Wabash Community Recreation Centre

The City is planning a new community recreation centre at the southeast corner of Sorauren Park, adaptively reusing the existing former Canadian Linseed Oil Mills Ltd. building (1910).

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Project Timeline

Summer 2018: Public Meeting to introduce the project
December 2019: Design team hired
Summer 2020 to Summer 2023: Community engagement and design development
- Summer 2020 to Summer 2021: Community Engagement Phase A, Building a Vision
- Fall 2021 to Fall 2022: Community Engagement Phase B, Exploring Design Options
- Spring to Summer 2023: Community Engagement Phase C, Setting the Direction (current phase)
2023 to 2024: Detailed design
2024: Hire a construction team
2024 to 2027: Construction

The timeline is subject to change. Text in bold indicates the current project phase.

Get Involved

Level of Engagement

This project has been classified as a Collaborate project based on the International Association of Public Participation‘s 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.

Engagement with Indigenous Communities

If you are an Indigenous community member who would like to get involved in and provide feedback to help shape the Community Recreation Centre, including the proposed Sacred Fire Ceremonial Space, please email William Skura to get involved at William.Skura@toronto.ca.

Naming

This Community Recreation Centre does not have a confirmed name yet. At the end of the design process, community recreation centres are often given names that describe the centre’s features or location (e.g. Parkdale Community Recreation Centre). These names, developed by City staff, make it easy for residents to identify and locate parks in their neighbourhoods and around the city. Alternatively, community members can develop and submit proposals for a commemorative park name before the end of the design process. A proposal to give a facility a commemorative name instead of a location-based name is first reviewed by City staff and then needs to be approved by Community Council.

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Preferred Design

A rendering showing the building from an elevated park location. The building is rendered in a sunset condition, exhibiting the strong massing relationship between the existing building and the new additions. The solar shading fins show the finer details of the building as its impacted by the evening sun. — Rendered view of the new Wabash Community Recreation Centre façade, viewed from the north side of Sorauren Park.

A bird’s eye perspective rendering, facing north, of the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Space. The image depicts a central circular space surrounded by a bio-swale and sloped native plantings, including trees, as well as a stone river-bed feature. In the centre of the circle is the sacred fire feature, 3 large boulder elements, and semi-circular bench seating. The central circular space is accessed via two at-grade crossings over the bioswale. These crossings are constructed of a grated material that allow water to flow through and beneath. The north edge of the circle has a canopy structure with privacy screen, and the south of the circle is a sloped and planted embankment facing north. — Rendering of the Sacred Fire Ceremonial Space.

An eye-level perspective rendering, facing north, illustrating town square at Wabash Community Centre. In the foreground of the image are pedestrians walking beneath rows of tree plantings in permeable paving material. Beneath the trees are circular seating platforms. The paving material of the Town square is visible and depicts an abstracted Metis-beadwork pattern. At the north end of the Town Square is a long two-tiered bench with a sloped lawn behind. Also visible is a staircase leading from the Town Square to the north, and in the background is the Wabash Community Centre. — Rendered view of the new Wabash Community Recreation Centre Town Square, view from the southwest side of the Square, looking towards the northeast.

A rendering showing the three building massing volumes surrounding a glass entry condition. The reuse of the existing building façade plays a large part in the overall development. This rendering also shown the open to sky contemplative space and the newly restored chimney stack, both which were part of the original factory building. — Rendered view of the new Wabash Community Recreation Centre façade, viewed the east side, looking northwest from Wabash Avenue.

A rendering of the proposed design for the aquatic wing, with a viewpoint from the north end of the pools looking south towards the Lobby. The lane pool, with a play climbing wall on the right side. Windows on the right look out onto Sorauren Park. In the background is the Leisure pool, with a tri-bucket dump water play structure. There is a large, two storey glass wall between the lobby and the aquatic wing. — Rendering of the aquatic wing from the north, facing the lobby. The lane pool is in the foreground and leisure pool is in the background.

