Save the Original Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre at 123 Wynford Drive

ONTARIO JAPANESE CANADIAN HERITAGE SITE FACES ERASURE

Watch the video on our go-fund-me-page to learn more. 

As Japanese Canadians in British Columbia diligently work to recognize and revitalize heritage sites with help from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society those exiled to Toronto are facing a different reality.  

The original JCCC is under threat and the historic accomplishment of our issei and nisei is at risk of erasure. The developer’s redevelopment plan includes two condominium towers, one of which is a 48-storey tower to be located on top of the heritage building. To accommodate these proposed towers and below grade parking, the developer plans to completely demolish the old JCCC and later re-assemble portions of the original building at an elevated grade. The Toronto NAJC set in motion Designated Heritage Property status for the property by the City of Toronto. The City of Toronto then refused the developers application.

The Toronto Chapter of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (Toronto NAJC) has opposed this development for more than a year and received significant pro bono legal support. However to continue effectively contesting the developer’s plan for 123 Wynford Dr. at the eight-day Ontario Land Tribunal hearing beginning on August 6, 2024, we need to raise funds for legal support. A “Save the original Japanese Canadian Community Centre” A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for donations.  

DONATE HERE

Less than 20 years after Japanese Canadians (JCs) were unjustly incarcerated and stripped of their possessions and property during the Second World War, this community built the original Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) at 123 Wynford Dr. in the Don Mills community of Toronto. In addition to fundraising, 75 community members courageously stepped forward and put second mortgages on their homes and businesses to help finance the building. That site was created as a living monument to celebrate our Japanese ancestry and holds deep cultural, historical and architectural significance.  
 
Designed by the late architect Raymond Moriyama, his goal was to create a meeting place for JCs to regain a sense of pride after they arrived in Ontario as exiles in their own country. The JCCC was so successful in promoting friendship through culture with all Canadians it expanded and moved to a much larger space at 6 Sakura Way, where it continues it’s 61 year history of promoting friendship through culture.  
 
The amount to be raised still represents much less than the actual cost of legal fees. Throughout this lengthy labour-intensive process, volunteer representatives from the Don Mills Residents Association and Toronto NAJC are committed to attending the hearings in their entirety. We are urging the developer to prepare a better design and make an effort to save the building. This growing Toronto neighbourhood is already overrun with condo development and is in desperate need of a community hub and green space where residents can gather.

Please support the Toronto NAJC in our efforts to save the original JCCC. This landmark building is a testament to the roots of multiculturalism and a memorial to our JC history. It holds significance not only for the JC community but for all Canadians.

In community, 

Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi, president, on behalf of:
The Toronto NAJC Board
Elders Council
Next Generation – Youth Council