Niagara Neighborhood Now

ACTIVATE YOUR INNER TREE LOVER!

2012-01-10T12:47:00.002-05:00

Stanley Park is a neighbourhood gem, and
we want it to have strong, healthy, tree coverage.
For information on how you can help,
go to:

http://toronto.typepad.com/stanleyparktoronto/city-of-toronto/

MEETING RE 89 -109 NIAGARA BRINGS OUT THE TENANTS/HOMEOWNERS

2012-01-06T08:32:00.001-05:00

A good turnout at the community meeting for the 89 – 109 Niagara Proposal, ranging from local homeowners to tenants. Mr.Shimmerman of Shimcor, talked us through his proposal which is to build two large towers – 19 and 15 storeys of the back lot of the building in order to fund the restoration of the 3 listed 19th century buildings that constitute the Coffin Factory. The timeline for process is estimated at around 18 months. Tenants and homeowners voiced their concerns. Tenants around the issues of evictions, and cancellations of their commercial leases, and homeowners on the impact of the two towers. As well, representatives from Friends of Fort York were also in attendance.

As proposed this development/restoration will have a major impact on the community and the city’s artisan/small business community as a whole. While Mr. Shimmerman sees this as a “development”, for one street in Toronto it will be a diaspora with a solid group of long-term residents/tenants having to leave and then the residential homeowners (some of which coincidentally are also artists) in this predominantly low-rise residential Victorian-age neighbourhood deciding whether or not they want to deal with the impact of the development – shadowing, loss of privacy, loss of community, more traffic, more noise, loss of sunlight, and possible light pollution as well as a change in the socio-demographic fabric of the community. As well the city-owned laneway directly behind the 15 houses on Niagara was proposed as a possible new road that would provide access/exit to and from the development thereby drawing traffic away from already overused Niagara Street.

There’s no doubt many questions will arise from this proposal, and people interested in the social fabric of the city may want to take note. For instance, while the developer has every right to change the usage of the building, how important is the loss of these artist/artisan/musican/craft spaces in a city where “condos” are taking over warehouses and other ex-industrial spaces. And of course, with two hi-rise towers, there’s the issue of precedent. If towers of this height are permitted on this site, what height will be permitted on the city-owned Build land to the south, at Bathurst, and then along the south side of Wellington. A development that looks like it affects only one site (actually around half a block), then becomes the harbinger of what’s to come. A large part of our community shares the same 19th century history as the Coffin Factory. If one part is worth saving, isn’t the rest? And what’s the solution?

Please note: Niagara Neighbourhood Now also has facebook page.

COMMUNITY MEETING RE. 89 - 109 NIAGARA

2012-01-04T21:31:00.002-05:00

The developer of 89 - 109 Niagara will present his plans for the redevelopment of the building on Thursday, January 5, at St. Mary's School, 20 Portugal Square (west of Bathurst). All residents and tenants are welcome. This is a preview of the development proposal that will subsequently be forwarded to the city for processing. Please plan to attend.

Jack Layton

2011-08-22T20:27:00.003-04:00

The late Jack Layton and his family were very much a part of our
community. His death brought sadness to many residents
who had shared his commitment to the environment, worker's rights,
and the marginalized of our society. We extend our deepest sympathy
to wife, Olivia Chow, the community's MP for Trinity/Spadina, and to
Councillor Michael Layton, Jack's son.

The letter he left to Canada can be found here.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter.html

But perhaps what will be most quoted in the coming months and years, and will
inform our memory of him is this last quote:

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

Thank you, Jack.

Niagara Neighbourhood Now

FORT YORK PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE BRIDGE - SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

2011-05-07T11:11:00.009-04:00

Just when you thought that there would be a Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge from Wellington West over to Fort York to connect walkers, hikers, sightseers, nature lovers, bird watchers, joggers, history geeks to Fort York, Garrison Common and the lake, along comes a big "No" from the new administration at City Hall. Hooray! some might say who envisioned this as a big drag on the fiscal purse. But what if it was the opposite? What if it was a real asset that would make Toronto a more wonderful place to visit. What if the surrounding community used it and appreciated it. What if it proved to be the icing on the cake for Fort York’s Bicentennial Celebrations in 2012? What it if protected envisioned green space on the south side of Wellington West from the possibilities of 35 storey condo towers that would change a potential green boulevard into another Liberty Village style alley?

If you were excited about the bridge, its architecture, its possibilities in linking communities, he's where you show your support:

Info on all events also posted on blog fortyorkbridge.ca .

May 6 - May 15: Email Your Councillor
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169679089755357

May 9, 6:30 at 15 Stafford Street: Mobilize Meeting
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=185293324855123

May 10, 5pm-8pm at 15 Stafford
(additional locations for May 11 & May 12 to be announced): 1000 Letters to Mayor
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121679981244084

We will also be handing out 2000 biz cards across the city in order to make people aware, Like Facebook , Follow Twitter and Sign Petition .

If you live in a condo what is your board doing?

TAKE ACTION NOW!
Like Facebook , Follow Twitter . Sign Petition .

TRAFFIC IN THE NIAGARA NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY - MEETING - COME OUT!

2011-05-04T21:12:00.002-04:00

Speeding cars, trucks that trundle past causing our houses to vibrate, traffic jams! As the neighbourhoods have intensified around us, our community is becoming everybody’s quick route! And it’s probably going to get worse. If you're concerned this is where you can have your say...

COMMUNITY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEETING

hosted by Niagara Neighbourhood Now, Councillor Mike Layton and City Transportation Services

Date:Monday May 16th, 2011
Time 7pm - 9pm
Location: Niagara St School
222 Niagara St (at Adelaide St W)
Subject: Traffic concerns in the Niagara Neighborhood Now area.

Come out!!! Your input is valuable to understanding the current traffic issues in this community.

If you have any questions or would like to be added to Councillor Layton’s distribution list, please contact at
416-392-4009 or councillor_layton@toronto.ca

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD....

2011-05-02T18:47:00.003-04:00

A neighbourhood is only as good as the people who support it. From providing input into new projects, to helping keep it clean, to planting front yards to help bloom and green its streetscape, its residents are the people who make the difference. Some upcoming dates to remember.

SUNDAY MAY 8, 9 - 11.00 am
Stanley Park Clean-Up!
Hosted by 15 Stafford Street & Friends of Stanley Park Toronto

Meetup on Sidewalk at Back Terrace of 15 Stafford Street
Water, Bag and Gloves supplied. Bring a rake if you have it.
30 minutes is all it takes.

TUESDAY, MAY 10

6 - 8 PM

Fork York – Blue Barracks
250 Fort York Blvd
(West of Bathurst Street)
Preview of the new Fort York/Bathurst Branch

Toronto Public Library is building a brand new 15,000 square foot library branch in the Trinity Spadina community, on Fort York Boulevard, at Bathurst Street. The NEW library will provide the Trinity Spadina community with a full range of neighbourhood library branch services, including a broad range of collections; meeting, collaborative and study spaces; increased access to technology for research, learning, working and recreation; and a welcoming environment for everyone.
It is expected that the new branch will open in 2014.

Join Toronto Public Library staff and architects from the firm of
Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB) at one of the community open houses to: View the proposed design concept for the new branch library. Speak with the architects and library staff to answer your
questions and provide your comments about the plans.

ALTERNATIVE MEETING OPTION
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Drop in anytime between 6 – 8 p.m.
Sanderson Branch
327 Bathurst Street
(Corner of Bathurst Street and
Dundas Street West)

SAVE FORT YORK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
After spending $1.3-million and three years on planning, the city is halting work on a $22-million foot bridge to Fort York designed to be a landmark on par with London’s Millennium Bridge . On completion it was to be the centrepiece for War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations next year at Fort York. As a heritage neighbourhood with close connections to the Fort (some of the houses on Niagara Street were actually garrison homes) , this comes as a disappointment. Connecting north-south green spaces would have been a boon to all Toronto residents as well as tourists. Also, if the bridge is not built, want might happen to the parking lot land on Wellington. Condos? With the sell-off of land initiated by this new administration, who knows?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/city-halts-work-on-foot-bridge-to-fort-york/article2001524/
'Join us to Save Fort York Pedestrian Cycle Bridge'
Take Action NOW! Sign Petition fortyorkbridge.ca

Save The Fort York Pedestrian Cycle Bridge
fortyorkbridge.ca | facebook.fortyorkbridge.ca | signpetition.fortyorkbridge.ca
signpetition.fortyorkbridge.ca
OR email your protest to :
councillor_shiner@toronto.ca
mayor_ford@toronto.ca
dmcguinty@premier.gov.on.ca

and don’t forget to cc Councillor Mike Layton

councillor_layton@toronto.ca

fax number for committee of adjustment

2011-04-03T22:19:00.002-04:00

The fax number for the Committee of Adjustment was wrong in their correspondence to the
community (and for some reason the last post won't allow me to edit so...)
Please note if faxing correspondence re. 90 Niagara to the Committee of Adjustment the number is: 416-392-0580

When faxing comments specify,
90 Niagara Street, File No. A0518/10TEY
Please include your full name, addresss, and postal code.

Letters can also be dropped off at Committee of Adjustment, 100 Queen Street West.

If attending, please note is it this Wednesday (April 6 at 100 Queen Street West), at 3.30 pm.
Full details below.

90 NIAGARA - COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT DATE SET

2011-03-27T16:52:00.003-04:00

The Public Hearing Notice for Minor Variance/Permission re
Section 45 of the Planning Act is in for the proposed development at 90 Niagara Street.
Date&Time: Wednesday April 6, 2011, 3.30 pm
Location: Committee Room 1, Second Floor, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto M5H 2N2.
Please note, if planning to attend, these meetings may not quite start on the dot. Plan for extra time.

Purpose of the Application. To construct a five-storey residential condominium apartment building comprised of 45 dwelling units and one level of below grade parking.

The requested variances can be seen below.
Please review.
If you have any comments, or disagree or have issues with the variances requested, relevant comments may be sent to the Committee of Adjustment ahead of time. Or you may attend the Public Hearing. If mailing comments specify, 90 Niagara Street, File No. A0518/10TEY

Committee Room 1,
Second Floor,
Toronto City Hall,
100 Queen Street West,
Toronto M5H 2N2.

If faxing comments: Committee of Adjustment at 416-0580

A petition against these intended variances being permitted has circulated. If you have not signed and wish to make comment on the requested variances, please contact your nearest NNNow representative. Comments may also be made to the council representative, Councillor Michael Layton. (councillor_layton@toronto.ca)

30 ORDNANCE/SPACING AT FORT YORK

2011-02-28T21:06:00.004-05:00

Ordnance, a small little street located south of King consisting of primarily of single storey ex-industrial buildings, has managed to stay off the developer's radar for some time despite its attractive location to downtown, the lake, and what must be impressive views of the CN Tower. That's about change with a new residential condominium development consisting of two towers of 30 and 35 storeys with non-residential uses located at the ground level. Plans for the development will be available for view on Thursday March 10, 2011 between 6.30 - 8.30 pm at Fort York's Blue Barracks building. Residents are invited to drop by.
Councillor Mike Layton, Area Planner, Jeff Markowiak, the Developer and their Consultants will be in attendance.

While south of the NNNow community this development, along with the 2 - 3 new towers scheduled for Liberty Village could have considerable impact on through traffic in our neighbourhood. A benefit from this development: the eyesore billboards will likely go...

TORONTO'S CONDO CREEP WRECKING OUR HERITAGE?
The intensification of condominium development around Fort York is hard to ignore, and with 1812 celebrations fast approaching architect Catherine Nasmith writing in Built Heritage News - Issue No. 173 makes a point that Toronto's heritage - certainly our visual appreciation of these heritage spots - is fast being swallowed up by condo towers.

Toronto the Good Celebrates Anniversary of the War of 1812
Call me cynical, but it is entirely possible that Toronto will celebrate the anniversary of the War of 1812, the beginning of independent Canadian democracy, with both a condo tower marring the view of Queen's Park (almost certain) and a 50 story condo under construction on the site of the First Parliament Buildings (definitely possible).There is handwringing about the proposed development at Front and Parliament, and high level negotiations to try to relocate the project... but such things have a way of going sideways in Toronto the Good....The other important war of 1812 site, Fort York, could be completely ringed by towers as several additional condo tower proposals are coming forward with no policy in place to prevent them.
The development industry has a lot to celebrate. In Toronto, the financial capital of the country, it has virtually unfettered freedom to tear down and build whatever it wants.

Load the cannon."

NNNow residents interested in heritage near and far can subscribe to the built heritage newsletter at builtheritagenews.ca

SPACING AT FORT YORK:

Spacing Speaks @ Fork York (New series), March 3, 7 pm.

This is a new quarterly discussion forum featuring Spacing contributors for its seasonal editions.

The panellists (all of whom were featured in Spacing's winter issue)

Peter MacCallum: Toronto-based industrial architecture photographer discusses his photo essay "The Tannery"
Cindy Blazevic: Toronto-based visual artist who captured images of Igor Kenk's bike bunker before his subsequent arrest
Rick/Simon: Toronto artist discusses the isolating life on the island in the winter

The event is moderated by Shawn Micallef, Spacing Senior Editor

STRACHAN AVENUE OVERPASS STRUT DESIGN POLL!!!

2011-02-25T19:30:00.004-05:00

FROM METROLINX.
Re: Strachan Avenue Overpass Strut Design Feedback
We (Metrolinx) received over 100 comments on the Strachan Avenue Overpass design we shared with the community on October 26, 2010. The feedback was thoughtful, creative, detailed and will help shape the look and feel of the overpass in the community.
As promised, we are sharing three new strut design options based on the feedback we received to get comment from the community. Please visit www.gotransit.com/gts to review the strut design options and have your say. The polls will close Sunday, February 27 and we’ll report back on your choices and the final strut design in March!

AND SO IT GOES...NIAGARA NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

2011-02-22T08:38:00.012-05:00

A chance for our new councillor to chat with local residents...
And cut some cake....

And view some of our archival photographs...(More can be viewed if you visit this
blog's photo gallery.)

When residents gathered at the Niagara Neighbourhood Centre on Friday, February 18th, stories were told, archival photographs were looked at with some wonder, and a giant celebratory cake was consumed amidst a lament that in recent years the community centre could have been used for more like gatherings - if not bingo. Councillor Mike Layton graciously gave up a long weekend Friday evening to attend, and this was the first chance for many residents to chat face-to-face to our new representative at City Hall. Naturally the park reno came up, and he gave an ear to all those who had an opinion. A sign-up form was available for all those wanting to hear more or forward ideas re. the Stanley Park refresh. For more info contact Councillor Layton's office. Feedback from attendees indicates that this event was a success. On Niagara Neighbourhood Now's part we feel it was proof that our community remains strong and dedicated to being involved in improving and enhancing the community. Viva for that!
Special Thanks to All Who Attended!!

CLEAN AIR COALITION PROTEST! FEBRUARY 18TH

2011-02-15T09:26:00.002-05:00

Metrolinx says that electric trains are superior but….
McGuinty Liberals are planning to buy more diesels!

With the railway tracks lying right at the edge and cutting through our community, this is an issue you might want to make yourself heard on. Is it as simple a case of Electrification (quieter, cheaper to run, less polluting) & Diesels (noisier, more polluting). And should the Ont. Government be buying diesel trains just to help facilitate a 2 week sporting event. If you are on the side of Electrification (as is Metrolinx) make your voice heard this Friday! The Clean Air Coalition are holding at demonstration on February 18th demonstration outside Metrolinx Headquarters at 20 Bay Street starting at 8:30a.m.

From the Clean Air Coalition's Press Release:

On January 26, 2011, the Metrolinx Board of Directors announced there are “important transportation benefits associated with electrification… These benefits include shorter travel times for riders and lower operating costs.”

Despite the proven superiority of electric trains, the McGuinty Liberals are pushing ahead with plans to buy diesels for a rail link to Pearson Airport - plans to be approved by Metrolinx on February 18th. We will be there demonstrating our opposition to more diesels, and calling on the Province to build it right as electric from the start.

