Guild Park and Gardens Trail Master Plan The Planning Partnership User Survey On-Site Survey: September 23th (8:00am -1:00pm), 24th (12:00 - 4:00pm) & 28th, 2017 (2:00 - 6:00pm) Online Survey : Parties Identified 353 Method of Arrival

Demographics of the 130 parties: Car 152

Adults 243 Foot 132

Teenagers 45 Bike 23 03 Children 19 Other 16 RECOMMENDATIONS Guild Park and Gardens Trail Master Plan The Planning Partnership User Survey 319 of the 353 parties completed the more detailed survey: On-Site Survey: September 23th (8:00am -1:00pm), 24th (12:00 - 4:00pm) & 28th, 2017 (2:00 - 6:00pm) Guild Park and Gardens Trail MasterOnline Plan Survey : The Planning Partnership Distance traveled to visit Guild Have you visited the Park to Park and Gardens today use the trails before? UserGuild Survey Park and Gardens Trail MasterParties Plan Identified The Planning Partnership353 Method of Arrival CONSULTATION On-SiteUser SurveySurvey: September 23th (8:00am -1:00pm), 24th (12:00 - 4:00pm) & 28th, 2017 (2:00 - 6:00pm) Less than 1 km 106 Yes 305 VISITOROnline Survey SURVEY : RESULTS Demographics of the 130 parties: Car 152 On-Site Survey: September 23th (8:00am -1:00pm), 24th (12:00 - 4:00pm) & 28th, 2017 (2:00 - 6:00pm) 1 - 5 km 81 No 35 PartiesOnline SurveyIdentified : * 353 Method of Arrival 5 - 10 km 45 The consultation process undertaken as part Adults 243 Foot 132 of the development of this Trails Master Plan Parties Identified 353 Method of Arrival 10 - 20 km 51 included both structured surveying of visitors to Demographics of the 130 parties: Car 152 Teenagers 45 More thanBike 20 km 3423 the park, meetings with key stakeholders, and Demographics of the 130 parties: Car 152 a public meeting. Data was also provided from Adults 243 Foot 132 Children 19 OtherOn average, how often do you 16 Referring to the map, which previous studies, most notably trail counting data Adults 243 Foot 132 use the trails in the Park? trails do you typically use? collected by the TRCA (see pages 30-31). Teenagers 45 Bike 23 (Select all that apply) Teenagers 45 319 of theBike 353 parties completed the more 23 detailedEvery survey: day 14 Children 19 Other 16 Visitor Survey A few times a week 49 Bluff edge trail 78 Children 19 DistanceOther traveled to visit Guild 16 Every weekHave you visited the Park to 45 Walkways in the monument garden 148 Park and Gardens today use the trails before? 319 of the 353 parties completed the more detailed survey: Once a month 60 Trails in the wooded area 86 Visitor surveys were conducted to understand 319 of the 353 parties completed the more detailedLess survey:than 1 km 106 YesA few times a year 305132 Waterfront trail 106 Distance traveled to visit Guild the demographic profile of visitors, method 1 - 5 km Have you visited the Park to81 No 35 of arrival, distance traveled and trails usage. Park and Gardens today use the trails before? Distance traveled to visit Guild 5 - 10 km Have you visited the Park to45 Why do you visit the Park to Do you connect to the access road Responses were collected through an online Less than 1Park km and Gardens today 106 Yes use the trails before? 305 use the trails? from Parkway or through survey or by volunteers stationed in the site 10 - 20 km 51 1 - 5 km 81 No 35 (Select all that apply) the switchback trail by the wedding on September 23rd (from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm), Less than 1 km 106 MoreYes than 20 km 34305 pavilion, or another way? 24th (from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm), and on the 51 -- 105 km km 4581 No 35 Close to home 102 (Select all that apply) On average, how often do you 28th (from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm). The following 105 - -10 20 km km 5145 To see theReferring monuments to the and map, gardens which 151 is a summary of the survey results. use the trails in the Park? trails do you typically use? Access Road 03 More10 - 20 than km 20 km 3451 View of the lake 150 (Select all that apply) Switchback 01 Key findings from the survey: More than 20 km 34 Every day 14 Access to the water 57 On average, how often do you Referring to the map, which A few times a week 49 BluffNature edge and/or trail birdwatching 78158 Other 05 use the trails in the Park? trails do you typically use? 1. Travel distances are evenly distributed, On average, how often do you Referring to the map, which Every week(Select all that apply) 45 WalkwaysWalk the dog in the monument garden 14853 use the trails in the Park? trails do you typically use? from less than 1km to more than 20km. Every day 14 Once a month 60 TrailsTo attend in the an wooded event at area the Park 8670 (Select all that apply) 2. The most common visitor frequencies AEvery few times day a week 4914 A fewBluff times edge a yeartrail 13278 WaterfrontOther (bike trailride, hang out, see architecture) 10644 are several times a year and several EveryA few weektimes a week 45 Walkways in the monument garden 148 times a week. 49 Bluff edge trail 78 OnceEvery a week month 6045 TrailsWalkways in Whythe in wooded dothe youmonument area visit the garden Park to 86148 Do you connect to the access road 3. The most frequently cited attractions use the trails? from Guildwood Parkway or through AOnce few timesa month a year 13260 WaterfrontTrails in the trail wooded area 10686 are the monuments and gardens. (Select all that apply) the switchback trail by the wedding 4. The most used trails are the Monument A few times a year 132 Waterfront trail 106 pavilion, or another way? Why do you visit the Park to Do you connect to the access road and Gardens Walk and the Waterfront Close to home 102 (Select all that apply) use the trails? from Guildwood Parkway or through Trail Why do you visit the Park to To see the monumentsDo you connect and gardens to the access 151 road (Select all that apply) the switchback trail by the wedding use the trails? from Guildwood Parkway or through Access Road 03 View of thepavilion, lake or another way? 150 (Select all that apply) the switchback trail by the wedding Switchback Close to home 102 Access to the(Select water all that apply) 57 01 * For the purpose of this visitor survey, a “party” is defined as anypavilion, person or or group another of people way? traveling to theToClose sitesee totogetherthe home monuments and leaving and together. gardens 151102 Nature and/or birdwatching 158 Other 05 Access Road(Select all that apply) 03 28 ViewTo see of thethe monumentslake and gardens 150151 Walk the dog 53 Switchback 01 AccessView of tothe the lake water 57150 To attendAccess an Road event at the Park 7003 Other 05 NatureAccess and/or to the birdwatchingwater 15857 OtherSwitchback (bike ride, hang out, see architecture) 4401 WalkNature the and/or dog birdwatching 53158 Other 05 ToWalk attend the dogan event at the Park 7053 OtherTo attend (bike anride, event hang out,at the see Park architecture) 4470 Other (bike ride, hang out, see architecture) 44 03 RECOMMENDATIONS

