Final Report: Villa Charities/Columbus Centre

Report Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation

Prepared by: Maximum City, in association with Dillon Consulting Limited EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On October 24 2017, Maximum City and • Act in an advisory capacity to the senior Dillon Consulting were retained by the leadership of VCI and the TCDSB; Toronto Catholic District School Board and • Provide for community communication Villa Charities to develop and implement gathering and sharing to VCI and the TCDSB a community consultation program for by bringing forward community specific the proposed Columbus Centre/Dante issues, questions and suggestions, related to Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational the joint project; and, Community Hub in the Dufferin-Lawrence • Assist in the planning and provide neighbourhood. The key objectives of the recommendations for the programs and consultation program were to be broadly services, offered by the Columbus Centre, representative of the community, to include a in the new joint use facility, which best meet diversity of age and relationship to the site, to the needs of all potential users. engage people using a variety of methods, to pull out key community questions, concerns, The consultation program was launched in and insights regarding the joint development early November and was completed on January project, and to deliver a report with 25, 2018, engaging over 700 independent consultation findings and recommendations participants and over 1000 total before the end of January 2018. participants through a variety of methods including community workshops, youth and The role of Maximum City and Dillon senior outreach, a website, online survey, a Consulting was specifically to: telephone survey conducted by Research Etc, • Develop, implement, and report on neighbourhood walks and site visits, focus a community consultation program groups and facilitated discussions with various by engaging a broad cross section of stakeholder groups, observation and listening stakeholders; sessions, and a public report-back meeting. • Provide a wide perspective of views This report captures the themes, findings surrounding the programs and services to and recommendations of the community be offered in the new joint use facility; avoid consultation program, which are summarized the duplication of input and mitigate against below. some voices dominating or intimidating others;

Prepared by ii Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation iii THEMES: WHAT WE HEARD C: PROGRAMMING & FACILITIES Themes are a summary of the community A wide variety of programs and facilities are feedback gathered throughout the consultation used by and important to community members activities conducted by Maximum City and of different ages at the Columbus Centre, on an Dillon, organized into 58 statements on PAGE everyday basis as well as for special occasions. 15 of this report. The themes represent a These include health & fitness (i.e., gym, track, comprehensive record of the qualitative data pool, fitness classes, etc.), cultural & educational gathered in the consultation program. programs (music, dance, culinary, language, art, daycare, summer camps, etc.), and gathering spaces (art gallery, cafe, library, event spaces, FINDINGS: WHAT etc.), among others. WE LEARNED D: SHARING SPACES & Findings represent a synthesis of comments PARTNERSHIPS received throughout the consultation process, and an analysis of the themes. The findings Community members frequently discussed speak to the full range of concerns, questions, questions, concerns, and opportunities around support, opposition, and insights into various the topic of sharing spaces and potential topics related to the joint redevelopment project teaching and learning partnerships between that were gathered in the consultation activities. Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy and the There are 22 findings onPAGE 32 of this Columbus Centre site. report, organized into the six categories below. E: OVERALL PROJECT A: GREEN, PEDESTRIAN While it was not in the scope of the qualitative & OPEN SPACE community consultation to ask the question Do you or do you not support the joint redevelopment The green, pedestrian & open spaces of the project? Many comments speak to this issue in Columbus Centre site play an important and various ways that are synthesized in this section varied role for a wide range of people, and are of findings. seen as a shared community asset. This topic was a focus of much of the discussion activities F: COMMUNICATION, and workshops facilitated by the consultation team. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, CONSULTATION & QUESTIONS B: PLACE-BASED ATTACHMENT At the heart of many comments expressing The Columbus Centre holds a powerful place frustration and opposition for the joint in the hearts and minds of many, particularly redevelopment project is concern for the those of Italian heritage or association. The lack of community involvement and voice in Columbus Centre and its surrounding site mean the proposed project from the beginning, different things to different people who have and concern over poor and incomplete competing and complementary visions for the communication. This has led to feelings of present and future of the site. The Columbus distrust, questions, and confusion about the Centre community is not composed of one project. singular community but rather a collection of communities that reaches beyond the local neighbourhood to the Greater Toronto Area.

Prepared by iv Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited RECOMMENDATIONS: • ESTABLISH a Working Group that is broadly representative of the community, WHAT WE SUGGEST including youth, seniors, members, the local community and potential/current non- The recommendations section of this report users of the Columbus Centre and Dante represent responses to what was heard Alighieri. Establish a Working Group Terms and learned in the consultation themes of Reference, including responsibilities and and findings. They are separated into Key duties, and a code of conduct. The main role Recommendations, Overall Recommendations, of the Working Group is to provide input on and Specific Recommendations onPAGE 72. the project and liaise with the community. Though the future of the joint redevelopment Among other responsibilities, the Working project is uncertain at the time of this writing, Group should produce a monthly or bi- the recommendations are advice that speak to monthly newsletter with updates on the the possibility of the project moving forward Group’s progress, process, and outcomes. productively in some way and form, while acknowledging that there is some opposition to • INVOLVE the community meaningfully and this within the community and included in the directly in the full cycle of the design process. feedback gathered in this report, and without Establish feedback loops to share what is advocating for any particular outcome. The Key open for influence, inform the community Recommendations are included below. how they will be consulted, and demonstrate how their input has been incorporated or KEY RECOMMENDATIONS considered. Involve the community through • REBUILD trust with the community. Start design charrettes, open houses, user group with an acknowledgement that there has consultations, and other participatory tools. been a breakage of trust then seek out a • PROVIDE adequate time, space & review process to regain accountability and trust periods for community consultation. with the community, that may include Consultation and review should inform strategies such as asking for community input design and decisions, which should happen on how trust can best be rebuilt, developing during & after consultation, not before, or an Accountability and Transparency Plan separately. that includes metrics, surveys, door-to-door canvassing, interviews, and other tools.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation v Contents Executive Summary ii Themes: What We Heard iv Findings: What We Learned iv Recommendations: What We Suggest v Glossary of Key Terms viii Engagement and Consultation Principles 2 Consultation Calendar Legend 2 Consultation Calendar 3 Consultation by the Numbers 4 Who Participated 4 How Did They Participate 4 How Many Participated 4 Summary of Consultation Events/Activities 6 Workshops 6 Listening & Observation 8 Focus Group/Facilitated Discussion/Meeting 8 Community Walks/Site Visits 11 Telephone Survey 12 Public Meeting 13 Themes: What We Heard 15 Theme Methodology: 15

Prepared by vi Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited Findings: What We Learned 32 Findings Methodology: 32 A: Green, Pedestrian & Open Space 34 B: Place-Based Attachment 35 C: Programming & Facilities 36 D: Sharing Spaces & Partnerships 37 E: Overall Project 38 F: Communication, Community Involvement, Consultation & Questions 39 Telephone Survey Report 40 Community Interests: 70

Going Forward … 71 Recommendations: What We Suggest 72 Four Key Recommendations 72 Overall Recommendations 73 Specific Recommendations 74

Appendices 1. 12 Common Questions (answered by client teams) 2. Workshop Topic Preferences 3. Postcard and Activity Sheets 4. Example Table - Evaluation Matrix 5. Email statement from Councillor Colle

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation vii GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS COMMUNITY MEMBER FACILITATED DISCUSSION/ A Community Member is a person or participant FOCUS GROUP who is part of a group of stakeholders (i.e., A group of two or three generally doesn’t need Columbus Centre Patrons, local residents, a leader to have a good discussion, but once Families & Students of Dante Alighieri Academy, the number reaches five or six, a leader or Families of Regina Mundi Students, Community facilitator can often be helpful in ensuring an leaders, Community members, Residents of effective discussion. Facilitated discussions Caboto Terrace and Casa Del Zotto, Families consist of a number of elements: of Villa Colombo Toronto). It is noted that • Group members have a chance to speak, additional stakeholders are also community express their ideas and feelings freely, and members based on their connection or pursue and finish out their thoughts; participation in the consultation process, including Local Politicians, VCI Board members, • Group members listen to others’ ideas and some TCDSB Trustees, and VCI & TCDSB Senior feelings; Management. In the case of this project, • Group members can feel safe to express community members are persons connected to ideas and feelings; Villa Charities/Columbus Centre and the Dante • Group members can receive and respond Alighieri Catholic Academy, or the broader to respectful, honest and constructive Dufferin-Lawrence neighbourhood. For further feedback. Feedback could be positive, information please refer to list of stakeholders negative, or clarify questions or errors; consulted on PAGE x, and the section • Diverse perspectives are put forward and Community Interests on PAGE 70. discussed; COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: • Discussions are not dominated by any one person; and, A community workshop is a public forum for interested members of the larger • Arguments, while spirited, are based on community (residents, membership, school the content of ideas and opinions, not on faculty, students, parents, civic leaders, etc.). personalities. Two community workshops took place on During the consultation program, a number November 14 and December 6 with over 160 of facilitated discussions were hosted with participants from a range of stakeholder and various project stakeholders: user groups. 1) November 18 2017: Centro Scuola high school students

Prepared by viii Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 2) November 20 2017: Community Advisory QUALITATIVE RESEARCH/ Panel QUALITATIVE DATA 3) December 5 2017: Dante Alighieri and feeder Qualitative research and data refer to school faculty and parents questions, words, comments, observations, 4) December 7 2017: Villa Charities Board and discussions, activity sheets, interviews, Senior Management workshops, themes and findings conducted by 5) December 11-13 2017: Italian community and the consultant team as part of the community cultural leaders consultation program. The focus of the work 6) January 10 2018: Concerned community done by Maximum City and Dillon Consulting members was qualitative research. 7) January 17 2018: Dante Alighieri Catholic QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH/ Academy Student Leadership Class QUANTITATIVE DATA 8) January 18 2018: Casa Del Zotto and Caboto Terrace Resident Drop-In Quantitative research and data refer to surveys, numbers, and statistical analysis JOINT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT conducted by Research Etc as part of the The joint redevelopment project is a proposal telephone survey. The telephone survey from the Toronto Catholic District School Board contained both quantitative and qualitative and Villa Charities to build a new Columbus measures. Centre and Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy in a building that would share some but not SITE all facilities in the same location as the current A site is the position or location of a proposed Columbus Centre at Dufferin and Lawrence. project. The site referred to in this report is By sharing some facilities there is the ability to the approximate 10-acre parcel of land/place have cost savings, and provide a wider range of at Dufferin and Lawrence in Toronto owned activities to the community, membership, and by Villa Charities. The site is home to Villa the school. Colombo, Casa Del Zotto, Caboto Terrace and the Columbus Centre, Toronto’s central Italian- LISTENING AND Canadian community centre. OBSERVATION SESSIONS STEERING COMMITTEE Information and knowledge are gathered • The Steering Committee was composed of in a variety of ways. A key way of gathering members of the consultant team, TCDSB knowledge and information is by actively and Villa Charities senior leadership. listening to what people are saying through words and actions. The consultation team CONSULTATION TEAM attended a number of meetings regarding the (CONSULTANT) project that were not organized or facilitated • Lead: Maximum City by the consultant team but were nonetheless important for gathering information and • Co-Lead: Dillon Consulting learning the context and issues, and hearing community voices. These sessions included the November 16 TCDSB Board Meeting, the November 28 Regina Mundi Parent Meeting, and the December 13 MPP Mike Colle public meeting. REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation ix LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED AND CONSULTED The consultant team was given a preliminary list of stakeholders in the RFP which was expanded on to include all of the following: • Area residents • CASA (Columbus Athletic and Social Association) • Centro Scuola Staff & Students • Columbus Centre Patrons and Members • Cultural leaders • Families of Villa Colombo Toronto • Families, Staff & Students of Dante Alighieri Academy • Families, Staff & Students of Regina Mundi and other area elementary schools • Glen Long-Playfair Residents Association • Local Politicians • Residents of Caboto Terrace and Casa Del Zotto • Senior Management and VCI Board members

