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Dear Neighbours,
Welcome to what we hope will be a regular series of E-newsletters informing you about activities at Downsview Park.
This first E-newsletter provides information on upcoming events at the park, recent activities, a review of our actions during the recent propane explosion, and some thoughts about the Downsview Lands Secondary Plan Review and Zoning Update
community meetings beginning in September.
Of course the tragic explosion last month left a lasting impression on the Downsview community. Thanks to quick action by our staff, we were able to secure our site, see to the safety of tenants and visitors the next day, and undertake rigorous testing. |
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Our results were shared with the City of Toronto via the two community meetings organized by
the Ancaster Ratepayers Association and City Councillor Maria Augimeri, and posted on our website.
We thought long and hard about what we could do to make a contribution to help to rebuild Downsview. As a result, we have dedicated our Fall Fair to events that residents will especially enjoy, and we will be making a financial contribution to create the Downsview Park Community Fund.
Our website, www.downsviewpark.ca , is updated regularly to keep you abreast of upcoming events and the latest information on Downsview Park.
I hope our E-newsletter sparks your comments and questions. Please don't hesitate to keep in touch. I can be reached via email at dsoknacki@pdp.ca or phone 416-952-2222.
Best regards,
David Soknacki
Chair
Parc Downsview Park Inc.
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Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) is moving forward with confidence and purpose to fulfill our mandate to build a unique urban recreational green space for the enjoyment of future generations.
The work of turning this mysterious gray space of my youth into a green space in building a sustainable community, on a self-financing basis, independent of government funding and at no cost to taxpayers, is well underway and the corporation is moving forward on all fronts –
park development, financing, planning and programming, and expanding its relevance to more people.
In fact, during this past year we passed the one million mark in annual visits to Downsview Park. Traditional and new events launched in the past year have contributed to the increase in visits to Downsview Park. |
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We remain a vibrant place where hundreds of thousands of Canadians are educated and entertained through a wide variety of community programs and seasonal events.
These programs and events promote and broaden the awareness of the significant historical, environmental and cultural features that make Downsview Park unique. They have also established Downsview Park as a place for people of all ages to play, learn and enjoy in every season. We look forward to increasing the number of visitors who experience Downsview Park as we continue to grow.
With the transfer of land and the ability to borrow battle behind us, we are forging ahead to build the Downsview Park Sustainable Community. This involves fostering partnerships with private, public and not-for-profit sector organizations who share our vision as well as making necessary capital investments to attract more valuable, longer term tenancies that generate the funds required to build the park on a self-financing basis.
There is a wealth of opportunities for imaginative green partners to collaborate in the creation of Downsview Park. We strive to cultivate partnerships, strategic alliances and strong, positive relationships with the local and surrounding communities, all levels of government and various organizations who share our vision. We are pleased to be currently working with the City of Toronto during the Downsview Lands Secondary Plan Review and Zoning update process. This is a municipal process that involves reviewing the plans and zoning opportunities for all of the Downsview Lands, including Downsview Park. Downsview Park is investing in this process in an effort to enhance understanding and acceptance of the federal government’s vision so that we may continue with implementation of our Corporate Plan. We expect the Secondary Plan Review of the Downsview Lands to be complete by June 2009. Supporting communication tools during this process include a Downsview Park visitor survey (joint between City and PDP) and various
community meetings over the next three months.
We have the drive, determination and the necessary tools to achieve our vision. Thanks to the local community, the public at large and our valued tenants who have all waited patiently for the time to arrive when we could say with certainty that we are in a position to achieve what we have been promising.
Downsview Park will continue to grow as a source of pride for all Canadians and will become one of the greatest parks in the world. Throughout the process, PDP will innovate and lead in the application of principles of sustainability and be a model for sustainable development in the 21st Century.
If you have been to Downsview Park recently I trust you had a great experience. If you haven’t had an opportunity, please come by and explore and experience all that we have to offer. We welcome your input and suggestions. The grass is always greener at Downsview Park.
