Kultuuriministeerium
Meie: 08.09.2020
nr 7-5.5/20-01907-2
Pöördumise edastamine
Edastan peaministrile saabunud Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärandi Organisatsiooni pöördumise
seoses Toronto Eesti Majaga.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Aivar Rahno
Istungiosakonna juhataja
Teadmiseks:
Siseministeerium
Välisministeerium
Rahandusministeerium
Stenbocki maja / Rahukohtu 3 / 15161 Tallinn / Estonia / registrikood 700004809
+372 693 5555 /
[email protected] / www.riigikantselei.ee
Lgp. Peaminister Jüri Ratas,
Lgp. Kultuuriminister Tõnis Lukas
Lgp. Välisminister Urmas Reinsalu
Lgp. Riigikogu esimees Henn Põlluaas
Lgp. Riigikogu kultuurikomisjoni esimees Aadu Must
(Kooskõlastatud)
2. september 2020
AVALDUS - PALVE
Lp. Peaminister hr. Jüri Ratas,
Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärandi Organisatsioon - EKKO / Estonian Canadian Heritage Organization (ECHO,
registeeritud 31 jaanuari 2019) pöördub teie poole, et aitaksite säilitada ajaloolist Toronto Eesti Maja kui
Eesti okupeerimise perioodi 1940-1991 eestluse ja maailmas Eesti riigi taastamise eest peetud
vabadusvõitluse olulist keskust eestlaste omanduses, Eesti ühiskonna aktiivse keskuse ja eestluse
mälukohana maailmas.
Toronto Eesti Maja saatus on ohus.
Oleme uhked oma eesti juurte ja tagapõhja üle, hoides alles meie ühise keele ja kultuuri läbi vene
okupatsiooni ajastu ja tunneme tänapäeval igati osa köikide Eesti Vabariigi tegemistes. Tunneme uhkust
Eesti saavutustest 1991 aastast saadik, olles riigina eeskujuks teistele oma leidlikkuse, kindluse ja
tarkusega.
Et siinsetel eestlastel oleks ühine kodu, osteti meie enda ühiskonna kogutud rahadega 1960-date aastate
alguses vana ajaloolise koolimaja, mis korrastati ja suurendati meie oma vabatahtlikke tööjõuga nii, et
oleks koht kus kokku saada ja eestlust alles hoida. Mida ei võeta arvesse uue hoone gruppi poolt on et
meie ühiskonnas toimub osavõtu kasv. Seda trendi on selgelt näha meie ühiskonna taimelaval, Toronto
Eesti Lasteaias, Toronto Eesti Täienduskoolis ja gaidide/skautide ridades. Huvi on ka kasvamas eesti
keele õppe suhtes, sest on rohkem segaabielusid, kus mitte eesti keelt oskav pool soovib keelt õppida, et
saaks meie ühiskonna tegevuses osaleda (rääkimata abikaasa ja tema perekonnast aru saada).
Siin Torontos on toimunud olukord, kus otsustavatel koosolekutel arvuliselt vähesed "blokk hääletajad"
trumpavad ja nullivad oma häältearvuga suurema osa meie ühiskonna soove. Eestluse põlvkondi
ühendava ja tulevikku kindlustava Toronto Eesti Maja müük on mõeldamatu, Eesti riigi eesmärgiks peaks
olema eestluse tugevdamine, mitte eestluse nõrgendamine, mida võitlusajalooga kultuurimärgi -
Toronto Eesti Maja müük igal juhul tähendaks.
Loodame, et ajaloo ja kultuuri märk saab Torontos eestlust edasi kanda, maailma ajaloole eestluse ja
paguluse lugu jutustada, nagu Eesti Põhiseaduses kirjas, et tuleb säilitada ja edendada Eestit üle aegade.
Koos meie disainiarhitekti Lembit Torki visiooni, ja teie abiga, plaanime kasutada Eesti tehnoloogiat ja
ristkihtliimpuitu.
Chester Hill oli koht mis pakkus ühte parimat vaadet järvele ja linnale üle Don Valley oru. Uues osas,
vana Chester koolimaja taga, kõige üleval oleks paviljon mis on mõeldud 'majakana', ehk 'laternina.'
Ees otsas soovime ajaloolise maja tuua välja originaalhiilgusesse. See ilus hoone on nüüdseks eest
kaetud juurdeehitusega, mis sinna ehitati ligi 40 aastad tagasi. Vana koolimaja on muinsuskaitse all, nii
et seda säilitada tuleb teha niikuinii ja riiklikud toetused abistavad finantseerimisega.
Võtsime inspiratsiooni Eestist kui otsustasime ehitada uue Toronto Eesti Maja puit-tehnoloogiaga. See
on jätkusuutlik. Kasvab taas. Sellega saab luua väga kiiresti. Kontori ja konverentsikeskuse osa, mis on
uus tagapoolne osa, pluss uued konstruktsioonid maja ees, oleksid liimpuidust postidest ja taladest.
Põhiideeks on aga rohkem inimesi, rohkem üürnike, rohkem ettevõtteid. Selline on visioon
funktsioonidest, millised lisanduvad olemasolevatele mida on pakkunud Eesti Maja eestlastele Torontos.
