Embracing Community Hubs in Ward 2
June 16 2024
This Tuesday (June 18) Toronto City Council’s Executive Committee will hold its monthly meeting and a significant Etobicoke-based motion is set to be discussed: EX15.6 Proposed Land Lease for the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (Ward 2)
This motion has sparked a lively online conversation, primarily focused on one concern – the proposed site is within a local park. It seems a single letter to residents from Councillor Holyday sparked the debate, unfortunately a great deal of information in the actual motion was left out of this email blast and the focus was primarily on the location. I have been following this for a while now and so let's explore this potential project a bit more in detail.
First, it's important to note that this space is expansive and currently underutilized. There is a playground, baseball diamond, and tennis court / ice rink in another section of the park that will not be touched in this plan, however, the land in question is open and there is very little shade which makes it hard to enjoy in the hot sun. I took this photo at 3 pm on a warm Sunday afternoon and only one person was using this space to walk a dog and connect with the main street. There’s a wealth of green space across central Etobicoke, but we also have a noticeable lack of community hubs.
It seems that the only places for meetups are cafes and donut shops! You can meet for free at the library but if you want to chat or work in a group, that is not always the best place either. While the New Etobicoke Civic Centre is on the horizon, it remains a considerable distance from the northern part of the ward, highlighting the need for localized community spaces. Let's be honest, we do not have enough space for community groups to meet in our ward. With the TDSB permit process being complicated, library space time hard to find (which I do not blame them for as they have their own great programming) and costs in general rising for private facilities; this lack of space is becoming more of a concern; especially for non-profit and grassroots initiatives!
The proposed Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation is a collaborative project designed to include City of Toronto recreation programming. This means offering recreational activities and community spaces that are much needed in our area will be available to everyone. While online discussion looks at just one point we need to look at the benefits this center will bring to our community.
Some concerns have been raised about the lack of early community awareness regarding this project. However, it's crucial to understand that this initiative is still in its early stages. According to the motion, the project will undergo extensive land planning, during which community input will be welcome and expected. It's important to remember that in matters of land acquisition, many early details must remain confidential. This is standard procedure in real estate and it's common for items like this to go to council. When confidential matters arise, the council or committee must go "in-camera," which can be confusing. This term means that the discussion requires the public to leave the room and the online recordings to stop. Examples of matters like this can be found all the time in the agendas connected to the General Governance Committee which deals with city contracts. Theses are legal contracts being discussed and City Council is not above the law!
A Call for Collaboration
Before jumping to conclusions, let's take a moment to consider the positive impacts this project will have if we all work together. Community collaboration has the power to transform spaces and enhance our quality of life. Imagine the potential of park improvements combined with the benefits of having the newly planned TCDSB elementary school that is planned to be across the path. City-run recreational programs in close proximity would be a tremendous asset for families in the area. The green space could use updates and this work could be part of that conversation.
Let’s take a moment to breathe and look at the potential of what could be. With a collaborative spirit, this project represents an opportunity to enrich the neighborhood with resources that foster cultural exchange, recreation, and community bonding. I for one thank those who are part of the Somali Centre For Culture And Recreation for all the hard work they have done up to now to bring this project another huge leap forward to becoming reality!
Share Your Voice
If you would like to support this project and see what could be, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with the Executive Committee directly at exc@toronto.ca. Your input can make a difference in shaping the future of our community.
You could also take just a moment to sign a petition to show your support https://win.newmode.net/somalicentreforcultureandrecreation/tellcitycouncilyousupportacommunitycentreinetobicoke
To learn more about the great work that is being done by the Somali Centre For Culture and Recreation check out their website:
Also check them out in local media
TVO Why Toronto Somalis Needs a Culture and Recreation Centre | The Agenda
CBC Somali art and culture on display at Toronto’s Nuit Blanche
I do not have investors, a board, or anyone else to answer to on this page. I write things as I see them. You may not agree with me, but I will not tolerate being told how to think or what to say! Thank you.
Please don’t speak for the community. No one I have spoken to wants a community centre. The lack of transparency was shocking. The community just found out less than a week ago. The park is used by the residents daily. Families have used the park for 50 years. Our seniors at Chartwell deserve quiet green space for their well being and mental health. Toronto residents should be informed that council is giving away parkland behind our backs.