Item - 2020.TE13.17

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Toronto and East York Community Council on February 5, 2020 and was adopted with amendments. City Council has delegated authority for this matter to the Toronto and East York Community Council and therefore, the decision is final.

TE13.17 - The Feasibility of Renaming "Northern Linear Park" to "Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial Park"

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Amended

Schedule Type:: Delegated

Ward:: 10 - Spadina - Fort York

Community Council Decision

The Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to consult further with the Foundation to Commemorate the Chinese Railroad Workers in Canada to identify additional naming opportunities to recognize the contributions of Chinese railroad workers in Canada, including but not limited to renaming the existing multi-use trail in Northern Linear Park.

Origin

(January 14, 2020) Report from The General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Summary

On September 17, 2019, Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR) received a formal application to rename "Northern Linear Park", located at 4 Blue Jays Way, to "Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial Park". The City of Toronto reviewed the application in accordance with City's Property Naming Policy.

PFR conducted a review of anticipated park development along the downtown rail corridor. In the coming years, Rail Deck Park project will impact the area between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street over the rail corridor and directly adjacent Northern Linear Park. Since PFR continues to plan for Rail Deck Park, it does not recommend renaming the park while this large park development is underway.

Background Information

(January 14, 2020) Report from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation - The Feasibility of Renaming "Northern Linear Park" to "Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial Park"
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-144561.pdf

Motions

Motion to Amend Item moved by Councillor Joe Cressy (Carried)

That the Toronto and East York Community Council:

1. Request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to consult further with the Foundation to Commemorate the Chinese Railroad Workers in Canada to identify additional naming opportunities to recognize the contributions of Chinese railroad workers in Canada, including but not limited to renaming the existing multi-use trail in Northern Linear Park.