Tony Genco
President and CEO
Parc Downsview Park Inc. |
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Downsview Park is 572 acres. It includes public open space, recreational, cultural, residential, commercial, institutional, sports and entertainment uses, developed according to the principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability. A sustainable community fosters the interdependence of social, ecological, and economic well-being while not placing environmental, economic or social burdens on future generations.
The
Downsview Park Sustainable Community Development Plan, is a comprehensive plan for the creation of Downsview Park that represents a flexible and pragmatic approach which aspires to dedicate about 64% of Downsview Park to green space, recreational, cultural and leisure activities and aims to maximize the land retained in ownership by PDP. Approximately 36% of Downsview Park will be dedicated to opportunities that complement these activities while providing revenue to finance the construction, development and management of the Downsview Park Sustainable Community forever. This includes the integration of open space with five green neighbourhoods across Downsview Park – two of which currently exist as military housing for the Department of National Defense. Each green neighbourhood is anticipated to include a variety of residential, commercial, recreational and cultural land uses. The entire Downsview Park site is intended to reflect the corporation’s vision and values of sustainability, beauty, legacy, play and stewardship in a seamless and integrated fashion. |
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The first official phase of the construction of Downsview Park began in 2005, starting with efforts to regenerate the soil (which has been compacted by more than 50 years of non-agricultural use) so that it will again support the lush vegetation that is planned for a very significant portion of the site.
The creation of the Canada Forest features over 50,000 native trees planted to date through numerous stewardship activities and park festivals and events. Each tree planted creates a living legacy for future generations. Our tree planting efforts also contribute to the City of Toronto’s tree canopy, overall landscape and contribute to the City’s ecological health and wellbeing. Wildlife, birds and unique plant colonies are essential parts of forest ecology. Already, Downsview Park staff has witnessed sightings of red tail hawks, owls and white tail deer at the Park. |
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Park Development staff has also made great strides in creating a bioswale that collects overland drainage through a natural process. This water travels through a stream that filters sediments by various native plant species before reaching the Black Creek system.
Construction of a comprehensive stormwater management system, including filtration beds, bioswales and the lake is expected to start this fall. This functional system will address the water circulation through the site as well as serve as an icon visual element and recreation feature for park users. |
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Earlier this year, two artificial turf soccer fields were constructed
in association with the Downsview Park Sports Centre at 75 Carl Hall
Road. These soccer fields have already proven to be highly community
facilities.
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Downsview Park engages the public through its many recreational, cultural and educational programs, sports and retail amenities and seasonal and special events. These features promote and broaden awareness of the significant historical, environmental and cultural characteristics that make Downsview Park unique, as well as support PDP’s mandate of social, economic and environmental sustainability. Over a million visits annually continues to establish Downsview Park as a destination of choice for people of all ages to play, learn and celebrate throughout the year.
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Downsview Park Go-Karting Championship - Downsview Park and Grand Prix Kartways go full-throttle September 12-14 with the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship Series.
View Details |
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AMAKHOSi - The Kings of Africa – an amazing cultural performance of African dance and song from September 26 – October 12, 2008.
View Details |
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Downsview Park’s
8th annual Fall Fair – celebrate the season with fun,
family-friendly free entertainment and activities including
pumpkin carving, scarecrow making, face painting, petting zoo,
buskers and a professional soccer game on October 5 from 11AM –
4PM.
View Details |
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Portuguese Festival (Associacao Cultural Do Minho De Toronto) – a cultural celebration of Portuguese traditions on October 12. |
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Downsview Park’s Trail of Lights – Canada’s largest walk-through holiday light show featuring hundreds of light displays, holiday arts and crafts, entertainment, refreshments and a picture-perfect opportunity with Santa Claus from November 28 – December 31, 2008.