Samuti loodame tihedamat koostööd Eesti valitsuse ja ettevõtetega tugevdamaks Eesti kultuuri,
majanduslikke ja diplomaatilisi huvisid ühes hoones ning suuremaid sidemeid eestlastega Kanadas.
Näiteks uuentatud Eesti majas võiks asetseda Eesti Vabariigi konsulaatbüroo, Eesti Vabariigi
kaubandusesinduse ruumid, Eesti kaupade kaupluse, Eesti kooli ruumid, raamatukogu, skautide ja
gaidide ruumid, kooride ja teatri asuapaigad, külaliste toad, kohvik, restoraan, jne.. Tuletame meelde, et
Eesti Majas on korraldatud mitmeid Kanada riigi tähtsaid diplomaatilisi kohtumisi. Nii püsiks meie
kauaaegne ühine kodu, täites kõiki meie ühiskonna vajadusi tulevikus eestluse alles hoidmiseks.
Teeme Eesti valitsusele ettepaneku Toronto Eesti Maja uuendamise kulutused kanda, planeerida need
eelarvesse. Materiaalne kulu võrreldes tohutu praktilise kasuga ja maailmas kultuuririkkuse säilitamise -
elavdamise kaasaaitamisel on mõõtmatu, see käib üleilmse kultuuri saavutuste ritta.
Palume lugeda ülalesitatud avara mõistmisega, sest lobitöö ühiskonna soovide vastu on olnud tõhus ja
võibolla isegi Teieni juba jõudnud.
Suurima lugupidamisega,
Allan Meiusi
Toronto Eesti Selts, juhatus liige
Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärandi Organisatsioon, asutajaliige
Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
QUICK FACTS – TULGE KÜLLA – ESTONIAN HOUSE (TORONTO)
Tulge Külla builds upon the following key attributes:
By maximizing and respecting the Broadview Development Plan the plan for the new
Estonian House “Eesti Maja” will focus on using the full site (not including the 3 adjacent
properties) peaking at a 6 storey elevation;
Retaining parking (multi-level, underground) with revenue from guests and subsidized
monthly/annual passes for Estonians and anchor tenants;
Neighbourhood eatery, restaurant and/or bar facing Broadview to present Estonian
House as a gathering point now that Whistler’s has closed;
Large, multi-functional halls to host banquets, weddings, theatre performances, church
services, conferences and other functions, at least one hall will include a stage, others
may have dividers to maximize usage (i.e. sports, training, etc.);
A seasonal roof-top restaurant-bar and garden that highlights the view of the skyline
and valley;
Terraces/ decks at the rear of the building accessed from the new halls;
Multi-purpose class, meeting and training rooms for our cultural school, Montessori and
other private, secondary or vocational educational tenants;
Alternate plans are to provide extended stay/ respite-type lodging for tenants of the
large hall, conference rooms or other facilities at Estonian House;
Financial services institution (i.e. bank branch);
Art Gallery;
Sport shooting and archery club facility;
A chapel;
Additional open “gathering” spaces to drawn in visitors;
Improved first responder and delivery access.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
TULGE KÜLLA – ESTONIAN HOUSE (TORONTO)
Members of the Toronto-Estonian community have come together to form a viable
and sustainable strategy for redeveloping Estonian House on Broadview recognizing its
significance as a centre of excellence and ethnic celebration, a Hom e that has and can
continue to symbolize and preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of Estonian
diaspora and their experience in Canada.
Tulge Külla envisions Estonian
House as a pavilion re-introducing our
language, dance, song, food and other
talents to fellow Canadians. It will
continue to be a welcome centre for
new Estonian emigres looking for
familiarity and comfort in their new
homeland. A place for Estonian-
Canadian youth to come together,
participate and direct the development
of our community going forward. A
place to reflect on the past and pay
homage to those that got the Estonian-
Canadian community to where it is
today. The Pavilion will also
acknowledge the partnerships and
shared experiences Estonian-Canadians
have had, and continue to have, with
other diaspora from neighbouring Baltic
communities to the north, south and
west.
In the event of Revera not obtaining desired height exemption from the City and
subsequent collapse of the sale of Estonian House, Tulge K ülla provides an alternative
solution and safeguard for our common community interests. While past proposals for
large partnership projects have consumed the community's collective attention, the most
basic sustainability plans have not been pursued. What if Estonian-Canadians invested in
expansion and re-vitalized the property they already have in order to generate more
income and, perhaps, re-direct profits to build a proper reserve fund for long-term
maintenance, re-investment or subsidization of cultural programs? The answer is YES:
Tulge Külla.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
MARKETING & BUSINESS STREAMS
For more than 6 decades the Estonian House has been central to promoting and
hosting cultural, social, artistic, recreational and charitable activities for Canadians of
Estonian descent. The current board of directors for corporate entity charged with
maintaining the building and the interest of shareholders, Estonian House (Toronto) Ltd.,
have initiated a process to sell the building. There are claims that the state of our Estonian
House has reached a point of no return. Some say Chester Public School’s heritage status
is an overwhelming burden, dwindling usage by Estonians negates having a large building
and that the neighbourhood is not attractive anymore. These points are presented to
discount the viability of 958 Broadview. However, Tulge Külla (“Tulge”) uses each of
those characteristics to benefit the revitalization plan for our current location.
“Tulge” is a mission of the Friends of Estonians on Broadview, a non-for-profit
entity incorporated in 2017. The corporation is seeking charitable status and is extending
its original mandate which will include a renaming to the Estonian Canadian Heritage
Organization (ECHO) or Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärand Organatsiooni (EKKO). ECHO’s
mission is to sustain and preserve the cultural and linguistic uniqueness of Estonian-
Canadians and foster the integration of Estonian immigrants, refugees and their
descendants through centers of excellence, ethnic activities and celebration of the
Estonian-Canadian experience.
Aside from Estonian-Canadians many cultural groups use the current facility for
their own arts and cultural events. Art shows, ballroom dancing, hobbyists, choral
practices, theatre rehearsals, chess competitions, expos, music, dance and drama
performances as well as meditation and yoga instruction are hosted at the Estonian House
by Hindu, Ethiopians, Vietnamese, Swiss, Argentinian and Irish cultural groups. The
proposed Tulge project will strengthen that usage and open the facility to a stronger and
more diverse revenue model. As a Home for Estonian-Canadian culture, arts and heritage,
the facility is irreplaceable and can continue to be a focal point for our community, other
cultural groups and our immediate neighbours.
From the Broadview Avenue curb straight through to the multi-leveled view of the
Toronto skyline, our Pavilion is designed to welcome visitors in with the smells, sights and
sounds of our culture. With an elegantly proportioned eatery facing the sidewalk, through
the heritage portion of our original House, straight on back to the smaller event spaces
and grand hall incorporating outdoor viewing decks in the rear, our Pavilion will have lots
to offer. A shared larger kitchen facility on the upper levels will allow caterers to support
events in the grand and smaller halls. Our food service partners will not only be anchor
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
tenants but also a calling card to our Pavilion with a fulltime restaurant featuring seating
areas facing the Toronto skyline.
The picture below was taken from a 6 story elevation to demonstrate a
view across the Don Valley. Tulge Külla plans a multi-leveled terraced exposure so visitors
can experience one of the best views of the downtown skyline.
Our community pavilion will support multiple streams of weekday and weeknight
recurring anchor tenancy. Classrooms, training rooms, conference rooms or other multi-
purpose spaces are being planned to attract secondary, specialty, alternative, vocational
or other educational institutions. Alternative education providers have already been
identified as potential anchor tenants. Additional spaces will service clubs, events and
other community programming for additional recurring weekend rentals or long-term,
contracted leases. Facilities that can be “shared” by parties over weekday and weeknight
tenants offer opportunities to maximize recurring income.
In addition to education-oriented facilities, the larger halls, meeting rooms and
eateries planned can also compliment small business tenants, executive administration
offices and other long-term commercial leases. These tenants may also want to rent and
access meeting rooms, presentation areas and other shared facilities on a periodic basis.
Providing visitors, clubs and our own users access to a small sports facility with
training equipment and expanding the shooting/archery (“lasketiir”) range can provide
additional revenue opportunities. Facilities will also be made available to other ethnic
organizations, local community clubs, dance and arts groups as well as sports and aerobic
organizations for recurring tenants. Non-recurring, contracted usage will continue to
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
focus around clientele such as: theatre production companies, conferences and other
special events.
Church congregations looking for a new home may find their answer in a naturally
lit, meditational space sculptured and accented with wood that reflects our homeland and
traditions. A place where weddings, baptisms, confirmations (leers) and celebrations of
life can bring people together to share their joys, sorrows and their faith.
Chester Public School opened in September 1891. The school had two separate
entries and vestibules, with 3 large classrooms on the ground floor, a large assembly room
that could be converted to a further three classrooms and a "high basement" which
contained mechanical functions as well as playrooms which could be used for inclement
weather. The school also featured a tall tower, which like the 1856 School Section No. 7
school house, had a bell as it was customary to alert students to the beginning of the
academic day. (From Page 6 - Staff report for action – Intention to Designate – 958
Broadview Avenue – August 10, 2016) It is the oldest surviving school in East York. The
heritage designation of the former Chester Public School is an opportunity, not a
disadvantage. The building’s status enables our community to apply for various sources
of subsidization and funding. Its physical attributes enhance our design and compliment
our desire to pay homage to our experience as first and second generation Canadians and
to honour the country that accepted generations of Estonians that migrated here for
safety, freedom and a chance to succeed.
With parking on site, the Don Valley Parkway nearby and multiple means of
transportation to other areas of the GTA close by, the Broadview location provides a less
congested but convenient alternative for businesses to locate, event planners and
potential visitors to Toronto. Bloor-Danforth line (Line 2) runs in an east-west direction.