Prepared by x Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 1 ENGAGEMENT AND Date Event and Location Participants November 14 , 2017 Community Workshop #1 at Sala Caboto 70-80 participants CONSULTATION PRINCIPLES November 14, 2017 Website, social media, & e-survey launched e-Surveys: 23 • Engagement and consultation tools should match November 16, 2017 Listening & Observation at TCDSB Board Meeting Observation (N/A) objectives November 18, 2017 Centro Scuola Youth Consultation at Dante 36 participants Alighieri • Identify allies and strategic stakeholders to leverage November 22, 2017 Community Advisory Panel at Columbus Centre 6 participants authentic knowledge of place November 28, 2017 Listening & Observation at Regina Mundi Parent Observation (N/A) • Build excitement, trust, civic pride, and a strong Meeting sense of place November 29, 2017 Community Walk on Playfair & Marianfeld Observation • Establish Feedback Loops with Project Committee Avenues and broader public December 3, 2017 Newsletter #1 Shared online through project CONSULTATION website • Reduce Barriers to Engagement CALENDAR LEGEND December 4, 2017 Dante Alighieri & Feeder Schools Staff/Parent 26 participants • Go Where People Are Consultation • Make Engagement Fun Online or Telephone December 6, 2017 Community Workshop #2 at Sala Caboto 81 participants • Reach Beyond Usual Suspects Workshop December 7, 2017 Emerging Trends in Community Feedback Shared online & at Dec 6 Workshop • Create safe, comfortable forums for discussion December 7, 2017 VCI Board & Senior Management Consultation 23 participants Public Meeting • Give People Voice December 2017 Telephone Surveys 400 participants Focus Group/Facilitated December 11 & 13 Community & Cultural Leaders Consultation 6 participants • Tell people why their input matters Discussion December 13, 2017 Mike Colle Community Meeting Observation (N/A) • Be transparent - especially about what’s open for December 15, 2017 Casa Del Zotto Drop In 7 participants influence Listening & Observation Session December 22, 2017 Newsletter #2 Emailed to all previously registered, • Avoid consultation fatigue - make it count invited, & attended participants • Speak and write in plain, accessible language Community Walks and Site (260+); shared online through Visits project website • Use online & digital tools to complement in-person January 9, 2018 Regina Mundi Parent Drop In 1 participant *N/A - not applicable since engagement & consultation, not replace it January 9, 2018 Focus Group Follow-Up Drop In 2 participants • Use combination of traditional and creative methods event was not organized or facilitated by consultant team January 10, 208 Concerned Community Members Listening & 8 participants • Use social media strategically for engagement, Discussion education and promotion January 15, 2018 Report-Back Meeting at Sala Caboto (summary 200-250 participants of findings) January 17, 2018 Dante Student Leadership Class 23 participants January 18, 2018 Casa Del Zotto (CDZ) and Caboto Terrace (CT) CT: 19 Drop In CDZ: 36 55 participants January 19, 2018 Message Log (email correspondence/comments 35+ total emails from community members related to proposed 15+ individual correspondents project) January 31, 2018 Final Report Shared online Jan 31, 2018 All Events Approximate Total of Participants 1000+

Prepared by 2 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited CONSULTATION CALENDAR

Date Event and Location Participants November 14 , 2017 Community Workshop #1 at Sala Caboto 70-80 participants November 14, 2017 Website, social media, & e-survey launched e-Surveys: 23 November 16, 2017 Listening & Observation at TCDSB Board Meeting Observation (N/A) November 18, 2017 Centro Scuola Youth Consultation at Dante 36 participants Alighieri November 22, 2017 Community Advisory Panel at Columbus Centre 6 participants November 28, 2017 Listening & Observation at Regina Mundi Parent Observation (N/A) Meeting November 29, 2017 Community Walk on Playfair & Marianfeld Observation Avenues December 3, 2017 Newsletter #1 Shared online through project CONSULTATION website CALENDAR LEGEND December 4, 2017 Dante Alighieri & Feeder Schools Staff/Parent 26 participants Consultation Online or Telephone December 6, 2017 Community Workshop #2 at Sala Caboto 81 participants Workshop December 7, 2017 Emerging Trends in Community Feedback Shared online & at Dec 6 Workshop December 7, 2017 VCI Board & Senior Management Consultation 23 participants Public Meeting December 2017 Telephone Surveys 400 participants Focus Group/Facilitated December 11 & 13 Community & Cultural Leaders Consultation 6 participants Discussion December 13, 2017 Mike Colle Community Meeting Observation (N/A) Listening & Observation December 15, 2017 Casa Del Zotto Drop In 7 participants Session December 22, 2017 Newsletter #2 Emailed to all previously registered, invited, & attended participants Community Walks and Site (260+); shared online through Visits project website January 9, 2018 Regina Mundi Parent Drop In 1 participant *N/A - not applicable since January 9, 2018 Focus Group Follow-Up Drop In 2 participants event was not organized or facilitated by consultant team January 10, 208 Concerned Community Members Listening & 8 participants Discussion January 15, 2018 Report-Back Meeting at Sala Caboto (summary 200-250 participants of findings) January 17, 2018 Dante Student Leadership Class 23 participants January 18, 2018 Casa Del Zotto (CDZ) and Caboto Terrace (CT) CT: 19 Drop In CDZ: 36 55 participants January 19, 2018 Message Log (email correspondence/comments 35+ total emails from community members related to proposed 15+ individual correspondents project) January 31, 2018 Final Report Shared online Jan 31, 2018 All Events Approximate Total of Participants 1000+

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 3 CONSULTATION BY THE NUMBERS WHO HOW DID THEY HOW MANY PARTICIPATED PARTICIPATE PARTICIPATED • Area residents COMMUNITY • CASA (Columbus Athletic and Social Association) WORKSHOPS (2) Community • Presentation Workshops • Centro Scuola Staff & • Activity Sheets & Postcards Students 160+ • Columbus Centre Patrons • Facilitated group and Members discussions Facilitated Groups & • Cultural Leaders Online FOCUS GROUPS & e-Survey Discussions • Families of Villa Columbo DISCUSSIONS (7) + emails Toronto • Activity Sheets & Postcards 127 50+ • Families, Staff & Students of • Facilitated group Dante Alighieri Academy discussions • Families, Staff & Students Telephone of Regina Mundi and other ONLINE On-Site Survey area elementary schols • eSurveys Visits • Glen Long-Playfair • Email correspondence 60+ 400 Residents’ Association • November & December • Local Politicians Newsletters • Residents of Caboto Terrace • Ongoing website updates Public and Casa Del Zotto Report-Back • Senior Management & VCI TELEPHONE Meeting Board members • Telephone survey by Research Etc. 200+ COMMUNITY WALKS & SITE VISITS (5) • Facilitated discussions PUBLIC MEETING (1) • Presentation • Facilitated Q&A • Open Mic Q&A

Prepared by 4 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 5 SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

In order to reach and hear from a broad forum. The second workshop was organized range of stakeholders and to avoid duplicated in order to give participants an alternative participation within the consultation timeline, date to the first, and to provide ample notice participants were permitted to register and (3 weeks) for pre-registration online or by attend either one (1) community workshop telephone. Community Workshop #2 followed or one (1) facilitated discussion/focus group. the same format as Community Workshop In contrast, drop-in sessions, the Concerned #1 except for a minor change in how the Community Members discussion, on-site visits, workshop conclusion/report-back to larger and the January 15 Report Back meeting were group was delivered. This change was based attended by community members who may on community feedback gathered following have participated in previous events. Community Workshop #1. Both events were The below represents high-level summaries promoted with the use of flyers in key locations of the facilitated consultation events and and live-streamed from the consultation observation sessions, with some moments website, though technical difficulties were spoken to in more detail that stood out as encountered at the first meeting which were learning opportunities where the consultation resolved for the second date. team gained a deeper understanding of key Each workshop began with the consultation community issues and insights. All of the input project lead from Maximum City and the from the facilitated sessions was recorded co-lead from Dillon Consulting conducting a and analyzed in the themes, findings, and 15-minute presentation to outline and explain recommendations of this report. the consultation program and the consultants’ role as engagement and community WORKSHOPS consultation specialists, both in English and Italian: COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: • To fully listen and hear, and to communicate Two (2) facilitated community workshops were clearly hosted for the project: • To facilitate productive and respectful Community Workshop #1: November 14, 2017 discussion at Sala Caboto • To include many and different perspectives, using a variety of methods Community Workshop #2: December 6, 2017 at Sala Caboto • To go where people are • To learn from the community In total there were over 160 WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS. • To report back to the community • To report back to decision makers on The workshops were open to anyone who outcomes registered in advance via EventBrite or by calling and leaving a message with the • To respect the timeline project team, and who had not previously participated in a facilitated consultation

Prepared by 6 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited As a result of the consultant’s role, the bulk of ONLINE the community workshop was dedicated to WEBSITE: listening and documenting the community’s concerns, ideas, and feedback about the The consultation project. Participants were seated at tables team set up a of 10-12 participants along with a facilitator consultation program from the Maximum City and Dillon Consulting website where team. Following the presentation, table the team posted facilitators assisted participants to identify consultation program what was important for them, what they were information such as: concerned about, questions they have, and • Community Workshop dates how participants would like to be consulted on • Community Workshop live-streaming during regarding project components. These topics events were prioritized by participants from a broader • Copies of the Community Workshop list during the online registrations process (SEE presentations APPENDIX 2): • Consultation Program Newsletters and • Green Pedestrian & Open Space Newsletter sIgn-up • Sharing Spaces • E-survey for community input on the • Heritage & Culture redevelopment project (see below) • Health, Fitness & Wellness • Project contact information • Teaching & Learning The consultation website is available here: • Programming https://columbusdantecommunity.com/ • Sense of Place • Gathering Places/Piazza SOCIAL MEDIA: • Art Gallery & Museum To engage with the project’s community • Intergenerational members online, the consultation program team sent out a series of consultation program • Looking Ahead/the Future tweets using the hashtag: • Consultation Process and Communication #ColumbusDanteCommunity The facilitator helped to document issues and ideas as necessary/desired at the small focused The tweets are available here: table groups. At the end of the each workshop, https://twitter.com/hashtag/ the table facilitator relayed to the larger group columbusdantecommunity?lang=en what the table discussion focused on, which SURVEY: was met at times with vocal agreement and disagreement from some participants. An Another method used to gather community Italian-language facilitator was provided at 1-2 members’ input/feedback on the tables as needed for each workshop. redevelopment project was to create a project survey and host the survey on the consultation program website via surveymonkey. In total there were 23 survey respondents and a number of other incomplete surveys.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 7 CONSULTATION NEWSLETTER: and TCDSB facilities planner. Members of the Community members indicated in the 2 consultant team attended to observe and community workshops that a newsletter was answer questions about the consultation one of the preferred ways to stay informed. program. At the end of November and December 2017, MIKE COLLE COMMUNITY the consultation team created and shared a Consultation Program Newsletter by hosting MEETING (DECEMBER 13, 2017): it on the project website and sharing via other This event was organized by local MPP Mike channels such as email and in person. Colle for members of the public to express concerns over the project, and was attended LISTENING & OBSERVATION by a member of the consultant team to observe. TCDSB BOARD MEETING (NOVEMBER 16, 2017): FOCUS GROUP/FACILITATED Members of the consultant team attended this DISCUSSION/MEETING meeting to observe the proceedings and listen to delegations from community members who CENTRO SCUOLA: were in opposition to the joint redevelopment (NOVEMBER 18, 2017) project and concerned about the lack of This workshop was conducted by the community involvement. A motion was passed consultant team for students and faculty in at this meeting of School Trustees that if the TCDSB Italian language program hosted at the consultation program by Maximum City Dante Alighieri on Saturdays. The workshop and Dillon did not document “overwhelming was introduced by a presentation about support” for the the redevelopment of the Maximum City and the consultation program Villa Charities site, the TCDSB will no longer then students participated in a brainstorming pursue the partnership with Villa Charities and activity on what sustainable communities instead build Dante Alighieri on its own land, mean to them, and completed the postcards effectively ending the joint redevelopment and activity sheet used in other forums. project. The motion did not define what Participants expressed a desire to create overwhelming support means precisely, nor active, inclusive spaces and programming were staff able to answer questions about in any new redevelopment, along with an what it meant in practical terms. Some optimism for the future of the site and new trustees noted that this motion and language facilities, and willingness to share space in particular could preempt or prejudice the with other stakeholders. There were over 30 outcome of the consultation program. participants at this workshop and their input REGINA MUNDI PARENT MEETING was recorded and analyzed in the themes and (NOVEMBER 28, 2017): findings of this report. This information session was organized by TCDSB School Trustee Maria Rizzo and included a presentation from the project architect

