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On the future of the structures at Toronto/Downsview Airport (response)

Dear Mr. Warzin,

On behalf of the Hon. Ken Dryden, Member of Parliament for York Centre, thank you for your letter regarding the demolition of Buildings 55 and 58.

For your records, please find enclosed a copy of Mr. Dryden’s letter (which I've pasted below -NW) to Minister MacKay urging the minister to reconsider the proposed demolition.

Sincerely,

Carlene Variyan
Special Assistant
Office of the Hon. Ken Dryden, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for York Centre
National Outreach Advisor, Poverty & Working Families

November 16, 2009

Hon. Peter MacKay, P.C., M.P.
Minister of National Defence
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General George R. Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K2

Dear Minister MacKay,

Re: Downsview Air Force Base Hangars – Buildings 55 and 58

CFB Downsview and Parc Downsview Park are both situated in the riding I represent, York Centre. It has been brought to my attention that Buildings 55 and 58 at CFB Downsview have been slated for demolition by the Department of National Defence.

I have also been made aware that a number of organizations and individuals associated with the designation, maintenance and sustainability of heritage buildings have contacted you to express their opposition to the demolition of these buildings. I would like to add my voice to theirs.

As you know, these two buildings are some of the last structures remaining that represent the valuable contribution of CFB Downsview during the Second World War. They were part of a major aircraft production facility, but they are also part of the story and pride of the community. This is one of the two great sites of the aircraft industry in Canada, including where a number of planes that you and I have flown on in remote parts of the world (Dash 7s etc.) were built.

It is for good reason that in 1992 the hangars were designated as recognized heritage buildings by the federal government.

I know that it is often difficult to find new purposes for old structures. I also know that we have a responsibility to try, and try again. From what I am told, it is not for any compelling new use on the site that DND has decided to demolish the buildings. And we are both aware of instances at one moment where there isn't an opportunity to restore a particular building, only later, after it has been demolished, for that opportunity to be there. If it is true that there is no overwhelming reason now to demolish the buildings, I would suggest not demolishing them.

I hope that you will reconsider the Department’s decision to demolish these two historic structures and explore other opportunities for their use.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ken Dryden