A brand-new green oasis inspired by one of Toronto’s most iconic cultural landmarks has officially opened its doors in the heart of the Annex.
On July 17, the City of Toronto celebrated the grand opening of Honest Ed’s Park, a public space designed to pay homage to the legendary discount store and its beloved founder, Ed Mirvish.
Located at 608 Markham St. within the newly transformed Mirvish Village, the 1,213-square-metre park sits just steps from where the famous bargain emporium once perched on the corner of Bathurst and Bloor for nearly seven decades.
Designed by landscape architects PFS Studio, the park draws visual inspiration from the store’s iconic hand-painted signs and flashing marquee. The site’s paths and winding garden spaces were built with similar swirls and filigree of the original signage, dividing the park into a series of charming outdoor “rooms”.
The standout feature of the new space is a playful interactive water feature styled as a giant bird bath, surrounded by native trees and plantings designed to support local birds and pollinators. It serves as a delightful nod to Ed Mirvish’s famous catchphrase, “For the birds, cheep cheep cheep”.
Visitors can also relax across a variety of seating areas, picnic tables, and a raised wooden platform nestled along the leafy garden promenade.
The opening marks a major milestone in the ongoing revival of Mirvish Village, bringing a piece of local history back to life for a new generation of Torontonians. You can visit Honest Ed’s Park today right in the neighborhood on Markham Street, just south of Bloor Street West.
