Toronto Junction -based Channel Zero buys Hamilton tv Station

[caption id="attachment_4583" align="alignright" width="160" caption="logo for Channel Zero Inc from wikipedia"][/caption]

Toronto Junction -based Channel Zero, the  operator of  Silver Screen Classics, Movieola, AOV and The Fight Network, has bought Hamilton’s CHCH-TV station, along with Montreal's CJNT-TV. Channel Zero at wikipedia

This business which provides the Junction with both a commercial industry business and a retail strip - ground level presence of exciting and activity, something the east side of Dundas St. west at Keele St. needs.

It is reported they will broadcast all news/all day with well known movie favourites in the evening.

Tip and full story link provide by reader John, thanks

City contractors continue work during strike

City contractors continue side walk repairs during the strike, her they are replacing a sidewalk after a water service replacement.

New Old Mill dealership construction progresses quickly

Construction on the new dealership at Jane St . and St Clair Ave West, is moving ahead fast with the frame of the building now reaching full height. the dealership is moving from Jane St. and Bloor St. West. as their current site is being re-purposed for a condo building.

Lavishy goes hot pink!

Nothing says historic preservation like a fresh coat of hot pink paint.



I find this paint job particularly disappointing when compared to the restoration one building east and in a week we saw the exterior siding removed from 3034 Dundas.  Originally built in 1909 this building held its original character for a hundred years until somebody decided to paint it pink.



It seams some landlords are doing the right thing in preserving the Junction and some just don’t have a clue.

Post by Martin.

The Village by High Park, construction photo update

[caption id="attachment_4556" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="Looking North West"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4557" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="Looking North East"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4558" align="aligncenter" width="266" caption="From main construction (Looking NE) gate 1st and second floors of building 1 with soon to disappear silos in background"][/caption]

St. Clair Avenue West Transit Improvement Project current water works activity

Water improvement and movement of pipes associated with the St. Clair Avenue West Transit Improvement Project , at the interesection of Old Weston Rd. and St Clair Ave, is nearing it's end. The new value is  installed, and the old value pictured above was removed about 3 weeks ago and laid at the back of the bingo hall for a few days, but now has gone. sign...

City Council - Light Rail Vehicles meeting today and a great background post about the issue at stevemunro.ca

Over at stevemunro.ca a blog about transit and politics there is a great post about

How Many Streetcars Do We Need?

an excerpt...

Recent comments by Adam Giambrone, Chair of the TTC, suggest that 30 to 40 percent of the streetcar fleet is out of service in the shops, and that bus substitution will be required on some routes come the fall.

Those of us who follow the TTC have been waiting for a definitive fleet plan for some time, and hope to see one, finally, in the July Commission Meeting Agenda.  [link to full post]

Info on the city meeting about the issue today.

City Council Agenda - Meeting 37 (Notice of Meeting)

• CC37.1 - report (June 25, 2009) from the City Manager and the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, headed “Purchase of 204 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) - TTC Capital Funding”
  Background Information
  Report

City works staging equipment on Black Creek Drive

Equipment that appears to be from the transportation and works department has started to be placed at the location of the currently planned community centre at Black Creek Drive and Eglington Ave West.  When asked,  it was stated it was staged there because of the strike.

Torcan/Fastfreight building remains being removed

Work has begun next door to the Walmart on St Clair Ave West.  and to the east of the new Old Mill Car dealership construction to remove the last remaining concrete of the Less than truckload facility that sat on the site for many years.

[map flyout]where is the sat image the currently being removed section can be seen

Once land belonging to the CPR Railway and used as a transshipment structure from train to trucks, the bulk of the building was taken down a over 1o years ago, but the above ground docks and the foundations were left.

The site  is now advertised as new retail uses.

Ali Baba's restaurant

While restaurants themselves do not get  a lot of posts on this blog, as to their service or food quality... there are many other blogs rating restaurants in the area doing that, the Ali Baba restaurant deserves mention in the context of simply being a wonderful part of the West Toronto Community. In an area where retailers fail to have a good curb presence - like most of the Junction retail stores  - , this place has great street and curb presence. Fully viewable from outside the food on offer is presented in an clean, fresh  and inviting way.

Food retailers can do a lot for the vitality of a community, keeping people on the streets and milling about, all great stuff, and only doable if the retail street-scape has a sense of plenty and welcome.

Ali Baba's Middle Eastern Cuisine

2202 Dundas Street West Toronto [map flyout]

Expect George Bell Arena to be open for waste dropoff.

Expect George Bell Arena to be open for garbage drop-off as early as tonight but possibly tomorrow. City workers are loathe to give out the actually time or date.