Broadview station makes important transit connections with the streetcars and buses. The
504 and 505 streetcars travel in mixed traffic south of Danforth Avenue. Buses make
connections at Broadview Station and travel north in mixed traffic of Danforth Avenue
along Broadview, 8 Broadview, 62 Mortimer, 87 Cosburn, 100 Flemington Park and the
322 Coxwell night bus provide local service to the surrounding communities. Broadview
station is one of the top 10 stations on Line 2 with the highest ridership and remains an
important transit connection. (From Page 23, Broadview – Urban – design -Guidelines –
Part 1, June 2016)
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
The proposed PAPE
Relief Line South, which
is a 7.5km long subway
line with 8 stations, will
connect the Yonge-
University-Spadina
Subway (Line 1)
downtown to the Bloor-
Danforth Subway (Line
2). The Relief Line South
will help to relieve
crowding on Line 1
south of Bloor, at the
Bloor-Yonge Station,
and on the surface
transit routes coming
in and out of downtown. (From reliefline.ca) This will also add value to our current
location.
Broadview is a very mature
neighbourhood, close to
downtown without being in
the congested centre of the
city. The popular Danforth
area is a comfortable
walking distance away as
are many popular facilities
that have benefitted our
community for over 50
years.
With a viable, sustainable vision for a revitalized Estonian House on Broadview our
neighbours should be more engaged to help support the community pavilion envisioned
as part of the Broadview Development Plan.
A 6 storey Estonian House offers greater diversity in revenue models, provides
greater economies of scale and mitigates our collective risk.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
BUILDING PROGRAM
The footprint for the new Estonian House is based on the current property owned
by Estonian House (Toronto) Ltd (A/S Eesti Maja). Tulge Külla is not budgeting to
purchase the neighbouring properties from the Estonian Foundation of Canada (Eesti
Sihtkapital) nor is there any assumption that three properties may be donated to any
redevelopment of 958 Broadview. If Sihtkapital decides not to go ahead with their
investment in the Madison Project then the footprint of our proposal can be expanded.
The primary missions of the development project are to maintain and strengthen
the Republic of Estonia’s presence in Canada and feature the cherished contribution and
legacy of Estonian diaspora. Estonian-Canadians have a unique opportunity to revitalize
the community while maintaining the history and sentimental significance of the Estonian
House in Toronto. For decades Eesti Maja has been a central gathering spot and home
to celebrate culture, language, song, dance food and historical achievements. The
Estonian House, with its “Suur Saal”, Krystaal Saal, Timmusk Gallery and café (kohvik),
has also been home to:
The Honorary Consul General of Estonia;
Toronto Estonian School (Toronto Eesti Seltsi Täienduskooli ja Lastead);
Estonian (Toronto) Credit Union Ltd.;
Heinsoo Insurance Brokers Ltd.;
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
Toronto Estonian Society (Toronto Eesti Selts);
Toronto Scouts and Guides (Skautlipkond Põhjakotka ja Gaidlipkond Põhja Rada);
Toronto Estonian Pistol Club (Eesti Püssi- ja Püstoliklubi) (TEPP);
Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church (Vana Andres) has long wanted to hold to their
devote congregation. There is also a possibility of using two or more floors for additional
seniors residences and a chapel on the ground floor since the proposed building has the
potential to have significant space to support a variety of usage models.
Our vision is provided by renowned Estonian architect Lembit Tork. At top levels
a new grand hall will be
situated close to a chapel that
can serve Vana Andres, the
Toronto Eesti Baptisti
Kogundus and other
congregations for services.
Designed to be a naturally lit,
the chapel will be meditational
space sculptured and accented
with wood reflecting Estonian
traditions. When the chapel
size is unable to support larger
services, the stage (platform)
in the grand hall can be
configured as an alter. Image taken from a recent concept project for the redevelopment of Estonian House.
The Grand Hall itself will feature as much natural light as possible and a raised
platform to support artistic performances, conferences and speaking engagements. For
flexibility, dividers
will help configure
the hall to a size
appropriate for
each event taking
place. A kitchen
next to the new
grand hall will
support catering
and other food
services for added
revenue.
Image for the
redevelopment of Estonian
House.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
The ground level will also feature parking and possibly commercial space for
complimentary service providers. Should the budget permit, the typical underground
basement space will be limited to building infrastructure and, perhaps, an underground
parking area. The goal is to have program areas at ground level or above.
As funding and demand permit, the residential levels of the new development will
be separated from the activities of the main floor by one or two levels of additional
program space. Those levels would feature a mix of dedicated classrooms as well as
spaces convertible to meeting, conference or training rooms. These usage models will
also allow these spaces to act as a noise and privacy buffer between the activities hosted
on the main floor and residences.
Images taken from a recent concept project for the redevelopment of Estonian House.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
The building’s primary construction method will be Cross-Laminated Timbers
(CLT). CLT’s are large engineered wood panels and beams manufactured by cross
laminating lumber with adhesives or fasteners. CLT is produced with three to seven layers
of lumber or planks stacked on one another at right angles and are either glued together
in a hydraulic or vacuum press over their entire surface area or nailed together. The
structural properties, dimensional stability and resilience of CLT’s in fire events are well
suited for beams, floors, walls and roofs. (A demonstration video is available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN1bzi_z57M ) Many walls and floor panels are left
exposed in the interior which will enhance the aesthetic attributes of the Pavilion.
Prefabricated building components will speed up construction and can be less expensive
to build with than other construction methods. In Ontario, the building code allows for
CLT construction for developments up to 6 storeys.
To enhance the Estonian content of the Pavilion, our goal is to source as many of
the timbers as possible from Arcwood by Peetri Puit from Põlva, Estonia. Arcwood has
been involved in many large projects in Estonia, Germany and other European countries.
Their expertise includes providing building engineering and components for: commercial
buildings, public facilities (i.e. schools, transit stops, etc.), sports venues, bridges, towers,
spas and swimming pools. (View www.arcwood.ee) In addition to having CLT’s supplied
by Peetri Puit, two Canadian based manufacturers can provide similar products and
configurations: Structurlam and Nordic Structures.
With the multitude of usage models hosted in the building, security systems and
features will be of utmost importance. All access doorways will be monitored by cameras.
Locking mechanisms for exterior doors and for protected areas will be secured by access
key codes, key fobs and cameras. Ground level windows may be protected with internally
affixed poly-carbonate reinforcement. A budget consideration will also be made for a
400KW generator to provide emergency power redundancy to elevators and essential
infrastructure systems.
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
The “Vision” is not intended to be the “be all and end all” of what a future Estonian
House on Broadview may look like. Rather it is a framework to help community members
understand and visualize how Estonian House can have a revenue model that makes our
community stronger. Estonian School has been stable or seen marginal growth in the last
few years; but kindergarten has been especially strong. Scouts and Guides have more
kids joining. Rentals at Estonian House generated more revenue this past year even
though income was purposely understated. These are all trends demonstrating that our
usage and revenue opportunities are growing, not contracting. All are factors contributing
to redevelopment of our current location.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
Funding campaign necessitates additional layers of corporate governance and
accountability to ensure the sustainability of the business itself as well as the programs
that operate within the facility. Along with the current Board of Directors structure, the
new Estonian House should be supported by a Shareholder Advisory Board and a Youth
Advisory Board. The Stakeholder Advisory Board should meet quarterly, be
representatives of shareholders and stakeholders (i.e. anchor tenants) and report to the
shareholders annually as to their observations and analysis regarding the activities of the
Board of Directors. The Stakeholder Advisory Board should be made up of at least 7
Shareholders, 2 of which are Preferred Shareholders (or their designees) and are voted
on only by Preferred Shareholders, 3 of which are representatives of anchor tenants (i.e.
multi-year tenants) as selected by the tenants as well as 2 members who are Common
Shareholders (or their designees) and are voted on only by Common Shareholders. The
Youth Advisory Board will be a separate body also made up of 7 members that are under
the age of 25 but do not need to be shareholders, representation will be based on user
groups such as Estonian School, scouts, guides and other youth groups.
FINANCIAL POSITION AND REQUIREMENTS
Tulge Külla’s revitalization strategy will leverage government financing and
construction subsidization. For example, by incorporating enhanced features such as
geothermal heating, green building materials and other energy saving technologies, the
building can be subsidized by federal grants and funding. Applications for additional public
financing will focus on Estonian House’s cultural mandate. A fundraising firm experienced
in identifying and soliciting funds from various government programs and grants will help
guide and mitigate redevelopment expenses and start-up costs. Bank financing,
arrangements for advanced rental/lease deposits from anchor tenants and other sources
will contribute to any private funding requirements.
PROJECT FUNDING – GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
The Chester Public School’s hybrid of American Richardsonian Romanesque and
British Queen Anne styles is protected by the heritage designation; however, Michael
Bach’s 1962-63 designed “suur saal” (grand hall), basement classrooms and cafeteria as
well as the 1975 four-storey addition to the front of the Chester School are not identified
as heritage attributes. The Tulge Külla initiative will focus on subsidization, grants and
tax credits for Heritage site re-development with the assistance of many advocates.
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The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
(CCSF) supports the improvement
of physical conditions for arts,
heritage, culture and creative
innovation. The Fund supports
renovation and construction
projects, the acquisition of
specialized equipment and
feasibility studies related to
cultural spaces.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/cultural-spaces-fund.html
Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage - Legacy Fund component
provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use.
Recipients may receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of
$500,000. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/building-
communities/legacy-fund.html
Building Canada funding in this category is directed towards projects that: Support
arts and/or the preservation of designated heritage facilities; and help communities
express, preserve, develop and promote their culture and/or heritage.
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-categ-details-eng.html
The Canada Cultural Investment Fund encourages private sector investment,
partnership and sound business practices to help arts and heritage organizations be better
rooted and recognized in their communities through 3 mechanisms: Endowment
Incentives, Strategic Initiatives and Limited Support to Endangered Arts Organizations.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/cultural-investment-
fund.html
PROJECT FUNDING – GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO
Three general areas of grant funding, non-repayable program financing
and/or no interest government supported financing could be available to a redeveloped
Estonian House under heritage re-development (usually a co-sponsorship with the federal
government), cultural/ community development and ethnic program subsidies.