Prepared by 8 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited COMMUNITY ADVISORY PANEL VCI BOARD & SENIOR (NOVEMBER 22, 2017) MANAGEMENT (DECEMBER 7, 2017) This small group facilitated discussion took This workshop was conducted by the place for members of a Community Advisory consultant team for Villa Charities’ Board and Panel that had been formed by Villa Charities Senior Management team. Villa Charities’ prior to the consultation program. The Board and Senior Management team were participants consisted of fitness club members, provided the same presentation as conducted senior tenants, local residents and community in other forums and then in pairs, participants members. There was both opposition and completed the postcards and activity sheet support for the project within the discussion used in other forums. They expressed but most agreed that a lack of clear enthusiasm for the project along with a information about the project raised concerns commitment to bringing more and better and questions that needed to be addressed by services to the community through the joint VCI and TCDSB. There were 6 participants at redevelopment project, in particular providing this discussion and their input was recorded quality and sustainable ongoing senior care and analyzed in the themes and findings of this for the community and enhanced cultural, report. wellness and event programming. There were 23 participants at this discussion and DANTE ALIGHIERI & FEEDER their input was recorded and analyzed in the SCHOOLS STAFF/PARENTS themes and findings of this report. (DECEMBER 4, 2017) COMMUNITY & CULTURAL LEADERS This workshop was conducted by the (DECEMBER 11 & 13, 2017) consultant team for Dante Alighieri and its Feeder Schools Parents, Staff, Interviews and small group discussions were and Administration. Parents, Staff, and conducted with cultural leaders in the Italian Administration were provided the same community, including the founders of the presentation as conducted in other forums and Leonardo Da Vinci school in Etobicoke, the then in groups of 4-7, participants completed Director of the Instituto Italiano di Cultura, the postcards and activity sheet used in other and the Consulate General of Italy, who all forums. Parents, Staff, and Administration expressed a willingness to enhance and discussion held some opposition but there was expand on partnerships and programming support and enthusiasm for renewed teaching with a revitalized Columbus Centre. There and learning environments, preservation of were 6 participants in these discussions and heritage in built form and cultural heritage, as their input was recorded well as formalized intergenerational learning and analyzed in the opportunities and cultural partnerships that themes and findings fit well with curricular goals and shared values. of this report. There were 26 participants at this discussion and their input was recorded and analyzed in the themes and findings of this report.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 9 FOLLOW-UP DROP-IN EVENT involvement from the outset; concern for (JANUARY 9, 2018) loss of indoor and outdoor community space; and seniors’ concern for sharing spaces/co- This drop-in event was organized by the existing peacefully and safely on the new site. consultant team for those who we were A member of the Glen Long-Playfair Residents’ invited to previous focus groups and facilitated Association indicated that they had collected discussions but were unable to attend. 2 a petition on nearby streets with signatures in people participated and their comments and opposition to the joint redevelopment project. questions were inputted into the themes and findings of the report. Those who were in favour indicated that the mistrust around the project was unfounded, CONCERNED COMMUNITY that rumours and speculation were rampant MEMBERS (JANUARY 10, 2018) in the community, that the project needed to go forward in order to ensure the viability of On January 10, 2018 the consultant team the site and its services, and that those who facilitated a discussion with eight (8) opposed it were in fact working against their community members who throughout own interests since the end result would be the consultation program have expressed fewer and worse services without the joint significant concern and engagement in the redevelopment project. They also felt the proposed joint redevelopment project, consultation program was credible since including nearby residents who belong to everyone had a chance to participate, and the Glen Long-Playfair Residents Association, that the project could benefit from better members of CASA (an organized opposition communication and clearer information, and group made up of fitness and social members), more time for decision making. a former school trustee in an adjacent ward, and a senior resident from Casa Del Zotto, Through the discussion, the consultant team among others. reconfirmed the documented themes and findings. However, what was highlighted Six (6) out of eight (8) of the community and specifically learned as a result of the members who participated in the discussion Concerned Community Members consultation had already participated in at least two (2) roundtable discussion, was that the format other consultation events hosted by the (small roundtable), the engagement tool, was consultant team. The purpose of this meeting most successful in bringing together disparate was to dig deeper on key community issues perspectives in a productive dialogue with one and concerns regarding the project in a smaller another that did not involve frustrated rants at group discussion facilitated by the consultants. the opposite party. Instead the format fostered The format of the discussion was an open space for different voices to be listened to. structure roundtable. Each participant was People disagreed with each other but within a given a chance to speak, share their opinion/ culture of respect. What was common across feedback on the project, the consultation the differing perspectives was a personal program, the design, etc. Most of the connection, familial, friendship, cultural community members who participated in memories and history, that took place on site the discussion were not in favour of the at the Columbus Centre. These memories are project due to a variety of concerns that place-based attachments which is a binding are expressed in the themes and findings thread across community members against of this report, including mistrust and lack of and in favour of the proposed redevelopment. communication and consultation/community

Prepared by 10 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited At the conclusion of the discussion, a few or other spaces on an occasional basis; statements about the project and process were athletics; volunteering with senior community; agreed to by the eight (8) participants, which employment; social & life events; and frequent include: Go back to the start; acknowledge classes, programs & facilities users), and most mistakes were made; rebuild trust slowly and were not of Italian heritage based on a show intentionally; and begin the project again with of hands. There was optimism for the future consultation and community involvement. of the site and openness to change among the students who participated, who also expressed COUNCILLOR JOSH COLLE empathy for other stakeholders who fear (JANUARY 16, 2018): POSTPONED they will be negatively impacted by the joint A meeting with Councillor Colle was scheduled redevelopment project. for January 16, 2018 but had to be postponed. There were 23 participants at this discussion The Councillor sent an email communication and their input was recorded and analyzed in describing some concerns and key issues the themes and findings of this report. about the project on January 24, stating that,

“At this stage, I cannot support a proposal which does not include the voice and ideas of Columbus Centre users and our community.” COMMUNITY WALKS/ The full email from Councillor Colle can be SITE VISITS found IN APPENDIX 5. PLAYFAIR AND MARIANFELD DANTE ALIGHIERI STUDENT AVE: NOVEMBER 29, 2017 LEADERSHIP CLASS On the morning of November 29, the (JANUARY 17, 2018) consultant team walked the length of Playfair On January 17, the consultant team facilitated and Marianfeld Avenues to observe the local a focus group/workshop with 23 Dante conditions and signage, and talk informally students (Grades 9-12) who are part of the with neighbours and people on the street. high school’s Grade 11 Leadership Credit Course and Student Council. The workshop CASA DEL ZOTTO: DECEMBER 15 2017 was introduced by a presentation about In the afternoon of December 15, the Maximum City and the consultation program. consultant team organized an impromptu In the remaining hour, students worked in four drop-in session in the Casa Del Zotto small groups on activity sheets, community- common room off the lobby entrance for brainstorming activities, and completing residents interested in learning more about consultation program postcards used in other the consultation program and sharing their forums. feedback and input on the proposed joint A small number of the students (3-5) had redevelopment project. Seven (7) residents previously attended the Nov 14 Community attended this drop-in and discussed their Workshop at Sala Caboto, and discussed their questions, ideas, feedback and concerns about experience at this event during the student the project and consultation process, including workshop. Students ranged in their use of pedestrian safety for seniors and potential and familiarity with the Columbus Centre site disruption due to construction and noise. (responses included: no participation; walking Notes from this drop-in session were recorded through the area; visiting the restaurant and inputted by the consultant team.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 11 CABOTO TERRACE AND CASA DEL community workshop. Notes from this drop-in ZOTTO: JANUARY 18, 2018 session were recorded by the consultant team and incorporated into the themes and findings. In the afternoon of January 18, 2018, the consultant team facilitated a drop-in session TELEPHONE SURVEY for residents of the Caboto Terrace (1pm-2pm) and the Casa Del Zotto (2pm-3pm) seniors (DECEMBER 2017): 400 apartment buildings. The drop-in took place PARTICIPANTS in the common room of each building and was intended for residents interested in Maximum City subcontracted Research Etc learning more about the consultation program to conduct a telephone survey of a random and sharing their feedback and input on the sampling of 400 residents within a 5-kilometre proposed joint redevelopment project. In total, radius of the Columbus Centre. The research fifty-five (55) residents attended the drop-in objectives were to gauge awareness and sessions and discussed their feedback and opinions within the general public and concerns about the project and consultation local community for the Villa Charities/ process, and most expressed their opposition Columbus Centre & Dante Alighieri Academy to the project. A few residents indicated Intergenerational Community Hub, and to neutrality on the project. Concerns for the explore opinions of users (defined as someone proposed redevelopment were similar to who had visited the centre in last 6 months) those raised in other forums, and included and non-users of the current Columbus Centre. the safety and appropriateness of co-existing The key findings of general public opinion alongside youth uses and seniors uses; the indicated that the majority of total survey increased traffic and safety risk to seniors; the respondents were either in support (55%) of loss of open and green spaces which seniors or neutral (31%) towards the proposed plan. use frequently in warmer months and see as Overall opposition was in the minority (14%). integral to their social, physical and mental Supporters appreciated the potential for health; improving what currently exists on classes, multi-generational experiences, new site (built form and programming); preserving facilities for all, potential cost savings; many Italian heritage for the future; and lack of felt it will just be ‘good’ for the community. understanding for the project motives. In the more immediate community, the REGINA MUNDI: JANUARY 9, 2018: response was more polarized among recent users of the centre and among those living On January 9, the consultant team facilitated closer to the Columbus centre – for example, a drop-in session for parents of Regina Mundi 49% of past 6-month users supported the students interested in learning more about the plan while 33% opposed it. Greater concern consultation program. One (1) Regina Mundi was expressed about how the redevelopment parent attended this drop-in, and discussed will take shape (what exactly is going up and their questions, concerns, and perspective where, how shared facilities will work), and about the project and consultation to date, also objections to the current centre being including pedestrian connections during the rebuilt (cultural significance and community transition and how daycare/childcare students attachment). will move safely and easily through the site. This parent had previously attended an A full report of the telephone survey results, information session hosted by Trustee Rizzo on approach, and respondent demographics are November 28, 2017, as well as the December 6 included on PAGE 40 of this report.

