Ontario donates land for Toronto community hub
The provincial government has donated more than two acres of land to the City of Toronto for construction of a community hub and centre for the arts.
The land, which is located adjacent to the future Finch West LRT Maintenance and Storage Facility, is being transferred at no cost to the city. It will be used to build the facility for the Jane and Finch community, a high density, multicultural and low-income neighbourhood in North York.
"As we continue to build much-needed transit along Finch West Avenue, we recognize the importance of recreation, arts, education and community-building to the Jane and Finch community," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "That's why we are providing the land at no cost to the city so area residents can have a vibrant community hub and arts centre that will offer a variety of services and programs."
The land contribution will allow the city to continue design-related work and establish partnerships to construct a new 65,000-square foot centre that is expected to generate significant benefits to the community. Those benefits will help serve the larger goals of community collaboration and bringing people together, giving residents the opportunity to learn from and help each other.
"I want to thank the provincial government for providing the City of Toronto with this land that will allow us to create a much-needed community hub for residents in the area of Jane and Finch," said Toronto Mayor John Tory. "I'm confident that the programs and services that will be offered at this community centre will have a lasting impact and I'm glad that everyone is committed to making it happen.”
The province and its partners are also exploring how a future community centre could align with the Black Youth Action Plan as part of the land transfer agreement. If supported, this community space could also offer economic empowerment programming, among other services, to support local youth in achieving social and economic success.
The province released its Black Youth Action plan in 2017 as a four-year $47-million investment to help address persistent outcomes disparities for Black Ontarians across life stages and to create the conditions necessary for Black communities to thrive.