Ward 26 Don Valley West is one of the most diverse wards in the city, and I believe that one part of our ward, Thorncliffe, needs more attention.
Thorncliffe is designated as a City of Toronto Neighbourhood Improvement Area (NIA). Statistics indicate that 26 per cent of the population is under the age of 14. In a few short years, this large group of children will become teenagers.
I am particularly concerned about the lack of adequate facilities in Thorncliffe, translating into a lack of opportunity for youth in the area. It is essential that we provide sufficient programs and facilities to engage our youth.
Unfortunately Thorncliffe is severely underserved compared to most areas of the city and this can’t be ignored any longer. This area is in great need of a fully functioning community centre, and this is what I am working toward.
As a result, on March 23, I held a Thorncliffe town hall in which the main focus was Leaside Park and its renaming.
I believe that this would be an ideal site for a new community centre. Given that government funds are limited, I will be looking for external funding for this worthy project. It is currently very difficult to have funders recognize that Leaside Park is actually located in Thorncliffe Park.
I have started the renaming process; however, as I stated during the town hall meeting, the name will be a community decision.
Please contact my office at 416-392-0215 if you have any suggestions for a name for Leaside Park — we are taking all ideas into consideration.