The Liberals believe purchasing diesel trains is necessary to have the line ready for the 2015 Pan Am Games – a two week sporting event which will see athletes commute to and from the airport, not on the rail link, but on special buses for the Pan Am Games.

Inflicting Torontonians with diesel air and noise pollution for the foreseeable future, all for the sake of a two week sporting event is absurd public policy.

To date the Ontario Liberal government has only committed to review an environmental study of the proposal for a future changeover of the Air Rail Link to electric, but has NOT committed to the electrification project itself. Metrolinx says that converting the about-to-be-purchased diesel trains to electric at a later date will cost an additional $400 million of scarce tax dollars, if any commitment for conversion ever becomes a reality.

Liberal MPPs who serve the Air Rail Link corridor communities have not changed their government’s plan. Tony Ruprecht and Laura Albanese have been ineffective in this fight. Shafiq Qaadri has not engaged at all. They run the risk of losing their seats in the October provincial election because of it.

The McGuinty Liberals must put the well-being of Ontario citizens and fiscal prudence first. They must NOT BUY MORE DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES.

Electric trains are faster, more economical, cleaner and quieter.
They do not require a massive concrete “noise” wall that will further divide our communities.
They can be better integrated with local transit with more stops

Please support upcoming campaign events! On Friday February 18th Clean Train Coalition is holding a demonstration in front of Metrolinx Headquarters 20 Bay Street (walk south from Union Station) starting at 8:30 am.

Visit cleantrain.ca, get more information and get on the campaign email list.

STANLEY PARK RENO...GOODBYE COMMUNITY CENTRE & FAREWELL GET-TOGETHER

2011-02-08T21:35:00.006-05:00

At the end of February our Community Centre on Wellington Street/Stanley Park will be closing for demolition. That's right. Some of you may not even be aware this community has a centre, but once upon a time, is was used by the neighbourhood for various get-togethers far more than it has been in the past few years. Its demolition is one aspect of the redesign for Stanley Park...(The fenced in off-leash dog area is one change, the renovations to the swimming pool building another, and, indeed, there are more are to come!) The plans for the park were decided upon last year, but some elements have already raised issues. Councillor Mike Layton's office wants to create a list of residents that would like to be contacted about the redesign and possibly have a chance to voice their opinions about the park. If you are interested in joining this list, please email us at community@nnnow.ca and put "Stanley Park email" in the subject line.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
JOIN US AT OUR FAREWELL PARTY FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTRE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH AT 7.00PM! COUNCILLOR LAYTON WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AS WILL MEMBERS OF NIAGARA NEIGHBOURHOOD NOW! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

The Community Centre from Wellington Street

Keeping in Touch

2011-02-04T12:51:00.002-05:00

After a short hiatus, the Niagara Neighborhood Now blog is back in action. There are many different things happening in and around our community and this blog is dedicated to keeping you in touch. Please check back regularly. Issues that currently affect the neighbourhood: the 90 Niagara development and the upcoming plans for Bathurst/Front Street redevelopment by Minto/Freed. Although not in our community, its close proximity means that this development will have an impact on traffic, the skyline, and everything these things stand for.

90 NIAGARA
After the applicant withdrew its application from the last Committee of Adjustment hearing, they're back. Apparently tweaks have been made to the design, but the overall height is still not in conformity to the by-law. The next committee of adjustment date is set for March 30.

BATHURST FRONT DEVELOPMENT
A public meeting was held to view the pre-application proposal. In essence comprised of a 6 storey podium and four towers of varying heights - from 24 storeys to 12. The community spoke out against the development largely on the basis of its contravention of current height restrictions, and also its impact on Victoria Memorial Park (shadowing). Councillor Vaughan requested a revisit to the plans.

LOBLAWS LOOKS TO THE FUTURE THROUGH THE PAST
The heritage Loblaws building at the bottom of Bathurst will be restored. In 2011 the current building will be catalogued, dismantled in its entirety and rebuilt with an anticipated opening of 2014. The new building will have a Loblaws food store, a Joe Fresh and 2 other retail stores. The addition of a two storey office extension will create a small increase in height but its setback should not interfere with the Art Deco detail of the building. The building will also feature a green roof and landscaping on the Lakeshore side with patio. The main entrance will be located at Lakeshore/Bathurst.

NEW LIBRARY !
The new library at Bathurst/Fort York Boulevard will be an asset to our neighbourhood.
To ensure it meets all our needs, there will be another focus group on on Thursday, February 24th at 6.30 pm at Sanderson Library, 327 Bathurst Street.
Your input can help shape the new Bathurst/Fort York branch.
If you weren't at the first focus group at Harbourfront Community Centre,
plan to attend! Member of the
public who are interested in participating should contact
Penny Griffin, Library Service Manager at
pgriffin@torontopubliclibrary.ca or 416-393-7641

775 King St. West, a video installation by Eva Kolcze

2010-09-01T15:58:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

An invite from a local artist to view her project on the former Paul Wolf building.

I'd like to invite you to the video installation I've created based on that site.

Thank-you for all of your help with the research, the piece truly wouldn't be what it is without your assistance!

Please check out my website http://www.evakolcze.com/Eva/775_KING_ST._WEST.html
I have written a piece about the site and its history.

*Just a slight warning* The video installation is playing in the basement of the gallery which has very low headroom at certain points so if you are over 5'5 you'll need to watch your head!

Hope to see you there.
Warm wishes,

Eva

The Picnic, Sunday August 29th 11-3pm - TOMORROW!

2010-08-28T18:49:00.000-04:00

A final reminder that Friends of Stanley Park’s community picnic and BBQ is happening in Stanley Park tomorrow! Full agenda is below - hope to see you there!

Agenda:

South Side

11am-3pm Eva’s Initiatives Yard Sale
[10am-11am donate items]

11am-12:30pm Pawsway Dog Agility

North Side

11:30am Site Opens

11:45am-12:45pm Games Zone

12:45pm - 2:30pm Stage

12 noon Wiener Roast

12 noon Community Zone

12 noon Ask the Vet

12:30pm Wiener Race Registration

1pm Wiener Tricks + Wiener Races

1pm-2:30pm Pawsway Small Dog Agility

Help Eva's make our Yard Sale a Success

2010-08-28T18:48:00.001-04:00

Please donate unwanted items to help homeless youth
Please help us to make the Eva's Initiatives yard sale a huge success by donating any items on either Sat, Aug 28th from 9:30 - 11am at 15 Stafford [through back terrace] or on event day Sun, Aug 29th from 10 - 11am.
This is a perfect time to do some early fall cleaning and get rid of those unwanted items that would help us to raise funds for our homeless youth.

Update: King Liberty Pedestrian Link

2010-08-28T18:47:00.000-04:00

Quick update from the city on the King Liberty Pedestrian Link – it is definitely moving forward.

Infrastructure and Planning advise they are still in the Environmental Assessment and Planning phase. After meeting with the counselor in June, they have developed and reviewed several alternatives for the crossing. A Consultant was retained and is currently in the process of analyzing, comparing, and reporting on the new alternatives and will provide that material for city staff review by the first week of September. This will then go to an internal Technical Advisory Committee meeting where comments from the Councillor will be taken into account. After this, a second round of public consultations will be held.

More information can be expected after October.

Friends of Stanley Park Community Day and Charity Garage Sale

2010-08-04T13:08:00.000-04:00

A reminder that Friends of Stanley Park is holding a community picnic and BBQ in Stanley Park on August 29^th. There’ll be events for the kids in the north park, a small dog agility area, musical and theatre performances, and much more.

There will also be a large dog agility area in the south park, as well as a charity garage sale.

The charity garage sale will benefit Eva’s Initiatives (http://www.evasinitiatives.com/) – so if you have furniture, small appliances, or other items in good repair you’d like to clear out and donate, start clearing out those basements and attics and please let me know – there will be a drop-off on the 28^th of August (details TBD).

For more info on this great event, please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123270274368740

90 Niagara meeting

2010-08-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

The Committee of Adjustment meeting was held Toronto City Hall re: the request for variances concerning the 90 Niagara St development.

We are pleased to tell you that the request for variances has been deferred at both the request of the planning department and the developer.

There are issues of concern and the developer will be meeting with key members in the NNNow and neighborhood to discuss changes to the plans.

Thank-you all for your concern and participation.

We have a great neighborhood because of great neighbors.

We will keep you updated.

Stanley Park Buttons

2010-08-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

Friends of Stanley Park (http://stanleyparktoronto.ca/) have released limited-edition buttons depicting a 1913 baseball game in the park:

http://toronto.typepad.com/stanleyparktoronto/limited-edition-button/

The $2 purchase price goes toward supporting initiatives in the park: if you’d like one, I have some on hand, or please contact friends@stanleyparktoronto.ca for more info.

90 Niagara

2010-08-04T12:52:00.000-04:00

We the Niagara Neighbourhood Now (NNNow) are officially stating that we cannot support the proposed development at 90 Niagara St.

This development has 13 variances against the current by-laws that we do not consider minor.

The developer is asking the "Committee of Adjustment" to allow these infractions.

There is a public meeting before the "Committee of Adjustment"

Wed July 28^th 2010, 2:30 pm.

Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St West

Committee Room 2

File # AO518/10TEY

Contact Anne Pyle (416) 392-0097 (Office of the Committee of Adjustment)

You are able to make your views known by attending this meeting

mail by letter or Fax (to the Office of the Committee of Adjustement and/or Councillor Joe Pantalone)

by contacting us and/or signing our petition.

In 2005 the NNNow, residents of the community, city planning department and Councillor Joe Pantalone participated in a series of meetings where we discussed and decided what we wanted and would be best for this neighbourhood. The results of these meetings were presented as changes to the bylaws when they were passed in 2006.

This development at 90 Niagara has as stated above 13 infractions against those bylaws.

They are :

1. HEIGHT: proposed height will be 6.7 meters over the maximum allowed

Proposed 18.7m Bylaw 12m

2. HEIGHT AT STREET FRONT proposed 1.225m over maximum allowed and violates the 44 degree angular plane from front to rear of building

Proposed 10.225 Bylaw 9m

3. REARYARD SETBACK : proposed setback 7.2 meters under minimum allowed

Proposed 0.30m Bylaw 7.5m

4. MAXIMUM DEPTH OF BUILDING: proposed depth 13.6 over maximum allowed

Proposed 30.60m Bylaw 17.0m

5. SIDE LOT SETBACK : East proposed .21m under minimum allowed

6. West proposed .32 under minimum allowed

Proposed East 0.39m West 0.28m Bylaw 0.6m

7. FRONT SETBACK : proposed 0.4m under minimum

Proposed 0.6m Bylaw 1.0m

8. RESIDENTAIL GROSS FLOOR AREA : proposed area 1.18 times or (1745.9mSQ) over

Proposed 3966.5mSQ Bylaw 2220.60mSQ

9. TOTAL PARKING proposed 18 parking spaces under minimum

Proposed Residential 28 Bylaw 39

Proposed Visitor 5 Bylaw 12

10. SOFT LANDSCAPING FRONT AND SIDE : proposed 45%(20mSQ) under minimum

Proposed 35%(17.2mSQ) Bylaw 80%(37.2mSQ)

11. SOFT LANDSCAPING OF LOT : Proposed 9% under minimum

Proposed 6% (89mSQ) Bylaw 15% (222mSQ)

12. RESIDENTIAL AMENITY SPACE Proposed indoor 31.2mSQ under minimum

Proposed outdoor 51.2mSQ under minimum

Proposed indoor 58.8mSQ outdoor 38.8mSQ Bylaw indoor 90mSQ outdoor 90mSQ

13. LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE Proposed 13% (192.12mSQ) under minimum

Proposed 17% (252mSQ) Bylaw 30% (444.12mSQ)

If you have any questions concerning this matter contact us by email.

FYI: Poisonous Giant Hogweed spotted in Toronto

2010-07-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

A noxious invasive plant has been spotted in the Don Valley: the sap can cause burns. If you see one of these plants, please contact 311 and let us know immediately as well. The links at the bottom of this message have good photos and links on how to safely remove the plant and treat burns.

<cut>

680 news has reported the Giant Hogweed has been spotted in Toronto:

http://www.680news.com/news/local/article/76833--poisonous-giant-hogweed-plant-spotted-in-toronto

TORONTO, Ont. - The highly poisonous plant, the giant hogweed, has been identified for the first time in Toronto.

The giant umbrella-shaped toxic plant can grow to six metres tall and has white flowers.

It's been spotted in the Don Valley.

The sap from a single broken stem or crushed leaf or even a seed can burn the skin and lead to large blisters.

Even getting a tiny amount in your eyes can cause blindness.

The invasive plant has been found near Ottawa, the Maritimes and British Columbia.

----------------

Kings County website with good collection of photos of the plant and info for identifying it:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsandplants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/giant-hogweed.aspx

Info on Hogweed burns and treatment:

http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/giant-hogweed/hogweed-burns.aspx

TEAs Mid-Election Re-cap

2010-07-12T18:22:00.000-04:00

The Toronto Environmental Alliance’s recent “report card” on the mayoral candidates’ public comments re: the 6 environmental priorities that TEA has proposed and NNN has endorsed can be found here:

http://nnnow.ca/TEA_Report_Card_July_7.pdf

You can find out more about the group and their report card at: http://www.torontoenvironment.org/.

----------

we have released a mid-campaign report card on Toronto's top five mayoral candidates, and the results show that there is much work to be done. The report card evaluates candidates on what they have said publicly about our 6 priority environmental actions identified in February.

By knowing what they are doing well and where they need to improve, we hope this evaluation will motivate candidates to work hard through the summer to develop excellent environmental platforms. Our goal is to get every one of the top 5 mayoral candidates to become an environmental leader. We garnered quite a bit of media attention around this report card, with articles in The Star, The Globe, CBC radio, Newstalk 1010, BlogTO, Torontoist, National Post, and Inside Toronto. (All of these articles are linked through our website at www.torontoenvironment.org/newsroom/teainthenews)

I have attached a pdf version of the report card to this email, and you can also find it and more details on how we came up with the grades at www.torontoenvironment.org

Watch for the final report card prior to the October 25th election that will grade each candidate on their responses to a comprehensive environmental survey.

Community Meeting Regarding CAMH Development

2010-07-07T23:16:00.000-04:00

The City of Toronto will be holding a Community Meeting for neighbouring residents and CAMH liasons to review the site plan application for the 8 storey affordable housing project proposed for the C1 Phase of the CAMH redevelopment plan.

Attached is a copy of the meeting notice outlining the purpose, date and location of the meeting.

Feel free to pass on to any other interested community members. Copy of the notice has been mailed to residents within the surrounding CAMH neighbourhood.

Full text is also below – if you have further questions, please contact:

Jeff Markowiak, Planner
Community Planning, Toronto & East York District

City Hall, 18th Floor, East Tower

P: (416) 397-4647
F: (416) 392-1330
jmarkow@toronto.ca

City Planning Division

Meeting Notice

Community Consultation Meeting

July 6, 2010

Monday, July 26, 2010
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
CAMH Queen Street Site, Cafeteria - 1001 Queen Street West
(enter through the main entrance at Unit 4 and follow west along the hallway to the Cafeteria)

Planning application for: PHASE C1, CAMH QUEEN ST. SITE

Site

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) lands are located on the south side of Queen Street, west of Shaw Street and east of Dovercourt Road. The Phase C1 site fronts Queen Street West and will be located on the west side of the future Ossington Avenue extension south through the CAMH lands.

Proposal

An Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment were approved for the site in 2004. As part of the approved application, CAMH put forward a Master Plan which provided an overall concept for the redevelopment of the lands. This redevelopment is to occur in phases to ensure minimum disruption to the hospital operations.

This meeting is in regard to the Site Plan application and construction of the previously approved 8 storey affordable housing building on Queen Street. The meeting is to allow residents to review and comment on the architectural design of the first non-CAMH owned building on the lands.

Purpose of the Meeting

The meeting will provide an opportunity for the community to have input on this project, view the plans and ask questions. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still make your views known by sending a fax (416) 392-1330 or by writing to Raymond David, Director, Community Planning, Toronto and East York District, City Planning Division, 100 Queen St W Floor 18 E Toronto On, M5H 2N2.

