UPDATE FROM THE FAIRMOUNT PARK COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Fairmount
Park Community Centre is one of the 12 shared-use community centres
whose recreational programming was targeted for elimination by city’s
Budget Committee. Earl Beatty has been facing similar cuts, and Duke of
Connaught / SH Armstrong will lose city-run aquatics programs. The
Budget Committee heard deputations and discussions in December,
including deputations presented by members of our Advisory Council.
We asked that the recreation programs and Community Centre be preserved
while the TDSB and City continue negotiations. We also asked for
increased community involvement in program decision-making via the
Advisory Council, as well as a review of the fee structure and Parks and
Recreation program planning.
On Monday, January 9, City Council
voted to restore budget funding to the 12 community centres and school nutrition programs, along with two of the 10 threatened pools. Our Community Centre appears to be safe! (For now.)
However, the local shared-use pool at SH Armstrong is still facing
closure. Other proposed budget cuts affecting local families with
children include elimination of the daycare city rent subsidy (which
will raise fees in our local centres), cuts to arenas, and cuts to
library programs. Council is also planning to adjust the Parks & Rec
"Welcome" subsidy program for families in need, which we are watching
closely. To show your concern about children's programs throughout our
city, write a letter to Councillor Mary Margaret McMahon at
councillor_mcmahon@toronto.ca. Also read and consider signing the following online petitions:
http://kidscounttoronto.ca/ http://www.letsmakewaves.ca/index.html
The fight for a healthy & secure Fairmount Park Community
Centre is not over! We still need your voice at the Fairmount Park
Community Centre Advisory Council - In support of all
aquatics and recreation programming at Fairmount, The Fairmount Park
Community Centre Advisory Council has been re-formed, to support staff
in ensuring that programs meet the needs of our community. We need your
voice! If you are interested in joining the Council or volunteering in
any way, please contact us at
bowmoresc@gmail.com