Session #1 Session #2 Session #3

Stakeholder Workshop Staff/Agency Workshop: September 13, 2017 Public Workshop: October 16, 2017

An evening workshop was held with the A meeting was held at Metro Hall with key Two sessions were organized with the intent should be addressed with barriers and/or representatives of key stakeholder groups. representatives from the City of , the of accommodating more potential participants signage; Attendees included representatives from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and achieving a more representative cross- • Signage, rest areas, and other amenities Guildwood Village Community Association, (TRCA), and the consulting team. The purpose section of the public. The first session was (waste receptacles, bike racks, wayfinding, Friends of Guild Park & Gardens, Guild of the meeting was to discuss the Scarborough held from 4:00pm to 5:30pm, and the second etc.) should be incorporated; Renaissance Group, Guild Festival Theatre, Waterfront Project, the progress of the Master session ran from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Cedar Ridge Studio Gallery, and Chartwell Plan analysis, including opportunities and • North-south paths that dead-end in the West Retirement Residence as well as a number of constraints, and the scope for a complimentary The session began with a presentation of Trail Area are not necessary and should be City departments including Parks Operations, Culture and Heritage Horticulture RFQ. the key findings of the site analysis and closed; Parks Capital Projects, Facilities, and the feedback from the visitor survey. The • Maintain vista from the Monument Walk and Culture. Councillor Paul Ainslie attended. presentation concluded with precedent images Gardens area to the bluffs; Representatives from Sir Wilfred Laurier of key projects for consideration, including Collegiate, Jack Miner Senior Public School, lookout structures and gateways. • Screen the maintenance route behind the Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Services and Greek Theater; TRCA were invited but gave their regrets. Following the presentation participants were • Provide lookouts to the waterfront from the asked to engage in break-out conversations top of bluffs; and facilitated by City staff and members of the • Provide a safe, formal trail to the watefront. consulting team. Participants were supplied with markers and two large maps of the existing trail network and opportunities, and management areas and were asked to comment on trail location, trail entrances, trail materials, signage, existing conditions, and propose any additional potential changes. A summary of the input received was posted on the City’s website, but the key findings from the workshop are as follows:

