VICTORIA MEMORIAL SQUARE PARK REDESIGN

The reimagining of Victoria Memorial Square Park incorporates an Indigenous design approach that honors its historical significance while enhancing its role as a vibrant community space. The park, located on a site rich with history, currently includes a monument, playground, drinking fountain, heritage features, mature trees, and open lawn areas. The new design respects the park's historical context, focusing on both preservation and enhancement.

Key improvements will include the introduction of additional heritage interpretation elements, with updated signage that integrates Indigenous history alongside the park's European past. This signage will be part of the City’s new wayfinding system, offering a comprehensive narrative that reflects the long-standing presence of Indigenous communities around the Great Lakes and Lake Ontario.

The design also introduces new social gathering spaces, enhancing the park’s usability for community events and cultural gatherings. Pathways will be upgraded for better accessibility, and new site furnishings such as benches, chairs, and picnic tables will be added. General site improvements will include upgrades to the existing granite border that marks the footprint of the original cemetery, playground enhancements, and a refresh of existing monuments to preserve their historical value.

New plantings and trees will be introduced to beautify the park and provide habitat for wildlife, while lighting improvements will enhance safety and extend the park’s usability into the evening. Additionally, there is potential for an integrated art feature that reflects both Indigenous and European histories, deepening the connection to the site’s diverse heritage.

This project acknowledges the historical layers of Victoria Memorial Square, from its origins as Toronto’s first European cemetery to its ongoing significance as a public park. Through Indigenous design principles, the park will continue to be a place of reflection, gathering, and education for all visitors