A rendering of the proposed design for the aquatic wing, with a viewpoint from the south end of the Natatorium looking northwards towards the lane pool. The leisure pool with a bucket water dump play structure. The wall to our left is punctuated by openings to the park, and the view to the right is looking towards the change rooms on the ground floor and fitness areas on the second floor. Both adjacent areas are separated through glass partitions for visibility and security. — Rendering of the aquatic wing from the south, facing north. The leisure pool is in the foreground and the lane pool is in the background.

A rendered view that shows the lobby condition from the west side. On the left we can see into the Natatorium, seeing the leisure pool through a two-storey glass wall and on the right, we can see the restored wall of the existing building which leads to ground floor multipurpose rooms and administrative office. The lobby is multistory, and this view shows the bridge of the second floor connecting the upper level of the fitness areas from the left to the existing building on the right. We can also see the glass wall on the East side (opposite side) of the lobby which leads to the pickup and drop off area. — Rendering of the main lobby with aquatic wing to the left and existing factory building façade to the right.

The rendering of the proposed design shows a banquet seating arrangement to the space in the foreground with the teaching kitchen in the background. Adjacent and on either side of the kitchen we have doors connecting us to the park / community plaza on the left and the lobby space on the right. — Rendering of the ground floor kitchen with doors to the Town Square on the left and doors to the lobby in the background.

The rendering of the proposed design shows the excellent views that connect this space to its surroundings. Through the glass wall the view is focused the pool. Views to the outside are also provided from this space through by means of seeing through the aquatics wing to the park on the west and seeing through the glass corridor wall on the East through the corridor to the exterior. The materiality of the space is comprised of a sprung wood floor and light wall surfaces which allow the light to bounce deep into the space. — Rendering of the second floor dance and fitness studio with views into the aquatics wing on the left.

The rendering shows the overall feel of being on the second-floor lobby “bridge” that connects the fitness areas in the north part of the building to the existing building on the south. The view here is from the south looking north, with a glimpse of the Natatorium down below to your left and the view towards a seating / lounge area located on the bridge. — Rendering of the second floor lobby and lounge space.

The rendering illustrates the multilevel connectivity of the atrium space connecting levels 1 through 4. The view here is from the north looking south toward the lounge area and the feature stair which connects all the levels together. — Rendering of second floor lobby and lounge space on the east side of the building.

A rendering illustrating the double storey gymnasium with an upper running track. The materiality of the gymnasium is a combination of wood exhibited in the heavy timber structure and roof as well as the sprung wood flooring, and light-colored walls. The view is looking north, hence to our left are windows that look out over the park and to the right is a glass wall that connects to the corridor and the multistory atrium. — Rendering of the gymnasium with upper running track.

An aerial rendering view from the Northwest showing the new development and the interaction of the 3 major building components. The Aquatic volume has a fully accessible roof where on can take advantage of the views to the neighbourhood as well as to the downtown. The roofscape is divided between user friendly spaces such as open amenity, fitness, seating areas and non-accessible spaces used for storm water harvesting through a live green roof and solar harvesting through roof-based photovoltaics. — Rendering of the northern rooftop accessible from the third floor. This features solar panels and a green roof, as well as activity space and seating.

A rendering illustrating the view to the neighbourhood from the South Rooftop located on the third floor. The view shows a visual connection down to Wabash Avenue as well as the visual connection to the downtown in the distance. The rendering illustrates the hardscape amenity of the South Terrace for leisure and gathering concentrating on the reuse of the brick façade as part of the design. — Rendering of southern rooftop space, accessible from the third floor.

A rendering illustrating the running track as seen from the northeast corner of the space. Looking southwest down the track we see the windows to our right which connect the space to the park below. Up above we see the heavy timber roof structure with skylights for added daylighting and natural ventilation. — Rendering of the fourth floor running track.

Site Plans

Landscape

Site Plan for the Features off-leash area and social seating area to the north, Sacred Fire Ceremonial Space and sloped lawn in the centre, Town Square in the south, and parking, pick-up and drop-off area to the east. — Site Plan for the overall landscape.

The new building is in the southeast corner of the existing Sorauren Park. The plan includes a fieldhouse next to Wabash Avenue and the new community recreation centre, with the reading garden and parking lot, is located along the rail corridor. The community plaza, on the west side of the centre, is next to the sloped lawn and sacred fire ceremonial space. The off-leash area is north of the centre.

