Sakura Watch April 18, 2021 - Virtual Streaming Goes LIVE in Toronto and Mississauga this week, as both cities prepare for their own annual cherry blossom peak bloom to begin around April 20th. Finding the right balance of public use and trust and keeping everyone safe has been paramount in both cities decisions on how their citizens can use the outdoor spaces.

Toronto’s High Park has always been the most substantial and well-known collection of cherry tree groves in the GTA. They plan on keeping the park open this year, but all 3 main cherry blossom areas will be fenced off and monitored.

Mississauga has Kariya Park, which hosts a smaller collection of 65 cherry trees that are set within beautiful landscapes and water features. They have opted to keep the park fully open, for now, allowing visitors to enjoy the space freely.

In both cases, social distancing and mask-wearing mandates will be monitored and enforced. As the province struggles to bring down the rising pandemic numbers with the latest lockdown and stay-at-home measures, parks and other outdoor spaces are seen as important for all of us. Not only do they help with getting outside for fresh air and exercise, but they also offer a wonderful mental break while enjoying nature.

High Park BloomCam

In Toronto, High Park has installed a 24 hour, 4K LIVE video stream from the top of cherry hill, directly across from Grenadier Café. One of the largest, and most prominent sakura cherry trees is framed front and center. This tree stands over 30' feet tall and is one of the most beautiful to see when its exceptional crown is in full bloom. Newly planted cherry trees flank either side with intermediate-sized ones that can be seen just beyond. The overall view then extends down the slope towards Cherry Land and on sunny days, you can see the glistening waters of Grenadier Pond in the distance.

View the BloomCam by visiting https://www.toronto.ca/cherry-blossoms/ and scroll down the page to view the live stream. Supporting videos from last year’s bloom are also available to view on YouTube further down the page.

Kariya Park Webcams

In Mississauga, Kariya Park has installed two webcams showing central and panoramic views. In a statement, Mayor Bonnie Crombie said:

"We are very pleased to be offering this innovative virtual service again, so that residents can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms, no matter where they are. … This year marks 40 years since Kariya, Japan, became our twin city. It reminds us of our enduring friendship and the importance of sharing this unique experience with our residents."

The park has 65 sakura cherry trees to view and remains accessible to the public for now. All visitors are asked to abide by the lockdown rules to maintain social distancing and wear a mask when needed.

View the WebCams by visiting https://www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/cherry-blossoms-at-kariya-park/ and scroll down to each feed and press play to begin viewing. My experience has found these cameras at times my freeze or show an error, if it does simply refresh the page.

Importance of Virtual Viewing

This is why the City is launching the Virtual Stream, and media outlets and I are doing our best to bring you all photos and videos of the cherry blossoms in order to allow all of you to enjoy them safely at home.

There are plenty of other opportunities to see all types of blossoms all around the city! Toronto is blessed with over 1,500 parks, and there's a great chance you can explore your own neighbourhood and spot a variety of blossoms and other beautiful sights of nature. Currently, I’ve spotted Apricot trees that have already bloomed (and look similar to cherry blossoms) and magnolias getting ready to bloom soon as well!

There is so much more for all of us to see all around us other than High Park.

Keep Park Visits Safe and Clean

Anytime you visit the park, it's essential to be safe and remember to follow these health guidelines. Social distance from others by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart, avoid public crowds or engaging in large gatherings, and if ever in doubt, protect yourself and others by wearing a mask that adequately covers your nose and mouth.

And also, please respect the park and others when you are out. Dispose of your mask and other items in trash bins, or take them home instead of tossing them on the ground. This helps keep our parks clean and safe.

For more COVID-19 information

Every day we're seeing just how highly contagious this virus is and how it can infect both young and old alike. Even if you don't have the symptoms, you may still be carrying it and spreading it to your family and friends. Your best and only right option is to listen to the advice from our medical professionals.

City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/

Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html

Remember to follow the advice from the health experts. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home (if you can), and if you absolutely need to go out in public, practice Social Distancing by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart from others.

Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.