Update: Success! The objective of obtaining a deferral was achieved. At the June 18th meeting of the Executive Committee, the following motion by Councillor Perks was Carried:
“That consideration of the item be deferred until the July 16, 2024 meeting of the Executive Committee to allow for further consultation and consideration regarding the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation with the local community, Somali community and City staff”
Go here for the details of the meeting on the City website.
Email sent to Kingsway-Sunnylea Residents
Fellow Resident,
We ask that you consider signing the petition at the link below because we've just learned from the Humber Valley Village Residents Association that the City Staff of Toronto:
is proposing paving over 3 acres (about one and a half football fields including the end zones) of Buttonwood Park green space. Buttonwood Park is located in a residential neighbourhood by Royal York Road and Eglinton Avenue
selected Buttonwood Park in secrecy, with no public consultation
is taking an approach that, if approved, means that any park in the City of Toronto could be ‘chopped up’ for any private interest group without prior public consultation.
What Can You Do?
The Humber Valley Village Residents Association advises that:
There are 2 simple, quick ways to let the Executive Committee know your concerns about the Buttonwood Park proposal.
1. Sign the petition at:
Petition · Opposition to the Proposed Long-Term Land Lease of Buttonwood Park - Toronto, Canada · Change.org
2. Send a short email (addresses below) to Executive Members asking to defer a decision until there is reasonable public consultation.
To be clear, our primary issues are:
building on public parkland without prior community input.
favouring one private interest group with no opportunity for other groups to be considered.
lack of transparency around the choice of location for this initiative.
Executive Members and Contact Details
Paul Ainslie
416-392-4008
Alejandra Bravo
416-392-7012
Shelley Carroll
416-338-2650
Olivia Chow
416-397-CITY (2489)
Mike Colle
416-338-2500
Paula Fletcher
councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca
416-392-4060
Ausma Malik
416-392-4044
Josh Matlow
416-392-7906
Jennifer McKelvie
councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca
416-338-3771
Amber Morley
416-397-9273
Gord Perks
416-392-7919
If you're deciding to take action, please do it today, as the vote to move the proposal forward is this Tuesday morning, June 18th, with Council voting on it on June 26th.
If you need more detail in order to sign the petition or contact a councillor above then go here for previous email communications on the matter.