If you would like further information about the proposal, please contact Jeff Markowiak, Planner, at (416) 397-4647, or by e-mail at jmarkow@toronto.ca.

You may also contact Councillor Joe Pantalone, Ward 19, at (416) 392-4009.

Notice to correspondents:

Personal information received at the community consultation meeting or contained in your correspondence to the City, is collected under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, the Planning Act, and the City of Toronto Municipal Code. The City collects this information to enable it to make an informed decision on the relevant issue(s). Individuals who submit correspondence should be aware that any personal information in their communication will become part of the public record. The City will make it available to the public, unless the individual expressly requests the City to remove the personal information. Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to the Planner listed above.

Compliance with City Council policy respecting Notice may result in you receiving duplicate notices.

Attendant Care Services can be made available with some advance notice.

Independent Civilian Review of the G20 Summit

2010-07-07T23:15:00.001-04:00

From: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca [mailto:Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca]
Sent: July 7, 2010 9:20 PM
To: Councillor Vaughan
Subject: Independent Civilian Review of the G20 Summit

Dear Residents,

At yesterday's meeting of the Toronto Police Services Board, the Board formally established an Independent Civilian Review of the G20 Summit.

This review will identify and study the issues raised by the Board and the public regarding the oversight, governance, accountability, transparency, communications, and supervision.

Within the next two weeks, the Board will finalize and present the Terms of Reference for the Review. We invite the public to make recommendations on the Terms of Reference.

With the release of the Terms of Reference, the Board will also announce the individual who will lead the review. The Board is currently pursuing a person to lead the Review who has a high level of experience and skill in reviewing complex matters such as this, and whose neutrality and support from all sides will be above reproach.

The Review will last about 8 to 12 weeks. The Review will conclude with a report to the Board with recommendations regarding policy and structural issues.

Individual complaints should be forwarded to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, Gerry McNeilly. The website is www.oiprd.on.ca.

The public submissions with regards to the Terms of Reference can be made to the Board Office at board@tpsb.ca. For further information and updates, follow the Chair's blog at www.tpsb.ca.

The Board believes that this Independent Civilian Review is the most appropriate way forward, allowing us to review the oversight and policy aspects of policing at the G20 while not jeopardizing ongoing investigations or individual or policy complaints.

If you have feedback on the Terms of Reference for this Review, or suggestions on who would be a good reviewer, please forward this to me as I can share this with the Police Services Board.

Sincerely,

Adam Vaughan
City Councillor, Ward 20 – Trinity-Spadina

Councillor Adam Vaughan

Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina

416-392-4044

Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West
2nd Floor, Suite C50
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

-----------------------------------

visit us online at www.ward20.ca

Call for Website Volunteers

2010-07-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the work of dedicated community members, our website (http://www.nnnow.ca) looks great, and our blog is easy and quick to update. But the content on the main site is woefully out of date, and we need some help getting it up to snuff.

We’ve also discussed moving to a content-managed system like Ning (http://www.ning.com) – moving to this kind of system would allow non-techies to update the site fairly easily, but it would require some technical legwork upfront to get the look and feel right.

So we’re re looking for someone who can either tackle getting the site updated with current issues, developments, and changes, and who can put in the time to maintain it as changes come along, or who can help us move to something like Ning. A knowledge of HTML / CSS and some time to dedicate to getting us rolling is all that’s needed.

If you’re able to help out or have any suggestions, please contact me directly. Thanks in advance!

Georgetown South Project Update - Strachan Overpass

2010-07-07T23:13:00.001-04:00

Updates below from GO Transit on the upcoming rail line changes, including some upcoming information sessions.

Subject: Georgetown South Project Update

Georgetown South Project Update

What’s New

Since our last email update, we have launched an updated Georgetown South (GTS) Project Website to better reflect the upcoming work.

Currently, you will see an overview of the project, including a design and construction outlook for the next 18 months.

In our Neighbourhoods section, you can review the story boards and presentation made at our recent Open Houses for the Denison Road Underpass.

Community Relations Offices to open in the Summer of 2010

The Georgetown South Project has a dedicated Community Relations Team to keep the community informed on the project progress, to invite feedback on the look and feel of the design and to address community issues and concerns.

Located in the Weston and Strachan neighbourhoods, these offices will be the first points of contact to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about the project.

Ambient Air Monitoring and Reporting Plan Approved

On June 2, 2010, GO Transit received provincial approval for the Ambient Air Monitoring and Reporting Plan.

The monitoring process will begin within three months of the approval date. GO Transit has already commenced this process and anticipates having a consultant on board by September 2010. The air quality monitoring is scheduled to begin in the fall. Please continue to check the GTS Website for updates on the plan’s progress.

Stanley Park Pool Open!

2010-07-07T23:12:00.000-04:00

Summer's here - the Stanley Park Swimming Pool is open! Hours are 12pm - 8pm. Go have a dip and enjoy.

June 7th Waterfront Meeting

2010-06-04T14:46:00.001-04:00

Please find below the media release for a June 7 meeting on the waterfront.

----------

Release:

For immediate release

May 28, 2010

FIXING THE WATERFRONT NOW!

TORONTO (June 7, 2010) – The Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Association and the

York Quay Neighbourhood Association are holding a forum to discuss:

Pollution! Noise! Traffic!

Will Toronto’s Waterfront Survive this Crisis?

Representatives from waterfront boards, community organizations and Toronto Island

will join:

- Councillor Adam Vaughan

- Tom Davidson (Councillor McConnell’s office)

- MPP Rosario Marchese

- MP Olivia Chow

...for a lively and constructive evening of questions & answers... problems and solutions

WHEN: Monday June 7, 2010 - 7pm

WHERE: Harbourfront Community Centre

627 Queens Quay West (at Bathurst)

The Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Association (bqna.org) works to improve the quality of

individual and community life in the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood through the advocacy of

services, programs, community issues, and the maintenance of a representative democratic

community organization.

The York Quay Neighbourhood Association (yqna.ca) works to protect and improve the

neighbourhood's unique waterfront character by providing leadership that advocates for the

residents. The YQNA also provides a forum for giving and exchanging information, identifies

and responds to issues affecting the neighbourhood, and supports efforts for a safe, clean, green,

accessible, and sustainable environment.

--|--

For more info contact: Tony Makepeace (BQNA) 416-260-5385

or James Russell (YQNA) 416-575-4894

Canada Day Celebrations with Olivia Chow

2010-06-04T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,
Olivia Chow is hosting an event in Trinity Bellwoods on July 1 to celebrate Canada Day - if you'd like to attend or volunteer, details are below.
----------------
Come celebrate Canada Day with us! Share the joy of being Canadian with your friends and neighbours this Canada Day!

Come to MP Olivia Chow's Canada Day celebration in Trinity Bellwoods Park:
- Free hot dogs!
- Live music!
- Arts and crafts!
- Games for the whole family!

PLUS
- Free treats for all our canine constituents!
- Cutest dog competition!

Date: Thursday, July 1, 2010
Time: 1 - 4 PM
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park (SW corner of Queen Street W and Gore Vale
Avenue)

We welcome volunteers to help out with this event. Contact Susan at 416-533-2710 or e-mail chowo1a@parl.gc.ca.

See you at the park!

Important G20 Updates and Security Details

2010-05-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Further G20 info from Councillor Vaughan.

From: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca [mailto:Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca]
Subject: Important G20 Updates and Security Details
Importance: High

Dear Residents,

Important new details were released today about security plans for the G20 Summit. Please see the attached documents for further information including a map of the security perimeters.

Feel free to circulate the information to your neighbours and post it in your building. A text version of all documents is attached below. Subscription information is available at the bottom of this e-mail.

Best regards,

Adam Vaughan

City Councillor, Ward 20 - Trinity-Spadina

***********************************

G20 UPDATE: NEW INFORMATION – May 28, 2010

The Integrated Security Unit (ISU) in charge of G20 security has released new information related to the summit (G20) being planned Toronto on June 26 and 27, 2010. Updated security arrangements, fence locations, transportation details and service disruptions are detailed at this website and number:

www.g8-g20isu.ca

1-888-446-4047

Attached to this flyer is a map of the security boundaries as of May 28, 2010. Only one residential building is behind the security fence. We are aware that many buildings are located right on the boundary. Please check the map and the website for more detail. Residents and workers outside the security perimeter (the orange line on the map) cannot register for pass cards.

Travel restrictions will be imposed in the weeks running up to the event and will be most restricted in the week before the summit. TTC, GO Transit, access to Union Station and the Gardiner Expressway will be impacted. On-street and underground parking will also be affected.

PUBLIC MEETING

Councillor Vaughan is working with police and City officials to organize another public information meeting for residents.

For more information:

• Watch this space for updates
• Visit www.ward20.ca
• Sign up for my e-mail list to receive updates
• Details will follow soon

***********************************

To Residents, Businesses and all Condo Boards and Property Managers in Ward 20:

For Condo Boards and Property Managers, please see important note at the bottom of this communication.

Information was released today by the Integrated Security Unit (ISU) on security measures related to the G20 summit to be held in downtown Toronto on June 26 and 27.

Please find attached to this letter a notice to be posted in the lobbies and the elevators of your buildings. Also included is a map of the security perimeters proposed and links to ISU websites where you can get up-to-date information. Please be advised that information is subject to change without notice, and updates as needed will be forwarded to as it becomes available.

All of the information in this package has been vetted by City Officials and the ISU. Please remove any prior notices or unauthorized communications related to G20 security when these notices are posted.

My office is working hard to organize another town hall for all affected residents in the downtown. I am also continuing to work hard to make sure full compensation packages and programs are established to help residents and businesses affected by the G20 summit. So far the Federal government has refused to acknowledge responsibility.

CONDO BOARDS AND PROPERTY MANAGERS

Please check your insurance policies. Many policies do not cover damage done by civil unrest. Please also review security plans and shift schedules for the week of the G20. The Federal Government has refused to offer a compensation plan for damage done by protestors. Make sure you are protected. We are trying to arrange a special meeting of condos directly impacted by the event. More information is will follow as it becomes available.

Best regards,

Adam Vaughan
City Councillor, Ward 20 – Trinity-Spadina

***********************************

Integrated Security Unit
G20 Summit
Toronto Ontario Canada
June 26-27, 2010

The Government of Canada has chosen Toronto as the location of the Group of Twenty (G20) Summit on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Security for the Summit is being managed by the Integrated Security Unit (ISU), a joint security team led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in partnership with the Toronto Police Service (TPS), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Canadian Forces (CF) and Peel Regional Police (PRP).

All security planning is done to ensure the safety and security of Internationally Protected Persons, Summit staff and dignitaries, and the people who live, work, and visit Toronto.

Every effort is being made to ensure these security measures have the least possible impact on the day-to-day lives of Torontonians while balancing the need to keep some of the world's most powerful people safe and secure.

Never have the two summits been held in one weekend. This has presented unique challenges for security partners however, ones that the ISU can meet. These summits will be put Canada on the world stage for three days in June and we will endeavour to ensure that security will not be the overarching theme.

The following information is provided to explain the impact of security planning and assist with navigating downtown Toronto during the Summit.

Security Zones

There will be an area around the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in which vehicle and pedestrian traffic is controlled. As with most international summits, security fencing will be used to secure this area.

The exact location of this security perimeter is represented by the orange line on the attached map.

The fence will be erected in the weeks leading up to the Summit. The Toronto Police Service hopes that members of the public will be able to move freely throughout the fenced perimeter until the evening of Friday, June 25, 2010. However, the Toronto Police Service will have the ability to control access to this area in the days leading up to June 25 if security reasons dictate such control.

Torontonians who live and work within this area have been offered a Registration Card in order to facilitate quick passage through the security checkpoints that will be part of the Toronto Police Service security perimeter.

Members of the public who have not received a Registration Card or who do not live or work in the area but require access into the security perimeter will have to present a piece of photo identification and clearly articulate a specific purpose and destination to be allowed through. This process may take some time and those seeking access into the security perimeter are asked to exercise patience when doing so.

Traffic

To keep traffic flowing as efficiently as possible, a traffic management strategy has been created to guide vehicles away from the security perimeter surrounding the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This strategy is represented by the blue and green lines on the attached map.

This perimeter is not a fence; it is the point at which vehicular traffic will engage with a Toronto Police Service officer.

Roadways within this area – bordered by King Street, Yonge Street, Queens Quay and Spadina Avenue - will experience closures or restrictions.

Anyone living, working or having a specific purpose and destination within this perimeter will not be denied access. However, this engagement with officers may take some time and those seeking access are asked to exercise patience when doing so.

Other road closures may occur to accommodate marches or protest activity. These will be communicated as soon as possible through numerous mediums.

Routes in and out of the downtown area - including the 400-series Highways, the Gardiner Expressway, the Queen Elizabeth Way and Lakeshore Boulevard - will not be closed. However, there will be intermittent restrictions on Highway 427 and the Gardiner Expressway to accommodate motorcade travel. On Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27, 2010, these restrictions will be ongoing throughout the day and significant traffic disruption is anticipated.

In addition, the York, Bay, Yonge Streets exit on the eastbound Gardiner Expressway will be closed on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26, 2010. The York Street ramp onto the westbound Gardiner Expressway will be closed on Sunday, June 27, 2010.

All traffic management details are subject to change. Members of the public can expect significant traffic disruptions in the downtown area and are encouraged to take public transit and listen to their local media for the latest information.

Union Station

Union Station will be open during the G20 Summit. However, from the evening of Friday, June 25, 2010 to Sunday, June 27, 2010, exits to Front Street will not be in use. Travelers will have to exit using the east or west side of Union Station. In addition, the Blue Route between Union Station and the Air Canada Centre will be open.

During this time, no vehicle traffic will be permitted on Front Street, west of Bay Street. A temporary "Kiss & Ride" and a temporary "Taxi Stand" will be located on Front Street east of Bay Street. Motorists wishing to access these locations should approach northbound on Bay Street from Lakeshore Boulevard West.

Traffic disruptions will be significant in this area and members of the public are encouraged to use public transit or the pedestrian walkways to go into or leave Union Station.

In addition, should security reasons dictate a securing of the perimeter prior to Friday, June 25, 2010; the above changes to Union Station will also be in effect at that time. Members of the public are encouraged to listen to their local media for up to date information.

Public Transit

The TTC is operating regular service during the G20 Summit. There are no planned service restrictions to the subway and only a few surface routes will be on diversion from the evening of Friday, June 25 to Sunday, June 27, 2010, unless security dictates otherwise.

The 6 Bay and 72A Pape routes will be on diversion during the entire summit. The 97B Yonge and 503 streetcar route will be on diversion on June 25, as those two routes do not operate on weekends. As well, both the 509 and 510 streetcars will not be stopping at Queen's Quay station.

Any changes to TTC services will communicated as soon as possible and customers are encouraged to register for TTC E-Alerts, visit www.ttc.ca, and listen to their local media for the most up to date information in the event of unplanned disruptions.

GO Transit will be operating regular services during the G20 Summit.

Any changes that may be implemented to GO Transit services will be communicated as soon as possible and regular users of the system are encouraged to listen to their local media and visit www.gotransit.com for the most up to date information.

VIA Rail Canada will operate its regular train schedule for the period of Saturday, June 26 to Sunday, June 27, 2010. VIA Rail wishes to advise customers planning to travel by train to or from Toronto during this period that both departing and arriving trains may be delayed and to plan their travel accordingly. As more information becomes available, VIA will post updates on www.viarail.ca. Customers are encouraged to visit this website before their travel dates for the latest information.

PATH

Portions of the underground PATH system will be closed from the evening of Friday, June 25, 2010 to Sunday, June 27, 2010 and will reopen for its regular hours of operation on Monday, June 28, 2010.

If security reasons dictate a securing of the perimeter prior to Friday, June 25, 2010, the underground PATH system will reflect closures. Members of the public will not be able to exit the PATH system into the security perimeter, nor will they be able to enter the PATH system from the security perimeter once it has been secured.
Any changes to these closures will be made in partnership with the PATH property owners and will be communicated to the public as soon as possible.

Parking

From Friday, June 25, 2010 to Sunday, June 27, 2010, there will be heightened enforcement of parking in the downtown area, particularly for the area surrounded by Queen Street, Yonge Street, Lakeshore Boulevard and Spadina Avenue.

