The grass is greener on our side of the wall

Phase 1A landscaping work nearly complete

Although the four new buildings of Phase 1A of the redevelopment, located along White Squirrel Way have been open for nearly two months, the continued presence of fences, equipment and most of all, bare earth, have maintained a construction-site feel to the area. But with the near completion of the landscaping work, the urban village vision of tree-lined streetscapes, private courtyards and public parks has finally taken shape.

The new client courtyard behind 30 White Squirrel Way

The landscaping, designed by Janet Rosenberg & Associates and built by Aldershot Landscaping, is composed of three parts: private courtyards behind each building, a new public park at the corner of Queen Street West and White Squirrel Way and a double-row of trees along White Squirrel Way itself.

The courtyards are framed by the buildings and the now-repaired Heritage Wall. Each courtyard is a mix of a paved patio and planting beds. The courtyards have been designed to create a quiet and private space for clients to rest and enjoy the outdoors. A row of trees has been planted parallel to the Heritage Wall for additional summer shading and privacy. Where possible, existing mature trees were protected throughout the construction period.

Future Fennings Park as work wraps-up on June 2, 2008

Future Fennings Park will shortly become a City of Toronto public park, one of three that CAMH will create as part of the redevelopment project. The park features a row of large-growing shade trees along its perimeter, with a smaller cluster of flowering trees at its centre. Benches are provided throughout. As the trees continue to grow, this park will become a relaxing and shady urban oasis.

Creating streetscapes with a neighbourhood feel to them was an important consideration in the design of the buildings and layout of the landscape. The double-row of trees along the west sidewalk will shade pedestrians and frame the new buildings.

Looking south along White Squirrel Way

Future Fennings Park will remain fenced-in for the next week, to allow the freshly planted sod to take root and settle. As the balance of the landscaping is similarly new and tender, pedestrians are asked to minimize crossing any of the newly planted areas for the next week.