| New: Oct. 27/07: | Preserving Toronto's firefighting history |
The following note regarding a local firehall was sent to us by one of our newsletter subscribers. If you are interested in expressing a view on this, contact information is below.
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Hello Friends. If you appreciate the greening and historical displays done by the Firefighters' Association at the firehall on Keele between Annette and Dupont, please write an email to David Miller and to Fire Chief Stewart, asking them to restore the heraldic crest / sign that was taken down a couple of weeks ago. Apparently David Miller would like to see it restored and is looking for public support to get it back up. I understand that nothing about the sign offends any official policy. I understand that these kind of concerns could also threaten the presence of the little historical garden, and display of historical artifacts in the future. Sooner is better than later, as the Mayor's promise to act is recent. Here is a copy of my email to the Mayor and Fire Chief below, which you may use for inspiration. (Michele Goland is the Mayor's assistant on this matter. W. Stewart is the Fire Chief) thanks All,
To:
mgoland@toronto.ca ;
wstewart@toronto.ca 26 October 2007 Mayor David Miller City of Toronto Attention:
Michelle Goland AND Re: Toronto Fire Station #423 Dear Mayor and Fire Chief: As a resident of Parkdale High Park, I am proud of our local firefighters' work to beautify the site of Toronto Fire Station #423 at 358 Keele Street, and to displays items of great historical significance in Toronto's history. As you may know, the site's front garden commemorates the former West Toronto Junction Firehall #1 and the former Toronto Fire Department Station #20. A heraldic crest of the station's firefighter association, depicting symbols of the area's rail junction, stockyards, and the Great Toronto Fire of 1904, made a wonderful contribution to local history. It was displayed as a sign on the front wall of the station, overlooking the historical garden. The heraldic sign has become an important symbol for our community in a city which could value its history much more. Furthermore, it signifies a love for our community that is returned to the Toronto Fire Department through people's respect for firefighters' heroism. Display of the symbol in a publicly-oriented space reminds us all to value our community. Unfortunately, the heralidic sign was recently removed. I understand that there is a concern that the sign may conflict with the identify of the station as Toronto Fire Services Station No. 423. I fail to see how anyone would be confused that this building is an operating fire station. The standard form identification for all Toronto Fire Halls is prominently featured above the wide entranceways for the firetrucks. The historical crest / sign was smaller. The front garden it overlooked is smaller than the paved entranceways. The historical displays, if anything, enhance the firehall and firefighters' presence in our community. I implore you to please exercise your leadership to return the heraldic sign to its place. yours truly,
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