View Details |
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Free School Programs – Downsview Park's certified EcoSchool offers FREE curriculum-based programs that focus on sustainability for elementary and secondary schools. Designed to support Ontario's Ministry of Education Curriculum Guidelines, Downsview Park's free school programs include interactive lessons, memorable crafts and fun activities both inside and outside the classroom. All of the school programs are half-day workshops, with the opportunity to combine a morning and afternoon session from September 2008 to June 2009.
View Details
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Downsview Park’s Summer Dayz Camp – Downsview Park’s Summer Dayz Camp achieved record enrollment during summer 2008. Hundreds of children between the ages of 6-12 participated in sustainability-based programming in a fun and safe environment. Weekly themed programming included nature, science, multi sports, art and the great outdoors. New this year, Downsview Park offered an optional healthy lunch program which featured fresh deli sandwiches, salads, pasta, and baked favourites. Centrally located, easily accessible by public transit, competitively priced and flexible extended hours of operation make Downsview Park’s Summer Dayz Camp a popular summer fun option for many. |
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Consider Downsview Park for your next event – a picnic, festival, concert or corporate function.
For more information, email: info@pdp.ca.
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The Downsview Park Sports Centre is growing to become the leading centre of athletic excellence in the Greater Toronto Area. It is a fundamental component of Downsview Park's economically, environmentally and socially sustainable community, offering a wide range of athletic opportunities that generate much of the funding necessary to help build Downsview Park.
Downsview Park continues to pursue its vision of offering the community a world class sports facility while nurturing athletic ability from the playground to the podium.
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The Hangar is one of the best-known destinations at Downsview Park. A year-round roster of soccer and volleyball activities at The Hangar helps to attract more than 400,000 visits per year and has established Downsview Park as the venue of choice for sports fans across the Greater Toronto Area.
This 45,000 square meter multi-purpose facility opened its doors as Toronto's premier indoor soccer facility in 1998. With four professional quality indoor soccer fields, two state-of-the-art outdoor soccer fields, two indoor beach volleyball courts and a new indoor ball hockey operation, The Hangar is multi-functional sports venue and year-round destination of choice for sport enthusiasts and fans across the GTA. The Hangar also attracts thousands of visitors each year as a highly popular venue for touch football, Ultimate Frisbee, seasonal sports camps, a training facility for Canada's Olympic archery team and Canada's Olympic Men's and Women's beach volleyball teams, and as a venue for a variety of celebrations.
Also this year, PDP launched The Hangar Grill – a new food and beverage operation within The Hangar to offer visitors an enhanced experience while visiting Downsview Park.
www.hangarsports.com
For more information, email: hangar@pdp.ca.
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The Grand Prix Kartways (GPK) racing amusement centre encompasses 47,000 square feet of indoor space at Downsview Park, with high ceilings and a complete clear span over the racetrack. GPK creates an overall fun racing experience, at a standard significantly higher than currently being offered in the Greater Toronto Area, with a consistent theme in layout, décor, and ancillary services.
GPK provides the highest quality, state-of-the-art electric go-karts for its racers. The Italian made EK-5N-DR and EK-Mini
Go-Karts are the best available in the industry, in
terms of performance and safety. Not only are the
race team stylized go-karts fast, they are safe and
environmentally friendly. Electric-powered karts do not
release the emissions of regular gasoline-powered carts,
significantly reducing their impact on the environment,
an important goal of the Downsview Park experience
Experience the thrill of go-karting racing with a driver’s VIP pass, or a spectator ticket. Drivers are given a racing balaclava to wear under helmets (hygienic purposes), racing uniforms and gloves. After the race, drivers are presented with a comprehensive diagnostic of the race results.
Weekly races and tournaments are held for various age groups and the retail merchandise store offers racing caps, shirts, jackets, and custom helmets, along with rare model cars.
The track-side Café and VIP Lounge welcomes guests to stay and enjoy live racing and other sporting events on big screen TV’s, and also provide dining facilities for family or corporate parties.