Off-Leash Area and Seating Area

A rendered site plan view of the off-leash area, situated just north of Wabash Community Centre. The surface of the off-leash area is mulch, and the space is enclosed by a wooden fence. The perimeter of the off-leash area is surrounding by a strip of planting. Within the off-leash area, there is bench seating on the north side and west side, with waste receptacles close-by. The centre of the off-leash area is mostly open, but includes some large boulder and log features. There is a pedestrian access gate on the southwest side of the fence, and a maintenance access gate on the north side. At the pedestrian access gate, there is a bench for seating, a waste receptacle, bag-dispenser, and drinking fountain. West of the off-leash area is a social seating area with tree planting, circular seating platforms, and permeable paving material. — Site plan for the off-leash area and social seating area.

Post and paddle fence
Public access double-gate
Maintenance access
Engineered wood fibre surfacing (mulch-like)
Sloped planting buffer
Dog waste bag dispenser and trash receptacle
Benches
Boulder and log dog play elements
Drinking fountain, bottle filler and dog water bowl
Tree planting in decorative paving
Circular social seating platforms

Sacred Fire Ceremonial Space

Sacred fire feature
Circular rainwater garden (bioswale)
Stone seating near fire (for small groups)
Circular wooden bench seating (for large groups)
Canopy with privacy screens
Boardwalk/bridge over rainwater garden (no incline)
Sloped planting buffer
Sloped lawn (sloped south)

Town Square

Town Square
Skateboard dot
Sloped lawn
Social seating areas
Feature bench
Western building entrance
Sidewalk
Bike parking
Vendor vehicle access for Farmers’ Market
Harvest table
Existing pizza oven
Fieldhouse entrance
Fieldhouse washroom entrance
Steps north
Ramps north

Parking, Drop-off and Outdoor Reading Room

A rendered site plan view of the Pick-up/Drop-off area and Reading Garden. On the east side of the community centre building is a small partially enclosed Reading Garden with plantings, permeable paving material, and quiet seating areas. North of the reading garden, adjacent to the entrance to the building, is a pick-up/drop-off area paved with unit pavers, an open space for vehicle turn-around, a handful of parking stalls, and a small gathering space with seating and planting. To the east of the drop-off area is a concrete railway crash wall and berm, separating the parking area and community centre from the adjacent rail corridor. — Site plan for the parking, drop-off and outdoor reading room area.

Building entrance
Bench seating
Bicycle parking (post and ring)
Curbless unit paved surface
Bollards and tactile strips
Rail corridor crash wall and berm
Reading garden
Heritage brick wall and chimney
Tree planting in resin-bound aggregate surface
Parking including staff parking (7 spaces)
Accessible parking (2 spaces)
Wheel-trans drop-off/pick-up
Vehicle turnaround area
Loading area

Ground Floor

25-metre, six-lane pool
Shallow leisure pool
Two universal change rooms with:
1. private change stalls
2. washroom stalls
3. sinks and mirrors
4. aquatic staff areas
5. storage area
6. leadership lounge
Lobby viewing area
Large divisible multi-purpose room with direct outdoor access
Community kitchen with direct outdoor and lobby access
Lobby
Reception area
Main entries
Event/display area
Administration
Elevator
Stairs
Washrooms
Shipping/loading
Outdoor activity space – reading garden
Public access washrooms

Second Floor

Double gymnasium with:
1. NCAA basketball court
2. storage room
3. locker room
4. washrooms
Multi-purpose rooms
Storage
Lobby/atrium area with multi-level connectivity
North amenity roof with:
1. green roof
2. hardscape terrace
3. photovoltaic area
4. seating and event area
5. fitness/stationary equipment area
6. outdoor storage area
South amenity roof with:
1. green roof
2. hardscape area
Washrooms
Elevators
Stairs

Third Floor

Double gymnasium with:
1. NCAA basketball court
2. storage room
3. locker room
4. washrooms
Multi-purpose rooms
Storage
Lobby/atrium area with multi-level connectivity
North amenity roof with:
1. green roof
2. hardscape terrace
3. photovoltaic area
4. seating and event area
5. fitness/stationary equipment area
6. outdoor storage area
South amenity roof with:
1. green roof
2. hardscape area
Washrooms
Elevators
Stairs

