Public recreational facilities such as sport fields, pools, community centres, and ice rinks are an important element in community building. New additions to the city including Regent Park's new Aquatic Centre and Central Park and Parkway Forest's new Community Centre have helped those neighbourhoods develop a refreshed sense of community, and similar projects are expected to enliven other neighbourhoods in the coming years.

To further the goal of community building, The City of Toronto is in the process of developing a 20-year plan to guide both investment and decision making in regards to new public facilities. The new plan will serve as a guide for what, where, how and when to construct new parks and recreation facilities, or revitalize existing spaces to address new needs. The plan also aims to increase accessibility of public spaces, while exploring the possibility of new partnership opportunities.

Regent Park Central Park and Aquatic Centre, image by Rémi Carreiro via Flickr

Public input is being sought on this 20-year plan, and members of the public are being invited to participate in upcoming Town Hall meetings planned across the city. Dates and times for the planned meetings are included below.

• Toronto & East York District: Tuesday, February 23, 7 to 9 PM, Wallace Emmerson Community Centre (1260 Dufferin St.) 

• Scarborough District: Wednesday, February 24, 7 to 9 PM, Warden Hilltop Community Centre (25 Mendelssohn St.)

• Etobicoke York District: Wednesday, March 2, 7 to 9 PM, Etobicoke Olympium (590 Rathburn Rd.)

• North York District: Thursday, March 3, 7 to 9 PM, Edithvale Community Centre (131 Finch Ave. W.)

The meetings will be held in accessible locations, and guide dogs will be welcome. Those unable to attend the meetings can participate online by following this link.

Related Companies:  Almadev, Blackwell, Diamond Schmitt Architects