A historic landmark has been saved and an arena and community centre will be built in Ward 34.

North York councillors unanimously rejected a pitch by Toronto’s Catholic school board to demolish the historic Senator O’Connor House, arguing the community must fight to preserve the few heritage landmarks it has.

The mansion, on Avonwick Gate, northwest of Victoria Park and Lawrence avenues, has fallen into disrepair since the school board bought it from the Christian Brothers in 2001.

The house, once owned by noted Toronto businessman, politician and philanthropist Senator Frank O’Connor, sits adjacent to Senator O’Connor College School and was declared a heritage property by Toronto Council.

Toronto will receive $4.5 million to build an arena in the Shops at Don Mills area – and will own, but not operate, a $17-million community centre courtesy of Cadillac Fairview, in a deal approved by Toronto Council.

It lays to rest an ongoing dispute over how to redevelop the Don Mills Centre site at Don Mills Road and Lawrence Avenue.

The new arena will be a two-pad arena, and Patterson said the city should have it ready before the Civitan Arena must shut down in 2020.

The community centre will be built on lands, conveyed to the city at the corner of Don Mills Road and The Donway – and leased back to Cadillac Fairview for 49 years.

For the full ward profile, read the story HERE.

Education – Highest level completed by age group
Age 15 to 24	Age 25 to 64
Total Population (20% sample data) = 7,055	Total Population (20% sample data) = 31,540
Age 65 and over	LEGEND
Total Population (20% sample data) = 8,520