There will be extremely limited parking to no parking available on the majority of streets within this area. In addition, there will be no parking on streets that have been closed to accommodate parades and protests.

All parking regulations for No Parking, No Standing and No Stopping will be strictly enforced. Vehicles may be tagged and/or towed. Members of the public who find their vehicle has been towed are encouraged to call 416-808-2222 for further information.

Protests

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom of thought, belief, opinion, expression and peaceful assembly. The Integrated Security Unit values these rights and will work to uphold them while ensuring public safety, peace and good order are maintained in Toronto.

We believe most groups will want to express themselves in a peaceful and responsible manner.

However, we are preparing for any eventuality. Any interaction police have with demonstrators will be measured, balanced and appropriate to the circumstances at hand.

Specific charges will be applicable to anyone breaching a security perimeter or committing criminal offences.

The Integrated Security Unit has worked with the City of Toronto to identify North Queen's Park as the Designated Speech Area.

As a Designated Speech Area, it will be equipped with audio-visual equipment that will televise the activities at the Park to the delegates at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

It is our hope that people will take advantage of this area and express themselves in a peaceful, lawful way.

Ferry Services

The Integrated Security Unit has been working closely with agencies involved in the governing and policing of Lake Ontario to develop a comprehensive marine security plan for the G20 Summit.

This plan, to the extent possible, takes into consideration interests from all parties involved and tries to have the least possible impact on the day-to-day operations of Torontonians, including those living and working on Toronto's Islands.

However, for security reasons, there will be a change to the daily operations of the Onigara Ferry.

From its last voyage on Thursday, June 24, 2010 to Monday, June 28, 2010, those travelling to and from Ward's Island will not be permitted to access the Onigara Ferry. Island residents will have access to one of the public passenger ferries that will reroute to Ward's Island for their convenience. Once docked at the mainland, all passengers (including Island residents) will exit the terminal via the west walkway.

Service vehicles travelling to and from the Islands must access the Bathurst Street Ferry and transit through the City Airport. Toronto Port Authority and Toronto Police personnel will escort all vehicles transiting through the airport to and from the Islands.

Marine Restrictions

There will be an increased police presence on the Lake and around the harbour before and during the G8-G20 summits.
Restrictions to boat traffic on the Lake are being considered. Any decisions will be communicated in earnest.

Eastern Avenue location

Due to the scope of the event, the resources of the Toronto Police Service will be located at various locations across the city.
The building on Eastern Avenue has been acquired as one of these locations.
During the G8-G20 summits, members of the community will see police personnel coming and going from this location. There are no security concerns for the community at this time. This location is not open to the public.

Homeless Community

The ISU is concerned about the safety and security of our most vulnerable communities.

We have been working with the City's Shelter, Support & Housing Administration to try and address the needs of our homeless community in advance of the Summit.

For safety reasons, members of the homeless community will not be permitted access into the security perimeter once it has been secured.

Staff from Shelter, Support & Housing Administration has been using their resources and Streets-to-Homes program to encourage those most affected by these security perimeters to access services before the perimeter is secured.

CCTV

The installation of CCTV cameras is to assist with ensuring the safety and security of dignitaries; business owners; residents; people who work and visit the downtown area; and protestors.

These cameras are in addition to those already in place by the Toronto Police Service.

CCTV can be defined as an electronic monitoring system that makes use of video cameras, connected by means of a "closed" (non-broadcast) circuit to capture, collect, record and/or relay visual information about an event unfolding in a given area over time.

The use of CCTV is not a new concept. There are a number of public and private entities currently utilizing it as a means of ensuring the security of persons and property.

The Toronto Police Service has reviewed all aspects of CCTV technology, operations, impact, privacy concerns, best practices and governance. The Toronto Police Service has procedures in place governing continuity, control and auditing of access to video images. These measures ensure accountability and appropriate management of all aspects of the use of CCTV.

Only authorized Toronto Police Service members will have access to the recorded images. Images depicting evidence of a crime may be used in a court of law for the prosecution of the offender.

Mobilization of RCMP and TPS personnel

The ISU policing partners will be assisted by law enforcement agencies from across Canada to ensure the safety and security of the summits.
The ISU is working with our security partners to determine the number of personnel available for deployment as well as what role they can play during the summits.

Private Security for G8-G20

The Integrated Security Unit will be contracting private companies to operate some security screening services, in concert with police, at various locations of both the G8 and G20 summits.

While the Integrated Security Unit intends to contract out certain security services at some venues, the unit retains overall responsibility for security of the G8 and G20.

Using the private sector to perform this work will allow the Integrated Security Unit to maximize police resources and will ensure we can continue to meet our responsibilities in the communities we serve.

It makes good financial sense to contract out this portion of the security work, allowing police to focus on maintaining public order and investigating criminal activities.

The ISU will maintain oversight of security screeners, and the security standards they apply. All contract security staff will have enhanced security clearances and will be required to have specialized training to operate necessary equipment.

The G8-G20 Integrated Security Unit is committed to keeping the heads of state, their families and delegates, the public – including protesters, police officers, emergency personnel, the environment and property – safe during the 2010 G8-G20 summits.

Maintaining core policing responsibilities

Police services sending personnel to the G8-G20 summits are taking steps to ensure that their local core policing responsibilities are met.

The ISU's key partners, the RCMP, TPS, OPP, CF, and the PRP are very experienced in taking part in large major events and security operations and are well positioned to meet the demands of securing the G8 and G20 summits.

At no time is the safety and security of any province or city compromised by deployments of police officers to the G8 and G20 summits.

Meeting the ongoing needs of a community, region or province is a key consideration in selecting the officers that will remain at their normal duty location during the period of the summits.

The RCMP, OPP, TPS and PRP will retain an effective enforcement capacity within their jurisdiction.

Contact

Community Relations Group – 1-888-446-4047
Media Line – 1-888-338-3738

Website G8-G20isu.ca

Eco Camp at The Waterfront Children's Garden

2010-05-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,

A program from the city for kids this summer still has spaces open.

Eco Camp at The Waterfront Children's Garden

Spaces still available for our Waterfront Eco Camps!

The Children's Garden and Exploring Toronto Programs offer fun, environmental day camp programming that incorporates art, science, gardening, food preparation, drama, storytelling, music and movement. Traditional camp activities such as swimming, crafts, hiking and offsite trips are also important parts of the program!

Waterfront Eco Camp

For Children 6-10: Located at the award-winning Toronto Music Garden beside the Spadina Quay Wetland, campers have the opportunity to explore and learn about this unique urban nature setting. Gardening, hiking, swimming and weekly offsite trips are just a few of the adventures to be had (Facility location: Little Norway Park).

You can register by calling 416-338-4FUN (4386) or going online at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/torontofun/index.htm. For more information about our camps please call 416-338-5055 or email: rsalt@toronto.ca.

G20 Security Updates, May 27, 2010

2010-05-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Update from Adam Vaughan on the G20.

From: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca [mailto:Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca]
Subject: G20 Security Updates, May 27, 2010

Dear Residents,

Attached is a G20 Summit security update in PDF format. Please feel free to circulate the notice or post it in your building. A text version is attached below. Subscription information is available at the bottom of this e-mail.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Best regards,

Adam Vaughan

G20 Summit Security Updates – May 27, 2010

Here are further updates regarding the impacts of the G20 Summit, taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 255 Front St W (between Simcoe and John) on Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27.

Metro Hall: Metro Hall is outside of the Toronto Police security zone where fences will be put up and will be open during the week of Monday June 21 to Friday June 25. As traffic is expected to be heavy, people travelling to Metro Hall are advised to leave extra time to get to and from the building. City staff that park at Metro Hall are advised to use public transit and not drive into the downtown during the week of Monday June 21 to Friday June 25.

In response to what may be heavy traffic in the area, the City is making the following changes to services at Metro Hall:
• The child care centre at Metro Hall will be closed for the week of June 21st. Parents have already been advised of the closure and alternate child care arrangements will be available to them.
• The Toronto Employment and Social Services office / Employment Centre and the Y Café located on the main floor will be closed for the week of June 21st. Clients will be advised of alternate arrangements and signage will direct the public to alternate locations for service.
• The cooling centre that is located at Metro Hall during extreme heat alerts will be relocated if an extreme heat alert is called during the week of June 21st.

Union Station: City staff have been meeting with the Toronto Police Service, TTC, GO Transit and VIA Rail for the past two months to plan for the G20 Summit and the continued operation of Union Station during the week of the Summit. Transportation systems decisions are the responsibility of the transportation operators -- TTC, GO Transit and VIA Rail. Leading up to the week of June 21st, there will be regular updates.

There will be some restrictions to the normal pedestrian flow in to and out of Union Station. These restrictions will be communicated in the near future. Wayfinding signage within the Station is being developed to assist commuters.

Contacts for further information:

G8-G20 Integrated Security Unit
Website: www.g8-g20isu.ca
Phone: 1-888-446-4047
E-mail: crg-grc@g8-g20isu.ca

Councillor Adam Vaughan
Website: www.ward20.ca
Phone: 416-392-4044
E-mail: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca

Further updates will be posted as information is made public. This information is current as of May 27, 2010, but is subject to change. To receive further updates as we approach the summit, sign up to Councillor Vaughan's newsletter at www.ward20.ca.
Past security notices are also available on the website.

Important public forum on Ontario condos, Tuesday June 1st.

2010-05-27T19:09:00.000-04:00

Subject: Important public forum on Ontario condos, Tuesday June 1st.

On Tuesday, June 1, 2010, Rosario Marchese MPP will be hosting an important public forum on condo legislation in Ontario.
Rosario will talk about his efforts to change Ontario condo legislation, and his recently re-introduced Condo Owners Protection Act, 2010.
There will be two guest speakers:
Anne-Marie Ambert, the founder and author of http://condoinformation.ca, an invaluable resource for any Ontario resident wanting to learn more about Ontario condo law. She will discuss a variety of topics, including common problems condo owners experience, and potential solutions.
Patricia Sinclair, a community condo activist from downtown Toronto. She will discuss her personal efforts to reform Ontario condo law, and condo legislation in general.
There will also be an open floor after the panel has spoken, when members of the public will be welcome to present their thoughts on Ontario's condo legislation, and whatever solutions they might suggest. The audience will be welcome to ask questions of the panel.

When and where:
Harbourfront Community Centre
627 Queen's Quay West
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Please email rmarchese-co@ndp.on.ca or call 416-603-9664 for more information or to RSVP.
Attached, you will find a flyer for the event
Thank you,
Andrew Schwab
Constituency Assistant to
Rosario Marchese, MPP (Trinity-Spadina)
854 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1V5
T: 416.603.9664 / F: 416.603.1241
rmarchese-co@ndp.on.ca
www.RosarioMarchese.ca

Clean Train Coalition Update

2010-05-27T19:08:00.001-04:00

From: Clean Train Coalition [mailto:info@cleantrain.ca]
Sent: May 25, 2010 9:05 PM
To: Friend
Subject: CTC Update

Metrolinx Electrification Study Update and Public Meeting

Metrolinx is hosting a public meeting this Thursday to update community members on the electrification study. After a brief presentation, there will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and provide feedback on work done to date.

Join the Clean Train Coalition as we continue to insist that only clean, quiet electric trains should be used for expansion of service on the densely populated Georgetown rail corridor. Don't miss this opportunity to let Metrolinx know what you think!

Where: The Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West

When: Thursday, May 27, 2010, 7:00 to 9:30 pm

Clean Train Information Evening in the Junction

The Clean Train Coalition will be holding an information session at the Annette Street Public Library. This meeting is intended to serve as an introduction to the issue and to get interested parties up to speed on the ongoing advocacy work of the CTC.

Come meet members of the Clean Train Coalition, the grassroots group demanding that this rail line GO ELECTRIC. Learn about the effects of diesel pollution on children's health, and the impact diesel trains would have on local parks and neighbourhoods along the corridor. Hear why electric rail is the right way to go and how you can help make that solution a reality.

Join us! Be part of the solution! Clean Transit is possible!

Where: Annette Street Public Library, 145 Annette St.

When: Tuesday June 1, 7pm

A Win at the Parks and Environment Committee

Members of the Clean Train Coalition made deputations to the City of Toronto's Parks and Environment Committee on May 21st. We asked the committee to protect parks along the Georgetown rail corridor from the fumes, noise and vibration that would result from the proposed diesel-based service expansion along this corridor.

Public parks are the heart and soul of the community and must be preserved as clean, quiet places in which we can relax from the stresses of urban life and participate together with our local communities in recreational activities.

In response to the deputations, the committee passed a number of motions including recommendations that:

the Parks department do an analysis of the number of parks which would be adversely affected by an increase in diesel traffic;

the electrification of the Air Rail Link be given priority precedence;

the Parks & Environment Committee and the Board of Health jointly invite the provincial ministers of Transport, Infrastructure, and Environment to sit down with them to discuss the ARL as test case for electrification; and

a noise and vibration study be completed by the Medical Officer of Health in consultation with noise and vibration specialists.

The Clean Train Coalition would like to thank the Parks and Environment Committee for their support and attention to our concerns about the deleterious effects of the planned diesel train expansion on parks near the Georgetown rail corridor.

Gerard Kennedy - Better Late than Never

At a meeting held on May 19^th Gerard Kennedy told the public that he believe this expansion should only go ahead if it will create no negative health impacts on any of the neighbourhoods it passes through. Kennedy shared plans to work with other elected representatives across multiple levels of government to advocate for the electrification of the corridor.

Gerard is now one of many politicians who support the work of the CTC. We are glad he is now on side, and we will work with him and the other representatives on this issue.

Continuing Pressure at the Municipal Level

The Mayoral race is heating up, and Clean Trains will be on the agenda. At a recent debate in BloorWestVillage, the mayoral front runners were asked for their opinion of the issue. Here is some of what was said: http://bit.ly/cfXvvz

We ask all our supporters to continue to press for electrification at every opportunity. We need a mayor who will champion this issue for us, and we need councillors who are knowledgeable and willing to go to bat for their constituents.

If you attend a debate, or if you are speaking with any prospective candidates in this election, tell them you demand electrification. Ask them what they have done and what they are willing to do. Make it clear that your vote is one for electrification!

Forward from Friends of Trinity Bellwoods: THEFT OF FARMERS MARKET EQUIPMENT.

2010-05-27T19:08:00.000-04:00

Please keep your eyes open for this equipment and call police if you see anything.

Subject: [TBCA] Forward from Friends of Trinity Bellwoods: THEFT OF FARMERS MARKET EQUIPMENT.

From Carolyn Wong, Friends of Trinity Bellwoods:

THEFT OF FARMERS MARKET EQUPMENT.
Monday, May 23rd in the middle of the night some low-life thieves used a bolt cutter to break and enter our storage shed - located near washrooms in bowl. It was not a random act. They took our x2 flat bed wagons, x2 two wheel
dollys, industrial insulated water cooler and our organizer ditty bag with all our administrative and maintenance material. A substantial loss for market operations and a real violation. This is a huge downer. It has been reported
to the Police and Parks.

Please keep your eyes peeled. The flat bed wagons (green) and water cooler (black, rectangular) have bright yellow markings with tbfm and FoTB stenciled. The dollys are red and grey. Should you see them or get a lead on their
whereabouts, please contact us.

Carolyn
[info@tbfm.ca]
tbfm/FoTB

Toronto Bike Month

2010-05-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

Quick reminder that it’s Bike Month in Toronto from May 31-June 30. There are loads of bike events happening, you can find more here:

http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikemonth/index.htm

Strachan Bridge Crossing Update

2010-05-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

Below is a PDF from the Strachan Bridge meeting last night:

http://nnnow.ca/Strachan_Crossing_Presentation_May18_2010_FINAL.pdf

Metrolinx is planning to have their Project Headquarters in the neighbourhood (901 King St. W. – by the Shoppers’ Drug Mart) during the construction. They’ve committed to having community relations staff and the Project Management team there to answer questions and deal with issues.

More detailed plans will be available in ~3 months.

Some further notes are below – numbers/details may not be precise (based on my scribbles), any questions on specifics should be directed to Metrolinx.

