This summer many residents have contacted me with concerns about changes to Dufferin Grove Park. Thank you to all residents who communicated with me and share my interest in protecting and preserving this important community space.

Throughout the summer, I have held a number of meetings with City staff, community organizations and local residents. These meetings have included CELOS, an organization which is responsible for much of the unique and treasured programming the park currently offers, and with whom the City will be working to develop a long-term strategy to foster the continuation of these important community services.

The most recent of these meetings, held yesterday, reinforced that all parties feel strongly that Dufferin Grove Park is a wonderful and rich source of community programming that must continue to be supported.

I have been working continually with Parks and Recreation management staff, and CELOS, to develop solutions both for the immediate future and the long-term success of our local park, Dufferin Grove. This conversation included plans to restore all regular park programming by early next week including the wading pool snack-bar.

As City Councillor, the only changes to Dufferin Grove Park that I will tolerate are to improve programming and community involvement. By working closely with residents and City staff, our City can work in partnership with community groups such as CELOS to improve public space for the enjoyment of all.