215 Ryding Ave. [map flyout] probably best to arrive via Ethel Ave.

Etobicoke Civic Centre 399 The West Mall normally difficult to get a parking space almost empty

Etobicoke Civic Centre  at 399 The West Mall which is normally a very place is all but empty now during the strike, Most days people arrive to do a host of things from tax payments to obtaining building permits, both of which are unavailable services now.

from the city strike site...




Toronto Building

• No building permit applications will be received, processed or issued.


• No preliminary project review applications will be received or processed.


• No compliance, zoning use or property information letters will be processed or issued.


• Only emergency building inspections will take place.

• Utility (Water and Solid Waste) and Property Tax Bill Payments


• 
  
  Closed
  
  
  
  • All enquiry/cashier counters and drop boxes located in Toronto City Hall and the civic centres.
  
  
  • Tax and Water call centre.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Mulock Ave Fish Monger now Vegan Bakery

Blog reader Sarah informed that the the fish smokehouse at 43 Mulock Ave. [flyout map] is now operating as Distribution HQ for local vegan bakery Sweets from the Earth [link] Sarah spoke with a gentleman who works there, and they moved into the space about two months ago (but apparently had it for longer).  The companies web site states they vegetarian restaurants and natural food stores throughout Toronto.

Junction Arts Festival appiles to city for Special Occasion Permit

The Junction Arts Festival has requested the City Council approve the following for the Junction Arts Festival to be held from Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 13, 2009:

a. the issuance of a Special Occasion Permit for a Beer Garden on vacant property located at 2960 Dundas Street West on:

- Friday, September 11, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 12 midnight

- Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 12 noon to 12 midnight

- Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.

b. the extension of serving hours of the following licensed establishments for the dates and times of the Junction Arts Festival, with a further extension of service hours to 2:00 a.m. and onto City property, on Saturday, September 12, 2009:

- Axis Gallery & Grill, 3048 Dundas Street West - Bann Thai Cuisine, 2961 Dundas Street West - Celts Pub, 2872 Dundas Street West - Margret Bar, 2952 Dundas Street West - Curry Twist, 3034 Dundas Street West - High Park Spice House, 3020 Dundas Street West - North of Bombay, 2966 Dundas Street West - Pho-Mi Tri Ky Noodle House, 394 Pacific Avenue - Rope Inn, 2883 Dundas Street West - The Friendly Thai, 3032 Dundas Street West - The Hole in the Wall, 2867A Dundas Street West - The Purple Onion -2998 Dundas Street West - Triple Z West Indian Roti Shop, 2910 Dundas Street West - Vesuvio's Pizzeria & Spaghetti House, 3014 Dundas Street West - Young Thailand, 2907 Dundas Street West - Espresso Mi Vida, 392 Pacific Avenue - The Beet Organic Café & Market, 2945 Dundas Street West - The Troubadour, 3071 Dundas Street West - SMASH, 2880 Dundas Street West- Espresso Mi Vida, 392 Pacific Avenue

Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening, Fatima's Cafe & Bistro

Mediterranean Charm in the Junction: Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening

Recession be damed, Fatima Santos, first time restauranteur brings fine, yet affordable, Mediterranean fare to the Junction - the west end district of Toronto where she has developed loyal fans from having run the Freetime corner coffee shop for years.

This, Tuesday June 23, 2009 from 5.30 pm to 8 pm, Fatima's Cafe & Bistro invites you for a sampling of fine food along with live latin, jazz and blues by local Junction musicians, Mango Moon.

This summer, go Mediterranean, stay local. The affable restauranteur noticed a need, and an opportunity, for a Mediterranean style bistro.  "I love the Junction and the people here. They appreciate food from different parts of the world.  I wanted to bring a mix of different Mediterranean fare with my new restaurant to continue to serve the local residents and other Torontonians."

The menu of French, Italian and Portuguese dishes offers a delicious array of quiches, crepes, pastas, grilled panini sandwiches and fabulous daily soups and salads.

The Mediterranean music and charming decor, creates an ambiance of friendliness where one feels transported to a seaside bistro in the old country.

Come in on weekends for organic coffee, breakfast specials and brunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Licensed restaurant offers an extensive wine selection.   Take-out available.

