Controversy Surrounds Proposed Somali Community Centre in Toronto Park

Plans for a Somali community centre in a west-end city park are facing opposition as the proposed Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (SCCR) in Toronto‘s Buttonwood Park stirs controversy.

The SCCR, a long-awaited initiative by Somali community leaders, had initially received support from Toronto’s council in April to explore the feasibility of building the centre on city parkland.

However, concerns have arisen from nearby residents and politicians in Etobicoke, with groups like Friends of Silver Creek expressing dismay over the potential use of park space for the project.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Etobicoke Centre Coun. Stephen Holyday have joined the opposition, advocating for preserving green spaces and suggesting alternative locations like Rexdale for the community centre.

Coun. Amber Morley’s recent motion to defer a council decision on the project until October highlights the ongoing debate and the need for further community consultation.

The Somali community remains resolute in their commitment to the SCCR, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to both their community and the wider neighbourhoods.

As the city grapples with balancing community needs and parkland preservation, the fate of the proposed Somali community centre continues to hang in the balance.