The local businesses, community organizations, and places of worship located near Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue West rely heavily on the public parking lot at 9 Shortt Street. This lot is the only accessible parking option available in the area, serving customers, parishioners, and visitors alike.

The removal of this parking lot would have a devastating impact on our community. Many small businesses would be forced to close or relocate due to the loss of parking for their clients and customers. Street parking in the surrounding neighbourhood is already extremely limited, and there are no other public parking lots nearby to absorb the demand.

The lot at 9 Shortt Street provides over 100 parking spaces and is consistently in use — rarely below 50% capacity. It supports the day-to-day operations of dozens of local businesses and a nearby church, all of which depend on this essential infrastructure. Eliminating these spaces without a viable alternative would cause significant overflow parking on surrounding residential streets, increasing congestion and creating frustration for both residents and business owners.

While walking and public transit are important, they are not practical options for many clients, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges. Removing this lot would therefore reduce accessibility for vulnerable community members and further isolate those who already face barriers to participation in local life.

We fully support the addition of affordable housing in our neighborhood. However, we ask that the city be more thoughtful in its planning, as removing the main parking option will negatively impact small businesses and the neighbourhood church.

We strongly urge the City and all relevant decision-makers to preserve or replace these parking spaces with an equivalent and accessible alternative. Maintaining adequate parking at or near 9 Shortt Street is essential to protecting local businesses, supporting community institutions, and sustaining the economic and social vitality of this neighbourhood.