Infrastructure / Train Traffic

- Two tracks being added

- Trains: ~59/day today

- Eventually (per day by 2015):

o 140 Airport shuttle trains

o GO adding ~10 trains

o VIA adding 6

o CN – 4 trains

o CP – 20 trains

- Adding Barrie and (eventually) Bolton services

- Trains will be diesel to start – all development includes accommodation for electrification (more below)

- Overpass will include bike lanes – over 1M wide

- Discussions to try and include an extension of the West Toronto Rail Path (http://railpath.ca/)

- Plans for design and aesthetics on overpass being worked up

- NO piledriving (unlike Weston) – pilings will be installed using augurs instead (less noise)

- Enlarging Etobicoke and Weston stations and adding parking

- Current design is the maximum height – the mandate to the consultants is to make as low as possible

- Sound abatement part of plan – consultant has been brought in to address and minimize noise

Timelines

- ~3 months for detailed plans

- King St. W HQ and PM office opening ~August this year

- Installing air monitoring station in next 5-6 months

- Oct/Nov this year to start utility relocation and pilings

- Main work aiming to start March 2011

- Project to be completed by end of 2014 – hard date (PanAm Games)

Electrification and Environmental Concerns

- Electrification Study to be complete in December 2010

- 3 air monitoring stations being installed along the route to check quality – one at Duro and Strachan

- GO evaluating catalytic converter-type units to cut emissions on diesel trains from Tier 2 to Tier 4 (90% reduction?)

There’s an Electrification Study update meeting as wel:

Thursday, May 27
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Lithuanian House
1573 Bloor St. W.

Please RSVP to estudy@metrolinx.com

NNNow's Stance on the 90 Niagara Development

2010-05-19T16:57:00.001-04:00

After much discussion, NNNow’s Steering Committee has decided that we cannot support the development at 90 Niagara as it is currently proposed. You can find the documentation the developer has provided here:

http://www.nnnow.ca/90_Niagara_Package.pdf [note: the PDF is ~6MB].

While there are positive aspects to this development, and while we are encouraged by the developer’s request for input, there are major concerns that we cannot overlook.

Specifically, at a proposed height of over 18M, the development is far beyond the 12M height that zoning allows for this area. There are also concerns with the overall footprint of the building.

Teresa Scott will be the main point of contact for the community on this development, and can provide more details on issues and next steps – you can contact her at teresa@nnnow.ca. You may receive emails from her as discussions proceed.

Banksy Rumours in the 'Hood

2010-05-19T16:57:00.000-04:00

On a fun note, our neighbourhood's kicking up some Banksy rumours:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/indieflickr/759096556/

For non-art nerds, some background on Banksy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksy

Stories of his recent Toronto works:

http://torontoist.com/2010/05/banksy_comes_to_toronto.php

Garrison Creek Daycare Spring Fling @ Stanley Park

2010-05-19T16:56:00.000-04:00

FYI regarding an upcoming event in North Stanley Park:

The following event has been posted on stanleyparktoronto.ca

Garrison Creek Daycare Spring Fling @ Stanley Park

Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 10:00am

Stanley Park Toronto [North], Toronto, ON

Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Spring Park day this Sunday 10-1pm

2010-05-15T20:58:00.001-04:00

A community event in Trinity Bellwoods tomorrow afternoon.

Friends of Trinity Bellwoods SPRING PARK DAY SUNDAY MAY 16th, 10-1pm

Just a little reminder that it's our Annual Spring Park Day! This is ‘in-the-field’ work that is the core of what the Friends are about. There's some mulching (trees & market location) planting and weeding. Also Adopt-A-Tree supah-coordinator, Michaelle will be ever present to answer questions and adopt out some trees. We displayed a great passion for the park recently, so please, all the more reason to come join in the fun. Git your gloves on, bring a shovel or pitch fork if you got ‘em, and spend a few enjoyable hours outdoors in our Park. Everybody welcome.
*Base camp is located under a green canopy with our 'Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park' banner near the playground.
E- greenspace@trinitybellwoods.ca for more info, or if you’d like to help more directly. Other than that, just show up ;-)

FW: G20 Security Updates

2010-05-15T20:58:00.000-04:00

An update from Councillor Vaughan on the upcoming G20 and security.

From: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca [mailto:Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca]
Sent: May 14, 2010 6:33 PM
To: Councillor Vaughan
Subject: G20 Security Updates

Dear Residents,

Attached is a G20 Summit security notice in PDF format. Please feel free to circulate the notice or post it in your building. A text version is attached below.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Best regards,

Adam Vaughan

IMPORTANT NOTICE

G20 Summit Security Updates – May 14, 2010

This information is current as of May 14, 2010, but is subject to change. Sign up to Councillor Vaughan's newsletter at www.ward20.ca or by contacting the office to receive further updates as we approach the summit.

The G20 Summit will be taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 255 Front St W (on Front between Simcoe and John) on Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27. There will be different zones with increasing levels of security surrounding the summit site. Please see the attached sheet for additional security restrictions and other impacts that are forecasted for the G20 Summit.

There is only one residential building located inside the security fencing, located on University Ave. Residents in all other buildings do not require security passes unless you are employed by a business inside the fenced zone. Please contact your employer to clarify your status. Your property manager will be notified if the boundaries for the fencing change.

Recent information has been posted in some buildings which is incorrect. A private e-mail address was listed offering help. Do not surrender personal information to anyone claiming to be an official agent without checking their status with Toronto Police or the G20 Integrated Security Unit.

Contacts for further information:

G8-G20 Integrated Security Unit
Responses to phone and e-mail messages will be provided within 24 to 48 hours.
Website: www.g8-g20isu.ca
Phone: 1-888-446-4047
E-mail: crg-grc@g8-g20isu.ca

Councillor Adam Vaughan
Website: www.ward20.ca
Phone: 416-392-4044
E-mail: Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca

Further updates will be posted as information is made public.

G20 SECURITY INFORMATION
− as of May 17, 2010 − subject to change without notice −

Traffic Control Zone: There will be a 'traffic zone' within the boundaries of King, Lake Ontario, Spadina, and Yonge. These are not the boundaries of the security fencing, but rather a security perimeter where there will be increased presence by Toronto Police. Police will be located at major intersections to help direct traffic. Street parking in certain areas within the traffic zone will not be allowed in order to reduce congestion.

Security Fencing: Security fencing will start to be erected about two weeks before the June 26-27 summit, and will take about a week to dismantle after the summit. The location of the fencing is not being revealed by police for security reasons until early June. Police are aiming for the fencing to remain completely open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic until the evening of Friday June 25, unless there is a significant security threat. During the summit, people will be required to show photo identification to pass through the security gates.

Registration and 'Express Pass' cards: Residents and businesses based inside the security fencing can be issued an 'express pass' card to pass through security gates faster. This is a voluntary process that does not involve a police background check. A credit card-like swipe card would be issued to be used with photo ID. Toronto Police have contacted property owners of residential and office buildings that will be inside the fenced zone about how to register and obtain a card. Property managers are asked to channel information to residents and businesses in their buildings.

RCMP security zone: The immediate area of the G20 Summit (the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and hotels where Internationally Protected Persons will be staying) will be a security-controlled zone that will be under the jurisdiction of the RCMP. People working in this zone will require mandatory security accreditation and police background checks. These are already in progress and will not impact residents in the area.

Roads and TTC: The Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway, Spadina, Lakeshore, Queen, King, and other area streets are all planned to be open throughout the summit. The TTC will be operating, including the King, Queen, Spadina and Harbourfront streetcars. There may be temporary street closures and delays, outlined below.

Traffic delays are anticipated between Friday June 25 and Sunday June 27 due to motorcades for some dignitaries arriving and leaving the city. There will be temporary traffic and TTC stoppages and people are advised to budget extra time when traveling on these days. There will also be street closures and delays due to scheduled marches.

The G8/G20 Integrated Security Unit has created Twitter and Facebook accounts to provide updates about traffic delays due to motorcades, protests, marches, and other G20 related events both before and during the summit. People can sign up to receive updates through their website (www.g8-g20isu.ca). 680 News will also be a source of regular traffic updates around the summit.

Daycare: If you are concerned about access to daycares inside the traffic control zone, please contact your daycare provider for details. More details will be available soon on this matter and updates will be provided in future notices.

Ex-Gratia Payments: The federal government will consider applications for ex-gratia payments, compensation for damages or lost income due to the G20 Summit. This is being managed by the G20 Summit Management Office, part of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Information about the eligibility and application process is available at:
Website: www.g20.gc.ca (click on the link to 'Information about Payments on an Ex Gratia Basis')
Phone: 1-877-750-6042

Councillor Adam Vaughan

Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina

416-392-4044

Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West
2nd Floor, Suite C50
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

FW: News Release - City's Ashbridge's Bay Park to celebrate Victoria Day with fireworks

2010-05-15T20:57:00.001-04:00

A great event to enjoy in the city on the upcoming long weekend.
-----Original Message-----
==========================================
News Release
May 14, 2010

City's Ashbridge's Bay Park to celebrate Victoria Day with fireworks
The City of Toronto will host a booming evening of Victoria Day fireworks at
Ashbridge's Bay Park on Monday, May 24 starting at 9:45 p.m.
Ashbridge's Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East, at the foot of
Coxwell Avenue, and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will
be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the
Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and Woodbine South (92A) routes. Members of the
public are urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.
Note: City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling
fireworks in any Toronto park. Enforcement officers will be on site to help
ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a
diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of
Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America.
Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in
delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity,
opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about
non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and
visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- 30 -
Media contact: Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line,
416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca
===============

Railway Land Developments

2010-05-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

A note from our neighbours to the east regarding new developments - you can view the drawings referenced below at:

http://www.nnnow.ca/Block_32_36_Presentation_May 10 2010_2Reduced.pdf

From: rsjames@sympatico.ca [mailto:rsjames@sympatico.ca]
Sent: May 12, 2010 12:21 PM
To: rsjames@sympatico.ca
Subject: Railway Land developments

Members

Wellington Place Neighbourhood

You may be interested to see the development proposed for the railway lands south of the tracks immediately east of Fort York (drawings attached).

Scott

Secretary, WPNA

Adam's Walk: Wellington Place, City Place, Waterfront, Airport

2010-05-11T21:09:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone: a great event being put on by Adam Vaughan this weekend.

Adam's Walk: Wellington Place, City Place, Waterfront, Airport

Date:	Saturday, May 15, 2010
Time:	11:30am - 1:30pm
Location:	Victoria Memorial Square Park

Description

Dear Residents,

I would like to invite you on a walking tour this Saturday morning, from Victoria Memorial Square Park to the waterfront. This walk is the first of a series of neighbourhood walking tours that I will be hosting throughout Ward 20 this spring and summer.

Date: Saturday, May 15, 2010
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Starting point: Victoria Memorial Square Park (one block south of King, one block east of Bathurst), north-east corner

This walk will explore the neighbourhoods of Wellington Place, CityPlace and Bathurst Quay to the south. It will look at how new mixes with old, how business communities mix with residential communities, and the importance of ensuring that our neighbourhoods are sustainable, liveable, and built for a variety of ages and income levels. We will talk about providing adequate family housing, building beautiful parks, supporting the local economy, traffic calming, and honouring our history.

I hope you will consider joining me and other residents to explore Trinity-Spadina on foot, to learn together and join our work towards the goal of ensuring our growing neighbourhoods are vibrant and healthy.

If you plan to join us, please let my office know by calling 416 392-4044 or by emailing councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca.

Yours truly,

Adam Vaughan

Niagara Street Public School - New Website and Blog

2010-05-11T15:41:00.002-04:00

Our local school - Niagara Street Public - has a new website (http://school.tdsb.on.ca/niagara) and a new parent-run community blog (www.niagarastreet.wordpress.com). Check them both out for more info on what's happening with local education in the community!

Notice of Public Meeting for 30 Ordnance Street

2010-05-02T22:18:00.002-04:00

The City has sent out a Notice of Public Meeting regarding an Official Plan Amendment application for 30 Ordnance Street (on the north-east corner just east of Strachan Avenue):

http://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=30+ordnance+street,+toronto+on&fb=1&gl=ca&hnear=&cid=0,0,10188095321766412720&ei=eO3YS6SPK4vI8wSyififBw&ved=0CAcQnwIwAA&hq=30+ordnance+street,+toronto+on&ll=43.640874,-79.410038&spn=0.007097,0.013797&z=16

The Official Plan Amendment application proposed to amend the Garrison Common North Secondary Plan to permit a mix of uses, including residential uses, for 30 Ordnance Street.

Date: May 19, 2010
Time: 9:45am, or as soon as possible thereafter
Place: City Hall, Committee Room 1, 2nd Floor, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto

If you would like to address the Planning and Growth Management Committee, submit written comments, be notified of the adoption or refusal of the proposal, or need more information, please contact:

Merle MacDonald
Administrator, Planning and Growth Management Committee
Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street W., 10th Floor, West Tower
Toronto ON M5H 2N2
Fax: 416-392-1879
Email: pgmc@toronto.ca

Please note that if you do not make oral submissions at the public meeting, or make written submissions before the Amendment is adopted or refused, you cannot appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board or be part of any appeal.

In other words, if you have an interest in this development, be sure to contact the City and register your views.

Upcoming Events in Ward 20

2010-04-28T22:54:00.002-04:00

An update on events in our neighbouring community from Councillor Vaughan:

Reminder: Town Hall about G20 Summit
_____________________

Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010 (tomorrow)
Time: Afternoon: 3-5pm, Evening: 7-9pm
Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street (King & John)
Room 308/309 (afternoon)
Rotunda (evening)

Please join Councillor Vaughan at a meeting to hear about the security plans and other impacts of the G20 Summit, taking place in downtown Toronto on Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27.

Representatives of the G20 Integrated Security Unit will be making a presentation and there will be an extended Q&A session for residents, businesses and other stakeholders to have their questions answered.

The evening meeting will also be broadcast live on Rogers Cable 10 from 7-9pm, for those who cannot attend in person.

Updates about the G20 Summit will continue to be provided through Councillor Vaughans e-newsletter as the event approaches.

Further information is available on the G8/G20 Integrated Security Unit website:
http://www.g8-g20isu.ca/g20/index-eng.htm

________________________

Upcoming Ward 20 Events
________________________

Join Councillor Vaughan for a Janes Walk this weekend!

Janes Walk is a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating opportunities for cities to discover themselves. Since its inception in 2007, Janes Walks have taken place in cities across North America and the program quickly expanding internationally. In 2009 Janes Walks were held in 46 cities with a total of 315 walks offered. In 2010, there are 67 participating cities and over 410 tours on offer. All Janes Walk tours are given and taken for free.

This year, I will be leading two Janes Walks.

John Street Corridor

Date: Saturday, May 1st
Start Time: 10:30am
Meeting Place: Grange Park, where John Street meets the park at Stephanie Street, just north of Queen

Meet in Grange Park for a walk south down John Street and explore one of the citys most interesting neighbourhoods in the midst of an astonishing transformation. John Street is one of the oldest streets in the city and is now home to some of Torontos most important cultural institutions. As parking lots get re-developed, new space for the arts are being created in the area. Find out how new public squares and existing heritage buildings will be accommodated as the road itself is re-designed and turned in a pedestrian boulevard.

Annex Park Renaissance

Date: Sunday, May 2nd
Start Time:10:30am
Meeting Place: Walmer street exit to the Spadina subway

After years of neglect, a handful of parks are being re-built in the Annex neighbourhood, north of Bloor. Find out how local communities are leading the way as residents take control of the design, construction, maintenance and programming of these vital green spaces in one of Torontos most cherished neighbourhoods.

Also, please feel free to join me on a walk which will be guided by residents of Alexandra Park:
Alexandra Park: The Sonny Side

Date: Saturday, May 1st
Start Time: 2:00pm
Meeting Place: Alexandra Park Community Centre, 105 Grange Ct, just west of Spadina and south of Dundas at the north end of Cameron Street

Get the inside scoop on the Sonny Atkinson housing co-op and its neighbourhood. Local residents will take you to learn about the hidden treasures in the heart of the city.

