Yonge and Eg park shortage continues

By

-

10:16 am

Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue has been identified by the City of Toronto as an area in need of increased open space. Now, vital steps have been taken in determining how to improve the area’s public space.

After issuing a request for proposals in April for a study on open park space at Yonge and Eglinton, Coun. Josh Matlow said a firm has been selected. “There has been a tender, and we’re going to go with a firm called Public Work,” said Matlow.

Matlow is a passionate proponent of building a park at the former site of the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Eglinton Bus Barns.

In a recent Planning Act Section 37 agreement from developers Bazis International, $2 million was guaranteed to the city for the acquisition of land for a new park. At a July 16 meeting, Toronto City Council adopted a recommendation that the $2 million go toward acquiring the land of the bus barns.

TTC chair Karen Stintz said, despite the approval, there’s still plenty to be determined: “The governing bylaws for the bus barns already include provision for a public park,” she said. “That won’t happen until after the Eglinton LRT is built.”

She says that the light rapid transit line construction will last another 10 years. Until then, the amount of space going from the bus barns to the park is yet to be determined.

Casa Loma sees million dollar turnaround

By

-

10:12 am

0

The recently released financial statements of the Casa Loma Corporation indicate that the landmark has been on an upward trajectory since the City of Toronto resumed management of it last year.

In 2012, its first full year of operations, the Casa Loma Corporation saw an operating surplus of $1,507,329, compared to a surplus of $507,547 for 2011 (July to December). CEO Eva Pyatt credits the increase in programs as one of the most significant factors in the turnaround.

“We had a pretty good marketing push,” said Pyatt. “We were doing a lot of evening, outdoor activities in the summer.” New programs such as classical theatre performances and the Casa Loma Unplugged concert series drew new crowds. She said a few modern touches have also helped. “From the venue rental perspective, it certainly helps that we now have air conditioning for functions in the library and the conservatory.”

The Kiwanis Club served as managers until 2011, a year that saw a six per cent decrease in tourism compared to the previous year. Coun. Joe Mihevc said the city found it needed to take a more active role when it found the Kiwanis Club’s skills were not suited for the current state of Casa Loma.

“We needed to up our game, and the city became more of an active participant and less of a dormant landlord.”

Plans are now moving ahead to use part of Casa Loma as a Toronto museum, though Mihevc says additional repairs will be needed before the museum can become a reality. The hunting lodge, north of the main building, which is where the museum would be housed, is in the most dire need of improvements.

“That area needs a state of good repair and it needs a vision,” said Mihevc.

The city sent out a request for expressions of interest and is examining fundraising and philanthropy options to help finance improvements. It will also focus on increasing Casa Loma’s use as more than just a tourist attraction.

“We need to be better at pitching the site for different kinds of events so you get the event market,” said Mihevc.

Contractor jailed for ‘destroying’ senior’s home

By

-

10:11 am

0

A Yorkville contractor has received a jail sentence for deliberately taking advantage of an elderly North York woman, defrauding her of most of her life savings and leaving her home in an almost uninhabitable condition.

Jack Singer was found guilty of fraud and theft and now must pay a restitution of $215,773.

Singer was paid $301,900 to renovate the home of Kennis Heath, then a 76-year-old Willowdale resident — but he never finished the job.

Court documents claim that Singer charged Heath for unnecessary and incomplete work and did not do some work at all.

He also grossly overcharged her for some items when compared to industry standards.

In the report, Heath’s son, Brian, described the senior’s home and garden as her pride and joy.

“My mother’s life was turned upside down and will never be the same,” Heath wrote in a victim impact statement. “It’s difficult to gauge the mental anguish and trauma my mother had to endure as her home was destroyed.”

Approximately three months after entering three separate contracts with Singer, Heath’s mental health deteriorated, and she was admitted to the psychiatric department at Sunnybrook Hospital, according to documents.

Heath paid Singer with money she withdrew from her savings account, as well as from her RRSP and RRIF accounts, which resulted in an income tax liability of almost $80,000.

Justice Glenn Hainey of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice sentenced Singer to a two-year term of imprisonment, less one day.

Unique deal lands Hogg’s Hollow new park

By

-

10:10 am

0

The Green P parking lot just North of the Miller Tavern at Yonge Street and York Mills Road is currently being halved in size to make way for parkland.

