Grange Park Toronto Canada

GPAC Meeting Minutes from June 6, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Friday, June 6, 2014 3:30-5:00pm

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
Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church

Rebecca Keenan, Ward 20 Office

Miriam Kramer, OCAD U

Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Phyllis Platt, Grange Community Association

Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Grange Community Association
Nick Schefter, Grange Community Association

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO
Regrets:

Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement

Brian Green, Toronto PFR
Ken Greenberg, AGO Consultant
Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS DesignBuild (member-at-large)
Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR
Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Welcome:

Rupert welcomed Ralph to his first official meeting as co-chair. Ralph welcomed Joan Heeler as the new rep for St. George the Martyr Church.

 

Approval of the minutes of the May 22 meeting:

Ralph advised that Ceta had requested via email an amendment to the item “GPAC Membership”.  The minutes were approved with the caveat that this change be included.  The following rewording was subsequently proposed by Ralph:

It was suggested that GPAC’s organizational members continue the tradition of endeavouring to select representatives who reside in the neighbourhood, noting that the current GPAC membership included less than 30% local residents.  Rupert clarified that the organizational members select their representatives first and foremost for their ability to convey the organization’s needs and interests at the GPAC table.  If the representative is also a local resident, this will be an additional attribute.

 

Dog run

Mike presented the design concept developed by PFS for a potential dog run.  The fenced area would run along the south west side of the park, encompassing 700 square metres.  Max also tabled he white paper he had prepared regarding a dog run. GPAC members then presented their views. (The pros, cons and questions raised in the discussion are summarized on the attached chart.)

Ralph shared information about New York’s experience with off leash dog areas in their park system, combined in some cases with allowance of dogs off-leash in the greater park area during early morning and late evening.  Long term statistics showed a dramatic decrease in dog bites and also a decrease in crime in the parks.  It was noted that GPAC would need to consult with the City Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department to see if this type of hybrid arrangement would be feasible.

Rupert urged that GPAC make a final binary, yes-no decision on the inclusion of an off leash dog area in the Grange Park design at its next meeting on June 26, in order for the revitalization project to keep moving forward. All participants should come prepared to make an informed decision based on available evidence.

 

Next steps:

 

 

 

 

 

June 6, 2014 at 2:38 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from May 22, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

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

John Burns, St. George the Martyr Church
Bev Carret, AGO
Lisa Clements, AGO
Ralph Daley, Grange Community Association
Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement

Brian Green, Toronto PFR
Ken Greenberg, AGO Consultant
Rebecca Keenan, Ward 20 Office

Miriam Kramer, OCAD U

Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS DesignBuild (member-at-large)
Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Grange Community Association
Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR
Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO
Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)

 

Observer:
Simon Bell, St. George the Martyr Church

 

Summary of Discussion:

 

GPAC Membership

Rupert announced some changes in GPAC membership:

It was suggested that GPAC organization members endeavour to select representatives who reside in the neighbourhood. Rupert clarified that the organization members must select their representatives first and foremost for their ability to convey the organization’s needs and interests at the GPAC table.  If the representative is also a local resident, this will be an additional attribute.

Rupert also welcomed to the meeting Rebecca Keenan from the Ward 20 office.

Rupert confirmed that Adam Vaughan has stepped down as co-chair and member of GPAC following his resignation as Councillor of Ward 20.

 

Fact Sheet

A fact sheet was distributed to GPAC members comprising summary statements and background documents on the following issues:

 

In reviewing the fact sheet, the following modifications were noted:

These modifications will be made to the fact sheet. GPAC members were asked to flag any other changes by email to Bev.

It was agreed that the funding agreement between the AGO and the City of Toronto for the $5,092,034 allocated for the Grange Park revitalization project will be reviewed by the GPAC co-chairs and one other GPAC member prior to the AGO signing it.  It was clarified that this funding agreement has no impact on the existing 1911 agreement between the City and the AGO regarding Grange Park.

It was noted that the AGO’s application to seek a variance to the 1989 Development Agreement between the AGO and the City of Toronto regarding use of its south entrance will include an assessment by the City of its impact on the park.

 

GPAC Co-Chair

Rupert expressed his appreciation of Adam Vaughan’s role as GPAC co-chair since the creation of the committee in 2008.  It was agreed that Adam should be invited to become an honorary member of GPAC.

Since the project is in a very time sensitive phase of design development, Rupert recommended that the co-chair position be filled from the GPAC membership on an acting basis until an interim Ward 20 councillor is appointed.  Discussion ensued considering the possibility of approaching another City Councillor to fill the co-chair vacancy on an interim basis. The Committee agreed that the interim co-chair should be a GPAC member to maintain momentum for the project.  Ceta nominated Ralph Daley to be interim GPAC co-chair; seconded by Pesha McKendry.  The meeting approved by consensus the appointment of Ralph Daley as interim co-chair.

Rupert noted that GPAC’s strength is its strategic alliance among the neighbourhood, the City of Toronto and the AGO.  He suggested that GPAC consider adding a third co-chair to represent each of the three constituencies.  The meeting agreed to consider this leadership approach when the interim Ward 20 Councillor is appointed.

 

Approval of the minutes of April 17, 2014

Minutes were approved; no business arising.

 

Community feedback to design concept

Rupert asked for comments on the community feedback received to the proposed design concept for Grange Park.  It was noted the most frequently raised issue was the request to add a dog run to the design.

 

Dog Run proposal 

Mike confirmed that PFS is considering options to incorporate a dog run into the park design.  A proposal submitted by Ralph on behalf of some local residents suggested a dog run for large dogs along the south edge of the park bordering 50 Stephanie; and a second dog run for small dogs along the west side of the John Street promenade. While a dog run along the promenade would adversely affect the look of this major arrival point into the park, a dog run could be accommodated in the area just north of 50 Stephanie.  A number of considerations are being assessed by PFS and the arborist, including:

The following factors were discussed:

It was noted that neighbourhood pressure to include a dog run in Grange Park will be alleviated if a dog run is incorporated into one of the new parks planned south of Queen Street.

It was agreed to defer a decision until the next meeting.  In the meantime, information will continue to be gathered about viable sizes for dog runs and impact on the trees.

It was agreed that the next meeting would take place in early June.

 

Next GPAC meeting will take place on Friday, June 6, 2014 – 3:30-5:00 pm, at the AGO.

 

 

 

May 22, 2014 at 2:41 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from May 8, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee – Information Meeting

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Art Gallery of Ontario

 

Present:
Max Allen, Vice President, Grange Community Association
Bev Carret, AGO
Lisa Clements, AGO
Peter Couto, Grange Community Association

Ralph Daley, President, Grange Community Association
Ena D’Altroy, Manager, Special Projects, University Settlement

Brian Green, Toronto PFR
Ken Greenberg, AGO Consultant
Miriam Kramer, Manager, Public Funding, OCAD U

Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association
Alex Shevchuk, Project Manager, Landscape Architecture Unit, Toronto PFR
Nick Schefter, Vice President, Grange Community Association

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Guests:

Greg Smallenberg, PFS Studio

Jennifer Nagai, PFS Studio

 

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

Councillor Adam Vaughan, Co-Chair

John Burns, St George the Martyr Church
Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS DesignBuild
David Prendergast, Executive Director, University Settlement
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Honorary President, Grange Community Association
Alan Simms, Interim Vice President, Finance and Administration, OCAD U
Margie Zeidler, Member at large

 

Matthew introduced Greg Smallenberg and Jennifer Nagai from PFS Studio. He noted that this would be an information meeting about the design concept for the Grange Park revitalization project.

Greg presented design concept, highlighting the following design elements:

 

Comments – Questions/Answers:

 

Trees/plantings:

How big will the replacement trees be?

Trees will be 4” in diameter and 20-25 feet high. Larger diameter trees tend to take longer to adapt to their new surroundings, resulting more frequently in failure or slower growth.

 

How big will the new trees grow?

