Bloordale Beach opened in May 2020 and quickly became a bright spot during the most difficult days of the pandemic. It was not just a place for relaxation and enjoyment, but it embodied fun, whimsy, and community spirit in Toronto's Bloordale neighbourhood. With a new park popping up by the beach on Croatia St., it would be most suitable to name the new park Bloordale Beach Park.

The Current Situation at the Beach and the New Park

Currently, the new Bloor CI is under construction on the site where Bloordale Beach once was, at 90 Croatia Street. The new park, currently a construction site, will be located at 70 Croatia Street—nothing exists between numbers 70 and 90. They’re currently figuring out what to do with this new park. From the image on the new park’s website, it looks like the park will be right next to the beach, but actually, there will be a new street between the site of the former beach and the new park. The overhead depictions of the future situation can be better seen here. 

The Importance of Bloordale Beach

Bloordale Beach existed from May 2020 until September 2021, and served as a place where people could socialize, relax, and gather safely, at a time when we were meant to socially distance outdoors. This beach was not your average beach, though. It was located on a gravelly area where construction had been stalled, and became a beach by virtue of hanging signs that claimed it as such. It was a guerilla art project, a large-scale installation, a community space, and a beautiful oasis in our hearts and our minds. It was a source of joy, humour, and levity during those difficult months of the pandemic. Many people remarked that the beach was their favourite thing in the neighbourhood or said it was what helped them get through those most difficult covid times. Even John Tory made a comment on the importance of this beach, in this prerecorded speech he gave to the Bloordale BIA. 

What Happened at the Beach? 

The beach was reclaimed space that was put to good use. Many community members contributed to the beach, adding signs or other elements, like the Barkour Area, where dogs could improve their agility. It was the site of film shoots, performance art, music videos, and dance performances, and it provided creative inspiration to many—five songs and a poem in two parts were written about the beach. As examples, here is one of the beach songs and a piece of performance art that took place at the beach. Two documentaries were created about the beach, as well. Plus, the community garden that existed on the beach in 2021 was a gathering spot where people could connect while growing flowers and food—the harvest was quite impressive.

Why Name the Park “Bloordale Beach Park”?

Bloordale Beach was well-loved and highly important to the community, so we should memorialize this part of our local history. In doing so, it will ensure that future generations know about Bloordale Beach and what it meant to us all. Naming this park after Bloordale Beach is not just about preserving history, but is about maintaining the essence of our neighbourhood. Bloordale Beach Park will ensure there is a lasting tribute to our beloved beach and will continue its legacy by providing an open space for community members to gather, connect, and create memories. 

Although the beach is going to be home to the new Bloor CI, it was highly unlikely that the TDSB would rename Bloor CI as Bloordale Beach CI—a petition was created despite the unlikelihood, but it was more of a dream that would never manifest in reality. 

Bloordale Beach Park as this new park’s name, however, is an actual possibility. 

How Can the Nameless Park Become Bloordale Beach Park? 

The required forms will be submitted to the city in order to suggest Bloordale Beach Park as the best name for this park. For them to agree that this is a brilliant idea, they need to see support from the community. 

Here’s what you can do to help make this happen:

1. Sign the petition to show your support. Feel free to leave a comment explaining why you agree this is a suitable name for the park. (This petition will be included in the application to the city.)
2. If you’d like to write something longer to show your support (i.e. a letter), please do so. Please send your letter to bloordalebeach@gmail.com in order to have it included in the application. 

More About the Beach

To learn more about Bloordale Beach, there is information here. 
Feel free to follow Bloordale Beach on Instagram to keep up with the latest from the beach.