The former Toronto Film Studios (TFS) site, at 629 Eastern Avenue, is set to be used as a staging and deployment facility for Toronto police officers working to protect those attending the upcoming G20 Summit.
The south Riverdale property is one of several in Toronto to be used for unspecified purposes by security personnel during the international conference, which will take place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on June 26 and 27. Meaghan Gray, a spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service's (TPS) G8-G20 planning team, said all activities at the local site would be contained within the property's boundaries."There are no plans for any road closures or anything like that," she said, adding fencing being installed around the site this week is to secure the building."At this point we have no security concerns for the community."Gray would not reveal what exactly the Eastern Avenue property will be used for citing security reasons.Reports have surfaced the TFS site will become a temporary detention centre for protesters arrested during the G20 Summit.A recent letter mailed out to area stakeholders on behalf of Supt. Tom Russell, commander of the TPS' G8-G20 planning team, indicated the primary function of the Integrated Security Unit, which is lead by the RCMP, is to plan for the safety and security of internationally protected persons. The TPS is supporting the RCMP by working to ensure all summit delegates and dignitaries are also safe and secure. Russell said in the letter police are equally concerned about the well being of local business owners, residents and people who work and visit the downtown area."During the G8-G20 Summits, police personnel will be coming and going from this location," he wrote."Plans for processing individuals who have been arrested in relation to the G8-G20 Summits are in development. However, for security reasons, where that process takes places will not be disclosed."Russell also indicated in the memo there are no security concerns for the Eastern Avenue location and that police officers will provide a security presence to address any issues that may arise.Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher said she's not thrilled the local studios are being used for G20 police activities, but said she had no say in the choice or use of the local facility."Ottawa is making the decisions about how they're using this city. It's a highly contained police matter, a major police operation," said the Ward 30 representative."It is a top-secret site. I don't think we've ever seen anything like that before."Fletcher said she's even having a tough time getting information about what will take place at the old movie studios. "As we get closer in early June, (Toronto police) are going to reveal their plans. They've assured me they will be talking to any constituents who want to talk about it," she said, noting police have also assured her it won't impact the neigbourhood.Members of the pubic with questions about this location can email crg-grc@g8-g20isu.ca or call 1-888-446-4047. Area residents and business owners can also email Meaghan.Gray@torontopolice.on.ca or call 416-808-8740.