Maria Augimeri City of Councillor , Ward 9

Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West, Suite C53 Toronto, M5H 2N2 Telephone: 416-392-4021 Facsimile: 416-392-7109 Email: [email protected]

Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada The Honourable Rona Ambrose Place du Portage, Phase III, Room 18A1 11 Laurier Street Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0S5

Dear Minister Ambrose,

Canadians in Toronto and beyond expect the federal government to respect its words and commitments. That’s why we are calling on you to respect previous commitments made regarding Downsview Park's land. Instead of breaking up this unique urban park and selling it off, Downsview Park needs federal protection and support.

The local community expects nothing less from the federal government than the honouring of previous commitments: protecting at least 50% of the park and the keeping all proceeds from land sales local to sustain Downsview Park.

Instead, the federal government is reducing transparency and accountability by abolishing the Downsview Park Inc. crown corporation and handing the land and management of the park to the Canada Lands Corporation.

We don't believe the federal government is set up to run a Toronto park. Neither is it set up to manage community relationships with local residents.

On behalf of the Downsview residents, we have three demands:

1. Stop the land sale of Downsview Park. 2. Any revenue from the leasing or land sale from previous agreements be directed back to the maintenance and the operation of the Downsview Park. 3. Create an arms-length body composed of local residents groups, community representatives including park users, local elected representatives (such as City Councillors) to deal with the daily operation, financial management and maintenance of the Park.

We trust that you will make the right decisions – as the Federal government owes it to the local community and the citizens of Toronto present and future.

Best regards,

Olivia Chow Maria Augimeri Member of Parliament Toronto City Councillor Trinity-Spadina Ward 9 – York Centre