Canadian Air and Space Museum

I was deeply saddened to learn that Parc Downsview Park (PDP) had changed the locks and literally evicted the volunteers of the Canadian Air and Space Museum (CASM) from its premises. The volunteers without warning were forced to move the artefacts and materials unceremoniously into the street. The full-sized metal Avro Arrow replica was pushed into the parking lot along with other vintage aircraft.

The Toronto City Council unanimouly passed a resolution to keep the Museum opened and has appealed to the federal government to intervene.

I was at the museum just last year teaching children how to make balsawood gliders as part of the museum's outreach program. In 2009 while visiting the museum, I stood proudly underneath the AVRO Arrow and had my picture taken by one of the volunteers. I spoke with a gentleman who had flown in a Lancaster like the one being rebuilt at the museum. This man was just one of thousands who served our country during World War II and who, by his service and courage, bought us the freedom that we as citizens of Canada enjoy today.

The CASM educates thousands of children and adults alike about Canada's aircraft and aerospace industry.

I heard that PDP wants to build skating rinks. Downsview has lots of land for this purpose without closing the museum. For media coverage of the closing on September 20, 2011, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbVYh73-QOQ&feature=youtu.be

For details from CASM's perspective see http://casmuseum.org/

Please contact your MPP and MP to save the Canadian Air and Space Museum.