News Release - Approving a Renovictions By-law to Protect Affordable Rental Housing
City Council to consider a report recommending the approval of a renovictions by-law.
The property on Queen was purchased by real estate developer Rose and Thistle who agreed to rebuild the shelter as part of their redevelopment of the site. It is now in receivership. The receiver is planning to sell the site to another developer who intends to build condos on the site. Neither group has provided Red Door with any concrete plans for their future.
In 1937 Reverend Ray McCleary painted his manse door red to let women and children in South Riverdale neighbourhood know they always had a safe space in their community. In 1982, the Red Door Family Shelter was opened in the WoodGreen Neighbourhood House at 875 Queen Street East. Today Red Door helps over 500 families each year, taking in refugees, women leaving violent homes, and families facing eviction. Red Door has 106 beds, and on any given night half of those beds are occupied by children.
I have been working with the Red Door since the beginning of this crisis and I am committed to continuing to work with them and the City to preserve their long-term home on Queen Street. I hope you'll join me to stand up for women, children and families who rely on this shelter in their darkest moments. The Red Door belongs on Queen St. East, surrounded by schools, churches, health care services, neighbours and a business community that has always been supportive of the shelter.
Together we can make sure that development doesn't evict the Red Door from its home, but we are going to need everyone's help from Councillors to MPs, MPPS, City and Provincial staff. And of course, we need the support of the community.
Read more at www.reddoorshelter.ca/save-the-red-door and in thisToronto Star article. I hope you'll also sign the petition.
City Council to consider a report recommending the approval of a renovictions by-law.
Major items at City Council this week included the Vacant Home Tax, island airport and traffic congestion management.
Read Councillor Fletcher's latest update for details on the newly opened Leslie Lookout Park along with engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park.