We just received this press release from Paula Fletcher’s office about the future development of the Don Jail & Bridgepoint. We learned in my recent blog post that this land was once owned John Scadding. He may have not been happy about The Don Jail being built here but I can guarantee one thing – he would love this! Gerrard Street and Broadview will look better than ever! Riverdale just got even more beautiful! Local neighbourhoods of Riverside and Leslieville will certainly benefit as well!
From Councillor Paula Fletcher :
Bridgepoint Redevelopment Update
Dear Friends,
On December 31, 2013 the Don Jail was officially closed and the ownership of the land was transferred to Bridgepoint Health. Bridgepoint’s construction team at PCL have begun the process to demolish the jail and start work on the forecourt park which will be turned over to the City.
The new park will bring green space to the Broadview and Gerrard intersection and create a focal point for the refurbished heritage Don Jail. The park will be incorporated into a significant heritage site home to not only the Old Don Jail, but also the Governors and Gatekeepers house associated with the jail and a heritage Carnegie Library.
I will be meeting with Bridgepoint next week to discuss their construction timelines and plans for the entire development site. I have also asked staff in the City Manager’s office to coordinate a naming contest for the new park, and I hope you’ll start thinking of names!
I will be in touch in the coming weeks and months to keep you up to date on the latest news for this site.
Councillor Paula Fletcher
Ward 30 – Toronto Danforth
