Morningside Legacy Project

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is undertaking Morningside Legacy Project, with support from the City of Toronto.

This project seeks to acknowledge and honour the longtime presence of First Nations Peoples in the Morningside Park area through the creation of outdoor gathering spaces that can be used for shared learning experiences and celebration.

Project Location

The project area is located in Morningside Park, west of Morningside Avenue and south of Ellesmere Road, in the City of Toronto.

Learn More About the Project

Project Background

The Morningside Legacy Project seeks to restore Indigenous acknowledgement and presence at Morningside Park

TRCA is designing a series of Indigenous outdoor gathering spaces co-developed with the Williams Treaty First Nation communities and guided by 4 Directions of Conservation Consultation, Stefan Bolliger Associates Inc, and Spruce Lab.

Together, these spaces are known as the Morningside Legacy Project.

Implemented in phases over time as funding becomes available, this project will feature five stations interpreting First Nation history and cultural significance.

Funding has been secured to implement the first station with the generous support of TD Bank Group.

Aligned with the strategic goals of both the City of Toronto and TRCA, the outdoor gathering spaces at Morningside Park will foster shared learning experiences and celebration of the natural and Indigenous cultural history of the area.

Scope of Work

Phase 1:

Phase 1 of the project spanned from 2019 to 2022, and laid the groundwork for the project vision.

This phase included:

  • Completion of a site assessment
  • Development of an Indigenous Engagement Plan
  • Establishment of an Indigenous Working Group
  • Development of a guiding vision
  • Completion of preliminary design concepts

Phase 1 resulted in the development of a preliminary concept plan for an educational trail with a series of five gathering spaces.

The following concept sketches illustrate the vision for the five stations:

concept sketch of the Morningside Legacy Project station 1
Station 1 is an introductory space, welcoming visitors and providing an overview of First Nations history.
concept sketch of the Morningside Legacy Project station 2
Station 2 features a healing garden designed in the shape of a turtle, reflecting Indigenous creation stories.
concept sketch of the Morningside Legacy Project station 3
Station 3 highlights the significance of salmon and other animals in the park.
concept sketch of the Morningside Legacy Project station 4
Station 4 offers a gathering space for storytelling and meditation, shaped like a traditional medicine wheel.
concept sketch of the Morningside Legacy Project station 5
Station 5 celebrates the forest and is an opportunity to share more of the First Nations story through a guided walk and installations and rest areas.

Phase 2:

In 2023, TRCA commenced Phase 2 of the project. This phase of work includes refinement of the preliminary concepts developed in Phase 1 for all five stations, along with advancing detailed design of Station 1 for implementation in 2024.

Implementation of Station 1, the introductory story, is generously funded by TD Bank Group.

Construction Information

Work is tentatively scheduled to extend from April to July 2025.

To ensure public safety, the project area will remain closed for the duration of construction activities.

Public Notices

Notice of Construction – April 2025

Signs with detailed construction information are posted on-site at applicable park entrances and affected areas.

Contact Us

For more information about this project, please contact:

Lorraine Chadwick, Project Manager
Special Projects, Professional Services
Restoration & Infrastructure
lorraine.chadwick@trca.ca