The small existing green space (1,000 m2) at 25 Oakcrest Ave., adjacent to Oakcrest Parkette, is being studied for improvement through a community engagement process that explores new programming opportunities for the space.
Before the green space is designed, a feasibility study will take place to understand the site limitations, cost and budget requirements, to secure Council support of a proposed design and to advance a follow-up project to design and build the space.
The timeline is subject to change and will be updated based on the outcomes of the community engagement process and available project budget.
This project has been classified as a Collaborate project based on the International Association of Public Participation Spectrum. This means we aim to partner with the public, stakeholders, and rightsholders in each aspect of the design process, including the development of design options and the identification of a preferred design.
Sign up for updates related to the Green Space at 25 Oakcrest or unsubscribe from the mailing list.
In this phase of the community engagement process, the project team shared two design options for the new green space with the Community Advisory Group (CAG). The draft designs were informed by technical studies and early stakeholder interviews with local residents to understand site limitations and interests in the space.
On July 12, the project team met with the CAG to provide a project overview and history of the site and collect feedback on preliminary findings from the site studies and design options for the green space. A survey was sent to CAG members to collect additional feedback on the design options.
Download the meeting summary.
From March 27 to April 12, community members could apply to be part of the CAG. The CAG will act as an advisory body through the design development process and will be comprised of local residents who provide unique perspectives The CAG will meet in each phase of the community engagement process to review key project elements.
The project team hosted three in-person pop-up events, one at Beaches International Jazz Festival on July 24, one at East Lynn Farmer’s Market on July 28 and one at Bob Acton Park on August 17 to gather insights from community members on the Bob Acton Park improvement options and new playground, as well as the new green space at 25 Oakcrest Ave. The project team asked participants about their ideas for the new green space and if there was anything about the site history and existing uses of the space they should know about. The feedback will help the design team develop design options for the space, which will be presented for feedback and revisions in Community Engagement Phase 2.
Community members were excited about the new green space. The following summarizes the most popular ideas within the project scope collected at the event.
In this phase of the community engagement process, the project team will present a preferred design to the Community Advisory Committee (CAG) for feedback.
The anticipated outcome of this phase is the development of a preferred design and a proposal to set the direction for implementation once the necessary budget for construction has been secured.
The property at 25 Oakcrest Ave. was originally acquired by the City for the Scarborough Transit Corridor and is now being considered for redevelopment as parkland. Located at the end of Oakcrest Avenue, the 1046 m2 property would integrate the existing staircase to Woodbine Avenue and would complement the existing Oakcrest Parkette to the north, providing additional green space to neighbouring communities.
While the site provides a great opportunity to expand and connect the neighbourhood’s park system, certain characteristics of the property limit how it can be used. Toronto Water requires access to an underground storm sewer that runs below the site, which limits the structures and plantings the park can support. The slope of the site also presents programming challenges, with the area beside Woodbine Avenue being too steep and unsuitable for public access. As a result, amenities such as a community garden, playground or splash pad are not feasible at this location.
As an alternative, City staff plan to explore a combination of seating, a pathway connecting to Oakcrest Parkette, and/or a pollinator garden as possibilities for the space. These features would provide visitors with a peaceful place to rest and support the local ecosystem. Fencing would be installed along the top of the steeply-sloped area to ensure public safety.