About

Beginning in June 2009, Roncesvalles Avenue underwent a major reconstruction. The sewers were rebuilt, followed by the water mains, streetcar tracks and sidewalks. It meant digging, dust and detours for about 2 years. It also presented a number of opportunities, not least of which was to create a thriving canopy of trees along Roncesvalles.

Roncesvalles Renewed includes local residents, business owners, local institutions and political representatives. Our group, which spun off from the Roncesvalles Village BIA, includes members of the BIA along with three Residents Associations — the Roncesvalles-Macdonell RA, the High Park RA and the Sunnyside Community Association. We saw this reconstruction as an opportunity to try a new model for how communities collaborate with the City on major infrastructure projects of this kind.

Priorities

Our key priority was to ensure that the reconstruction included the conditions necessary for trees to flourish. Until recently, the requirements for constructing roadways and sidewalks were at odds with successful tree growth. Fortunately new construction methods and materials made it possible to do both.

Along with a healthy tree canopy, we also worked to create better sidewalks, beautiful public spaces, and a ‘buy local’ campaign to help our businesses survive this major reconstruction of Roncesvalles.

Roncesvalles Renewed Design & Outreach Members

Roncesvalles Village BIA & Residents’ Assoc. Partners

City Partners