Members of the Toronto-Estonian community have come together to form a viable and sustainable strategy for redeveloping Estonian House on Broadview recognizing its significance as a centre of excellence and ethnic celebration, a Home that has and can continue to symbolize and preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of Estonian diaspora and their experience in Canada.

Tulge Külla envisions Estonian House/ Eesti Maja as a Pavilion re-introducing our language, dance, song, food and other talents to fellow Canadians. With a welcoming frontage facing Broadview Avenue, the Pavilion will support multiple usage models drawing on history and reflecting our collective transition to the modern. It will continue to be a welcome centre for new Estonian emigres looking for familiarity and comfort in their new homeland. A place for Estonian-Canadian youth to come together, participate and direct the development of the community going forward. A place to reflect on the past and pay homage to those that got the Estonian-Canadian to where it is today. The Pavilion will also acknowledge the partnerships and shared experiences Estonian-Canadians have had, and continue to have, with other diaspora from neighbouring Baltic communities to the north, south and west.

In the event of Revera not obtaining desired height exemption from the City and subsequent collapse of the sale of Estonian House, Tulge Külla provides an alternative solution and safeguard for our common community interests. While past proposals for large partnership projects have consumed the community's collective attention, the most basic sustainability plans have not been pursued. What if Estonian-Canadians invested in expansion and re-vitalized the property they already have in order to generate more income and, perhaps, re-direct profits to build a proper reserve fund for long-term maintenance, re-investment or subsidization of cultural programs?

The Broadview Development Plan, TTC Relief Line proposals, on-site parking and a 6 storey elevation allowance offers a newly re-developed Estonian House greater diversity in revenue models, provides greater economies of scale and mitigates our collective risk. Most neighbours are in favour of Toronto-Estonians staying on Broadview. Consultations with the Playter Estates, Chester Hill and Helliwell Resident’s Associations continue to help mold and develop support for a 6 storey redevelopment alternative enabling a stronger and more inclusive future.

More details to follow.

Steering Committee for the Tulge Külla

Märkmed: