The Four Corners of Bathurst and Bloor

If you have concerns about developments and future developments at iconic intersection Bathurst and Bloor, then block off the afternoon of October 5th.
Councillors Mike Layton and Adam Vaughan will host The Four Corners of Bathurst that day.
Here's the scoop:

"It is the boundary between municipal wards. It is the dividing line for downtown Toronto. It is the intersection of at least four distinct communities. As such, it is has never been looked at as a whole. This meeting will be the first time we sit down, together, as a community to examine this intersection and the neighbourhoods from London to Lennox and Markham to Albany/Lippincott.

Now that the future of Honest Ed’s and Mirvish Village are up for debate, it is even more important to set out a vision for the four corners of Bathurst and Bloor. There are many sites at this corner that may become development sites in the next decade and we need to be prepared as a community to define how we want our neighbourhoods to grow.

The outcomes of this charette on the Four Corners of Bathurst & Bloor will help inform the Bathurst Street study. More information is available online:http://www.toronto.ca/planning/bathurst.htm."

The meeting takes place Oct. 5th at Central Tech from 1 to 4 pm.

Cheers,

Vanessa

District Map

I just stumbled across an interesting District Map on councillor Adam Vaughan's website.
The map consists of layers and highlights approved developments; TTC info; landmarks; and more.
Interesting concept!
Cheers,
Vanessa

Vaughan vs. Ford Re: Annex Area Speed Limits

The National Post wrote up a Ford hissy fit re: our city councillor Adam Vaughan's proposal to reduce speed limits in the western part of the Annex.
No surprise that those two are butting heads, especially about any issue that Ford puts into the "war on the car" category.
Do I support reduced speed limits on our streets? As someone who bikes and has near misses with some frequency; as someone who escorted her children to Palmerston PS for many years and snatched them out of the way of heedless, speeding cars more than once; and as someone who was hit by a turning truck (while I was crossing on a green light), I say "yes."
Resoundingly.
Vanessa

Adam Vaughan Quotes

I quite like our area councillor, Adam Vaughan, and I'm hoping that he runs for mayor.
He's quite quotable -- and, unlike Ford, in a good way -- so Toronto Life collected some of his best bon mots.
The article also links to a Toronto Star profile of Vaughan.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Vermont Square Park Revitalization Open House Feb. 16th

This in from our councillor, Adam Vaughan:
"Vermont Square Park Revitalization Open House
The Seaton Village Residents' Association and the Vermont Square Park Renewal Committee are hosting an Open House to share the Phase One plan for the park:

Date: Thursday, February 16th, 2012
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Palmerston Public School, Library, 7[34] Palmerston Ave
Many hours of hard work and dedication from the Vermont Square Park Renewal Committee and park neighbours have brought us here. Please join your neighbours to review the Phase One plan and ask any questions you may have.
Construction will begin in April, 2012."

Cheers,

Vanessa

Seaton Village Neighbourhood Walk

I was dismayed to read in the latest Seaton Village Residents' Association online update that a few "smash and grabs" occurred in the area last month.
In response, Councillor Adam Vaughan's office is organizing a January 12th walk through the neighbourhood.
Here are some details:
"The walk is being held during evening hours, to allow for participation after work and to better identify potential problem areas within the neighbourhood. Of particular interest will be the laneway behind Yarmouth Rd near Christie and Clinton Streets. Constable Gord Reid will lead the walk along with Supervisor Joe Magalhaes of Municipal Licensing and Standards. It has been advised that the walk will be open to the first 15 people (with some flexibility) in order to ensure the endeavour is focused and productive.

Please RSVP Rebecca Hewitt at Councillor Vaughan’s office: rhewitt@toronto.ca."
Vanessa

Library Meeting Nov. 15th

This is from our area councillor, Adam Vaughan, who supports keeping our library system intact:
"Dear residents,
Thank you for your continued messages of support for our public libraries.
I strongly value our libraries, in our ward and across the city. The Toronto Public Library system is the largest in Canada and the busiest in the world. Our library collections include publications in more than 100 languages, we are able to borrow books from other library systems across Canada, and our libraries offer employment and educational resources, public computers, and other important services that help meet the needs of our diverse communities.
Reductions to library service are currently being proposed. These cuts would include reduced open hours in branches across the city, and fewer new titles and copies of books, audio books, DVDs and magazines.
The Library Board needs to hear from you on how these cuts would impact you, your family, and your community. Please join me and Library staff at a public meeting to find out more about the potential reductions and to provide your comments.

Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Lillian H. Smith Branch, 239 College St (at Huron)

If you would like more information, or to fill out a survey on these changes, please click here:http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/about-the-library/budget-2012-survey.jsp

Best regards,
Adam Vaughan"

The Brunswick House Applying To Expand Its Capacity

During the years, there have been rumblings in the community about The Brunswick House at the southeast corner of Brunswick and Bloor.
According to an OpenFile story, the establishment "would like its license expanded so that it can serve 600 people instead of the current 502."
Our local councillor, Adam Vaughan, recommended not allowing the increase because "there have been numerous complaints about the Premises from residents in the area. Complaints range from public drunkenness, public urination, vandalism, theft, noise and trespassing. Residents in the area are concerned for their safety because of what they perceive to be an increase in violence and vandalism."
To the Brunny: um, no. Just no.
Vanessa
PS The Toronto Star has weighed in with a story, too.

Take Action To Save Toronto's Liveability!

And here, Ladies and Gentlemen, is why Adam Vaughan should be the next mayor of Toronto....

"Dear Ward Residents and Businesses,

Stop the Mayor!

Whether it’s the reckless plans for the waterfront, the hopeless transit strategy or the horrendous budget cuts the Mayor is pushing - one thing is very clear: Stop the Mayor and we stop the damage the Mayor is proposing to do to the city we love.

No ward in the city delivered fewer votes to Rob Ford than Ward 20. Our scepticism and outright distrust of his empty campaign promises however is not enough to halt his destructive behaviour. We must link up with communities and neighbourhoods across the city now to protect Toronto. The recent budget announcements make this vitally important.

Behind the headlines that scream budget crisis, a bigger crisis lurks. Critical components of this city's civic life are at risk. Beyond the tragedy of losing community-based daycare, social housing, public transit, a strong library system, arts funding and reductions in street sweeping, snow clearance and garbage pick-up – beyond all of this, there is also an attack being mounted against our civic and civil rights..."

Please click here to read more and to learn how to take action.

Let's save the city we love!
I have written protest letters and such, but I think it might be time to kick it up a notch...
Vanessa

Taddle Creek Park Opening Thursday

During the past few years, a lot of folks have invested generous amounts of time and effort to renew our neighbourhood parks. Kudos to them!
The fruits of their labours are becoming evident lately. There is a celebration Thursday to celebrate the "new" Taddle Creek Park at Bedford & Lowther.
This is from Councillor Adam Vaughan's office:

"Taddle Creek Opening
____________________

Councillor Adam Vaughan, the City of Toronto, and the Taddle Creek Park Renewal Working Group invite you to celebrate the revitalization of Taddle Creek Park.

Date: Thursday, September 15
Time: 4 pm – 5 pm
Location: Taddle Creek Park, Lowther Ave & Bedford Road

If you can't make it to the event, don't forget to drop by the park another day and enjoy."

Cheers,
Vanessa

Adam Vaughan's Latest Newsletter

I receive Councillor Adam Vaughan's newsletter and often share tidbits from it on this Blog. But I'm going to post his latest email in full.
Why? Because I think we're in the midst of a fight right now to keep our city sustainable and liveable and if we don't speak up, we'll regret it in very soon -- and even more in a few years.

Cheers,

Vanessa

"Dear residents,

Thank you for your message in support of keeping our libraries public. I really appreciate that you also took the time to send your message to members of the Executive Committee.

I strongly value our public libraries, in our ward and across the city. In Ward 20, in particular, we know how serious Mayor Ford is about closing libraries, with the Urban Affairs Library set to close its doors on September 14^th. A number of Councillors who are now claiming to support public libraries, in fact, voted to close our library just a few months ago.

And, even though a number of Councillors are claiming to support the idea of public libraries now, they are not speaking out against reduced hours and other service reductions in our public libraries. This is why your voice and your support to sustain our community assets are incredibly important.

The Toronto Public Library system is the largest public library system in Canada and the world's busiest urban library system. Our library collections include publications in more than 100 languages, we are able to borrow books from other library systems across Canada, and our libraries offer employment and educational resources, public computers, and other important services that help meet the needs of our diverse communities.

I will continue to make sure that Mayor Ford and his Executive do not close, cut hours and collections, or contract-out services at the Toronto Public Library.

I am also working with others to protect all of our important public services as the City undergoes a Service Review, which has proposed cutting and selling off many of our City's services.

