Letter to residents concerning the G20 Protest Zone
Dear friends and neighbours of Trinity-Bellwoods Park,
Toronto welcomes the G20 Summit as a prime opportunity for Canada to show leadership on the world stage by taking bold action to combat poverty and inequality; making real progress on climate change; and transforming global economic and financial systems for a fair and sustainable world. However with this opportunity, comes a responsibility to local residents and businesses in Trinity-Spadina.
The recent decision to use Trinity Bellwoods Park as the “designated protest area” is inappropriate. In addition to being surrounded by private residences, Trinity Bellwoods Park contains some of the oldest and most unique trees in Toronto. This park is favourite place for local residents to take their children and their dogs.
So who made the decision to use the unsuitable location of Trinity Bellwoods Park?
The Toronto Police in conjunction with the Toronto Parks Department chose to use the Trinity Bellwoods Park as the “designated protest area.”
I contacted officials at both the federal and municipal level – RCMP, Toronto Police, Elizabeth Rody, Director of Summits Management Office – and they confirmed this. City parks are controlled by the municipal government so it stands to reason that neither the federal government nor the RCMP could have made this decision. This decision was made without any consultation with any elected representatives for the area.
I do not support this choice and will work closely with your Councillor Joe Pantalone –who agrees with the neighbours – to push for a change of location.
For more information regarding the G20, please visit http://g20.gc.ca/; 1-888-446-4047 or www.G8-G20isu.ca; 1-877-750-6042.
Sincerely,
Olivia Chow, MP
Trinity-Spadina
