Krishika Jethani –
Residents near a park named after Norman Jewison want it expanded in a lane where the famed Canadian filmmaker had a studio. The lane, running south from Isabella Street just east of Yonge Street, has 32 parking spots that neighbours say could be used as parkland.
Jewison, a director and producer who created films at 18 Gloucester Lane, died in late January. “We think it’s an appropriate and fitting commemoration of his life to expand the park and increase its usability,” said Al Rezoski, a member of the Bay Cloverhill Community Association.
“A whole expansion should have happened years ago,” said Connie Langille, president of the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association. When two floors were added to Toronto Parking Authority parking garage at 20 Charles Street East in 2017, she said, the city “promised” more green space.
“A promise is made, a promise should be kept,” Langille said, “It shouldn’t be this complicated.”
Rezoski said the intention was to transfer lands under the TPA garage to expand Norman Jewison Park. “You know, the bigger project, which is to provide an interesting multi use trail that kind of connects several downtown parks in an area that’s parkland efficient,” he said.
A trail through George Hislop Park to the north connects with Norman Jewison Park, which leads to James Canning Gardens to its south. Both of those are being expanded.
“It makes sense that [if] the one park to the north and the one to the south are being expanded, the central park [should] also be expanded,” Rezoski added.
Langille said it should be a safe zone for people using the laneway. “Ideally, it will still be a road, but the parking spaces will be a buffer zone for pedestrians. As it is now, you’re going between cars coming at you or from behind, so it’s not safe.”
The two residents’ associations proposed the expansion in a letter to Toronto Centre Councillor Chris Moise, but Langille said she heard only “silence” in return.
Rezoski has posted a proposal at https://torontocentreprojects. ca seeking support from Toronto Centre Projects.
Councillor Moise could not be reached before print date.
