Monday June 27, 2016

Neighbours gathered with the members of the Grange Park Advisory Committee (GPAC) at the top of the new south promenade to celebrate the project’s progress and to officially start the one-year countdown to the opening of the new park in 2017!

Remarks were made by the three GPAC co-chairs – Ward 20 City Councillor Joe Cressy, Grange Community Association President Ralph Daley, and AGO Vice-President Rupert Duchesne – and Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, GPAC member and co-founder, Grange Park Preservation Group, who also read a letter of greeting and congratulations from Adam Vaughan (PDF 536KB), MP for Spadina-Fort York. Mr. Vaughan initiated the Grange Park revitalization project in 2008 when he was City Councillor of Ward 20.

The event gave GPAC and neighbours an opportunity to thank the Weston family and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, and the City of Toronto for their generous support of the project.

The event was covered by urbantoronto.ca – Read the article.

July 4, 2016 at 5:04 pm | Past Community Meetings | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from August 6, 2015

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, August 6, 2015   4:00-5:30 pm

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:

Councillor Joe Cressy (Co-Chair), Ward 20

Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association

Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO

Max Allen, Grange Community Association

Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Peter Couto, GCA

Aisha Green, University Settlement

Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church

Patricia Jacobs, University Settlement

Sandy Ladouceur, AGO

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS Design Build (member-at-large)

Vanessa Nicholas, OCAD University

Katie Nikota, Toronto PFR

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, GCA

Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR

Eric Stadnyk, Toronto PFR

Peter White, Toronto PFR

Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

Approval of the minutes of May 21, 2015

Minutes were approved.

 

Business Arising from the minutes

• Heritage designation for Grange Park:

Joe confirmed that City Council adopted on June 10 the amendment to the designating bylaw for The Grange and Grange Park as heritage properties. Five heritage attributes were identified for Grange Park:

• The placement of The Grange (house) in Grange Park. The landscaped setting an design reflecting the Picturesque Movement which combines open spaces, groves of trees and the views across Grange Park to and from The Grange
• The open space around The Grange and the terraced landscaping in front of and adjoining the south principal elevation
• The near-circular driveway that frames the open lawn in front of The Grange
• The groves of trees along the west side of Grange park adjoining Beverley Street
• The view corridor of the south elevation of the Grange, and the path leading up to it through Grange Park, from John Street at Stephanie Street

 

Ralph thanked Joe for his leadership in finalizing the amendment and bringing it to City Council.

Project Update

Mike advised the meeting that design details are being documented for inclusion in the request for proposal (RFP) for the project. Approvals are proceeding with the City. Outstanding items for City approval relate to accessibility, children’s play area, forestry and heritage. When all outstanding items are addressed, the General Manager of Parks will provide a final letter of approval for the project to proceed.

 

Earthscape, an award winning design-build Ontario company, has been engaged to construct the play equipment. Earthscape will ensure the play equipment adheres to all CSA and accessibility standards. GPAC congratulated Mike on the attention that has gone into the design and construction of the play equipment.

 

Henry Moore in Grange Park

Rupert confirmed that the AGO Board of Trustees gave its support on June 24 to pursue the proposal to move the Henry Moore sculpture Large Two Forms to Grange Park. Since the city’s heritage by-laws do not allow the placement of the sculpture at the top of the John Street promenade, the AGO approached the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which has a number of Moore works set in natural settings, to recommend areas in Grange Park to install the sculpture. On July 9, the AGO submitted a location proposed by Yorkshire to City Parks for review and feedback. Based on GPAC feedback to the City submission, the AGO also investigated other possible sites in the park for the sculpture.

Mike presented 4 options for feedback at the meeting:

• In the grove, near Beverley Street (location recommended by the Yorkshire Sculpture Garden)
• In the grove, near the elliptical path
• At the south end of the grove, near the DOLA
• At the north-west corner of the park, near the AGO.

GPAC provided its endorsement (with two voting members in opposition) to move Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms to Grange Park. GPAC selected two site options to submit to the City for review and feedback:

• In the grove, near the elliptical path
• At the north-west corner of the park, near the AGO.

GPAC agreed meet before the end of September to review the City’s assessment of both locations and select the site they wish to endorse for the sculpture.