For a complete listing of other Janes Walks in Toronto, please visit:
http://www.janeswalk.net/participating_cities/toronto

________________________

Adams Walks
________________________

In the spirit of Janes Walks, I will be holding a series of walks throughout the ward. Please join me to learn more about the people, places and events that are shaping communities throughout Ward 20 and how we are working together to preserve and enhance our vibrant neighbourhoods. The starting places and other details will be finalized shortly. Please watch for more information on these walks in my upcoming newsletter and on www.ward20.ca.

1. Saturday, May 15th
11:30am
Wellington Place, City Place, Waterfront, Airport

2. Saturday, June 12th
11:30am
Harbord Village, Huron Sussex, UofT

3. Saturday, June 26th
1:30pm
Grange, Kensington, Chinatown, Alexandra Park

4. Saturday, July 10th
11:30am
Seaton Village, Annex

5. Saturday, July 24th
1:30pm
Queen Street West, Entertainment District

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Compost Days
________________________

There are still a couple of days left to pick up your free compost! Visit us at one of the following dates:

Date: Monday, May 17th, 2pm
Location: Vermont Square Park, 819 Palmerston Ave, Bathurst and Dupont area

Date: Tuesday, May 18th, 2pm
Location:Margaret Fairley Parkette, Brunswick Avenue at Ulster, Harbord Village area

Visit www.ward20.ca for more information, including facts about your compost.

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The Tale of a Town - Queen West
________________________

An upcoming play in Ward 20 looks at the Queen West neighbourhood in a unique way.

The Tale of a Town - Queen West combines merging live music, stock footage and oral histories of local icons to create a theatrical journey through the past 30 years of Queen West.

The audience takes off with a promenade trip through the neighbourhood - starting from Theatre Passe Muraille, then winding around new developments, through graffiti alley, past the fire site and into a devised model loft, a vintage clothing store and a local watering hole that resonates with the songs from the Cameron House.

Beginning April 1st, the FIXT POINT team will hit the streets of Queen West scouring for stories that will inspire the creation of the play and the transformation of a reclaimed commercial space into an unconventional performance environment in only 30 days.

The production is presented by FIXT POINT, in association with Theatre Passe Muraille and The Canada Council for the Arts and in partnership with the Queen West BIA, The Toronto Association of Business
Improvement Areas, and Jumblies Theatre.

Dates:May 1st to 2nd
May 6th to 9th
May 13th to 16th
Time:7:30pm
Location:Begins at Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue
Ends at SCAR MFC Theatre, 609 Queen Street West

For more information, visit www.TheTaleOfATown.com
Tickets at Theatre Passe Murailles box office 416.504.7529 (artsboxoffice.ca)

________________________

Canoe Landing is opening to the public!
________________________

Canoe Landing, the spectacular new park in the Railway Lands West, will finally be opening to the public tomorrow.

Thank you to residents for your patience as we have worked on overcoming the legal obstacles to getting this park opened. The park, which was constructed by developers Concord Adex, has now been conveyed to the City so the park can be opened for public access.

The park is located on Fort York Blvd, west of Spadina Ave. Its distinctive big red canoe can be seen by motorists on the Gardiner Expressway.

Besides the big red canoe, the 8-acre park includes playing fields, the Terry Fox Miracle Mile running path, and other art pieces designed by Douglas Coupland.

There is no off-leash area for dogs in this park, but the closest off-leash area is located at St. Andrews Park, at Adelaide St W and Brant Street (just west of Spadina). New off-leash areas are also being planned for nearby Clarence Square Park, and the future Mouth of the Creek Park, which will be located on the east side of Bathurst Street, south of Front St W.

The park was named through a competition hosted by Councillor Vaughan, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and Spacing Magazine.

________________________

Upcoming Community Meetings
________________________

Seaton Village Residents Association - Annual General Meeting

Date: Monday, May 10, 2010
Time: 7:00 - 9:00pm
Location: Palmerston Public Library, 560 Palmerston Avenue

Join the Seaton Village Residents' Association (SVRA) for their 2010 Annual General Meeting! A mixer will start at 6:30 pm where you can have an opportunity to meet your neighbours and other SVRA members. The Annual General Meeting starts at 7:00 pm.

One of the most exciting items on the agenda is the redevelopment of Vermont Square Park. Funding for capital improvements for the park have now been approved, and this meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the process leading up to the park's redevelopment and how they can become involved and provide feedback.

Further details regarding the Annual General Meeting will be posted on the SVRA's website (www.seatonvillage.ca) in advance of the meeting. If you would like to volunteer or find out how to get involved with the SVRA, please email seatonvillagetoronto@gmail.com.

Public Meeting about 245 College Street

Date:Tuesday May 18, 2010
Time:6:00 - 7:30pm
Location:Lillian H. Smith Library, 239 College Street, Room BC (basement)

Join Councillor Vaughan to hear details and provide feedback about a proposed development at
245 College Street. This site is on the south side of College, east of Spadina, and is the former home of the UofT Press.

Please let us know if you plan to attend, at Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca or 416-392-4044.

Wellington Place Planning Meeting

Date:Monday May 17, 2010
Time:7:00 - 9:00 pm
Location:TBA

Join Councillor Vaughan to hear updates about proposed developments in the Wellington Place Neighbourhood. On the agenda for this meeting are:

32 Camden Street
508 Wellington St W
Railway Lands Pedestrian Bridge

Please let us know if you plan to attend, at Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca or 416-392-4044.

Central Waterfront Community Update Meeting

Date:Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Time:6:00 - 8:00pm
Location:Radisson Admiral Hotel, 3rd Floor Ballroom, 249 Queens Quay West

The revitalization of the Central Waterfront is well underway. From the new wavedecks to the recently completed Queens Quay Environmental Assessment, the transformation of Torontos downtown waterfront is happening.

Join Waterfront Toronto on Wednesday, May 12 for the first in a series of community update meetings that will provide you with information on projects underway in the area. During the meeting, youll hear a variety of short presentations and youll have an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback to the project teams.

Community Update Meeting #1 - Agenda
-General update on waterfront revitalization
-Overview of upcoming opportunities for public involvement
-Introduction of the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan
-Queens Quay revitalization schematic design presentation
-York Quay revitalization (Phase 2)
-Portland waters edge (Phase 1) presentation

Upcoming Community Consultation Meeting on 30 Ordnance Street

2010-04-28T22:32:00.002-04:00

Toronto City Planning has scheduled a meeting regarding a Planning Application for 30 Ordnance Street.

Date: Thursday May 6, 2010
Time: 7-9pm
Location: 15 Stafford Street, Condominium Community Room

Site
The subject site is located on the north-east corner of Ordnance Street, Just east of Strachan Avenue:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=30+ordnance+street,+toronto+on&fb=1&gl=ca&hnear=&cid=0,0,10188095321766412720&ei=eO3YS6SPK4vI8wSyififBw&ved=0CAcQnwIwAA&hq=30+ordnance+street,+toronto+on&ll=43.640874,-79.410038&spn=0.007097,0.013797&z=16

A one storey industrial building currently exists on the lands.

Proposal

The Official Plan Amendment application proposed to amend the Garrison Common North Secondary Plan to permit a mix of uses, including residential uses, for 30 Ordnance Street, to allow for the future development of a high rise residential project on the lands.

Purpose of the Meeting

The meeting will provide an opportunity for the community to have input on this project, view the plans and ask questions. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still make your views known by sending a fax to (416) 392-1330 or by writing to:

Raymond David
Director, Community Planning
Toronto and East York District, City Planning Division
100 Queen St. W. Floor 18
Toronto ON M5H 2N2

If you would like further information about the proposal, please contact jeff Markowiak, Planner, at (416) 397-4647 or by email at jmarkow@toronto.ca.

You may also contact Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Ward 19, at (416) 392-4009.

Fun Toronto Posters

2010-04-20T10:24:00.000-04:00

Great Toronto neighbourhood posters:

http://www.orkposters.com/toronto.html

Open Letter to All Election Candidates on Complete Streets

2010-04-16T18:40:00.001-04:00

Great letter to candidates:

-------------------------------

To All Election Candidates - "If there is a war, it's just a war on old thinking"

Toronto - April 16
For Immediate Release

Complete Streets: An open letter to candidates in Toronto’s 2010 election

Dear candidates, (and media)

The individuals who have signed this letter met recently to discuss the theme of transportation in our city. We are a diverse group of people involved in all aspects of this issue who came together to help build a constructive consensus on this critical issue. We believe in transforming our city's streets into livable spaces that function both as sustainable transportation routes as well as vibrant destinations. Complete Streets would bring us closer to Toronto's stated goals of being green, clean, competitive & diverse.

We do not believe that there is a "war on the car". The Complete Streets model strives to provide room for everyone including drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians. It's simply about offering choice, and ensuring that everyone can travel safely. If there is a war, it's just a war on old thinking. A war on inefficiency. A war on traffic. A war on pollution. Cities around the world are making this shift with great success, improving the quality of life for all of their citizens and their competitiveness as places to live, work and invest.

To describe transportation issues in Toronto as a conflict between drivers and cyclists is a divisive approach that does our city a disservice and misses the whole point. There are not two Torontos, comprised of cyclists or drivers. In fact, statistics show us that those who own bicycles are more likely to own cars than those who do not. We are one Toronto. We drive, we ride and we walk. The goal of Complete Streets is to ensure that our streets are designed to safely accommodate all users.

This goal can be achieved by attracting more citizens into the process, turning neighbours into engaged informed advocates, and we are committed to working together collectively towards this goal.
We encourage all candidates to embrace this comprehensive and democratic approach to transportation, rather than perpetuating or encouraging a divisive framing that unnecessarily pits Torontonians against each other. We can only build a green Toronto if we all work together.

Signed,

Jehad Aliweiwi • Executive Director, Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office
Yvonne Bambrick • Executive Director, Toronto Cyclists Union
Rahul Bhardwaj • President and CEO, Toronto Community Foundation
Matthew Blackett • Publisher and Creative Director, Spacing Magazine
David Crombie • Chair, Toronto Lands Corp.
David Crowley • Vice President, Halcrow Consulting Inc.
Julia Deans • CEO, Toronto City Summit Alliance
Susan Eng • Vice-President, Advocacy, CARP
Jane Farrow • Executive Director, Jane’s Walk
Luigi Ferrara • Director, School of Design at George Brown College
Adam Goddard • Composer
Eti Greenberg • Wellington Place Neighhbourhood Association
Ken Greenberg • Architect and urban designer
Paul Hess • Professor, Geography and Planning, U of T
Ed Levy • Senior Transportation Consultant and Transportation Engineer
Roberto Martella • Owner/operator, Grano Restaurant
Dave Meslin • Founder, Toronto Cyclists Union
Shawn Micallef • Senior Editor, Spacing Magazine
Eric Miller • Director, Cities Centre, U of T
Steve Munro • Transit Advocate
Gil Peñalosa • Executive Director, 8-80 cities
Dylan Reid • Co-chair, Toronto Pedestrian Committee
Nancy Smith Lea • Director, Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation, Clean Air Partnership
Adam Vaughan • City Councillor, Ward 20

For more information, and to reach any of the above signatories for comment, please contact:
Yvonne Bambrick, 416 826 2964, yvonne@bikeunion.to

Stanley Park Cleanup April 24

2010-04-16T11:35:00.000-04:00

Friends of Stanley Park (http://www.stanleyparktoronto.com) is organizing a park cleanup on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10:00am - 12:00pm. It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbours and keep our community beautiful! More info here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111649272186823&ref=mf

Queen St. W. Lane Closure for CAMH Redevelopment

2010-04-15T09:53:00.001-04:00

A notice from CAMH regarding a Queen St. W. Lane Closure on Saturday.

Queen St. W. Lane Closure
Saturday April 17, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The former Workman Theatre is scheduled for demolition on Saturday April 17, 2010.

Demolition of the former Workman Theatre* has been scheduled for Saturday, April 17 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Workman Theatre is the front concrete portion of the CAMH administration building that angles onto the sidewalk at the foot of Ossington Avenue.

For safety reasons, the general public must be separated from any active construction by a fence at least 15 feet away from the work. The shape of the theatre and its proximity to the sidewalk and property line will make it necessary to close a lane on Queen Street West during the work. The lane closest to the sidewalk on the south side of the street will be closed between Workman Way and west of Ossington Avenue. The sidewalk will also be closed and pedestrian traffic will be diverted to the north side of the street. The work is being done on the weekend in an attempt to eliminate any impact on weekday rush hours and reduce the inconvenience to the community.

We’d love to hear from you - If you’ve taken any action photos of the construction site, we’d love to see them. Send them in, or send your questions to RedevelopmentFeedback@camh.net or leave a voicemail at 416-535-8501 ext. 3330. You may also contact Kama Lee Jackson, Manager of Redevelopment Communications, at ext. 3248.

*Workman Theatre has a new temporary home at 651 Dufferin St.

Please accept our apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Steering Committee Meeting

2010-04-08T16:39:00.003-04:00

NNNow is holding a Steering Committee meeting on Wednesday April 21. Anyone who would is interested in joining the committee and can commit a couple of hours a month or add an idea / agenda item, please email nnnow@nnnow.ca.

Liberty Village Pedesrian Bridge

2010-04-08T15:12:00.004-04:00

Slightly outside of our area, but still interesting:

On March 9th, Joe Pantalone's office hosted a Public Open House regarding a proposed King Liberty Pedestrian/Cyclist link. The original invitation is below (apologies for any quality issues).

We found out about this meeting after the fact: for further information, please contact Joe's office or the contacts on the invitation.

We will post more info as it becomes available.

90 Niagara Development Documents

2010-03-30T10:25:00.001-04:00

Documents for the proposed 90 Niagara development can be found here:

http://nnnow.ca/90_Niagara_Package.pdf

Great War Authors' Lecture at Fort York

2010-02-22T11:42:00.003-05:00

Fort York is offering a free lecture on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 7 pm to 9 pm. The Great War Authors' Night features Ward McBurney - author of And After This Our Exile and Bruce Cane - author of It Made You Think of Home: The Haunting Journal of Deward Barnes, CEF 1916-19.

Please see below for more info.

Great War Authors’ Night

Fort York National Historic Site
Saturday, February 27, 2010 7 pm to 9 pm

100 Garrison Road
Toronto ON M5V3K9
416-392-6907

Email:fortyork@toronto.ca
Website:www.toronto.ca/fortyork

FREE Light refreshments

Ward McBurney 'Away Back: Canada's Epic and the Great War'

Ward McBurney will discuss & after this our exile, his novel of the First World War and soldiers returning to postwar Toronto, in the context of Homer, Milton, and the epic tradition. He will discuss the making of the book, the importance of home, and the meaning of remembrance to those with no memory of the war.

Bruce Cane 'This Story Shall the Good Man Teach His Son: The Great War Diary of Deward Barnes'

Bruce Cane both edits and comments upon the fascinating diary of an 'ordinary' soldier, and thereby disrupts the usual top-down narrative of Canada in the First World War. Cane began researching and writing articles on military history while a curatorial assistant at Historic Fort York, Toronto. In 2004, he published his first book 'It Made You Think of Home: The Haunting Journal of Deward Barnes, CEF, 1916-1919.'

Upcoming G20 Summit Info

2010-02-12T00:32:00.001-05:00

From Councilor Vaughan, important information regarding the upcoming G20 Summit and impact on the downtown core.

---------------------

Dear Residents,

This notice is particularly important for people who live, operate businesses, or work in the south end of Ward 20. The recent announcement by the Prime Minister’s office regarding the G20 Summit is going to have a dramatic and difficult impact on our neighbourhoods.

On June 26 and 27th, heads of state and leaders from the world's twenty largest economies will be holding their annual meeting in Toronto. The Federal government has chosen to locate the event in Ward 20 without any prior consultation.

There will be several zones of security established to protect the meeting. Summits such as this in Quebec City and Seattle have presented serious challenges to host cities. Anti-terrorism precautions, crowd control and the reality that these meetings usually draw large numbers of protestors, will mean that much of the ward will be severely impacted by security initiatives.

The city has tried to convince Ottawa to move this event to Exhibition Place, but the Federal government insists on staging it near Front Street, between Yonge and Spadina.

