Toronto Plans Controlled Burn in High Park

The City of Toronto plans to conduct a prescribed burn in High Park in late April as part of its ecosystem management strategy, which has been in practice since 2000. This controlled fire aims to restore the rare Black Oak Savannah ecosystem by clearing excess debris and promoting the growth of fire-adapted species, while reducing invasive ones. The city is collaborating with the Indigenous Land Stewardship Circle to integrate Indigenous knowledge into the process, naming the burn Biinaakzigewok Anishnaabeg, which translates to the responsibility for a cleansing fire by all Native Peoples. Access to the park will be restricted during the burn, and residents will be notified 24 to 48 hours in advance based on weather conditions. The initiative highlights a blend of modern ecological practices and traditional Indigenous methods for land stewardship.