Network of Urban Parks Will be Longest Connected Green Space in North America
Ravine Strategy Featuring 100-km Green Loop
Toronto – Today, mayoral candidate Gil Penalosa released his Green Loop plan, which will provide Torontonians with the longest urban trail network in North America. The Loop will connect 100 kilometres of existing ravines, hydro corridors and parks, and will add community and allotment gardens, playgrounds, seating areas, and paths for walking, running and cycling.
“The Green Loop will be the most ambitious urban green space project on the continent,” said Penalosa. “This incredible network of ravines and trails, featuring community gardens and playgrounds, will connect people to each other and to healthier, more active lifestyles.”
Spanning more than 11,000 hectares, and comprising 17% of our city’s land area, Toronto’s ravine system is one of the largest in the world – but few access its full potential or reap the health benefits it provides. Gil will prioritize funding the City’s Ravine Strategy, and create additional entrances to stop soil erosion, which is the system’s biggest threat.
Gil Penalosa’s Green Loop vision includes:
- 100-km connected trail of ravines, hydro corridors and existing parks, including Rouge National Urban Park, High Park and Sunnybrook Park, maintained year-round
- 500 allotment gardens
- 100 areas for urban gardens and community farms
- Children’s playgrounds on hydro corridor portions of the Green Loop
- Rest areas with food kiosks
- Trails for walking, running and cycling
Gil has worked in over 350 cities around the world advising mayors, decision makers and city builders on how to make their cities greener, more vibrant and livable. Originally from Colombia, where he built over 200 parks as Parks Commissioner, Gil has called our city home for over 20 years.