For further information visit:
http://www.gpkartways.com
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HoopDome is a state-of-the art, world-class basketball facility located at the Downsview Park Sports Centre. The 42,000 square foot basketball facility consists of four regulation basketball courts and three smaller half courts (cages). Each of the full courts come complete with bleachers, high end portable baskets, scoreboards and professional style hardwood floors. The cages have a unique outdoor or urban look seen in many American cities, but have the luxuries of being inside.
HoopDome opened in March 2007 to address the growing demand for basketball in Toronto and operates operates 365 days per year. HoopDome offers a variety of programs for all levels of basketball players; including youth (boys – girls) leagues, adult (men – women) leagues, master leagues, tournaments, coaching clinics, camps, corporate events, rentals and more.
For further information visit: www.hoopdome.com.
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PEAC School for Elite Athletes provides high performance athletes from grades seven to twelve the opportunity to learn and train under one roof. It addresses the needs of high performing athletes by delivering the Ontario Curriculum in small classes with Ontario Certified Teachers. Students benefit from the use of laptops, smartboards and wireless access to the internet where lessons are updated online daily. Flexible deadlines and high academic standards truly separate PEAC from any other school in Canada. PEAC "Where athletes come to learn".
PEAC offers daily dry-land training / sport specific training to all student athletes. Students receive nutritional counselling, conditioning and strength training geared to their individual sport. In addition, PEAC
advantage sports, hockey, freestyle skiing and
snowboarding, soccer and figure skating, provides male
and female athletes with skill development in their
sport and professional coaches, such as Kay Whitmore of
the NHL.
PEAC’s unique integration of academics and athletics has provided student athletes with the strong foundation needed for success. Many PEAC students have improved their level of competition by making better teams and performing at the highest level in their sport. More importantly, the academic success that PEAC students have realized with small class sizes and use of technology truly separates PEAC from all other schools.
For further information visit: www.peac.ca.
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The Rail Skatepark is the largest indoor skate facility in the Greater Toronto Area. This 7500 square feet facility, designed by Gord Hardie of BTL (Blue Title Lounge) fame, the Rail Skatepark is designed to challenge skaters of all levels.
For further information visit:
http://www.therailskatepark.com.
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Stewardship is one of Downsview Park’s core values. PDP hosts multiple community tree plantings and park beautification activities each year to increase public commitment to the growth and development of Downsview Park.
PDP is committed to public participation and communication. PDP hosts and participates in numerous community meetings and educational forums to discuss development activities, opportunities and Park vision and progress. The building of Downsview Park is a collaborative and collective effort.
- Downsview Area Secondary Plan -
PDP strives for good working relationships with all three levels of government and public and private sector partners. PDP plans to continue its dialogue and support, including investment in the process, to the City of Toronto during the Downsview Area Secondary Plan, in an effort to establish consensus and cooperation between all levels of government.
The City of Toronto is hosting three community meetings this fall regarding the review of the Downsview Area Secondary Plan.
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Topic: Discussing Possible Alternatives
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Time: 6:30PM – 9:00PM
Location: Downsview Park’s Discovery Centre, 1-35 Carl Hall Road
Topic: Identifying Alternatives for Evaluation
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Time: 6:30PM – 9:00PM
Location: Downsview Park’s Discover Centre, 1-35 Carl Hall Road
Topic: Results of Detailed Review
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2008
Time: 6:30PM – 9:00PM
Location:
Downsview Secondary School, 7 Hawksdale Road |
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Leasing revenue is a significant source of operational and development funding for Downsview Park. Downsview Park offers many opportunities for short and long-term users of the lands in a manner consistent with our vision and values.
Approximately 1.7 million square feet of space is available for lease for office, commercial, warehousing, trade shows, industrial, institutional and recreational uses and film production.
If interested in leasing opportunities, consider Downsview Park. You’ll be in
good company. The grass is greener at Downsview Park.
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Phone: (416) 952-2222
Fax: (416) 952-2225
1-35 Carl Hall Road
Toronto, Ontario
M3K 2B6
By email: info@pdp.ca |
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