Item - 2011.PE5.4
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Parks and Environment Committee on June 24, 2011. The Parks and Environment Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.
PE5.4 - Coronation Park
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Referred
- Ward:
- 20 - Trinity-Spadina
Committee Decision
The Parks and Environment Committee:
1. Referred the item to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation for a report back to the October 11, 2011 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee.
Origin
Summary
Coronation Park sits directly south of Fort York. The City Park supports a plaque stating that it is the approximate site of the second American attack on Fort York in 1813. The site then being a body of water emerged approximately one hundred years later to form Coronation Park, Fleet Street and Lakeshore Boulevard. In 1935 a sea wall was built which still exists today to level out the land laying the path for the creation of Coronation Park some years later.
Coronation Park was given its name in commemoration of the crowning of a new King after the death of King George V in 1936. The Park become a beacon for Veterans of WWI, who in partnership with the City created a park lined with trees, a war memorial, a Royal Oak tree as a memorial to King George VI encircled by Maple trees to symbolize Canadians who fought in WWI, a circle of seven Maple trees symbolize parts of the British Empire. A number of other trees were planted in Coronation Park to honour those who fought in subsequent wars.
At the base of these trees sit granite or brass plaques naming the unit which the tree symbolizes.
Today the park is in need of repair. It is no longer a shining monument to those who fought in WWI, WWII and the many wars which followed.
As the 100th year anniversary of WWI approaches, it would be fitting for the City of Toronto to enter into a private public partnership to rejuvenate Coronation Park so that we may in 2014 stand in Coronation Park to remember those who fought for us.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/pe/bgrd/backgroundfile-39021.pdf
Motions
That the item be referred to the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation for a report back to the October 11, 2011 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee.