Revitalisation of Corktown Common Prairie

Why It’s Important

Corktown Common is a flagship project designed to demonstrate the value of planting public spaces with native species in order to support native pollinators. Yet the meadow between the park and the river has become infested with invasive species. It represents a great opportunity to transform the area into a powerhouse for environmental education, an outdoor living museum destination, and habitat for species at risk. 

Aamoo means “bee” in Ojibwe. It can symbolize community, hard work, honesty, happiness, and cooperation.

The Story

Corktown Common Prairie is 12 acres of land that lies between Corktown Common and the Don River. It was originally planted with native plants to protect its function as a flood protection landform. Yet this space is now overcome with invasive species, which seed throughout surrounding neighbourhoods and beyond. Overgrown mugwort obstructs pathways and neighbouring properties, creating a functionally sterile landscape incapable of supporting native wildlife.

We believe the time has come to gather our resources, as a City, and bring this unique tract of land to its full potential. Here's what will make this project work: 

  • This is a high-traffic, inner-city location accessible by public transit, that abuts Corktown Common Park, Underpass Park, and will ultimately connect to Biidaasige Park via the Don River Trail.
  • It is already linked to many existing amenities, including
    • paved paths
    • a skatepark
    • multiple playgrounds
    • splash pad
    • picnic tables
    • outdoor barbecue
    • outdoor fireplace
    • washrooms
  • There is an active community of urban conservation stewardship in surrounding neighbourhoods and institutions
  • It abuts TDSB property for future school location
  • It is near Inglenook Community School, the YMCA, and Anishnawbe Health Toronto

This project has the potential to benefit the whole city as nearly 12 acres of new public space for the City of Toronto, and as healthy habitat for species at risk, greatly expanding the power of Corktown Common and the other pollinator-friendly gardens in the area. Through environmental education and outreach, it will help schoolchildren in the neighbourhood learn as well as providing healthy outdoor space for them. Community engagement and public programming through a volunteer stewardship program will help cultivate strong community ties and commitment to the overall health of the neighbourhood. 

The Vision

As you stroll the paved path through the urban prairie, you encounter educational signage. This signage can feature scavenger hunt elements providing a character or information that can be digitally collected, or a laser cut detail that can be collected as a crayon rubbing, or a stamp that cuts out a unique shape.

Sculptural elements are dotted here and there, and are interactive, serving as play structures or as habitat. Multiple Instagrammable spots encourage social media moments and user-generated marketing content. Features are incorporated into existing infrastructure to maximise visitor experience, and to protect the flood protection landform from harm. For example:

  • Two hydro towers provide space for habitat for birds such as the bank swallow, or space to secure art installations
  • The Eastern Avenue bridge provides space for an art and light installation honouring moths and lightning bugs as well as integrated habitat features for bird nesting
  • A lawn patch on the dry side of the flood protection landform is well positioned to provide a sculptural owl habitat
  • The tunnel leading to the Don River Trail is an opportunity for an experiential art installation of a solitary bee nest. This space could double as a public graffiti location
  • The river corridor serves as a site for the conservation of aquatic and riparian species and for education focused on their ecological significance
  • Integrating a digital experience can elevate visitor engagement by providing guided tours, informative content, and gamified learning.

What You Can Do

  • Watch our newsletter and social media for progress
  • If you'd like to get involved, sign up here

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