Two Toronto parks that were to open this year now delayed to 2027

A pair of side-by-side Toronto parks that were scheduled to open this year will now be delayed for another few years.

Two adjoining parks planned for 10 Ordnance Street and 801 Wellington Street West will introduce a combined 5.3 acres of public space to the Liberty Village-Fort York area, something locals were hoping would materialize as planned in 2025.

However, according to a new report, the public spaces will not come to fruition for years based on an updated project delivery date that would push the completion timeline from the end of 2025 to the end of 2027.

In a report dated June 2, the City's General Manager of Parks and Recreation and Chief Procurement Officer requests authority from Toronto's General Government Committee to amend a purchase order for the landscape architect professional and technical services regarding the two parks.

The report states that, following changes in project scope that emerged through a technical site review, the project delivery date must be extended from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2029. 

A City of Toronto representative clarifies that "construction on both parks is expected to be completed by 2027. We're retaining support through to 2029 to cover services such as reviews, inspections and documentation."

According to the letter, the requirement for a multi-year extension is the product of "additional engagement, design and coordination work required and anticipated procurement timelines."

Among the new changes introduced to the parks' design, visitors to the now-delayed public spaces will enjoy a new washroom pavilion and Indigenous placekeeping elements.

Other changes cited as impacting the project timeline include revisions to earthworks and drainage to meet accessibility requirements, the relocation of an adjacent community garden, and coordination with Metrolinx for an emergency exit building planned for the site. 

These changes have contributed to a meteoric rise in the project's expected cost. The two parks were initially allocated a combined design and construction budget of $6,921,000; however, this figure has since increased to a staggering $19,321,000.

As of mid-2025, the sites remain as blank green spaces, awaiting the City's build-out.