Heather please send my your phone number so I can provide you with some
insight into the building.
Brenda Hobbs

        -----Original Message-----
        From:   Heather [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
        Sent:   May 30, 2000 10:37 AM
        To:     [log in to unmask]
        Subject:        OFFICE UPDATE

        Dear AAO Members,

        The AAO Board of Directors had applied for office space with the
city of Toronto in a heritage landmark in North York.  The AAO's presence in
the building would ensure that the space was open to the public on a regular
basis and that the site would remain an archives.  This space is the Dempsey
Store in North York.  Recently, the city of Toronto councillors on the sub
committee regarding the future use of the Dempesy Store listened to
deputations from various interested parties, the AAO, the North York
Historical Society and a parent's group who desires to turn the Dempsey
Store into a learning centre for autistic children.  At this meeting the sub
committee voted to recommend that the site be used as a learning centre of
autistic children.  The AAO Executive Committee has decided to lobby for the
space and to make comment on both the process city council has followed and
on the apparent lack  of concern for  historical buildings and archives.

        The final vote regarding the future use of the site and the future
location of the AAO office space will take place on June 7th in Toronto.
Ironically this is the first day of our conference.  As you can well imagine
the timinng of this is terrible, however all members of the AAO Board of
Directors and staff have agreed to support this lobby effort.

        I am requesting a few things:
        -Your continued patience and understanding when calling the office
or sending emails.  I, and those who work or volunteer will be very busy
putting the finishing touches on the conference and with the Dempsey fight,
(you may not be aware, but the AAO email is at my home residence and not my
office and thus I cannot reach it during business hours)

        and second

        -If you are a local archivist or interested party that you consider
attending the city council meeting to watch the proceedings, email, fax or
call your local councillor
        -If you have any leads, let us know.

        All members support is appreciated.

        Sincerely,

        Heather McMillan
        Executive Director