What we heard: public feedback summary

Both in person and online, participants commented regularly that they would like to feel nestled” in nature.

Some attributed this feeling to an experience of an elevated view of nature and trees, while others noted excitement about the sense of an overall relationship to the natural environment. Design that is subtle and aesthetically pleasing contributes to feeling both inspired by the natural environment and safely protected from the elements. The feeling of being “nestled” in nature relates to feeling immersed in nature.

Connect to the trees.

The word “nestled” was used 10 times in the survey responses to describe the feeling of connection to nature and trees. This relates to ideas of contemplation, designing aesthetically pleasing locations for lookouts or viewing platforms, and being within the trees.

Ensure nature access in all seasons.

The indoor space can create the feeling of being in nature while being protected from the elements in winter.

I like how [the proposed visitor centre] is situated around the greenspace and has a lookout, and is enclosed for the winter weather.

Critically important: Please leave space for quiet and solitude to walk alone and enjoy nature.

Create options to be alone and options to be together.

There is interest in both collective and individual programming options.

• Some people want a solitary escape. Many viewed solitary interactions with nature as more restorative than gatherings or other collective activities. They felt that restoration is tied to the concept of escape. The Rouge represents a place to enjoy a reprieve from the fast pace of daily life in a densely populated urban environment, where the desire for a peaceful, quiet, and contemplative moment to coexist with nature can be fulfilled.
• Some people want a communal experience. There is also interest in collective activities like guided tours, community gardening, and picnicking. It is important to ensure visitors feel they have a choice when they arrive, and that some spaces will remain somewhat undisturbed by nearby programming opportunities.

The site can be promoted as a destination that welcomes and supports the needs of local communities , drawing people from near and far, and providing a space to create deeper social connections through programming.

For example, events and community pop ups could support small businesses and groups showcasing and selling local food, culture, and art. This creates an asset in which local community members can take great pride.

A place to organize community events centred around restoration (e.g. tree plantings or other similar activities) to involve the community in…the park.

Include community hikes, community trail runs, [and] charitable

Farmers’ markets hosted within the park would be very cool or community gardens to harvest or workshops on how to grow certain vegetables and plants, especially focused on those who have limited space and sunlight.

Many local community members from equity deserving communities, particularly Indigenous, Black, and other racialized community members, shared that they want to see themselves and their experiences reflected in signage, art installations, and among park staff. This supports their feeling of being both safe and welcome at RNUP.

Programming for us, by us.

Participants want to see programming designed and led by Indigenous, Black, and other racialized community members.

Show diverse examples and visuals.

It’s not just s’mores and burgers that are made over fires. When we communicate about campfire and hiking activities and programming, share examples and images of diverse cultural practices and offerings.

Learn from local communities.

There is an opportunity to explore the use of local commercial and cultural landscapes as inspiration for food. For example, the gift shop or food offerings could cater to a diversity of cultures found in the near vicinity.

Hire local and diverse staff.

Build a team of on site staff, programmers and facilitators that reflect the cultural diversity and diversity of experiences in the surrounding area.

Ensure opportunities on site are affordable.

Affordable programming, food offerings, equipment rentals, and other outdoor activities can improve park access for a diversity of users, including newcomers.

Step in various shoes and perspectives Child, teen, adult, senior, disabled, impaired.

Rentals of equipment is big. Outreach to new Canadians. Perhaps events specifically for newcomers.

Recognize Indigenous presence, here and now. It is important to create spaces for Indigenous peoples to craft their own visions and tell their own stories. These stories will not just speak to the past, but will speak to the presence of Indigenous peoples now, and into the future.

Indigenous partners play a crucial role in defining the design and program of the space, and in ensuring its successful path forward.

Ensure equitable access for Indigenous peoples.

We registered the importance of exploring different ways to reduce access barriers for Indigenous people looking to use park lands in ways that are culturally meaningful.

Include stories of stewardship.

Sharing current examples of Indigenous stewardship of the land was deemed important. Participants shared the importance of showcasing Indigenous knowledge and expertise about plants, animals and other features of the area, through Indigenous led and designed programming.

Meaningfully incorporate Indigenous languages.

Participants shared that it is important to meaningfully incorporate Indigenous language into design and programming. They suggest going beyond merely direct translations of keywords on signs, and instead, incorporate creative opportunities to learn about and hear Indigenous languages on site.

Develop opportunities for Indigenous procurement.

Participants identified opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous vendors, artists, and naturalists to design food, wayfinding, art, and programming opportunities. This includes suggestions to hire Indigenous staff to teach about the land, medicinal plants, animal, and more.

Tell Indigenous stories in new and relevant ways.

Let Indigenous nations actually have decision making power in this process.

Participants want to access and experience the park in many ways, including on foot, by public transit and car, by bike, and using mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Many park visitors are newcomers to Canada. This means many are first time visitors to the park, and may not be familiar with its landscapes. Once they arrive, they need clear, well marked signs and paths in order to access the park easily.

Provide clarity and options at different scales.

Guided tours, clear and translated signage, and clearly marked short, medium, and long trail options can help first timers feel comfortable venturing out. Signage that points out activities (such as spots for picnics or lookouts) can make a hike more stimulating.

Create instagrammable moments.

Destinations that serve as photo opportunities will motivate new and long time hikers alike to visit, particularly those who are young and social media savvy.

Support multimodal experiences.

Visitors want to have options to access and experience the Rouge in many ways, including cycling, on foot, and by transit.

Build bridges to local communities through partnerships.

Build relationships off site. Opportunities to partner with local organizations can help to facilitate and plan park access for communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing green spaces.

Partner on site. Develop local stewardship opportunities by incorporating community / non profit partners on site. There are many successful local examples of partnerships between green spaces and non profit organizations. Non profit partners can promote awareness of and respect for nature and could offer year round, hands on, outdoor nature education and park stewardship.