Friends of Sam Smith Park

>From: "Councillor Grimes" <councillor_grimes@toronto.ca>
>To: "Nadeem Khan" <nkhan2@toronto.ca>
>Subject: Councillor Grimes Announces Formation of SkateparkConsultation
>Committee
>Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 17:12:11 -0400
>

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Dear Residents,

Thank you for contacting me with your request for more information
pertaining to the skateboard park.

Some community groups and concerned residents have asked for additional
consultation on the skatepark project. To accommodate their concerns, I
believe further work is needed to ensure the creation of the right facility
in the right location for the community and for skateboarders.

I am proposing the formation of a consultation committee to address location
issues and other concerns surrounding the construction of a proposed
skatepark in South Etobicoke.

Since the start of my term, I have always advocated on behalf of the youth
and I have secured half a million dollars for a new skateboard facility in
Ward 6 during the 2005 budget process at City Hall. To pave the way for the
facility's development, I have taken steps to ensure an open discussion with
all stakeholders and residents and provided regular updates in my ward
newsletters.

The consultation committee that I have proposed will include a cross-section
of Ward 6 residents and community groups. Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker
(Ward 38 --- Scarborough Centre) has agreed to assist in the formation and
functioning of the committee. Councillor De Baeremaeker brings a wealth of
experience in community and environmental issues to the committee. He is a
member of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and was a key
part of grass roots organizations to save the Rouge Valley and Oak Ridges
Moraine.

I believe in transparency with all development projects, and this proposal
is no exception. This transparency extends from beginning to end throughout
the process. Through discussion and consultation, the committee will come to
a consensus on a location for the facility, and help to get the project
underway.

At the completion of the consultation process, I will expedite the
committee's findings and move towards completing the skatepark in South
Etobicoke.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my
office at 416-397-9273.

Regards,
Mark Grimes
Toronto City Councillor
Ward 6 *-Etobicoke-Lakeshore