The current tenant of the Roundhouse is Steam Whistle Brewing, a family-run business that thrives on cultural, social and environmental responsibility, funding literally hundreds of events and organizations each year, opening their doors to charities and functions, and keeping the historic nature of their home intact, all while brewing a quality pilsner that Canadians can be proud of (and Canadians appreciate their beer!)
Cam Heaps, co-founder and President of Steam Whistle Brewing, summed it up nicely when he said, "I think the difference is (Steam Whistle) has an art gallery, an event space that supports over 100 charities a year, a tour facility open to the public to highlight the history of the building and the history of making beer... Walking through and looking at dinettes and leather couches is a very different type of concept."
But it seems that those with concerns for Toronto's heritage and the importance of culture over big-box retail, are left without a voice. Now, anyone who has visited this site before is likely more than aware of my stance as a flaming socialist. So when it was brought to my attention that the Roundhouse is not only owned by the city, but that the city’s Cultural Division supports Leon’s, you can imagine my dismay. I’ve written at length of the tragic circumstances that place all social responsibility in the hands of the private sector, when it’s our cities, provinces, and federal government that should be protecting the things that matter – oftentimes, the less lucrative things, like a heritage site nestled between the Gardiner Expressway, Rogers Centre and C.N. Tower. As it stands now, the plans for Leon’s are going ahead, with full support from the municipal government and applicable divisions. And the argument seems to be that Leon’s wants to remake their image as socially conscious by putting money into the site itself… a means to an end? I’d support them if they simply wanted to donate the necessary funds and then use that little piece of philanthropy in their next TV commercial, but the day that one of Toronto’s foremost historic sites sports a Leon’s logo and teems over with mass produced furniture at discounted rates, is a very sad day indeed.
Leon’s website boasts entire paragraphs declaring their proud position as the “first example of big-box retailing in the country”, and speaks of the capitalist “logic” of placing locations in small towns, since their Wal-Mart-esque consolidation quickly annihilated every business in its path. They even include the sickeningly self-righteous subheading “The Answer for Small Towns”.
I’m encouraged by the fact that the phones at Steam Whistle are ringing off the hook with concerned individuals wondering what they’re going to do to stop this. And plans are in the works for a host of activist measures as the momentum builds and truly local, culturally sensitive organizations join together to take a stand against corporate greed.
For more information on how to join this fight, either return to this site, visit http://www.friendsoftheroundhouse.ca/, join our facebook group "LEON'S in the Roundhouse - Say NO to big-box retail in a heritage site!" or email savetheroundhouse@steamwhistle.ca
Updates:
7/18: BIG UPDATE! On Monday, July 16, Steam Whistle President Cam Heaps delivered the Roundhouse Rail Museum Proposal to City Council. In response to it and Councillor Vaughan's Motion M88 (found here) City Council VOTED IN FAVOUR of putting a stop to the Leon's agreement and considering Steam Whistle's proposal. Of course it wasn't long before threats of a lawsuit began to come in, resulting in a re-vote later this week. This will be preceded by an open debate at 2pm today, Wednesday, July 18! Stay tuned!!!
7/09: There's a Press Conference coming up this Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 9:30am outside the Roundhouse, where the leaders of businesses in the area will be convening to voice their concerns to the media. This conference is open to the public to attend, so if any of you are interested in joining us, I invite you to the Roundhouse at 9:30am on Wednesday!
This is a huge step in garnering support for our cause, and further proof that nothing has been carved in stone - the fight isn't over yet! Keep checking back (or visit www.friendsoftheroundhouse.ca) for updates.
7/02: http://www.friendsoftheroundhouse.ca/ is live!
6/25: Tune in to CP24 on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 @ 9pm to hear City Councillor Adam Vaughan discuss this issue!
Links:
Leon’s Corporate Site
The Star Article
Steam Whistle Brewing
