Biidaasige Park (pronounced Bee-daw-sih-geh), meaning “sunlight shining towards us” in Anishinaabemowin, is set to open in the summer of 2025 on Toronto’s newly formed island, Ookwemin Minising. This name (pronounced Oh-kway-mihn Mih-nih-sing), translates to “place/island of the black cherry trees,” and honours the area's natural history. The name was chosen through a collaborative process with an Indigenous Advisory Circle comprising Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members. The park's name reflects themes of renewal and environmental stewardship, aligning with the broader goals of the Port Lands Flood Protection project, which aims to renaturalize the Don River and create resilient urban spaces.
As part of one of North America's largest waterfront redevelopment initiatives, Biidaasige Park is poised to become a major attraction, with over a million projected visitors annually. The park features restored natural habitats, a barbeque and picnic terrace, two dog off-leash areas, climbing sculptures, a large waterplay feature, cableways, pedestrian and cycling trails, public art installations and the Lassonde Art Trail, and preserved heritage structures like the Atlas Crane, symbolizing the area's industrial past.
The eastern portion of Biidaasige Park will be open on July 18th, with the western and northern portions of the Park opening in stages over the coming years. Several other parks will also open in the future as development of Ookwemin Minising proceeds.
More information about the park, how to get there and what activities you can do there is available at Biidaasige Park Facility page.