NOW magazine has awarded the Art Starts Strength in Numbers mural at Dupont and Dundas with their "Best Mural" award.

......blog post over at the

South Junction Triangle blog. (link opens in new window)

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Canadian Holiday Train comes to the Junction for the second year in a row.

Councillor Bill Saundercook hosted the CPR Railroad and local police in his office today making preparations for the evening  the train visits the Junction. Mr Saundercook spearheaded getting trains here last year moving it here from its downtown stopping place, which took him a number of years. The blog knows he does it for the community but we also think he like the people who attended last year that the  entertainment is great and that the trains are neat too.

about the train...

At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a line up of great musical talent and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The community, in turn, is encouraged to donate food and funds, all of which stays in the community.

This is the 11th year that the Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train has been raising food, money and awareness for food banks in communities across Canada and the U.S. To date, we've helped raise $4 million and 2 million pounds of food with our Holiday Train program.

From the initial partnership with the National Food sharing program this was a new idea formed in 1999.That December, CP began running a freight train decorated with thousands of Christmas lights across Canada, to raise awareness of the issue of hunger prevalent in all communities. In 2001, CP launched a second Holiday Train in the United States.

The Canadian Holiday Train will be in the Junction as part of it's US and | Canadian tour Toronto – December 1st - 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., 87 Ethel Avenue, adjacent to RONA



Entertainers on the Canadian train include the Odds, an alternative rock bank, bringing their energy and full voiced harmonies to the Holiday Train stage for the first time. They will be joined by Shaun Verrault of the Canadian blues-rock trio Wide Mouth Mason.

CPR Holiday Train Photo Essay of last years visit (opens in new tab)

West Toronto Railpath Park Official Opening Ceremonies today

Councillor Adam Giambrone invites you to the official opening of the West Toronto Railpath Park on Friday, October 30, 2009. Councillor Giambrone, the City of Toronto, and Friends of the West Toronto Railpath are pleased to open the first 2.1 km of this exciting recreational trail.

• Date: Friday, October 30, 2009


• Location: West Toronto Railpath entrance at Wallace Avenue (south of Dupont, west of Perth, north of Bloor)


• Time:
  
  
  
  • 2:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks
  
  
  • 2:15 p.m. – Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
  
  
  • 2:20 p.m. – cyclists gathered ride the trail and enjoy the sculptures
  
  
  • 2:25 p.m. – interested participants invited walk 2.1 km and explore the trail and sculptures
  
  
  
  


• RSVP: Toronto Protocol RSVP Line 416-392-7667

The West Toronto Railpath Park is a new 2.1 kilometre multi-use trail that is perfect for cyclists, joggers, and people out for a stroll. Travelling alongside the railway corridor, it features extensive naturalized landscaping to create an appealing public space.
In addition to 2.1 km of park trail, designed by innovative Toronto-based firm Scott Torrance Landscape Architect Inc., the project includes four site-specific sculptures by renowned Toronto artist, John Dickson. The artwork series, Frontier, is inspired by the changing landscape of the Junction Railpath area. John Dickson was selected to work collaboratively with Scott Torrance Landscape Architects Inc. through an open competition coordinated by Toronto Cultural Services’ Public Art Office.
The Friends of the West Toronto Railpath is a community-based working group with the goal of assisting the City of Toronto finance, design and build a 6.5 kilometre path from Toronto’s Junction Neighbourhood into the heart of downtown Toronto and the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

Once future phases of the Railpath are built, it will be both a linear park and a sustainable transportation corridor, giving more than 250,000 Toronto residents a car-free path directly into the Toronto’s downtown core.Toronto Railpath Park Official Opening Ceremonies

Councillor Adam Giambrone invites you to the official opening of the West Toronto Railpath Park on Friday, October 30, 2009. Councillor Giambrone, the City of Toronto, and Friends of the West Toronto Railpath are pleased to open the first 2.1 km of this exciting recreational trail.

Date: Friday, October 30, 2009

Location: West Toronto Railpath entrance at Wallace Avenue (south of Dupont, west of Perth, north of Bloor). See attached map.

Time: 2:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks

2:15 p.m. – Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

2:20 p.m. – cyclists gathered ride the trail and enjoy the sculptures

2:25 p.m. – interested participants invited walk 2.1 km and explore the trail and sculptures

RSVP: Toronto Protocol RSVP Line 416-392-7667

The West Toronto Railpath Park is a new 2.1 kilometre multi-use trail that is perfect for cyclists, joggers, and people out for a stroll. Travelling alongside the railway corridor, it features extensive naturalized landscaping to create an appealing public space.

In addition to 2.1 km of park trail, designed by innovative Toronto-based firm Scott Torrance Landscape Architect Inc., the project includes four site-specific sculptures by renowned Toronto artist, John Dickson. The artwork series, Frontier, is inspired by the changing landscape of the Junction Railpath area. John Dickson was selected to work collaboratively with Scott Torrance Landscape Architects Inc. through an open competition coordinated by Toronto Cultural Services’ Public Art Office.