Beech and oak trees will grow to 25-30 metres in approximately 25 years.

 

There are 10 trees slated for removal because of the park design. Can they be moved somewhere else?

The trees are very large. They would have only a 50% chance of survival if moved elsewhere.

 

Concern about plantings providing a hiding place for drugs.

The plantings will be low – not sufficient to serve as a hiding place.

 

Suggest planting more chestnuts in the grove area.

Suggest not having plantings in the grove area – can undermine the roots of the trees.

 

Pathways:

Concern that there is no defined east-west corridor at the south side of the park. This is a major pedestrian route.

PFS will look into adjusting the pathway system to accommodate this.

 

Make the paths inconvenient for commuter cyclists – to slow them down or inspire them to choose another route.

 

Will there be art in the park?

Art installations could be considered at a later date if sufficient funds, the right kind of art and community support are there. The overall design of the park conveys an artful approach.

 

Play area:

What about art for the play area – art that kids can play on?

Risks non-compliance with safety standards. Play equipment and layout of the play area will convey an artful presence.

 

Playhouses selected for the play area should be open and transparent – not hiding places.

 

Ramps in the play area should be porous – no pooling of water

 

Maintenance:

Will the electrical/plumbing/lighting infrastructure be accessible for maintenance and repair?

Yes –very mindful of sustainability. Ongoing maintenance is a high priority. We are committed to maintaining the park at a very high level.

 

What irrigation system will be used?

We will be using the same system as the City. Easier access to replacement parts and knowledge of the system.

 

Food:

Will there be places to sit and eat?

There is space at the northwest corner of the park to put some free standing tables and chairs.

 

If there is a food kiosk, it must be affordable and accessible.

 

Miscellaneous:

Has 4 Grange Road been officially added to Grange Park?

It has been re-zoned parkland and has been incorporated into the design of Grange Park. AGO will check if it has been officially added. (It has – Official Plan Amendment No 56 and Zoning by-law Nos. 505-2011 and 506-2011)

 

There should be drinking fountains for people and dogs.

 

Fenced-in off-leash dog run:

Ralph presented his proposal concerning a fenced-on off-leash dog run. He noted that with the growing number of dog owners in the neighbourhood, their needs must be acknowledged, and the proposal discussed. Greg and Mike committed to reviewing the proposal and Mike will report back at the May 22 meeting.

 

The need for a dog run in Grange Park will lessen if a proposed park dedicated to dogs materializes south of Queen Street.   Until this park materializes, Ken suggested that it would be wise to examine the proposal for Grange Park. It was noted that the revitalized Grange Park will attract more people and more dog owners, if they do not have alternate locations for their dogs. If the status quo is maintained (ie: park is zoned as “on-leash” but the common practice ignores this), it could negatively impact the play areas, the comfort level of other visitors in the park and the safety of the dogs themselves.

 

 

May 8, 2014 at 2:30 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

We received positive and constructive feedback to the design presented at the April 22 meeting. Comments came via comment cards (PDF 278KB), email (PDF 70KB), as well as a detailed pdf (PDF 779KB). Please see the information panels (PDF 10.1MB) that were presented at the meeting.

April 22, 2014 at 3:01 pm | Past Community Meetings | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from March 21, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Friday, March 21, 3:30-5:00pm
Art Gallery of Ontario

Present:
Rupert Duchesne, Co-Chair, AGO Vice-President (by phone until 4:00pm)
Councillor Adam Vaughan, Co-chair

Max Allen, Vice President, Grange Community Association
John Burns, St George the Martyr Church
Bev Carret, AGO
Lisa Clements, AGO
Ralph Daley, President, Grange Community Association
Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement
Ken Greenberg, AGO Consultant
Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents

Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS DesignBuild (by phone)
David Prendergast, Executive Director, University Settlement
Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Honorary President, Grange Community Association
Nick Schefter, Vice President, Grange Community Association
Alex Shevchuk, Acting Supervisor, Area Landscape and Planning Initiatives, Toronto PFR
Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO
Ange Valentini, EA to Councillor Vaughan
Daniel Vela, City of Toronto Parks Department

Regrets:
Alan Simms, Vice President Administration, OCADU
Margie Zeidler, Member at large

 

Summary of Discussion

Approval of the minutes of February 26, 2014
Minutes were approved without changes.  Ceta commented that the meeting was called with very short advance notice.  Matthew noted that the short notice is not usual practice for GPAC meetings and reflected the sensitive timing to ensure GPAC learned about the confirmation of a donor and the selection of a landscape architect before a public announcement was issued.

