Junction Winter Carnival

Images from around 2: 45pm at the Junction City Square

[caption id="attachment_2486" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Stroller mob parking at todays Winter carnival :-)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2487" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="horse pulled cart rides"][/caption]

The Village by High Park putting back some historical elements?

During past few weeks the Options for Homes development on Keele St.  just north of Dundas St. West,  has seen alot of activity, just none of it lending itself to interesting  images the told a story of progress. They have been working on the foundation area of their  1st  tower, as can be seen in the concrete form work in the 1st picture below.

[caption id="attachment_2479" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Foundation forms"][/caption]

 

 

But the real great and interesting item of note and the reason for this post today is that they appear to be replacing some of the stone they removed from the historic wall that ran along the side their lot on Keele St.  In the picture they may be  returning the wall into their lot, that is -  where the original wall ran along Keele St., they are replacing a section at a right angle for maybe 20 feet.

[caption id="attachment_2480" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="New wall from old?"][/caption]

Many of the removed rocks sat in their lot for for some time this may be the reason.

[caption id="attachment_2477" align="aligncenter" width="496" caption="Cutting Stone"][/caption]

Will return later today to try and figure it out

Winter carnival tomorrow at Junction City Square

At the Junction Train Station - Pacific Ave and Dundas St West 12 - 4 pm

Free refreshments, ice sculpture, ice skating. Heated tent,

cash bar, live band 7 - 11 pm.

 

A few links of interest ...urban stuff

The Meltdown in Home Furnishings [New York Times Link]

this economic meltdown of the urban design industry started with the housing market, anything related to home got slammed first and worst, and that included home furnishings,                                     ----

Monarch crews twist at the Vibe [Daily Comerical news Link]


Monarch Corporation has completion of the Vibe development scheduled for May 2010, at Liberty Village condominium project in Toronto.

Designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects Inc., the 24-storey, 315-unit project includes a six-storey podium and ground-level retail space.(short story this is about it, but it has picture of a guy placing rebar)

BUDGET 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit

 

[caption id="attachment_2456" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Home repair time   - for those mid and large - repairs"][/caption]

Home Renovation Tax Credit offers small contractors and homeowners too.

Now and continuing until February 1, 2010, home ... includes  condo owners too  and cottage owners are eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit, which offers up to $1350 in tax credits for almost all labour and materials costs related to home renovation.

The program applies to projects worth a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $10,000. The maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350. 

Here hosted on the junctioneer server is a excerpt from the budget that details the Home Renovation Tax Credit. Highlighted in yellow are the main points of program

David Pylyp   a local David Pylyp Sales Representative, RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc, who has a good realty information  blog that contains much more than the usuall stuff has a article on the tax credit. Friday he is interviewing a bathtub renovation company one minute video for upload to You Tube which will deal witha reno that definately qualifies for tax credit.  [Link -  opens in new window]

Note this blog, nor any of the authors of the blog has a business relationship with David, so you can be sure we provided the link simply based on his blogs countined contribution to the subject.

 

UPDATE ON HAND WELLS! ...electricial manhole shocks

[caption id="attachment_2447" align="alignright" width="300" caption="A handwell "][/caption]

Within the span of three months two dogs where electrocuted when they stepped on metal plates at the base of hydro poles in the junction.

One incident took place in November and the other at the beginning of January. Both events took place on Keele street close to Annette.

 

Apparently water seeps into the hole covered by the metal plate and if the sheathing that normally covers the wires has separated (due to our ageing infrastructure,amoung other factors) it can complete a circuit between the subterranean devices and the metal plate above. It is my understanding that there are approximately 40,000 of these hand wells scattered throughout our city. Toronto Hydro inherited some of these hand wells from other utilities during amalgamation.

 

At last weeks meeting for the West Bend Residents Association, councillor Gord Perks addressed this issue.

Mr. Perks assured that residents that within a three month period, all hand wells will be tested by hand, starting with those in the Junction. Hydro will insulate all hand wells eventually and will be purchasing new equipment to do routine testing.

 

It is important to note that there is no danger to people. But it is my opinion that pet owners should still take precautions especially in wet conditions.Signs that your pet may be a victim are: excessive panting, trouble breathing, unconsciousness near the source of power, a burn across the area where the animal came in contact with the electricity, cardiac arrest.

