At their May 8th, 2007 meeting the Parks and Environment Committee will have a presentation Item PE 4.1 on May 8th Agenda giving a progress report on the Parks Renaissance Strategy. The Parks Renaissance Strategy - Progress Report identifies 7 Action Areas two of which focus on the trails in parks.

• Public expectation is for a high quality parks and trails system; Staff report for action on Parks Renaissance Strategy - Progress Report 4
• Primary objectives are to ensure all parks, natural areas and trails are clean, beautiful, well-maintained and exhibit a high quality of design;
• Universal accessibility should be a foundation of parks and trails design to address use by all ages and levels of ability; and
• The redesign of parks and trails can provide opportunities for tree planting to significantly increase the City's Urban Forest.

• Expanding the trail system to create a connected parks and trails system can be a relatively quick and simple way to begin work towards the Parks Renaissance;
• Staff report for action on Parks Renaissance Strategy - Progress Report 5 Purchasing lands and easements for the creation of trails should be a high acquisition priority for the parks system; Create a plan and process for guiding and monitoring ongoing trail development; and
• Establish a network of “green streets” that provides landscaped linkages to parks and trails along public rights-of-way.

This focus on trails as an integral part of Toronto's Parks as well as Toronto's transportation system is commendable and gives some hope that the neglect that has plagued Toronto's park trails will be addressed. Although it doesn't state it explicitly the actions stated here mesh with the Toronto's Bike Plan's goal of completing the 1074 km Bikeway Network. One point that could be added to the points above is to integrate the park trails and "green streets" into the on-street Bikeway Network.

If this strategy is to have any success it will have to be backed up with money. The funding in the 2007 budget and in the 5 year capital budget plan for keeping the park trails in a state of good repair is inadequate. Those budgets have also set aside little for building new trails. (see PF&R Capital Budget issues- 2007). There is also a need for staff dedicated to overseeing the work to develop and upgrade the park trails network. Council and Senior Staff of the Parks Forestry and Recreation Division should ensure that the 2008 operating and capital budgets and 2008 - 2012 5 year capital plan have the funds to ensure these goals are realized.

They should also find a way to ensure that a lone Councillor can't stand in the way of developing a city wide network as is happening with the McCowan Park Trail. (See McCowan Park Article).

The strategy being presented tomorrow is a draft strategy and the final report will be developed and will be available in the fall for public consultation. However if you want to make comments now you could send them to the Councillors on the Parks and Environment Committee .