The City of Toronto is planning to shut down Bloordale Community Centre without replacing the majority of programs elsewhere. Savings to the City will be minimal but the cost to the community will be significant.
Bloordale serves over 3000 people who use the centre for child-care, sports and recreation, social and community development. Without Bloordale, our children will suffer as families will be left without affordable options.
Please sign this petition and send a letter to Councillor Holyday opposing this reduction to services.
For more information, review the confidential City Budget document at
http://www.toronto.ca/budget2012/pdf/pfr_service_locns.pdf (page 3).
For more information on BCS useage, visit http://friendsofbloordale.wordpress.com
We the undersigned request your attention concerning the proposed cancellation of programs at Bloordale Community Centre.
Bloordale Community Centre serves over 3000 Etobicoke residents every year. Families rely on Bloordale for child-care, physical fitness, social and community development. The programs are extremely popular with next to zero vacancy and demand exceeding capacity, especially for summer camps. The nearest community center at Hollycrest is much smaller and at capacity thus will be unable to accomodate the community's needs.
We are shocked that the City of Toronto is arbitrarily closing down Bloordale Community Centre without consulting with its constitutents to determine the ramifications on the community. BCS plays an integral role in improving the quality of life for many in Etobicoke. Without it child-care, pre-school, music, sports and arts programs will be unaffordable for many families.
In the past BCS has run at break-even. We have requested specific financial information on Bloordale Community Centre from a number of City officials but access has been denied. We believe the human cost of closing BSC will far outweigh the minimal finances from the City it requires to operate.
Bloordale Community Centre truly fulfills the City of Toronto's service commitment of fostering a sense of community, promoting civic engagement and enhancing the quality of life through the provision of activities and programs responsive to the local needs.
Bloordale has an exemplary reputation and plays an important role in maintaining the fabric of this community. We demand City Council keep Bloordale open and will fight this cause despite it being the holiday season.
We thank you for your time,
Friends of Bloordale Community Center