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Date: 1-September-20
The Heritage Organization
Development Grant (HODG) is an
annual, statutory-based operating
grant designed to promote public
awareness of Ontario's rich and
diverse heritage. The program
provides historical societies,
museums and other heritage
associations, located throughout
the province, with a portion of their
annual operating support. Eligible
recipients are non-profit bodies that are actively involved in local outreach activities such
as the production of displays and promotional materials, public programs, lecture series,
walking tours and special activities designed to inform and educate the general public
about their community heritage.
http://www.grants.gov.on.ca/GrantsPortal/en/OntarioGrants/GrantOpportunities/OSAPQ
A005136
The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund helps not-for-profit organizations cover the
marketing and promotional costs of their new attraction or special event.
http://www.ocaf.on.ca/
The province gives municipalities the flexibility they need to adapt their program
to local circumstances. For instance, municipalities can set the amount of tax relief they
wish to offer (between 10 per cent and 40 per cent) and develop eligibility criteria in
addition to those prescribed in the legislation.
http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/heritage/heritage_tax_relief.shtml
The Ontario Heritage Trust, a provincial Crown agency, is authorized under Part II
of the Ontario Heritage Act to enter into heritage conservation easement agreements with
owners of heritage properties. For more information about the Trust’s heritage
conservation easement program, visit its Web site at www.heritagetrust.on.ca.
PROJECT FUNDING – CITY OF TORONTO
The City also provides Heritage grants and Tulge Külla will investigate the type of
assistance available and how this site’s ability to compliment the Broadview Development
Plan, TTC Relief Line Plans and Community (cultural) centre development may benefit this
project. The City may also be interested in accessing classrooms for training, educational
programs or other activities. (i.e. hall space)
20
Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
The Heritage Grant Program
provides grants for 50% of
cost of eligible heritage
conservation work on
designated heritage
properties. Limit of $10,000
grant for residential buildings;
no limit for institutional, multi-
residential and industrial
buildings.
(Picture from Broadview Avenue Planning Study).
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/heritage-
preservation/tax-rebates-grants/heritage-grant-program/
PROJECT FINANCING – PRIVATE PLACEMENTS, EQUITY INVESTMENTS, “IN-KIND”
FUNDING
Current outstanding share volumes and designations for Estonian House (in Toronto)
Limited as reported by the corporation’s Audit Committee.
Class “A” 2259
Class “C” 4809
Total 7068
Tulge Külla as a Pavilion and as a community concern encourages and welcomes
generations of Estonian-Canadians and our local Broadview neighbours to help shape and
finance this renewal effort. To solicit as much participation as possible, it is proposed that
two series of shares be added to the corporation to represent a new level of “in-kind,”
private financing that can be combined with other public/ private financiers and funding
sources. To ensure that participating shareholders are not disenfranchised after Tulge
Külla has been realized, there will be certain limitations on the volume of shares that can
be purchased under a single, named owner. This is to protect shareholders and the
corporation from any individual shareholder and/or organization having disproportional
influence to manage the Board's future actions indirectly or by proxy.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
Preferred or Special Series Coupons
Projected Volume of Initial Issuance: 600 Coupons @ $10,000 per Coupon
Targeted “In-Kind” Funds Generated: $6,000,000
These shares will be priced at a higher valuation and will be counted as a multiple
of three or four “common” shares in regard to limited corporate activities because they
come with certain voting privileges. The by-laws may grant "Special" shareholders and/or
large donors an ability to have extra-special voting rights only for fundamental aspects of
the corporation's activities such as: refinancing, by-law amendments and/or any process
related to any dissolution of the corporation. Larger purchasers of this series may also
negotiate naming rights to rooms, spaces or other features of the Pavilion. In all regular
matters regarding the corporation, Special Series shareholders would have equal voting
rights of any other voting shareholder; i.e. a Special series shareholder would have no
more power than a regular shareholder when nominating or voting for directors. No
individual or organization would be able to purchase more than 200 shares from this
series, but must purchase a minimum of 6 shares. Tax deductible donations could also
accompany purchases of this series of shares for additional considerations.
Common Series “T” Coupons
Projected Volume of Initial Issuance: 6,000 Coupons @ $500 per Coupon
Targeted “In-Kind” Fund: $3,000,000
These shares will be priced at a nominal value and each Common “T” Share will
represent a single vote in matters directing the governance of the corporation. Common
shares will not carry any extraordinary powers or privileges. In all regular matters
regarding the corporation, shareholders would have equal voting rights of any other voting
shareholder. No individual or organization would be able to purchase more than 100
shares from this series.
“Tulge Külla” Bonds
Projected Volume of Initial Issuance: 6,000 Coupons @ $1000 per Coupon
Targeted “In-Kind” Fund: $6,000,000
These private bonds will be priced at $1000 per bond and provide an interest rate
of X.X% for the term of 10 years. At maturity they can be converted for as set number
Common “T” Shares, to be determined, and which will represent a single vote in matters
22
Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
directing the governance of the corporation or can be donated for tax deductible
donations. If converted to Common Shares these shares will not carry any extraordinary
powers or privileges. In all regular matters regarding the corporation, shareholders would
have equal voting rights of any other voting shareholder. No individual or organization
would be able to purchase more than 100 shares from this series.
