Why Is it so Important for Toronto Foreshore to be Parkland?

Foreshore Parks are invariably popular places.  As in Sydney or Newcastle, parks with a vista over the water are busy with people seeking a break from the fast pace and congestion of our hectic lifestyle.  They also provide the opportunity to catch up and socialise with friends and family.  Attractive parks create “open space” that people want to visit which in turn results in economic benefits for the Town it serves.

Looking towards Arnott house (in background) and RMYC site

Toronto became a popular place for visitors and picnickers when the hotel and railway were opened in the late 1880s. Concern was raised as early as 1887 over the alienation of foreshore land around Toronto. Unfortunately, this objection was unsuccessful and much of the foreshore was subsequently subdivided and developed.  Since then numerous Councils over many years brought these properties back into public ownership.

In 1980 Council engaged a firm of architects and urban designers to prepare a planning strategy for the future growth of Toronto.  This strategy was distributed widely around Toronto and a number of its recommendations have been implemented.  The pamphlet stated that “it is Council’s intention to extend the foreshore park” and later “The foreshore park should be extended to Bath Street” with an accompanying drawing showing parkland from Wharf Road to Bath Street.

Within Council however there were some differing opinions, which showed up in a 1985 report that recommended Council purchase 4 Bath Street.  The Property Manager indicated that good financial returns could be made by developing units on this site however the City Planner argued that “it is not ideal for luxury units or any units”.  Given the difference of opinion within the two Departments, Council resolved to purchase the property, requesting that a later report be submitted “on the future use of the subject property”.

Toronto has grown rapidly since that time. Council projects the town’s population to swell 20% by 2030.  Council’s Development Contributions Plan identifies that this growth will “generate additional demand for open space and recreational facilities” and goes on to specify that “an additional 2.12 hectares of community land” will be required for Toronto.  Much of the development occurring around Toronto is for apartment blocks close to the Town Centre, making the provision of more parkland all the more important.

Last year the State Government introduced two reforms that apply to the Bath Street site.  The first, in April, was the Coastal reforms, which classified Coastal Land (including estuaries) as important areas requiring protection under a State Environmental Planning Policy.  The entire Toronto Foreshore falls within the zone which provides, amongst others, a need to avoid impacts on “existing public open space”.  Then in September the State Department of Planning introduced the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan, which covers Toronto, and requires Council to “protect and enhance waterfront parkland areas”.

In March this year, Andrew Hoyne, a consultant specialising in “place making”, and David Bartlett, the former Premier of Tasmania, visited Newcastle to speak to business and political leaders on promotion of tourism.  The message was “that cities should spend less time worrying about building hotels and tourist attractions and more on engaging their residents, which would in turn create an ‘authentic’ culture attractive to visitors”.

We need to keep raising all these issues and continue to build the groundswell that is occurring within the community.  Discuss it with your friends and neighbours and ask your Councillors - Where will our children play?