Protesters make last-minute bid to stop housing closures in Jane-Finch area
Toronto community housing (TCH) residents took to the street Friday to protest the closing of 108 social housing units in the Jane and Finch area.
Organized by the anti-poverty group ACORN Canada, 20 or so protesters, most of whom were residents being displaced by the TCH, gathered at Jane Street and Yorkwoods Gate around 1 p.m.
TCH said the units being pulled down have structural damage that would be too costly to repair.
Residents are being relocated without cost to other TCH residences. ACORN said this is not a viable option for anyone who works in the area as some people are being moved as far as Scarborough.
Edna Rose has lived in her unit for 31 years and she works at a nearby school. Rose said she will have to quit her job if she is moved.
"I have to get away from my doctor, I have to get away from my church, the school," said Rose.
"You're going to tell me I can't work up there ... that's a shame on housing."
The protesters staged a sit-in at the TCH relocation office, demanding a meeting with interim chief executive Kevin Marshman.
Police mediated a conversation between the group and TCH officials, who promised to facilitate a phone call with Marshman. In the end the group dispersed without their meeting.
