Ontario Construction News staff writer
The provincial government has donated more than two acres to the City of Toronto for construction of a community hub in the Jane-Finch area.
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.
A part of the agreement, the provincial government says it is exploring ways that future community centre could align with the Black Youth Action Plan approved in 2017.
If supported, this community space could offer economic empowerment programming, among other services, to support local youth in achieving social and economic success.
The Black Youth Action plan is 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.
“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 expected to help serve the larger goals of “community collaboration and bringing people together, giving residents the opportunity to learn from and help each other.”
