Partial Closing of Portion of Gerrard Street West

(Downtown)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that permission be granted to temporarily close the eastbound lanes of Gerrard Street West from Bay to Yonge Streets from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 1998 for the purposes of holding a series of stationary bike-a-thons as set out in the following communication (May 20, 1998) from the Regional Vice-President, Operations, Ontario, and Managing Director, Delta Chelsea Inn, addressed to Councillors Chow and Rae:

For almost 100 years, the Canadian Olympic Association (COA), has helped the Olympic spirit burn for all Canadians by encouraging the co-ordination, organization and development of sport through competition.

In June of this year, the Delta Chelsea Inn, along with our other hotels across Canada, will be participating with the Canadian Olympic Association to host a series of stationary bike-a-thons. These initiatives will raise money for our athletes through the tremendous community spirit of public and private organizations.

The date scheduled for our ride is June 18th and the request through the City Works Services to have a portion of Gerrard Street partially closed in front of our hotel has been denied. This type of event has transpired for the past nine years through the efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Association and we were therefore not prepared for the amount of lead time required by the City of Toronto. We are asking, therefore, for your intervention to see if this is at all possible given our large involvement within the City and that of a supporter of the upcoming Olympic Bid.

I would appreciate you letting me know if there is anything you can do to ensure the success of this event, not for the hotel, but for our athletes. I can be reached at 585-4303. Thank you in advance for your consideration.