The cenotaph in Thorold’s historic Memorial Park, dedicated to those from the community who sacrificed their lives in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Even though the park has been designated a heritage site under the Ontario Heritage Act, the City of Thorold is now targeting some of its grounds for a parking lot expansion.
“Memorial Park is a three-acre, passive park that has been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. It is located behind the Ontario Paper Seniors’ Centre at the corner of Albert St. E. and Chapel St. S. This lovely park is filled with beautiful, mature trees and is the site of the City’s War Memorial.” – a few words from the City of Thorold’s own website about the significance of this park to the community and city’s heritage.
A Call-Out to everyone who cares about preserving public spaces to keep Memorial Park green by Tami J. Friedman, who lives in the neighbourhood surrounding park
‘Please join us at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Thorold City Hall, 3540 Schmon Parkway.’
Posted November 17th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
A recent autumn day in Thorold’s Memorial Park where people have gathered for generations to honour those from the community who have fought and died in past wars. Now the City of Thorold is considering a plan to pave some of it over for parking. Photo courtesy of Friends of Memorial Park.
“They Paved Paradise …. “
Do you value greenspace in your community?
Do you believe municipal governments should consult local residents before putting it on the chopping block? If so, there is cause for alarm.
Memorial Park is a beautiful, inviting park in downtown Thorold that serves the entire community. It’s a place where people go to read and relax, where children play, where trees provide respite and calm, where the war memorial offers a site for quiet contemplation. It is a public space used and enjoyed by all of us.
It is a classic “public good.”
A few days ago, a number of Thorold residents (including me) learned that the City plans to tear up and pave over a significant portion of this lovely park and, in the memorable words of the great musician Joni Mitchell, “put up a parking lot.”
Forty parking spots are slated to go into the new lot, apparently to serve the Seniors Centre and the City’s own Planning Department, now on the top floor of the building the seniors occupy at 8 Carleton St. South.
According to the Engineering Department (in a memo included in Thorold City Council’s November 18 meeting agenda), a low-bid contractor already has been selected. Once Council gives the green light, the project could go forward as soon as late November.
In short order, concerned neighbors have formed Friends of Memorial Park to investigate how this project came into being, to educate the community, and to urge Council to hold off so residents can have a chance to weigh in.
We’re thrilled that the Seniors Centre is growing and attracting more people to its activities. But since there has been no public consultation, we don’t know if the City has considered alternatives for additional parking or has assessed the community, environmental, and other impacts of destroying greenspace to build a parking lot.
We believe that, as friends and neighbors of the park, we deserve to have a voice.
Please join us at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Thorold City Hall, 3540 Schmon Parkway.
For more information, write to: WeLoveMemorialPark@gmail.com
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Tami J. Friedman, Thorold resident
To read a brief report on the parking lot extension plan, to be tabled at this Tuesday, November 18ths Thorold council meeting by the city’s engineering department, click on – file:///C:/Users/owner/Desktop/Parking%20lot.pdf
Here is a more on Memorial Park in Thorold from the City of Thorold’s website –
Another recent photo of Memorial Park after last week’s snowfall. photo courtesy of Friends of Memorial Park
Overview – Memorial Park in Thorold, Ontario, is a three-acre, heritage-designated passive park established in 1919 as a memorial to the local residents who died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War
Location – The park is located behind the Ontario Paper Seniors’ Centre at the corner of Albert St. E. and Chapel St. S. in Thorold.
Purpose – It serves as a beautifully landscaped, reflective space to honor fallen soldiers. It contains a cenotaph, memorial statues, and plaques enshrining the names of the soldiers who were part of the community.
Ownership and Management – The park is owned by the Board of Trustees of the Public Schools of the Town of Thorold and maintained by the City of Thorold’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Remembrance Day – The park is the central location for the city’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony held on November 11th, involving local veterans and residents.
Historical Significance – The land for the park was purchased in 1919. Its historical significance has led to its designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. The park’s atmosphere is described as melancholic, offering a place for quiet contemplation and connection with the past through its memorials and natural beauty.
For more information on the park and other local historical sites, you can visit the City of Thorold website or local heritage resources such as the Thorold Past and Present Heritage Tour information.
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