A ceremony is set to take place on Sunday to honor the late former city councillor Jaye Robinson by dedicating a park in her name. The city council unanimously voted in April to rename a parcel of land in Lawrence Park Ravine to Jaye Robinson Park. Robinson passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age of 61 after a brave battle with cancer.
The newly designated Jaye Robinson Park spans 2.5 hectares and is situated within the ravine at the intersection of Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue East. This park features a playground, a shade structure, outdoor fitness equipment, and several picnic tables and benches. The decision to name the park after Robinson was made in consultation with her family to honor her contributions to the community.
Robinson served as Ward 15 - Don Valley West councillor for 14 years and held several influential leadership positions at City Hall, including as Chair of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Chair of the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee. In addition to her role as councillor, Robinson was previously the city’s director of special events, where she spearheaded popular programs such as Summerlicious, Winterlicious, and Nuit Blanche.
Her dedication to maintaining and enhancing Toronto's green spaces was reflected in her belief that parks were more than just areas of greenery; they were vital community gathering spots. Mayor Olivia Chow remarked, “Parks were not just green spaces to Jaye; they were places of connection, celebration, and community. She believed in building a city where people could gather, play, and thrive.” Robinson’s efforts contributed significantly to the expansion of Toronto's tree canopy and the revitalization of numerous parks.
In 2019, Robinson faced a significant personal challenge when she was diagnosed with two forms of breast cancer. This diagnosis forced her to take on a part-time role at City Hall, but she demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to her councillor duties in November 2020 after completing radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
At the time of her passing, Robinson held the title of Mayoral Designate to the Toronto Hydro Board and served as Vice-Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee. She was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Notably, Robinson had been appointed to lead preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in Toronto.
Following Robinson's untimely death, Rachel Chernos Lin emerged victorious in a byelection held last November to fill the City Hall vacancy in Ward 15 - Don Valley West. Chernos Lin's election marked a continuation of the political legacy that Robinson had established during her years of service to the community.
The dedication of Jaye Robinson Park serves as a tribute to her outstanding contributions to the city and her unwavering commitment to improving the community’s quality of life through her dedicated public service.
