Requesting Accountability for the Destruction of the Community Garden at 133 Broadway Avenue - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Amber Morley

After Mr. 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 requests the Ombudsman to investigate this incident to provide accountability to Mr. Gorrell and his neighbours, and provide recommendations to ensure that the City, and all its agencies, encourage creativity and animation of both public and private spaces. Urgent consideration of this Motion is being requested as the community has been left without answers regarding the destruction of the garden and deserve open and honest transparency as to how this situation transpired.