 

Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA)

Joe advised the meeting that based on strong positive response received by the community, he will support the inclusion of a dog off-leash area in the south-west corner of Grange Park. He will continue to work with GPAC and the community to address concerns, such as tree protection, ground surface and hours of operation. Images of the DOLA design will be shared at the next GPAC meeting.

 

Communications with the community

(Item deferred to the next meeting)

 

Other Business

 

• John Street Promenade paving stones – inscriptions

GPAC endorsed that the requirement to include inscriptions in up to 12 paving stones should be identified in the rfp for the project.  A sub-committee, consisting of Ceta, Max and Pesha, was struck to bring forward recommended inscriptions for GPAC’s consideration.

 

August 6, 2015 at 2:32 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

Thursday June 4, 2015

Thank you to everyone who attended the community meeting on June 4. The first half of the meeting was an update on the Grange Park revitalization project, including the final design, which incorporates the following new features:

• New seating design, to create a more intimate and versatile approach. There will be a variety of wooden benches, some with arms and backs for accessibility, combined with loose single seating.
• Customized play equipment in shapes that evoke artistic creativity, such as paint palettes, paint cans and crumpled pieces of paper, inspired by re-imagining Arthur Lismer’s studio.
• Use of mobile app technology for selected “landmarks” in the park, to provide more in-depth information about the history of the park and the neighbourhood.
• Engraving selected literary quotations that celebrate the diversity of our community into granite paving stones in the John Street promenade.

We also introduced the proposal to move the sculpture Large Two Forms by Henry Moore, which is at the south-east corner of McCaul and Dundas Streets, to Grange Park. Four possible locations were viewed.

See the slideshow that was presented at the meeting (PDF 4.6MB), with slides of the new design features, possible locations for the Moore sculpture in Grange Park and the timeline for the project.

The second half of the meeting was a discussion about the proposed dog off-leash area (DOLA) at the southwest corner of the park, facilitated by Ward 20 Councillor Joe Cressy. For more information about the proposed DOLA, please contact Councillor Cressy’s office – councillor_cressy@toronto.ca.

The slides and video depicting play equipment are artist’s renderings. All play equipment will be designed to comply with CSA and AODA standards.

We thank everyone for sharing their feedback. Read the comments (PDF 129KB) that were submitted following the meeting.

June 4, 2015 at 2:03 pm | Past Community Meetings | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from May 21, 2015

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 21, 2015, 3-5pm

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:

Councillor Joe Cressy (Co-Chair), Ward 20

Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association

Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO

Max Allen, Grange Community Association

Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Aisha Green, University Settlement

Brian Green, Toronto PFR

Sandy Ladouceur, AGO

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Minesh Mandoda, OCAD University

Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Raymond Ngu, Ward 20 Office

Vanessa Nicholas, OCAD University

Katie Nikota, Toronto PFR

Pearl Quong, GCA

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, GCA

Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR

Eric Stadnyk, Toronto PFR

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Peter White, Toronto PFR

Raymond White, University Settlement

Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Regrets:

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS Design Build (member-at-large)

Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church

 

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

 

Approval of the Minutes of March 27

Minutes were approved with the following addition to the discussion regarding the proposed placement of Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms in Grange Park:

It was suggested that consideration also be given to placing a sculpture by a Canadian artist in Grange Park.

 

Business Arising from the Minutes

 

• Status of City Approvals:

On March 31, City Council endorsed and approved the alterations to Grange Park as a heritage property, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act, in order to allow for the implementation of the revitalization project.  City Council approval came with following conditions:

• Construction drawings are to be prepared in consultation with a qualified heritage consultant, to the satisfaction of the Manager, Heritage Preservation Services;

• Plans are to include:
  • a design and planning plan for heritage gardens directly adjacent to The Grange house;
  • methods to protect the heritage trees, particularly the horse chestnuts during and after construction;
  • re-establishment of some elm trees;
  • a plan for the maintenance and replanting of trees to conserve the view to and from The Grange and the Picturesque quality of its landscape as characterized by groves of trees around a grass lawn.

GPAC expressed thanks to Joe for his stewardship in obtaining City Council’s endorsement and approval of the project and for his leadership in working with representatives from City Heritage, City Parks and GPAC to come to agreement on the recommendations concerning the heritage redesignation of The Grange and Grange Park.