If your animal shows any of these signs, a vet should be consulted immediately.

For information on how to give first aid to dogs suffering from electrical shock you can go towww.ehow.com and type first aid for dogs into the search bar.

 

It is heart breaking that someone has to lose a beloved pet in order to create an awareness for the rest of the public.

Our condolences go out to the owners and friends of Pierre and Mrak.

Posted By Linda C. Co -chair Junction RA

512 all stops to Scarlett Road

[caption id="attachment_2442" align="alignright" width="250" caption="TTC plans to extend the St Clair Streetcar"][/caption]

It's not breaking news to say the TTC plans to extend the St Clair Streetcar to intersect the planed LRT on Jane Street. However recently Council and the TTC have been in contact about accelerating the process and are seeking funding in the 2009 budget for an EA.

 

Recent increases in residential and retail developments in the Stockyards have stressed buses in the area.  This combined with the a large shopping centre development on Gunns Road is quickly turning this stretch of old industrial land into a big-box destination scattered with medium density housing.

 

Let's hope all goes well and we're all stops to Scarlett in a few years.

 

Posted by Martin

Wise Daughters Craft Market opens Saturday

[caption id="attachment_2437" align="alignright" width="412" caption="Wise Daughters Craft Market opens Saturday {source Junction Parents Blog}"][/caption]

Junction Parents Blog has a item on the new craft store in the Junction

Smoking outlawed at Toronto playgrounds

Toronto has extended the prohibition to anywhere within nine metres of a city playground, splash pad or wading pool

from code amendment endorsing the ban....

proposed amendments to Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks will prohibit smoking in children’s recreational play areas and will be enforced by By-law Officers of the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. Smoking should be prohibited within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of playground safety surfaces or any playground equipment in Toronto parks, within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of wading pool basins or safety surfaces of splash pads and within zoos and farms operated by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. This restriction is consistent with Ontario legislation that bans smoking within a 9-metre radius of entrances and exits of hospital buildings.

from the Toronto Star article today...

Officials confess it may be difficult to enforce, but Brenda Patterson, parks general manager, expects to be helped by community self-policing. Just as officers are not standing around looking for dogs off leash or illegal dumping, enforcement will occur if individuals call in a complaint, she said.

Parents and parks staff can simply ask a smoker to put out their cigarette. "Children who recognize it's a no-smoking area will make comments themselves," Patterson said.

The ban will go into effect when the province sets the fine amount. The city is hoping for a $305 fine.

The city will spend $16,000 for no-smoking signs in 833 playgrounds and elsewhere. It also plans a public education campaign.
Link to report presented to counsillors [opens in new window]

201 WESTON ROAD FOR SALE

[caption id="attachment_2426" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Asking Price $2,700,000 or cap rate of 6.8%"][/caption]

 

 

From the Listing...

The Property
The Property is comprised partially of a two storey plus lower level building plus a one storey addition containing a total of 26 attractive live and work units with high ceilings and impressive window coverage. The land area is approximately 23,217 square feet (0.533 acre) with frontage on Weston Road of 187 feet and an overall depth of approximately 124 feet. 

Official Plan
The Current Official Plan classifies the property within an area of "General Use Areas - Mix of Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Use" allowing for a mix of commercial, institutional, and industrial uses that will be environmentally compatible with adjacent and neighbouring uses. The New Official Plan classifies the area as "Neighbourhoods" which is simply for residential use, permitting amongst other uses walk-up apartments and existing uses to continue provided such a use was legal prior to the implementation of the Official Plan. 

 

Link to PDF listing [opens in new window]

Motion to protect community groups and resident organizations from court costs

photo credit: I am I.A.M.Moved by Councillor Del Grande, seconded by Councillor Palacio a Member Motion that the City not request such litigation costs from community and resident public interest groups

The purpose of this motion is to ask the City not to request litigation awards of cost against community and resident public interest groups, when the two parties enter into disputes which are resolved in public tribunal

The motion is subject to referral to the Executive Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.

[Link to motion at the city site] Full report [opens in new window]

[Link to motion at the junctioneer] Full report [opens in new window]

Community Meeting Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study tonight

[caption id="attachment_2385" align="alignright" width="411" caption="South Junction Triangle RA notice of meeting tonight"][/caption]

Click to open the South Junction Triangle Residents Association page for this meeting which contains additional background links.

