Market Lane Park Improvements

• Winter 2020/2021: Hire a design team
• Spring 2021 to Early Winter 2022/2023: Community engagement
• Spring 2023 to Summer 2024: Design development, technical approvals and contract documents for tender
• Spring 2025: Hire a construction team
• Fall 2025: Construction starts
• Fall 2026: Construction complete

The timeline is subject to change.

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While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this site. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings, or any other content, please contact Nancy Chater at 416-338-5237.

November 2024

The process of hiring a construction team will begin in winter 2024 and conclude in early 2025. Construction is anticipated to start in late spring 2025 and be completed by the end of 2025.

Community Engagement Phase 3: Preferred Design

In early spring 2022, the City collected feedback on the preferred design for the park improvements as a final phase of community engagement for the project. Feedback was collected in an online survey and virtual community workshops.

Download the Phase 3 Consultation Summary Report .

April 2022

From March 28 to April 15, 2022, the City conducted an online survey to collect feedback on the preferred design for the park improvements.

March 2022

Virtual Community Workshops

On March 28, 2022, City staff hosted two identical virtual community workshops to share more information about the park improvements and the preferred design. The workshops included a brief presentation and an interactive discussion.

Download the March 28, 2022 workshop presentation .

Community Engagement Phase 2: Design Options

In fall 2021, the City and The Planning Partnership collected feedback on three design options for the park to help inform the development of a preferred design. Feedback was collected through conversations with vulnerable community members, a Community Resource Group, Virtual Community Workshops, engagement with communities and Indigenous rights-holders.

Download the Phase 2 Consultation Summary Report .

December 2021

Online Survey

From November 18 to December 3, 2021, the City conducted an online survey to collect feedback on the three design options and the key directions for the project. The objective of the survey was to identify the most preferred design elements and amenities and collect additional ideas from the community. The survey received 499 responses.

Respondents were able to indicate their general preference for each concept option using a five-star rating.

• 49 per cent of respondents rated Option 1 with four stars or more
• 32 per cent of respondents rated Option 2 with four stars or more
• 68 per cent of respondents rated Option 3 with four stars or more (most preferred option)

In addition, respondents rated Option 3 as having the most preferred water feature (65 per cent) and approach to Indigenous placekeeping (74 per cent). Option 1 had the most preferred planting approach (92 per cent), furniture and lighting (82 per cent) and preferred paving (79 per cent).

November 2021

Virtual Public Consultation Workshop

On November 18, 2021, the project team hosted three virtual workshops to share information about the park improvements and design options. The workshops included a brief presentation and facilitated discussion.

In total, 120 people attended, with the local Councillor attending one of the workshops.

Download the November 18, 2021 workshop presentation .

Community Engagement Phase 1: Vision for the Park

To help understand how the park is currently being used and the community’s priorities for the park in the future, the City and The Planning Partnership started early consultations with the local community, community groups, stakeholders, and representatives of Indigenous communities. Feedback was collected through a virtual community workshop, online survey, and a meeting with the Community Resource Group.

Download the Phase 1 Consultation Summary Report .

July 2021

Online Survey

From June 29 to July 16, 2021, the City conducted an online survey to collect feedback on the current park use, vision and preferred design elements for the park improvements. The survey received 271 responses.

• 70 per cent of respondents agree that trees, shrubs and flowers are the most important feature for the park improvements
• The majority of respondents (more than 50 per cent) agreed that clear sightlines, a variety of new seating options, enhanced lighting, and keeping the existing trees were important elements of the park design
• 67 per cent of respondents are in favour of decommissioning the existing Return of the Magri-Stecchi artwork and removing it from the park
• 73 per cent of respondents agreed with the draft vision statement provided

June 2021

Virtual Community Workshops

On June 29, 2021, the project team hosted three virtual workshops to understand how the park is currently being used and to learn more about community perspectives and priorities. The workshops included a presentation summarizing the design process, history and context of the area, early observations regarding the existing conditions, and examples of linear parks. The project team collected feedback on the draft vision, principles and big moves in a facilitated discussion.

In total 113 people attended, with the local Councillor attending one of the workshops.

Download the June 29, 2021 workshop presentation .

The Preferred Design for the park shows it is designed as a linear plaza, comprised of five connected but different outdoor rooms. Features include:

• Long bench-style seating along the western edge of the park
• The form and materials of the park design recall the receding shoreline of Lake Ontario and the rivers and streams that define the lake’s edge
• Three outdoor “rooms” make up the central area of the park and feature space for Indigenous-led programming (e.g. specialty food markets, small gatherings, ceremonies) and market-related programming (e.g. farmer’s markets, craft markets, etc.)
• The south end of the park includes:
  • three large boulders that form a gateway into Market Lane Park and the structure of the water feature
  • table and chair seating around the water feature providing flexible seating options
• The north end of the park includes:
  • horticultural planting beds that connect to the gardens at the nearby St. James Par that will be planted with Indigenous medicinal plants
  • long bench seating that surrounds the gardens
  • a large boulder that creates an overlook to the north side of the park and is designed with Indigenous-led programming in mind

While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this site. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings, or any other content, please contact Nancy Chater at 416-338-5237.

The goal of the project is to design and implement park improvements that achieve design excellence, quality of place-making, and attention to detail while enhancing the heritage neighbourhood character through sustainable design that meets the needs of the community. The park design will address the following key elements:

• Indigenous place-making/place-keeping
• New seating and gathering areas
• Preservation of existing trees
• Reimaging the existing fountains with a new water feature
• Upgraded lighting and site lines to improve safety
• Improved accessibility
• Reconsider the existing public art feature ‘Return of the Magri-Stechhi’
• Flexible programmable space directly connected to the new St. Lawrence Market North
• Pedestrian connectivity from King Street to Front Street

The project team will be engaging the local community, community groups, stakeholders and Indigenous communities throughout the design process.

Project Vision and Design Principles

The following project vision and design principles will inform the design of the park and were developed and defined during community and Indigenous engagement.

Project Vision

Market Lane Park will be a vibrant pedestrian space that supports the St. Lawrence Market Precinct and serves as both a meeting place and mid-block passage between King Street and Front Street. The park will integrate Indigenous placekeeping and reference the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Design Principles

• Create a beautiful and functional city park
• Create an environment that feels safe
• Create a welcoming space for everyone
• Enhance the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood
• Echo the natural and cultural history