With this special addition of the Fife and Drum we are pleased to be able to provide our members, friends and supporters with a copy of a new publication, Fort York: Adding New Buildings. This study is the result of a five year process involving the Friends of Fort York, The Fort York Management Board and the Culture Division of the City of Toronto.
The study makes recommendations as to what buildings and other capital improvements, both within and outside the walls of Fort York, are required to integrate visitors into the site and its history in a seamless manner. At the same time, the new facilities that are recommended will accommodate the increased level of program activities and visitorship contemplated for the future.
The report provides the necessary analytical background and rationale for a capital expenditure program at Fort York that will respect its status as Toronto’s birthplace and most important historic site, while significantly enhancing the fort as a major attraction for both citizens and tourists, and as an economic resource for the City.
The report will also be an essential aid in the on-going process to convince the private sector to participate in the financing of that capital expenditure program.
The working group whose deliberations led to the report was formed in June 2000 following the publication of the widely-distributed study “Fort York: Setting It Right”. The process leading to this report demonstrates how empowered citizen groups can work constructively and positively with city officials to the benefit of all.
We wish to thank all the members of the working group who gave generously of their time and energies to ensure that we considered all the ramifications of adding new buildings at Fort York. In particular, special thanks are due to Stephen Otto and Jo Ann Pynn for many hours spent drafting the report.
Original printed pages