• Existing paths should be repaired to improve safety; • Measures should be taken to ensure the safety of trail users. Steep slopes and erosion

GUILD PARK & GARDENS trails master plan: April 13, 2018 / 29 03 RECOMMENDATIONS

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City of Toronto Trail Counting Report: The Guild Park COUNTER AVERAGE DAILY MOST POPULAR AVERAGE MOST POPULAR TOTAL COUNT NUMBER COUNT DAY OF THE WEEK MONTHLY COUNT MONTH In an effort to identify priority routes, access points, and trail use frequency, the City of 1 18 FRIDAY 563 JUNE (2014) 6,768 Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation department utilized the Toronto and Region 2 23 THURSDAY 717 JUNE (2014) 8,622 Conservation Authority (TRCA) trail counting program. During the course of one year, starting 3* 2 TUESDAY 45 OCTOBER (2013) 388 in October 2013 and proceeding through to October 2014, trail sensors were installed along 4* 3 SUNDAY 70 OCTOBER (2013) 417 key routes, which recorded each instance where a visitor crossed a given point along the park’s * Estimated due to incomplete data. trails. The data from these sensors is recorded in the table. Note : Data was not collected consistently between January and February 2014 due to excessive snow and ice from a December 2013 storm.

GUILD PARK & GARDENS trails master plan: April 13, 2018 / 31 32 03 recommendations

ACHIEVING THE 8 PILLARS 34 OVERALL TRAILS PLAN 36 Lighting 47 Furnishing Family 47 MANAGEMENT AREAS 38 Introduction 34 Gateways 48

Destination Park 34 Trail Maintenance & Management 48 West Trail Area 38 Where Art Meets Nature 34 Lookouts 49 Monument Walk & Gardens 40 Enhance Passive Recreation 34 Gathering Areas 49 Waterfront 42 Conserve Cultural Heritage 34 Resources East Trail Area 44 Family Friendly 35 Revitalize Cultural Landscape 35 PARK-WIDE ELEMENTS 46 Structure Protect Natural Heritage Systems 35 Signage & Wayfinding 46 Tell the Story 35 Accessibility 46 03 RECOMMENDATIONS

ACHIEVING THE 8 PILLARS

Introduction

The recommendations of the Trails Master Plan are built upon the findings and recommendations of the Guild Park and Gardens Management Plan. The Management Plan recognized the park as a regionally significant and treasured destination, with unique character and a multitude of important natural, horticultural, and cultural features.

