An Unfortunate Choice of
Confrontation over Consultation
Villa Charities has provided numerous opportunities for community input and dialogue on the Columbus Centre/Villa Charities & Dante Alighieri Academy Redevelopment over the past several months, leading up to the formal, third party-managed consultation now underway. It makes no sense, therefore, that the loudest critics - those who even now argue that community input has been shut out - refuse to participate in the consultations they demanded.
Those critics, who represent a minority perspective of the Columbus Centre community, continue to choose confrontation over consultation. It has become clear that they oppose all changes to the Columbus Centre and are also opposed to any consultation process that even contemplates change.
The unfortunate reality is that the behaviour of some of these critics has been downright abusive and disturbing, including making threats to staff and racial slurs. They are for the most part completely close-minded on discussing options and would prefer to spread lies and deception for a vulnerable population. When these critics argue that we must 'honour the Founders' of the Columbus Centre, we marvel at the irony of how their appalling behaviour would be viewed by our Founders. The Founders who had the courage and perseverance, acquired essentially a vacant property, and developed it to realize their vision and dreams, despite those who opposed them.
Somehow, contrary to all evidence, the harshest critics think the Columbus Centre can just remain as is, unchanged. It can't. Look around the neighbourhood, the country, the world and change is everywhere. Organizations in both the public and private sector are faced with very real need to "reimagine" how they can best serve those who utilize their services or buy their products. If the redevelopment does not proceed, the future of the Columbus Centre, and the valued services it provides to the community, will not escape change.
Despite their intransigence, lies and unacceptable behaviour that we have been forced to endure, we will continue with our professionally run consultation process so that we can ensure the new facility responds as much as possible to the needs and wishes of the majority.
The CASA Survey: More Myths, Less Truth
A "survey" is currently being circulated by CASA, a "self-proclaimed group" misrepresenting the project to create fear and distract people from having a productive dialogue. Though the questionnaire states that CASA seeks to "ensure the integrity of the data we collect," the questions are sprinkled with misinformation to produce misleading results. No matter what reassuring words CASA uses to dress up its so-called survey, it does not allow for the sharing of objective, fair and balanced opinions.
The following questions are taken directly from their survey:
Question 1: What is your connection to the Columbus Centre?
The choices offered focus primarily on those who use the Athletic Centre. For the most part the cultural programs and other services we provide are not identified. Programs such as dance, music and art classes, March Break and Summer camps, child care, special events and other activities are ignored.
Question 3: Do you pay a monthly/annual membership fee to the Columbus Centre?
Everyone who uses the Columbus Centre and the services pays a fee. Whether that fee is monthly, annually, attached to a specific event, a class, or a meal, everyone is treated equally. Those who pay a fee to use our Athletic facilities are no better or worse than any student who registers for a class, a patron who displays their art in our gallery or an individual who eats in our restaurants.
We value all their ongoing support and input. We don't discriminate by the value of their contributions or the length of time they have used our facilities.
Question 4: In order of importance (1, 2, 3, ...), what most concerns you about the VCI/TCDSB plan for the Columbus Centre?
Most of the choices presented are misleading at best and, at worst, are based on outright lies:
- Reduced access to the fitness facility, swimming pool, squash/tennis courts, classes:
Access to the Athletic facility and classes will not be "reduced;" in fact, our core facilities will be greatly enhanced and many existing programs will continue to be provided, as we have stated clearly all along. In some cases, where the utilization of our services and facilities have reached unsustainable low levels, changes are necessary.
- Loss of the rotunda/art gallery: There will be no "loss" of the rotunda/art gallery; rather, these facilities will be preserved, enhanced and elevated to new levels that will attract a wider audience.
- Sharing locker rooms with high school students: The sharing of services has not been finalized and is open for discussion. Both organizations are committed to respecting the needs of their individual users and offering them new opportunities currently unavailable.
Question 6: Would you object to the development of new condos on part of the property ... if that plan preserved your current use(s) of the Columbus Centre and its surrounding grounds?
As stated many times previously, the joint venture with the TCDSB does not contemplate condos. The partnership provides Villa Charities with a much-needed source of revenues to ensure the vitality of the Columbus Centre for the next generation through better programming and facilities.
Question 7: Currently, the Board of Directors of Villa Charities is an unelected body. Peoples' names are put forward and a committee of the Board decides. In the future, would you prefer having all Board members elected to the Board by members and tenants of the Columbus Centre?
As with other non-profit organizations and registered charities, our organization follows public best practices and standards for the process by which new Board members are proposed, reviewed and elected. The Villa Charities and Columbus Centre Boards include a diverse membership that reflects a cross-section of ages, demographics and gender. Contrary to CASA's previous false assertions (outside the survey) that the Board is composed of predominantly real estate developers, our board members provide a wide and well-rounded range of expertise from a variety of industries including legal, finance, manufacturing, diversity studies, communications, engineering, food services, real estate and consulting/project management.
