As we approach the next milestone in the evolution of the Columbus Centre and come together to share the results of the public consultation process, it's important that we take a moment to reflect on the journey to date and the road that lies ahead.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of you who have participated in the consultation process, whether via the community workshops, stakeholder focus groups, telephone and online surveys, or site visits. We are grateful for your time, your ideas and your passion. Regardless of your point of view, one thing we can all agree on is that the Columbus Centre is an important part of our history and future, when it comes to sharing our culture.
As many of you know, the Villa Charities campus, including Villa Colombo Toronto, the Columbus Centre, Caboto Terrace and Casa Del Zotto, was created through the vision and determination of those who preceded us. Each of these projects had their share of supporters and opponents and today, unquestionably, we are all better for the perseverance of those whose ultimate objective was to create a legacy for generations of Italians and our local community to enjoy.
Fast forward to 2018 and the vision and goal of Villa Charities has not changed. In the last decade, the leadership of Villa Charities has been actively working to enhance our mission "to celebrate and promote the Italian Heritage, Culture, Language, Arts, Food, and Family Values" by reimagining how to make the Columbus Centre better.
The Accelerating Pace of Change
Never in the history of our civilization have we experienced change like we do today. We can debate whether change has been good or bad, but we can't dispute that it will continue and will impact all of us. Society, organizations and individuals are constantly changing. It's a natural part of our evolution and the Villa Charities we know today is a testament to that reality. Nothing survives without responding to change.
As such, the leadership of Villa Charities has been actively exploring options in response to the changing circumstances impacting the Columbus Centre. An aging facility, the inability to attract 2
nd
and 3
rd
generation Italian-Canadians, the changing fabric of our local community, increased competition, financial constraints, services gaps, an Italian community that now is dispersed throughout the Greater Toronto Area...the list of change factors is a long one.
Choosing the Best Option
As Villa Charities explored and evaluated a wide variety of options we had one goal in mind above all: "Our heritage, our culture and our community deserve the absolute best centre for Italian culture."
Ultimately, a partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) was determined to be the best option available.
Why was it the best?
In one word: synergy. It quickly became clear that by working together, both organizations could accomplish more than by working individually. We share a common vision and values, and have a long history of successful joint working relationships.
As partners, both organizations provide resources and expertise, which will enhance the experience for everyone. Each organization respects the importance of culture, education and intergenerational family values. By collaborating to create a shared-use facility, the public will have access to better-quality facilities and an expanded variety of programs and services.
Finally, both organizations clearly recognize the importance of investing in the long-term success of those they serve. Not capitalizing on this unique relationship and opportunity not only does a disservice to current users, but to future generations.
The Status Quo is Not an Option
A group of opponents to this project believes that by derailing the partnership with the TCDSB, they can ensure that the Columbus Centre will continue as it exists today. This view ignores the reality of change all around us. Regardless of who you are and what your agenda may be, and whatever the findings of the preliminary public consultation report to be presented Monday, change is a certainty for the Columbus Centre. The status quo is not an option.
We began this journey with a clear objective: "How do we reimagine the Columbus Centre to ensure it is vibrant, inclusive and relevant"? When organizations who provide services or products fail to respond to a changing environment, they soon find themselves "out of business". A failure on our part to embrace change and respond accordingly would ultimately have negative consequences for all parties.
We can't and we won't let that happen!
The Columbus Centre, what it represents and what it was created to accomplish, needs to change in order to survive. The people we serve deserve and should expect nothing less. The services offered and the communities that embraced the Columbus Centre when it opened its doors in 1980 have continuously and dramatically changed in the last four decades, and it would be naïve to believe that will not continue.
All of us involved have no option but to move forward. This project is not just for "us"; it is for our children and grandchildren. We have a collective responsibility to understand the issues and participate in a respectful and collaborative manner. Just as each of you want the best for your families and children, Villa Charities wants the best for the people and communities we serve.
However, individually or collectively as a family, those options that are available to us and how we utilize our resources are constrained by how much we have and what priorities need to be addressed. Villa Charities is no different.
All of us are determined to ensure the Columbus Centre plays a critical and valuable role in Italian culture and our local community. For those of us who bear the responsibility and privilege of fulfilling this role, our commitment and dedication has never wavered and never will.
