Metrolinx is excited to unveil a new community garden in Scarborough at 140 Adanac Drive.

This new dedicated community space was completed earlier this month (Nov. 2) in partnership with contractor, Kenaidan Contracting Ltd.

Residents, community members and local business partners came together in collaboration to jump into action and will now benefit from this new community space.

It’s all about those personal connections.

In fact, the entire idea to revamp the community garden came about because of a conversation at a monthly meeting with the Metrolinx community engagement team.

At the meeting, a community member who, along with other residents, mentioned they had been working with Toronto Police Neighbourhood Community Officers to explore ways to improve a local community garden space.

“They needed some repairs done to some old, raised garden beds, and [hopefully] we were able to make connections with various contributors and started the ball rolling,” said Toronto Police Constable Todd Parker.

While the original ask from the community was for help to renovate the existing garden. What transpired was a completely overhauled community garden space.

Scott Brazeau, Kenaidan’s construction site supervisor for Metrolinx’s Eglinton GO Station rehabilitation project, was most eager to rally his crew, citing their company’s corporate social commitment, and offered much of the work to level the existing garden, and construct all the newly built beds and fill the planter boxes with new soil.

Toronto Community Housing, which manages 140 Adanac Drive led the charge in laying the new concrete pad, where the accessible planter boxes are being placed.

“We have many people and organizations to thank for this project and this connects us to the larger city. It takes a village,” added Bob MacDonald, Toronto Community Housing assistant general manager, east region.

Speaking of a village, even the local Home Depot threw in some of the construction supplies, at no cost.

“The willingness of community residents, organizations and agencies to enact change in the community…how everyone has gone above and beyond their expected duties to accomplish one goal,” said Adanac Drive resident Jason Sinclair.

Local GO Station Upgrades

The community garden is just steps from the Eglinton GO Station, which continues to undergo a significant transformation.

Eglinton GO Station, one of the oldest stations in the GO rail network is undergoing a complete upgrade that will dramatically improve accessibility at the station.

Improvements include new underground passenger tunnels and elevators, expanded platforms with canopies, and enhanced landscaped waiting areas.

Metrolinx works to consistently be a good neighbour through regular community consultations, tree replacements, and noise mitigation.

Once complete, the rehabilitation project at Eglinton GO Station will improve the customer experience.

And just a short walk away, the neighbours of the station will enjoy the fruits of their new community garden for years to come.