The conversion was the result of a deal made over 15 years ago between the former City of North York and the Toronto Parking Authority. In 1997, the city wished to purchase the Miller Tavern (a designated heritage property) to ensure that its historical state was maintained. The city agreed to develop a 262-space lot in order to cover the cost of purchasing the historic tavern.

“Once the revenues have completely paid up the Miller Tavern, then 50 per cent of the lot must return to park,” said Remy Iamonaco, project engineer with Toronto Parking Authority. “The agreement came up, and we have no choice but to do what we’re doing.”

He says that there are no plans in the near future to replace the 133 spaces lost with a nearby lot.

Louise Sugar of the York Mills Valley Association is excited for the park, which will contain a relic of a historic mill. “There will be lots of green area, there will be wildflowers and it will be very nice,” she said. “That mill relic will be a place where people can sit in the windowsills and on the sides of the walls and enjoy spending time there.”

Construction began last month and is expected to be complete in October.

Avenue Road Canada Post station sells

By

-

10:08 am

0

Approximately a year after Canada Post put its facility at Avenue Road and Melrose Avenue on the market, it has found a potential buyer.

Canada Post spokesperson Eugene Knapick said that a sales agreement is in place for Postal Station S at 1780 Avenue Rd., adding that operations will continue there until mid-2014.

The deal was expected to have been finalized by the end of July, confirmed CBRE Limited Real Estate, which handled the sale.

Last year, Canada Post put three properties up for sale, including Station S, to generate revenue and streamline its mail service. Station S was listed in several parts but was also available as a whole building.

CBRE said that listings of the Canada Post properties were distributed to a fixed group of potential bidders and that all parties had to sign non-disclosure agreements before gaining access to listing information.

Paul Baker, president of the South Armour Heights Residents’ Association, just north of the station, said he was unaware that the station was for sale, let alone that it had a potential buyer.

However, Baker feels that Canada Post owed nearby residents a more open and even-handed approach.

Last year’s sale of the historic Postal Station K on Yonge Street north of Eglinton Avenue to a condo developer was criticized by community members.

Baker said that the move was “fairly secretive” and hopes to not see a repeat of that situation.

“I think [Canada Post] should be more transparent,” said Baker. “My concern is with how they would be progressing [on Avenue Road].”

He claimed that in the past, some developers have proposed buildings exceeding the seven-storey maximum outlined in City of Toronto, City Planning’s Avenue Road Avenue Study.

“Is there going to be another fight in the future?” asked Baker. “I remain an optimist, but ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst.’ ”

Weighing in on gold-buying shops

By

-

10:07 am

0

Gold- and jewellery-buying businesses have been opening in Ward 15 at a rapid rate. Although I encourage small business development, some of these have been the cause of safety concerns.

All should be able to navigate our sidewalks freely and safely. Unfortunately, unsightly advertising from some gold-buying businesses has come to fill our streets and diminishes the appearance of many of our shopping districts. Residents have reported feeling threatened from the aggressive sales and marketing tactics of this industry.

At their June meeting, City of Toronto’s licensing and standards committee approved my request for a comprehensive review of this industry. This would entail looking at the current licensing system and acts, standards in similar jurisdictions, and reviewing the industry’s best business practices.

I have met with residents, engaged business owners, initiated ongoing inspections through city bylaw officers, worked with bylaw officials to prosecute repeat offenders and collaborated with the Toronto Police Service (TPS) to establish regular patrols of problem areas.

These actions have made clear to me that there is a problem in our community. With a thorough review of this industry, bylaws can be put into place to reward reputable businesses, protect consumers and safeguard the neighbourhood.

Thank you to those who have contacted my office to report unwanted activity associated with such businesses. Please continue to contact my office, at 416-392-4027, or TPS should you notice any behaviour that threatens our enjoyment of our community.

Local BIAs host thrilling festivals

By

-

10:06 am

0

Across Toronto, business improve-ment areas (BIA) are working hard to attract customers to local business hubs. They do this by sponsoring cultural events, beautifying street-scapes and encouraging residents to shop locally. St. Paul’s is no exception: our nine BIAs are working hard to support their neighbourhood communities and local businesses.

During the summer, the contributions of our local BIAs shine. Street festivals and special events bring Toronto to life. Thanks to our local BIAs, residents have been able to enjoy Salsa on St. Clair, hosted by TLN and the Hillcrest Village BIA (July 13 to 14), and the Mount Pleasant Village BIA’s Restaurantacular (June 26), and next month they can enjoy the International Street Festival hosted by the York-Eglinton BIA (Aug. 16 to 19). These festivals would not be possible without the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s Celebrate Ontario grants. Celebrate Ontario grants enable BIAs to give our neighbourhoods their own unique character and spirit.

Neighbourhoods thrive when local businesses are supported. BIAs contribute to our local economy and add charm to our shops through street art like the Skills for Change mural completed by the Hillcrest Village BIA; by maintaining flower boxes, benches, banners; and installing decorative street lights.

Local businesses mean local prosperity. They care about their community and work hard to beautify the neighbourhood where they operate. This summer, I encourage all residents of Ontario to shop locally and support your local BIA — they are an invaluable part of our community and local economy.

OMB ‘easy route’ for developers

By

-

10:05 am

0

Amexon submitted a proposal to develop 1200, 1210 and 1220 Sheppard Ave. E. just west of Leslie Street. Their plan was to construct 2,098 new condominiums in six towers ranging in height from 27 to 43 storeys and a two-storey retail building.

The impacts on the neighbour-hood, including traffic, shadows and the precedents this development would have set, were horrific.

City staff recommended and council supported a refusal of the Amexon plan. Amexon ran off to the province and appealed to their Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The settlement I hammered out through lengthy mediation reduced the plan to 1,478 condominiums in five buildings, the highest at 31 storeys.

This substantially reduces the shadows and puts all parking, waste disposal and other access below grade resulting in a significant increase in green space.

Although I appreciate receiving the many supportive e-mails and thank-you notes from residents and ratepayer organizations and am proud of what was achieved, I understand the disappointment residents express when they see their city council and staff’s authority to manage development in their community usurped by the OMB.

Members of Parliament continue to provide an easy route for developers to run to the OMB to get around the city, hire a contingent of paid professionals that support their excessive plans and leave you, the taxpayer, to pay city planners and city lawyers to defend your rights just to see the official plan’s vision for the area respected.

Rapidway bus stations will have inclement weather system

By

-

10:04 am

0

York Viva Bus Rapid Transit is reimagining the average bus shelter.

Its Highway 7 rapidway project — expected to connect Warden Avenue to the east and Edgley Boulevard to the west with a dedicated, centre-lane bus route — is being equipped with state-of-the art bus stops. Each so-called “vivastation” will sport amenities that do more than keep the rain and snow off riders, and their construction is well underway.

“It’s a journey that started when the 905 decided it’s no longer going to be a bedroom community,” said Mary-Frances Turner, president of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation.

The rapidway’s ultra-modern flagship bus station, completed in March 2011 at Warden Avenue, was designed by a consortium of renowned firms that includes Aecom and IBI Group — responsible for the architectural design of the city of Toronto’s iconic SkyDome.

Each vivastation consists of two 27-metre-long raised platforms sheltered by five-metre-tall curved canopies made of concrete, steel and glass.

Despite the contemporary design of the vivastations, architects turned to the past for inspiration.

“We looked at heritage architecture,” said Aecom senior architect Americo Gonzalez. “We looked at more industrial-type architecture [and] Victorian-type European train stations.”

However, appearances were not everything for the designers. The stations include a raft of functional features to serve riders.

Underneath each canopy is a nine-metre wind enclosure, boasting temperature- and motion-activated heaters that kick in during inclement weather. Each enclosure is also fitted with accessible entry doors that minimize heat loss.

The all-glass design ensuring high visibility is a testament to the designers’ concerns for safety, as are the security surveillance systems, energy-efficient lighting and intercoms built into every location. Tactile pavers along the platform further help to keep riders’ steps slip-free.

Rounding out each station’s features is a real-time arrival and departures screen that provides scheduling information and a fare machine that dispenses passes and Presto fares.

York Region Rapid Transit is not releasing itemized costs of its vivaNext plan for the Markham and Vaughan sections of the rapidway project, said Dale Albers, a spokesperson for the company.

However, the new rapidway upgrades coming to the area are not welcome by everyone.

Ari Laskin, a spokesperson for the office of Peter Shurman, MPP Thornhill, criticized the use of taxpayers’ money to pay for the rapidway, which he estimated could cost “anywhere from $150 million to the sky’s the limit.”

