The Morry Smith fonds documents his successful struggle against North York Council to prevent the building of high-rise buildings on the site of York Downs golf course. Smith argued that the land should be converted into permanent parkland instead. Disturbed by both the pace of high rise construction in his neighbourhood and the lack of park space in North York, Morry Smith established the Bathurst–Sheppard Community Association to raise local public awareness and to oppose this development. With the support of the local community association, the North York Ratepayers Association and North York politicians Mel Lastman and Ken Morrish, the protest was taken to the Ontario Municipal Board which reversed Council’s decision. In April 1971 the borough of North York purchased the land, and Earl Bales Park soon opened to the public.

The records acquired by the City of Toronto Archives include three scrapbooks that document and illustrate Morry Smith’s successful fight against the redevelopment of the York Downs Golf Club lands. The scrapbooks consist of clippings that were taken from The North York Mirror, The Toronto Star, Toronto Telegram, and other city newspapers. Morry Smith’s correspondence with North York council and community associations is also part of this acquisition.

York Downs demonstration
between 1968 and 1971
City of Toronto Archives
Fonds 241, Series 1138, File 2, Item b