NEWS ARCHIVES

3 May 2006

Waterfront Update

The Boulevard Club has announced that it is no longer considering its proposal to privatize a portion of Dowling Beach, and the Toronto Sail and Canoe Club is beginning to imply that it may review its plan to ask the city for 60 feet of Dowling Beach.

More importantly, the Parkdale Residents Association (the lead on this issue) has heard from Chris Phibbs (Mayor Miller's Office) and the parking lot beside the Palais is currently ON HOLD until a new, extensive review of the median option is carried out by the city. Apparently many city officials that previously did not favor the median are beginning to think that the option could be viable. More importantly, Chris confirmed that NO LEASE HAS BEEN SIGNED between the city and Pegasus. All of us have worked hard, and so far we've significantly changed the direction of westend waterfront development in spite of the efforts of others who would rather have ignored public opinion.

Representatives of the ARAs have a meeting planned with the Mayor's office on May 10th to pursue this issue further.

Wabash Community Centre Update

Visit the Wabash web site for the latest important news on the community centre plans, including the establishment of a new community-based not-for-profit corporation to spearhead the development of the site.

To access the SAVE THE LAKESHORE WATERFRONT PARKLAND PETITION

Go To: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lakeshore

You can also download this PDF petition form


RMRA Monthly Meeting
Topic: Annual General Meeting with election of Executive Committee, a special guest, and our annual special strawberry dessert.
Tuesday, May 30 at 7:30 PM
Fern Avenue Public School
Feb. 2006

Update: Off-Leash Dogs at Sorauren Park

On Friday, February 3rd, Councillor Watson met with a representative of the Sorauren Park K9 Committee at Sorauren Park to discuss a proposal for the establishment of a timed off-leash area in the park.

The proposed off-leash area would be established in the east end of the park, with the western boundary extending north from the north corner of the baseball diamond fence to the walkway, and east of the soccer pitch. Both the baseball diamond and soccer pitch would be excluded.

This area would be available for off-leash dog use in the park from 4:00pm - 10:00am (October 1 - April 30) and 8:30pm - 9:00am (May 1 - September 30). These hours and the boundary would be clearly posted at the site and would be in effect pending City Council's future decision on a city-wide off-leash dog policy.

Councillor Watson will be holding a community meeting to discuss the proposal at the High Park Public Library (228 Roncesvalles Ave) on Wednesday, February 22, at 7:00pm. Parks & Recreation staff will be in attendance to address concerns and to obtain community feedback. You can also email or call Councillor Watson if you have questions, comments or concerns.


Toronto Act meeting lures large audience


Mayor David Miller, High Park-Parkdale MPP Gerrard Kennedy, and RMRA Chair Peter Elson at the Nov. 29, 2005 RMRA meeting

Mayor David Miller and Minister of Education Gerrard Kennedy, MPP High Park-Parkdale, discussed the new City of Toronto Act at the Nov. 29, 2005 RMRA meeting. Judging by the turn-out, about 135 people, it's a hot topic. Click on the links below for more information about the new Act.

Joint Ontario - City of Toronto Task Force Report, November 2005

City of Toronto site

Direct City Action (John Sewell et al)

Setting the Course For A Strong Toronto - Board of Trade Report

A City of Toronto Act that Works for the People of the City of Toronto - Toronto and York Labour Council

Towards a New City of Toronto Act

“Bikes, Tykes & Automobiles”

A community discussion on pedestrian safety

Roncesvalles-MacDonell Residents Association General Meeting

Tuesday September 27th, Fern Avenue Public School

128 Fern Ave. 7:30pm

With guest speakers:

Sergeant Brian Bowman, Traffic Services

Daniel Egan, Manager, Pedestrian & Cycling Infrastructure Unit-City of Toronto


June 2005

Here Come the EucoMupis

Last year, City Council decided to test the new EucoMupis garbage bins across the city. On June 29, the bins will be installed in three locations:

a.. Bloor Street West, east of Indian Road, on north side (in front of pink building);

b.. Queen Street West, west of Jameson Avenue, on south side (in front of strip plaza), and;

c.. In front of 219 Dufferin Street, opposite Temple Avenue on east side

On June 30, a fourth bin will be installed on Roncesvalles, north of Howard Park on the east side of the street (in front of the brick wall of Saks Fine Foods). These sites were chosen after lengthy consultations with the BIAs and City staff.

At the end of the trial, the city will be holding a consultation meeting with all BIAs that are participating in the pilot. Additionally, there will be a consultation meeting in September with resident and ratepayer groups located in participating wards.

The three month pilot will officially commence when the final bin is installed early in August, although Parkdale-High Park residents will be able to comment on the bins in our ward as soon as they are in place next week. Once the trial is complete, the bins will remain on the street until Council decides whether or not to go ahead with the installation of the new bins.

Let the City know what you think of the new bins by calling the number that will be displayed on the bins, or visit the web site, www.toronto.ca/bintest, to give the City your comments.

Note: The RMRA will be making its views known on behalf of area residents. To date there has been solid opposition to the proposed installations. In addition, a local petition with more than 800 names has been presented to the Councillor.

People Parks and Pooches
A lively discussion took place on May 31st at the last RMRA meeting of the season regarding the compatiblity of people, parks and pooches. The current status is that Sorauren Park is an on-leash only area. Wide-spread community support is required before any alternative pilot program could be introduced. Councillor Syliva Watson is planning to host an open community meeting before the end of June. Watch this space and her web site for details.

Honouring Pope John Paul II
A committee including leading community members has been struck by Councillor Sylvia Watson to generate a viable option for honouring Pope John Paul II. The proposed monikor of "Pope John Paul II Way" for the south end of Roncesvalles has created clear divisions in the neighbourhood.

Monster Garbage Cans
The monster garbage cans are scheduled to be installed before the end of June for a three-month trial. Feedback to Sylvia Watson's office during this period is encouraged. The RMRA will also be submitting feedback.

Wabash Update!
The long-awaited RFP for the development of the Wabash Recreation Centre and related green space was tendered by the City on May 31st. Check out www.buildwabashnow.org for details.

Wabash Banner
A banner is to be installed on the proposed building for the Wabash Recreation Centre as soon as approval is given by the city. Watch the Wabash site for its installation.

6. Sorauren Park Festival - Saturday, July 16th

7. New RMRA AGM Meeting
Members have approved a motion to move the Annual General Meeting for the RMRA from January to May. The next AGM will take place in May, 2006.

8. The next RMRA General Meeting will be held on September 27th. The discussion theme will be related to Pedestrian safety - on and off the sidewalk. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!