The City is expanding Prescott Parkette by 1,350 m2 – slightly smaller than three National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball courts – using the parking lot at 31 Blackthorn Ave. The expanded parkette will feature open green space and a pathway connecting S.A.D.R.A. Park Trail (to the west) and Don Panos Parkette (to the east). It will be bordered by Blackthorn Avenue (west), Prescott Avenue (east), residential properties (north), and a laneway (south). Fencing will be removed, and the park will open to the public once environmental work is complete and the grass has had time to establish, which is expected by early 2025.
The timeline is subject to change.
Environmental checks are done at the site, including locating utilities, drilling and collecting samples.
The Toronto Parking Authority started decommissioning the parking lot by removing the asphalt, adding topsoil, and installing sod and a pathway.
Hydro One reviewed the draft plans for decommissioning and park design. The plans were refined to meet technical requirements and ensure public safety in the active hydro corridor.
Meetings were held with the City, Toronto Parking Authority, the local Councillor and community stakeholder groups to discuss the decommissioning plans for 31 Blackthorn Ave. and provide updates on current, new and future paid parking options in the area.
The site was reviewed and considered for its potential as a new park, including its design.
A review of the Toronto Parking Authority’s portfolio determined that the parking lot at 31 Blackthorn Ave. was no longer financially viable. The City identified the site as a potential location for a public park, as it is in an area with a need for more parkland.
The site at 31 Blackthorn Ave., owned by Hydro One, was previously a parking lot run by the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA). TPA deemed the lot financially unviable. The City will now license the site for use as parkland. The parking lot at 20 Prescott Ave. remains open and has been reconfigured to better serve the community. Additionally, TPA has introduced approximately 60 new on-street paid parking spaces to support the local area.