Developer and builder Shane Baghai has given $250,000 to the fund to renovate the playground in Trace Manes Park, a place which was much-loved by Georgia Walsh. Georgia, 7, died in 2014 when hit by van as she ran home from the playground. Her mom, Jillian has created and driven a campaign to raise $1.2 million to convert the 1950s playground into a modern, safer and more entertaining place for local kids. Plans include rubberized tiles underfoot for safety, a modern splash pad and many other improvements. With this addition, the fund to rebuild the playground stands at about $850,000. The goal is within sight but there is more work to be done. A home-stretch fundraising campaign between now and December 31st is underway. Everyone is asked to give what he/she can by going to the Remembering Georgia Walsh website. The donation from Mr. Baghai, whose firm is applying to build a condominium on the land known as 3-5 Southvale, was announced by Jon Burnside (Ward 26). He said the developer did this out of “the goodness of his heart”. The development on Southvale is apparently not large enough to force the Section 37 fund donation usually required of builders. In addition, said Burnside, Baghai donated $50,000 to the Bayview-Leaside BIA to be used as it sees fit. City of Toronto Planning
