Torontonians know and recognize Hanlan’s Point, Canada's oldest continuous queer space, to be a safe, public, and precious place that has deep meaning and connection to Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We have seen the important concerns expressed about the Toronto Island Park Master Plan, and specifically the future of Hanlan’s Point that are being voiced online. We have reached out to the organizers, and look forward to working together to address these concerns. The Toronto Island Park Master Plan is not yet finalized, and there are opportunities to improve the outcome of this process.
We have had conversations with City staff, who have assured us that a built concert space is not part of the Master Plan but we need clarification on what is meant by festival space that is referenced in current documents and whether it reflects community feedback.
To that end, the Toronto Island Park Master Plan team is hosting an additional Public Meeting specifically about Hanlan’s Event Space on Thursday February 23rd at 5:30PM. Sign up to participate in this virtual meeting at: HanlansFeb23.eventbrite.com
Through their iterative public engagement process, the City is looking for ways to expand the clothing-optional beach, to improve safety and access, and to approach decision-making that prioritizes ecological integrity and sustainability across Toronto Islands.
The Toronto Island Park Master Plan process is very much ongoing. As local City Councillors, we wish to see Hanlan’s Point celebrated and preserved as the safe, public, accessible, vibrant, and queer-friendly space it has been for many generations. We will continue to focus on advocating for, respecting, and honouring the history and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Find more information about the Toronto Island Park Master Plan at: toronto.ca/IslandMasterPlan
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City Councillor for Ward 13 Toronto Centre, Chris Moise
City Councillor for Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York, Ausma Malik
