October 19, 2025
Posted by Susan O
Diane Varaleau contributed this overview of the Bickford situation. If you have questions, or would like to volunteer for the Bickford Task Force, please contact her directly: E-mail varaleau@gmail.com or call 416-538-6127.
As many of you know, the Province has assumed control of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and is looking for ways to address the Board's expected budget shortfall of $58 million in 2025-2026.
One of the Province's expected cost-cutting targets is to close pools that the TDSB does not lease out. At the same time, Councillor Saxe has reported that [City] funds do not exist for renewal of the Bickford Centre pool, which is in need of significant repairs. In sharp contrast, the new City-owned community centre proposed for Rosedale will include a 21-metre pool. It is not threatened with provincial oversight.
At present, one floor of the Bickford Centre is used by 60 students attending the West End Alternative School, while another floor is used to administer and deliver ESL programs. In the past, the Bob Abate Centre has leased Bickford's two gyms; its theatre; pool; cafeteria and five floors of classrooms. The Bickford Centre does not have an on-site program coordinator.
Residents believe that the Bickford Centre is managed by the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC). The TDSB is the sole shareholder of the TLC which is the largest public-sector land owner in the city, with a portfolio of approximately 612 properties valued at as much as $20 billion. These properties include operating schools and non-operating (closed) schools. TLC’s responsibilities include leasing space in operating and closed schools, as well as the sale and exchange of properties.
The TLC manages the leases for over 30 non-operating schools, such as the Bickford Centre, which was originally a secondary school. If the Province wishes to develop the Bickford Centre, discussions will likely be held with the Toronto Land Corporation. Councillor Saxe toured the Bickford Center with the TLC in May 2025, but residents have not been informed of the outcome of that visit other than the pool "needed a lot of work".
The Bickford Centre Task Force is meeting on Wednesday, October 29. The agenda includes:
Bob Abate programming update
Ownership and leasing arrangements of the Bickford Center (update)
Potential sponsors/champions for a revitalized Bickford Community Centre
Ownership/leasing options that will support a Bickford Hub
Next steps.
Several people have expressed interest in becoming members of the Bickford Task Force. For further information, or to volunteer please attend the
October 29 task force meeting or contact Darlene Varaleau: varaleau@gmail.com, 416-538-6127.