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Jane Jacobs Chairs in Victoria Memorial by Scott James The Friends of Fort York have been following the story of the restoration of Victoria Memorial Square, location of the first garrison cemetery and part of the Fort York National Historic Site, since the Wellington Place Neighbourhood Association (WPNA) initiated the project in 2001. Jane Jacobs was an early supporter of the community’s efforts to restore the Square and in 2002 provided WPNA with an encouraging message. It always seemed that this was an appropriate setting for a memorial in her honour. Now that the project has been completed, we are grateful to Jane’s friends Eti and Ken Greenberg for having arranged for the City to acquire and install in the park a pair of simple and beautiful chairs. Designed by Montse Periel and Marius Quintana, they are produced by Escofet, a company in Barcelona renowned for its elegant and well-made street and park furniture. Escofet has generously agreed to donate the chairs in Jane’s memory and Ken and Eti have equally generously undertaken to be responsible for all other expenses. Netami Stuart of the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department, pleased to have something in Toronto by Escofet, is coordinating the quotation. The chairs are inscribed with Jane’s 2002 text, as follows: “With gratitude to the Wellington Place Neighbourhood Association: Victoria Memorial Square will be an urban jewel, rescued from a wasteland of neglect and forgetfulness. It beautifully ties the city’s earliest roots into a living, caring, revitalized community. The whole city is made richer by this enlightened act of stewardship.”
On hand for the dedication of the chairs honouring Jane Jacobs are (l, to r.) Jim Jacobs (her son), Ken and Eti Greenberg, and Councillor Adam Vaughan. (Credit: City of Toronto staff photographer) place to sit and watch the life of the Square and reflect on her words and her presence in our city. The location selected for the chairs is in the southwest corner of the park under the tree canopy and outside the cemetery. An event was held in the park on 20 September 2011 to unveil the tribute to Jane. Scott James is Secretary, Wellington Place Neighbourhood Association.
Square
Scott James is Secretary, Wellington Place Neighbourhood Association.
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