Centre For Local Research into Public Space (CELOS)
Show search options
You are on the [Councillor Response Oct 92018] page of folder [Background Research]
For the cover page of this folder go to the Councillor Bailao's response to the letters she got
(and letters, below, responding to her email):
Thank you for reaching out to me about Dufferin Grove Park improvements and conservancy. Dufferin Grove Park is a unique part of our community activated by the involvement of residents and organizations who have helped to create an inclusive hub for all to enjoy. I firmly believe that the involvement of residents is what helps make the park so special and strengthening these partnerships is important to me. I look forward to the opportunity to work all residents and the organizations who to explore what this collaborative relationship could look like.
As you may know, the City is exploring improvements to the northwest corner of the park which includes the clubhouse and surrounding areas. As part of this initiative the City previously held an initial public meeting and convened a Community Resource Group made up of local residents and park users to hear about the share vision for the park and everyone who wanted to participate on the CRG was accepted. No decisions have been made about what these will be or look like and the City will be holding additional meetings and consultation with residents about this in the months ahead. I will continue to communicate about these with you and the community.
I look forward to working with you and residents to build upon what we love at Dufferin Grove Park.
Oct.9, 2018, Response from Mayssan Shuja Uddin:
Hi Ana
Thank you for your message. I do live in this ward, and frequent the park with my kids, but i also am a staff for PFR, and worked at Dufferin for many years, helping to build what is unique about the park. However, under the current management structure, it is almost impossible for me to contribute meaningfully as a resident or staff, or in collaboration with any organization or even the charity that we created specifically to support Dufferin grove ( CELOS.ca, administrator Jutta Mason).
I know that many people who have tried over the last ten years have also found it quite difficult and much different to when Tino de Castro was in charge, when local city paid staff had the authority to make great things happen at the park, along with the community.
What we would like to ask you for specifically is to champion the idea of a small scale/small money, neighborhood “conservancy” at Dufferin Park, to allow for sustainable LOCAL GOVERNANCE. (Do you like this term? We think it will best describe our intentions.) Dufferin can only continue to be vibrant if we support that staff can create programs easily, collaborate freely and communicate proudly with the community. We hope that you would take a seat on the board of such a local park governance model.
CELOS is in the unique position of knowing exactly what such a model could require and can put this in writing, if we are asked to do it by the City. Will you support this?
There was a lot of energy at the CELOS public meeting. People are talking about it, sending emails etc. We have three action items that we will be sharing with everyone on our mailing list. We ask if you would publicly back them in response to our letters to you:
- that the city ask CELOS to prepare a report on a conservancy at dufferin park
- that you would attend a public gathering November 10th at 2pm at Dufferin park and find out more about how the conservancy at dgp would work
- that we find out how any member of the public (including local staff) can attend revitalization meetings held by Lura and contribute to the official community resource group (CRG) discussion.
Will you let me know?
Oct.9, 2018, from Alan Carlisle, question fo CELOS after getting Ana Bailao's letter
I think this is a clue to the direction this all may be heading? Please pass this on to your people and if you have a moment please translate what is being said, that i may learn..
Oct.10, Doug Anderson
Dear Ms. Bailao: i support this letter that was sent to you from another constituent in this ward. Not interested in the city’s business as usual “consultation" approach. That’s NOT how Dufferin Grove got to be such a great park. Please consider the needs of your constituents over the “needs” of city managers. Thank you.
Oct.10, 2018, Jo-ann Seamon
Ana, I am dissatisfied with your response to my inquiry. You failed to address my specific question about the idea of a conservancy and wherher you would support this. It’s not about any one project but about creating a partnership between the city and the community.
Back to vital little plan