Public Commons

• News Release - April 23, 2004 -City of Toronto

Part of Our Common Grounds plan 2004 Public Consultation

Stakeholders Reference Group begins process to ReActivate TO!

The first meeting of the Stakeholders Reference Group for Toronto Parks and Recreation's review, ReActivate TO! took place yesterday at the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre. The meeting brought together leaders from various organizations and community groups to begin the process of engaging stakeholders, staff and members of the public in reviewing the services and programs provided by Toronto Parks and Recreation.

"This is a very positive beginning to an important consultation process," says Brenda Librecz, Acting General Manager of Toronto Parks and Recreation. "The synergy at the meeting was impressive. With representation from approximately 30 organizations, the Stakeholders Reference Group helps to underscore the importance of Parks and Recreation services in the day-to-day lives of Torontonians. This group will be crucial in helping us determine if we are providing the right services and delivering them in a manner that reflects the community's expectations."

Among the organizations represented on the Stakeholders Reference Group are: Toronto Community Garden Network, Swim Ontario, John Innes Advisory Council, Centennial College Recreation Leadership Program, Native Child and Family Centre, East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, Disabilities Issues Committee, Rouge Park Alliance, Toronto Regional Conservation Authority, Toronto Board of Education and Laidlaw Foundation.

According to George Dark, Chair, Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation and member of the Stakeholders Reference Group, "The meeting was a perfect example of the cross-section of organizations and people who have a vested interest and concern about the well-being and future of the city's environment, encouraging active lifestyles, and engaging Toronto's children and youth. We look forward to being involved in the development of a contemporary vision for Toronto Parks and Recreation."

ReActivate TO! will engage both City staff and Toronto residents in the review process during the next number of weeks. Consultation results will be compiled into a report to Council from Toronto Economic Development, Culture and Tourism this summer. Details regarding dates, times and locations of the public meetings, and other response mechanisms will be available shortly.

Media contact: Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Media Hotline, 416-560-8726