May 13, 1998

 To:Chair and Members of Scarborough Community Council

From:Bruce F. Fleury, RDMR, Commissioner

Subject:Recognition of Native Cemetery, Scarborough City Centre

Purpose:To inform Scarborough Community Council of First Nations concerns that the location known as Taber Hill Park is treated as parkland rather than as a Native cemetery as per Cemetery file No. 0425151 (see Appendix >A=)

Funding:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the location known as Taber Hill Park be recognized as a Native cemetery and ossuary; and

(2)staff be directed to consult with First Nations representatives in order to identify a suitable new name for the site and to develop initiatives that will result in appropriate dignity and respect for this cemetery.

Background:

On August 17, 1956, a large Native burial site dating back to approximately 1250 AD and of Iroquois origin was discovered during residential development in the Lawrence Avenue and Bellamy road area. It is estimated that the remains of 472 individuals are contained here. After the find, the area was purchased as parkland.

Over the years, a number of events marked the special heritage significance of the area. The Provincial Ministry of Travel and Publicity declared the area an Historic Site and on October 20 and 21, 1956, a greatly publicized reburial service was performed at the site by the Hereditary Chiefs.

In 1961, Scarborough dedicated a cairn and plaque in the presence of First Nations and Provincial representatives. In 1966, the Feast of the Dead ceremony was re-enacted. In 1974, the site was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Discussion:

Since its acquisition by Scarborough, the area has been used as a public park. During the winter months, it is particularly popular for tobogganing.

The cairn has been subjected to graffiti over the years but recently has been the target of racist defacement. Staff have sought police assistance in addressing this serious matter. (see Appendix >B=) First Nations representatives are concerned about the lack of respect being shown to this historic burial site, not only through the graffiti on the memorial cairn but also through its use as a public park. They have requested that the cemetery designation of the site be honoured and that the area be renamed from a park to a cemetery. (see Appendix >C=)

Conclusion:

As the owner of the Native burial site located on the lands known as Taber Hill Park, the City is obliged under The Cemeteries Act to preserve the dignity of this cemetery. First Nations representatives have expressed their concerns that the active recreation use of the hill on the site, which is the burial mound, does not show proper respect for the area.

Cedarbrook Park is nearby and provides an alternative location for tobogganing.

Contact Names:

 Tom TusekAlexandra Y. Semeniuk

DirectorDirector

Parks and Urban ForestryArts and Heritage Services

Tel. No. (416) 396-7377Tel. No. (416) 396-5230

Bruce F. Fleury, RDMR

Commissioner

Parks and Recreation

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