Unusual and special event at WTJHS Feb 5th

Click link to download their poster [opens in new window]

Notice of Motion to require residents to have rear numbering of properties

photo credit: scissorhands33

Councillor Moscoe Moved  and Councillor Vaughan seconded that  all properties backing onto public or private laneways be required to post a municipal number at the rear of the property, in a manner that enables that property to be identified from the laneway.

Summary from city documents
The Toronto Municipal Code requires all homes and buildings in the City of Toronto to display a municipal number. The City is undertaking measures to ensure that there is universal conformity with this by-law. There is, however, no requirement to display a municipal number at the rear of a property. This
became a matter of concern during last year's fire on Queen Street West, when firefighters often had difficulty identifying the properties from the rear laneways.

Link to full Member Motion Full report [opens in new window]

Junction Parents Blog has the link

... to the Toronto Sun's story about the Junctions  urban skating rink

Local:EARTH HOUR PLANNING MEETING: Tuesday, January 27th

Green 13 met on Tuesday January 6th to begin planning for Earth Hour '09. There was much discussion on expanding public interest in Earth Hour, including organizing multiple events, providing forums to share information, and undertaking community initiatives that would extend beyond the one hour event.

Attendees at the meeting began to focus on the following specific ideas:

• A screening of  a film about climate change followed by a panel discussion at the Revue Theatre - MPP Cheri diNovo generously offered to help us organize this event.

• A town hall meeting in Swansea on the proposed expansion of nuclear energy in the province.

* Two Earth Hour candlelight walks - one along Bloor Street West and one along Dundas Street West in the heart of the Junction. With a possible community party/dance following the walks.

• Providing a tip sheet for "staying green" year round to Earth Hour walkers.

* There was also discussion on engaging schools and businesses in the community and participating in a family-orientated event in High Park.

So, clearly there is a lot of work to do!

Our next meeting is scheduled for 7 pm, Tuesday, January 27th, at West Toronto Baptist Church, 3049 Dundas Street West. The meeting location is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if you are able to attend, or if you are part of a group, if a colleague will be able to attend. We are striving to make Earth Hour 2009 as inclusive and successful as possible, and we need your help to do it!  We hope to see you at the next meeting. If you have any questions, comments, and to RSVP please contact me via this e-mail ( chris_holcroft@yahoo.com ) or at 416-760-8557

Thank you!  Christopher Holcroft on behalf of Green 13

submitted by Rita Bijons on behalf of Green 13

Updated electrical code requires new homes to have tamper-resistant receptacles

Baby-proofing your homes electrical outlets routinely consists of  placing plastic covers or inserts  over or into your electric socket plug inlets. Now the new sections of the electrical  code require new homes to have tamper-resistant receptacles, designed to prevent children from inserting objects into receptacles.

[caption id="attachment_2358" align="alignright" width="124" caption="Tamper-Resistant Receptacle closeup"][/caption]

 

 

Denyse Boxell of Safe Kids Canada says is this Canadian Press article [opens in new window] 

"The great thing is that finally we have some technology that's actually passive - it doesn't rely on the parent to actually make sure that there's any covers in place," 

However mandating that all receptacles to be installed in any residential home during new work or repair be tamper-resistant receptacles would be a greater and more complete solution for child safety.

How do they work?

Tamper-resistant receptacles have built-in shutter systems that prevent foreign objects from touching electrically live components when they're inserted into the slots

For a detaled overview of the issue see  this link at Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine [opens in new window]

The Village by High Park tower crane from Hook Ave.

[caption id="attachment_2351" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Village by High Park crane with building mass outlined in yellow"][/caption]

The view along Hook Ave, will change greatly with the addition of the now being consrtucted Village by High Park 1st building.

In the image to the right is drawn in a yellow rectangle of approximate scale  to the new building.

People  buying units in this building on the east face will have some great views towards the central city.

Grappler hook collection on smaller streets in Juncton

Solid Waste Management Services is using or just testing grappler hook collection on smaller streets in Junction where no cars are permitted to park next to the sidewalk.

This morning a waste collection truck driver routed his truck west on Vine Ave and then south on Mc Murray Ave and unloaded the garbage bins by grappler hooks of about 1/4 of the Ave. This has left 3/4 of the houses for normal collection where a collector pulls the bin over to the truck.

