Early cost estimates put the price tag for Rail Deck Park, an ambitious elevated green space over the rail tracks between Bathurst Street and Blue Jays Way, at $1.05 billion dollars.
“It’s well worth the investment,” said Joe Cressy, the area’s local city councillor.
“We have to make sure our city is livable and parks are part of that livability. And in downtown Toronto, where the population is doubling over the next 25 years, if we don’t seize this opportunity now we’re never going to find that parkland.”
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Compared to the cost of constructing the CN Tower, around $259 million, and Rogers Centre, at least $854 million, Rail Deck Park carries a hefty price tag.
The values, in 2016 dollars, were calculated adjusting for the cost of inflation at the time of completion.
“Those are landmarks everyone uses and enjoys; this landmark will be specifically for the people who live downtown,” said Councillor Jim Karygiannis. “Fantastic. They need parks, but what is it going to do for my constituents and the people in Scarborough?
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“A billion dollars can build a third of the subway along Sheppard.”
Many in the area welcomed the prospect of an elevated park, especially in light of the limited real estate available to develop. “I think it’s fantastic if they build a park. The more green the better,” said local resident Ida Kalisky.
But the price tag came as a bit of shock.
“I don’t think it’s good value for money,” said Amanda, who lives near Bathurst Street and Front Street where one of the ends of the 21-acre park extending around 850 metres would start.
“But definitely I think we do need green space in this area.”
Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti was blunt in his assessment of the project and its cost.
“What they’re trying to do is create a glorified dog poop park in the city of Toronto. And let the rich walk their dogs.”
“Unachievable, unfair, and it’s just unreasonable.”
He says the costly park will siphon away funds meant for future parks in other areas of the city like in his ward. He’s also skeptical the $1.05 billion preliminary price tag will stay that way.
“It’s a three billion dollar vision because expropriation comes into the picture,” he said.
The city has yet to secure the air rights over the rail corridor which will be essential in moving forward with the plan.
City of Toronto Parks
But residents downtown say a new park is badly needed in an area of the city relatively lacking in green space. “This is definitely a space that would be walkable, and better if it was green,” said Derek, who recently moved downtown from Scarborough.
The downtown core is home to around 250,000 residents. Its population is expected to double in the next 25 years, leading to an increased need for infrastructure and services.
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