20 Days to Forced Removal: Toronto Youth Charity Asks Canadians for Urgent Help

For twenty years, we have brought restorative justice to the Black and Indigenous community. Today we are NOW ALSO SEEKING JUSTICE.

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2026 /CNW/ -- Friends in Toronto Community Services (FITCS), a registered Canadian charity which focuses on restorative justice for the Racialized and Indigenous community, has been a partner of Downsview Park since 2004. The organization is now facing forced impending removal from it's tiny office space located at Downsview Park. Downsview Park is public land covering over 520 acres between the Park and planned redevelopment. FITCS, which began in 2025 with approximately 2,500 square feet, has since been reduced to 700 square feet, and now, on November 30, will be forced to leave the Park. Our organization is seeking the assistance of all Canadians and organizations to prevent this terrible injustice for an organization that has for 20 years been a fighter for justice for the community. We need your help URGENTLY.

FITCS grew from a youth-led initiative into a charity serving young people and families who face barriers. Its Circle of Change Restorative Justice program supports youth through healing circles, accountability, reparative planning and mentorship. Its Key, Six Ambassadors program offers prevention, mentorship and reintegration for youth and young adults. FITCS works with TDSB and the DDSB and with youth in custodial and community settings. The work of FITCS creates a better, safer community for all Torontonians and hope for many young people.

"For more than two decades, Downsview Park is where young people have come to us to repair harm, find a mentor and find community," said Antonius Clarke, ED of FITCS. "A familiar, dependable place matters to that work. We are asking all Canadians to stand with us as we now face our own legal battle: FORCED EVICTION FROM DOWNSVIEW PARK. To exclude Black and Indigenous communities from any redevelopment plan goes against Downsview Park's own policies as well as those of the Federal, Provincial and City governments."

We need your help in our cry for JUSTICE. We cannot fight the Goliath of Downsview Park without the help of all communities and organizations. First, we are asking that you sign the petition asking Canada Lands Company, Parc Downsview Park and all levels of government to halt the impending forced removal of FITCS from PDP. Second, we are asking for contributions as we are now forced to fight a legal battle for the survival of the organization. After 20 years of helping to build communities, we need your help so we can continue helping the most vulnerable in our city. The time is now. PLEASE HELP.

SOURCE Friends in Toronto Community Services

Media Contact: Deanna Huestis, 416-200-1650