Grange Park Revitalization Project status
Ceta expressed concern that, in her opinion, a number of elements proposed in the design concept are not specifically identified in the design brief, such as the food kiosk, the removal of fences and a south door from the AGO.  Adam explained that certain design elements provide specific responses to broader goals identified the design brief.  Ralph noted that art, which was mentioned in the design brief, is not included in the current design concept. Matthew clarified that neither a food kiosk or art installations are included in the current design concept.

Rupert stressed that GPAC will play a critical role in helping to inform the design and keeping the community informed and engaged about the project.

Mike reviewed the following elements of the design concept:

 

Adam advised the meeting that the project will include a tree strategy.  A number of the trees in the park are near the end of their life or in poor health.  These trees will be removed and new trees planted to ensure a continuous tree canopy for future generations.  An arborist’s report identifying the health of the trees in the park will be completed in April.
The following questions/concerns were raised:

 

Mike confirmed that the operating endowment assigned to the ongoing maintenance for Grange Park is intended to include a full time custodian.

Project Timeline – key dates
Mike outlined a preliminary timeline for the project.  The intention is to finalize the design by June and introduce to the community through a second meeting/open house.  Based on a final design in June, construction would begin in September.  Construction would proceed in phases to ensure that the park is never totally closed to the public.  The first phase of construction would work on the west side and possibly the John Street corridor.  The second phase would deal with the great lawn and play area (and the John Street corridor, if this isn’t addressed in the first phase).  The AGO will discuss timing of the work on John Street in more detail with University Settlement and St. George the Martyr Church, since their operations will be directly impacted by this construction.

Early site work 
Mike advised the meeting that an arborist will be undertaking an audit of the trees in April  Site surveyors will also be in the park in April.

Communications with the Community
Adam confirmed that a Community Open House/meeting is scheduled for Tuesday April 22.  Format will be an open house from 6:30-7:30pm, where people can view the info panels, followed by a one hour meeting at 7:30pm, where we will present the conceptual design and have a Q&A session.

Bev will convene a meeting of the GPAC communications team to get the word out about the meeting and review information to be shared at the meeting.

Grange Park Cleanup – Friday April 25
The Annual Grange Park Cleanup Day will be on Friday April 25 to coincide with the City’s Corporate Cleanup Day.

March 21, 2014 at 3:30 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from February 26, 2014

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Held Wednesday February 26, 2014 at the AGO

In attendance:
Councillor Adam Vaughan, Co-chair
Max Allen, Grange Community Association
Bev Carret, AGO

Lisa Clements, AGO

Ralph Daley, Grange Community Association

Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pesha McKendry, resident, social housing and co-ops
Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association

Alan Sims, OCADU

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Ange Valentini, EA to Councillor Vaughan

Regrets:
John Burns, St. George the Martyr Church

Rupert Duchesne, AGO, Co-Chair

Ken Greenberg
Mazyar Mortazavi, member-at-large
David Prendergast, University Settlement

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Grange Community Association

Alex Shevchuk, City of Toronto Parks

Margie Zeidler, member-at-large

Summary of Discussion:

Adam welcomed GPAC members and thanked them for attending the meeting with short notice. He invited Matthew to share good news about the Grange Park revitalization project.

Matthew advised the meeting that Mr. W. Galen Weston, Chairman and President of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, has committed financial support for the Grange Park revitalization project. This support has allowed the AGO to engage Greg Smallenberg of PFS Studio to do the design for the park. An AGO media release announcing this news will be issued on February 27.

