Toronto Island Park – from master plan to guiding the implementation

The BQNA was invited to be part of the Working Group that shaped the Toronto Island Master Plan – a process that took place from 2021 to 2024.

From the City of Toronto project web site:

The Toronto Island Park Plan was co-created with Indigenous rights holders, local communities and the public through a series of engagement activities held between 2021 and 2024. In total, more than 4,500 people participated in activities such as Indigenous engagement and placekeeping meetings, virtual and in-person events, stakeholder discussions and a youth ambassador program.

The Toronto Island Plan includes recommendations to guide improvements over the next 25 years. These recommendations are organized under six goals that work together to address the complexity and opportunities for Toronto Island Park. Each goal is supported by strategies and actions that provide a clear roadmap for investment, partnership, engagement, and other steps needed to achieve the Plan’s long-term vision.

The plan was formally adopted by City Council in July 2024 and now the plan has moved to the implementation phase with specific projects to improve and enhance the park – guided by the vision set out by the master plan.

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You can be part of the Toronto Island Working Group! The city is looking for more members to join the group.

The Toronto Island Working Group will help guide implementation of the Toronto Island Park Plan. Members of the Group will support the City’s project team by sharing feedback and ideas. No relevant experience is necessary and all Toronto residents 18 years old and above are welcome to apply.

Members will be selected to reflect the diverse demographics of Toronto. They will join a vibrant mix of representatives of organizations also on the Working Group.

Four (4) Working Group meetings are planned each year, with approximately 2 to 3 hours per meeting. For 2025, there will be two mandatory meetings:

• Wednesday, November 12, 6-9 p.m.

• Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visit the project webpage for more information and to apply by Sunday, November 2.

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Implementation of the first projects was started in 2024, below are some photos taken the in summer of 2025.

Hanlan's Beach road realigned to improve access routes closer to the ferry landing

Bike Share pilot was run from May to September in 2025

Approximately 20,000 m2 of re-naturalization planting will be completed in spring and fall 2025.

New signage was installed for beach access and trail closures

Approximately 20,000 m2 of re-naturalization planting will be completed in spring and fall 2025

Range fencing was installed to protect dunes by managing access points

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