There will be fences, security checks and a significant number of street closures. The event may only last for two days, but preparations and clean-up will extend the period of disruption. Transit and the PATH system could also be impacted.

At my request, a Town Hall meeting has been called to brief all affected persons in the ward. It is set for:

Date: Thursday April 29, 2010

Times: Afternoon: 3:00 – 5:00 pm or Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Room 308/309

As your councillor I will continue to work to try and move the summit, and if it can’t be moved, mitigate its impact. I will also use my seat on the Police Services Board to make sure the interests of the ward and the city are respected as security issues come forward.

I have received a ‘classified’ briefing so far. There will be serious disruptions. The security perimeter will be much larger than the area affected by the recent NFL games, and the protests are expected to be larger than last spring’s Tamil demonstrations.

I will forward what information I can when I receive it. Please let my office know as soon as possible if there are any special events or needs that require accommodation.

Ordinance Street Parkland Designation

2010-01-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

A note from Joe on some potential new parkland in the area:

Dear neighbours,

I am writing to let you know I have requested that the City of Toronto-owned, industrially-zoned parking lot located at 10 Ordnance St be formally designated parkland and that the Chief Planner, City of Toronto, has written a report which favourably supports my request. (See link for Staff Report, including map.) I have also attached the letter I wrote to the Toronto East York Community Council in support of this change.

I strongly believe that, as this vibrant part of our City continues to be revitalized, the future designation of these lands from industrial to parklands will be a great improvement for us all. I will keep you updated as I do on all the issues affecting our neighbourhood. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 416-392-4009.

Sincerely,

Joe

TE 30.42 - Staff Report - 10 Ordnance Street. - Zoning of the Lands

(http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-25893.pdf)

Fort York's New Visitor Centre - Article in the Star

2009-12-23T14:30:00.001-05:00

More info on the Fort York Centre in the Toronto Star:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/741720--fort-s-future-linked-to-past

Fort York Visitor Centre Design Competition Viewing

2009-11-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

Mayor David Miller and Members of Toronto City Council invite you to view and comment on designs from the finalists of the Fort York Visitor Centre Design Competition at an open house on Friday, December 4 to Sunday, December 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

The Fort York Visitor Centre, key to the revitalization of Fort York National Historic Site, is scheduled for completion
for the Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812 in June 2012. Five design teams were selected to participate in the competition from a field of 31 who submitted their proposals following a Call
for Expressions of Interest. The five firms are: Baird Sampson Neuert Architects; Diamond and Schmitt Architects; du Toit Allsopp Hillier/du Toit Architects Limited; Patkau Architects Inc with Kearns Mancini Architects Inc; and rawdesign with Gareth Hoskins Architects.

The Open House will be held at:
Members' Lounge
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West

12:00 p.m. remarks on Friday, December 4.

For further information please contact Sandra Shaul at 416-392-8231.

Active 18 Charette and Info

2009-11-10T11:57:00.001-05:00

An Invitation to the Active 18 Community - to shape, contribute and help design your neighbourhood.

Dear Active 18 member,

Since our last AGM in January, 2009, Active 18 has continued to work on community activities such as park planning/overall design for the Queen West Triangle as well as advising for the Artscape Triangle Lofts.

Due to our desire for community input in the planning process we are now assisting one of our Steering Committee members, Steve Heuchert, with a charrette for the North West (Queen St.) Triangle - bordered by a railway corridor to the west, Queen St. West to the south, Florence St. and Peel St. to the north and Northcote Ave., Gladstone Ave., and Dufferin St. to the east.

Helpful documents are available at www.active18.org
1. Background document on the area and it's issues - good reading prep for the charrette.
2. Planning update for the WQW area
3. A printable/emailable Flyer to invite your neighbours

What we learned in the WQW* Triangle planning fiasco south of Queen is this: if good plans are in place before development applications are received at the City, the City and the community has more chance of shaping this development. (*Bohemian Embassies, Lisgar buildings, WestSide Lofts, 48 Abell, Queen/Dovercourt, Queen/Gladstone)

This is our impetus behind the next open and public charrette. This is a community/York University initiative and is being organized and operated by the Active18 Steering committee and York university students. We are asking members of Active 18 to help support the charrette initiative with funding for supplies - paper, pens, and most importantly for a few final printed documents. Of course we need your valuable input the day of the event. All the people involved are volunteering time and effort to make this a potential set of creative and exciting urban plans for the area. We believe this will come in handy before more development starts in this area.

Have an extra 5$ or more?
Cheques can be mailed or dropped off to "Active 18 Community Organization" at 19 Northcote Ave. Toronto, M6J 3K2
All donations appreciated!

The Charrette will occur on November 18, 2009, 5:30 - 8:30 in the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom. Everyone is welcome.

Thanks kindly,
Active 18 Steering Committee
http://active18.org

Rosario Marchese Discussion on Electric Trains

2009-10-19T21:59:00.000-04:00

On October 29, Trinity—Spadina MPP Rosario Marchese will host a discussion on the benefits of electric trains. A Q & A and an Action Plan brainstorming session will follow. Full flyer here:

http://nnnow.ca/Rosario_Train_Flyer_VER3.pdf

Two Points of Interest Affecting South Stanley

2009-10-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

FYI - the city has sent a couple of notices regarding the park. You can find the full city reports at the URL below:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/te/reports/2009-09-15-te27-cr.htm

Closure of Stanley Terrace / Expansion of the Park

Summary:
Transportation Services recommends that the portion of the public lane known as Stanley Terrace at the rear of Premises 23 to 29 Stafford Street be permanently closed and that jurisdiction be transferred to Parks, Forestry and Recreation for incorporation into Stanley Park.

Rezoning Recommended for Approval at 23-29 Stafford St. (Brad Lamb's "Parc" Development)

Summary:
This application was made on or after January 1, 2007 and is subject to the new provisions of the Planning Act and the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

This application proposes to redevelop the properties at 23-29 Stafford Street with a terraced 10-storey condominium containing 104 residential units and three levels of underground parking.

This report reviews and recommends approval of the application to amend the Zoning By-law.

Community Consultation about the Canada Malting Silos

2009-10-14T20:37:00.001-04:00

Community Consultation about the Canada Malting Silos

Date: Wednesday October 21
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Harbourfront Community Centre
627 Queens Quay West (Queens Quay and Bathurst)
Medium Assembly Room

Councillor Adam Vaughan invites you to attend this public meeting to provide your feedback about the future of the Canada Malting Silos.

Over the years there have been a number of meetings, ideas and plans about the Canada Malting Silos site. Recent discussions about a Toronto Museum at the silos have concluded. Some new ideas are now emerging about the Malting Silos and we want your input.

City staff from City Planning, Heritage Preservation Services, and Urban Design will be in attendance to provide updates about the current condition of the Malting Silos and receive your feedback about next steps.

For more information, please call 416-392-4044 or e-mail Councillor_Vaughan@toronto.ca.

Councillor Adam Vaughan
Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina
416-392-4044

Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West
2nd Floor, Suite C50
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

Town Hall Meeting Regarding HST and Condo Fees

2009-10-08T16:47:00.002-04:00

MPP Cheri DiNovo would like to invite you and the condo owners/residents that you represent to a town hall meeting regarding the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and its effect on condo fees and other expenses.

If interested, please post the following file to the community bulletin board of any condominiums you represent:

http://www.nnnow.ca/cheri_quarter_bloOCT09.jpg

If you would like to attend this meeting, please contact pighinp@ndp.on.ca.

When: Tuesday, October 27th
Time: 7:30-9:30
Where: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavina Ave

Georgetown Rail Expansion Approved / Summary of Neighbourhood Projects

2009-10-06T13:05:00.000-04:00

The Environment Minister has approved the Georgetown Rail Expansion – the project to provide high-speed rail to the airport from Union Station. The full press release can be found here [PDF]:

http://www.metrolinx.com/Docs/News/News_Release-MOE_Decision-Oct_5_FINAL.pdf

More info on the changes that will be happening in our area can be found here:

http://savestrachan.com/

For those keeping track, there’s a LOT happening in our area over the next few years!

1) The above-mentioned rail link and changes to Strachan Avenue
2) The pedestrian and cycling bridge to Fort York and new parks:
http://nnnow.blogspot.com/2009/09/fort-york-pedestrian-and-cycle-bridge.html
3) The changes to South Stanley Park:
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_gardens/south_stanley_park.htm
4) The Bathurst Pedestrian crossing:
http://nnnow.blogspot.com/2009/09/bathurst-crosswalk-progress.html

South Stanley Revitalization Project City Website

2009-09-22T15:00:00.001-04:00

Full text from the URL http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parks_gardens/south_stanley_park.htm below:

(start)
South Stanley Park Redevelopment Project

South Stanley Park, located at 845 King St. W. (between Walnut Ave. and Stanley Terrace) is undergoing improvements by Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation. Construction is expected to occur in phases, beginning in spring 2010. The park currently has a baseball diamond, outdoor pool, tennis courts, sports field, community centre (Niagara C.C.) and dog park.

On March 30, 2009, the City conducted a visioning exercise for park improvements with local residents. The resulting conceptual design was presented at a public meeting on September 2, 2009.

The conceptual design includes the following proposed park improvements:
- Enclosed dog off-leash area
- Improved entrances to the park through landscaping
- New south-east entry plaza
- New walkways to improve circulation throughout the park
- Replacement of existing tennis courts
- New building addition to existing outdoor pool building (replacement of existing community centre)
- Tree planting to replace old and deceased trees

Specific elements such as additional lighting and seating will be considered at the detailed design stage

Documents for download:
Current aerial view of South Stanley Park (PDF)
Visioning exercise report (PDF)
Conceptual design for the future South Stanley Park (PDF)

For more information, please contact:
Barbara Carou
Parks Planner
416-392-8157
bcarou@toronto.ca

Joe Pantalone
Deputy Mayor
Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina
416-392-4108
councillor_pantalone@toronto.ca
(end)

Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Update

2009-09-21T13:34:00.002-04:00

Click image to enlarge
(Full Document [PDF])

In August 2008, the City of Toronto commissioned an Environmental Assessment Study to confirm the need and justification for a potential pedestrian and cycle bridge, connecting the west end of Fort York to areas north of the existing railway tracks, between Strachan Avenue and Bathurst Street.

The Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Study is integral to the City of Toronto's broader plan to revitalize the waterfront, through a vision that will reflect the diversity of Toronto's past, present and future. Historic Fort York, and the lands around the Garrison Creek corridor represent cultural features in the urban landscape that have direct relevance to the pedestrian-cycle bridge study.

Two (2) Public Information Centre (PIC) Meetings are intended to present details of the project and to receive public feedback on the direction, alternative designs and recommendations of the study_ An initial PIC was held on April 16, 2009, which provided an overview of the many
background reports that preceded the current study, while also presenting a summary of various recent investigations that are pertinent to the Environmental Assessment process.

Much work has been completed since the first PIC, with the focus of the Project Team being directed at determining a preferred design concept for the bridge. In selecting a preferred design, the team has had to account for many technical, environmental and social factors as part of the evaluation process.

Based on a comprehensive assessment of the alternatives as well as consideration of public and agency feedback, it is the recommendation of the Study Team:

• that an inclined arch bridge, following an alignment that evokes the original Garrison Creek corridor (Alternative 4 “S” Design), be presented as the preferred design concept for the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge;

• that the proposed pedestrian-cycle bridge include design features that will promote open space/heritage link between an extended Stanley Park to the north and various park amenities to the south, including Fort York and its proposed Visitor Centre, Garrison Common, Gore Park, June Callwood Park, Coronation Park and the Martin Goodman Trail;

• that Archaeological and Heritage Built Cultural features, which are prominent in the area, be further assessed in conjunction with the detailed design and construction; and,

• that the final design elements of the bridge fully recognize its future significance in the Toronto "landscape", by enhancing visual vistas to the Toronto Skyline and Fort York while complementing the context of Fort York's Heritage Conservation District and its designation as a National Historic Site.

Following completion of the Environmental Assessment, the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Study Team, (including the results of the public consultation process) will be documented in an Environmental Study Report (ESR) which is scheduled for completion in 2009. The final ESR will be placed on the "public record" for a review period
of 30 days.

If any member of the public has outstanding concerns with the final ESR, which cannot be resolved in discussions with the proponent (City of Toronto), then a formal request may be made to the Minister of the Environment to consider an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order).

Upon the successful conclusion of this Environmental Assessment, it is the City's desire to move forward with detailed engineering and construction in 2010/2011. The ultimate goal of the City of Toronto is to open the Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge in time for the Bicentennial Celebrations of the War of 1812, planned for Spring 2012.

For further information regarding this project initiative, please contact:
City of Toronto
Waterfront Secretariat
Mr. Stephen McKenna, Project Manager
City Hall, 12th floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2
smckenna@toronto.ca
416-397-4082

Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Mr., Garry Leveck, P.Eng. Project Manager
49 Frederick Street
Kitchener, Ontario N2H 6M7
garry.leveck@stantec.com
519-585-7316

South Stanley Revitalization Project Outline and Proposal

2009-09-21T11:43:00.001-04:00

South Stanley Park is about to undergo a reno!

For the last year, a group of community members have been meeting with Joe Pantalone, Toronto Parks reps, and city planning to review options for upgrading our neighbourhood park. This group worked from a set of guiding principles that included use of all space within the park and making sure that all current park users would win with any changes - or at very least, that they wouldn't lose out.

Several months ago, we held a Charette and invited community members to imagine what they would like to see in the park.

Based on community suggestions from the Charette, the city presented a proposal for the redesign of South Stanley Park two weeks ago. There were several key changes in the proposed design, including:

1) Upgraded entry points to make the park move visible and more integrated with the community
2) An enclosed offleash dog area - for dog safety and so that dog owners can use the park while baseball / other sports happen
3) Proposed new locations for tennis courts
4) Expansion of the current swimming pool building to house offices and community space
5) Moving the north and south fences to better use the space within the park
6) Upgraded paths and walkways through the park

A PDF of the park improvement proposal can be found here. The city will be launching a webpage highlighting these proposed changes shortly - we'll post as soon as it's up and running!

Bathurst Crosswalk - Progress

2009-09-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

An update from Joe Pantalone’s office regarding the Pedestrian Crossing on Bathurst:

Earlier in the year we reported that there was a proposal for the walkway which was approved, but a time-line had not been established. The pedestrian walkway went to the Bid Committee on Sept. 10th – where it would be determined who would complete the contracted work.

Once the contract is awarded it should take up to three months to complete the work. The walkway should be in place before the end of the year.

Fort York Pedestrian Bridge Environmental Assessment Meeting

2009-09-10T14:48:00.002-04:00

The Fort York Pedestrian Bridge planning continues: there is a meeting regarding this development that the public has been invited to attend.

Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Wellington on the Park, 15 Stafford Street (at Wellington Street West)

The meeting is an open house with a short presentation at 7pm.

For more info, please contact:
City of Toronto Waterfront Secretariat - Stephen Mckenna, Project Manager
smckenna@toronto.ca

An Open Letter on the Island Airport Tunnel Proposal from Adam Vaughan

2009-08-27T20:16:00.000-04:00

Dear Residents of Ward 20,

Keeping in mind Mark Twain's advice never to start an argument with someone who buys ink by the barrel, let me try to set the record straight by presenting the actual argument I gave Globe and Mail columnist Marcus Gee against the tunnel to the Toronto Island Airport.

My opposition to the latest scheme that is being promoted by some members of the Toronto Port Authority and apparently being supported by Minister John Baird and the Tories in Ottawa revolves around these issues:

- Where are the plans for this project and how was a cost estimated without detailed drawings?

- Where is the business case for this $38m project? The TPA board has not seen one and neither have the governments or taxpayers.

- Why shouldn't the Island Airport or the airlines self-finance this project as Pearson must do when it contemplates improvements?

- Why is a third access route to this tiny airport being considered within months of a second ferry being purchased, and only a couple of years after the last new ferry was purchased?

- How can the premier and the federal government give a favourable review to this vague project when an actual application for infrastructure funding has not been approved by the TPA Board?