Where:    Fatima's Cafe and Bistro, 3108 Dundas Street West

When:     Tuesday June 23m 2009, 5.30pm-8pm

Contact:   Fatima at 647-727-4550

Update on 88 Mulock Avenue - Committee of Adjustment

Committee of Adjustment approves application by the The Society of St Vincent of Paul of Toronto to construct a TWO-STOREY addition, as well as a second storey addition to the property at 88 Mulock Avenue

This update provided by blog reader PJ

After waiting 5.5 hours to deliver their plea, four Mulock Avenue residents and Councillor Nunizata herself were present at the Committee of Adjustment meeting late yesterday, to decide on 88 Mulock Avenue’s application to expand their existing compound by over 50%!  The three members of the committee debated for a few minutes, and ultimately granted the variance, but made it conditional on the owners not increasing the number of residents they accommodate (ie. - eleven

Although locals are thankful for the condition that was placed on the variance, the real issue had been the monstrous expansion.

FYI, the Committee’s decision was based on the following input at the hearing:

For:

The owners’ assertion that their 11 residents need a bit more space (ie. – a 50% increase in gross floor area!)

Opposed:

A petition with 77 signatures from locals, Numerous letters from locals,Four residents present for five and a half hours waiting for their turn,Two residents who got up to speak

The good councillor likewise waiting almost six hours to voice her opposition

Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to market naming rights and other private funding arrangements

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="Grenadier Pond"][/caption]

The  city auditor general is recommending

7. The City Manager, in consultation with the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation and the Director, Toronto Office of Partnerships, develop, for approval by Council, a comprehensive City-wide policy on naming rights and other private funding arrangements, such policy to


a. consider all existing policies related to

i. Parks and Recreation Naming and Renaming Policy
ii. Donations policy
iii. Advertising
iv. Unsolicited bids
v. Sponsorships and partnerships


b. include guidelines on

i. eligibility criteria for facilities to be considered for naming rights
ii. responsibility and control processes for securing and accepting naming
rights or other private funding arrangements
iii. the creation of endowment, or similar funds, to offset future
maintenance and repair costs for new facilities put in place under this
policy.


8. The Director, Toronto Office of Partnerships, in consultation with appropriate divisional staff, identify all potential projects and facilities that may benefit from  naming rights or other private funding arrangements and, with the approval of Council, pursue such funding according to corporate guidelines.

staff report [link]

Friday afternoon 3034 Dundas St. W 70's siding being removed

Friday afternoon the siding is being removed from 3034 Dundas St. W and the two buildings on either side of it. the progress of work even at this stage is revelling a building of astounding  beauty.

However many original windows have been removed in past reno, some bricked up.

2803 DUNDAS ST West old Mc Brides site current tax section 323 COTA

A a self serve  car wash is planned by the owner of the old old Mc Brides site at 2803 DUNDAS ST West.

After this blogs 1st posting on the subject from a email note from Martin L.  which generated some comments, the blog received an email from another reader (John) provide his received response from Gord Perks - Councillor to Ward 14 office.

"Thank you for taking the time to contact Councillor Perks with your concern.  I am responding on his behalf. (Meri Newton)  It  is my understanding that this use is as of right under the current zoning. "That said, Planning has advised that they have some concerns with the current application and are circulating plans internally to gather comments from other departments before preparing a report.  The staff deadline for comment is in July at which point the Councillor has request (sic) to meet with the Community Planner.  We will advise once we know more."

As some people were interested in the development some may also be interested in how section 323 of the City of Toronto Act is currently being applied to the property in relation to the cancellation and reduction of the property taxes. Section 1 below provide the specific amount for the lot numbers of the suite from the most recently available city data, while section 2 provide a except from the  City of Toronto Act  that governs this effort.

1) City Council approved the appeal during the  December 1, 2 and 3, 2008, session.

[caption id="attachment_4463" align="alignleft" width="490" caption="Appeal information data & roll number"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4464" align="alignleft" width="353" caption="Appealed Reduction request  for the year 2007"][/caption]

Council Detail Hearing Number: 2008H5 - daats source for above  [link]

2) Cancellation, reduction, refund of taxes

323. (1) Upon application to the city treasurer made inaccordance with this section, the City may cancel, reduceor refund all or part of taxes levied on land in the year inrespect of which the application is made if,

(a) as a result of a change event, as defined in clause(a) of the definition of “change event” in subsec-tion 34 (2.2) of the Assessment Act, during thetaxation year, the property or portion of the prop-erty is eligible to be reclassified in a different classof real property, as defined in regulations madeunder that Act, and that class has a lower tax ratiofor the taxation year than the class the property orportion of the property is in before the changeevent, and no supplementary assessment is made inrespect of the change event

Junction Rd closure is here for a splash

 


This weekend will see the 1st road stoppage on Junction Rd at Old Weston Rd for the Go Transit project; a couple of years after the project 1st announced the closure was to take place.