Prepared by 12 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited PUBLIC MEETING aloud & discussed at the event; and (3) a 45-minute open-mic Question & Answer period COMMUNITY REPORT- with comments & questions from the crowd. BACK (JANUARY 15, 2018): The purpose of the event, as explained in 200-250 PARTICIPANTS the consultant team’s presentation, was to: review the consultation process to date; tell The January 15 Report-Back meeting was an the community what was heard and learned open public meeting held at Sala Caboto. Over thus far(themes, findings & telephone survey); 200 people attended the meeting, many of answer existing common questions from whom had participated and provided input in consultation process (consultation team, VCI, & other previous consultation forums. This type TCDSB); explain next steps; answer & input the of meeting is an important step near the end evening’s common questions; and answer & of any consultation program and an integral input the evening’s remaining questions. part of the feedback loop since it provides the opportunity to share what has been heard The Report-Back Meeting included many for comments, revisions or confirmation from passionate community members, who showed the community. The Report-Back meeting was vocal support or opposition for a variety structured in two parts: presentations (1 hour) of Findings as presented by the consultant and Q&A (1 hour). The meeting was led by two team. Questions about the methodology of presentations (each accompanied by a slides the consultation process, and support for a handout), one from the Maximum City & Dillon renovated (but separate) school & community consultation team on the Themes & Findings of centre, received loud audience support. the consultation program to date, and another Research Etc’s presentation of the Telephone presentation on the methodology and results Survey was met with vocal opposition of the Telephone Survey from a Research Etc and disruption by many in the crowd; the representative. These presentations were presentation continued but was frequently followed by three Question & Answer forums: interrupted by shouting, questions & (1) Ten Common Questions that had been comments from the crowd. Approximately asked during the consultation program were half of the submitted questions, and 6 of the posed to the client team and their prepared open-mic questions, pertained to complaints, responses were displayed for the audience, concerns, or clarifications about the telephone and circulated in the event handout; (2) survey methodology and/or results. (These Questions & Comment cards distributed questions were then reflected in the creation to event participants were collected and of two new Themes about the Telephone synthesized into common questions, read Survey – #56 and #57 – as well as one new Finding – E18 – relating to these community comments).

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 13 50 individuals submitted a Question & Comment feedback form during the Report-Back Meeting, with a total of 90 separate questions/comments. The consultant team synthesized these questions and comments into a series of common topics that were read aloud and discussed during the meeting. All feedback forms were later inputted and coded according to both existing and newly created themes. The open-mic Question & Answer period included 41 separate questions or comments from community members; some questions & clarifications could be answered by the earlier presentation or had already been addressed in the Themes & Findings. All questions and comments were inputted and coded according to both existing and newly created themes. Questions and comments ranged, with recurring issues around concern over the consultation process, outstanding questions about the motivations and finances of the TCDSB and VCI leadership, reference to a signed petition in local opposition to the project, and objections to the telephone survey. Near the end of this forum, two (2) community members expressed support for the project but these members were met with significant vocal opposition, hostility and suppressed participation from the crowd. Near the end of the meeting, many of those still in attendance expressed opposition to the project in an impromptu standing poll initiated by an audience member.

Themes/What We Heard are a summary of the community feedback Findings/What We Learned are a synthesis and analysis of community feedback Recommendations/What We Suggest are responses to the themes and findings

Prepared by 14 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited THEMES: WHAT WE HEARD THEME METHODOLOGY: Activity sheets and postcards from all consultation events were scanned, inputted and categorized by topic and date. Online survey responses were also inputted and categorized by topic and date. Data was then organized into separate comments and coded according to a list of 58 themes/statements. It is important to note that each comment does not represent an individual participant; based on the nature of the consultation events (discussion tables, group activity sheets, double-sided postcards, notes from on-site visits & interviews by the consultant team, online surveys), each comment is separated by statement and not by individual. After comments were coded, the consultant team calculated totals for each statement/theme and analyzed this data to help formulate the Findings (“What We Learned”) section of the report. The consultation process focused on qualitative measures of community members’ feedback. The below totals should not be interpreted as definitive quantitative results as that was not within the scope of the community consultation program.

Theme Quotes from community members Topics addressed Number of comments

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 15 1. Green space is important, accessed by all ages and used as a shared asset in the community. “Neighbours use the green space as a community park” Green Pedestrian & Open “Ability to enjoy the outdoors (both children + adults)” Space Sharing Spaces 77 2. Green space is used & important on an everyday basis (walking, coffees, meditation, BBQs, daycare, enjoying the garden & animals, playing cards, sports). “Those who like/visit/travel/work through the campus should be Green Pedestrian & Open able to enjoy some outdoor space” Space “[I] walk through the gardens to read, listen to music, find some 82 refuge from the “busyness” of ordinary life (ex. crowds, traffic, noise, mundane household chores)” 3. Green space is used & important for special occasions (festivals, concerts, cultural events, summer camps). “Cultural events in the garden” Green Pedestrian & Open “Feasts” Space “I have attended some outdoor summer concerts in this space” 38 “Community gatherings and cultural celebrations, weddings, baptisms, communions, confirmations” 4. Green space is used & important as social space: meeting friends, socializing, networking, and as a backyard. “Any facilities should be comprised of not only bricks, glass + Green Pedestrian & Open mortar but also green open spaces. these spaces are important Space because they are what help build community. here you meet 28 others, exchange ideas, form bonds or not” “Hang out with friends during lunch (Dante student)” “Social space for community elders”

Prepared by 16 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 5. Green space is used & important for wellness: for relaxation, meditation, to breathe fresh air, to be healthy, to exercise, to be close to nature. “We need green space to encourage healthy living” Green Pedestrian & Open “Feeling of serenity, tranquility, peaceful for the disabled, young, Space old (ie: large gatherings)” Health & Wellness “Quiet space - bench - to meditate, smell, calmness (away from a 48 road)” “Staying healthy, staying fit” 6. Green space is used & important for different elements or activities: Physical structures (sculptures, gardens, benches) & sports areas; walkways; open spaces for larger gatherings. “Use the outside cafe area” Green Pedestrian & Open “Garden is a lovely space to enjoy” Space “Outdoor sculptures, memorial to fallen workers” 52 “Play tennis” “Lots of small space that makes up the whole” 7. Green spaces feel safe, especially for seniors. “[I] feel safe walking in open space even with a walker” Green Pedestrian & Open Space 6 8. Green space is used & important for educational purposes: daycare, camps, high school projects. “Dante students using the space for video+photo classes” Green Pedestrian & Open “Education - outdoor education, 60 minute physical education” Space Green space --> continue to meet our eco school initiatives” Teaching & Learning “Where kids can be part of the environment, learn about nature 11 and not be surrounded by buildings” 9. Green space should remain as is. (“not be touched”). (Consider in tandem with #12 below) “The current state of Columbus Centre with its multitude of Green Pedestrian & Open mature trees, statues, fountains, seating areas, green space is Space perfect and desired for the tranquil ambiance of an oasis in the Health & Wellness middle of the city. DO NOT CHANGE IT!!!” 28 “Keep it the same!”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 17 10. Green & open space should be improved or expanded (accessibility, wayfinding, safety of pedestrian walkways & parking area, parking improvements). “Green space is used currently however due to inaccessibility, it Green Pedestrian & Open is not utilized as much as it should be, more thought + design Space should be put into the new shared facility: e.g. better wayfinding 57 [...] accessibility leaving restaurant to exterior, thoughtfulness of design, greater exposure to bring outdoors inside” “We like what is there now + would like to build upon it if the proposal moves forward” “The space needs to be pedestrian friendly + environmentally friendly” 11. Green space is an oasis in the area and in the surrounding City. “[Green space is] like an island/oasis in the city - a breath of fresh Green Pedestrian & Open air & love the trees” Space “An oasis in the city, for everyone to enjoy” 38 “Critical for the city to have green space” 12. There are questions & concerns over loss of green space, trees, or open space. “[I’m] concerned about not accommodating large groups in large Green Pedestrian & Open open spaces” Space “[I] do not want to lose green space; hear the birds; this makes us 66 feel alive” “Green space is a gem and it needs to be protected, part of our culture and community” “In a space, city where green space is decreasing, the new development will reduce what we currently have”

Prepared by 18 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 13. A wide variety of programs are used by and important to community members of different ages. These include: dance classes, music classes, art classes, fitness, health club, gym, cultural activities, daycare, food/restaurant, squash, social events, summer programs, cooking classes, athletics, swimming (pool), archive, track, fitness trainers, cafe, gallery, massages & pedicures, language classes, fitness classes…). “Existing programs such as dance, health, club, music, art Programming presentation, swimming pool, hall, weddings, celebrations, Heritage & Culture restaurant, cooking, all classes” 222 “Going to fitness classes and the health club, and cultural classes” “Lifelong programming” Broken down into specific mentioned programs: Health/Fitness/Gym/Pool/Track: 104 Daycare/Summer Camps: 37 Dance/Music/Art/Cooking/Language/Cultural Classes: 128

14. Community members use multiple, many, or all programming. “We participate in all activities” Programming “All areas are important” 17 15. There are questions and concerns about how programming will be accessed during the transition period. (Consider in tandem with #16 below) “[I] can’t wait for a new building - I’m too old! I want this Programming building” 1 16. There are questions and concerns about whether programming will be lost or changed in the proposed joint facility. “The two buildings/centres can join but it needs to be assumed Programming that the existing programming remains intact” Sharing Spaces “Current members of columbus centre and facilities do NOT want 46 to be pushed out or lose functionality of the building” “Will programs continue?”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 19 17. Programming, facilities & social spaces should be improved or expanded (e.g. in terms of audience, accessibility, flexibility, lighting, maintenance, equipment, more programs, diversified programming, better gym). “Better maintenance + upkeep of programs + facility” Programming “Flexible space - art, celebrations, fitness” Sharing Spaces “Accessible means in all of the building i.e. elevators” 128 “It is important to elevate our offerings + programming to appeal to + attract a broader, multigenerational audience”

18. Programming is used and is important for Italian heritage & culture (both to maintain & nurture, and to share with broader public). “The multi-use/purpose cultural functions of the building - not Programming just a “community centre” Heritage & Culture “Cultural events, art exhibits, ... language lessons, culinary arts 61 + lessons etc are important to me to help maintain and carry on my Italian heritage” “Italian classes for grandkids” 19. Programming is used and is important for social purpose (making friends, memories) and for health & wellness. “Sense of community” Programming “Focus on health” Health & Wellness “Social aspect - gathering with like-minded folks” 56

20. Programming is used and is important for educational purpose (learning about new cultures, learning new skills). “Hub of learning” Programming “Learn more about our world” Teaching & Learning “Accessing the spaces of the Columbus Centre to teach & enrich 29 learning for our Dante students” 21. Sharing spaces raises concerns about safety – for seniors and for students. “Safety concerns with the shared space between generations” Sharing Spaces “Reason to not combine - health centre we need privacy” 17 “With shared space, seniors lose safety and freedom to move around”

