Item - 2009.TE29.87

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1.         Requested the Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning to prepare a report by December 31, 2009, regarding the appropriate Zoning of the City-owned land bounded by Ordnance Street (on the west side) and the CPR/CNR lines in the Fort York neighbourhood.

Discussion:  As members of the Toronto and East York Community Council are aware, major, and much needed changes, are underway in the Fort York neighbourhood and at Fort York itself.  Fort York National Historic Site, the city’s birthplace and oldest historic site, will gain prominence as an outstanding centre for learning and a unique space in the public realm - accessible and enjoyable all year round – and will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. But in particular, the plans for the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge will generally follow the old Garrison Creek alignment and link the neighbourhood to the north to Fort York and to the Waterfront.

The City of Toronto, through Facilities and Real Estate, owns this land which is presently being used a parking lot. Not only will the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge will cross over these lands, but the current proposal includes an opening in the bridge to eventually provide an access point to these lands below and to the Liberty Village community.

Given the city-wide prominence and local importance of the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge, I would recommend that the Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning prepare a report regarding the appropriate Zoning of the City owned land bounded by Ordnance Street and the CPR/CNR lines with a view to having them classified as future parkland. Thank you for your attention to my comments.