The Toronto Public Library system will be considered again at a Special Executive Committee meeting on Monday September 19. When the agenda is posted, you will be able to find it here: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=5053#Meeting-2011.EX10.
I encourage you to continue making your views known to the Mayor and the Executive Committee. If you would like to send a written submission or speak at the Executive Committee on September 19, please contact exc@toronto.ca or 416-392-6627.

The Mayor and the Executive Committee will make final recommendations on service cuts and the Core Service Review that will go to City Council on September 26 & 27.

It is important for us to stand together and make it known that cuts to crucial programs and services are not acceptable. It seems that Councillors representing communities in the former City of Toronto really understand the value of our City services and are working to sustain them. I believe that Torontonians across our city value and benefit from our public services. We need to reach these people and encourage them to get in touch with their representatives.

If you have friends and relatives in other parts of the city who share your views, it would be great if they too would call their Councillors and the Mayor's office.

If you haven't already done so, you can write to Mayor Ford and the members of the Executive Committee to ensure that they understand how important other city services are to you. Their contact information is listed below.

Mayor Ford	Mayor_ford@toronto.ca	416-397-3673
Paul Ainslie	Councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca	416-392-4008
Michelle Berardinetti	Councillor_berardinetti@toronto.ca	416-392-0213
Mike Del Grande	Councillor_delgrande@toronto.ca	416-392-1374
Doug Holyday	Councillor_holyday@toronto.ca	416-392-4002
Norman Kelly	Councillor_kelly@toronto.ca	416-392-4047
Giorgio Mammoliti	Councillor_mammoliti@toronto.ca	416-395-6401
Peter Milczyn	Councillor_milczyn@toronto.ca	416-392-4040
Denzil Minnan-Wong	Councillor_minnan-wong@toronto.ca	416-397-9256
Cesar Palacio	Councillor_palacio@toronto.ca	416-392-7011
Jaye Robinson	Councillor_robinson@toronto.ca	416-395-6408
David Shiner	Councillor_shiner@toronto.ca	416-395-6413
Michael Thompson	Councillor_thompson@toronto.ca	416-397-9274

Of course, they all receive mail at City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2.

There are a number of community organizations that are taking action against the proposed cuts:

· The Toronto Environmental Alliance is fighting back against proposals to reduce our waste diversion targets, close the Toronto Environment Office, and cut environmental programs. They have great summaries up on their site here and they are asking people to sign their petition to save the City's environmental programs. You can sign the petition here.

· Onetoronto.ca is also posting great summaries about all of the proposed cuts. I encourage you to sign up to receive their e-mails. Visit their site here: http://onetoronto.ca/.

Thank you again for writing and for your commitment to our city.

Yours sincerely,

Adam"

Park Plans

I'm impressed by our local councillor, Adam Vaughan, and would love to see him take the reins as mayor of Toronto one day.
Fingers crossed.
In the meantime, he has put a lot of effort -- along with many, many volunteers -- into improving our ward's parks. So let's take a moment to say thank you to him and to all the people who spend hours selflessly toiling behind computers, or at dull or tense meetings, or literally in the trenches to make life better for all of us. Thank you!
Some of the fruits of their labours are becoming evident. Construction has been underway at Sibelius Square for a few months now. And this tidbit is from Councillor Vaughan's latest newsletter:
"Vermont Square Park
Plans are complete and work will begin later this summer on Vermont Square Park.
Playground enhancements, an art bench, and improved paths are part of phase one, for this year. Next summer, upgrades to other areas of the park will include an enhanced tree canopy, irrigation of the central field area, additional seating, and a ‘porch’ along the south wall of Bill Bolton arena.
The wading pool in the playground area will be opened on June 30 and will be fully staffed until construction begins in the late summer. The wading pool will be open through the August long weekend.
The playground committee spearheaded a proposal to name the playground within the park the “Dennis Lee Playground” in honour of the poet laureate, children’s writer, author, and long time local resident Dennis Lee. After receiving consent from Mr. Lee, support from the neighbourhood, and approval from the Residents’ Association, Toronto and East York Community Council unanimously approved the name!
To connect with The Seaton Village Residents’ Association, visit their website at: http://seatonvillage.ca.”
Cheers,
Vanessa

