Toronto proposes massive new 'Rail Deck Park' in city's downtown

Toronto Mayor John Tory and Councillor Joe Cressy last week announced a plan to build a new, 21-acre park above Metrolinx tracks in the city's downtown core.

To protect the rail corridor and build the park, the city will have to secure air rights in the area and create a plan amendment to ensure the space is developed for public use only, according to a press release issued by Tory's office.

Renderings show the existing Metrolinx tracks (top image), as well as Toronto's plan for a decked park in the area (bottom image).
Source: City of Toronto

The city would create the park by decking over the corridor, which would create a "marquee green space" for the high-density surrounding neighborhoods and help connect the city to its waterfront, the release stated.

The park would be similar to Chicago's Millennium Park and New York City's Hudson Yards development, both of which transformed rail corridors into "iconic spaces," according to Tory's release.

"Great cities have great parks. As Toronto grows, we need to take bold action to create public space and make sure we build a city that makes future generations proud," Tory said. "This is our last chance to secure a piece of land that could transform the way we experience our city."

The initiative is part of Toronto's TOCore project, which is a response to the rapid development of the city's downtown.

No clear timeline or cost for the project has been determined as of yet, according to a CBC News report.