Toronto Heritage and Parks staff have deferred providing comment on the proposed relocation of Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms in the park until they receive a formal proposal.  AGO will submit this after the community meeting on June 4.

 

Community meeting – June 4

It was confirmed that the community meeting will be split into two parts: the first half will be a project update, led by the three GPAC chairs; the second half will be a discussion about the DOLA, facilitated by Joe.

The project update for the community meeting will be the same presentation provided at the GPAC meeting on March 27.  The items to be presented were reviewed as follows:

• Design Development
• Artist’s renderings of play equipment that evoke elements of Arthur Lismer’s studio
• New seating that also includes loose individual chairs
• Mobile app technology that enhances heritage aspects of the park and also facilitates wayfinding and accessibility.
• John Street promenade with 10-12 granite pavers that would have literary quotations referring to the cultural plurality of the neighbourhood and the city

The meeting discussed the types of quotations that would be appropriate and how they would be selected.  It was agreed that for the June 4 meeting, it would be presented as a general concept with no specific recommendations as to the choice of quotations.  The community will be welcome to put forward suggestions to GPAC for consideration.  Final selection of quotations will rest with the GPAC co-chairs, in consultation with GPAC members.

• Art in the park

The meeting agreed to present the proposal to move Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms to Grange Park, showing 3-4 possible locations.

• Project timeline

Contracts are scheduled to be awarded in September.  Pending the receipt of permits from the City, tree removal could happen in early winter 2015.  The commitment is to keep some portion of the park open to the public during the entire construction period. Final work would be completed spring 2017; official opening event planned for July 1, 2017.

 

Other Business

• Grange Park management model post-project

It was confirmed that discussions about the management model for Grange Park post-project will begin after the design finalized, contracts are awarded and the project underway.

• Next GPAC meeting

The next GPAC meeting will be scheduled for July to debrief after the community meeting and discuss next steps.

 

 

 

 

May 21, 2015 at 2:43 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from April 17, 2015

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 17, 10:00-11:00 am

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:
Rupert Duchesne, Co-Chair, AGO Vice-President

Councillor Adam Vaughan, Co-Chair

Max Allen, Vice President, Grange Community Association
Bev Carret, AGO
Lisa Clements, AGO
Ralph Daley, President, Grange Community Association
Brian Green, Toronto PFR
Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS DesignBuild
David Prendergast, Executive Director, University Settlement
Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association
Alex Shevchuk, Project Manager, Landscape Architecture Unit, Toronto PFR
Alan Simms, Interim Vice President, Finance and Administration, OCAD U
Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO
Ange Valentini, EA to Councillor Vaughan

Regrets:
John Burns, St George the Martyr Church
Ken Greenberg, AGO Consultant
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Honorary President, Grange Community Association
Margie Zeidler, Member at large

 

Approval of the minutes of March 21, 2014

Minutes were approved. No business arising.

 

Community Meeting – April 22

Matthew recapped the purpose of the community meeting:

• To update the community on the Grange Park revitalization project,
• To introduce them to the design concept
• To ask for their feedback
• To let them know next steps

GPAC members provided final comments on the information panels and meeting agenda that had been developed by the GPAC Communications team.

It was agreed that GPAC members will wear “Ask Me” buttons at the community meeting to indicate their involvement in the project.

Bev confirmed that the following vehicles have been set up for community feedback:

• Comment card that can be dropped off in the AGO main entrance
• Dedicated email address: information@grangeparktoronto.ca
• “Contact Us” page on the Grange Park website
• Canada Post to the Grange Park Advisory Committee c/o AGO.

A deadline of May 10 has been set for community feedback to the Grange Park design concept.

Rupert noted that Greg Smallenberg from PFS Studio will be at the community meeting to present the design concept and to help field questions and comments. A separate meeting with Greg and GPAC members will be set up to review the design in more detail. Another GPAC meeting has been scheduled for May 22 to review the feedback received from the community.

Adam emphasized that he believes that the GPAC structure is a new model for the City to follow for the care of parks.   To be effective, it requires the City, the AGO and the local neighbourhood to work together as a team in the best interests of Grange Park. Park advocates are watching closely and are hopeful that this structure can be used broadly.

