Park with 12,500 pound bear opens as multi-year transit project in Toronto inches toward finish line

While commuters have to wait longer for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to start running, residents in a neighbourhood that will one day be served by the delayed light-rail project can visit a brand new park that boasts an enormous bronze bear perched atop a sizeable granite throne (or chair). 

Recently, the City of Toronto announced that the new Crosstown Park South–officially known as Big Bear Park–is open for residents and visitors. 

Located at the northwest corner of Eglinton Avenue and Don Mills Road in Flemingdon Park, the new bear-themed park spans 3,120 square metres and was promised to residents as part of the overall Crosstown development, a 24-hectare mixed-use project. 

While the playground portion won’t open until December, the titular bears–including a giant nine-by-nine metre, 5,670 kg (12,500 pound) bear sittng on a 23,500 kg (51,808 pound) chair–are ready for photos and selfies. 

According to the city, the open portions of the park include accessible pathways and seating, an open lawn area and native trees and plants. It also includes an amphitheatre with sloped turf and seating areas (one of which is shaded). 

Visitors can also use a network of connected pathways, including one that connects to Eglinton Avenue and the West Don Trail via Moriyama Drive. 

“The playground will open up once the developer completes final touches. It will be worth the wait!” the city wrote on social media. 

Once open, the playground will feature a junior play structure, a senior play structure, swings, a slide and other standalone play options. 

While the giant bear is the main event, the park is populated by smaller bears throughout. 

In a social media post, the city said “Seated Bear With Friends” was created by Dean Drever, a Haida First Nation artist and Toronto resident.

“With the awesome power of bears comes an equally awesome responsibility to power itself. The sculpture is a reminder of sovereignty and what it means to have dominion over another. It gives the bear a seat at the table or a throne, ready to uphold the highest good of all,” Drever said in a statement. 

The park is the latest to feature larger-than-life animals as the main attraction. Earlier this year, the city opened the first portion of Biidaasige Park, a sprawling playground and green space in the Port Lands that features an enormous snowy owl play structure and climbable raccoon (along with an array of smaller wooden animals that kids and adults alike can enjoy). 

Not to be forgotten, the city also confirmed it has plans to rejuvenate other famous animal landmarks, such as the beloved canines who surround Old Toronto’s much-frequented Berczy Park Dog Fountain. 

All photos from the City of Toronto’s official Facebook page