Parents know that streets are indeed for people

Last night we attended a meeting with local parents who are working to develop an awesome new learning place for children called The Grove School.

This alternative school will have social justice and environmentalism as it's focus (along with academic excellence), and there is no school like this here in Toronto. It's encouraging to be a part of this work and it's great to have the support of other parents who want their children to grow up thinking about and experiencing the things that are the most important (ie; nature and community).

The Grove School will be a neighbour to the new parking lot. The parents at the meeting discussed the recent outcry against the proposed parking lot at the Matador (at College and Dovercourt). It was funny how the Toronto Parking Authority and Adam Giambrone would discuss the issue... there was some "blame" on the West End YMCA, another important community hub. The "blame" was that the YMCA was responsible for urging the creation of a new parking lot. The YMCA responded by explaining that it encourages its members to walk, ride bikes, and take public transit to their facilities--they had NEVER asked for a parking lot! The community rallied together and the parking lot never became a reality. The legendary Matador still stands!

It's winter now and the Matador parking lot is a distant memory to some. The winter blues tend to set in for a lot of people during this time. It's cold out there, and there's not a lot of sunshine. Many of us live in cramped apartments and dream of sunnier shores. There are not many people in the alley now. Where are all the people? Are they coming to the meeting? Do they care?

Sure, they do care, but they feel defeated. This lack of consultation and common sense about this space has got mixed up with never ending rhetoric that we hear each time we contact someone different from the City of Toronto. There are also language barriers. Whenever people have low English literacy (and this is our major working language here), they become discouraged and disempowered. Some don't want to say anything because they're afraid it will all come out the wrong way.

All those people in their apartments--put a big red circle on your calendar for Tuesday, December 16th. Adam Giambrone's office still has not set a location, so let's hear if you're attending so we know if we need a large space. AND in the good news, Adam's office is making site plans available. Go down to his office and check them out:


1232 College St. W. (at Margueretta)

Office hours:
Monday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(Other times are available by appointment)

Stay tuned. We're planning a community party in the parking lot to remind you that the streets are for people (and fun).