Skip to main content
Start of content
Start of content

e-4315 (Culture and heritage)

E-petition
Initiated by Robert Pingitore from Nobleton, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

Whereas:
  • The federal government understands that arts and culture strengthen our bonds and that infrastructure improvements enable strong, dynamic and prosperous communities;
  • That’s why it invested in Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre - a key cultural centre that contributes to the vitality of Toronto’s waterfront and is an annual destination for five million visitors from across Canada and the world;
  • On August 21, 2021, the government announced that Heritage Canada would provide $20 million to Harbourfront Centre over two years for urgent capital work;
  • The investment was to be used for priority capital improvements and repairs to update performance spaces and venues, supporting access to arts, culture, and recreation, providing opportunities to showcase Canadian diversity and richness;
  • The Centre regarded the funding as a significant capital investment vital to its continued hosting of a diverse range of artists and communities for almost fifty years and entertaining the public on Toronto's waterfront; and
  • Work on the Harbourfront ice skating facility, intended to be repaired and upgraded, did not happen. Instead, this major attraction for community residents and visitors for decades, was ripped up without public consultation.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to
1. Undertake a review of its financial commitment to Harbourfront Centre and its obligations;
2. Advise the Centre that it has deviated from its initial goals; and
3. Request that the Centre consult area residents on its new priorities and how it can maintain the skating facility.
Open for signature
February 20, 2023, at 12:05 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
March 22, 2023, at 12:05 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Kevin Vuong (Spadina—Fort York)
March 31, 2023 (Petition No. 441-01275)
Photo - Kevin Vuong
Spadina—Fort York
Independent
Ontario
Disclaimer regarding petitions