CPR Junction track is one of the busiest corridors in CPR’s network

The CPR track Section traveling though the Junction is...

One of the most important / busiest corridor in CPR’s network
(70 – 90 train movements per day) [1. Clearway Construction Inc data presented at the American Public Works Association Congress/2008]

Coun. Saundercook's Winter Carnival announcement

Dear Neighbours,

As JFAC [1. Junction Forum for Arts and Culture] chair, I am pleased to announce that on Jan 31st there will be a winter carnival happening right here in the Junction!

The Carnival will run all day long at Junction City Square which is
located on Dundas St. W (at Pacific Ave.) There will be a free skate at
the new ice rink located at the Junction City Square from 12-4 pm; there
will be live entertainment, music, snacks and more! From 7-11 pm you can
even expect a heated tent with a live band!

This event is sponsored by Tim Horton's and Enbridge! Thank you to
our sponsors!

Hope to see you all there!

The recent CPR holiday train organized by Coun. Saundercook, made a lot of people happy -  this effort will be just as fun. If you missed the train, you missed a great Junction event, really you will not want to miss this one. It is reminiscent of all the community gatherings the historical society guys keep telling us about.

JunctionRA meeting video now online

Please Visit the ustream page too view the videos

Demo permit application for 200 Keele St. submitted

The demo permit application came out for the new townhouses on Keele.  See related post for all the issues asscoiated with this development.

 

[caption id="attachment_2295" align="alignright" width="390" caption="demo permit application screen shot 200 Keele ST."][/caption]

Submitted by Martin L.

403 Keele Steet - Village by High Park – Project update

   Tower A (Phase 2)                           Tower B (Phase 1) 

403 Keele Steet - Village by High Park artsist renderings

 

 

Village by High Park is a high rise condominium development consisting of one 16 storey 296 unit condo and one 23 storey 311 unit.  Commercial retailspace will also be provided at ground level.

 Project update

·       September 2008 – Demolition was completed on the old Canadian Tire store

·       October 2008 – Shoring work to hold back the CP rail lines in progress

·       December 2008 – Continued on site preparation

·       January 2009 – Crane installed to begin Tower B (16 storey 296 unit)

 Looking forward

·       Spring 2009 - Crane is installed to begin Tower A (23 storey 311 unit)

·       Early Winter 2009 – Tower A and B external structure complete

·       Winter 2010 - Internal work to compete suites, amenities and HVAC

·       Spring/Summer 2010 – Occupancy begins!

 

Options for Homes is also hoping to hold a community celebration this spring

Submitted by Matrin L.

Junction Winter Carnival

[caption id="attachment_2254" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="At the Junction Train Station - Pacific Ave and Dundas St West"][/caption]

12 - 4 pm
Free refreshments, ice sculpture, ice skating.

Heated tent, cash bar, live band
7 - 11 pm

Junction BIA approves JFAC contract

The Junction Forum for Art and Culture has signed this years (2009) agreement with the Junction BIA, which details their collaborative efforts. Camern Victor emailed note told us the agreement is  "a mutually agreed upon contract authored by both the BIA & JFAC."  The Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC) Chair Councillor Bill Saundercook and Vice Chair Carmen Victor and the other JFAC members put considerable work into getting this done, as did various members of  The BIA (who we would name, but we don't know which people acted on behalf of the BIA). (We hope someone will tell us)

JFAC's primary event each year is the Junction Arts Festival but seems to be planning even more this year starting with a winter carnival at the end of Janurary 31st see this post for details.

Festival website

Exclusive photos of the tower structure of Annette Street Baptist Church

On Sept. 23, 2008  the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec (“the Convention”) decided to sell  200 Annette Street which they acquired at the closure of Annette St. Baptist Church at nominal value.  The property was loaned to the Czechoslovak Church since 1980,  who have decided not to continue the usage of the building.

The Convention is stating they have been  unsuccessful in finding an alternate use of the property.

The site is approximately 9,700 square feet.