Prepared by 20 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 22. Sharing spaces introduces opportunities for learning, intergenerational connections, maximizing space & use. “Sharing spaces could be so much better if they were redesigned/ Sharing Spaces rebuilt” Teaching & Learning “Mixture of generations - unique opportunity” Place-Based Attachment “Sharing spaces with different groups ensures less “empty” times 60 for each space AND avoids duplication” “[Sharing spaces] encourages community spirit and communication” 23. There are questions & concerns about how a joint facility will be managed and shared fairly (particularly in terms of priority for programming & sharing spaces). “Clear delineation of proposed shared spaces. Joint spaces would Sharing Spaces need to be clearly defined to limit friction (e.g. time, programs)” Programming “Current members of columbus centre and facilities do NOT want 78 to be pushed out or lose functionality of the building” “What are the logistics?” “Maintain existing space for CC community. CC members should maintain all-day access to spaces” “Will Columbus Centre and Dante people use the same facilities at the same time? Will Columbus Centre + Dante have separate entrances?” 24. Current learning experiences teach students about Italian heritage & culture (e.g. trips to Italian memorial; Centro Scuola Italian language classes). “We attend Italian every Saturday to further educate ourselves in Teaching & Learning the language & get involved” Heritage & Culture “This topic Teaching & Learning is important because it allows for Programming a continued partnership/relationship with Columbus Centre and informs students of the historical impact/significance of Italian 26 Canadians”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 21 25. Building concerns (lack of elevators, heating and cooling problems, old classrooms and portables) have a negative impact on learning. “Set up of classrooms to be challenging” Teaching & Learning “Third floor - extremely hot - students suffer from heat stroke” Building Design 5

26. Renewed educational facilities and modernized learning opportunities are important for faculty, parents, students, and community members. “[I] would like to see a space that also promotes education Teaching & Learning of children from 3 to 13 years --> the formative years that Looking Ahead incorporates Italian heritage + culture” 54 “New building to contain learning spaces that house the now large population of staff & students” “Teaching/learning will enhance in the building of Dante/ Columbus Centre” “[My future includes…] A place for Dante students and Columbus members to interact, learn from each other, and increase communication between members of different demographics and cultures… A school with great facilities that promote improved learning and extracurricular opportunities.” “What is being build is not just a ordinary building, but a place that has a school & community centre combined. To me that is exciting, something that I personally have not seen before. It is an opportunity to start something new. Why be afraid of change when change can make something new and never done before.” “[My future includes…] a 21st century learning community sustainable building that accommodates all citizens (young and old), accepting of our culturally diverse members. in addition, one that enriches the learning experience of our students in becoming responsible citizens within the community.”

Prepared by 22 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 27. The Columbus Centre building holds important memories and sense of connection to Italian identity & history. (e.g. the Rotunda, cultural events, the original construction of site). “[Columbus Centre is] a welcoming community where I can learn Heritage & Culture more about the Italian culture” Place-Based Attachment “Culture, history, landmark” Gathering Spaces/Piazza “Special places - married in the Rotunda - a lot of history here, 162 Festas (community, culture, religion)” “A focal point for the Italian Canadian community, a venue that represents the significant contribution made by Italians to Canada.” “Foyer and rotunda are icons in our culture - considered a community site.” “[It] means a little slice of Italy. As a non-Italian, this place has become a serene slice of Italy…”

28. Gathering spaces are used for everyday uses (e.g. meeting at the cafe, socializing) and on special occasions (e.g. weddings, receptions, baptisms) “Meet friends at cafe to catch up” Gathering Spaces/Piazza “Weddings & functions” Heritage & Culture “The spaces provide the community and new clients a place to 106 gather, celebrate, connect and grow professionally (for corporate clients)”

29. The art gallery, museum and library are enjoyed as distinct, prominent spaces to promote local & student artists, to offer shows, speakers and events, and to showcase art & culture. “I enjoy showcasing the gallery our lobby wall to friends. it adds a Art Gallery & Museum richness to the experience of entering our centre” Gathering Spaces/Piazza “The art gallery attracts many new clients & visitors” Heritage & Culture “Opportunity to meet + learn about local artists” 78 “One of our key attractions and selling features is the art gallery - it would be unfortunate to lose this as an event space”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 23 30. It is important for the site to be inclusive & multicultural, while sharing Italian-Canadian culture with the broader, changing community. “A vibrant multicultural facility where people of all ages, Place-Based Attachment ethnicities and backgrounds meet in a safe and convivial Looking Ahead environment to get and stay fit under excellent supervision and direction.” 130 “[My future includes…] A centre of Italian cultural space that will generate participation both within this community and with other communities.” “Expand programs of culture to reach beyond the community & as well as other culture” “All ages, all nationalities, more cultural and social programs, more diversified users who can access more of everything.” “As a society, we need to be inclusive. This space should meet the needs of all the members of the community.”

31. The Columbus Centre is important as a place for families, and participants young & old. “Lifetime space: childcare, fitness, family spaces” Place-Based Attachment “Precious to neighbourhood + community young + old alike” Intergenerational “A place where both the young + old can be together maintaining 102 the rich culture.”

Prepared by 24 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 32. It is important for the site to preserve, honour, celebrate & share Italian heritage and culture. “Columbus Centre offers important and useful spaces because Place-Based Attachment they support Italian heritage, culture as a destination and Heritage & Culture meeting place.” Looking Ahead “[My future includes…] A centre of Italian cultural space that will generate participation both within this community and with 238 other communities.” “Preserve - history, culture, heritage by not destroying centre” “[My future includes…] more opportunities to learn about my Italian heritage, and more restaurants to choose from!” “Culture + history” “[My future includes…] A place we can be proud of - a building and a place that properly reflects all that the Italian community is - builders, food, language, music, art”

33. It is important to provide long-term care for seniors and elders in the community. “Don’t intimidate seniors --> they feel intimidated and that they Looking Ahead will lose their housing” Seniors “Maintain walking trails for visitors and seniors from the Villa 12 Colombo and apartments”

34. The site is important for seniors, who often have a distinct experience or use of the site. “What is the impact of 1500 students in the same space - i.e. Place-Based Attachment older Villa Colombo and apartment residents with limitations” Seniors “[Important:] Maintaining current balance for seniors” 58 “[My community means…] - the opportunity to stay young (I’m 81)” “When construction is happening, seniors will be closed in their apartments” “My future Columbus Centre/Dante Community includes two separate facilities, and the respect for separate needs and unique needs (youth versus adults/seniors) and the respect for unique stages of life.”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 25 35. The Columbus Centre could be renovated & updated, but should remain as a separate building from Dante Alighieri “I am all for the advancement and improvement of both places. Looking Ahead I just cannot understand why together.“ Place-Based Attachment “A renovated public space that celebrates the Italian community, Sharing Spaces the heritage of the Italian Community but is welcoming + inclusive of the broader multicultural community surrounding the 119 Centre while retaining a portion of the original building without amalgamating with Dante Alighieri” “A renovated Columbus Centre in its present building a new school if needed, on its own land where it is now!” “My future Columbus Centre does NOT include Dante! The future building includes the current building with all necessary renovations and repairs for the community to continue its use“ “A separate Columbus Centre + Dante needs their own school. All stakeholders need a space (separate).”

36. The Columbus Centre should remain “as is.” “Save the Columbus Centre” Looking Ahead “Leave the Columbus Centre where it is, as it is” Place-Based Attachment “Leaving Columbus Centre as it is” 65

37. It is important for the site to evolve & innovate for future generations. “It is important to elevate our offerings + programming to appeal Looking Ahead to + attract a broader, multigenerational audience” Place-Based Attachment “A joint project/building/construction that captures the heritage, Intergenerational of the italian community and the needed learning facility of the students of TCDSB” 135 “New modern educational centre. continued partnership with centre. collaboration in help both young + old to work, together and teach each other different viewpoints. community needs to adapt and accept change. future of our children to look bright!” “A community centre that is important to the community, but needs to be revitalized for future generations”

Prepared by 26 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 38. Consultation should take place in small discussion forums as well as large community workshops: “Group consultation sessions” Consultation Process & “Focus group” Communication “Community meeting” 11 39. Consultation is overdue. “Consultation should have been done at the beginning” Consultation Process & “We should have been consulted 5 years ago” Communication “Too little too late. Start again.” 22 40. Consultation needs to be rebuilt with a foundation of trust, transparency, and mutual respect. “Start over” Consultation Process & “Villa Charities needs to go back to the start and ask Columbus Communication Centre community if they want to enter negotiations for a shared 17 facility” “Large mistrust has been created, lack of confidence from beginning” 41. Communication about project should be multi-platform: online and websites, flyers, newsletters, public meetings, social media, email, telephone, letter mailing, surveys, door-to-door, through schools & residences, English and Italian “flyers in the building where you can see them” Consultation Process & “Social media” “online” “door-to-door” “email” etc Communication 107 42. Clarity, Transparency and Accessibility of Accurate and Up-To-Date Information: accurate, impartial and open information about the project should be shared with community “Want to be informed as decisions are made --> letters, Consultation Process & community meeting” Communication “More communication + transparency” 23 “Communication ahead of proposed decisions” “We need transparency and clarity on the proposed plan - partnership agreement, financial details (VCI and TCDSB), timelines, proposed benefits, more information and transparency overall”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 27 43. Questions about examples of successful similar projects “Are there case studies for other mixed use facilities? E.g. Vellore Questions Village?” 2 44. Questions about transition, construction, interim access “What is the timeline?” Questions “What will happen during the construction period?” 11 45. Questions about funding, finances, cost-effectiveness “Who will pay additional costs and maintenance?” Questions “Where will the money go that Villa Charities receives from 24 TCDSB?” “Demonstrate the cost-benefit of architect plans” “How is this all funded?” “How is this rebuilding “cost effective” compared to simply fixing what is?” 46. Questions about alternatives -- other options for the school, renovating Columbus Centre without major changes, etc. “What are the impediments (financial or otherwise) to Columbus Questions Centre remaining structurally/physically as it is, and if needed to 33 be refreshed?” “Are there alternatives?” “We want another option/options presented” “What are all the options. What are the benefits? pros/cons of all options. (separate facilities, shared facility, no change)” 47. Questions about ownership & authority “Will Columbus Centre and Dante be administer[ed] by different Questions boards independent of each other?” 33 “Who owns the Columbus Centre?” “Who has ultimate ownership of the facility?” “Who will hold the land”

Prepared by 28 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited 48. General questions about the future/project: motivations? what is the sustainability of current site, schools & centre? “Why does the school need to be combined with cc?”” Questions “What are we hoping to achieve for both stakeholders? How will 72 we achieve this?” “How is this mix the “obvious” option to the problems in the establishment?”

49. Specific questions about the future/project: what will change, what will look the same? How will shared spaces be managed? (e.g. All Site: Programming, Gathering Spaces & Green Space) “How do you manage the crowds at 3:00 when school is out?” Questions “How much green/pedestrian/open space do we have: what is 81 the size? will it be retained, increased, reduced in the projected facilities and if retained... will it be shared space?” “What will our fitness facility look like?” “What steps will be taken to ensure FAIRNESS of use by all segments of the community with vested interest?”

50. Questions about the future: concerns about future development (e.g. condos, traffic, new road) “Condos are a concern” Questions “What are the traffic impacts?” 26 “Can we have assurance that no new high-rises will be constructed?” “Where is that proposed road going?

51. Questions about input & action and next steps: how will consultation be incorporated? How much consultation will there be? “How much more consultation will occur?” Questions “Is this a show pretending or are you really taking our concerns 20 seriously?” “How do you engage the local community?”

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 29 52. Questions about related sites: Church; Regina Mundi; Villa Colombo residences; Sisters of the Good Shepherd “What happens with the area that Regina Mundi is on?” Questions “What will happen to residents of Villa Colombo?” 14 “What will the school board do with the rest of the land?” “Who owns the property where good sheppard is?”