This is the 1st step in the removal of the intersection which has for so long been a defining part of the industrial character of the Junction. The freight of all manner - the work force of many types that stood to await the crossing of trains as they walked from the industrial buildings to homes and shops, which has lessened in the past decades, but still occurs from the remaining industry will change so much with this rail road bed change. 

But as the Junction served the city greatly with its acceptance and bond with the railroads in the past it will serve even a greater part of the greater GTA population with the new transit improvements.

 

Oh and there is an increased work load announced by Go and there contractors...

Pile driving will be extended to Monday-Friday from 7am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 9 to 5 (with other construction occurring between 7am and 7pm on Saturdays).  They say that this is for the next 3 weeks -  June 25 to July 13

61, 63 and 67 Vine were sold on June 12th at 100 percent of list price 2 readers have reported

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="444" caption="The majestic eves line of 67 Vine Ave, which may be lost in the redevelopment of the three lot site the building sits on, and the waste that was common on all three lots of the site."][/caption]

61, 63 and 67 Vine were sold on June 12th at 100 percent of list price which is $800,000 total, this has been reported by two readers John U. and the another who has told the blog to refer to him as a reader a while ago.

As a recap for people who may not know, these three houses were much abused for many years (decades) by the owners, which greatly affected the avenue and the community. Many people were very happy to see them go up for sale, and a lot of people want to see new houses built on the site.

Yet there may be the loss of 67 a wonderful built home of a particular character  that exhibits a great deal of the historical fabric, which appeared on so few houses in the Junction – two examples on this house the slate roof and the detailed eves  which have more ornamentation than most houses in the Junction.

It is probably safe? to say that a series of new house will be built on the site,  which will be good for the avenue, in that they will bring more people to  live in the area, and will provide a fresh atmosphere. Or there could even be live/work units built.

Go Transit contractors creep towards Weston Rd

Pipe driving moves closer to entering on the Old Weston Rd as the machines creep slowly  onto the road. The shrouds seem to have effect in noise reduction at the close range that this image was taken at.

The intersection at Old Weston Rd and Junction Rd will see it's 1st closure this weekend in relationship to the Go Transit  West Toronto Diamond project, a considerable time after the 1st stated October 2008 closure date.

Rogers Structures program segment - Humberside Collegiate Institute

[email_link]

The  Rogers Structures program will be airing,  episodes which feature , Humberside Collegiate Institute and  other west end realated content  , and will be airing on Cable 10 & 63 in Toronto:

Today   3:00 PM

Explore Toronto's history and architecture with host Colleen Walsh. Featuring Islington Village.

The Humberside Collegiate Institute segment will air

Thursday, June 18 @ 8:30pm
Friday, June 19 @ 10:30am
Sunday, June 21 @ 11:30pm
Monday, June 22 @ 8am
Thursday, June 24 @ 3pm

Other Upcoming Episodes dates

Week of June 22nd - Corktown, Humberside C.I., Thistletown Week of July 13th - Thistletown, Humberside C.I. & Corktown

Week of July 20th - The Annex
Week of Aug 3rd - Thistletown, Humberside C.I. & Corktown
Week of Aug 24th - Thistletown, Humberside C.I. & Corktown
Week of Sept 7th - Theodore Heintzman & Central Technical School
Week of Sept 14th - Thistletown, Humberside C.I. & Corktown

All scheduled programs are subject to change.

About the program from Rogers site

Structures is the award-winning television series that has captured the attention of people young and old right across Ontario! Focusing on Toronto's dynamic historical buildings, legends and personalities, Structuresbrings you compelling stories about our local culture and heritage. If you're new to Structures, sit back, relax and enjoy a ride back in time.

Post submitted by David W.     ....who has also informed that the show "Structures" has been cancelled, which will result in no more episodes being created.

[email_link]

Something Happened

[caption id="attachment_4451" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Keele and Dundas - 5:45pm"][/caption]

These two police cars and one unmarked car were at Keele and Dundas as of 15 minutes ago, blocking  Keele from Dundas to just south of the Galaxy Donuts.  Apparently, someone was seen taken away in an ambulance earlier, but no further info was available.

West Toronto Railpath Opening Parade Saturday, June 20, 2009

[caption id="attachment_4445" align="aligncenter" width="343" caption="Click image to download 8.5 x 11 page version"][/caption]

			A ribbon-cutting and community bike parade to celebrate the opening of the West Toronto Railpath. Come and discover the new path. For info or to get involved email railpathopening@gmail.com Presented by: Friends of the West Toronto Railpath Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009 Start time: 02:00 PM End time: 03:30 PM Rain date:
			Location:
			Wallace Avenue east of Symington at the entrance to the West Toronto Railpath. Under the pedestrian bridge.
				Web site: www.railpath.ca