Feasibility Study -

Yorkwoods Community Centre -

Black Creek

The North York Community Council recommends that the report (November 26, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, not be adopted and that:

(1)the City retain the building and open space pending further study of community needs;

(2)the two local Councillors, York University, North York Committee on Community Race and Ethnic Relations and other interested parties be requested to assist in the development of the terms of reference for an internal study; and

(3)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism report to North York Community Council by February 1999.

The North York Community Council submits the following report (November 26, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

This report will provide the North York Community Council with an update on the progress of the Yorkwoods project and request approval to proceed with an outside feasibility study. The study, to be conducted by the North York Race and Ethnic Relations Committee, will determine alternatives for the property at a cost of $30,000.00.

Source of Funds:

As previously reported to the North York Community Council in October 1998, Council at its meeting on July 8 - 10, 1998 gave approval to release $30,000.00 from an allocation of $80,000.00 in the 1998 Capital Budget for demolition and park development on the Yorkwoods site. These monies would not be released by the Treasurer until after consultation with the local councillors and community to endorse the study. This consultation has now been completed.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)approval be given to spend $30,000.00 for an outside feasibility study to be conducted by the North York Race and Ethnic Relations Committee, to determine the possible use of this property by the community;

(2)this be a status report on the activities that have taken place to date. This update will be in addition to the report previously placed before North York Community Council October 14, 1998; and

(3)terms of reference be developed by staff in conjunction with the Ward Councillors.

Comments:

On November 11, 1998, a meeting was convened at the Yorkwoods Gate to make presentation to the community and agencies/user groups on the possibility of conducting a feasibility study in the Yorkwoods area to determine the future viability/use of this property.

Those in attendance were as follows: Councillor Peter Li Preti; Executive Assistant to Councillor Maria Augimeri; Rick Morrelli; M.P.P Mario Sergio; staff from North District Parks and Recreation; representatives from several community permit user groups; community agency staff; and residents of the local community. Presentations were made by staff with regards to the current physical plant and it was reported that to keep the building operational, a figure of $131,000.00 would need to be budgeted to complete repairs to the building in 1999. Councillor Li Preti also made presentation with regards to the fact that there is still insufficient community space in this area, and he had requested that $30,000.00 of the $80,000 that had been set aside for demolition and creating a new park area be reallocated to conducting a feasibility study on the future of this property.

A motion was made to conduct a feasibility study and the motion carried in favour by a vote of

26 - 1 with 12 participants abstaining from the vote.

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this public meeting, it is recommended that the $30,000.00 be released for an outside feasibility study to be undertaken by the North York Race and Ethnic Relations Committee.

Contact Name:

Jim Bradley

Director of Parks and Recreation - North District

Telephone: 395-6054Fax: 395-0105

E-mail: jbradley@city.north-york.on.ca