SwanseaMews Environmental Update — Demolition Without Permits. Asbestos on Site. CityManager Engaged

Dear Friends,

Thank you for signing the environmental petition. Since our last update, the situation has become more urgent, and more public.

On August 30, the Toronto Sun published an investigation describing 21 Windermere Avenue as a chemical wasteland, with photographs of demolition activity taken from the street. TCHC did not dispute the contamination figures. They committed to resolving community concerns -- without naming the concerns, the steps, the officer responsible, or a timeline.

The City's own Chief Building Official confirmed in writing on August 24 that demolition proceeded at this site without any permit having been issued. Bagged asbestos-containing materials have since been confirmed sitting on the open contaminated site, adjacent to occupied homes and two Provincially Significant Wetlands -- Catfish Pond and Grenadier Pond -- 50 metres away.

We have written urgently to the Chief Building Official asking for immediate protective measures, including construction grade netting along the fence line, before any further activity proceeds. We have also written to City Manager Paul Johnson requesting his direct intervention. His office has acknowledged receipt. We are awaiting a substantive response.

Mayor Chow has still not responded to the community's letter of July 27, 2026.

The Ministry of the Environment has an active case file on this site. We continue to press for answers.

The full record is at SwanseaMatters.com. Every additional signature strengthens the case.

Please share with five people -- neighbours, anyone who walks in High Park or drinks Toronto tap water.

To sign: https://c.org/RVzBCWbw7X

With gratitude,
Swansea Neighbourhood Group
SwanseaMatters.com