This generous gift is the catalyst needed for the Grange Park revitalization project to move forward. Ralph asked if there would be a naming component in the project to acknowledge Mr. Weston’s support.  There was discussion that naming a component of the park would be an appropriate gesture.

The meeting was shown the current iteration of the design concept. Mike advised GPAC of the following changes from the concept shown in October 2013:

Matthew advised the meeting that art and food components could be considered as the project develops. Any food component would not be a permanent structure. He also noted that in conjunction with the Grange Park revitalization project, the AGO Board of Trustees has agreed to commit capital funds to make the Gallery’s south doorway facing Grange Park accessible to the public.

The meeting agreed that GPAC will work with the Grange Community Association to set up a community open house/meeting to share the design concept with the local neighbourhood and answer questions about the project. It will be essential to closely reference the design concept to the design brief that was shared with the community in 2009. Matthew suggested that GPAC identify potential issues that could be raised by the community – such as special amenities for dogs – and be prepared with answers. Adam stressed that the design brief preserves the existing equilibrium of the park’s many uses and all elements should reinforce this spirit.

A GPAC meeting will be convened in March to review the project scope, design concept and project timeline in more detail and to discuss a communications strategy for the local community, including an open house/meeting.

 

February 26, 2014 at 2:23 pm | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

Wednesday April 28th, 2010

Grange Community Meeting

Wednesday, April 28, 2010    Approx. 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm

Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), 100 McCaul Street Rm 230

AGENDA

Introduction: Phyllis Platt, Meeting Chair, and Ralph Daley, President, Grange Community Association (GCA)

Councillor’s Comments (10 min): Councillor Adam Vaughan

 

GPAC Update (20 min): Rupert Duchesne and Adam Vaughan, Co-Chairs, Grange Park Advisory Committee (GPAC)

Park conservation actions

Revitalization project update

Audience Questions & Comments

AGO Update (5 min): Weston Family Learning Centre project (Mike Mahoney)

GCA Update (70 min): GCA Board Members

GCA website demo – Heather Ann Kaldeway

Grange Park interactive mapping – Andrew Millward

Development/planning – Max Allen

Community standards/enforcement – Nick Schefter

Filming in Grange community – Ralph Daley

GCA institutional development – Ralph Daley

Audience questions and comments

Open Forum (20 min.): Community views on future critical issues

Closing Remarks & Adjournment (Approx. 9:40): Ralph Daley/Phyllis Platt

April 28, 2010 at 3:03 pm | Past Community Meetings | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from December 16, 2009

Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting

Meeting of December 16, 2009

Held at the Centre for Social Innovation

Members in attendance:

Rupert Duchesne, Co-Chair, AGO

Councillor Adam Vaughan, Co-chair

John Burns, St. George the Martyr Church

Peter Caldwell, OCAD

Bev Carret, AGO

Peter Couto, resident

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Debbie McGuinness, resident

Pat McKendry, resident, social housing and co-ops

Mazyar Mortazavi, member-at-large

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, resident

Debra Shime, University Settlement

Netami Stuart, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation (alternate)

Observers and guests:

Ralph Daley, President, Grange Community Association

Regrets

Mark Emslie, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Ken Greenberg, resource person, AGO

Marguerite Newell, resident

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Margie Zeidler, member-at-large

Summary of Discussion:

Approval of the minutes of September 14, 2009

Minutes were approved

Business Arising from the minutes

Maintenance initiative for Grange Park

Bev informed the committee that the mulching of all the trees in Grange Park will happen before the end of December. The work will be done by Growers Choice, which submitted the most cost-effective bid to PMA Landscape Architects. As discussed and agreed upon by PMA, AGO and City of Toronto Parks, pine chip mulch with a wood base will be used, which will allow for the necessary aeration and proper drainage for the trees. Mulching will be put 2.5 meters around each tree, covering any exposed roots. The depth will be 3 inches. The total amount of mulch used will be approximately 410 yards.

