The Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) and Edwards Gardens are premier destinations within Toronto and the parking lot that serves these attractions is the largest in Toronto Park’s portfolio. The project was aimed at transforming a deteriorated asphalt parking lot into a pinnacle of sustainable design with the prime objective of mitigating stormwater impacts on Wilket Creek while implementing practical design initiatives to improve pedestrian access, safety and circulation, conserve water and energy, and promote alternate forms of transportation.
The design for the sustainable parking lot incorporates measures that are aimed at encouraging infiltration, reducing runoff rates and arresting the pollutants that are contained within stormwater runoff. The parking lot was designed to complement the interpretive and educational programs offered by the TBG and integrates public art.
The project improves both stability and water quality within Wilket Creek and serves as a prototypical demonstration site in support of Toronto’s Green Development Guidelines.
