Green space improves our communities and enriches our well being.
The Liberal government has failed to deliver much needed green space in
the heart of Toronto with land the province owns.
The
Ontario government owns a 2.1 acre/.84 hectare lot on Wellesley Street
West near Yonge street in the heart of downtown Toronto. This parcel of
land has sat mostly unused since the 1980s when it was to be donated
for an opera house. At the time, the plan was for more commercial
development in the area. After the recession in the 1990's the opera
house plan was scrapped and development began to shift to residential
projects: condominiums.
This area, Ward 27, has
seen incredible growth in the past several years, with a 20 per cent
increase in population since 2006, making it the second most populous
ward in Toronto. As density increases, the value of this land becomes
even more apparent. Existing developments and projects already in
process give this area a distinctive urban character and when complete
there will be more than 70 towers in the neighbourhood. Ward 27 is also
characterized by a lack of parkland.
The
Provincial Policy Statement (“PPS”), provides policy direction on
matters of provincial interest related to land use, planning and
development. It encourages development patterns that support strong,
live-able and healthy communities by endorsing intensification as a
means to accommodate growth and increase urban vitality.
Toronto
Centre MPP, Glen Murray has said that the ratio of developments to
green space in the neighbourhood is getting to a crisis point, yet his
government has failed to act citing the value of the land and the need
to reduce the deficit. At the same time, in a bid to save seats, the
Liberals moved gas plants from Mississauga and Oakville at taxpayers
expense to the tune of several hundred million dollars.
I
know and appreciate the value that green spaces offer a community.
Accordingly, I call upon the Ontario government to work out a deal with
the city that would see this land donated (as it was to be years ago) to
the City of Toronto, with the proviso that it is to be used as an urban
park.
I support Councillor Wong-Tam’s proposal
that the park be named after Toronto urban activist Jane Jacobs. This is
a wonderful idea and a fitting tribute to a wonderful Toronto
personality. However, I disagree with the proposed plan to build one
more condo tower on the site.
An urban park here
would be an investment in the future. It is an opportunity to improve
the quality of life of local residents while helping to ensure property
values in the area. The city could create an urban park that provides a
play space for children, meeting space for community events, and could
incorporate below-grade shopping or community services in order to
provide some financial returns to the city.
--Mark Daye
Community and Social Services Critic
Community and Social Services Critic
Green Party of Ontario
