identify the important and unique spaces and link them, irrespective of boundaries. Enhancement plans are also viewed as a whole. Visions include a lush pedestrian corridor in one ward leading to a beautiful pedestrian square in another. A revitalized bike trail through two wards may lead to an outdoor reading room in the third. Beautiful light posts on the four corners of Yonge and Eglinton might become the defining meeting places for all.

When ideas like these become one plan, development, design and community investment become very focused activities. I look forward to seeing great public spaces emerge.

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