Here is a summary of what has happened to Family Fun Place:
How could something so good go so wrong you have asked me via e-mail and phone calls?
1) Our programming did not fill up as we planned. The support in the neighbourhood for drop-in (should have 20 families a day) other classes, workshops were not as full as predicted too. We still do not understand why. Everyone said they loved all we offered … local businesses are vital for areas like ours. Everything started because we were behind in our payment to the Landlord. That is true and we did our best to make things work as a new company. As a community centre you cannot survive on air and good will.
2) Before the new year, on Dec. 13th, the landlord made a verbal promise (as he would not sign anything) to use our Security deposit to cover any outstanding debt. He would still have an additional $15,000 for security left, which he said we would never get back. In exchange we would move out of the party room (plumbing was not good either) and started costly renovations where the stage used to be. This was done under pressure and with intimidation. We paid for our January rent, cashed in full. We gave the landlord a cheque for February. He said we will do a new lease in February. That never happened as he found a new tenant and just wanted us out all of a sudden. I pity the next tenant.
3)On January 26th, the landlord placed an Ad on Kjiji to sell our playground equipment! (ad now removed, we have ID no#) Even if you were to evict a tenant, you cannot take their belongings and their security deposit… just madness. This is criminal. Also he trespassed to take pictures of our things. Behind the company: This is action taken by one person (armed with his property manager who bullies other tenants) who has multiple properties and no shortage of resources and power. So, which again proves, that the 5% controlling the world, spend their time bullying other people with their paranoid thoughts of someone taking advantage of them… really sad. This is why the world is in such a mess. Such greed… and they must feel like BIG MEN bullying a family centre. Come on!
4) On Feb. 4th he illegally locks us out and makes another verbal promise (this time we have a witness and it is legally binding) to let us stay until the end of the month so we can rebuild our business elsewhere and inform parents, like those who use our after school classes, of the changes. If he was a decent business man, he would have given us 60-90 days to rebuild our business somewhere else, and not create false hope, lie repeatedly and then bully everyone!
5) On Feb. 16th: again we are locked out and I receive an e-mail that Pierre and I can collect our personal belongings only, they had the intention to take our things again and sell them
6) same day: lawyers take over the dispute, which has not ended – as justice has to prevail! One cannot have a total disregard for people’s lives, attempt to steal and act like everything is normal
7) Feb. 18th: we move everything out with a marvellous team. Property Manager tries to interfere with our move and the police are called in.
8 ) We are free from the bullies and now we are planning the next chapter in our life. Stay tuned for the next step!
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High Park Family Fun Place is located in vibrant Junction – High Park community in Toronto’s west end, the centre offers families and children a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.
Drop in to the 5000 square foot centre where children can play in the indoor playground, be inspired in the arts studio, dress up and put on plays or read books in the library while parents enjoy the free Wi-Fi and lounge.
Take advantage of our extremely popular babysitting services and plan a dinner out with your partner, meet a friend for coffee or book a trip to the spa down the street. Everyone comes away recharged and reconnected. Click here for more information.
High Park Family Fun Place is well known for its quality art and drama programs, Saturday morning and after school programs as well. It is also a hot spot for children’s birthday parties too. Click here for more information on programs and camps or click here to learn more about our famous birthday parties.
Home to Suitcase Theatre, a children’s theatre company founded by the creator of Mr. Dress Up, High Park Family Fun Place offers excellent entertainment events such as live children’s theatre, storytelling and music. Click here for our upcoming events.
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*We are a sock and slipper-friendly place. All visitors must wear them. Thanks for your understanding*