Construction Of Urban Park Expected To Begin Early Next Spring
/Construction on the urban park in the former Louis Street parking lot was originally slated for Fall 2018 but has been bumped to Spring 2019 after requirements from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks are met for the change in the use of the property.
The City decided to explore a public-private partnership on a section of the property that could result in a private sector partner building a public washroom, office and storage space in exchange for acquiring property for potential commercial and residential space next to the urban park. Residential uses on the property would be a change of use, leading to additional requirements from the Ministry of the Environment. Soil testing is currently underway.
Urban Park Conceptual Plan
“Encouraging the construction of new residential units next to the urban park would increase the activity in the park and help create new units in our housing market,” says Jeffrey Humble, Director of Planning and Development Services for the City. “As part of the agreement, the private sector partner would provide public facilities—washroom and storage space, for example—to support the operation of the park.”
A request for proposals will be issued to seek submissions from parties interested in a public-private partnership that adds a residential development next to the urban park.
Urban Park rendering
Converting the former surface parking lot into an urban park with space for community activities, an outdoor skating rink in the winter and water features in the summer is expected to stimulate new private sector investment in residential and commercial development in proximity to the urban park.
Urban Park rendering
Urban Park rendering
