Residents enjoy a meal on a public park oven at Sorauren Park.
City officials are looking at adding more outdoor ovens in City parks to see if they can collect funds from their use by volunteer and various groups.
A study is being conducted into improving the access to the large outdoor ovens in City parks. There are about 10 parks that have them now.
City staff are trying to ‘identify opportunities to reduce administrative or financial barriers to the community use of outdoor ovens.’
At the same time they said public health and safety and liability considerations have to be met.
More of these public park ovens may be added to parks to generate revenue.
Groups now have to pay for a permit for use of the public park ovens, which are often brick structures with an area for cooking meals.
They are often used by charities or not-for-profit organizations that enter into long-term agreements with Parks, Forestry and Recreation.
The ten outdoor bake ovens located in City of Toronto parks provide focal points in the community for gathering, preparing, and enjoying food in a park, according to the city.
Folks enjoying their meals outdoors.
“Many have active volunteer groups who regularly bring neighbours together to use and enjoy these public facilities,” according to the City.
Users are required to have proof of training on the safe operation of an outdoor oven, compliance with safe food handling and preparation requirements, fire safety measures and proof of general liability insurance