This maintenance initiative was a good test case to begin developing a new protocol between AGO/GPAC and the City Parks Department regarding future contracted work in Grange. Discussions to formalize the protocol will start in the New Year. Ralph questioned how neighbourhood involvement will be incorporated into the process; it was agreed this element will need to be included as part of the protocol.

Toronto Entertainment District BIA Master Plan – John Street Corridor

The Master Plan brochure from the Toronto Entertainment District BIA was distributed for information. The plan includes a vision for the John Street Corridor from the waterfront up to Grange Park. It was agreed that when a landscape designer is engaged for Grange Park, consultation with the Toronto Entertainment District BIA will be critical to ensure aesthetic harmonization between the two projects. It was also noted that the heritage of John Street and its relationship to The Grange house will need to be recognized.

New Business

Rupert reported that the AGO is actively pursuing one or two major donors to fund the Grange Park revitalization project. Discussions are continuing with potential donors who have expressed interest in the project, not withstanding the current economic climate. This can be a gradual process but progress is being made.

Next Meeting

It was agreed to hold the next GPAC meeting the same evening as the neighbourhood meeting coordinated by the Grange Community Association.

Rupert summarized GPAC’s achievements since the creation of the committee in July 2008:

GPAC will share this recap at the neighbourhood meeting.

Co-chairs Adam Vaughan and Rupert Duchesne thanked GPAC members for their hard work; the Committee ended the meeting giving a tribute to Grange Park and its future.

The next GPAC meeting will be held on Wednesday April 28, 5:30pm at OCAD, Room 284. The Grange Community Association meeting for neighbours will follow at 7:30 pm at OCAD, Main Lecture Hall,

December 16, 2009 at 10:27 am | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

GPAC Meeting Minutes from July 13, 2009

Grange Park Advisory Committee

Meeting of July 13, 2009

Held at Art Gallery of Ontario

Members in attendance:

John Burns, St. George the Martyr Church

Rupert Duchesne, Co-Chair, AGO (by phone)

Councillor Adam Vaughan, Co-chair

Bev Carret, AGO

Ken Greenberg, resource person, AGO

Debbie McGuinness, resident

Pat McKendry, resident, social housing and co-ops

Mazyar Mortazavi, member-at-large

Marguerite Newell, resident

Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, resident

Debra Shime, University Settlement

Observers and guests:

Peter Couto, resident (alternate)

Pearl Quong, resident

Bill Smyke, resident

Regrets

Peter Caldwell, OCAD

Mark Emslie, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Mike Mahoney, AGO

Netami Stewart, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO

Margie Zeidler, member-at-large

Summary of Discussion:

Approval of the minutes of June 1, 2009

Minutes approved

Business Arising from the minutes

No business arising

Feedback from June 1 community meeting

Rupert invited GPAC members to share their feedback about the June 1 community meeting. General consensus was that the meeting went well and information was well received by the community, with adequate time for questions. For the next community meeting, it was suggested we have meeter/greeters at the door to distribute handouts and ensure that all participants sign a sheet with their mailing address/e-mail address.

The biggest concern expressed at the community meeting is around the proposed “art” in the park. In all communications with the neighbourhood GPAC will need to stress this is interactive, playable art. We will need to raise parents’ comfort levels about non-traditional play activities. Adam stressed the need to engage children and youth in a workshop to share their ideas about play in the park. Deb offered to have the University Settlement children’s and youth groups engaged in this activity. Adam will consult with the Sibelius Square working group to see if they could facilitate, based on their experience consulting with children in their community.

The summary of the meeting will be posted on the Grange Park website and a shorter version will be distributed by postal walk in the neighbourhood.

Grange Park maintenance during labour disruption

Adam commended neighbours for being proactive with litter pickup in Grange Park during the City strike. Deb confirmed that University Settlement is organizing a weekly pickup activity, open to anyone who would like to participate. It was noted that since City management staff were removing bags at least once per week, it was no longer necessary to make alternate arrangements.

