Sibelius Square Renewal

The first Sibelius Square Working Group was born of an ARA-initiated review of Annex Parks around the same time a team of residents was negotiating section 37 funding for Sibelius Square from the proposed development at 100 Spadina Road. A meeting attended by some seventy neighbours of the square in late 2004 resulted in the formation of a working group with open membership. The group sought the participation of representatives from a range of park users to find broadly-supported solutions to conflicts of use, and to clarify aspects of the square needing improvement. This group consulted informally with user groups, completed an online survey in 2005, and developed a first set of draft Design Objectives. Working with the councillor’s office, the results were presented Community Meeting in March, 2006.

The Community Meeting confirmed a working group with fixed membership representing key constituencies: immediate neighbours of the park, community gardeners, parents, dog owners, the elderly, the ARA, design professionals, and the rink team. All working group meetings have been open, and frequently receive input from the larger community.  The working group also benefits from the regular participation of Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff, and the councillor's office.