June 23, 2024

20th anniversary of… the Wabash banner!

*Twenty years ago, the “Build Wabash Now” banner was hung on the side of the old linseed mill, paid by funds raised by residents advocating for a new community centre.*

Dearest gentle readers, drop by the Friends of Sorauren Park table at the June 24 Farmers’ Market to help this author celebrate the 20th anniversary of… the “Build Wabash Now” banner on the side of the old linseed mill at 40 Wabash Avenue, home to the forthcoming community centre.

This is not a typo. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the first fundraiser for the Wabash Community Centre, produced by a committee of the Roncesvalles-Macdonell Residents’ Association that later became the non-profit Wabash Building Society, now operating as the Friends of Sorauren Park.

How time flies, as this author along with many others still involved with Friends of Sorauren Park remembers well that day. The boisterous fundraiser, a Father’s Day Brunch Bash, was held at the Lula Lounge and raised funds for the banner that flies today.

We had babies. They grew up. They moved out. Our community work continued in the ton.

The new centre is funded and design work and public consultations have taken place over the last several years. According to the City’s project website, a construction team will be hired this year, with construction taking place 2024 to 2027. “The timeline is subject to change.” (Check out the renderings under the “Design” tab.)

Many of you, dearest readers, have contributed to surveys, meetings, consultations, fundraisers. Thank you. The beautiful new geo-thermal-powered community centre will be the talk of the ton when built, and will serve us and our successors well for many years to come.

Join us at the Market to get the latest on the new community centre, and learn more about Friends of Sorauren Park programs, and how you can get involved.

(With apologies to Lady Whistledown.)

The Father’s Day Brunch Bash, June 20, 2004, at Lula Lounge on Dundas West, featuring musicians Jane Bunnett, Donne Robert, and Dan Kershaw and friends, raised awareness for the Wabash Community Centre project, and raised funds for the “Build Wabash Now” banner erected on the north side of the linseed mill building.