TD Friends of the Environment grant

Bev advised that TD Friends of the Environment has agreed to provide a second grant of $50,000. These funds will be used primarily for remedial initiatives such as soil decompaction, mulching and pruning, as identified in the PMA report, as well as communication activities and continued negotiations with the City re maintenance protocol. None of the remedial activities in the park can be undertaken during the City strike; however, the best time to undertake this work is the fall, so the timeline is not an issue.

These remedial initiatives provide a good basis upon which the he AGO and the City can develop a new protocol for the on-going maintenance of Grange Park.

Review of draft permit criteria for Grange Park

Ceta reviewed the revised draft permit criteria created by the GCA. Adam clarified that permit applicants would be directed by the Permit office to contact his office to receive these criteria. The meeting suggested this information be added as an introduction so that applicants will know where this fits in the approval process. Feedback also suggested that the document be considered more as a guideline instead of criteria, as well as emphasize that all were welcome to use the park. Those in attendance were asked to provide any additional comments to Bev and Ceta and that they be delegated to bring forward a revised set of criteria to a subsequent meeting of GPAC. Ceta will also discuss these suggested changes with GCA.

Other Business

Next meeting

Monday, September 14, 7:00pm

OCAD’s Rosalie Sharp Building – 113 McCaul Street (south-east corner of McCaul and Dundas)

NOTE: NEW LOCATION

July 13, 2009 at 10:29 am | GPAC Meeting Minutes | No comment

Monday June 1st, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7.10 pm by Phyllis Platt, who chaired the meeting.  Approximately 90 people were in attendance.  Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation was kindly arranged by the assistance of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.  The agenda and notice of the meeting were translated courtesy of the University Settlement.

Chair’s Introduction

The Chair noted that this was the third community meeting about Grange Park and that the meeting agenda was set up to provide an opportunity for discussion about the revitalization project.

Welcome from Councillor Vaughan

Councillor Adam Vaughan welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to the meeting.   He noted that the Grange Park revitalization project is providing a good opportunity for the local neighbourhood to become more actively involved in making the park stronger and more beautiful.  Councillor Vaughan gave a brief update on other issues and development proposals within the Grange community and how his office is working with the community.

Grange Community Association (GCA) Update:

GCA Chair Ralph Daley noted that at the December meeting the community approved the establishment of the Grange Community Association and had appointed an interim board.  The members who were present were introduced.  Issue leads for Developments (Max Allen), Inspections (Nick Schefter), and Parks (Debbie McGuinness) were introduced. Ralph reported that the GCA had reviewed many Committee of Adjustment applications, development proposals, Grange Park permit applications, film permits and pressing on for more inspections. The GCA had also met with MuchMusic about noise issues and had intervened with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission regarding the ULTRA application.  Ralph reminded those in attendance that the King Spadina Residents Association (KSRA) website is to be used to report noise violations.  A GCA website will soon be established.

Grange Park Advisory Committee (GPAC) Update:

GPAC co-chair Rupert Duchesne provided a brief recap of committee’s formation in May 2008 and its activity over the past year.

GPAC has established a plan for the Grange Park revitalization project that involves three phases:

GPAC’s focus over the past year has been on the first phase – to strengthen the natural environment of the park. Thanks to a grant from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, PMA Landscape Architects were engaged in September 2008 to conduct an environmental audit on Grange Park. PMA delivered its final report in January 2009, which provided comprehensive information about the trees, soil, natural drainage, sunlight and groundcover on the park, as well as a conservation use plan to strengthen the natural environment of the park over all three phases of the project.

Ken Greenberg, urban planner and resource person working with GPAC, reviewed the conservation use plan recommendations of the PMA study for phase one:

GPAC has applied for a second grant to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation to undertake these remedial initiatives.  (This grant has since been approved.)

