Author(s)

T. Genco

Abstract

Downsview Park is a story of transformation. From its roots as a former military base, Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) seeks to transform the site into a unique urban recreation greenspace for the enjoyment of future generations on a self financing basis. Key to doing this is the creation of a national urban park that then creates a community around it to support, nurture and transform it. The process is complex and requires the support of a variety of stakeholders that surround the site as well as national partners on behalf of the national government of Canada that PDP take on the task without any direct financial support from the federal government, just the opportunity created through the land. The process has begun with the creation of the park design that is the result of 179 expressions of interest from 22 countries around the world and is built on the values of sustainability, stewardship, play, legacy and beauty. In combination these values are the corporate themes of heritage, innovation, technology, community and environment and are woven in to form an integrated theme. The site is undergoing a transformation that includes the possibility of a subway development and the creation of an urban development plan and sustainable community development guidelines that become a calling card to the marketplace of ideas and the potential of leading edge technologies and opportunities. This paper explores the challenges that have been presented to date and the progress that has been made and the opportunity to bring more partners into the planning in order to demonstrate how such a transformation can happen with hard work, commitment and determination to get the job done right. Keywords: Downsview Park, sustainability, public open space, Canada Forest, policy development, self-financing, international design competition, sustainable community development guidelines, public consultation, urban development plan.

Keywords

Downsview Park, sustainability, public open space, Canada Forest, policy development, self-financing, international design competition, sustainable community development guidelines, public consultation, urban development plan.