April 17, 2015 at 2:28 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from March 27, 2015

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Friday, March 27, 2015, 2-4pm

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:

Councillor Joe Cressy (Co-Chair), Ward 20

Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association

Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO

Max Allen, Grange Community Association

Robin Buxton-Potts, Ward 20 Office

Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Christine Crosbie, OCAD U

Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement

Brian Green, Toronto PFR

Patricia Jacobs, University Settlement

Sandy Ladouceur, AGO

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Pearl Quong, GCA

Cole Sadler, St. George the Martyr Church

Nick Schefter, GCA

Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Peter White, Toronto PFR

 

Regrets:

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, GCA

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS Design Build (member-at-large)

Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Guests:

Lisa Fitzgibbons, University Settlement

Michael McClelland, ERA Architects

Marcia McClung, neighbour

Charles Pachter, neighbour

 

Welcome:

Rupert welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order. Ward 20 Councillor Joe Cressy was welcomed as a new GPAC co-chair. Thanks were given to Ceta for serving as GPAC co-chair during her term as Ward 20 Councillor. It was confirmed that GPAC will continue with three co-chairs: AGO Vice President Rupert Duchesne, Councillor Cressy and Ralph Daley, Chair of the Grange Community Association.

 

Approval of the Minutes of September 10

Minutes were approved without amendment.

 

Business Arising from the Minutes

• Reflexology Path:  Mike reported that the cost estimate for the path would be $40-60K. The current design does not accommodate a labyrinth/reflexology path. The design has been updated to respond more fully to the design brief.

• Capital Funding agreement with the City of Toronto: Mike confirmed that the capital funding agreement between the City and the AGO was amended to acknowledge the involvement of the Grange Park neighbourhood in the future management of Grange Park. The communications protocol of the agreement was also amended to acknowledge the involvement of the Grange Park neighbourhood in the communication activities around the Grange Park revitalization project. Copies of the amendment were made available to GPAC members.

 

Design Development Update

Matthew advised the meeting that more work had been done since September to enhance the design, reflecting feedback received from the community, donor and architects.  These modifications articulate more fully the vision of the design brief, creating stronger connections with the park’s history and neighbourhood.

Mike showed the new design enhancements:

• The ready-made play equipment has been replaced with customized play forms that evoke artistic creativity, such as palettes, paint cans and crumpled pieces of paper, inspired by re-imagining Arthur Lismer’s studio. The equipment combines form with function, providing swings, slides and climbing activities. The play equipment will meet accessibility requirements and will be accommodated within the existing budget.

• Seating design has been altered to create a more intimate and versatile approach. There will be a variety of wooden benches, some with arms and backs for accessibility, combined with loose single seating, similar to Bryant Park.

• Mobile app technology will be used to highlight selected “landmarks” in the park, to provide more in-depth information about the history of the park and the neighbourhood.  Some concern was voiced at the meeting that this element may be exclusionary, since some visitors do not have mobile devices.  It was noted that a variety of applications, low tech to high tech, could be used to provide information about the history of the park and the neighbourhood. The challenge will be to find a right balance that is easily maintained and respects the park’s greenspace.

• Engraving selected literary quotations that celebrate the contribution of newcomers to our community into granite paving stones in the John Street promenade.

 

Matthew proposed the placement of Henry Moore’s Large Two Forms in Grange Park, slightly north of the intersection of the John Street corridor with the east-west path at the south end of the park. Charles Pachter first introduced this concept in 2009, using a photoshopped image of the work in the park. Charles noted that the park is a much better setting for the work, which is now hemmed in by buildings in its current location at McCaul and Dundas. Many of Moore’s works are known for their placement in greenspace. In this proposed location in Grange Park, the sculpture would be a landmark anchoring the northern terminus of the John Street corridor.

It was noted that the placement of the sculpture in this location might be viewed by the City’s Heritage Department as an impediment to the heritage vista of The Grange from John Street. Joe acknowledged it would be a great opportunity to have this significant work in the park; it will require more discussion with the City’s Heritage Department and the community.

