April 4th, 2021
*Find your City Councillor here: Members of Council – City of Toronto
*Watch the Motion be moved on April 7th at 9:30am here: Decision Body Profile
RE: Supporting Councillor Josh Matlow’s Member Motion (MM31.11)
“Preserving the Past and Protecting the Future of Little Jamaica” to prioritize a survey
of the cultural heritage resources of Little Jamaica
recognizing Little Jamaica as a designated heritage site.
Dear Councillor______________________,
As a supporter of motion MM31.11 Preserving the Past and Protecting the Future of Little Jamaica moved by Councillor Josh Matlow on April 7, 2021 I ask for your Full Support to ensure that City staff prioritize a comprehensive survey of the cultural heritage of the Little Jamaica neighbourhood as a part of the Council-adopted Little Jamaica Cultural District initiative (MM24.36, September 30 2020).. As you may recall from the motion MM24.36 Supporting Black-Owned and Operated Businesses and Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Eglinton Avenue West's "Little Jamaica", Council has directed City staff to develop a Cultural District Plan that would include the following:
- officially recognizes, delineates and designates the neighbourhood as a Jamaican- Caribbean Cultural District:
- highlights the cultural landscape of the neighbourhood through the creation of a high-profile cultural district that will enhance business and tourism.
- delineates cultural zones based on local character and the existing or historical business landscape.
- explores private and public sector support and partnerships to develop the cultural zones identified in the Plan.
There has been an outpouring of support from the community that a Heritage Conservation District should be considered as we work collaboratively to preserve this beloved and often neglected part of the city. Heritage Conservation Districts play a significant role in maintaining the natural history of the city, has economic value and fosters a sense of belonging. Little Jamaica not only keeps our integrity as Torontonians – it has the capabilities to manifest into in area in which commercial activities can exist to create economic flows to businesses, investments and income production.
The recognition of “Little Jamaica” as a Heritage site not only adds to the cultural richness of Toronto- but it also extends to Ontario and Canada.
Thank you for considering this request, I look forward to discussing your support of this motion.
Sincerely,
{YOUR NAME}
{YOUR POSTAL CODE}
List of City Councillors
Ward 1: Michael Ford, councillor_mford@toronto.ca
Ward 2: Stephen Holyday, councillor_holyday@toronto.ca
Ward 3: Mark Grimes, councillor_grimes@toronto.ca
Ward 4: Gord Perks, councillor_perks@toronto.ca
Ward 5: Frances Nunziata, councillor_nunziata@toronto.ca
Ward 6: James Pasternak, councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca
Ward 7: Anthony Perruzza, councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca
Ward 8: Mike Colle, councillor_colle8@toronto.ca
Ward 9: Ana Bailao, councillor_bailao@toronto.ca
Ward 10: Joe Cressy, councillor_cressy@toronto.ca
Ward 11: Mike Layton, councillor_layton@toronto.ca
Ward 12: Josh Matlow, councillor_matlow@toronto.ca
Ward 13: Kristyn Wong-Tam, councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca
Ward 14: Paula Fletcher, councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca
Ward 15: Jaye Robinson, councillor_robinson@toronto.ca
Ward 16: Denzil Minnan-Wong, councillor_minnan-wong@toronto.ca
Ward 17: Shelley Carroll, councillor_carroll@toronto.ca
Ward 18: John Filion, councillor_filion@toronto.ca
Ward 19: Brad Bradford, councillor_bradford@toronto.ca
Ward 20: Gary Crawford, councillor_crawford@toronto.ca
Ward 21: Michael Thompson, councillor_thompson@toronto.ca
Ward 22: Nick Mantas, Councillor_Mantas@toronto.ca
Ward 23: Cynthia Lai, councillor_lai@toronto.ca
Ward 24: Paul Analsie, councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
Ward 25: Jennifer McKelive, councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca