Request to Rename an Existing or Planned Community Garden After the Late Estella Wheeler - by Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise

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The decision

2024-06-26 · Toronto City Council · adopted

As filed

City Council on June 26 and 27, 2024, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to review the request to rename an existing or name a newly planned community garden in honour of the late Estella Wheeler and report back to North York Community Council with options by end 2024.

The vote

Adopt Item · Carried, 22-1

Against (1)Dianne Saxe

Absent (2)Anthony Perruzza, Paul Ainslie

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As the city filed it

In February 2024, Estella Wheeler, a teacher at the Africentric Alternative School tragically fell victim to domestic violence. Mrs. Wheeler was beloved by her family, students, colleagues, and the local community. She had an excellent relationship with students keeping their interests at heart, inspiring them, and always being available to support them with their studies. Since immigrating to Canada in 2008, Mrs. Wheeler taught at several Toronto District School Board schools including Brookview Middle School, Smithfield Middle School, Rockford Public School, Downsview Public School, and a 7-year tenure at the Africentric Alternative School.

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An initiative was undertaken by the students and teachers at the Africentric Alternative School to request that an existing or planned community garden be named after Estella Wheeler in honour of her legacy and passion for gardening and plants. A petition on their behalf with over 800 signatures has been presented to Councillor Pasternak. A community garden could feasibly be developed in Brockwell Park behind the Africentric Alternative School. There are two naming suggestions where a community garden is already located, which are the Well Watered Garden in Downsview or the Four Winds Allotment Gardens.

Staff recommended

Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to review opportunities to name or rename a new or existing community garden in honour of the late Estella Wheeler, and report back to North York Community Council with options by the end of 2024.

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