Hubbard Park opens in Riverdale in Toronto's east end

Photo: Dean Seguin

Toronto's old Don Jail grounds are about to get a new life and new name, officially.

The site at the corner of Gerrard St. and Broadview Ave. was formally unveiled as Hubbard Park on Saturday Oct. 22 in an opening ceremony.

Hubbard Park honours William Peyton Hubbard who was born in Toronto to parents who escaped slavery in America on the Underground Railroad. In 1894, he was elected as an alderman — becoming Toronto’s first elected black politician. He later went on to serve as acting mayor. 

An exceptional advocate for fairness and for an inclusive city, Hubbard led the efforts to establish the city's public utility provider, Toronto Hydro.

With Hubbard Park, Toronto will finally have a major public space that honours the important contribution of this outstanding citizen.  It's also an important local tribute for this remarkable Riverdale resident as the park is just steps away from William Hubbard's former home on Broadview.

Hubbard Park acts as the forecourt to the architecturally stunning new Bridgepoint Active Healthcare and the newly restored heritage Don Jail.

The name was selected by Torontonians in a city-wide online competition during the redevelopment of the site in 2014.

Hubbard Park is located at 548 Gerrard St. E just west of Broadview.