North Maple Regional Park – the transformation continues!

Phase 2 construction work to continue this year

North Maple Regional Park is the City of Vaughan’s biggest park project yet – and work to transform it is well underway! Since the completion of Phase 1 in 2018, North Maple Regional Park has become a popular destination for Vaughan residents and visitors. The next stage of park development is now in motion.

Here is an overview of work completed to date:

Phase 1

In 2018, 80 hectares (197 acres) of parkland was opened with the following facilities:

• two FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer fields with built-in spectator seating
• a park pavilion, which includes a terrace, washrooms, changerooms and water fountains (opened in 2019)
• picnic areas with shade shelters and seating
• a toboggan hill
• an asphalt parking area with room for 200 vehicles
• variety of walking and hiking trails
• free WiFi (accessible by the park pavilion and soccer fields)

Trail improvements, including paving existing trails, replacing the Nevada Park Bridge and adding seating, planting and signage, have also been completed. These trail improvements were funded by the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and by the Government of Ontario.

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the park’s development plan began in February 2022, and is now 30 per cent complete! This stage of construction is focused on preparing 52 hectares (130 acres) of the park for future development of new recreational facilities and amenities. Work includes: 

• site grading and stormwater management.
• the installation of underground services (water, storm, sanitary, electrical, gas and telecom).
• reconstruction and extension of the current park roadway, in addition to creating a second park access from Keele Street.
• environmental restoration, enhancement, and connection of the existing pond, wetland and habitat areas.
• design of park amenities, including a family recreation area for picnics, playgrounds, seating areas, special events area, cricket field and tobogganing area.
• exploring potential partnership opportunities, including reviewing the feasibility of the park becoming the future home of the National Soccer Training Centre.

As part of this work, environmental restoration is a priority. Any trees, grasses and shrubs removed during this phase will be replanted in a way that improves and supports the current ecosystems onsite. All work is being completed in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority.

A note for park visitors: Different areas of the park will be closed while construction takes place, including some trails and the toboggan hill. Onsite signage and fencing are in effect. However, the existing parking lot, artificial turf fields and pavilion remain open.

Upcoming activities

In April 2018, Council endorsed the vision to develop North Maple Regional Park into a signature 900-acre park with outstanding recreation and culture opportunities. A comprehensive work program is being created to guide the park’s development over the next 10 years and beyond.

Here is an overview, as outlined in the North Maple Regional Park Program Update – February 2023:

• A Community Engagement and Park Master Plan is planned to launch this year to gather community input on what programs, activities and facilities are desired within the park, and how the City can effectively plan for them.
• In December 2022, Vaughan Council approved establishing an ad-hoc Committee of Council specifically for the North Maple Regional Park program. Terms of References are currently being developed.
• In October 2022, City staff applied for a federal grant through the Natural Infrastructure Fund to support wetland expansion and create an eco-classroom within the park. A decision is anticipated to be made soon.
• In May 2022, Canada Soccer and the City signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of developing a National Soccer Training Centre within the park. An RPF was recently awarded to begin this work.

For more information, visit vaughan.ca/NMRP. You can also subscribe to the North Maple Regional Park mailing list to stay informed on the park’s development and opportunities to get involved.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.