The Toronto Estonian House Redevelopment Steering Committee would like to provide an update on the status of our project. 2010 promises to be an exciting year for Toronto’s Estonian House and for the local Estonian-Canadian community.
The goal of the Estonian House redevelopment project is to create a facility that will effectively serve the needs of our Estonian-Canadian community for at least the next 50 years. In 2009, a Phase I study of financial options was completed with the assistance of Ernst and Young consultants. Phase I concluded that the status quo of continuing to operate Esto House, as we have to date, is not a viable long term option. We are therefore proceeding to Phase II.
In this second phase the Committee is seeking serious proposals and expressions of interest from a large number of experienced developers and builders. We expect this to provide an accurate valuation of Esto House along with potential development and redevelopment options. Potential alternatives include: redevelopment of the current site; sale of the existing property and redevelopment of a new, conveniently located site; a partnership with another ethnic community centre; and possibly numerous others.
A redevelopment project update including a Phase II status report is planned for the Estonian House Annual General Meeting in April 2010.
The project Steering Committee consists of Raivo Remmel (Estonian House), Lea Kõiv (Estonian Relief Committee), Toomas Kütti (National Estonian Foundation), Ken Valvur (Estonian (Toronto) Credit Union), Tarmo Lõbu (Estonian (Toronto) Credit Union), Tony Morgan and Ray Drost (Ernst and Young) and Raoul Langvee (project manager).
Upcoming activities include: a detailed user survey, information posted to the Estonian House website (
www.estohouse.com) and updates to the Esto House Facebook page. We look forward to input from all users.
On a related note, please mark your calendars and plan to attend the celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of Estonian House. Numerous events and exhibitions, including a performance by Ivo Linna, will offer something for everyone. Celebrations begin on Friday, April 9th and continue through Sunday April 11th.
