In the grand history that is idiotic press releases, there have been some standout moments. But invoking pedophiles has never been a wise move.

Vic Toews, the federal minister, brought down the wratch of the country with his renowned “with us or with the pedophiles” comment. Apparently Toronto City Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti didn’t get the memo, though.

In a stunning addition to a city debate on all-ages dance parties, Mammoliti called an entire neighourhood the “pedophile district” and used that as a reason to shut down electronic music dance parties (the commoners call them “raves,” but we’re using city hall speak here).

In context: City Hall in Toronto has been debating for several weeks whether all-ages electronic dance parties should be hosted on the grounds of the Exhibition Place. Concerns have included illicit drug use, alcohol consumption, access to emergency services and the control of access to alcohol for minors. The debate falls to city council as the building is owned by the city.

But rather than having a mature conversation about the issues, one city councillor decided to call the entire neighbourhood that sits adjacent to the exhibition grounds the “pedophile district.”

“Given the many issues surrounding children relating to these events, there should be great concern over the fact that the neighbouring Parkdale area is home to one of the highest concentrations of registered sex offenders, including pedophiles, living in the City of Toronto. With ‘all-ages’ parties being held next to a pedophile district we are simply encouraging the continued abuse of our children.”

Giorgio Mammoliti "pedophile" press release, in full. pic.twitter.com/PG0dQilM61 — Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) June 16, 2014

The data for where registered sex offenders live comes from a Global News investigation by investigative reporter Patrick Cain. That data shows that of the 35,320 people who live in the area, 56 are registered sex offenders. The data simply does not list whether they are pedophiles.

Gord Perks, the city councillor responsible for Parkdale-High Park, said the “slur” is highly unfortunate.

“You may have heard the awful slur one of my colleagues has made against our wonderful neighbourhood,” he wrote on his website. “I want to say how saddened I am that Parkdale has been attacked this way.”

“We are economically, socially, and culturally diverse. We accept and welcome and love each other. If the rest of Toronto were more like Parkdale, Toronto would be an even better place to live.”

“Rest assured this attack comes from one irresponsible voice,” he added.

Now the residents of Parkdale are fighting back, too.

You can email Councillor Mammoliti at Councillor_Mammoliti@toronto.ca or call 416-395-6401. #Parkdale — Parkdale Residents (@ParkdaleRA) June 16, 2014

Thank you! RT @RWhittall: @ParkdaleRA Just called and demanded an immediate apology. Believed I use the phrase "How dare he." #parkdale — Parkdale Residents (@ParkdaleRA) June 16, 2014

Remember, if you call Cllr Mammoliti's office, his staff will be answering. They didn't say it, so don't take it out on them! :) — Parkdale Residents (@ParkdaleRA) June 16, 2014

Parkdale is a neighbourhood in my city, I'm livid at Mammo's comments he must resign immediately! #TOpoli @JeffAdamsmania @gordperks — 🇨🇦 John Furr 🍁 (@JohnFurrToronto) June 16, 2014

And Doug Ford got into the response, too.

Councillor Doug Ford on Councillor Mammoliti: “I think the guy’s lost his mind, Mammoliti, some days…I don’t know how you could say that.” — Jennifer Pagliaro (@jpags) June 16, 2014

Quickly, a hashtag #ParkdaleLove started sharing what real people, who actually live there, love about their neighbourhood.

I challenge you to find a more diverse & truly eclectic neighbourhood in this city. Toronto is the sum of its neighbourhoods. #ParkdaleLove — Raf (@rafayagha) June 16, 2014

http://twitter.com/edyarden/status/478635449414877184

Parkdale is home to the Parkdale Tool Library, which is just about one of the most brilliant ideas ever. #parkdalelove — Sean Boulton (@sboulton) June 16, 2014

Parkdale is full of neighbours who care about each other and take time to talk to one another @gordperks #parkdalelove — Ken Wood (@KenWood_TO) June 16, 2014

.@gordperks Parkdale is where my band practices because there are still convenient + affordable spaces for things like that. #parkdalelove — Carly Rhiannon 🌈 (@carlyrhiannon) June 16, 2014

As a community outreach worker, I worked with Parkdale's most marginalized. They were the best, most community minded folks #ParkdaleLove — polly, professional heckler (@pollybananarchy) June 16, 2014

Parkdale has a crazy cast of characters living there (yours truly included) and that's why I love it. I'm able to be me #parkdalelove — Septembre Anderson (@SeptembreA) June 16, 2014