- What local elected body has declared this project a priority for funding? How has this project jumped ahead of the city's streetcar needs, the goal of electrifying rail to Pearson, or simple road, bridge and highway repairs in Toronto?

As an elected official I am stunned at how easily this project has been embraced by senior levels of government with virtually every media outlet and commentator doing the cheerleading.
The city and municipalities across Canada have been engaged in long, complicated and highly politicized negotiations with the Federal Government to get established projects fast-tracked and most local governments, despite months of back and forth with John Baird’s office, have yet to receive a penny of funding, let alone a commitment to fund important and badly needed projects.

Why has this particular proposal jumped the queue? Why when the city wants to build a subway to York University and serve millions of people with better transit, do the Federal Tories insist that the city form a public-private partnership to qualify for funding, yet on this project they propose a 100% public subsidy all to the advantage of a single airline?

When $38m dollars is given over to one company with no public process and it is used to subsidize the movement of a small group of travellers, something is seriously wrong. This is the privilege that I question.

It has nothing to do with class, unless you are talking about a particular class of politician who circumvents public process to hand out public tax dollars to private interests.

I was elected on a platform that promised to fight airport expansion and taxpayer subsidies for the un-elected and unaccountable Port Authority. Even current Board members of the TPA (some appointed by Baird himself) have filed complaints to the Parliament's Integrity Commissioner and Federal Auditor General concerned about financial irregularities and governance concerns at the Port.

Even more alarming was the behaviour of the Minister in charge of the TPA last December. Faced with opposition to how airport improvements would be financed and a call for full disclosure to the Board itself over expenses filed by the previous CEO (current Federal Cabinet Minister Lisa Raitt), a half hour after Parliament was prorogued, Baird reconfigured the Board unilaterally and added two more federal appointments to the body to ensure the board would vote to prevent an investigation of the allegations.
Something is wrong at the TPA, and before the Conservatives, with help from Queen's Park, shovel more taxpayers’ dollars towards this tunnel project of questionable value Torontonians, taxpayers – in fact Canadians – deserve answers. Instead we get a silly debate about class war.

To be clear: I don't think the island airport is needed; it's not a boon to the waterfront or a transportation priority for Toronto. But if it is there and people use it, so be it. My quarrel is not with the choices people make to get to Ottawa. My concern is with a federal government in Ottawa that makes up the rules as it goes along and in doing so provides substantial public subsidies through its agencies to private interests. It is this set of privileges I attack and seek to end.

Best regards,

Adam Vaughan

Councillor Adam Vaughan
Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina
416-392-4044

Toronto City Hall
100 Queen Street West
2nd Floor, Suite C50
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
-----------------------------------
visit us online at www.ward20.ca

Reminder About Community Picnic and Charity Garage Sale - This Sunday!

2009-08-26T08:36:00.002-04:00

A reminder that Friends of Stanley Park (http://www.stanleyParkToronto.ca) is holding the SPT (Stanley Park Toronto) Kids Community Picnic this Sunday (August 30th). Events are happening at the north side of the park, and include a park cleanup, charity garage sale, and loads of kids events. You can find all the details below: hope to see you all there!

The charity garage sale is being hosted by Eva’s Initiatives (http://www.evasinitiatives.com/) – if you have items you’d like to donate for them to sell, please bring them to the park on Sunday between 10 and 11am (back terrace of 15 Stafford Ave.). You can also call 416-977-4497 ext. 141 or email dana@evas.ca before the event for more info. They’re a great cause, so clean out your storage locker / closet / basement and give those useful but unwanted items to help a great cause!

Eva’s is also looking for donations of clean towels, bedding, and toiletries for their initiatives.

If you’re interested in volunteering for this event or any other Friends of Stanley Park events, be sure to visit the site and let us know you’d like to help out.

Full details here:
http://events.stanleyparktoronto.ca/

Schedule For The Day:

SPT GREEN Litter Clean-up [10-11am]
it's our park. let's keep it clean. bags. gloves. removal. provided.

SPT KIDS Community Picnic [12-3pm]
fun. games. prizes. barbeque. sing-along. story time. tattoos. wiener walk. small dog agility. safety. mounted unit. bike unit. special appearances.

SPT KIDS Ask a Vet [12-2pm]
ask a vet how to greet a dog and about suitable breeds.

URBAN DACHSHUND TORONTO Wiener Walk [1230-1pm]
wieners at the picnic.

SPT PAWS Small Dogs Agility [12-2pm]
join Pawsway & Purina. kid friendly small dogs [under 20lb].
please note dogs are not permitted in playground area.

EVA'S INITIATIVES Garage Sale [12-3pm]
come and support Eva’s Initiatives at the garage sale. we create
opportunities for homeless youth.

Thanks to sponsors: Foggy Dew, Metro, Shoppers, Eva's Phoenix.

Community Planning Meeting for Wellington Area

2009-08-25T16:42:00.001-04:00

Councillor Vaughan has invited community members to a Community Planning Meeting regarding developments in the Wellington area:

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Metro Hall, Room 302
55 John Street (King & John)

Councillor Vaughan would like to hear your feedback about proposed planning and development in the Wellington Place area.

There will be presentations about the following projects:
- 504 Wellington St W (west of Portland)
- 560 Front St W (Front and Bathurst)
- Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street (at Adelaide)

Let us know if you plan to attend, either by phone at 416-392-4044 or councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca.

UPDATE on Breadcrumbs in Stanley Park

2009-08-24T14:38:00.003-04:00

Update on the breadcrumbs in Stanley Park / around 15 Stafford: the matter has been investigated an there was no toxic substance found. Thank you to everyone who acted to keep park users informed and safe.

Update from Councillor Pantalone re: Last Council Meeting

2009-08-21T15:42:00.002-04:00

*******************************************************************

Union Station revitalization

Council endorsed an agreement with a private sector company that, as head lessee, will lease and operate all retail space in Union Station, including in a new lower retail concourse. With federal, provincial and municipal funding, the City will proceed with its plan to revitalize Union Station as a state-of-the-art transportation facility. The name of the successful proponent for head lessee will remain confidential until a lease agreement is signed, likely in the next four to six weeks. Construction work for the revitalization is scheduled to begin next year and be completed in 2015 at a total cost of $640 million. For more information and regular updates, visit http://www.toronto.ca/union_station/.

Appointment of Integrity Commissioner

Council appointed Janet Leiper the City's Integrity Commissioner, effective September 8. The Integrity Commissioner provides advice, complaint resolution and education to Council members (and appointees of most of the City's agencies, boards and commissions) on ethics issues. The role entails advising on the application of the Code of Conduct and various City of Toronto policies and legislation governing ethical behaviour. Please visit www.toronto.ca/integrity.

Social housing action plan

Council endorsed the Housing Opportunities Toronto (HOT) Action Plan 2010-2020 (www.toronto.ca/affordablehousing/hot). HOT proposes new investment over the next 10 years to help people struggling with high housing costs or inadequate accommodation. The Toronto Housing Charter, a component of HOT, states that all residents have the right to equal treatment in housing without discrimination, consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Future of east Gardiner Expressway

City Council authorized City officials to submit terms of reference to the Ontario government for an anticipated environmental assessment of options for the future of the eastern Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard in that area (east from Jarvis Street). Council directed that a cost-benefit study should be conducted as part of the environmental study. Council also specified that the environmental assessment should address the issue of the railway lands as a barrier to waterfront access. For details, see www.waterfrontoronto.ca/index.

Vision for Toronto's western waterfront

Council approved a 2009 Western Waterfront Master Plan (www.toronto.ca/waterfront/wwmp) which will guide decisions related to improvements to the public realm in the area over the next 20 years. The master plan provides a vision to improve parkland, beaches, trails, roads, bridges and recreational facilities in the western waterfront area between the Humber River and Exhibition Place, including Sunnyside Beach and Marilyn Bell Park. The area's beaches are to be expanded and enhanced, consistent with a vision that sees the lake and beach as the major recreational attractions of the western waterfront.

City-wide recreation service plan

Council approved a set of principles to guide the creation of a city-wide, multi-year Recreation Service Plan. The principles are equitable access, high quality programs and services, inclusion to recognize diversity and encourage participation by all, and capacity building to provide programs and services that benefit all participants and help create a sense of community, belonging and vitality. Development of the plan will help the City take stock of its current services/programs and use the four guiding principles in planning to meet existing and emerging recreational demands. For details, visit www.toronto.ca/parks/rsp.

Incentive for energy efficiency retrofits

Council agreed to establish a Home Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (www.toronto.ca/energy), giving the owners of low-rise residential properties in Toronto financial grants of as much as $1,000 for a selected set of energy efficiency retrofits. The City will take steps to integrate delivery of its program with the ecoENERGY program offered by Natural Resources Canada.

Theatre Performance at Fort York - "Great Voices" - Sept 1-6

2009-08-21T11:56:00.000-04:00

Great Voices at Fort York catapults Canadian history into theatre spectacle
Nightly events begin September 1 to September 6

From September 1 through September 6, Festival at the Fort presents Great Voices; a 90 minute site-specific theatrical collage of historical figures, including Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe, Laura Second and Susanna Moodie combined with campfires, songs, fireworks and food animating Toronto where the city began - Fort York.

Written by nationally known playwrights Rick Salutin and Dale Hamilton, Great Voices features performances by Billy Merasty as Tecumseh and Simon Richards as General Brock. Original music was composed by prolific songwriter James Gordon (Frobisher Bay, Mining for Gold) who will be singing some of the songs alongside Fort York’s Honour Guard, and Fife and Drum Corps. Members of the Red Pepper Spectacle Theatre act as larger-than-life puppet guides within this epic Brechtian-style theatre experience produced and directed by Sid Bruyn.

Great Voices begins with the infamous brothers speech by Tecumseh, which brilliantly describes the Native colonial experience. Part of the audience watches and hears a dialogue between Tecumseh and General Brock heralding their alliance, a monologue by Laura Second conveying American troop positions, and a monologue by Dolly Madison surveying the aftermath of the burning of the White House by the British. At the same time, the rest of the audience witnesses a play within a play that mixes stories with historical songs and original songs composed and performed by James Gordon, accompanied by actors and members of the Fort York Honour Guard, and Fife and Drum Corps. These songs and stories will be set around two large campfires while the audience is served portions of Native corn soup and corn bread.

The theatre event moves indoors to some of Fort York's historic brick buildings where citizens will recount their stories of common life in the 19th century. The audience then moves back outdoors to take part in a finale parade and fireworks with the Red Pepper Spectacle Theatre puppets.

Great Voices is the second installment of the Festival at the Fort, produced in association with the Friends of Fort York and Fort York National Historical Site with funding provided by Heritage Canada. In the lead up to the War of 1812 bicentennial in 2012, the Festival at the Fort will present audiences the history of Fort York and Canada in a innovative and theatrical way. Artists and companies confirmed in subsequent years include Videocabaret, Mixed Company and Clay & Paper Theatre.

Great Voices is an Equity Production taking place at the Fort York National Historical Site located at 100 Garrison Road, North East of Exhibition Place and west of Bathurst St. via Fort York Blvd. Great Voices tickets are $20 and are available in advance at TOtix.ca and at the venue the night of each performance. For more information call Access Toronto at 416-338-0338 or visit www.festivalatthefort.ca

Media contact:
Shane Gerard, Senior Promotions & Communications Coordinator, SDF&A Communications Unit, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca
Sid Bruyn, Great Voices Artistic Director and Producer, 416-530 4152, sbruyn@pathcom.net

Improvements to South Stanley Park - Public Meeting Sept 2

2009-08-19T20:09:00.001-04:00

Improvements to South Stanley Park - Public Meeting

Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone and City of Toronto representatives will present a draft plan and implementation strategy for the improvement of South Stanley Park located at 845 King Street West between Walnut Avenue and Stanley Terrace.

Members of the comminity are invited to attend and provide comments on the proposed concept plan.

Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: 15 Stafford Street, Community Room.

For more information please contact:
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone 416-392-4108
Barbara Carou, Parks Planner 416-392-8157
bcarou@toronto.ca

A Victory on Strachan? And New Metrolinx Meeting Date

2009-05-28T12:32:00.003-04:00

This week, Metrolinx and the city came to a compromise on the Strachan Avenue Overpass (further details below). We're very encouraged by this development, but still determined to support the campaigns working to make sure that any solution is the right one for our community.

Hoping for further details / images / engineering drawings for the new bridge, and Metrolinx has announced a new community consultation that all residents should attend:

Metrolinx’s Open House – unveiling the new proposal for Strachan
Historic Fort York - 100 Garrison Road
Tuesday June 16th
3-8pm

More details and images:

The existing roadway looking east on Douro / Wellington towards Strachan.

City mockup of the new compromise design. Note the roadway height change as indicated by the stop sign.

See more details and a chart of the various options presented here. See the original email from Joe's office and the letter from Rosario's office on this new plan.

Feral Cat Meeting

2009-05-28T12:26:00.002-04:00

On Monday, June 15th (7-9 pm) at the Community Centre (700 Wellington Street West) Feral Toronto will be holding a gathering of feral cat caregivers and cat lovers to look at ways individuals and communities can come together to deal with the booming number of homeless outdoor cats in Toronto.

Topics include Feline Sex in the City (overpopulation) and a how-to on organized feral trapping.

Connect with fellow caregivers, and learn about how you can help.

Speakers include: Deborah Chalmers of the Toronto Feral Cat Project and Nataysha Sherbot, Toronto Cat Rescue Volunteer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
deborah@feraltoronto.com

Update on Parc Development

2009-05-05T14:20:00.012-04:00

The Parc Developers have re-submitted their plans, and have made substantial changes. The height is now closer to 15 Stafford (the existing building alongside the park), there are stepbacks, visitor parking, access to the park from inside the building, internal shared space, the shadow impacts are greatly reduced… it’s not perfect, but it’s *much* better.

The Steering Committee has reviewed the proposal, and is inclined to support the new design - and we want to hear from you.

A chart of info is below, and a copy of the plans for everyone to review is available if you're so inclined. Please email us with your questions / comments by May 15th.

(Sorry for the giant gap below - bug with the blogging software).

	Current Zoning	15 Stafford	Old PARC Proposal	New PARC Proposal
Units	-	142	103	104
Height	18 meters	26 metres	43 metres	32.55 metres
Stepbacks	-	2, starting at ~20 metres	none	2, starting at ~ 25.5 metres
Setback	-	~ 9 metres	~4 metres	4.3 metres
Visitor Parking	0.12 space per unit	20 spaces	none	7 spaces
Resident Parking	number varies on size of units	141 spaces	53 spaces	50 spaces
Common Area?	-	yes	no	yes
Common Access to Park?	-	yes	no	yes

St. Andrew's Market Opening This Summer

2009-04-22T07:20:00.000-04:00

St. Andrew's market The St. Andrew's market was originally founded in 1837 to serve the rapidly-growing west end of Toronto. It was Toronto's third public market after St. Lawrence (1803) and St. Patrick (1837).

Now, in 2009, we are working to revive the St. Andrew's market at its original location, what is now St. Andrew's Park between Richmond and Adelaide, Brandt and Maud.

Organized by local residents and Farmer's Markets of Ontario, this Certified Farmer's Market will feature real farmers selling only what they produce themselves. It will run on Saturday mornings from June to October in the parking lot at the west side of the park.

Please send an email to standrewsmarket@gmail.com if you would like to be kept informed of news about the new market.

Wellington Place Neighbourhood Heritage Walk

2009-04-20T13:04:00.001-04:00

Heratige Toronto is offering a walk of the Wellington Place Neighbourhood: details below and more info here:

Wellington Place Neighbourhood
Start: May 10 2009 - 1:30pm
End: May 10 2009 - 3:30pm

The diversity of Toronto's roles since its founding in 1793 are reflected in this vibrant downtown neighbourhood - evidence of our military past, Victorian residences, and buildings from the era as a manufacturing centre. See how the Wellington Place neighbourhood has successfully adapted to 200 years of changes.

Leaders: Marta O’Brien
Start Point: NE corner of Victoria Memorial Square, Wellington St W at Portland St, just east of Bathurst
Finish Point: Bathurst and Adelaide Streets
Length: Approx. 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: Average walk on sidewalks

Focus:
* historical
* architectural