St. James Park welcomes all members of the community and to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the park, there are a few “rules” that we encourage.
COVID-19 – While outside, the risk of catching COVID-19 while passing someone is low. When cycling, running, or walking, step aside or pass others quickly and courteously. Click here for the City’s COVID-19 information on parks.
Flowers – The wonderful plantings in the garden and elsewhere are brought to you by the City of Toronto and maintained by park staff. They are for everyone to enjoy, please do not pick them.
Dogs – We love dogs, but they must be leashed. There is an informal leashed play area for dogs on the east lawn of the cathedral. Dogs are not allowed in the playground. Kids need a healthy place to play in the grass, and no one wants them playing where dogs have done their business! Please keep dogs away from the grassy playground areas. The city provides important dog information on their website including off-leash dog areas. You may also want to connect with the St James Park Facebook Dog Community.
Photography – Tag @stjamesparkto when posting photos of St James Park on Instagram. You must get a permit for wedding photography.
Personal Safety
Bicycling – There are no bicycles allowed in the park. Please dismount and walk your bike through the park. If staying for awhile, park and lock your bike in any of the bicycle parking available around the perimeter of the park.
Skateboards – Please do not use the park furniture and other elements for skateboard tricks. The City of Toronto does have a skateboarding strategy that aims to provide equitable access to skateparks. Locations of existing skateparks.
Fountains – The fountains, both in the garden and near the playground, are turned on in May. The water play area at the playground is accessible and push buttons on the spray and mister operate for 45 seconds, then turn off.
Feeding Animals – Please do not feed the wildlife (i.e., pigeons and squirrels). Eating bread and chips robs an animal of the nutrition it needs and gets from foraging its own food sources.
Animals in Distress – The Toronto Wildlife Centre has a useful guide in helping you determine how to deal with an animal in distress. You can submit an online Request for Assistance form or call their hotline at 416.631.0662. FLAP Canada has information on how to care for birds that have collided with a building,
Garbage/Recycling – Help keep the park clean by disposing of your waste in the appropriate bins.