August 23, 1999

To: Councillor Brian Ashton

Chair; Toronto Economic Development Committee

From: Councillor Michael Walker

Subject: Naming of New Parkette - N/E corner of Yonge Street and Lawrence

Avenue East "The George Milbrandt Parkette"

_________________________________________________

 Dear Councillor Ashton,

Recommendation:

That staff from the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department, Parks and Recreation Division in consultation with Heritage Toronto staff be requested to report on naming the new parkette on the north-east corner of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East in Ward 22, "The George Milbrandt Parkette" in recognition of local citizen George Milbrandt who was instrumental in creating the park.

Background:

Back in mid-1973, Mr. George Milbrandt on behalf of the Bedford Park Residents' Association requested the then Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto to make the land outside the subway entrance at the N/E corner of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East into a parkette.

While Metropolitan Toronto initiated action to "close" this area of land as public highway and designating it as park land, this process was not completed back in 1973 - 75.

The issue was reactivated in late July 1997 by the same citizen, Mr. George Milbrandt. In late 1998 the land in question was finally removed as public highway and designated as park land by City Council of the new City of Toronto.

Now, after a wait of 25 years, the land is formally parkland and staff have initiated a modest landscaping program incorporating some shade trees, park benches, grading and grass.

What will the name of this park be? Or put another way, who should it be named after? The new Bedford Park Association in a letter dated August 8, 1998 strongly support naming this new parkette after its chief proponent, George Milbrandt, for obvious reasons - his record over the decades in protecting and enhancing his community and his concurrent perseverance in getting this small piece of land at Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East dedicated as a park for local citizens' enjoyment.

I attach suggested wording for a plaque naming this parkette after George Milbrandt. If you have any questions or require further documentation, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Yours sincerely,

   Michael Walker

Councillor - North Toronto

Mr. Joe Halstead, Commissioner; Economic Development, Tourism and Trade

Mr. George Milbrandt

Mr. Michael Opara, Chair, Bedford Park Residents' Association