Initiating an urgent needs assessment for additional community facilities in the underserved Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood - by Councillor Jaye Robinson, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

There is a large, underserved youth population in Thorncliffe Park. Almost 30 percent of the population is under the age of 15, while approximately 53 percent of households have an average combined income of less than $50,000 dollars. Community facilities contribute to the economic, health, and social well-being of a neighbourhood. They also play an important role in community-building, placemaking, and inclusion, particularly in communities with below-average household incomes. The Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan 2019-2038 specifically identifies Thorncliffe Park as an area where additional program space requirements may emerge due to high growth and the demonstrated need for additional community amenities. A needs assessment is required to evaluate the current and projected population of Thorncliffe Park, with a specific focus on the large population of youth under the age of 18.

Services, in consultation with appropriate staff, to identify a site or sites which may be appropriate for acquisition for a new community centre in the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood and report to the Economic and Community Development Committee on the findings.