The Port Lands community in Toronto is experiencing a significant transformation, highlighted by the official opening of Biidaasige Park, located at the southeast corner of Cherry and Commissioners streets. This park is part of the newly created Ookwemin Minising island and spans approximately 50 acres. The name Biidaasige, pronounced ‘bee-daw-sih-geh,’ translates to ‘sunlight shining toward us’ in Anishinaabemowin, reflecting the cultural significance embedded in the park's design and purpose.
The development of Biidaasige Park and the broader initiative to increase green spaces in the Port Lands have been in progress for about two decades. Joe Cressy, a former Toronto councillor and now the chief spokesperson for Waterfront Toronto, expressed pride in the project, labeling it the largest civil engineering undertaking in North America. He stated that the area is set to accommodate around 15,000 residents and 3,000 workers, all anchored around this newly established park system by the water’s edge.
The park features a variety of amenities designed to enhance community engagement and enjoyment. Among the highlights are Toronto's first ziplines in a park, a large recreational waterplay area with pumping stations, expansive play structures with soft surfaces, and animal sculptures representing the Anishinaabe, Ongwehonwe, and Huron dodems. Furthermore, the park is home to the Snowy Owl Theatre, a giant owl structure that includes a children’s stage and performance area.
Biidaasige Park also offers numerous recreational activities, such as walking trails and cycling paths, step-down areas along the Don River for fishing and birdwatching, and non-motorized boat slips for kayaking and canoeing. The Don Greenway wetlands, which include designated birdwatching spots, and two off-leash dog areas further ensure diverse opportunities for community interaction.
The park's opening attracted hundreds of local residents, who expressed their admiration for its design elements. A 12-year-old visitor, Keyan, commented on the use of natural resources over plastic and appreciated the incorporation of Indigenous figures within the park's landscapes.
This $1.4-billion project encompasses 400 acres and includes an extension of the Don River by 1.3 kilometers to the harbor, primarily aimed at reducing flooding in the area. As the planning and design processes continue, Cressy noted that residents can anticipate the unveiling of the remaining 10 acres of Biidaasige Park by 2026.
To celebrate the park's grand opening, an event is being held on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shuttle buses are available from Toronto City Hall starting at 9:30 a.m., and TTC buses on routes 72D and 114 also service the park. There is a parking lot on the north side of Commissioners Street adjacent to the park, but attendees should expect high demand for parking spaces.