[caption id="attachment_2236" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Inside the church viewed from front of the church - the tower  is the square outcrop from the building shell to the left of the people standing just inside the front doors."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2237" align="alignright" width="500" caption="1st view as you climb from the 1st floor (in use finished section) into the second level"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2238" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Looking into the roof structure of the front tower from the second level"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2239" align="alignright" width="281" caption="Construction detail south east corner of the front tower"][/caption]

Photo credit - Junctioneer

Simardone design - where art thou

[caption id="attachment_2228" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Simardone design has a nice sign..."][/caption]

We are we are wondering if  Simardone design has moved into it's building across from Malta Parkette as of yet, -  hope not.  Because if he has it appears it's going to operate as a closed workshop with no front retail space.   The Junction needs retail store space with displays and public interaction if the community is have more of a presence.  The website for the gentleman still lists 251 Sorauren Ave. as the address of business.

Simardone design

[caption id="attachment_2229" align="alignright" width="400" caption="..and a nice object reinterpretation work -  in a magazine article next to this work he suggests using this a  headboard for a bed , when maybe - a suitable way to to use this piece would be to purchase it as a sculptural object"][/caption]

blogto article on the Victoria-Royce Presbyterian Church

blogto has an article concerning the fate of a number of church's  in the Junction. The artcle does not offer much in deapth of discussion about the situation but does give a strong clear overview.

toblog link [opens in new window]

2nd dog killed by stray electrial current in Junctpon

[caption id="attachment_2206" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Serious Hydro pole issues in the Junction"][/caption]

...from the Toronto Star [link]

Bunge post 3 - 30 Weston Rd Priestly Demolition drops off equipment

[caption id="attachment_2200" align="alignright" width="498" caption="Bunge 30 Weston Rd Priestly Demolition readying to start"][/caption]

Priestly Demolition has begun to drop off large equipment at 30 Weston Rd on the St Clair St. side of the lot. Also they have created a "construction" entrance off Gunns Rd, directly across from the side of the St. Helen’s Meat Packers Limited plant.

Outcome of June Callwood Park Design Competition

[caption id="attachment_2186" align="aligncenter" width="416" caption="June Callwood park Diagram - City of Toronto diagram"][/caption]

The competition jury  selected gh3 design firm as the winner for the  June Callwood Park  Callwood Park Design Competition.

Council authorise Parks, Forestry and Recreation to enter into and execute an agreement on behalf of the City with gh3 to provide professional landscape architectural services for June Callwood Park, based on a proposed fee of up to 12 percent of the construction costs

Full report [opens in new window]

COT Proposes to Prohibit Smoking around Playgrounds and Other Areas in City of Toronto Parks

The City of Toronto Parks  (COT) , Forestry and Recreation wants prohibit smoking in children's recreational play areas, a wonderful idea abet with a  weakness . In their current plan they intend to have  only Parks, Forestry and Recreation By-law Enforcement Officers can are used to enforce the bylaw, is there enough of them to regularly visit all the parks in the city to be an effective deterrent? The blog has emailed the department aking the numbers of such people employed


The proposed amendment

....proposed amendments to Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks will prohibit smoking in children’s recreational play areas and will be enforced by By-law Officers of the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. Smoking should be prohibited within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of playground safety surfaces or any playground equipment in Toronto parks, within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of wading pool basins or safety surfaces of splash pads and within zoos and farms operated by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. This restriction is consistent with Ontario legislation that bans smoking within a 9-metre radius of entrances and exits of hospital buildings.

The enforcement

People who smoke within the prohibited areas will be guilty of an offence under
Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks, and will be subject to fines imposed by Parks, Forestry and Recreation By-law Enforcement Officers. The set fines imposed for offences under Chapter 608 must be revised to include the offence of smoking in City parks within a 9-metre radius surrounding the edge of playground safety surfaces.

Proposed Amendment to Municipal Code, Chapter 608,
Parks, to Prohibit Smoking around Playgrounds and
Other Areas in City of Toronto Parks

Full report [opens in new window]

The Village by the Park Construction Post 1

[caption id="attachment_2165" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Tower crane assembly view from Keele St. just North of the Subway "] (January 08, 2009, 1:44:06 PM)"][/caption]

Options for Homes - The Village by the Park, is on the doorstep of construction. The pictures  in this post detail part of the tower crane the installation.