Third Floor Rooftop

A rendered plan view of the Level 3 Green Roof and Amenity Terraces. On the north side is a large roof area. The west side facing the park is a large expanse of extensive green roof planting integrated with photovoltaic cells. The east side facing the city is a large pedestrian terrace with accessible access ramp, fitness area, seating, intensive green roof planting, and a raised wooden viewing platform. On the south side of the building is a smaller terrace with seating and intensive green roof planting. — Third floor rooftop site plan. Features a north roof with a green roof, solar panels and active rooftop space, and a southern roof with active rooftop space and plantings.

Green roof with solar panels
Viewing deck and seating
Flexible gathering space
Wood bench
Intensive planting areas
Outdoor fitness equipment on rubber surface
Ramp and steps into building

Fourth Floor

Two-lane running track
Stretching and conditioning area
Lobby/atrium area with multi-level connectivity
Mechanical area
Washroom
Elevators
Stairs

Indigenous Land Use

Darin P. Wybenga, Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, provided a summary of Indigenous land use in the vicinity of Wabash Community Recreation Centre, which will be included on signage at the new centre.

Learn about Indigenous Land Use.

Community Engagement Phase A: Building a Vision

This section is organized as follows:

What Happened in This Phase
Project Vision, Design Principles and Big Moves
The Angler Building Placement
Community Engagement Meetings and Events

What Happened in This Phase

Established a vision, design principles and “Big Moves” (key goals) for the centre’s design.
Presented and collected feedback on site design options for the size and placement of the new centre in Sorauren Park. “The Angler” was selected as the site design option to be further refined through continued community engagement.
Established and met with the Community Resource Group (CRG), which included representatives from local community organizations. The CRG serves as an advisory body to the project team at key decision points during the community engagement process.
Established and met with the Indigenous Advisory Circle to ensure the new centre is welcoming to Indigenous Peoples and uses, and reflects the historic and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples.

Project Vision, Design Principles and Big Moves

The following project vision, design principles and big moves will direct the centre’s design moving forward. These were developed and refined based on multiple rounds of community and stakeholder consultation.

Project Vision

The Wabash Community Recreation Centre will be a space where all community members, regardless of income, race, gender, ability, age, culture, housing status, religion, or spoken language can come together, feel welcome, feel belonging and participate in recreation and community-building activities. The social and community-building activities of both the Town Square and Fieldhouse are fundamental to the success of the new Centre and any physical changes to these features will continue to support these activities. The Centre will be physically accessible to all and prioritize environmentally sustainable design by targeting Net-Zero emissions and energy use. The design will recognize the site’s history, from the historic and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples on the land to the recent industrial history. Multi-season use, multi-functionality and integration between indoor and outdoor spaces will be considered throughout the design to ensure community members have access to flexible and functional spaces they can use for a wide range of activities throughout the year and as the needs of the community change over time.

Design Principles

Physically design spaces to support equitable access for all people, regardless of income, race, gender, ability, age, culture, housing status, religion or spoken language, and to ensure all feel welcome, a sense of belonging and do not experience barriers to participation or access.
Recognize the site’s history and preserve elements of built and cultural heritage. Research and recognize Indigenous presence on the land; consult with Indigenous Peoples on how this is best accomplished. Collaborate with Heritage Preservation Services to retain and restore the chimney and principle facades and any significant heritage elements of the Linseed Oil Factory as required.
Incorporate ambitious Net-Zero emissions (energy) goals and environmentally-progressive design and processes throughout the construction and operations of the new Centre.
Support the community-building activities that the Town Square and Fieldhouse provide, while allowing for physical changes to both.
Incorporate community meeting spaces and the ability to host arts-based uses into multipurpose and outdoor spaces whenever possible.
Design to encourage access through active transportation and transit and providing a limited amount of parking as the site allows.
Ensure integration between the building and the park. Provide integration between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the year, as weather permits.
Design for the future by building for the recreation needs of a growing and changing community through flexible spaces, integration with future community assets (e.g. connection to the West Toronto Rail Path), climate resilience, advances in technology and emergency-preparedness.