53. Consultation should be broad & inclusive to hear all voices (e.g. Seniors & those unable to attend meetings; Dante community; stakeholders), reduce barriers (increase building capacity, prevent turning away). “Consult parents more widely and community with stakes in Questions school system” 41 “We represent many seniors who can’t participate” “Everyone should have a voice” “Open doors - don’t require pre-registration” “Full community consultation”

“Community Brainstorm from January 17 Dante Alighieri Student Leadership Class youth consultation”

Prepared by 30 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited Themes below (#54-58) were added after Jan. 15 Report-Back Meeting. Some themes above have also been minorly re-worded/amended following Jan. 15. 54. Questions and concerns about the VCI/TCDSB presence/engagement at consultations and meetings. “How engaged are [the board members]?” Questions “When will the leadership of VCI+TCDSB address the community?” Consultation Process 9 55. Questions and concerns about the methodology & reach of consultation and who has been included/excluded. “Did not know you were holding these meetings. How come?” Questions Consultation Process 59 56. Questions and concerns about telephone survey methodology (e.g. how participants were selected, small sample size, prompt) “small small sample size, too small to make accurate findings” Telephone Survey “how come I was not contacted via phone re my opinion of thes 25 development” “most of the persons consulted are NOT stakeholders” 57. Specific questions about results from telephone phone survey (e.g. clarification) “survey results - can you be more specific with actual numbers - Telephone Survey translate % to real numbers” 5 58. Youth participants (Nov 18, Jan 17) are optimistic about the future, empathetic to community needs, and/or interested in finding solutions “unity for both community (support, family, and respect for each Intergenerational other)” Youth Perspective “How can we, as students, improve Dante?” Looking Ahead 16

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 31 FINDINGS: WHAT WE LEARNED FINDINGS METHODOLOGY: Findings represent an analysis of the themes, and a synthesis of comments received throughout the consultation process. In formulating the findings, the consultant team has considered comments, discussions, notes from consultation events & facilitators, messages received by phone/email/open letter, and conversations on site with community members. These findings are tracked by which themes they speak or relate to (but: relevant themes are not cumulative, as additional qualitative data is also incorporated; and not all comments will directly align with the entirety of each theme). “Many” comments refers to approximately 75 or more comments that speak to this finding; “Some” comments refers to approximately fewer than 75 comments that speak to this finding. Findings marked with an asterisk (*) represent new findings based on consultation, feedback & revision after January 15, 2018.

A: GREEN, PEDESTRIAN B: PLACE-BASED C: PROGRAMMING & OPEN SPACE ATTACHMENT & FACILITIES The green, pedestrian & The Columbus Centre holds A wide variety of programs open spaces of the Columbus a powerful place in the and facilities are used by and Centre site play an important hearts and minds of many, important to community and varied role for a wide particularly those of Italian members of different ages range of people, and are seen heritage or association. at the Columbus Centre, on as a shared community asset. The Columbus Centre and an everyday basis and for This topic was a focus of much its surrounding site mean special occasions. These of the discussion activities and different things to different include health & fitness (gym, workshops facilitated by the people who have competing track, pool, classes), cultural & consultation team. and complementary visions educational programs (music, for the present and future dance, culinary, language, art, of the site. The Columbus daycare, summer camps), and Centre community is not gathering spaces (art gallery, composed of one singular cafe, library, event spaces), community but rather a among others. collection of communities that reaches beyond the local neighbourhood to the Greater Toronto Area.

Prepared by 32 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited D: SHARING SPACES E: OVERALL PROJECT F: COMMUNICATION, & PARTNERSHIPS While it was not in the scope COMMUNITY Community members of the community consultation INVOLVEMENT, discussed questions, concerns, to ask the question Do you CONSULTATION and opportunities around the or do you not support the & QUESTIONS topic of sharing spaces and joint redevelopment project?, potential teaching and learning many comments speak to this At the heart of many comments partnerships between Dante issue in various ways that are expressing frustration Alighieri Academy and the synthesized in this section of and opposition to the joint Columbus Centre site. findings. redevelopment project is concern for lack of community involvement and voice in the proposed project from the beginning, and concern over poor and incomplete communication. This has led to feelings of distrust, questions, and confusion about the project.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 33 A: Green, Pedestrian & Open Space

Social A1. For many comments, green and open space is important and frequently used for a variety of reasons, including for Cultural essential social, cultural, and health purposes. Health Relevant Themes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11

A2. For many comments, green space could be improved and Improvements expanded, but with no net natural loss, and a desire for more Quantity of a community voice in any new designs or improvements. Relevant Themes: 9, 12 Community Voice

A3. For some comments, the safety of open spaces and Safety pedestrian connections should be improved to protect Pedestrian vulnerable users such as seniors and children. Relevant Themes: 7, 10 Connections

Prepared by 34 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited B: Place-Based Attachment

B4. For many comments, there is a desire to honour, preserve History + and celebrate the history and role of the Columbus Centre in the community, and the role of the community in the Columbus Community Centre. Relevant Themes: 27, 28, 31, 32, 34, 36

B5. For many comments, celebrating and sharing Italian- Italian culture Canadian and Italian culture should be at the centre of the site, while including other cultures and a changing neighbourhood Other cultures demographic. Relevant Themes: 18, 27, 30

B6. For some comments, the iconic spaces such as the rotunda/ Iconic spaces: art gallery should be celebrated, preserved or thoughtfully adapted for new use in any new designs, renovations, or joint Rotunda, Gallery redevelopment. Relevant Themes: 27, 28, 29

B7. For some comments, senior support and housing are Senior Support + key to the identity and mission of the site, and are essential Housing community services provided now and in the future. Relevant Themes: 31, 33, 34

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 35 C: Programming & Facilities

Variety C8. For many comments, the variety of programs for different Social ages and audiences are important for social, health, and Cultural cultural reasons. Relevant Themes: 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24 Health

Enrich, Improve, C9. For many comments, programs and facilities should be enriched, improved or expanded in any new designs, and could Expand be shared with broader audiences and communities. Broad audience Relevant Themes: 17, 22, 30, 37

C10. For many comments, health and fitness are essential services provided by the Columbus Centre and should be Health + Fitness considered prominently in any new design or renovation. Relevant Themes: 13, 19

Prepared by 36 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited D: Sharing Spaces & Partnerships

D11. For many comments, there is confusion and concern about Confusion + Concern how joint redeveloped facilities would be shared by Dante Logistics Alighieri Catholic Academy and the Columbus Centre. Relevant Themes: 16, 21, 23, 49

D12. For many comments, there is a desire for new and Partnerships renewed partnerships between the Columbus Centre & Dante Modernization Alighieri communities, and modernized educational facilities, to evolve for future generations. Future generations Relevant Themes: 22, 25, 26, 37

D13. For many comments, there is a desire to keep the Separate identities Columbus Centre and Dante Alighieri communities and No joint facility identities separate, and no desire for a joint facility. Relevant Themes: 35, 36

D14. Many comments from youth participants demonstrate optimism, respect, empathy for other stakeholders, and open- Future generations mindedness towards compromise, change, and inclusivity.* Empathy Relevant Themes: 22, 24, 26, 30, 58 *New finding based on consultation, feedback & revision after January 15

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 37 E: Overall Project

E15. For many comments, there is opposition to the joint redevelopment project for a variety of reasons, including: lack of trust; lack of understanding; lack of desire for partnership Fears & Concerns between VCI and TCDSB; fear of unknown future development on the site; and fear of losing community assets or services. Relevant Themes: 12, 16, 21, 23, 35, 36, 40, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50

E16. For some comments, the joint redevelopment project is essential to ensure the future viability and sustainability of the site and its services, including programming and senior care/ Future sustainability housing. Relevant Themes: 17, 22, 25, 26, 30, 37

E17. For many comments, there is a desire for renovating the current site, providing enhanced community services Renovations and programming (including housing, cultural, fitness), while keeping any school use separate. Separate Buildings Relevant Themes: 17, 35

E18. A majority of telephone survey respondents support the joint redevelopment project, but users of the Columbus Centre Telephone Survey in the past 6 months were more polarized in their position. Community members on January 15 expressed concern for the Results & Response methodology, including a desire to focus on frequent users of the site as respondents.* Relevant Themes: Telephone Survey, 56, 57 *New finding based on consultation, feedback & revision after January 15

Prepared by 38 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited F: Communication, Community Involvement, Consultation & Questions

F19. For many comments, there is a lack of understanding, trust, or clear information about the joint redevelopment Lack of Trust project, and concern that people are supporting, not Intimidation supporting, or not participating in the project based on intimidation, or inaccurate and incomplete information. Misinformation Relevant Themes: 40, 42, 53

F20. For many comments, there is built-up frustration and resentment regarding the joint redevelopment project, and a Frustration desire to start over with better communication, transparency, Starting Over community involvement and consultation, and clarity. Relevant Themes: 39, 38, 40, 41, 42, 53 Transparency

F21. For some comments, the consultation process by Maximum City and Dillon and its outcomes are not complete Credibility or credible since they do not agree with the methods used or impartiality, or feel that the process is too little too late. Process Overdue Relevant Themes: 38, 39, 41, 53, 55, 56, 57

F22. For many comments, there are important questions that need to be answered by the leadership of Villa Charities and Questions the TCDSB in a transparent and open forum, including rationale Rationale & for the project and the potential for specific & overall project alternatives. Alternatives Relevant Themes: 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 54

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 39 1 www.researchetc.com

TELEPHONE SURVEY REPORT January 24, 2018

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 51

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 55

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 59 s a e y

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 61

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 63

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 65 e n e e

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 67 o ears ears

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REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 69 COMMUNITY INTERESTS:

WHO DEFINES COMMUNITY? Throughout the consultation process, the At other points in the consultation process, question of who to consult and who to supporters of the proposed project have include as community members with ‘a also expressed their concerns over the vested interest’ in the proposed project question of ‘who’: feelings of intimidation repeatedly arose. This consultation from other community members; a concern program was intentional and transparent or fear that quiet, supportive participants about engaging a breadth and depth of could be drowned out by a louder “noise” in stakeholders through a variety of methods opposition; and a desire to withdraw from to give robustness and credibility to the process due to a lack of comfort, civility, the outcomes, but met with resistance or constructive conversation. around this notion at particular moments. Ultimately, questions of participation, At the January 15 Report-Back Meeting, audience, and key stakeholders are concerns and questions about who had fundamental to any consultation process, been consulted, and who deserves to but defining and defending these categories be consulted, stood out as a passionate are especially potent and charged in this subject for many community members project’s context. Asking and deciding who attending. Some felt that their communities should be ‘included’ (and therefore, who (e.g. Columbus Centre members, or health should be ‘excluded’) from community & fitness members, or nearby residents) outreach, input and action can be an had been inadequately reached by the intensely divisive process, and the consultation process. Some opposed the perception that the ‘wrong’ communities inclusion of voices or input from school were (or were not) consulted can threaten communities, younger participants, the credibility of any consultation program. senior management and board members. While some comments throughout the Some were confused or angered by the process have called for the broad and methodology of a telephone survey that inclusive participation of many stakeholders didn’t reach them, or that didn’t adequately (e.g. see Theme #53), the consultant team define or address the frequent users of the has found that specific definitions about who Columbus Centre site. At earlier community deserves consultation time and who counts workshops, postcard prompts about “My as a community member often countered Columbus Centre/Dante Community” this desire for widespread, inclusive sparked some participants to strike out participation. Put simply, community means “Dante” and oppose the suggestion that different things to different people (see the two communities were, or should be, Finding B summary on PAGE 35). Perhaps connected in any way.