 

Status of City Approvals

Mike advised the meeting that the project underwent a series of required reviews/approvals from multiple departments at City Hall over the fall and winter. Permit applications are now being submitted for some work. One of the more challenging elements of the approval process has been with the City’s Heritage Department. Michael McClelland confirmed that the Heritage Department reviewed and approved the park design with recommendations; the Toronto Heritage Board approved the Heritage report on March 24. Currently under review is the heritage redesignation of The Grange and Grange Park. Joe has organized a meeting on April 8 between the City’s Heritage Dept and members of GPAC in order to come to agreement on the recommendations before it goes to Preservation Board on April 24.

 

Project timeline

Mike confirmed that the overall duration of the project will remain the same, but the start time has shifted due to the time it is taking to get City approvals. Contract documents are now targeted for mid-August, with contracts being awarded in late August and September. Work is anticipated to begin in October, with a break during the winter months, then starting up again in May 2016 through to December 2016. The last details of the work will take place in spring 2017. Every effort will be made to keep a portion of the park open during the entire construction period. An official opening event is planned for July 1, 2017.

 

Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA)

Joe recapped the DOLA situation: a DOLA in the south-west corner of Grange Park was requested by the Grange Park Dog Owners Association in July 2014; this request was strongly endorsed by GPAC. City Parks denied this request as it did not comply with its DOLA policy . It will require a member’s motion by Councillor Cressy to City Council for the proposed DOLA to move forward. Half of the next community meeting will be dedicated to a discussion about the DOLA, led by Joe.

 

Community meeting

The date for the next community meeting will be confirmed shortly. This will be a two-part meeting – first half will be to share the design developments and new project timeline; second half will be led by Joe to discuss the DOLA.

 

Other Business

• Annual Grange Park Cleanup

The Annual Grange Park Cleanup will be held on Friday April 17, as part of the City’s “Clean Toronto Together” initiative.

 

Next GPAC meeting

As soon as the community meeting is set, a GPAC meeting will be scheduled to review the planned presentation.

 

March 27, 2015 at 2:45 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from September 10, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Wednesday, September 10, 2014 – 3:00-4:30pm

Art Gallery of Ontario

317 Dundas Street West

 

Present:

Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association

Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, (Co-Chair) Ward 20 Councillor

Max Allen, Grange Community Association

Robin Buxton-Potts, Ward 20 Office

Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Peter Couto, Grange Community Association

Brian Green, Toronto PFR

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS Design Build (member-at-large)

Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church

Sandy Ladouceur, AGO

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Phyllis Platt, Grange Community Association

Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Regrets:

Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement

Miriam Kramer, OCAD U

 

Summary of Discussion

 

Welcome:

Rupert welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order.

 

Approval of the minutes of August 8, 2014

Ralph asked for any corrections or additions to the minutes.  Ceta asked for the section “Business Arising – Grange Park Funding Agreement” to be amended as follows:

Ceta indicated that she has not had time to fully review the funding agreement between the City and the AGO for the $5M for the Grange Park revitalization capital project. She wants to meet further with PFR staff about this.  Her general observation is that the agreement does not accurately represent the Government Management Committee’s decision re community management of Grange Park.  In her estimation, GPAC is not necessarily a community management structure, as it was set up as a committee of the AGO Board; in addition, one-third of the current membership of GPAC consists of local residents.  Secondly, the agreement appendix on communications protocol does not provide for community involvement. 

Mike clarified that the agreement deals solely with the terms of the $5M in capital funding from the City for the revitalization project.  Mike also noted that the agreement was being amended to acknowledge the involvement of GPAC in the communications protocol.

Minutes were approved with these amendments and clarifications.

 

Business arising from the minutes

• Reflexology path: The meeting agreed that staff would research the cost of incorporating a reflexology path into the labyrinth planned for the park and report back to GPAC.

 

Dog Off-Leash Area update

Ceta confirmed that City Parks did not approve the request of the Grange Park Dog Owners Association for a DOLA in the south-west corner of Grange Park. There is no appeal process; the only remaining option is for the Ward 20 Councillor to put forward a member’s motion to City Council overriding staff recommendations. The meeting agreed to approach the incoming Ward 20 Councillor with this issue after the municipal election in October. Mike advised that waiting for a decision regarding the DOLA will not delay the progress of the overall project.

