City warns Franklin Horner Community Centre in Etobicoke against political activity

A Dec. 8, 2014 CBC article is entitled: “City warns Etobicoke community centre against political activity” Centre’s charitable status could be at risk, says expert.”

The article’s opening paragraphs read:

“An Etobicoke community centre was admonished by the city of Toronto for its political activities supporting Ward 6 incumbent Mark Grimes during the municipal election campaign.

“A legal expert says those activities could now put the centre’s charitable status at risk.

“CBC News has learned that in the weeks leading up to the election, endorsements for Grimes appeared on the Franklin Horner Community Centre website, at events held at the facility and in members’ email inboxes.

“Toronto taxpayers have contributed millions of dollars to buy, renovate and operate the the Horner Ave. community centre.

“Franklin Horner is also a registered charity. Rules governing charities prevent them from taking part in any partisan political activities.

“In September, both Grimes and the Liberal Party rented tables at Franklin Horner’s largest event, the Extravaganza. And CBC News has obtained a copy of an email from a member of the centre’s board of directors, sent days before the Oct. 27 election, urging members of the community centre to vote for Grimes.

“The email was written by James Maloney, the deputy chair of Franklin Horner’s board and Grimes’ former campaign manager. Until last week, Maloney was also a sitting city councillor, temporarily filling a vacant council seat.”

[End of excerpt]