The Friends of the West Toronto Railpath is a community-based working group with the goal of assisting the City of Toronto finance, design and build a 6.5 kilometre path from Toronto’s Junction Neighbourhood into the heart of downtown Toronto and the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

Once future phases of the Railpath are built, it will be both a linear park and a sustainable transportation corridor, giving more than 250,000 Toronto residents a car-free path directly into the Toronto’s downtown coreWest Toronto Railpath Park Official Opening Ceremonies

Councillor Adam Giambrone invites you to the official opening of the West Toronto Railpath Park on Friday, October 30, 2009. Councillor Giambrone, the City of Toronto, and Friends of the West Toronto Railpath are pleased to open the first 2.1 km of this exciting recreational trail.

Date: Friday, October 30, 2009

Location: West Toronto Railpath entrance at Wallace Avenue (south of Dupont, west of Perth, north of Bloor). See attached map.

Time: 2:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks

2:15 p.m. – Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

2:20 p.m. – cyclists gathered ride the trail and enjoy the sculptures

2:25 p.m. – interested participants invited walk 2.1 km and explore the trail and sculptures

RSVP: Toronto Protocol RSVP Line 416-392-7667

The West Toronto Railpath Park is a new 2.1 kilometre multi-use trail that is perfect for cyclists, joggers, and people out for a stroll. Travelling alongside the railway corridor, it features extensive naturalized landscaping to create an appealing public space.

In addition to 2.1 km of park trail, designed by innovative Toronto-based firm Scott Torrance Landscape Architect Inc., the project includes four site-specific sculptures by renowned Toronto artist, John Dickson. The artwork series, Frontier, is inspired by the changing landscape of the Junction Railpath area. John Dickson was selected to work collaboratively with Scott Torrance Landscape Architects Inc. through an open competition coordinated by Toronto Cultural Services’ Public Art Office.

The Friends of the West Toronto Railpath is a community-based working group with the goal of assisting the City of Toronto finance, design and build a 6.5 kilometre path from Toronto’s Junction Neighbourhood into the heart of downtown Toronto and the shoreline of Lake Ontario.

Once future phases of the Railpath are built, it will be both a linear park and a sustainable transportation corridor, giving more than 250,000 Toronto residents a car-free path directly into the Toronto’s downtown core.

2989 Dundas Street West Update

Work continues with the major renovation to 2989 Dundas Street West with dozens of drywall sheets being delivered on Saturday.

This project (Demolish and rebuild 2 floors… convert 4 apartment units into 1 apartment unit, and interior alterations to G/F) is one of the biggest and most recent gentrification project to the Junction.

The final product is going to be interesting and original, you can get a good view from the No Frills parking lot.

submitted by Martin L. Junction residents association urban chair

43 Junction Rd whats happening?

The St Marys Cement plant on Junction Rd has a number of earth moving machines working at the site  now. In addition there is a now a construction office trailer on site.

The blog was unable to speak to anyone on site yesterday...wanted too because it's an interesting development on an area of the site that has simply been a trailer lot for so many years.

Public meeting concerning Baird Park has been assessed for itssuitability for dogs’ off-leash activities

• Review the proposed area • Receive comments/input from the public • Discuss next steps

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Indian Rd. Crescent Junior PS 285 Indian Rd.

Crescent General Purpose Room

If ASL Interpreting or Attendant Care Services are required, please contact Aydin Sarrafzadeh at (416) 392-0582 or asarraf@toronto.ca on or prior to October 30th, 2009. For further information, please contact: Park Supervisor: Peter Leiss • Phone: (416) 392-7945

Please leave your dog at home

2989 Dundas St West up to lease again

Stereo King, Art Store and ....

The art store appears to gone, as the retail area is now for lease again, The guys working to place an art store in the Junction may have been overcome with the difficulty of running an art store in Toronto - which is real hard

Economic Development Committee recommends creation of Baby Point Gates BIA

[caption id="attachment_5476" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="for full map please see link to city file at end of post"][/caption]

from the cities report...

The purpose of this report is to recommend the Designation of the proposed Baby Point Gates Business Improvement Area.



In accordance with Chapter 19 of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, the City Clerk conducted a poll to determine if there is sufficient support to designate the proposed Baby Point Gates BIA.  The number of objecting petitions regarding the Baby Point Gates BIA do not meet the sufficiency benchmark to prevent the designation set out in Chapter 19‑9A of the Municipal Code.  Accordingly, City Council may establish a Business Improvement Area.  Based upon the results, it is recommended that Council pass a by‑law to designate the area described by Attachment 1 (Maps 1‑5), as the Baby Point Gates BIA.

full text...

Demo and construction at Quebec Ave and Dundas St. West

Above are some images from the inside of the front area of the old Handy Man shop which is now having it's second floor removed. Someone in the local real estate business has informed the blog that only the second floor is  coming off. Then new 2nd and 3rd floors will be placed on the 1st floor structure. This new structure is to be a steel construction the blog has been told.

Compared to some other buildings in the Junction this building seems to have little grammar of ornament, other than the curved projecting north west corner and the glass imaged above.