Prepared by 70 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited less simply, questions and divisions over Report-Back Meeting), some community community (its membership, its history, its members expressed that the Columbus future) complicate the consultation process; Centre already functions successfully in the particular context of a proposed as an intergenerational hub, providing new community hub, these questions and programming, facilities, events, partnerships, divisions provoked challenges to the very positive interaction, volunteering, and spaces premise of the project that affected how for participants of all ages. individuals participated in and perceived the At the same time, concern and fear over validity of consultation throughout the entire shared facilities, particularly focused around program. the existing or potential lack of respect INTERGENERATIONAL OBSERVATIONS from youth towards senior communities Another observation made by the also emerged in the qualitative data. consultation team throughout the Some community members commented process relates to the perception of specifically on how young & old, students & intergenerational interaction and the adults “don’t mix.” As a direct contrast, the role of the Columbus Centre now and consultant team found that youth consulted in the future as an intergenerational throughout the process demonstrated community hub. In the telephone survey, consistent optimism and open-mindedness the majority of respondents (89-90%) towards intergenerational mixing (e.g. agree that intergenerational interaction in see Finding E18), already participated the community is important; 90% stated in intergenerational activities (through that shared experiences between young employment, programming, and volunteer & old and opportunities to learn from one work) at the Columbus Centre, and after another were somewhat or very important. participating and listening at Community It is worth also noting that throughout Workshops, demonstrated empathy and the consultation process (through respect towards the needs and place-based comments, as well as at the January 15 attachments of area residents, seniors, and community members.

GOING FORWARD…

While there is no easy or single tool for addressing community divisions and different perceptions, many of our overall recommendations are founded in established principles of consultation and engagement to address community conflict, and these principles and practices should define any process or project going forward. There are also potential strategic solutions, applicable later in the design process, for enhancing the transparency of the decision-making process and for evaluating different community interests that are detailed in our recommendations.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 71 RECOMMENDATIONS: WHAT WE SUGGEST The below series of recommendations are responses to what was heard and learned in the consultation themes and findings. They are separated intoKey Recommendations, Overall Recommendations, and Specific Recommendations. Though the future of the joint redevelopment project is uncertain at the time of this writing, the recommendations are advice that speak to the possibility of the project moving forward productively in some way and form, while acknowledging that there is some opposition for this within the community and the feedback gathered in this report, and without advocating for any particular outcome. FOUR KEY Group is to provide input on the project and liaise with the community. Among other RECOMMENDATIONS responsibilities, the Working Group should 1) REBUILD trust with the community. Start produce a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter with an acknowledgement that there has with updates on the Group’s progress, been a breakage of trust then seek out a process, and outcomes. process to regain accountability and trust with 3) INVOLVE the community meaningfully and the community, that may include strategies directly in the full cycle of the design process. such as asking for community input on Establish feedback loops to share what is how trust can best be rebuilt, developing open for influence, inform the community an Accountability and Transparency Plan how they will be consulted, and demonstrate that includes metrics, surveys, door-to-door how their input has been incorporated or canvassing, interviews, and other tools. considered. Involve the community through 2) ESTABLISH a Working Group that is design charrettes, open houses, user group broadly representative of the community, consultations, and other participatory tools. including youth, seniors, members, the local 4) PROVIDE adequate time, space & review community and potential/current non-users periods for community consultation. of the Columbus Centre and Dante Alighieri. Consultation and review should inform design Establish a Working Group Terms of Reference, and decisions, which should happen during & including responsibilities and duties, and a after consultation, not before, or separately. code of conduct. The main role of the Working

Prepared by 72 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS PLACE-BASED ATTACHMENT AND • Involve community in the design process as soon as possible and acknowledge more PROGRAMMING & FACILITIES community involvement should have been • Honour and celebrate the role the Columbus part of the process earlier. Centre has played in the community and • Make consultation count and show people vice versa. how and why their input matters. • Keep Italian culture a focus while being • Use small-group formats, interviews, and intentionally inclusive of other ethnicities listening sessions for ongoing community through multicultural programming and engagement and consultation; use social activities. media and online as a complementary tools • Recognize the importance of iconic spaces but do not let them be substitutes for face- and seek community input on how to to-face interaction. deal with them in any new design or • Involve more young people and the redevelopment. education community in the conversation COMMUNICATION, CONSULTATION and in generating solutions for problems PROCESS & QUESTIONS and compromise. • Involve fitness members more in the AND OVERALL PROJECT conversation and in generating solutions for • Build trust deliberately and slowly over problems and compromise. time through greater transparency, • Involve Glen Long-Playfair Residents’ listening, accountability, and more ongoing Association more in the conversation and communication. Ask the community for in generating solutions for problems and feedback on how trust is improving or not compromise. improving through periodic surveys and accountability check-ins. SHARING SPACES & PARTNERSHIPS • Communicate with the membership and • Illustrate how education and community community using neutral, factual language centre collaborations have both worked and and avoid business vernacular. Create not worked using local and national case a culture of respect by resisting the use studies and examples. defensive or charged language, or engaging • Reduce fear of young people and sharing in a war of words with community. spaces by inviting youth to interact with rest • Recognize and acknowledge that there are of community as part of the consultation people in the community who do not want process. any change at all to the Columbus Centre, • Be clear, transparent and consistent about and who will be antagonized by any further the benefits of and motivation for the joint discussion of the project. redevelopment project for VCI, TCDSB, and • Establish a clear, accurate & timely feedback the local and broader communities. How is loop for questions & answers. Consider it better than the alternatives? What are the using a forum similar to a Reddit AMA (Ask risks? Me Anything) but in a format that suits the particular audience who is asking the questions.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 73 SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS PLACE-BASED ATTACHMENT SHARING SPACES & PARTNERSHIPS • The community has strong and valuable • Communicate clearly what spaces will be place-based attachments to the Columbus shared and what spaces will be exclusive Centre. Use personal storytelling to capture and how the governance agreement will a “storybook” of the Columbus Centre with work in practical terms and in real-world illustrations by local artists featured in the scenarios such as lockdowns or fire drills. gallery; create video of personal stories from • Form an Intergenerational Research different user groups and different ages. Team of Youth and Seniors to collaborate • Be clear and intentional about the term and develop a hands-on Youth and “community” and how it includes many Intergenerational Engagement Strategy for different stakeholders and groups and the partner organizations and the new site. means different things to different people. • Every student at Dante Alighieri to complete, Use community as an aspirational word to as part of their diploma, an experiential include as many people as possible, with a learning, capstone project, or life skill commitment to listening to all voices and component within the Columbus Centre creating a culture of respect. programming and facilities such as wellness, • Host a Jane’s Walk every May conducted by performings arts (drama, dance, music, etc), a team of community member volunteers: fitness, or cooking. http://janeswalk.org • Every Grade 9 student at Dante Alighieri to take part in a course or course unit PROGRAMMING & FACILITIES focused on service learning, community • Use gallery spaces to promote community, partnerships, and intergenerational international and student work and collaboration and learning. competitions. • Pair student leaders at Dante Alighieri with • Host a design jam/charrette specifically for senior leaders or tenant representatives; youth. strike an Intergenerational Working • After specific user group consultations have Committee between the two to work on taken place, host a design charrette with making meaningful connections; create technical staff and architects and a mix of intergenerational interview and storytelling specific user groups including members, project as per consultants’ original proposal local residents, faculty and staff, and document. seniors. • Create and share an overview of how programming and facilities are currently used and incorporate this data into a design charrette.

Prepared by 74 Maximum City • Dillon Consulting Limited GREEN, PEDESTRIAN • Create and share design scenarios AND OPEN SPACE with timelines, projected outcomes, consequences, risks, and unknowns for 1) If • Design the green and open spaces to nothing is done 2) If project goes forward as promote safety, ecology, and shared social is 3) If project goes forward differently. uses. • To extend the above recommendation, • Host a design charrette or consultation integrate the evaluation into the design event specifically addressing green space process and share outcomes with the that includes participants from the site, community. Develop an evaluation matrix/ neighbourhood, and city. table and evaluate design scenarios, COMMUNICATION, CONSULTATION concurrently (i.e., Solution #1: Do Nothing; Solution #2: Renovation; Solution #3: PROCESS & QUESTIONS Joint Redevelopment) (see Example Table • Deliver two additional Telephone Surveys to IN APPENDIX 4). Before completing the both broaden and deepen quantitative data: evaluation, the Working Group should be (1) Extend the reach of the survey through presented the blank evaluation matrix a larger & broader survey of community (Study Lens/Criteria Group -> Criteria members (2) Deepen the reach of the -> Criteria Definition) for review and survey through separate focused surveys comment. After receiving the Working of Columbus Centre members who use Group’s comments, the project team it frequently and school (parent/teacher/ should integrate the feedback and make student) communities. In the description of refinements to the blank evaluation table. the proposal within the survey, clearly lay After refinements are made, the updated out the support and opposition to the joint blank evaluation matrix should be presented redevelopment project. to the community at large to review and • Create and share a clear, visual timeline of comment. Once community comments the project, dating back to the creation of are integrated into the final evaluation the Columbus Centre and looking forward to framework, the technical project team 2020. (i.e., planners, architects, engineers, etc.) should then undertake an evaluation of the alternative design solutions.

REPORT Villa Charities/Columbus Centre & TCDSB/Dante Alighieri Catholic Academy Intergenerational Community Hub Consultation 75

Appendix 1 12 Common Questions (answered by client teams)

Prepared by: Maximum City, in association with Dillon Consulting Limited Twelve (12) Common Questions

Question: VCI Response: TCDSB response:

1. Are there other options for -- The TCDSB will consider other where to build the school? options available to meet the What is the TCDSB going to accommodation needs of the do with the rest of its nearby Dante Alighieri and Regina Mundi communities. No plans will be land? designed or developed on Board property without consulting parents, students, and neighbours as per TCDSB policies and procedures.

2. Could the Columbus The idea of renovating the building TCDSB has no response. Centre be renovated without was one of the first options we the construction of a new explored. Much of the building is building? approaching 70 years old and was originally built for another purpose, a women’s reform school. Equipment is wearing out and can’t be repaired, the latest estimates we have is that it will cost $10m to just bring it up to a “status quo” reasonable standard. That does not include the opportunity to enhance or add new facilities like a theatre which is in the current plan.

3. What are the motivations The Columbus Centre has been The TCDSB received both capital and rationale behind the operating for almost 40 years. In funding from the Ministry of proposed project -- why is addition to the age of the original Education to construct a change necessary? buildings, our community has replacement secondary school changed dramatically as well. and approval for the Working with a partner which intergenerational community hub shares our cultural values, provides with VCI. The hub project builds both organizations with an on the long-standing program opportunity to offer more to partnership between the TCDSB everyone by sharing resources at and VCI, and creates significant times and in ways that make sense benefits for the students at Dante to both organizations and those who Alighieri and Regina Mundi. The use each facility. Sharing operating intergenerational hub will and building costs means both provide student access to groups can redirect resources into improved cultural amenities and providing better and more services programming opportunities, that meet the needs of the current enriching the learning community. environment and allowing the Board to expand its curriculum offerings

4. What programs & facilities The final decision in a number of The intergenerational hub is a Twelve (12) Common Questions

would change in the cases still requires consultation with modern state of the art facility proposed project, what will the community. However, the which offers TCDSB student stay the same, what will be current plans include a 435 seat access to specialty instructional lost? performing arts theatre, a high tech, spaces that are not available in multi-station culinary teaching traditional secondary schools, kitchen, a “family friendly” pool, including a professional theatre, modernized athletic facilities and dance studios, and culinary arts expanded opportunities to facilities. showcase art & museum pieces both on-site and through digital Both Centro Scuola and the platforms. We are planning for more existing Before and After school food and market options for the programs will continue to community to gather and socialize operate. The daycare at the as well. Areas that have been Columbus Centre will be historically underutilized (racquet relocated to a new space in the sports) will not be included. existing Dante facility.