The Management Plan established Destination Park Where Art Meets Enhance Passive Conserve Cultural eight pillars that support the Vision for the park and recognize the key Nature Recreation Heritage Resources characteristics of the site that make it a special place to visit and an asset The Guild Park and Gardens is a One aspect that sets the Guild Park Passive recreation can take a variety The rich collection of cultural heritage to the city. These Pillars have been regional destination for walking. With and Gardens apart from other regional of forms, but one of the most common features within the park, including used to guide the design and planning trails weaving through the natural, parks is the cultural heritage aspect. and most enjoyable is strolling down a the Estate, is an integral process for the Trails Master Plan, and horticultural, and cultural heritage The Trails Master Plan will recognize wooded path, lingering in a manicured feature that makes the Guild Park and inform the recommendations for future features on site, the park provides a this as an essential element of the site, garden, or taking in the landscape Gardens special. As such, the Trails works. These eight pillars are: range of experiences not matched and seek to preserve and enhance from the comfort of a park bench. Master Plan will propose potential by other parks in the area. The Trails both the physical cultural heritage This Trails Master Plan will propose future trail works that will protect, Master Plan will ensure that the trail features dotted throughout the site, but methods of preserving and expanding respect, and elevate these features. network is preserved and enhanced for also the array of arts programming and the facilities that promote passive current and future visitors to the site. events held throughout the year. recreation throughout the property.

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Family Friendly Revitalize Cultural Protect Natural Tell the Story Landscape Structure Heritage Systems

The Trails Master Plan’s primary focus The Trails Master Plan will review The Trails Master Plan recognizes A central theme to the Trails Master is on enhancing the existing walking the current condition of the cultural the natural heritage systems within Plan is to tell the story of the property and cycling network throughout the landscape and establish approaches the Guild Park and Gardens, and and the history of its artifacts, site. This network is a major draw for to revitalize and enhance the addresses the potential impact that landscape, and owners. The Master users of all ages and abilities, and is Monument Walk and Gardens area of current and future trail use and projects Plan will propose recommendations a source of family friendly activity and the property. Decisions regarding trail may have on existing habitats and that are cognizant of the story of the entertainment. network expansion and upgrades will communities. The recommendations site, and create an environment where be made to make this space a more provided at the end of this document visitors can access and enjoy this inviting and animated space. will help to guide future works while history. Resolution could coincide with ensuring the continued health of a future interpretive plan. the natural heritage system. Further resolution of this Pillar could coincide with a future ESA study of the East Trail Area.

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OVERALL TRAILS PLAN

The proposed recommendations for future trail 3. Enhancing the entrances to the site, at both work address the findings of the site analysis and primary and secondary access points. TRAIL HIERARCHY the feedback from the public consultation phase. In this ultimate condition all trails are formalized, 4. Adding lighting to the Gardens area. and the unsanctioned trails either upgraded The trails proposed for the Park and Gardens or closed. The alignment of new trails, and the 5. Incorporating landscape furnishings follow a hierarchy of importance that is closure of existing trails, take into consideration throughout the site, including waste associated with their paving treatment. The the existing natural and cultural areas on site, receptacles, benches, and bike racks. hierarchy is as follows: especially the environmentally significant areas, by minimizing or avoiding disturbance. 6. Implementing a wayfinding strategy that includes trail maps, wayfinding markers, and Recommended future trail works within the Park other signage. and Gardens should include: 1. UNIT PAVING 7. Providing safe, unobstructed access to the 1. Closing unsafe and unsustainable trails. waterfront. 2. CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE Unsafe trails include those along the top of 8. Establishing formal lookouts. bluffs, outside of the assessed stable slope 3. ASPHALT line, and unsustainable trails include those Water colour painting of the main garden walk, looking north to the that require too much maintenance to provide 9. Repairing and replacing top of bluffs fencing. then Guild Inn (Wright, Roy. 1990’s) a safe walking surface. Dense vegetation New fencing should be located along the 4. SCREENINGS plantings, temporary fencing, and signage assessed stable top of slope line. should be used to deter access while the trail 5. WOODCHIP fills in naturally.

2. Revising the main Garden pathway to 6. NATURAL SURFACE / RAISED be unit paving. The material, colour, and WALKWAY pattern should be selected to compliment and enhance the character of the historic buildings and landscape. The historic colour of the walk, brick red, should be considered in the selection of future paving material. This pathway should also be permeable to address water/drainage issues on site.

Postcard of the Guild Inn, circa 1970, featuring the red crushed brick main garden walk.

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Trails Plan

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MANAGEMENT AREAS West Trail Area

The recommendations for future trail management and 1PRIMARY OBJECTIVES maintenance are divided into the four management zones identified by the Guild Resource Group: • Formalize existing routes • Repair formal trails • West Trail Area • Enhance entrances with seating, signage, • Monument Walk & Gardens and waste receptacles • Waterfront • Improve accessibility for range of mobility • East Trail Area types (providing rest areas) • Ensure ongoing maintenance of natural Each of the management zones exhibits unique areas, facilitating waste collection to natural characteristics, including vegetation and mitigate littering topography, as well as varying existing uses and • Provide safe walking routes frequency of use. The proposed primary objectives • Repair and realign fencing and programming incorporates the findings of the site analysis and community consultation phases. The recommendations are intended to guide future projects within the park, the specifics and feasibility of which should be finalized during the detail design phase.

GUILDWOOD PARKWAY

EAST TRAIL AREA

MONUMENT WALK & GARDENS

CULVERT

LIVINGSTON ROAD LIVINGSTON WEST TRAIL AREA

WATERFRONT

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VEGETATION CHARACTER TRAIL MATERIALS

• Eliminate access to unsafe informal The dominant vegetation character of this area Main Route paths along top of bluffs is naturalized. The West Trail Area contains Screenings (AODA compliant) Screenings (AODA compliant) a large swath of Environmentally Significant • Remove cycling path through the Guild Area, as well as two areas of ELC Significant Park for the Cycling Plan Vegetation Communities. The two communities are:

• Red Ash-Hemlock Mineral Mixed Swamp • Fresh-Moist Hemlock - Hardwood Forest PROGRAMMING The area was dominated by ash trees, many of which have been removed or been inoculated for Emerald Ash Borer. Despite this, ongoing This area is predominantly wooded, and ash monitoring and management will be includes several walking trails. required to ensure safety in this portion of the Programming for this area includes: site. • Walking, jogging Wooded Walk • Passive recreation Wooden Raised Walkway Natural Surface • Bird watching / enjoyment of nature • Sitting Cycling is not encouraged in this area of the park. Users are to leave bikes at bike parking areas located at the formal entrances into the site.

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Monument Walk & Gardens

2PRIMARY OBJECTIVES PROGRAMMING

• Upgrade the surface treatment of This area is the primary draw to the site, as existing paths determined by the community consultation. The existing programming is to be enhanced • Complement and enhance architectural as part of future site works. character Programming for this area includes: • Reinforce primary entrance through closure of existing screenings trail • Walking, jogging • Enhance entrances with seating, signage, • Enjoyment of cultural heritage and and waste receptacles horticultural features • Provide areas for sitting • Events - weddings, theatre performances, etc. • Minimize impact on cultural heritage features • Dog walking (screenings trail) • Repair fencing • Lookout • Eliminate access to unsafe informal Cycling is not permitted in this area of the paths along top of bluffs park.

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VEGETATION CHARACTER TRAIL MATERIALS

This area of the site contains two distinct Garden Paths Wooded Walk & Dog Walking Trail Parking Area landscape types - manicured and natural. The Unit Paving (AODA Compliant) Screenings Vehicle Conflict Areas manicured landscape is further defined by three main vegetation types:

• Garden beds • Historic garden beds • Manicured lawn The natural landscape, in which the dog walking trail is located, is not considered environmentally significant, nor does it contain any ELC Significant Vegetation Communities. There are ash tree inoculations for Emerald Ash Borer which should be monitored regularly and managed for public safety.

VEHICLE CONFLICT AREAS Parking Lot Pedestrian Circulation Dog Walking Trail (Alternate Surface) Vehicle Routes Cast-In-Place Concrete Wood-Chip Trail Asphalt Pedestrian routes within the parking and drop- off area at the primary entrance to the site cross vehicular routes in several locations. These Vehicle Conflict Areas are to be treated with a contrasting paving colour or pattern, to identify preferred locations for crossing and to signal to drivers to be aware of pedestrians.

Treatments can include:

• unit paving; • cast-in-place concrete; • coloured asphalt; • thermoplastic markings. GUILD PARK & GARDENS trails master plan: April 13, 2018 / 41 03 RECOMMENDATIONS

Waterfront

3PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

• Provide safe access to waterfront • Provide alternative to existing trails prone to washouts • Provide access that does not involve construction access route gate (frequently closed) • Provide level rest areas along construction access route to improve accessibility • Protect bluffs and vegetation by providing formal access to construction access route and closing existing informal trails.

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PROGRAMMING VEGETATION CHARACTER TRAIL MATERIALS

The primary draw to this area is the access to This area is characterized by steep bluffs and Access to Construction Access Route & Construction Access Route & Waterfront the waterfront, and the proposed connection the Lake shoreline. The vegetation Waterfront Trail Trail to the Scarborough Waterfront Project, which is natural, and includes Environmentally will connect to the current Waterfront Trail. Significant Areas and ELC Significant Screenings Asphalt This is the only area within the site in which Vegetation Communities. These communities cycling is permitted. include: Programming for this area includes: • Deciduous Treed Bluff • Walking, jogging • Sumac-Willow-Cherry Shrub Bluff • Passive recreation • Mineral Open Beach • Cycling Many of these vegetation communities are • Sitting located on the face and at the base of the bluffs. Any erosion mitigation activities in this • Nature enjoyment area should seek to minimize negative impact on the existing vegetation.

Access to East Parking Area Stairs Stairs

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East Trail Area

4PRIMARY OBJECTIVES PROGRAMMING

• Upgrade the surface treatment of existing This area is separated from the majority of paths such as with a raised walkway the site by the construction access route. through wet areas The site is wooded and includes walking trails. • Formalize and enhance entrances with seating, signage, and waste receptacles Programming for this area includes: • Eliminate access to unsafe informal • Walking, jogging paths along top of the bluffs • Passive recreation • Sitting • Bird watching / nature enjoyment

Cycling is not permitted in this area of the park. Users are to leave bikes at bike parking areas located at the formal entrances into the site.

44 03 RECOMMENDATIONS

VEGETATION CHARACTER TRAIL MATERIALS

The ecosystem in this management area is set Wooded Walk to undergo an assessment for Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) criteria and Ecological Natural Surface Land Classification (ELC) communities for potential inclusion in ESA protection. The results of this assessment should be considered in future trail works.

This area is dominated by ash, many of which have been inoculated against Emerald Ash Borer. Ongoing ash monitoring and management will be required to ensure safety in this portion of the site.

Wooded Walk Wooden Raised Walkway

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PARK-WIDE ELEMENTS

SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING ACCESSIBILITY

The park currently lacks a standardized The design of trails throughout the site has signage and wayfinding strategy and would a significant impact on the accessibility of benefit from prioritization in the Citywide Parks site. Future trail works should be undertaken and Trails Wayfinding Implementation Strategy. with an interest in improving accessibility and The Guild, as a destination park, a ravine/ circulation throughout the entirety of the site ESA park, a cultural destination with current for visitors of all abilities. AODA compliant Capital work being implemented there are surfaces should be employed wherever several reasons to prioritize the Guild for the possible. Surface treatments should be new wayfinding signage. Wayfinding signage selected to support walker and wheelchair use, should be provided at all entrances and at key as well as foot traffic. Thought should be given junctions throughout the trails network. More the paving colours and patterns to improve Example of AODA compliant unit paving. information on the Citywide Parks and Trails navigability for visitors with a range of sight Wayfinding Strategy can be found at:https:// abilities. www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability- operations-customer-service/long-term-vision- In areas where screenings are specified as plans-and-strategies/parks-forestry-recreation/ Example of signage at a primary trail entrance. the surface treatment these trails should be parks-trails-wayfinding-strategy/ maintained to ensure a firm and stable surface appropriate for disabled access.

Example of AODA compliant screenings path.

