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Toronto City Council · 2023-05-10 · 2023.MM6.35

The filed record

Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds to Rebuild the Community Garden at 133 Broadway Avenue - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Amber Morley

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The decision

2023-05-10 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on May 10, 11 and 12, 2023, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2023 Operating Budget for Non-Program by $50,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained in the development at 75 Broadway Avenue (Source Account: XR3026-3701211), secured for capital facilities in proximity to the subject site, for the purpose of providing one-time capital funding to Toronto Community Housing Corporation to rebuild the community garden, in consultation with Mr.

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Gorrell and the residents of 133 Broadway Avenue (Cost Centre: NP2161). 2. City Council direct that the funds be forwarded to Toronto Community Housing Corporation upon the signing of a Letter of Undertaking by Toronto Community Housing Corporation that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.

The vote

On the agenda

As the city filed it

For a decade, the garden Brian Gorrell created in front of his home at 133 Broadway Avenue was an oasis for his neighbours and all Midtown residents. The 2,400 square foot garden had flowers, hedges, a koi pond, and Gorrell's unique tchotchkes. The space has played host to Brian's wedding, barbeques, birthday parties, and served as a community focal point for the Toronto Community Housing residents of the Broadway building and the wider neighbourhood.

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After Gorrell put in countless hours and $20,000 of his own money, Toronto Community Housing officials decided to destroy the garden. They went beyond removing several items that were cited as a fire hazard, threw out every personal item and ripped up every tree and flower bed. This action was cruel and unnecessary treatment of a resident and amenity that brought so much joy to the neighbourhood. This Motion directs funding in the amount of $50,000 to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation to rebuild the community garden, in consultation with Mr. Gorrell and the residents of 133 Broadway Avenue. Urgent consideration of this Motion is being requested to ensure that Mr. Gorrell, Toronto Community Housing, and the community can begin the reconstruction of the garden.

Staff recommended

Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Amber Morley, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2023 Operating Budget for Non-Program by $50,000 gross, $0 net, fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained in the development at 75 Broadway Avenue (Source Account: XR3026-3701211), secured for capital facilities in proximity to the subject site, for the purpose of providing one-time capital funding to Toronto Community Housing Corporation to rebuild the community garden, in consultation with Mr.

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Gorrell and the residents of 133 Broadway Avenue (Cost Centre: NP2161). 2. City Council direct that the funds be forwarded to Toronto Community Housing Corporation upon the signing of a Letter of Undertaking by Toronto Community Housing Corporation that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.

    On the record

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