5. What green space, trees or Green space and how it is used is a TCDSB has no response. open space would change in key component of the plan. At this the proposed project, what time our plans include “safe” will stay the same, what will avenues for residents and guests to move around the campus and to be lost? bring any green parklike space closer to those who use it most. What features will be included (ie. trees, paths, artwork, water features will require additional input from the community in conjunction with architects and designers).

6. How will shared spaces be How shared spaces will be used will be governed by a formal shared-use managed in the proposed agreement. The agreement still to be negotiated will include project? representatives from the TCDSB, Villa Charities and the Community. The preliminary building design also includes safeguards to completely separate the student body from those using the Columbus Centre on every floor of the building. The intention of sharing space is to expand services, reduce unnecessary duplication and increase utilization.

7. Why didn’t consultation There could have been more Board staff and the local Trustee start sooner? community involvement from the consulted with the parents, outset and we are committed to students and staff of both Regina community involvement on ongoing Mundi and Dante Alighieri. Meetings were held with both the basis. Councillor and MPP for the area. The local Trustee canvassed the neighbours by telephone and in person prior to embarking on the joint venture. Twelve (12) Common Questions

8. Is the future of the site also No, there is no plan to build market TCDSB will not permit its land going to include condo condominiums or additional private holdings in the Dufferin and development? housing. The mission of Villa Lawrence area to be developed Charities has been to celebrate and for high density residential uses. promote Italian culture and support seniors. Villa Colombo, our Long Term Care home was the first critical piece of this mission. Our mission has not changed and if the need arises, it is our intention to continue to contribute to both senior needs and the Italian cultural landscape in the best ways possible.

9. There is a lack of trust. Trust is created over time by TCDSB will commit to providing How will trust be rebuilt? greater transparency, more regular updates to its own opportunities to involve the communities and the broader community in information sharing public community during any and decision making and the future planning stages, absence of unsubstantiated construction and post accusations. construction phases of the project.

10. What is the proposed It is anticipated that once a shovel is TCDSB is open to discussing any project timeline? If the joint in the ground that the project will plans and options which will redevelopment project take 2 years to complete. mitigate the disruptions to and/or renovation goes programming and services. During construction, a transition forward, is there a plan for site in the local community will be accessing programs and used to provide the vast majority of services and mitigating services which exist today at a construction impacts? reduced cost to our current patrons to acknowledge their support and any inconvenience created.

11. What happens if there is VCI will follow the TCDSB’s established guidelines & procedures. a school lockdown or fire drill? How exactly will a Guidelines/strategies that would be undertaken for lockdown: lockdown affect members and staff/students? 1. Regular review of emergency procedure: The building will be managed by a 3rd party Building Property Management Company, and there will be regular meetings with the property manager and the building stakeholders to discuss building operation issue including all emergency shut down procedures (this is happening at Holy Child/Humberwood which is a shared use building, two schools, a public library, community centre and a childcare; 2. Multi-functional Public Address System: The building would have a multi-functional PA system that allows for each building user to Twelve (12) Common Questions

control their PA announcements for their spaces, as well as in the event of emergencies, full building announcements. Note: PA system would be supported with visual alarms (lights) in school corridors & washrooms for deaf & hard of hearing; 3. Building would have card-access doors - the card access system would be centrally controlled - and in the event of a lock down, doors can be automatically locked either zone by zone or for the entire building; 4. There are lockable doors separating the community centre and the school sides of the building. There are separate main entrance doors and stairs to each side of the building; 5. There would be operable blinds on the school windows - both exterior windows and interior windows; 6. Schools are required to have emergency drills for lock-downs and fire evacuation - the Building Operation Committee would review the dates in advance for thee drills - the community centre does not need to participate in the drills as there is clear separation between the two user spaces however this is subject to review by the Fire Marshall's Office.

Operational Procedure for a Lockdown:

1. "Lockdown, Lockdown, Lockdown" is called. Anyone can initiate a lockdown from the PA or from the hallway; whoever becomes aware initiates lockdown. 2. All staff/students make their way to the classroom closest to them and doors are locked. Depending on the location of the active attacker, proceeding to the evacuation site may be advisable for those students and staff who are on outdoor school field. 3. All classroom doors are locked. 4. Cover door windows (if possible). Teachers should be aware of sight lines and be clear of sight lines. Cover door windows if possible. 5. Turn off lights if it is safe to do so. 6. Move students to corner of room, out of view from the door; remain clear of sight lines and quiet. 7. No talking. 8. No cell phone activity – All students’ phones are turned off except teacher whose phone remains on silent, in the event that teacher needs to call 911 because active attacker is outside her/his door (for example) 9. Await instructions from main office or police, when they arrive on scene. Police will lift the lockdown by going to every classroom and unlocking door and providing instruction to wait until general announcement is made with next steps.

12. What is the nature of the The TCDSB and VCI have entered into an offer of purchase and sale for land deal (who owns the land land owned by VCI (Villa Charities) located on Lawrence Avenue West. and who will own the land), The lands which the intergenerational community hub will be located on and how is the project will be owned by the TCDSB.

Twelve (12) Common Questions

funded? The land purchase is funded through Education Development Charges (EDC). The school Board collects these charges from developers across the City of Toronto, and these funds can only be used to purchase land to accommodate students from residential growth across the city. The Dufferin/Lawrence area is experiencing significant residential development and is an eligible growth area. Neither tax payers’ money nor provincial grants for education are used to purchase land.

Villa Charities will lease the 3 ½ acres of land being sold to the school for 99 years. All of the funds from the sale of the land will be invested into building the new Columbus Centre. The joint venture between VCI (Villa Charities) and TCDSB ensures that the land owned by both the Board and VCI remains in public hands.

Appendix 2 Workshop Topic Preferences

Prepared by: Maximum City, in association with Dillon Consulting Limited Workshop Topic Preferences - Nov 14 & Dec 6 Combined

# of online # of online TOTAL # of online registrants who registrants who Topic registrants who selected topic: selected topic: selected topic Nov 14 Dec 6 Health & Wellness Programs 38 46 84 Heritage & Culture 39 45 84 Green Pedestrian & Open Space 31 40 71 Cultural Programs 19 33 52 Building Designs 27 23 50 Shared Spaces 26 23 49 Art Gallery/Museum/Archive/Library 14 31 45 Teaching & Learning 25 15 40 Gathering Spaces/Piazza 15 19 34 Other: 18 11 29 Parking 14 12 26 Restaurants & Market 10 11 21 Food/Culinary 8 11 19 Other (write-in):

Long-term viability of Columbus Centre Viability of Columbus & Undemocratic Board of Directors Villa Charities Shadow of new building on my tomatoes Senior Care Development & destruction of green space Increased density More Development Transparency, corruption Lack of communication/ No community involvement Columbus Centre demolition Integration students with seniors Democratic election of Villa Charities directors Adjoining land development/traffic assessments Effects on long-term care individuals in the area What authority does Villa Charities have to sell the Columbus Centre to the TCDSB? Shared Athletic Facility Architecture Save the Columbus Centre General Concept of the Project Community opposition for the project Existing facility Accessibility Preserve our space Construction Footprint Keeping all the Columbus Centre has now such as culture, heritage, art galleries, cafe, fitness, pool Columbus Centre Safety Senior independent living Membership costs Financing Appendix 3 Postcard and Activity Sheets

Prepared by: Maximum City, in association with Dillon Consulting Limited Please fill this side in at the beginning of the evening & introduce yourself to table.

My (first) name is:

My Columbus Centre/Dante Community means…

Please fill this side in at the beginning of the evening & introduce yourself to table.

My (first) name is:

My Columbus Centre/Dante Community means… Please fill this side in at the end of the evening & leave the card on the table. My future Columbus Centre/Dante Community includes...

Please fill this side in at the end of the evening & leave the card on the table. My future Columbus Centre/Dante Community includes... QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? ABOUT THIS TOPIC IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? WHAT WHAT : GREEN, PEDESTRIAN, & OPEN SPACE TOPIC 1 #1 DO YOU WANT TO BE CONSULTED ON THIS TOPIC? DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN/USE THIS TOPIC? ACTIVITY ROUNDTABLE HOW HOW QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? ABOUT THIS TOPIC IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? WHAT WHAT (Health & Wellness, Cultural, etc.) : PROGRAMMING & ACTIVITIES TOPIC 2 #1 DO YOU WANT TO BE CONSULTED ON THIS TOPIC? DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN/USE THIS TOPIC? ACTIVITY ROUNDTABLE HOW HOW OTHER: COMMUNICATION QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? ABOUT THIS TOPIC IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? WHAT WHAT ART GALLERY/MUSEUM GATHERING SPACES/PIAZZA CIRCLE a topic and answer the questions below: TEACHING & LEARNING SHARING SPACES HERITAGE & CULTURE PARKING #2 DO YOU WANT TO BE CONSULTED ON THIS TOPIC? DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN/USE THIS TOPIC? ACTIVITY ROUNDTABLE HOW HOW OTHER: COMMUNICATION QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? ABOUT THIS TOPIC IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? WHAT WHAT ART GALLERY/MUSEUM GATHERING SPACES/PIAZZA CIRCLE a topic and answer the questions below: TEACHING & LEARNING SHARING SPACES HERITAGE & CULTURE PARKING #2 DO YOU WANT TO BE CONSULTED ON THIS TOPIC? DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN/USE THIS TOPIC? ACTIVITY ROUNDTABLE HOW HOW

ART GALLERY/MUSEUM GALLERY/MUSEUM ART PROGRAMMING/ACTIVITIES

QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? ABOUT THIS TOPIC IS IMPORTANT TO YOU? TOPIC IS IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS GREEN/OPEN SPACE GREEN/OPEN WHAT WHAT GATHERING SPACES/PIAZZA SPACES/PIAZZA GATHERING HERITAGE & CULTURE HERITAGE CIRCLE a topic and answer the questions below: questions the answer and topic a CIRCLE

TEACHING & LEARNING TEACHING SHARING SPACES SHARING

#2 COULD YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THIS TOPIC BE IMPROVED? COULD YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THIS TOPIC DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN/CURRENTLY USE THIS TOPIC? IN/CURRENTLY DO YOU PARTICIPATE

ACTIVITY ACTIVITY

ROUNDTABLE ROUNDTABLE

HOW HOW COMMUNITY :

Faith Other?

Culture Heritage Wellness Education

Innovation Sustainability

Collaboration

#1 Shared Values

ACTIVITY ACTIVITY

ROUNDTABLE ROUNDTABLE

Consider

Pillars of Sustainability Pillars www.columbusdantecommunity.com Appendix 4 Example Table - Evaluation Matrix

Prepared by: Maximum City, in association with Dillon Consulting Limited EXAMPLE TABLE: ALTERNATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS EVALUATION MATRIX

Study Criteria Definition SOLUTION 1: SOLUTION 2: SOLUTION 3: Lens/Criteria DO RENOVATION JOINT Group NOTHING REDEVELOPMENT

TRANSPORTATION

Safety Safety Risk for Potential for pedestrian Pedestrians conflicts. Includes consideration of general visibility/sightlines, obstructions, crossing characteristics and facility standards.

Safety Risk for Potential for seniors Seniors conflicts. Includes consideration of general visibility/sightlines, obstructions, crossing characteristics and facility standards.

Connectivity Specific criterion to be defined