City of Toronto Parks and Trails Wayfinding Example of signage at a primary trail entrance. Example of AODA compliant raised walkway. Strategy - Lower Don Pilot Under Accessibility

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LIGHTING FURNISHING FAMILY

Lighting is to be provided within the Monument In order to provide a cohesive aesthetic, Walk and Gardens area, to extend the area’s reinforce the character of the park, and provide window of use, improve safety, and facilitate necessary utility, a furnishing family should be navigation during night time events. identified. The furnishing family should have uniform or consistent design theme, colour, The lighting design should be kept minimal, and materials. Furnishings to be provided with low height, low light, and downward- throughout the trails network include: facing fixtures encouraged. The preferred lighting method involves low level landscape • Bike racks light bollards along main garden pathways. • Waste receptacles The natural areas are not to be included as part In natural areas a wildlife-proof waste of this lighting strategy. receptacle may be more appropriate, which may not necessarily be consistent with the furnishing family. These receptacles may be The preferred lighting strategy for the gardens image wrapped to improve their aesthetics. Example of small waste receptacle suitable for area involves using light bollards. Given their remote locations, these the gardens area. receptacles should be emptied by park staff.

Example of an image-wrapped wildlife-proof Potential bike rack in abstract leaf design. container waste receptacle that might be at trailhead entrances

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Park-Wide Elements

GATEWAYS TRAIL MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT

Primary and secondary entrance points into Trail maintenance for current and the park should be enhanced with inviting recommended trail works include: and aesthetically interesting gateway features. These features should incorporate wayfinding • Vegetation management and seating elements, as well as bike racks • Garbage collection and waste receptacles. In some cases u-gates, or a similar treatment, may be incorporated • Natural surface trail mowing to encourage cyclists to dismount and walk • Snow and ice removal (walkways around or park their bikes when entering the park parking lots and the north side of the grounds. banquet facility only) • Paver replacement • Screening and wood-chip surface top- ups Example of a primary gateway feature. • Concrete and asphalt repair Regularly top-up trails with loose surfacing materials to maintain a safe walking surfaces. • Removal of hazard trees in proximity to trails

Trail marker from the Lower Don Trail Example of a simple u-gate entrance to a trail. Snow and ice removal will be required for wayfinding pilot project. walkways around parking lots and the north side of the banquet facility only. 48 03 RECOMMENDATIONS

LOOKOUTS GATHERING AREAS

In an effort to improve access to, and safety Gathering areas provide visitors spaces to along, the top of bluffs, it is recommended pause and enjoy the scenery, engage in that lookouts be constructed. The lookouts conversation with other guests, or even enjoy can take the form of raised viewing platforms, a campfire. These gathering spaces should be which raise the user above vegetation provided in key areas that offer a unique view obstructing views to the water, or as walk- or experience, such as along the shoreline. The out platforms. Walk-out platforms will require design of these spaces should be consistent significant geological and structural analysis with the aesthetics of the property, but may as part of the siting, design, and construction incorporate statement elements outside of the process. It is recommended that overland furnishing family. runoff be considered in the selection of materials and the design of the structure, so Each gathering area should include, at a as to not contribute to exacerbated erosion of minimum, seating and waste receptacles. the bluffs. In special situations an activity element may be included, such as a fire pit. Wayfinding or The built cost of a lookout is heavily Example of a cantilevered walk-out lookout. interpretive signage can also be incorporated. Seating areas should take advantage of the dependent on the design of the structure. Toronto Region Conservation Authority and stunning natural vistas. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Scarborough Waterfront Project lead on reviewed options for lookouts at the Guild Park shoreline amenities. Consider incorporating and Gardens site. Options that best balance surplus architectural fragments acquired by cost and minimizing impacts (slope, visual, Spencer Clark where appropriate. cultural) estimated at approximately $800,000, and in proximity to the gardens area are most likely to meet the competing needs for the site. If a second lookout is proposed for the monument path area this could be a more signature type counter weighted structure, if a donor supported this cost. Refer to Entuitive report (https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2018/03/97c7-guild-park-and-gardens- management-plan-lookout-feasibility-study.pdf). Example of a raised viewing platform. Fire pits can be used as the activating element of a flexible gathering space.

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