The office of Peter Shurman has objected to the rapidway being built, said Laskin, arguing that a subway extension to the area would better serve residents.

Furthermore, part of the local rapidway would diverge from Highway 7 down Bathurst and Centre streets, which are adjacent to a residential neighbourhood.

The Yonge Street to Warden Avenue segment is expected to be completed in 2014, whereas the part from Yonge Street to Bowes Road is slated for 2018.

‘Clear’ solution, clean results

By

-

9:59 am

0

In the months leading up to August, Markham residents started switching to clear garbage bags in order to decrease the amount of hazardous and recyclable materials being sent to the new Durham-York Energy Centre incinerator.

Clear bags make it simple and efficient for collectors to ensure garbage bags do not contain banned materials such as batteries, electronic items and sharp objects.

The switch to clear has been a great success — Thornhill residents deserve a gold star! The collection numbers from May indicate recyclables, organics and yard material tonnage is up, and garbage tonnage is down. As of the second week of June, only 641 of Markham’s 80,000 homes did not comply, and diversion was over 75 per cent — the highest in the GTA.

Starting the week of June 25, 2013, Miller Waste Systems will be leaving garbage in dark bags at the curb with a yellow sticker. Residents using dark garbage bags will need to transfer their contents to a clear one.

As outlined in Markham’s diversion plan, electronics collection events will be held at local community centres throughout the year, and residents can also recycle electronics and televisions at the drop-off depot on Rodick Road.

The following two Thornhill locations are currently carrying clear bags: Shoppers Drug Mart (298 John St.) and Longo’s (7355 Bayview Ave.).

For more information, please visit www.markham.ca, and click on “recycling & waste” under the “residents” tab, phone me at 905-479-7747, or e-mail me at [email protected].

Thanks again for switching!

Potential solution to Allenby overcrowding

By

-

9:58 am

0

A positive outcome is in sight for a group of parents at Allenby Junior Public School who have been fighting to halt a boundary change that would force some students to change schools.

Last month the Ontario Ministry of Education approved in principle a decision to build a two-classroom addition to Allenby, which would relieve crowding brought on by the implementation of full-day kindergarten in fall 2014.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) superintendent Jeff Hainbuch has emphasized that the approval is still not formal or final. “Going forward, there’s a number of regular approval processes with the Ministry as with any other capital project,” said Hainbuch. But he did say that all signs point to eventual approval. “The Ministry’s okayed this, and we will continue moving forward.”

He says that there is already a plan in place for the construction, which will be complete for fall 2014. “We’ve had a couple meetings with the architect that’s been hired.”

“I’d be shocked if it weren’t approved. We consider this a formal approval.”

Parents in TDSB Ward 8, where Allenby is located, formed the Program Area Review Team earlier this year in reaction to the announcement that overcrowding could result in boundary changes. Allenby, the most crowded school, would have been the most affected, which was why parents like Lisa Spiegel advocated for building to take place.

“Everyone’s thrilled,” said Spiegel. “The community is staying together.” Though she understands that there are still steps to take before the building is approved, she considers this a victory. “I’d be shocked if it weren’t formally approved. We consider this a formal approval.”

However, Hainbuch says that, despite the relief, Allenby’s situation will still be precarious due to crowding.

“There are other measures that we’re putting in place, including restricting the optional attendance [for out-of-area students],” said Hainbuch. “It’s not going to solve all the problems.”

Toronto food trucks to get a smidgen of freedom for the next two months

By

-

5:15 pm

0

Finally, some good news related to street food regulations in Toronto: a new pilot project will allow some local food trucks to operate at five of the city’s parks. It’s an interesting move, because city rules currently prohibit new food trucks from selling grub on city-owned property, which includes city streets. That restricts new trucks to operating in private parking lots and at events.

Starting Aug. 1, at least 15 participating trucks — including favourites such as Caplansky’s, Gourmet Gringos, The Feisty Jack and Gourmet Bitches — will be free to operate at Woodbine Park, Sherbourne Common, Roundhouse Park, Canoe Landing and Allan Gardens.

The project was spearheaded by two city councillors, Couns. Josh Colle and Mary-Margaret McMahon, who have long been fighting for greater freedoms for food trucks and carts.

The new pilot project will last two months. Here’s hoping it paves the way for more permanent freedoms in the future.

[CityNews]