Today, City Council endorsed a new city-wide Parkland Strategy which will provide strategic direction on current and future parks planning, land acquisition, and investment.
Toronto’s parks system is integral to its identity as a global, livable city, and it greatly contributes to its health, quality of life, social cohesion and ecological sustainability. Toronto has more than 1,500 parks, which cover approximately 13 per cent of the city’s land base (totalling more than 8,000 hectares or 19,768 acres).
The Strategy’s vision was developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders and the public and reflects how the City’s parks system should evolve over the next 20 years.
It is led by guiding principles of expand, improve, include and connect. These principles reflect the need for a multi-faceted approach to how Toronto will continue to enhance its parks system in the face of different challenges and opportunities across the city.
The Parkland Strategy findings have already informed City plans for Rail Deck Park and the parks and public realm plans for TOcore and Midtown in Focus.
Staff are recommending the Parkland Strategy be reviewed every five years to ensure that it remains relevant amidst increasing growth and change across Toronto.
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“As the city grows and intensifies, the parks system will contend with the increased use of and need for additional park space for people to enjoy that is functional and accessible. The Parkland Strategy is an essential tool for navigating and balancing these needs.”
– Mayor John Tory
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