Attention Frat House Neighours: Your Input Is Needed

Unless you've been out of the country, you probably know that frat houses in our area are under fire for being well, let's say, less than stellar neighbours.
It's time for frat house neighbours to voice their concerns at city hall. Here's the scoop from Councillor Vaughan's office:
"Dear Residents,
I have heard from many of you about issues you've experienced as neighbours of Fraternity and Sorority Houses.
Next week, City staff are conducting consultations intended for neighbours of Fraternity and Sorority houses. These consultations will help inform a licensing proposal for these housing types which City staff are developing as a result of a motion I moved at Licensing and Standards Committee last month.
Some of you may have already received this notice electronically or by mail.
Public Consultation Meeting for neighbours of Fraternity or Sorority Houses
Date: Tuesday, May 3rd
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street
Direction markers will be provided to the meeting room.
Should you be unable to attend, but wish to provide comment, you may email Warwick Perrin, Municipal Licensing and Standards Policy & Research Consultant at wperrin@toronto.ca.
Your personal accounts and suggestions are important and I encourage you to share your comments with City staff either at this meeting or electronically.
Sincerely,
Adam Vaughan
Councillor Adam Vaughan
Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina
416-392-4044"
Cheers,
Vanessa

Adam Vaughan in The Nutcracker

Greetings!
I certainly love receiving emails and info from neighbours. Bring it on! This rolled into my inbox from our neighbour, Louise, and I thought that it might interest you because it involves our local councillor:
"I came across this notice that Adam Vaughan will be performing as one of the celebrity Cannon Dolls in the 1:00PM performance of the National Ballet's Nutcracker on December 30th. I thought this might be of interest to you and your readers."
Cheers,
Vanessa

Adam-Vaughan-Related Vandalism?

My tenant had his car tires vandalized yesterday. We noticed the neighbours several doors down did, too.
We both had Adam Vaughan signs on our lawn.
Said sign has been (literally) trashed, rescued, then ripped off and rescued again.

I hate to draw conclusions.

Anyone else experience any of this?

Double reason to be dismayed this a.m.
Vanessa

PS this type of thing happened last election, too.

All Candidates Debate Monday

Everyone seems caught up in the looming election, if only for fear that buffoon-ish Rob Ford actually has a chance of being the public face of our city. [insert shudder here].
But have you made up your mind about who to vote in for city councillor and school trustee?

For my money, our incumbents are fabulous: councillor Adam Vaughan and school trustee Chris Bolton.

If you need a chance to see them in action, the Annex Residents' Association and other neighbourhood groups have set up a local debate.
Here's the scoop:

All Candidates Debate
Monday October 18
7-9:30pm
Trinity-St.Paul’s Centre (427 Bloor Street West)

7-8:20pm: Ward 20 city council candidates
Dean Maher (www.votefordean.ca)
Ken Osadchuk
Roman Polochansky (http://polochansky.co.cc)
Adam Vaughan (http://adamvaughan.ca)
Mike Yen (http://yen2010.com).

8:30-9:30pm: School Board Candidates
Public
Chris Bolton (http://chrisbolton.ca)
Michael Sims (http://michaelsims.ca)

Separate
Jo-Ann Davis (www.jo-anndavis.ca)
Catherine Leblanc-Miller (http://www.tcdsb.org/trustees/trusteeward9.asp)

Get out and vote!
Vanessa

Adam's Walk In Our Area This Weekend

I've already mentioned that our city councillor, Adam Vaughan, is planning free Adam's Walks this summer.

Inspired by the Jane's Walk series of walking tours, Vaughan will lead walking tours through various districts in his ward.

This Saturday, his tour takes in Seaton Village and The Annex.

"Date: Saturday, July 10th

Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm

Starting point: Vermont Square Park, by the playground (Palmerston Avenue at Palmerston Gardens)

Join me on a stroll through Seaton Village and the Annex. Learn how residents are working with the City to revitalize and manage parks throughout these two neighbourhoods, from Taddle Creek to Vermont Square.

Explore Bloor Street West and learn how new guidelines now in place will help manage development, and encourage affordability and sustainability along this popular downtown strip.

This tour will also explore how residents are working together to calm traffic and ensure that their neighbourhoods remain safe, livable and lively.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 416-392-4044 or email councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca."

Cheers,

Vanessa

Councillor Vaughan's Message About The Rooming House Fire

This message rolled into my inbox from our councillor, Adam Vaughan:
"Dear Annex Residents,

I am writing to provide you with an update on the fire that occurred this morning [July 2nd] at 502/504 Huron Street.

Toronto Fire Services responded to the fire shortly after 10:00 am this morning. Ten fire trucks responded to this incident and the fire was quickly under control in less than 15 minutes.

