Proposal for the Development of The Yorkwoods Community

Centre Building into a Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development

and Learning

The Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations in the following transmittal letter (June 26, 1998) from the Budget Committee:

Recommendations:

The Budget Committee on June 25, 1998, recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, that:

(1)the North York Committee on Community, Race and Ethnic Relations, in consultation with the Commissioner of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture, and other City Departments, undertake a six-month feasibility study of the Yorkwoods Gate Community Centre at a cost not to exceed $30,000.00;

(2)the funds be made available from the already approved 1998 budget allocation for the Yorkwoods Gate project; and

(3)prior to the release of the funds, the local Councillors consult with their communities in order to seek approval for this project.

Background:

The Budget Committee on June 25, 1998, had before it a communication (June 25, 1998) from Dr. Peter Li Preti, Councillor, Black Creek, submitting a Proposal for the Development of The Yorkwoods Community Centre Building into a Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning.

Councillor Li Preti, Black Creek, appeared before the Budget Committee in connection with the foregoing matter, and filed a copy of his submission.

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(Communication dated June 25, 1998, addressed to theBudget Committee fromCouncillor Li Preti, Black Creek)

I would like to appear before the Budget Committee scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 1998, in reference to a very exciting project in the community I serve.

Attached, please find an executive summary of a proposal which I am sure you and the Committee Members would find interesting.

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(Executive Summary of the Proposal for the Development of theYorkwoods Community Centre Building into aCentre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning)

Introduction:

Yorkwoods Community Centre will be declared surplus to the needs of the City of Toronto when the new recreation centre is finished by the late fall of 1998. The City must then decide what it will do with the building and land. This proposal would create a feasibility study on the conversion of the building into a community-based Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning with York University and other partners.

What is a Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning?:

The Faculty of Education of York University has been studying the possibility of developing a Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning since 1994. It is felt that an Education Centre at York University whose focus is on ethno-cultural issues would benefit the community, university, students and teachers. As well it could provide a resource for governments, business, schools and social agencies as they strive to understand and serve the reality of our intensely diverse Canadian society. Other York faculties, like Social Work, Political Science and Social Science could be involved as well.

The Yorkwoods Community Centre is ideally located for this institution. It is situated in the Jane/ Finch area, one of the world's most ethnically, linguistically and religiously diverse communities.

The centre would be involved in:

(a)training student teachers in this complicated environment;

(b)promoting professional development opportunities for university, social agencies and school staff;

(c)introducing the university as an educational choice to Jane/Finch area students;

(d)engaging business leaders in community, development projects and ethno-cultural awareness; and

(e)networking with individuals and organizations in the Jane/Finch community, the Greater Toronto area and from across Canada who are dealing with issues of ethno-cultural diversity and anti-racism.

Issues for the Feasibility Study:

The recreation centre has been a minor landmark on the street for three decades and has been part of the area's identity. If the building were to be demolished and a small park created, the inventory of community green space would be increased. This community can use all the green space possible. However there might also be concerns about street safety that could be compromised by the demolition.

Community feelings about the disposition of the building would be assessed through a process of public consultation.

The Yorkwoods Community Centre is not in good shape physically. The cost of repairing the roof, replacing the heating system, painting and interior renovations must be calculated and possible sources for this funding be found.

Negotiations between the University and the City must start over the disposition of building. Would it be rented, deed over or sold? Parking issues would have to be worked out, as would the nature of the future community use of the building and the land.

A Steering Committee would be struck that would include all partners: The City of Toronto, York University and its participating faculties, the Board of Education, local business representatives and Jane/Finch Community leaders. The Steering Committee would draft a mission statement and construct a working model for the governance and staffing of the Centre.

Research into capital, core and program funding sources for the centre from all levels of government, foundations, businesses and individuals would be done.

A report would be prepared and submitted to the City on the feasibility of locating the Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning in the Yorkwoods Community Centre by December15,1998.

Conclusion:

It is proposed that $30,000.00 be transferred from the funds that the City has allocated for the demolition of the Yorkwoods Community Centre to the North York Committee on Community, Race and Ethnic Relations' budget for the purpose of conducting this six month feasibility study.

¹Adapted from the York University report. Proposal for the Development of a Centre for Ethno-Cultural Development and Learning at the Faculty of Education, York University; this is on file in the office of the City Clerk.

(A copy of background information was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee for its meeting on June 30, 1998, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)