MEDIA ADVISORY - Public lands should be used for public good

Coalition calls on Toronto City Council to consult community before renewing golf course operating licences 

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2020 /CNW/ -

WHAT:  A coalition of non-profit organizations, local community representatives, and leaders in the BIPOC-led urban agriculture sector are calling on Toronto City Council to consult with local communities before voting to renew the operating licences of five city-owned golf courses. The licence renewals will be put before City Council on September 30th for approval.

WHO: Cheyenne Sundance of Sundance Harvest Farm and Heather Marshall, Campaigns Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance.

WHEN:  Thursday September 24 at 2pm

WHERE:  Dentonia Park Golf Course
                 781 Victoria Park Ave, Scarborough, ON 
                 Outside golf course entrance at Victoria Park TTC station

WHY: A coalition that includes Aboriginal Legal Services, Black Creek Community Farm, Sundance Harvest Farm, FoodShare Toronto, Jessica Bell, MPP for University-Rosedale, Progress Toronto, Toronto Environmental Alliance and Toronto Food Policy Council is asking City Council to consider repurposing these lands to better benefit the community and the environment. Options for alternative land-use include green spaces, parks, and/or as an opportunity to implement urban agriculture projects and food sovereignty work led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour instead of golf courses for a select few based on a fee-for-service model.

SOURCE FoodShare Toronto