As we enjoy the spring season, I know that many of you, those that care about the future of Downsview Park, must also be very excited with all of the activity that is happening to transform the former military base into a park for present and future generations.

If you’ve visited recently, driven past or live close by you’ve probably witnessed the construction equipment within the park. I personally feel so gratified to see this as this change started many years ago and is now coming to life. As someone who spent most of his youth in this area, it makes me proud that we are striving to achieve excellence that will put Downsview Park on the map for Canada and the whole world to admire. It is in that spirit that I am pleased to announce that we have begun another phase in the building of the Promenade component of Canada’s national urban park in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
   

As you can see, protective fencing (hoarding) was erected along Keele Street in preparation for this phase—the creation of our nine-acre lake and, concurrently, what we refer to as the ‘Mound’; the Mound is being created from the earth excavated for the creation of the lake. It will make the heights of Downsview—a view of the Downs—even higher to see across the GTA. Additional information on this phase in construction of the park can be found in the Park Development section of this newsletter.

Another recent undertaking reflects the thematic elements of the park: urban agriculture and water.

The Board of Directors of Parc Downsview Park Inc. (PDP) has recently confirmed PDP’s desire to focus on the thematic elements of water and urban agriculture to articulate this vision in a tangible way today in preparation for the future phasing of the plan by initiating a three-year Urban Agriculture Pilot Project. Urban agriculture not only supports our sustainability vision but the community as well. After all, parks are about people. Additional information on the pilot project can also be found in the Park Development section of this newsletter.

With spring also comes the launch of Downsview Park’s annual events. The first sign was our Earth Day Festival held on Sunday, April 26. We hope you’ll join us for more events in 2009!

In keeping with the spirit of saving our planet, Downsview Park celebrated Earth Hour with participation from staff, tenants and patrons. At 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, the lights went down at The Hangar in the Downsview Park Sports Centre and the Toronto Ultimate Club took to the field for an exciting game of glow-in-the-dark Ultimate Frisbee! I was able to throw out the first disc and it was a lot of fun for the many spectators in attendance.

We are now on the way to making Downsview Park a unique park for all people and a modern park for all seasons. As always, I welcome your comments and feedback in helping us realize this vision for you, the community and all Canadians.

Tony Genco
President and CEO
Parc Downsview Park Inc.