Rock band Milky Chance, Sierra Club Canada and Greenpeace will join our Indigenous-led coalition in a demonstration of solidarity on May 31. We’re fighting against Metrolinx’s plan to run an elevated section of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension (ECWE) LRT line through significant urban greenspace. We’re calling for this section be built underground like the rest of the LRT line.
In January, our Indigenous-led coalition erected tipis in the parks and began holding ceremonies and burning Sacred Fire 24/7 to fight to protect Indigenous access to ancestral lands and save the parks, 1,485 trees and wildlife habitat that Metrolinx plans to destroy. Metrolinx continues to dismiss our community’s long-standing concerns about their plan for the elevated section. We believe our community deserves world-class transit and our greenspace.
Who: You’re invited to join Milky Chance, Sierra Club Canada, Greenpeace and our Indigenous-led coalition that includes ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency, Turtle Island Carers of Fire, Edge of the Bush, American Indian Movement, Stop the Trains in Our Parks (STOP), Mount Dennis Community Association (MDCA) and the Mount Dennis eco-Neighbourhood Initiative (MDeNI). Media will be invited.
What: Demonstration of solidarity and protest against Metrolinx’s plan to build an 1.5 km elevated section of the LRT line through parkland north of Eglinton Avenue West between Scarlett Road and Weston Road. There will also be a ceremonial ribbon tying of trees with Milky Chance.
When: Wednesday, May 31, 1:30-2:30 PM
Where: Pearen Park, 30 Pearen Street in Toronto, ON
Why: To show public opposition to Metrolinx’s plan, come together in ceremony as allies in honouring the trees, and support action towards Canada’s reconciliation for First Nations Peoples.
About the parks
The parkland in question—Pearen Park, Fergy Brown Park, Eglinton Flats and the Humber River area—is a sensitive ecosystem, wildlife corridor, migratory bird route and is home to Threatened and Endangered species. The naturalized urban forest is a flood and erosion protector, natural cooler and sound barrier. The parkland is used for many cultural activities and sacred ceremonies for Indigenous Peoples, as well as recreational, sport and social activities. The Humber River is a Canadian Heritage River and an urban river valley protected by the Ontario Greenbelt.
Email stopthetrainsinourparks@gmail.com to learn more.
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