The grounds of St. James Park will be restored at no cost to the city,  the area’s councillor said Tuesday.

The grass, which was destroyed after Occupy Toronto protesters camped there for a month beginning in October, will be replaced thanks to a donation of services and materials by Landscape Ontario and the Ontario Sod Growers Association, Pam McConnell said in a release.

"I am very excited that St. James Park will become green again and in such a short time, thanks to this generous partnership," said McConnell. "This is the first step in a plan to enhance the park and restore it as a jewel of our community.  

The work will begin on Wednesday, with members of the two organizations aerating the ground and laying down an inch of soil across 11,000 square metres. On Thursday, the volunteers along with city staff will lay down 12 tractor-trailor loads of sod.

Last Thursday, the city said replacing the grass could cost the city as much as $60,000, and had begun to solicit community donations.

Occupy protesters were evicted from the downtown park on Nov. 23 after a court challenge ruled in favour of the city, which imposed its trespass bylaw.

The city says lane closures will be in effect on King Street and Adelaide Street East during Wednesday and Thursday.