Richmond Hill says work is underway at Unity Park on Pugsley Avenue, where a redesigned neighbourhood park will also become home to a permanent memorial honouring the 176 victims of Flight PS752.
By Staff Writer
Construction has begun on the revitalization of Unity Park at 63 Pugsley Avenue, with the City of Richmond Hill saying the upgraded park is expected to be completed by December 2026, weather permitting.
The project will update the neighbourhood park with new play equipment and safety surfacing, upgraded walkways, new seating and site furniture, signage, pedestrian lighting, planting, refreshed gardens, and replacement gazebo and shade structures. The City says the park will remain closed during construction as a safety measure.
Unity Park will also become the home of the PS752 Memorial, dedicated to the 176 victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. According to the City, the memorial was designed in partnership with families of the victims, will list the victims’ names, and is intended to serve as a civic landmark and a space for reflection and remembrance.
The City says Unity Park was selected partly because of its theme of “togetherness,” with the memorial meant to unite the community in honouring the victims. Richmond Hill has described the tragedy as the city’s largest single-day loss of life abroad.
Funding for the memorial includes support from other levels of government, with up to $400,000 from the federal government and $350,000 from the Ontario government, according to the City.
Mayor David West said the memorial reflects the City’s support for Iranian Canadians and the families who lost loved ones, saying he hopes it will offer “peace and comfort” as a place of remembrance.
The City’s construction notice identifies Hawkins Contracting Services as the park contractor and lists Andrea Lewis, project manager, as the City contact for the project.