UPDATE: Violet King Park

Acting on behalf of the HSCA Heritage Committee, Lorna Cordeiro, has been working closely with partners, the City, and the community, and we are excited to share that the Sunnyside bus loop park has officially been named Violet King Park. A short celebration was held on February 22, 2026, to mark this event.

HSCA’s Heritage Committee is currently exploring options for a commemorative feature to be placed in the park. Once the piece has been selected and completed, we look forward to having a larger celebration.

Updates will be shared on this page and on our social media platforms as the project progresses. Thank you for joining us in honouring this important legacy!

About the park Location

The park is located directly south of the (still standing) former residence of Violet King. Her family moved to Sunnyside in 1919 and began renting this residence in 1929 when Violet was born. They purchased the property in 1939 and owned it until 1975.

This initiative honours a figure whose life represents inclusion, resilience, and leadership. The park will be a welcoming community space that also shares an important story—one that shaped Canadian history and continues to inspire today.

about Violet King

Violet King was a pioneer who made Canadian history. She became the first Black woman lawyer in Canada, breaking racial and gender barriers at a time when opportunities for women—especially Black women—were extremely limited.

Her life’s work centered on justice, equality, and social change. By naming this park in her honour, we aim to celebrate her achievements and ensure that her story inspires generations to come.

How You Can Support

Donations are being accepted to help bring this vision to life. Contributions will support planning, design, and the creation of interpretive elements that share Violet King’s story within the park. These elements may include a bench, signage, public art and other forms of interpretation that aid in highlighting Violet King's contribution and her family's importance to our community.

A portion of funds will help with project administration, and any excess will go toward HSCA’s food security programs for local families. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.

If you’d like to contribute, please select “Violet King Park” in the CanadaHelps form on our donation form below.

Learn More About Violet King

Discover the inspiring story of Violet King, Canada’s first Black woman lawyer and a trailblazer for justice and equality. Explore these resources to learn more about her life and impact:

1. Building Social and Community Life: Violet King and Theodore King
   This blog post delves into Violet King's contributions to social and community life, highlighting her role alongside Theodore King in shaping their community.

2. February is Black History Month in Canada: Violet King
   An insightful article commemorating Violet King's achievements during Black History Month, emphasizing her groundbreaking role in Canadian legal history.

3. Violet King: The Professional Trailblazer Who Broke Down Barriers
   A compelling video that narrates Violet King's journey as the first Black woman lawyer in Canada, shedding light on her challenges and triumphs.