 

Project Update

Mike showed the design development of the south-east corner, which connects Grange Park to Butterfield Park. Washrooms, a maintenance building and a below grade mechanical room will be located in this zone. The existing field house will be removed. Discussions are ongoing with OCAD U to remove the brick wall between Grange Park and OCAD U property.

The meeting also requested an update on the design development for the northwest corner of the park.

Regarding the project timeline, Mike advised that the project is moving through City approvals, which involves approximately 16 different departments. The project will need to receive the full support and approval of the City in order to trigger the capital funding. If the project receives the necessary City department approvals and permits issued for tree removal, some early work may begin in early winter, after the first heavy frost, on trees slated for removal. The substantive work is anticipated to begin in spring 2015.

A high priority is sustaining an excellent level of maintenance for the park post-project. A number of discussions with City Parks involve the selection of trees, equipment and materials that deliver a high level of design as well as a high level of sustainability.

 

Communications with the community

September 15 had been held as a date in GPAC members calendars for a community meeting to discuss the proposed DOLA in more detail and provide an update on construction activity. Since the DOLA is on hold until after the municipal election, and since construction activity will now start in the spring, the meeting agreed there isn’t sufficient substance to warrant a community meeting. Instead, the a project update will be sent via email to members of the local community and an information flyer in English and Chinese distributed to homes in the neighbourhood.

 

Next Steps

The meeting agreed that the next GPAC meeting should take place after the municipal election, unless an important issue arises in the meantime.

September 10, 2014 at 2:39 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from August 8, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Friday, August 8, 2014 – 2:00-3:30pm

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:

Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association

Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, (Co-Chair) Ward 20 Councillor

 

Max Allen, Grange Community Association

Robin Buxton-Potts, Ward 20 Office

Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church

Miriam Kramer, OCAD U

Sandy Ladouceur, AGO

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Katie Nikota, Toronto PFR

Phyllis Platt, Grange Community Association

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR

Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Regrets:

Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement

Brian Green, Toronto PFR

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS Design Build (member-at-large)

 

Summary of Discussion

 

1. Welcome

Rupert welcomed Ceta as Ward 20 Councillor and announced that Ceta has agreed to serve as a GPAC co-chair during her term as Councillor. Rupert proposed that Ralph also continue as a co-Chair, to reinforce the concept of GPAC as a partnership among the community, the City and the AGO. The meeting agreed that Ralph should continue as third co-Chair.

Ralph noted that Ceta’s role as Ward 20 Councillor creates a vacancy in one of the three GPAC positions held by GCA members. He will discuss filling the vacancy with the GCA.

 

2. Approval of the minutes of June 26

Minutes were approved.

 

3. Business arising from the minutes

• Dog Run – Bev reported that she contacted Ed Fearon at City Parks to advise him that GPAC would be submitting a request to City Parks for a fenced dog-run in the south-west area of Grange Park and to ask about the proper procedure to do this.  Ed advised Bev that it was not necessary for GPAC to do this. A request had already been submitted by Barb and Geoff King and the assessment by City Parks had begun.
• Grange Park Funding Agreement – Ceta expressed concern that the funding agreement between the City and the AGO for $5M for the Grange Park revitalization capital project did not acknowledge the role of the community in the management of the park post-project. It was clarified that the agreement dealt solely with the terms of the capital funding. Copies of the agreement were distributed to GPAC members for reference.

 

4. Dog Run

Matthew advised the meeting that some issues have arisen around the cost and timing of the dog OLA proposed for the park. The separate City approval process required for the OLA may delay its construction past the overall park project. A second concern is that City and donor revenues for the park capital project will not be sufficient to cover the construction of the dog run. Matthew announced that in light of GPAC’s support for a dog OLA in the southwest corner of Grange Park, the AGO is committing to contribute up to $150,000 over and above the funds from the City and the donor for the construction of a dog OLA construction, provided that the required City approvals are obtained, that the current proposed location in the south-west corner remains unchanged, and that due care is taken to minimize construction costs consistent with the overall park design concept. The meeting acknowledged that the southwest corner of the park is the only location that could accommodate the dog OLA without unwinding the core design.

Alex confirmed that City Parks’ assessment of the proposed dog park will be completed before the end of August. If City Parks returns a positive assessment for the proposed dog run, the next required step would be a community meeting to present the details. GPAC agreed this community meeting should be held in September.

