Community speaks up for Foundry buildings
Rally raises awareness, stresses need to preserve heritage structures
Community members took to the streets on Valentine’s Day to raise more awareness about the now-stalled demolition of a Toronto heritage site and show their local love for the Dominion Foundry Complex.
In the crowd was Ward 13 Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, New Democrat MPP Suze Morrison and Friends of the Foundry supporters.
“It was a beautiful event,” said Morrison.
“I think it really encapsulates how much the community loves those foundry buildings and loves having a strong connection to heritage in the community.”
The rally took place at 153-185 Eastern Ave., where demolition of the four-building Corktown foundry began in early January.
The site was once used by Dominion Wheel and Foundries company for the production of railway equipment.
Despite the complex being listed in Toronto’s heritage inventory, the province had issued a minister’s zoning order in October 2020 that allows officials to avoid public consultation and municipal planning input, stating the intent to turn
“(The rally) encapsulates how much the community loves those foundry buildings and loves having a connection to heritage in the community.”
SUZE MORRISON
NEW DEMOCRAT MPP
the area into affordable housing.
Many in the community are skeptical about that stated intent and instead wanted to go forward with plans to turn the building into a music hub that would also offer affordable housing.
Morrison said that, after members of the neighbourhood saw the demolition begin in early January without consultation, they went into organizing mode.
“The community wants to see this space repurposed for community use space and affordable housing but they also want to see the heritage preserved,” she said.
Toronto’s City Council had passed a motion to halt construction for a minimum of 30 days and a temporary injunction was then put in place to do just that.
The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario will be in divisional court at the end of the month to decide on a way forward.