May 13, 1999

To:Etobicoke Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development Culture & Tourism

Subject: Park Watch Trial Project - Wards 2 - Lakeshore-Queensway, Ward 4 - Markland-Centennial, Ward 5 - Rexdale -Thistletown

Purpose:

To respond to Etobicoke Community Council's request for a report on the "Park Watch" trial project.

Source of Funds:

There is no impact on the capital or operating budgets at this time.

Recommendations:

That the request from Ms. Nancy Mueller, Chair, Community Standards Sub-Committee, be referred back to the Crime SCOPE Board for further review and recommendations.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting on March 30 1999, Etobicoke Community Council received a communication from Nancy Mueller, Chair Community Standards Sub-Committee, advising of the success of the "Park Watch Program" and requesting the implementation of the program in the new joint venture park at North Kipling Community Centre/Junior Middle School and eventually city-wide.

Crime SCOPE should have reviewed and approved the subcommittee's report prior to sending it to Community Council.

Comments and/or Discussion:

In April, 1998, Connie Micallef, Chair, Crime SCOPE, approached Parks and Recreation, Animal Control, the School Boards and Toronto Police Services to request their support in a "Park Watch" pilot project.

The intent of this project was "to remind members of our community that the parks belong to everyone". In addition, the focus was on dog owners, to ensure they take responsibility for their pets.

Part of this initiative involved educating park users, with respect to by-laws for animals. Included with the educational segment of the "Park Watch Program" was new signage, pamphlets, newspaper articles and park surveys.

This project was carried out by the sub-committee of Crime SCOPE - Community Standards, from June to October, 1998. The six parks involved in the pilot project were:

• Ward 2Long Branch Historical Park, Norseman Heights Park, Marie Curtis Park and Chartwell/Amberside (Board of Education)
• Ward 4West Deane Park
• Ward 5Esther Lorrie Park

The information supplied to Parks and Recreation indicates that based on survey results, 98% of park users have indicated that there has been a vast improvement, with emphasis on stricter enforcement and/or controls.

Conclusion:

Although the information that Parks and Recreation has received would indicate that the "Park Watch Program" has been successful as a trial project, a further review is required by the Crime SCOPE Board, to ascertain the viability of this program in North Kipling or any other park in the City of Toronto.

Contact Name:

Don Boyle

Director, Parks and Recreation, West District

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism