June 2, 1999
To:Etobicoke Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:Edenbridge Yard, West District - Ward 3 - Kingsway-Humber
Purpose:
To respond to Etobicoke Community Council's request for a report on the Edenbridge Yard, with specific reference to the
possibility of retaining the property in the City park system.
Source of Funds:
There is no impact on the capital or operating budgets at this time.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
- the Edenbridge property be retained as parkland and the service building therein be retained by the Department
pending completion of further studies.
- the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto.
Council Reference:
At its meeting of April 28, 1999, Etobicoke Community Council requested a report from the Director of Parks and
Recreation, West District, on the possibility of retaining the Edenbridge property in the City parks system, as an integral
part of the Humber Valley Park System.
Comments and/or Discussion:
As a result of a recent study on the rationalization of parks yards, it was determined that the Edenbridge Yard, located in
West District, was to be closed and staff relocated to other yard facilities. While the service yard use of the lands can be
accommodated at other sites, we would note that the existing structure and the fenced site may serve other viable parks and
recreation purposes.
Specifically, there is a district-wide analysis of indoor bocce court requirements in Etobicoke now underway. The
Edenbridge Yard site and building is being reviewed in the context of this study.
Other community parks and recreation applications may also be possible further to more detailed studies and community
consultations. The property in question, comprising some 1 hectare, is also strategically located next to a busy picnic and
community tennis facility. Even if it is not feasible to retain the building, the land in question is valuable greenspace along
Edenbridge Drive and an area that could easily be landscaped to provide enhanced opportunities for picnics and other
recreational activities.
It should also be noted that the site is owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and any change in its
status would be subject to their approval and process for land disposal. This site is a former waste disposal site and
consequently, the opportunity for redevelopment into anything other than parkland would be limited.
Conclusions:
Although declaring Edenbridge Yard as a surplus parks facility will improve operational effectiveness in the West District,
retaining the property and building as part of the Humber Valley Park System will add value to the system and assist staff
in addressing the increasing demand for open space and indoor recreation.
Contact Name:
Don Boyle
Director, Parks and Recreation, West District
394-5723
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
