Another Step Forward For New School at Bloor and Dufferin, May 25, 2017
Bloor-Dufferin TDSB Lands Community Meeting Monday, June 20, 2016 Bloor CI
A New Vision for Bloor-Dufferin: Creating a Hub for Education and Services in Our Community
In April 2015, in response to community and family concerns, TDSB Davenport Trustee Marit Stiles brought forward a motion to stop the sell-off of a large portion of TDSB property at the corner of Bloor St. West and Dufferin. Trustee Stiles asked that the sale be put on hold and a proposal be developed to develop the site as a community hub. The motion passed unanimously. Since then, there have been several meetings with community residents and school families to discuss direction and options.
Currently, the Toronto Land Corporation (a subsidiary of the TDSB) has been tasked with developing a proposal. At several meetings convened by Trustee Stiles, TLC CEO Daryl Sage met with community residents and school families and is conducting a series of meetings with interested organizations and individuals. Regular meetings are also taking place between City Councillor Ana Bailao, Trustee Marit Stiles and Mr. Sage, and a meeting took place with our MPP who has indicated her support for the proposal. Recently, Councillor Bailao brought forward a motion at City Council to have City of Toronto staff work with the TDSB in support of the community hub. Our Member of Parliament, Andrew Cash, has indicated his strong support for the community hub proposal.
What happens now?
- TLC continues their meetings and will develop a proposal in consultation with community and Trustee
- TDSB needs to approve the proposal
- Province needs to approve the TDSB’s resulting revised capital plan
Ultimately, no matter how much support we have in the community and at the TDSB, the final say goes to the Province to approve the School Board’s capital plans. The Provincial Liberal Government has ordered the TDSB to dispose of all our ‘underutilized’ property, and have regulations in place that limit the Board’s flexibility in considering other concepts and other use of these important public assets.
However, the Premier was recently presented with a report and recommendations by an Advisory Panel that recommended developing sites – such as schools – as community hubs and the Premier has said she supports the report.
JOIN US! Get involved! Lend your voice! Sign our petition and contact Trustee Marit Stiles to find out how you can play a role: marit.stiles@tdsb.on.ca
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TDSB Approves Trustee Stiles’ Motion to Consider Bloor-Dufferin Land as “Community Hub” Site