Tax Deductible Donations
Projected Value of Donations: To Be Determined
An element of the Tulge Külla initiative will provide tax deductible relief to those
providing funding strictly as donations. In the spirit of Estonian “talgud” Estonian-
Canadians with professional accreditation and expertise will be asked to donate their
services and resources to the project for “in-kind” cash equivalent donations. Some
prominent Canadian Estonians already committed to donating services include: Vello
Ehvert, President of Ehvert Engineering (http://ehvert.com/), Rita Komendant (Architect),
Tõnu Petersoo, President of AQE Canada (http://aqecanada.com/), the volunteers of the
Estonian Canadian Heritage Organization (ECHO) or Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärand
Organatsiooni (EKKO) as well as Eesti Maja Sõbrad
BUDGET
The Budget Summary will be based on the programming of the spaces, our
estimated construction budget will be $450.00 (Cdn) /sq ft with an expectation to develop
approximately 4180 square meters (45,0000 sq.ft.) of income generating space, and 1400
square meters (15,0000 sq.ft.) of common, non-income space.
[Disclaimer Regarding Forecast and Projections]
The Budgetary Considerations include forecasts, projections and other predictive statements that represent assumptions
and expectations in light of currently available information. Any forecasts, etc., are based on industry trends, circumstances
involving clients and other factors, and they involve risks, variables and uncertainties. Actual budget and performance
results may differ from those projected in this Consolidated Financial Summary. Consequently, no guarantee is presented
or implied as to the accuracy of specific forecasts, summaries or predictive statements contained herein.
23
Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
ESTONIAN HOUSE – SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS SUMMARY
• Local area has high demand for additional event space, current Estonian House has
heavy rentals even in its current, less than optimal marketing condition.
• Area residents are very supportive to have the Estonian community remain in the area.
• Site/brand recognition that can only be enhanced by a re-vitalized, landmark
development.
• On-site parking.
• Location and easy DVP, subway access (future of TTC Relief Line).
• Safe, not overly congested neighbourhood.
• Zoning is already in favour of the proposed plan since Tulge Külla respects the
Broadview Development Plan, which will speed permitting and mitigate development
risk.
• Tulge Külla’s program plan can benefit from government funding and subsidization.
• Deploying green technology to take advantage of government programs, mitigate
ongoing costs and run the building as efficiently as possible.
WEAKNESSES SUMMARY
• Estonian Toronto Credit Union’s investment and commitment to the Madison Project
may necessitate acquiring an alternate tenant for their footprint.
• It is assumed that Estonian Foundation of Canada will not donate or sell the
neighbouring 3 properties to support Tulge Külla, limiting the ability to maximize
income generating space.
• Circumstances may hamper proper consideration of the redevelopment plan within the
Toronto-Estonian community.
OPPORTUNITIES SUMMARY
• Loss of Whistler's opens up restaurant/ eatery space for "off Danforth" crowd and
features less congestion.
• Redevelopment enables diversification and expansion of income streams.
• Maximize revenue streams with the goal of subsidizing cultural programs such as
Estonian School, scouts, guides, dance groups, choirs and so on.
• Expand participation of the millennial generation in Estonian clubs and programs.
• Investigate the partnership opportunities with other cultural groups.
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Tulge Külla
Date: 1-September-20
THREATS SUMMARY
• The “3 Orgs” continue to influence the current Estonian House Ltd. (EHL) Board, as
such, the EHL Board may have signed agreements that place economic burdens on
the corporation from the 3 Orgs if the Madison Project is unwound.
• Should the EHL Board sell the property without complying with all conditions provided
under the April 2017 resolution or without complete financing or economic
sustainability with regard to Madison being substantiated, shareholders may have to
seek a legal remedy which may be costly.
• The corporation could have other legal and financial liabilities.
• The arrangements with Revera could have unforeseen financial implications.
• Unable to maximize government funding if Estonian House re-development is
authorized by shareholders.
• Unable to maximize shareholder participation with new issue of shares.
• Unable to encourage private donations or financing to attain a full development budget
with proper reserves if Estonian House re-development is authorized by shareholders.
25
From: Allan Meiusi <
[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2020 8:20 PM
To: Jüri Ratas <
[email protected]>;
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected]
Subject: Toronto Eesti Maja Olukord
Lgp. Peaminister Jüri Ratas,
Lgp. Kultuuriminister Tõnis Lukas
Lgp. Välisminister Urmas Reinsalu
Lgp. Riigikogu esimees Henn Põlluaas
Lgp. Riigikogu kultuurikomisjoni esimees Aadu Must
(Kooskõlastatud)
2. september 2020
AVALDUS - PALVE
Lp. Peaminister hr. Jüri Ratas,
Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärandi Organisatsioon - EKKO / Estonian Canadian Heritage Organization
(ECHO, registeeritud 31 jaanuari 2019) pöördub teie poole, et aitaksite säilitada ajaloolist
Toronto Eesti Maja kui Eesti okupeerimise perioodi 1940-1991 eestluse ja maailmas Eesti riigi
taastamise eest peetud vabadusvõitluse olulist keskust eestlaste omanduses, Eesti ühiskonna
aktiivse keskuse ja eestluse mälukohana maailmas.
Toronto Eesti Maja saatus on ohus.
Oleme uhked oma eesti juurte ja tagapõhja üle, hoides alles meie ühise keele ja kultuuri läbi
vene okupatsiooni ajastu ja tunneme tänapäeval igati osa köikide Eesti Vabariigi tegemistes.
