Sacred fire and drum circle ceremony set for Saturday to raise awareness of shoreline plans for area east of Silver Birch Avenue

By AUNALYA TURNER

^{A drum circle and sacred fire ceremony will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, as East Toronto community members seek to raise awareness about an ongoing assessment of the West Scarborough Bluffs and shoreline area for potential changes.}

^{The gathering, featuring members of the Indigenous community, will take place on the beach at the foot of Silver Birch Avenue starting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 2.}

^{The organizers of Saturday’s ceremony said the event’s aim is to shed light on the potential transformation of the shoreline and beach topography, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment, cultural heritage, and Indigenous rights.}  

^{Potential changes, including the possible extension eastwards of the Boardwalk and paved bicycle path all to way to Nursewood Road and the boundary of the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, are being examined as part of the ongoing Scarborough Bluffs West Revelation Study. The Boardwalk presently ends at the foot of Silver Birch Avenue and the area to the east of it is sandy and more naturalized.}

^{The study is a collaborative effort between the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and the City of Toronto.} 

^{This study focuses on assessing and potentially enhancing the Scarborough Bluffs west shoreline, spanning from the Eastern Beaches (Woodbine, Kew/Balmy and Scarborough) all the way east to Bluffers Park in Scarborough.}

^{Concerns have been raised among local residents regarding the future development plans for the area being studied.}

^{Residents are especially concerned about the potential eastward extension to the Boardwalk and/or paved bike path. They fear this could disrupt the area’s natural environment and jeopardize the off-leash dog area that is cherished by many in the community.} 

^{Everyone is welcome to join the drum circle and sacred fire ceremony to bring attention to these community concerns. Those taking part are reminded to dress for the weather.}

^{For more information, please send an email to SBWSaveTheShoreline@gmail.com}

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