Community builder faces vandalism

By Gerald V. Paul

Lekan Olawoye
Lekan Olawoye

Lekan Olawoye, running for the Ward 12 council seat, claims he is the victim of “politically motivated” vandalism after the glass door to his campaign office was smashed.

He says he arrived at his campaign office at 2536 Eglinton Ave. W. (Eglinton and Richardson) on Monday morning to find its glass door was broken. Police are investigating.

The last time The Camera dropped in at community builder Olawoyne’s office, he was receiving a $500,000 cheque as executive director of the Youth Initiative from Federal Justice Minister Peter MacKay.

Olawoyne said he wants to build safe, healthy neighbourhoods. “York-Weston needs safer streets and we need community space that is inviting and clean for everyone who lives here. Safe and healthy neighbourhoods are vital to a strong community.”

Olawoyne said the federal funds would serve the most marginalized, highest-risk youth in York-South Weston and the Greater Toronto Area by supporting them through a three-year project “that will provide intensive support for youth in the criminal justice system who are involved in gangs or gun violence, and give them tools to grow and become more productive members of their communities.”

Despite the vandalism, he said he will continue to spread his message of a fresh start, and not old and tired ideas.

“A fresh start that puts people before politics – I have six priorities that will be my focus at City Hall: Being a councilor who will serve you; promoting local jobs and businesses, including a youth mentorship program, support the Eglinton Hill Business Improvement Area, BIA; and building safe and healthy neighbourhoods.”