Toronto is looking for residents’ input on the future of its AIDS Memorial, located at Barbara Hall Park.
Nestled in the heart of The Village, the park is a staple for Toronto’s Church and Wellesley community, and a new project is set to give the space a facelift.
The space currently includes amenities like a splash pad, an off-leash dog area, a stage, seating areas, Toronto’s AIDS Memorial, Toronto’s Trans Memorial, and The 519 Community Centre.
A project is underway to redesign the space, and the city is inviting residents to take part in a community workshop that focuses on the future of Toronto’s AIDS Memorial.
The workshop is being offered virtually on Thursday, Nov. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. Those interested in taking part can register here.
The event will allow the team working on the project to share what they’ve learned during consultations with different groups and members of the HIV/AIDS community so far, and discuss how the AIDS Memorial should be honoured in the redesign of the park. Additionally, Thursday’s workshop will allow the team behind the project to learn more about the community’s needs and expectations.
Thursday’s workshop is part of the larger Barbara Hall Park Improvements project that will see the creation of a master plan to elevate the park’s function.
“The park is not currently working well, with maintenance, safety and other issues that impact its enjoyable use by the community,” reads a post on the City of Toronto’s website.
The park is named after former Toronto mayor and longtime supporter and ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Barbara Hall. She served as Toronto’s mayor from 1994 – 1997.
Organizers of the project aim to make Barbara Hall Park more functional for both everyday community use, and as a gathering space for the City’s 2SLGBTQ+ community to hold special events and moments of reflection. Additionally, the city is looking to improve maintenance and safety in the downtown greenspace.
Construction dates for this project have yet to be released.
