Dear Councillor Holyday,
My almost three-year-old daughter was born downtown (at St Michael’s
Hospital, where I couldn’t have asked for better care; they literally
saved my life). This was not by chance but rather by choice. My
husband and I want her to be a downtown kid.
Our daughter is now being raised in a wonderful neighbourhood near
Dupont & Shaw. The people around us span multiple generations; they
boast a wide array of heritage and ethnicity. Some live in big houses
while others live in apartments. Yet we all share the same space.
It’s a space with parks and trees; it’s a space with a variety of
small, local businesses; it’s a space where we can walk to a number of
quality grocery stores in as little as four minutes. It’s a space with
good schools and good friends who have no trouble finding a place to
play with my daughter. This is our neighbourhood, but the same values
are found all over downtown Toronto.
We’re lucky to live in a city where we don’t need to drive to reach
our destination. We take buses and subways and streetcars. Most of the
time we walk, enjoying the fresh air, the vibrant scenery, the
different people we meet and the time we spend together.
We love the diversity and balance offered to us by city life. We
understand that being a downtown family is not ideal for everyone, but
seeing our daughter grow happier and healthier each day makes us
certain it’s ideal for us.
Sincerely,
Nirmala Basnayake
with Patrick Fleming
and Margo Fleming
Attached photos: 1. Taking in the architecture at the Art Gallery of Ontario 2. Hanging around in Christie Pits playground (one of five parks within walking distance of our house) 3. Admiring the clover in Withrow Park.
(sent today to Councillor Doug Holyday)
