Dear Friends,
Just under two years ago, I wrote to you asking for your help and support to keep the Red Door Shelter on Queen Street in Leslieville after a real estate deal gone bad put the Red Door's future in jeopardy.
Our community answered the call in an unprecedented way - over 50,000 people signed a petition to keep the Red Door in Leslieville, and hundreds of residents came to community meetings and to City Hall over the next two years to support the Red Door.
I am very proud of our community and this achievement. City Council has unanimously passed the re-zoning for the development at 875 Queen St East which will include a permanent home for the Red Door. This is the first time in Toronto that a new development will include a shelter, and it is my hope this model can be replicated across the City. I would like to recognize Harhay Developments for their efforts to find a way to include the Red Door in their proposal, as well as the dedicated staff at City Planning and Shelter, Support and Housing Administration for bringing this proposal to fruition.
Along with including a home for the Red Door, Harhay worked with the Leslieville Histrorical Society to preserve the facade of 887 Queen St East to respect the heritage character of the building. The development now has the attributes that strengthen the community - place-making urban design, a respect for heritage and a home for our most vulnerable in society.
Thank you for rallying together to support this important family shelter in our community. As construction moves forward, the Red Door will be reaching out to the community for support to fundraise for new furnishings for their new digs. You can learn more about how to be involved at their website at www.reddoorshelter.ca.
Sincerely,
Councillor Paula Fletcher
Ward 30 - Toronto Danforth
My spring newsletter is out! Plus: free compost this weekend & 2024 Environment Days.
Read my latest update on engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park and the Leslie Street Spit.
