Many of you have by now heard of the potential closing of The Pantry as a result of its lease with the City expiring in June of this year. Over 800 people (Glebites and Pantry patrons from outside of the neighbourhood) signed a petition to keep it open, a number of people wrote letters to the Editor of the Glebe Report (there was also a very good article by Bob Brockelbank on the subject) and the GCA heard expressions of concerns from residents as well.
There are many things that connect such a large number of people in a meaningful way with The Pantry. For 38 years, first Ilsa Kyssa and now Carolyn Best, have provided a cosy and reflective place to stop the crazy train of every day life, at least for long enough to have lunch. The food they provide is intended to nourish body and soul with healthy ingredients and a menu to appeal to all tastes. The Pantry has always sourced ingredients locally, composted and practiced good environmental habits. Along the way, they've shared their knowledge of nutrition and environmentalism with the many who have shared their tables.
But the Pantry hasn't been just about food - it's been a community gathering place, where friendships are nurtured and action plans are forged (for a more detailed history, see The Glebe Report, September 2010). I am told this is where planning started for lobbies to keep our local schools and the community centre open, and that the GCA has used the Pantry for meetings in the past as well. There are a variety of activities that go on after "Pantry hours," including homework club (where I love to find my kids at pick-up time!).
The Pantry truly has been an important part of this community for a long time. So why the need to end the lease?
Bob Brockelbank's article in the December Glebe Report was very insightful regarding the City's administration of community centres and the challenges since amalgamation. One of the challenges has to do with costs - in fact, community programming hours have been reduced as a result of this (the community centre previously was staffed until 9 p.m. but is now only staffed until 8:30 p.m. - the GCA and others must pay for staff if we want to use the centre beyond 8:30). Another challenge has to do with space for programming (hopefully, as Bob notes, additional community space will become available with the Aberdeen Pavillion and Horticulture Buildings at Lansdowne Park).
These didn't seem like good enough reasons to accept the closure of the Pantry. So, as has happened before, interested community parties got together to figure out a better solution. Carolyn Best (from the Pantry), Kate McCartney, Brad Sigouin and Mary Tsai Davies (from GNAG), residents Elaine Marlin (former Glebe Report Editor) and Diane McIntyre (former GCA President) met with David Chernushenko (our Councillor) and myself to discuss a way forward. They are in process of developing an arrangement with the City which would preserve the Pantry as a place for the community to meet and enjoy a healthy meal in a quiet, nurturing atmosphere, and meet the various needs of the Community Centre and the community at large. This is still a work in progress, but I am confident a complete solution is near and that it will have wide community support. Once complete, it should protect this valued community nurturing place well into the future.
On behalf of the community, I would like to express my gratitude to Diane, Elaine, Carolyn, Mary, Kate, Brad and David for their hard work on this issue. Once the solution is all wrapped up, I know a great little tea room in the heart of the Glebe Community Centre where we can have lunch to celebrate!
See you at the Pantry!
Christine
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