Dear Editor,
As concerned residents of Subryanville, we wish to bring urgent attention to the ongoing situation surrounding the Farnum Playing Field, which has been occupied by Mae’s Schools since the unfortunate fire earlier this year. While we empathize with the disruption faced by students and teachers, we must categorically state that the manner in which this takeover has occurred undermines both transparency and community trust.
The Mayor and City Council have publicly stated that permission was granted to Mr. David Sugrim as owner of Mae’s Schools to utilize Farnum. However, the transports for the school properties remain in the name of Ms. Mae French. This discrepancy raises serious questions: on what legal basis was permission given, and why have repeated requests for supporting documentation been refused? Neither the M&CC nor Mr. Sugrim has produced evidence to reconcile these inconsistencies.
Farnum Ground is not private land; it is a vital community space, historically used for recreation, sport and neighbourhood gatherings. Its conversion, even temporarily, into an exclusive school facility represents a troubling precedent of private interest superseding public good. Residents are not opposed to education, nor unsympathetic to the plight of children displaced by the fire. What we oppose is the lack of transparency, consultation and documentation that should underpin any such arrangement.
We therefore call on the M&CC and Mr. Sugrim to immediately provide:
- Copies of the legal transports and ownership documents.
- The written permission or agreement authorizing use of Farnum.
- A clear timeline and plan for restoring the ground to its intended communal use.
Without these assurances, residents are left to conclude that the takeover of Farnum has been conducted in bad faith. Subryanville deserves accountability and the public has a right to know how decisions about its limited community spaces are being made.
Yours truly,
Dianna Stuger-Shepherd
