A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being held on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 2 p.m. to mark the reopening of the revitalized Uptown Keswick Parkette. Located at 2 the Queensway S., this project has turned an underused urban parkette into an inviting and inclusive space for the community and local businesses.
“We are so pleased with the work that has been done to revitalize the Uptown Keswick Parkette,” said Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk. “It will provide another public space for people to gather and enjoy the downtown. It’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a coffee, ice cream cone or live local music. It is wonderful to see the incredible art installation celebrating Indigenous culture. Georgina is proud to have the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our close neighbour and friends.”
The Town of Georgina received a non-repayable contribution of nearly $225,000 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and $50,000 in funding from Community Foundations of Canada's Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.
“Congratulations to the Town of Georgina on the official opening of the Uptown Keswick Parkette. You have transformed an underused urban park into a modern and inclusive gathering space for both residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “The Government of Canada is thrilled to support projects that build communities and give people a place to come together and enjoy the outdoors.”
The park updates include:
- A new multi-purpose shelter with power outlets to support community events and performances
- Accessible seating throughout
- A hardscape plaza and gathering space
Other improvements to beautify the space include a new curved concrete planter at the front of the parkette to separate the plaza from the roadway, new benches, bike racks and waste receptacles, a new concrete walkway, and an outdoor games table.
The highlight of the project is an art installation celebrating Indigenous culture. The steel sculpture, Nanabush, is a shape-shifting spirit guide manifesting as a tornado. Nanabush has the head of a rabbit. Placing animal heads on Gods is a tradition common to most cultures going back at least as far as the early Egyptians.
The art installation was created by renowned Canadian sculptor Ron Baird. He has created more than 300 public, corporate and private commissions, including a series of sculptures throughout the Lake Simcoe area. The Town retained the services of Jared Big Canoe to serve as a cultural consultant.
To learn more about this exciting project, visit georgina.ca/BuildingGeorgina.