Recognition of Native Cemetery

Ward 15 - Scarborough City Centre

The Scarborough Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report, subject to inserting the words "the Ward Councillors and the community working group" after the word "representatives" in Recommendation No. 2, such that Recommendation No. 2 shall now read:

"(2)staff be directed to consult with First Nations representatives, the Ward Councillors and the community working group, 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."

The Scarborough Community Council submits the following report (May 13, 1998) from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Scarborough:

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 (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

The Scarborough Community Council submits, for the information of Council, the following supplementary report (June 5, 1998) from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Scarborough:

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to provide, as directed by Scarborough Community Council on May 27, 1998, information on the variety of recreational venues surrounding the Tabor Hill area.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not Applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Discussion:

The size of Tabor Hill Park is 1.49 ha (3.7 acres) including the Ossuary/Cemetery which covers an area of 0.342 ha (0.845 acre) and is shaped as a mound (please refer to Appendix "A")

The whole park is used by neighbouring residents for spontaneous recreational activities and tobogganing on the mound is the most popular.

The alternative recreational venues in surrounding areas are: (please refer to Appendix "B")

Cedarbrook Park -some activities programmed and permitted by the Department.

Numerous opportunities for a variety of spontaneous recreational activities including tobogganing. Approximate distance .75 km.

South Bendale Park -tobogganing opportunities. Approximate distance .85 km.

Hague Park-tobogganing opportunities. Approximate distance .85 km.

Woodsworth Park and -softball field field permitted by the Department.

William Treadway P.S.Approximate distance .60 km.

Lusted Park-open space. Approximate distance .30 km.

Cedarbrae C.I.-soccer/football field permitted by the Department. Approximate distance 1 km. Indoor pool/gym permitted and programmed for various community and departmental programs.

Conclusions:

The future and type of recreational activities at Tabor Hill Park will depend on guidance provided by First Nations representatives and public input and participation in the meeting scheduled for June 11, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. at William Treadway Public School.

Contact Name:

Tom Tusek, Director

Parks, Planning and Urban Forestry

Telephone: 396-7377

Facsimile: 396-5399

E-Mail: tusek@city.toronto.on.ca

The following persons appeared before the Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Ms. Frances Sanderson, First Nations Council of Toronto;

-Mr. Rodney Bobiwash, First Nations Council of Toronto; and

-Mr. Richard Schofield, Chairman, L.A.C.A.C. and Member of the Scarborough Historical Society, who provided a brief description of the history of this site.