Tunneme uhkust Eesti saavutustest 1991 aastast saadik, olles riigina eeskujuks teistele oma
leidlikkuse, kindluse ja tarkusega.
Et siinsetel eestlastel oleks ühine kodu, osteti meie enda ühiskonna kogutud rahadega 1960-
date aastate alguses vana ajaloolise koolimaja, mis korrastati ja suurendati meie oma
vabatahtlikke tööjõuga nii, et oleks koht kus kokku saada ja eestlust alles hoida. Mida ei võeta
arvesse uue hoone gruppi poolt on et meie ühiskonnas toimub osavõtu kasv. Seda trendi on
selgelt näha meie ühiskonna taimelaval, Toronto Eesti Lasteaias, Toronto Eesti Täienduskoolis ja
gaidide/skautide ridades. Huvi on ka kasvamas eesti keele õppe suhtes, sest on rohkem
segaabielusid, kus mitte eesti keelt oskav pool soovib keelt õppida, et saaks meie ühiskonna
tegevuses osaleda (rääkimata abikaasa ja tema perekonnast aru saada).
Siin Torontos on toimunud olukord, kus otsustavatel koosolekutel arvuliselt vähesed "blokk
hääletajad" trumpavad ja nullivad oma häältearvuga suurema osa meie ühiskonna soove.
Eestluse põlvkondi ühendava ja tulevikku kindlustava Toronto Eesti Maja müük on mõeldamatu,
Eesti riigi eesmärgiks peaks olema eestluse tugevdamine, mitte eestluse nõrgendamine, mida
võitlusajalooga kultuurimärgi - Toronto Eesti Maja müük igal juhul tähendaks.
Loodame, et ajaloo ja kultuuri märk saab Torontos eestlust edasi kanda, maailma ajaloole
eestluse ja paguluse lugu jutustada, nagu Eesti Põhiseaduses kirjas, et tuleb säilitada ja
edendada Eestit üle aegade. Koos meie disainiarhitekti Lembit Torki visiooni, ja teie abiga,
plaanime kasutada Eesti tehnoloogiat ja ristkihtliimpuitu.
Chester Hill oli koht mis pakkus ühte parimat vaadet järvele ja linnale üle Don Valley oru. Uues
osas, vana Chester koolimaja taga, kõige üleval oleks paviljon mis on mõeldud 'majakana', ehk
'laternina.' Ees otsas soovime ajaloolise maja tuua välja originaalhiilgusesse. See ilus hoone on
nüüdseks eest kaetud juurdeehitusega, mis sinna ehitati ligi 40 aastad tagasi. Vana koolimaja on
muinsuskaitse all, nii et seda säilitada tuleb teha niikuinii ja riiklikud toetused abistavad
finantseerimisega.
Võtsime inspiratsiooni Eestist kui otsustasime ehitada uue Toronto Eesti Maja puit-
tehnoloogiaga. See on jätkusuutlik. Kasvab taas. Sellega saab luua väga kiiresti. Kontori ja
konverentsikeskuse osa, mis on uus tagapoolne osa, pluss uued konstruktsioonid maja ees,
oleksid liimpuidust postidest ja taladest.
Põhiideeks on aga rohkem inimesi, rohkem üürnike, rohkem ettevõtteid. Selline on visioon
funktsioonidest, millised lisanduvad olemasolevatele mida on pakkunud Eesti Maja eestlastele
Torontos. Samuti loodame tihedamat koostööd Eesti valitsuse ja ettevõtetega tugevdamaks
Eesti kultuuri, majanduslikke ja diplomaatilisi huvisid ühes hoones ning suuremaid sidemeid
eestlastega Kanadas. Näiteks uuentatud Eesti majas võiks asetseda Eesti Vabariigi
konsulaatbüroo, Eesti Vabariigi kaubandusesinduse ruumid, Eesti kaupade kaupluse, Eesti kooli
ruumid, raamatukogu, skautide ja gaidide ruumid, kooride ja teatri asuapaigad, külaliste toad,
kohvik, restoraan, jne.. Tuletame meelde, et Eesti Majas on korraldatud mitmeid Kanada riigi
tähtsaid diplomaatilisi kohtumisi. Nii püsiks meie kauaaegne ühine kodu, täites kõiki meie
ühiskonna vajadusi tulevikus eestluse alles hoidmiseks.
Teeme Eesti valitsusele ettepaneku Toronto Eesti Maja uuendamise kulutused kanda,
planeerida need eelarvesse. Materiaalne kulu võrreldes tohutu praktilise kasuga ja maailmas
kultuuririkkuse säilitamise - elavdamise kaasaaitamisel on mõõtmatu, see käib üleilmse kultuuri
saavutuste ritta.
Palume lugeda ülalesitatud avara mõistmisega, sest lobitöö ühiskonna soovide vastu on olnud
tõhus ja võibolla isegi Teieni juba jõudnud.
Suurima lugupidamisega,
Allan Meiusi
Toronto Eesti Selts, juhatus liige
Eesti Kanada Kultuuripärandi Organisatsioon, asutajaliige
Kaitse Eesti Maja 2 sept 2020.pdf
Tulge kylla September_01_2020.pdf