Big Moves

Provide the full community recreation centre program as mandated by Council (indoor pools, gym and multi-purpose spaces), requiring an addition to the existing Linseed Oil Factory.
Connect the recreation centre to the larger site and park by providing integration between indoor and outdoor spaces to support recreation and community activities throughout the year, as weather permits.
Design to maintain and support the social and community-building activities of existing public spaces.
Collaborate with Toronto Heritage Preservation Services to retain and restore the chimney and principle facades and any significant heritage elements of the Linseed Oil Factory as required.
Build a targeted Net Zero Emissions/(Energy) Building.

The Angler Building Placement

Based on community feedback and input from the City’s operational staff, “The Angler” was confirmed as the site design option to be further refined through continued community engagement.

The images and description of the Angler site design option displayed here were presented during community engagement events from spring to summer 2021.

Aerial layout of the Angler Site Design option. The new addition is north and above the existing factory building. — Site plan.

The Angler design option Building Massing and Placement. Top image shows massing view from southwest looking northeast. Bottom image shows massing from Wabash Ave looking northwest. The building is about 4 stories with the new segments located on top and north of the existing factory. — Design plan.

Angler: Building Massing and Placement

Building massing is expected to be 4-storeys in height.
Aquatic building components to be located at grade and located north of the historical building.
Multipurpose and Administrative components to be in the historical building occupying the first storey adjacent the Town Square and second storey.
Gymnasium and Running Track to be located on the third and fourth storey and will extend from the historical building to the north over the Aquatic building component.
Lobby / Atrium areas will connect the historical and new building addition and serve as a link between the new parking area and the Town Square.

Angler: Relationship with Park

Town Square will remain in its current location and will be integrated into the overall development through new hardscaping and park connections.
The building mass creates an eastern edge to the Town Square and a transition landscape to the park following the railway corridor.
Dogs off-leash area will remain in its current location with a 20 per cent reduction in size.

Fieldhouse structure is not impacted by the proposed building option.

Community Engagement Meetings and Events

August 18, 2021

Local Indigenous Advisory Circle Meeting 2

The purpose of this meeting was to:

Provide an update on actions being taken based on member feedback from the last meeting.
Gather design suggestions for the new Wabash Community Recreation Centre, to make sure the space is welcoming for Indigenous community members and uses.

A project update was presented followed by a discussion. Discussion questions included:

Do you have feedback about “The Angler” preferred building placement option?
What features or uses should we consider to make the indoor multi-purpose spaces and outdoor spaces appropriate for Indigenous uses (e.g. events, programs, meetings)?
Do you have ideas for how you would like to see art or plantings reflect the Indigenous history of the area or celebrate the continued presence of Indigenous peoples around the site?
How can we make the community centre more open and inviting for Indigenous peoples?
Do you have any other feedback or questions?

July 2021

Indigenous Youth Engagement

To ensure the centre is designed to be welcoming for Indigenous youth, the project team held an online youth workshop with ENAGB Youth Board Members. The workshop lasted approximately 40 minutes and was hosted online using Google Jamboards, an interactive online platform that allows participants to vote, leave notes and questions throughout the workshop.

Download the ENAGB engagement summary.

Local Youth Engagement

To ensure the centre is designed to be welcoming for local youth, the project team held online youth workshops with two local grade eight classrooms (Fern Avenue Jr. and Sr. Public School and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School). Each workshop lasted approximately 30 minutes and was hosted online using Google Jamboards, an interactive online platform that allows participants to vote, leave notes and questions throughout the workshop.

Download the youth engagement summary.

June 8, 2021

Community Resource Group (CRG) Meeting 3

The purpose of the meeting was to review and discuss the results of the third phase of engagement and discuss next steps.

Download the:

May 5 to May 31, 2021

Online Survey

Feedback and preferences on various design options was collected in an online survey from May 5 to May 31. The survey received approximately 1,175 responses.

Download the May 2021 online survey summary.

