Though I am personally somewhat conflicted about this project, the St Lawrence Neighbourhood Assn is encouraging letters to Exec Comm. Here is their template...
EX17.17 - Update on the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Redevelopment Project
Subject: Support for Reimagining the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts – An Iconic Cultural Space in Toronto
Dear Mayor Chow and Members of Executive Committee,
I am writing to you in support of the redevelopment of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (STLC), which is a visionary project that promises to reshape the cultural landscape of our city.
Since its inauguration in 1970 as a centennial project for Toronto, the STLC has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural fabric. However, after more than five decades of service, the building is now in a state of significant disrepair and does not meet the standards set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Recognizing the crucial role of the STLC, TO Live launched a public consultation in 2021 to gather input from Toronto residents. A recurring theme in the feedback was the urgent need for affordable, flexible, and technologically advanced multi-use spaces that could accommodate the diverse needs of our communities, especially non-profit organizations.
TO Live’s ambition is to transform the STLC into Canada’s first arts space that fully addresses the cultural, social, environmental, and digital needs of our time, and for future generations. The new STLC is envisioned as a hub of extreme usability, offering state-of-the-art spaces for the performing arts sector, our local neighborhoods, and all of Toronto’s various communities, irrespective of age, culture, ability, identification, or income level.
In addition to serving the broader community, the redeveloped STLC will stand as an iconic destination for visitors, and a creative meeting place for artists of all disciplines.
Whether you are an emerging artist, a seasoned professional, a student, an educator, or a patron, the STLC is being reimagined to be your home - a space that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and celebrates the diversity of artistic expression. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technical and digital capabilities, ensuring that it meets the rapidly evolving needs of artists and the expectations of modern audiences.
The economic and cultural vitality that the new STLC promises is unprecedented. Last year alone, over 500,000 individuals visited TO Live venues, attending more than 1,000 performances, events, and workshops. The redevelopment of the STLC is set to magnify this impact. The new STLC will not only attract a larger audience, but also serve as a catalyst for regeneration, vibrancy, and economic activity in the neighborhood. Only steps away from Union Station, the STLC is well positioned to become a cornerstone of a lively cultural district within the heart of downtown Toronto.
Our shared vision is more than just the redevelopment of an arts venue; it is the creation of a cultural engine designed to drive tourism, stimulate economic activity, and showcase Toronto as an iconic destination for arts and culture on the global stage.
I urge you to support the redevelopment of the STLC and to play a leadership role in building an iconic cultural destination for everyone.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