It was agreed that the dog OLA should be incorporated into the construction timeline of the overall project, providing City approval is obtained. The most desirable timing is to have the OLA completed as part of the first phase of construction, so that dogs will have an area to play while the great lawn and east side of the park is under construction in the second phase. It was acknowledged that the overall project will not be put on hold if City approvals for the OLA take longer than anticipated.

 

5. Design Development Update

Mike described the modifications that had been made to the design following the July 7 community meeting. The following design changes respond to the feedback from the community:

• The Grove area is being left in a more natural state – a number of pathways have been removed; fewer plantings
• The major west pathway has had the large planting “island” removed and the pathway has narrowed, leaving more greenspace
• Fewer curling benches on the Great Lawn
• Removal of the square benches/planters  in the middle of the John Street promenade

In reviewing the design, some costs have been brought back into line while maintaining the key elements of the design brief.  The budget lines assigned to priority items have been preserved, ie: protecting and preserving the natural environment, such as the irrigation system and the tree management/planting of new trees, as well as the children’s play areas and equipment for various ages.

Some of the design refinements resulting from community feedback have also helped to reduce costs.  Some elements have had to been put aside, such as the adult exercise equipment, in order to protect funds for the children’s equipment.

It was suggested that a reflexology path be considered for Grange Park. While the current budget could not accommodate the inclusion of a reflexology path, it will be noted for future consideration.

It was suggested that a commemoration to Harriette Boulton be included in the park design. The AGO will also speak to Parks Canada about new locations for their three plaques that are currently in Grange Park.

 

6. Next Steps

The following information will be shared at the next GPAC meeting:

• an updated breakdown of the planned construction phases
• more detailed designs for the northwest corner and the southeast corner of Grange Park

Questions were raised about the reuse of materials that area being removed from the park, such as the wrought iron fencing and the wood from the removed trees. A more detailed list will be compiled of materials that can be given to other neighbourhood organizations.

 

7. Next GPAC meeting

The next GPAC meeting will be scheduled for September. A September date will also be targeted for a community meeting.

 

 

August 8, 2014 at 2:34 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

Monday July 7, 2014

Please see the information panels (PDF 10.1MB) that were presented at the meeting.
We thank everyone for sharing their feedback. Read the comments (PDF 3.1MB) that were submitted following the meeting.

July 7, 2014 at 2:46 pm | Past Community Meetings | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from June 26, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Friday, June 26, 2014, 8:30 – 10:00 am

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:

Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association

Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO

Max Allen, Grange Community Association

Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Peter Couto, Grange Community Association

Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement

Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church

Rebecca Keenan, Ward 20 Office

Miriam Kramer, OCAD U

Sandy Ladouceur, AGO

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS Design Build (member-at-large)

Katie Nikota, Toronto PFR

Phyllis Platt, Grange Community Association

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Grange Community Association

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR

 

Regrets:

Brian Green, Toronto PFR

Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Summary of Discussion

Welcome:

Rupert welcomed Katie Nikota, Landscape Technologist from City of Toronto Parks Department.  Alex advised that Katie will be assisting him with the Grange Park Project.

 

Approval of the minutes of the June 6, 2014 meeting:

With a motion by Max Allen, seconded by Pesha McKendry, minutes were approved

 

Business Arising from the Minutes:

Ralph confirmed that he met with Mike, Peter and Pearl on June 9 to review the draft funding agreement between the AGO and the City.  Mike noted that Pearl had flagged a concern with one of the City’s clauses.  This clause was subsequently removed from the draft agreement. Once this assurance was provided, Ralph, Peter and Pearl were comfortable with the AGO and the City finalizing the agreement.

 

South Entry:

Matthew clarified the proposed use for the AGO’s south entry.  It would be an unticketed entry and exit to and from the WFLC area.  It would be open during the AGO’s public hours.  It would not be used as a ticketed entrance to the AGO.  It would not be used as a group entrance.  It would not be used as an entrance or exit for events.  Rupert and Matthew committed to GPAC that if the AGO ever wanted to use the south entry for an exceptional occasion, it would bring the proposal to GPAC for prior discussion and approval.

Mike reviewed the proposed design for the south entry, prepared by Hariri Pontarini Architects.

