Toronto playground loses 'sewage' name for Ashbridge's Bay Sports Hub

City Council voted July 30 to rename the Main Sewage Treatment Playground to Ashbridge's Bay Sports Hub, ditching a name that had confused residents and complicated event planning at the 11.2-hectare park.

The motion, introduced as urgent by councillor Paula Fletcher and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow, passed by show of hands. The park sits at Eastern and Emdaabimok avenues and offers pickleball courts, basketball courts, a rugby field, a baseball diamond and a skatepark.

Flatcher argued the rename was needed because the recent opening of new pickleball courts had "highlighted the fact that the current name is unfamiliar to most residents and creates confusion. Clarity is needed for planned events including tournaments." The motion noted the new name should reflect "the area and the great wide-range facilities available."

As HighOnCity reported in July, the city opened one of its largest dedicated pickleball facilities at the park. The renaming removes an obstacle to marketing the venue for tournaments and events.