Facilities Strategic Team Meeting Minutes

February 24, 2024 at 9:30 am ET – Microsoft Teams

Present: Alan Goh, Lily Dong, James Chan, Sid Ingham, Victor Ling, Winston Ling, Gord Chong, Naomi Cheung, Samantha Ling

Regrets: None

Opening Prayer
Reviewing Previous Meeting Minutes – Presented by James Chan

Went through meeting minutes from previous meetings to check the progress on the action items presented.

Giving Input to the City – Presented by Alan and Winston

Summary of Meeting with Planners Regarding Chinatown – Presented by Alan and Winston

i. City planners are meeting with people in the area to gather information for planning purposes.

ii. Plans are in place to build more housing (315 Spadina project).

iii. Planners were informed about the historical significance of the church and the role CPC plays in the community.

iv. Input given to the planners:

1. Lack of parking in the area.

2. Absence of a focal point/landmark for the area.

3. Suggestions:

a. Consideration of a Chinatown market similar to St. Lawrence Market.

b. Addressing the shortage of facilities for general public recreation, especially sports.

v. City planners informed about ongoing efforts to increase the accessibility of our facilities.

vi. There is a consultation meeting on Sunday, February 25; team members are encouraged to attend.

vii. Sending out the Chinatown Tomorrow Planning Initiative survey to ensure proper community representation and input.

1. https://s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=368976&d=e&h=132A121023E933C&l=en

Moving Forward

Collaborating with the city on new recreation facilities to enhance community connection.
‘Competition’ exists regarding recreational facilities and housing, particularly for families and students.

i. The church is near affordable subsidized housing, and most university students commute to campus.

ii. University Settlement offers facilities like a swimming pool, but payment is required.

iii. Students already have access to their university's facilities.

Yonge Street Mission and Scott Mission nearby with ministries and projects to accommodate locals participating in their programs.
Creation of the Facilities Strategic Team Requirements Document:

i. Develop a comprehensive document outlining the specific requirements for our facilities.

ii. This document will serve as a guide to be presented to architects or planners, showcasing the various needs and improvements desired for our facilities.

iii. Points on the vision of the church, school and YMCI will also be included to ensure that the requirements listed on the document align with the established vision.

iv. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DMFCZ1W-sPUYyoABJKua-VI0Wkmnpvb1ZrZdf3rLXDQ/edit?usp=sharing

Closing Thoughts

Collaboration with city planners to give input Chinatown's needs, including parking, landmarks, and recreation facilities.
Importance of community involvement in upcoming consultation meetings and surveys.
Recognizing competition for resources, particularly in housing and recreation, and the need for strategic partnerships.
Initiative to create a comprehensive document outlining facility requirements for presentation to architects or planners, facilitating future development endeavors.
The next meeting will be March 16 at 9:30 AM on Microsoft Teams
Fallback date for next meeting is on April 6 at 9:30 AM on Microsoft Teams

Closing Prayer