“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 John Tory, Mayor of Toronto. “Thank you to Councillor Anthony Perruzza and the Jane-Finch community for their strong advocacy for this hub that will be a key part of the neighbourhood’s future along with the Finch West LRT. 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.”
“We are dedicated to ensuring that our vital transit projects provide strong links so that there is a seamless connection to the communities in which they are being built,” said Kinga Surma, Associate Minister of Transportation (GTA). “We are so proud to take this first step to enable this transformative community space that will help improve opportunities for today’s youth and future generations in the Jane and Finch community.”
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.