The tower crane can be used to gauge the visual views of the building(s) from various areas of the community, we drove around today taking a few photos from different locations  seeing what/where the building will be viewable  when built. Typically a buildings final height will be a about ten meters lower than the long horizontal jib (or working arm), which is the portion of the crane that carries the load horizontally. A trolley runs along the jib to move the load to and fro. In this case look at the bottom red section on top of the vertical white sections and this is the approximate final height of the building.

[caption id="attachment_2170" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Tower crane assembly - View from Vine Ave. (January 08, 2009, 1:45:45 PM)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2175" align="alignright" width="300" caption="From the Canadian Tire store at the stockyards looking through Keele centre (January 08, 2009, 12:36:02 PM)"][/caption]

200 Keele Street, 195 & 203 Oakmount Road

[caption id="attachment_2122" align="aligncenter" width="518" caption="200 Keele Street to construct a two block, three-storey, 24-unit, existing 15-unit rental townhouse block will be demolished."][/caption]

To construct a two block, three-storey, 24-unit condominium townhouse development an applicant is proposing to sever the rear portions of 195 and 203 Oakmount Road and add it to the property at 200 Keele Street. The existing 15-unit rental townhouse block will be demolished.

With a lot area of .48 hectares (1.18 acres) and 27.4 metres (90 feet) of frontage on the west side of Keele Street, and part of site which abuts Lithuania Park to the south, the property at at this time contains a 15-unit block of 3-
bedroom, rental townhouses built in 1978.

Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application -
Preliminary Report

Property Owner:

DEVELOPMENT GROUP

(HIGH PARK) INC

Zoned R2 Z0.6 in the former City of Toronto Zoning By-law No. 438-86

Victoria Royce Church 152 Annette St - Alterations Heritage Property

Below is a summary of the Etobicoke-York York Community Councils review of the Victoria Lofts conversion. The original is located in the meeting minutes from Tuesday, November 18, 2008. The Victoria Royce Church is one of the Junctions best buildings and conversion projects are very difficult to do right. The balance between accommodating the character of the building and its new inhabitants is a challenge to any architect.

[caption id="attachment_2157" align="alignright" width="350" caption="152 Annette Street - Victoria Royce Church "][/caption]

Overall I believe this project will preserve the general look of the building but I remain both nervous and excited about the outcome

Approval of Alterations to a Heritage Property
Proposal - The project converts the existing historic church and the attached school structure to a residential condo consisting of 34 residential units. The condo will exist within the original structure with the exception of one rooftop penthouse atop the school portion of the building.
Notes on architectural preservation:

• Minimal intervention in the masonry of the church building as only eight small new openings are proposed at the tower.


• Minimal intervention at the roof as disturbance of the roof plane is minimized by the use of discrete reverse roof dormer elements.


• Restoration of Masonry


• Preservation of smaller leaded windows, large arched openings and exterior light fixtures.
  
  
  
  • It appears the large stain glass windows will be converted into balconies
  
  
  
  


• Retention of tower entry features adapted to the new residential use
  
  
  
  • The entrance arch will remain but a balcony will be added.
  
  
  
  


• Retain the existing interior hammer beam structure.


• Preserve and re-use offsite the stained glass windows, organ, pews, grates, etc.
  
  
  
  • Pews are available for purchase at Forever Interiors
  
  
  
  

[caption id="attachment_2158" align="alignright" width="482" caption="152 Annette Street - Victoria Royce Church showing building outside changes"][/caption]

Other Notes:

• The manse structure will be severed from the project site and sold.


• The condo will have 22 underground parking spaces

contributed by Martin L.

New craft store in the Junction to feature local artists

UPDATE: Jan08 2009 - Junction Parents Blog as an image for the store location [link opens in new window]

The blog received a email today about a new craft store opening up in the Junction on Quebec Ave. just south of Dundas St West, and although the blog doesn't write much about the retail efforts in the Junction , this type of store is something we believe the Junction needs as a necessity. (see this post What new retail?) [link opens in new window]. The about section of their site reads (see below) much like a description that many of the Junction's arts and craft movement used to describe themselves in the 20's through 40's. Hopefully this shop is a whole lot Roycrofters [1. Roycroft was a reformist community of craft workers and artists which formed part of the Arts and Crafts movement in the USA. Participants were known as Roycrofters. The work and philosophy of the group, often referred to as the Roycroft movement, had a strong influence on the development of American architecture and design in the early 20th century.] and has a open access to a great body of makerdesigners of functional art and objects of desire.

from their site...

