GPAC Meeting Minutes
GPAC Meeting Minutes from June 6, 2014
Grange Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Friday, June 6, 2014 3:30-5:00pm
Art Gallery of Ontario
Present:
Ralph Daley, (Co-Chair) Grange Community Association
Rupert Duchesne, (Co-Chair) AGO
Max Allen, Grange Community Association
Bev Carret, AGO
Lisa Clements, AGO
Joan Heeler, St. George the Martyr Church
Rebecca Keenan, Ward 20 Office
Miriam Kramer, OCAD U
Mike Mahoney, AGO
Pesha McKendry, Representative of social housing residents
Phyllis Platt, Grange Community Association
Pearl Quong, Grange Community Association
Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Grange Community Association
Nick Schefter, Grange Community Association
Matthew Teitelbaum, AGO
Regrets:
Ena D’Altroy, University Settlement
Brian Green, Toronto PFR
Ken Greenberg, AGO Consultant
Mazyar Mortazavi, TAS DesignBuild (member-at-large)
Alex Shevchuk, Toronto PFR
Margie Zeidler, UrbanSpace (member-at-large)
Welcome:
Rupert welcomed Ralph to his first official meeting as co-chair. Ralph welcomed Joan Heeler as the new rep for St. George the Martyr Church.
Approval of the minutes of the May 22 meeting:
Ralph advised that Ceta had requested via email an amendment to the item “GPAC Membership”. The minutes were approved with the caveat that this change be included. The following rewording was subsequently proposed by Ralph:
It was suggested that GPAC’s organizational members continue the tradition of endeavouring to select representatives who reside in the neighbourhood, noting that the current GPAC membership included less than 30% local residents. Rupert clarified that the organizational members select their representatives first and foremost for their ability to convey the organization’s needs and interests at the GPAC table. If the representative is also a local resident, this will be an additional attribute.
Dog run
Mike presented the design concept developed by PFS for a potential dog run. The fenced area would run along the south west side of the park, encompassing 700 square metres. Max also tabled he white paper he had prepared regarding a dog run. GPAC members then presented their views. (The pros, cons and questions raised in the discussion are summarized on the attached chart.)
Ralph shared information about New York’s experience with off leash dog areas in their park system, combined in some cases with allowance of dogs off-leash in the greater park area during early morning and late evening. Long term statistics showed a dramatic decrease in dog bites and also a decrease in crime in the parks. It was noted that GPAC would need to consult with the City Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department to see if this type of hybrid arrangement would be feasible.
Rupert urged that GPAC make a final binary, yes-no decision on the inclusion of an off leash dog area in the Grange Park design at its next meeting on June 26, in order for the revitalization project to keep moving forward. All participants should come prepared to make an informed decision based on available evidence.
Next steps:
- Community meeting: Mike confirmed that we are currently looking to organize the next community meeting in early July. The date for this meeting will be set shortly in order to give ample notice to the public.
- AGO/City Funding Agreement: Ralph advised that he, Peter Couto and Pearl Quong will meet with Mike Mahoney to review the draft agreement between the AGO and the City of Toronto on June 9.
- Upcoming GPAC meetings: Rupert announced the next GPAC meeting will be Thursday, June 26, 8:30-10:00 am, at the AGO. Due to time constraints, June 6 agenda items regarding the AGO south entry and the tree management strategy will be deferred to this meeting. Two more meeting dates in August and September will be set up shortly.