Let's Keep An Eye On This One

I am in favor of funding projects that help people with special needs and therefore can't support Rob Ford on this particular windmill BUT I would like to get more information; ie: are the charges of improper use true, who benefited, what has the center accomplished, etc. You would have to wonder why we have to wait for city staff to make a report.....don't they monitor groups that receive money from the city.

Doors to stay open at youth training centre

By SARAH GREEN

Toronto won't terminate its lease with the Marcus Garvey Centre despite unpaid bills and questionable uses of the city-owned facility.

The city's community development committee voted yesterday to work with the centre, which opened in 2002 as a skills and training facility for black youth.

"I would hate to throw the baby out with the bathwater," Brenda Librecz, general manager of parks, forestry and recreation, said. "There's an organization with very good intentions."

Councillor Rob Ford called for the city to terminate the 15-year lease at 160 Rivalda Rd., near Weston Rd. and Sheppard Ave. W., an "empty factory" where the facility pays $1 a year.

Ford noted the centre owes the city $54,000 for gas and hydro bills and the building has been used by other groups for late-night parties. City staff will review the centre and its finances and whether it should be relocated.