Wise Daughters carries unique locally handmade ceramics, knitwear, jewelery, soap, cards, folk art dolls, needlework, felt sculpture, screen-printing and much more, plus original paintings and multi-media artwork.


from their about...

Wise Daughters Craft Market is a brand new adventure for owner Mary Breen, a crafter whose foremothers have been embroidering, knitting, painting china, drawing, and designing clothes generation after generation. Her own creative "wise daughters" continue the tradition.

web site http://www.wisedaughters.com


3079B Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON, M6P 1Z9
(on Quebec Ave, just south of Dundas)

Astral Media Lands in the Junction

[caption id="attachment_2092" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Astral Media Public Message Centre"][/caption]

An Astral Media Public Message Centre has been installed on the corner
of Dundas St West and Clendenan Ave. (outside Councillor Saundercook's office).

This new signage is part of the 400 million dollar agreement with Astral Media to refit our streets with new street furniture. The Public Message Centre is one of the few without paid advertising.

Keep your eye on the sign for JRA updates and other news from
the neighbourhood.

Posted by
Martin

Spectuation around Dundas St West and Runnymede Rd NW corner

[caption id="attachment_2082" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Dundas St West at Runnymede Rd "][/caption]

Is the North West corner of Dundas St West and Runnymede Rd in a very early 1st step for development? A current application before the city would seem to indicate this.

A application to change a zoning amendment seeks to remove the site-specific by-law that pertains to the site. The city will consider the application at the next Etobicoke York Community Council - Meeting 23 - January 13, 2009.

excerpts from the staff report..

A Final Report and a Public Meeting under
the Planning Act, to consider this
application, is targeted for the second
quarter of 2009,

DECISION HISTORY
The property was the subject of a previous rezoning application, which implemented sitespecific
By-law No. 2157-75 that applies to the site. The purpose of By-law No. 2157-75
was to define what particular commercial uses would be permitted, and limit the height of
the buildings. Some of the listed uses included professional offices, library, service or
repair shops, commercial school, artist’s studio, and restaurants.

Zoning
The property is zoned Commercial Employment (CE), and By-law No. 2157-75 in
addition to By-law No. 2837-77, applies to the site. Permitted uses within CE zones
include industrial uses, offices, restaurants, recreational uses, in addition to limited retail
use provisions, and a private club.

Western Waterfront Master Plan - post 1

[caption id="attachment_1913" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Outlined area represents study area"][/caption]

The city of Toronto is currently engaged in a Western Waterfront Master Plan study. The purpose of the is to study on the type and location of park facilities, improvements to transportation, transit and pedestrian links with surrounding neighbourhoods.

[caption id="attachment_2045" align="alignright" width="500" caption="Aerial of Sunnyside Amusement Park 1926"][/caption]

The Western Waterfront Master Plan covers the area south of High Park bounded by the Humber River to the west and Marilyn Bell Park in the east. the area is 41 hectares or 101 acres in size and four kilometres long.

[caption id="attachment_2050" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Areas of possible "community" expansion "][/caption]

The railway tracks have divided the land north of the waterfront from the parkland since before the communities were created, and with the addition of the QEW expressway and Lake Shore Drive lane additions (1957) access to the the waterfront was severely cutoff.  Many people have experienced the very difficult and extremely unpleasant crossing of the road/track gap from Parkside Dr , Dunn Ave, or Ellis Rd and most any other point along the length of the study area. Reading though the city site (linked below) they  have a considerable number of ideas to create  more usable beach areas and public space.  Yet the connection to the communities though strolling and other means of simple access are not addressed.  Doing this without affecting the traffic which seems to be very important in Toronto, is going to require a expensive and large flyover of some sort, maybe more than one.  A unobstructed bridge object - one which is more than a bridge in fact a activity space itself, would greatly enhance the project each and every hour and every day for thousands of people.

Links

City of Toronto overall project site http://www.toronto.ca/waterfront/wwmp.htm

companies hired by the city to work on the project.

BAgroup BA Group (transportation planning and engineering services), in partnership with planningAlliance (planning and design practice), was awarded the project of developing the Master Plan for Toronto’s Western Waterfront parkland and area.