One female is confirmed dead and a male is in critical condition. The Office of the Fire Marshal and Toronto Police Services are investigating.

Once this investigation is complete, the details of this unfortunate incident will be released. Until a police report comes forward, I cannot comment on what may or may not have transpired; however, I would like to assure you this was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the immediate neighbours or the broader neighbourhood.

It is important to note that 502/504 Huron Street is a licensed rooming house that has passed recent inspections and was found to have all fire code requirements in order. The fire alarm systems in both homes were fully operational. The building has a fire safety plan and a person met fire crews outside upon arrival. Because it was licensed, City staff and emergency crews were immediately able to access information on the number of units, number of residents, and other relevant details that allowed them to more easily address the safety of the residents who live in this building.

The City’s Shelter, Housing and Support staff are on-site and providing ongoing support to the other residents of 502 Huron Street to ensure their needs are met until they can return home.

This incident highlights the importance of licensing rooming houses with the City of Toronto to ensure compliance with all applicable fire and life safety requirements. In particular, it underlines why I am working to bring fraternity and sorority houses under the rooming house bylaw.

While fraternities and sororities also house a number of people under the same roof in the same way that other rooming houses do, they are not currently required to be licensed. As a result, annual inspections, which ensure that proper fire and life safety standards are in place, do not occur; information on the number of people who live there – and other details that are helpful to emergency response services – is not readily available.

This is why it is vital that rooming house licensing requirements are extended to fraternities and sororities in your neighbourhood."

Vanessa

Plaque Unveiling To Commemorate Kiboshing of Spadina Expressway

Sometimes it's the things that don't get built that affect a city more than those that do get built. An example is the Spadina Expressway, which would have intersected our neighbourhood with a busy highway had construction not been halted in 1971.

The non-creation of the Spadina Expressway, and the preservation of our lovely neighbourhood, will be commemorated with a plaque that is going to be unveiled on Monday from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Here are the details from Heritage Toronto:
"Location: Matt Cohen Park (725 Spadina Avenue, north of Bloor)

Speakers:

Councillor Adam Vaughan; Heritage Toronto Board Member Robert Prowse

In the 1960s, Spadina Road was to be transformed into the southern end of an expressway and subway line. The project was halted through community-led efforts and the intervention of the Government of Ontario.
Following the ceremony, please join us for a reception at Alliance Francaise De Toronto at 24 Spadina Road (Spadina Road, north of Bloor Street near Lowther Avenue)."
Enjoy,
Vanessa

Do You Have Ideas Or Concerns About Housing For Families In Downtown T.O.??

This is from our area city councillor, Adam Vaughan. I, personally, do have a lot of opinions about family housing in Toronto and intend to offer my two cents' worth.

Thought you might, too. Here's the email:
"Dear residents,

Re: Creating better housing for families in Toronto

Over the past three years in office I have been working with the development community, Ward 20 residents and City Planning staff to ensure that new development incorporates a variety of housing types, specifically to create housing that can sustain families in the downtown.

Informally, every development proposed in Ward 20 over the past three-years has been asked to provide a minimum of 10% of the total unit count as family-sized units.

This has generated more

than 500 units over a two-year period compared to the 73 units approved in the same area during the previous term of Council.

In 2009, I received support from City Council to work with staff on an Official Plan Amendment that would make this practice a requirement for all developments in the downtown (Ward 20, 28 and 27).

In November 2009, the City’s Planning and Growth Management Committee considered staff recommendations for the Official Plan Amendment to Encourage the Development of Units for Households with Children. The report is available online at:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/pg/bgrd/backgroundfile-24366.pdf

The development industry asked the Committee to defer a decision on the Official Plan Amendment to allow for further consultation and changes.

As part of this consultation process, my office, City staff and the development industry are hosting focus groups with residents who are interested in family housing in the downtown. The discussion will be about what kinds of changes may be needed to make condominium units work better as a viable option for families.

I am writing to invite you to participate in one of these sessions that will be held on:

Date: Wednesday March 3, 2010

Times: 12 - 2 or 7 - 9 pm

Location: 11 Mariner Terrace (Spadina & Bremner)

RSVP: rsvpfocusgroup@concordadex.com

For more information, you can contact Ange Kinnear in my office at 416-392-4044 or by email at akinnear@toronto.ca

If you can not attend the sessions, but would like to contribute your perspective to the discussion, you can submit your ideas in writing to my office.

Your input on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Adam Vaughan