The Ward 9 Guide to Recreation

GREAT RECREATION MAKES GREAT CITIZENS

There are 24 hours in a day.

Traditionally, 8 of those are meant for work, so we can earn a living, and ideally, have some time and resources left over for play. If we’re all sleeping like we should be (another 8 hours), then simple math would tell us that we have very little time left over for meals, laundry, and spending time with those we love.

So, what then? How does a world-class city with world-class facilities work for us? Are we making the most of what we have? And more importantly, how are we planning to ensure these opportunities are available for generations to come?

Before the industrial revolution, work and play were divided into seasons rather than a few hours per day. Each person was in control of their own time, knowing that it didn’t matter how or where it was spent, as long as the work got done. They weren’t beholden to a clock or a paycheque. Recreation and leisure weren’t uniquely defined because they didn’t need to be as there was ample green space in every ‘community,’ and movement was the norm.

Industrialization changed the rhythm and environment of work and subsequently impacted the way people mobilize and socialize. Factory jobs and machinery led to increasing urban density, and shortly after, the modern workday and recreational model as we know them to be today were born.

While each of us defines recreation and leisure in our own way, the spaces in which we engage, whether it be in a public park or a training gym, have not changed all that much. Playgrounds, recreation centres, parks, and green spaces  - these are all simple ways to connect people and places, and they’ve pretty much stayed the same since they were first introduced.

There are hundreds of opportunities to relax, play, train, and compete across Ward 9! From internationally ranked disc golf courses to accessible playgrounds, we’ve got something for everyone - it’s a big part of what makes a Great Neighbourhood so great. But we’re not quite finished and every one of our communities is bursting with potential. Explore the wonders of your own backyard with the Ward 9 Recreation Map!

Map Artist: Adrienne Tollas
Graphic Design: Frances Motta