City of Toronto advances Centennial Park Master Plan, delivering new toboggan space, programs and events this winter

The City of Toronto is accelerating capital work on the transformational Centennial Park Master Plan: www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/construction-new-facilities/parks-facility-plans-strategies/centennial-park-master-plan. The Master Plan builds on Centennial Park’s many existing amenities and recreation areas to create and support diverse, inclusive sports and recreational programming and improve accessibility. In the short term, the park will offer new winter and year-round activities, including a skate trail, improvements to the chalet, toboggan hill and additions and improvements to the multi-use trail system.

As part of Centennial Park’s evolution, ski and snowboard programs will no longer be available, and the ski hill will be reimagined. The upcoming ski season would have been the last at this location. The ski lift at Centennial did not operate in 2020, the hill was closed in 2021 in response to COVID-19 protections, and this year’s modified season ended in early February due to mechanical issues with the ski lift. The City is accelerating the plan and fast-tracking the delivery of new winter activities for residents and visitors to the park.

In place of ski and snowboard operations at Centennial Park, the City is offering new affordable programs and free events for residents of all ages to enjoy this winter:
•       A new dedicated tobogganing area
•       Holiday market featuring local small businesses
•       Themed leisure skating at the arena
•       Holiday CampTO
•       Winter Wonderland and Game of Valentines workshops; March Break CampTO and CampTO Plus Hockey

Information on weekend winter activities at Centennial Park, including Holiday CampTO, is available on the City’s Welcome TO Winter webpage: www.toronto.ca/WelcomeTOWinter/?accordion=centennial-park-winter-weekends.

Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre will continue offering programming, drop-in skiing, and snowboarding. Ski and snowboard season, weather and snowfall-dependent, begins in early January and ends in mid-March. Program listings at Earl Bales for 2023 will be viewable beginning Tuesday, November 8, on the City’s Winter Recreation webpage: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/winter-recreation-programs/ alongside other winter recreation programs. Residents can begin to register for winter programs on Tuesday, December 6.

The Centennial Park Master Plan was informed by a consultant report, public survey and extensive public consultation process and is supported by more than $10 million in capital investments over the next five years, with funding through the City’s capital budget and other potential funding sources. City Council approved the Plan in late 2021: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2021.IE25.10.

Centennial Park is Toronto’s second-largest park, located in the City’s west end, near the border of Mississauga. It serves the local community and the region, attracting an estimated 1.5 million people across the GTA. The park has many amenities for the community to enjoy. It is home to the Etobicoke Olympium, Centennial Arena, Centennial Park Conservatory, Centennial Park Stadium and a BMX bike park, playgrounds, picnic areas, wading pools, natural areas, ample free parking and winterized washrooms.

Quotes:

“Through the Centennial Park Master Plan, the park will be transformed into a year-round, inclusive and accessible space for residents and visitors for years to come. I am excited that staff have developed a plan for this coming winter season that will see new and fun activities and events in place for people to gather and enjoy the winter season.”
– Mayor John Tory

“I applaud the hard work that has gone into the Centennial Master Plan, including the contributions from the community. Accelerating the Plan is a milestone, and the reimagined and revitalized Centennial Park will continue to delight residents and visitors for years to come.”
– Deputy Mayor Stephen Holyday (Etobicoke Centre)

SOURCE City of Toronto