May 27, 2021

Indigenous Advisory Circle Meeting 1

The goal of the Circle is to ensure the new Wabash Community Recreation Centre is welcoming to Indigenous Peoples and uses and reflects the historic and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples. Initial members include representatives from the Treaty Holders, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and two local Indigenous community members.

The purpose of the first meeting was to:

Listen to suggestions about how to ensure the new Wabash Community Recreation Centre is welcoming to Indigenous Peoples and uses, and reflects the historic and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples in the area.
Share information about the project
Answer questions about the project

A project overview was presented followed by a discussion with the Circle members.

May 11, 2021

Virtual Public Meeting

A virtual public meeting was hosted on May 11, 2021, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Staff presented draft site design options and collected community feedback.

Download the:

April 27, 2021

Community Resource Group (CRG) Meeting 2

The purpose of the meeting was to confirm the project vision, design principles and big moves; share and seek feedback on the draft site design option; and provide the project team with constructive feedback and suggestions on the draft materials to be presented at the public meeting.

Download the:

October 5, 2020

Online Survey

Feedback collected through the survey helped the project team refine the project vision, design principles and big moves, which guide the design of the community centre moving forward. The survey closed on October 5, 2020.

Download the October 2020 online survey summary.

August to October 2020

Conversations with Community Stakeholders

From August to October, the project team held calls with various community stakeholder groups to resume the community engagement process for the new recreation centre, introduce the project team, understand community priorities and interests in regard to this project and share the public engagement process and upcoming public engagement events.

Download the summary of these conversations.

September 28, 2020

Virtual Small Group Discussions

Virtual small group meetings, similar to in-person round-table discussions, took place on September 28, 2020, between 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Participants were able to select a 45-minute time slot to share their thoughts and hear from others.

Download the discussion summary.

September 22, 2020

Virtual Townhall

A virtual townhall took place on September 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Feedback collected through the Townhall helped the project team refine the project vision, design principles and big moves, which guide the design of the community centre moving forward.

Download the

Due to a technical error, a meeting recording is not available. Instead, the written transcript provides a record of the meeting events and the feedback collected.

September 16, 2020

Community Resource Group (CRG) Meeting 1

The purpose of the first meeting was to kick off the Community Resource Group by reviewing and confirming the Draft Terms of Reference, introducing the project and the project team, and by presenting and seeking feedback on the draft proposed vision, design principles and design goals/Big Moves.

Download the CRG meeting 1 summary.

July 10, 2018

Public Meeting and Workshop

City staff hosted a public meeting to introduce the project to the community and to hear initial ideas on potential facility programs/features the community might like to see for the recreation centre. Feedback from this meeting helped to inform the scope of work and hiring of the project’s Consultant Team.

Download a summary of the meeting.

Community Engagement Phase B: Exploring Design Options

This section is organized as follows:

What Happened in This Phase
Draft Preferred Design
Community Engagement Meetings and Events

What Happened in This Phase

Presented and collected feedback on a draft preferred design for the new centre.

Draft Preferred Design

The draft preferred design renderings were presented at the start of the Phase B: Exploring Options, to gather feedback from community members about how to further refine these designs.

The use of the colour white in the renderings is a placeholder. Materials and colours will be determined through additional study and discussion.

Rendering of the draft design for the Wabash CRC, view from Wabash Ave looking north east across the town square. The streetscape includes a row of street trees between Wabash Ave and the town square, which is show with market tents and tables set up. The new Centre includes the existing Linseed Oil Factory building with a new section to the north of, and above the existing building. The new building portions have louvres to let light in but block direct sun. — Rendering of the draft design for the Wabash CRC, view from Wabash Ave looking north east across the town square.

Draft design rendering of the lobby, with the aquatics facility on the left, staircase in the centre, and brick wall of the Linseed Factory on the right. At the top of the rendering is the lookout from the second floor of the lobby space. — Draft design rendering of the lobby, with the aquatics facility on the left.

Draft design rendering of the aquatics facility showing the leisure pool in the foreground with 3 dump-bucket water play features and lane pool in the background with a removable climbing wall feature. Both pools have accessible ramp entrances. — Draft design rendering of the aquatics facility showing the leisure pool in the foreground and lane pool in the background.

