Item - 2022.IE30.16

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee received the report (May 11, 2022) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the General Manager, Transportation Services for information.

This report provides an update on the ongoing High Park Movement Strategy. The High Park Movement Strategy is considering comprehensive and long-term improvements to the travel network in High Park to better serve park users and the surrounding community. The options explored will prioritize safety, accessibility and the park's ecological health, and will be informed by the experience of the current weekend vehicle-free program.

This report describes the types of travel network changes that will be explored and evaluated as part of the study and summarizes the study process. It outlines how possibilities for the future of Parkside Drive are being studied in coordination with the possibilities for the travel network inside High Park. Emerging findings from work to date are also highlighted in this report, including information on existing features and facilities, infrastructure and park usage.

The High Park Movement Strategy is being developed through extensive engagement with stakeholder groups active in the park, rights-holders, Indigenous communities and the general public. This report summarizes feedback from initial rounds of engagement and outlines upcoming consultation activities.

A final report that identifies the preferred set of improvements to the High Park travel network is targeted for early 2023. Meanwhile, "quick win" changes that can be implemented in the interim, where appropriate, are being considered as they arise.