Gosling bench project changed to tree: council declines to approve bench

By Adam Peterson –

Two steps forward, one step back. That is the best way to describe Peter Crawford’s ongoing quest to have the late Al Gosling memorialized in one of Toronto’s city parks.

Crawford has been making progress despite a number of setbacks. The Leslieville resident and local activist has been lobbying city council to install a commemorative bench for Gosling since early in the spring.

Gosling was a tenant of Toronto Housing at 11 Arleta Ave. until he was evicted in June 2009. He failed to provide proof of his low-income status and was faced with homelessness, which led to his subsequent death at the age of 82.

Crawford, a senior himself, stated in a recent interview, “I never knew the late Mr. Al Gosling personally but his life and death has affected me deeply and I can only wonder what if this happened to me?”

Crawford was hoping that the bench would generate public awareness for Toronto’s lost and neglected citizens by creating a public space designed to enhance public discourse and shape the city’s streetscape. So far, political support and feedback from the city has been few and far between. Crawford’s initiative had been all but swept under the rug until he received a huge boost of confidence from mayoral candidate Rob Ford in June.

“Peter is doing a great job, Toronto needs more people like him,” lauded Ford who brought the bench initiative to a vote when he introduced member’s motion MM51.5 to council on July 7.

The motion, which was seconded by Giorgio Mammoliti, pushed for council to approve the installation of the bench. It states, “A park bench dedicated to the memory of Mr. Al Gosling will serve to remind us all of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable residents and that we will live up to the standards that we have set for ourselves.” This reminder was also emphasized in the third party review led by Justice Patrick Lesage, which was produced with the full cooperation of the TCHC. It recommends various strategies, such as the periodic assessment of vulnerable tenants to prevent unnecessary evictions.

Despite candidate Ford’s efforts, council refused to pass the motion. Instead, it was referred to the Toronto and East York Community Council.

Crawford is now working in close cooperation with Andre Capuccio and Jamie Warren of the Toronto Parks Commemorative Program to have a commemorative tree planted in Al Gosling’s memory at either Sherbourne Common or Allan Gardens. The tree will also display an inscription plaque in tribute to Gosling. Crawford has already raised all of the funds via donations, including a $100 pledge from Barry Koen-Butt, the director of communications for the TCHC.

Crawford reports, “I have asked the parks commemorative program for a sugar maple or skyline honey locust tree, which can be planted in the fall or spring season.” He hopes the tree can be planted to coincide with the first anniversary of Gosling’s passing on Oct. 11.