Consill

City of Toronto Union Station Bicycle Station user fees.

photo credit: Dustin Diaz



The newly planned Bicycle Stations will operate on a fee-based system to offset the part annual operating costs and to provide controlled access to and use of the facility


A. Registration Fee of $25.00;
B. 1-Day Parking Fee of $2.00;
C. 1-Month Parking Plan Fee of $20.00;
D. 4-Month Parking Plan Fee of $60.00;
E. Access Card Replacement Fee of $25.00; and
F. Overstay Fee of $10.00 per day to a $90.00 max

The fees recommended in this report will apply to the Union Station Bicycle Station and
to future Bicycle Station bicycle parking facilities.

from the report

The Union Station Bicycle Station involves the remediation and renovation of a 190
square metre area in the York West Teamway to create a secure, access controlled, indoor
bicycle parking facility to serve bicycle commuters. The Bicycle Station will provide
approximately 180 secure bicycle parking spaces and will include a small office space
and a change room. The Bicycle Station will be a staffed facility, which will operate on a
24-hour basis, providing access for registered members and non-registered drop-in
customers during regular weekday staffed hours and access for registered members only
during after-hours and on weekends. The Union Station Bicycle Station is currently under construction and will be open to the public in the Spring of 2009. A second Bicycle
Station is in the design stage and will be constructed in conjunction with the revitalization
of Nathan Phillips Square.


Data: City of Toronto [link to staff report opens in new window]

Bunge post 2 30 Weston Rd new details from city and developer files

The St. Clair and Weston Rd development in the “Stockyards” area of Toronto, will be one of the largest commercial retail developments in the city for the next couple of years. The development features over19 acres and take place on one the oldest industrial sites in the Junction.

Post 2 30 Weston Road Bunge/Swift [2. The site and many of the buildings were once a factory site for Swift Meats, Canada Packers, and most recently Canamerica foods/BUNGE] site




RIOCAN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST TO SELL PART INTEREST IN 30 Weston Rd DEVELOPMENT TO CPP INVESTMENT BOARD .


...from their statement Sept 2008 [full statement opens in new window]


The two developments are Jacksonport located in Calgary, Alberta and St. Clair Avenue and Weston Road located in Toronto, Ontario. The total development cost of the two projects is expected to aggregate approximately $440 million. Under the agreement, RioCan and Trinity will each retain a 25% ownership interest in the two developments.

The St. Clair and Weston development benefits from a well-established urban node at the intersection of St. Clair Avenue and Weston Road in the “Stockyards” area of Toronto. The development features over 19 acres, with 1,182 feet of frontage on Weston Road and 828 feet of frontage on St. Clair Avenue West. RioCan currently owns 60% of the project, while Trinity owns 40%. Both RioCan and Trinity will be reducing their interest to 25% and CPPIB will be acquiring 50% of the development. This urban retail project will ultimately feature approximately 570,000 square feet of retail space. The project concept features a unique urban, two-storey retail prototype that has been successfully utilized in the United States. A number of national tenants have expressed interest in the site. The aggregate cost of the development is expected to be approximately $210 million. Pending municipal approvals, it is anticipated that site servicing will commence in June 2009 and overall project completion by late 2010.
RioCan, along with its development partner Trinity, will manage all aspects of the development.


The now closed editable oil processing factory at the North west corner St Clair and Weston Rd, is being readied for take down by Priestly Demolition, [2. a rapidity growing and successful building abatement and deconstruction firm, that is holding a large amount of the deconstruction contracts in the GTA] At the same time the city planning staff are pouring over the developer's plans {RIOTRIN PROPERTIES WESTON INC} [see link 1 below}

Their proposal to demolish the existing buildings on the property and to construct a 51,980 square
metre retail/service commercial centre, which includes a combination of small and midsized
retailers in addition to a retail warehouse anchor.

Link #1 30 Weston Road {Bunge plant old Canada packers} December 16, 2008 Etobicoke York Community Council STAFF REPORT

Blog post 1 on this plant

An aside to this post.



National Building Supplies the retail salvage yard operations of Priestly Demolition has an extensive selection of renovation items a few minutes north east of Newmarket, on Highway # 48, there exists one of the largest new & used building materials yards in Ontario (see map). Imagine five full acres

Footnotes: