Edenbridge Yard, West District

(Kingsway-Humber)

The Policy and Finance Committee recommends the adoption of the report (June 2, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, embodied in the following communication (July 5, 1999) from the City Clerk:

The Etobicoke Community Council at its meeting held on June 23, 1999:

(1)adopted the following report; and

(2)referred the recommendations to the Policy and Finance Committee, as directed in Clause 2 of Report No. 9 of the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee entitled "Parks Yard Revitalization Study", adopted by Council at its meeting held on May 11, 12 and 13, 1999:

(June 2, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, responding 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; and recommending that:

(i)the Edenbridge property be retained as parkland and the service building therein be retained by the Department pending completion of further studies; and

(ii)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto.

Background:

At its meeting of April 28, 1999, The Etobicoke Community Council adopted the following Motion by Councillor Bruce Sinclair, Rexdale-Thistletown, respecting the Edenbridge Yard, West District:

"WHEREAS the Edenbridge Yard is an area of open space in proximity to James Gardens, the associated tennis club, and other park and trail amenities comprising the Humber Valley Parks system, and

WHEREAS there is increasing demand for open space and recreational facilities, particularly in light of changing demographics, and

WHEREAS any redevelopment, apart from parkland, is a remote possibility considering the fact that the area in question was a former disposal site,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Director of Parks and Recreation, West District, be requested to submit a report to the Etobicoke Community Council on the possibility of retaining the property in the City park system as an integral part of the Humber Valley Park system, and

THAT the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee be requested to defer consideration of Recommendation No. (1) contained in Agenda Item No. 2, headed "Parks Yard Revitalization Study", on the agenda for the meeting of the Committee on May 4, 1999, pending receipt of the aforementioned report by the Etobicoke Community Council."

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(Report dated June 2, 1999, addressed to the

Etobicoke Community Council from the

Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism)

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:

(1)the Edenbridge property be retained as parkland and the service building therein be retained by the Department pending completion of further studies.

(2)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