It was acknowledged that the south entry would provide more safety to the camp groups exiting the AGO to play in Grange Park.  Concern was expressed about the AGO’s ability to control buses stopped/parked on Beverley Street while they wait for their groups to exit the Gallery.  The AGO committed to being more proactive in managing the buses that bring groups to the AGO.  It was noted that the south entry is part of a new paradigm for cultural spaces to interact more with their communities.  There was concern, however, that the south entry would stimulate increased traffic which could compromise the park’s environment.  Alex reminded the meeting that the City will conduct a park impact assessment as part of its approval process for the south entry.  The AGO also agreed that GPAC should monitor and review the use of the south entry and its impact on the park.

A vote was called to confirm GPAC’s support for the establishment of the AGO’s south entry.  The vote carried with 12 yeses and one abstention by Ceta.

 

Dog Run:

Ralph asked Mike to report on the information he had received from PFS in response to the questions raised at the last GPAC meeting concerning the design of the dog run.  Mike confirmed that PFS can provide a design for the dog run that reflects the aesthetics of the park.  PFS considers the south west side of the park as the only possible site for the dog run.  Its location in any other area of the park would significantly unwind the design and the principles of the design brief.  Odours could be minimized with a good irrigation system and a gravel base.  The inclusion of a dog run does not prevent a straight east-west path at the south side of the park, but PFS is recommending winding paths in order to discourage cyclists from speeding.  It would be possible to add the dog run after the park revitalization project is completed, since it does not impact the overall design.  Building the dog run after the park’s completion instead of including it in the project would incur some additional expense.

Alex confirmed that Grange Park is subject to City Parks approval for an off-leash area and explained the process:

• A request for a dog run must be submitted in writing to Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation for assessment.
• A request for a dog run generally requires the establishment of a Dog Owners Association, although this may be waived by PFR.
• A community meeting must be organized to present the proposal, including the following information:
• size and location of the area
• slopes and their sustainability
• hours of operation
• rules and regulations
• fencing requirements or use of natural barriers where deemed appropriate
• signage
• tree or forest protection required
• amenities (lighting, seating, access to water for people and dogs, waste and recycling programs)
• other landscape components

 Alex explained that Grange Park is large enough to be a candidate for unfenced off-leash access during low-use hours and months; however, this would be unlikely since the park includes a play area, splash pads and gardens.

Max Allen presented a petition with 200 signatures requesting that “GPAC and the AGO consider the inclusion of a designated fenced area for the dogs of the neighbourhood to play off leash in the redesigned Grange Park plan”.

A vote was called to confirm GPAC’s agreement to put forward a request to City Parks for a fenced dog-run in the south-west area of Grange Park.  The vote carried with 11 yeses and abstentions by Ceta and Alex.

 

Community meeting July 7:

Bev confirmed that the community meeting will take place on Monday July 7, 6:30-8:30pm at the AGO in the Weston Family Learning Centre.  The meeting will be led by GPAC co-chairs Rupert and Ralph.  The focus of the meeting will be to present the developed design for the Grange Park revitalization project to the community. Jennifer Nagai from PFS will be present to explain the details of the design. The meeting will provide a recap of the feedback received after the April 22 community meeting and how the design has been modified to respond to this feedback.  As promised at the April 22 meeting, information will be shared about lighting, play equipment, seating and tree management.

 

Tree Management Strategy:

Mike reviewed the tree management strategy that will be presented at the community meeting:

• the tree management strategy will increase the number of trees in Grange Park to 187 trees; there are currently 127 trees in the park.
• 17 trees are in failing health and will be removed
• 6 trees will be removed for design purposes
• 83 new trees will be planted

PFS has made a number of design modifications to reduce the number of trees slated for removal for design purposes and will continue to investigate options that will further decrease this number.  It was stressed that if we do not plan a proactive tree strategy, the park will 20-25% of its trees over the next several years due to age, pest infestation and disease.

Mike reminded GPAC that there will be a walkabout in Grange Park following the meeting to look at the condition of the trees identified for removal.

 

GPAC Meeting Schedule:

The next GPAC meeting will take place on Friday August 8, 2-4pm at the AGO. Another meeting will be scheduled for September.

 

 

 

June 26, 2014 at 2:47 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

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