New Protocol for Grange Park maintenance

Councillor Vaughan advised the meeting that City Council had approved a directive to develop an amendment to the 1911 agreement between the City and the AGO for the fundraising, design, construction and enhanced maintenance of Grange Park.  This new amendment must provide a mechanism for ongoing community involvement in park management. His office is now working with City Parks Forestry and Recreation (PFR) and the AGO to develop a new protocol for maintaining Grange Park.   The AGO has committed to raise funds for the revitalization project, including an endowment fund that would provide annual revenue for enhanced maintenance activities beyond PFR’s standard level of maintenance.  PFR would continue to be responsible for providing the standard level of maintenance.  A central element of enhanced maintenance is the creation of a staff position dedicated to Grange Park.

Criteria for Grange Park Permits

Councillor Vaughan noted there is a high demand for Grange Park as a location for special events, filming location, etc.  Some of these events do not take into consideration the potential damage that could happen to the park as a result of a high volume of participants, heavy vehicles or equipment, etc.  His office has been working with members of the community to develop additional criteria for Grange Park permits, in addition to those applied by City staff.  These draft criteria were circulated at the meeting for feedback.  The revised criteria will be considered at the next GPAC meeting. The sub-committee members include Councillor Vaughan, Marguerite Newell, Debbie McGuiness and Ceta Ramkhalawansingh.

Design Brief for Grange Park

GPAC has approved a design brief which will be used with the PMA study to guide the revitalization program. Ken Greenberg briefly reviewed the highlights of the brief which was circulated at the meeting (click here to see design brief.).  The overall goal of the design brief is to realize the park’s full potential while respecting its simple and elegant nature as a green oasis.  It must accommodate a great range of activities, both active and passive.  The PMA study identified a number of natural zones in the park– the great lawn in the middle for active play, for instance – that can be reinvigorated to maximize their beauty and versatility to make Grange Park a great neighbourhood and city park.

Communications Report

John Burns, a member of the GPAC Communications sub-committee, announced the Grange Park website www.grangeparktoronto.ca.  The website includes information on the park and GPAC activities, and has a feedback mechanism for neighbours.  In addition to the website, GPAC will circulate information through neighbourhood postal walks and e-mail updates.

Comments from meeting participants

There was general support and appreciation for the efforts being made through the GPAC initiative.  The following is a summary of questions asked and answered:

Q: Are there plans to limit activities on the great lawn?

A: No – the PMA study identified areas that naturally lend themselves to different types of activities.  We will build on the strengths of these areas to make them more useful and beautiful.

Q: What will happen to the wading pool?

A:  We do not have a specific design yet for the park, but we understand that waterplay is important to the neighbourhood.

Q: Could neighbours take part in maintenance and improvement activities in the park?

A:  City Parks and Recreation would look after the standard park maintenance. The enhanced maintenance activities could have the involvement of neighbours.

Q: Could the new criteria for park permits include advance notification for neighbours?

A: We are still developing the criteria.  We could post the permits on the Councillor Vaughan website, GPAC website and GCA website for neighbours’ advance information.

Q:  I’m concerned about the park becoming an “art zone”.  Are you replacing playground equipment with art?

A:   Any art coming into the park will be interactive – where people can play, climb, sit.   We will engage children in this process to ensure they can relate and play with the pieces selected.  Artistic elements would also be echoed in the park furniture – benches, lighting, pathways.  The goal is to make the park beautiful, serviceable and fun.

Q: I’m concerned that integrating 4 Grange Road into the park will make the play area too open to McCaul Street, causing a safety hazard for our children.

A: Safety will be primary concern as we incorporate 4 Grange Road into the park.

Q:  How will the park serve older children?

A:  Our intention is to create opportunities for multi-generational recreation, with play for all ages.

Next Steps

Rupert Duchesne confirmed that the AGO is committed to finding the funds for the major revitalization project, which will include redesigned furniture, pathways, etc.  Once funding is in place, GPAC will proceed with planning for the major revitalization project and will keep the community engaged step by step.

In his concluding remarks, Councillor Vaughan noted that the GPAC initiative is a great opportunity for the local community to have stewardship over Grange Park.  He stated that the GPAC project was unprecedented in its collaboration among the residents, the City and the AGO to revitalize Grange Park and keep it beautiful and resilient.

June 1, 2009 at 3:04 pm | Past Community Meetings | No comment

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