An Update on the Potential Bloordale Beach Park and New Efforts to Memorialize the Beach

Hello! 

I thought I'd give you a bit of an update on what's going on.

The City had told me the name for this park would be decided by the end of the year, but it doesn't look like that will happen. 

Months ago, Alejandra Bravo told me she had a commitment to Indigenous names, so there's a chance they'll choose an Indigenous name for the park. In creating this park, city staff have been working with an Indigenous Advisory Circle who found that a long time ago there was a ravine on the site, which makes sense given that you can see from this Lost Rivers map, there had been a river at the beach 142+ years ago. 

Subsequently, Alejandra's office staff told me other people had been asking about the name for this park, so they'd like to hold a community consultation. In October, I followed up to ask what was happening with this community consultation and was told: "Our office has inquired with Parks, Forestry, and Recreation and are waiting for more information on how the public consultation will take shape. We’ll share the details of the forthcoming public consultation with the community when it is available."

Meanwhile, in the Yonge and Eglinton area, the latest park to open is called Raccoon Park, and it has a fun raccoon theme. I was disappointed to see that plans for the park on Croatia St. don't include any fun beachy features. There's currently an online survey you can fill out to provide your opinion on the design options. You have until December 20th to complete the survey. 

Meanwhile, I'd like to put a Bloordale photobook together to memorialize the beach, and I'd also like to produce an EP of beach songs on 10" vinyl. If you'd like to see these things exist in the world, please check out my Kickstarter campaign and reserve copies for yourself today. I don't know that I'll be able to put these things together if I don't meet the goal. There's even a local pick-up option, so you won't have to pay a shipping fee. 

Also, if you would like to reach out to Alejandra, and explain why you think the park should be called Bloordale Beach Park, please do so. 

Happy holidays! 

Shari K.