Draft design rendering of the multi level lobby area, looking west over the main lobby and pool facility, including seating and tables. People are sitting and working at a computer. — Draft design rendering of the bright multi-level lobby area.

Draft design rendering of the bright multi level lobby area showing a casual seating or meeting area and upper floor lobby spaces with wooden railings. People are hanging out in the seating area. — Draft design rendering of the bright multi-level lobby area.

Draft design rendering of the dance Studio that includes a sprung wood floor, mirror wall, barre, and sound system. — Draft design rendering of the dance studio.

Draft design rendering of the rooftop area on the Linseed Factory, with people taking in the views towards the downtown Toronto skyline. — Draft design rendering of the rooftop area with views towards the Toronto skyline.

Draft design rendering of the double gymnasium with a western wall of glass and louvres and an eastern wall of glass facing an internal hallway. A raised running track is included on the top outer edge of the gymnasium space. In the gymnasium, people are playing basketball. — Draft design rendering of the double gymnasium.

Draft design rendering of the fitness area with people working out, chatting and running on a treadmill. The west side of the fitness area overlooks the pool. — Draft design rendering of the fitness area overlooking pools.

Draft design rendering of the running track located on top of the gymnasium and next to the fitness area. People are running on the track and working out in the fitness area. Community Engagement (C): Setting the Design Direction Spring 2022 to Fall 2022 The is phase of community engagement will begin in late fall 2022. In this phase, a final proposed design for the new Centre and surrounding landscape (a revised version of the draft preferred design) will be presented to the local community for a final round of feedback and revision. design team is working to refine the draft proposed landscape and building design. This will be presented to the local community for a final round of feedback in late 2022. — Draft design rendering of the running track located on top of the gymnasium.

Community Engagement Meetings and Events

March 2, 2022

Community Resource Group (CRG) Meeting 5

The purpose of the meeting was to present and seek feedback on the developing design for the new centre, which has incorporated feedback from the last round of public consultation.

Download the meeting summary.

November to December 2021

Youth Engagement

Project staff held three youth engagement sessions with:

City of Toronto Parkdale Youth Group on November 17
Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School Grade 9 Students on November 24 and December 3

Download the Youth Engagement Summary.

November 3 to 17, 2021

Online Survey

An online survey was available from November 3 to 17, 2021 to collect community feedback on the draft design for the new centre. Hard copies of the survey were available by request. The survey received approximately 670 responses.

Download the survey summary.

November 3, 2021

Virtual Public Meeting

In this fourth virtual public meeting, the design team presented and collected community feedback on a draft design for the new centre.

Watch the meeting recording. Automatic closed captions are available in many languages.

Download the:

October 20, 2021

Local Indigenous Advisory Circle Meeting 3

The purpose of this meeting was to:

Provide an update on the design development
Work together to develop design elements:
- Landscape features including potential sacred fire pit and small water feature for ceremony and plantings
- Potential rooftop features
- Public art opportunities for the site
- Interpretative signage or other features
Collect input to further develop and refine designs, with a focus on:
- Community Kitchen
- Multi-purpose rooms
- Aquatic and gymnasium spaces
- Other elements of the design

A project update was presented followed by a discussion about the various design features.

October 14, 2021

Community Resource Group (CRG) Meeting 4

The purpose of the meeting was to present and seek feedback on the developing draft design for the new centre.

Download the:

Community Engagement Phase C: Setting the Direction

This section is organized as follows:

What happened in this phase
Community Engagement Meetings and Events

What Happened in This Phase

The final preferred design for the new Community Recreation Centre and surrounding landscape was presented to the local community for a final round of feedback and revisions.

Community Engagement Meetings and Events

July 2023

Virtual Public Meeting

On July 5, 2023, the final public meeting was held where the design team presented and collected community feedback on a preferred design for the new centre.

A recording, summary and presentation will be shared here when available.

June 2023

Online Survey

From June 7 to July 9, 2023, an online survey collected community feedback on the preferred design for the new centre. Paper copies of the survey were available by request. The survey received 360 complete responses and 830 partial responses.