The rear of the building is outwardly lean to the Quebec side, which probably part of the buildings problems.

Thanks to the demo team for letting the blog take a few inside images.

3094 Dundas Street West Update - fake facade back

Martin L. of the local residents association  has followed the facade rework of  3094 Dundas Street West, his thoughts are below, we can't help agree with his thoughts on fake external finishes.

The original brick facade was exposed for only a day before it was covered up again with a new stone finish.

The rework did give us a glimpse of the past and if you took a good look you would have seen two colours of brick which indicate the second floor was an addition.  This also explains why the windows are out of level with the neighbours.

Although the original brick was nothing spectacular I think the new stone facades always look out of place.

Junction digs in to help beautify our parks

On October 17^th great weather brought out 20 volunteers across 3 parks in the Junction for bulb planting.

The Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation donated 1000 bulbs to the JRA which we planted in Malta, Vine and Maria Park.

Thanks to the JRA team for planning the event and to all the volunteers who came out to help beautify the Junction.

I can’t wait for spring to see the results.

Post by Martin L. JRA urban commnittee

Demolition of the rear of the Handyman Shop begins this morning, and is in full swing.

Using more muscle than machinery - well no machinery the building is coming down quickly.

Green Together's Eco-Energy Fair

Green Together's Eco-Energy Fair Sun Nov 1, 2009 / 1:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday, November 1 1:00-4:00 pm Wychwood Barns (Christie, two blocks south of St. Clair)

Cold Weather's coming --don't let it into your home! Most older homes have air leaks -- if yours is typical, it could be like having a hole in your house the size of an open window. Now's the time to stop those leaks and make your house more energy efficient. Green Together's Eco-Energy Fair will give you everything you need -- all in one place on one Sunday afternoon. -Learn about home energy audits – what they'll tell you and how to use them to get government rebates. Meet certified auditors and sign up for an appointment on the spot. -Got a project in mind? Meet with experienced contractors used by your neighbours to discuss your options for insulation, draft-proofing, energy-efficient furnaces, instantaneous hot water, and more. -Stop by the on-site displays of solar systems. Talk with experts about the options and whether one is right for you. Link to Green Neighbours 21 site

Solid Waste Division fears your excess recycling

[caption id="attachment_5457" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="The time study monster "][/caption]

It seems a report in the Toronto Star has caused the outing of a  little known rule for collection personal who drive our streets to collect  household recycling.  In an effort to achieve maximum collection efficiency- that is, the amount a team can pick up in a shift, there is a rule that does not allow the flexibility of the driver to pick up any excess recycling.

This action could result in a risk of homeowners choosing not to participate but instead throw their excess recycling or compost into the garbage, a city report states

This information was presented to council in a motion for information request by by Councillor Ootes, seconded by Councillor Stintz

Their motion ends with this paragraph





There should not be a limit placed on the amount of recycling that a homeowner can dispose of at their curbside. There should be a convenient, simple and encouraging program that allows for excess recycling to homeowners when the need does occur.

Full motion jump below.

Local residents plan for their future - traffic reduction efforts

Local residents living in the Runnymede Road at Liverpool Street area have sought and received a traffic calming measure in the form of signs prohibiting northbound left turns from Runnymede Road to Liverpool Street during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Walmart and the BMO bank have probably already affected the community with increased traffic of cars and trucks causing drivers to try and short cut around it. This fall a new TD bank will open along with the new Old Mill car dealership further increasing the traffic in the area. This move by the community caps the issue before it gets worse- good early move!

...read on for the text of the cites background file on this issue

Dave LeBlanc of the Globe and Mail tours the Junction

A couple of excerpts from the newspaper article

Okay, here's one more: If you haven't heard of architect James Augustus Ellis (1856 – 1935), it's high time you took a tour of the neighbourhood, as I did one bright and chilly mid-October day with the book's author, Barbara Myrvold. The occasion, if the book's re-release and a love of good architecture wasn't enough, was the 100th anniversary of the opening of the library, designed by Mr. Ellis and partner William Connery and built with funds obtained via a Carnegie grant.

We met in the library's foyer, upon which Ms. Myrvold took me to the basement level to collect local history expert David Wencer in the offices of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society (a tenant since 1997), and then up to the main reception area to see the gorgeous ceiling, uncovered by architects Henno Sillaste and Hiro Nakashima during a 1979 renovation.

But that's the charm of the Junction: Houses, commercial and institutional buildings by a world-class architect rub elbows with those of lesser stock. Once a gritty railroad town, it was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1909 and remained under the real estate radar for nine decades as a place with “a fierce, independent spirit," says Mr. Wencer. Since the late 1990s, however, the secret's been out as artists looking for cheap studio space and bargain-hunting hipster couples discover its rough charm.

full article link

Parking meter removed today in relation to new High Park traffic lights

Park link employees remove the  Parking meter today in front of the chocolate shop. Speaking to a few business  owners near the intersection, it is clear they like the lights.

The only change some would like is the placement back in use of a couple of the parking spots on the north side  to slow traffic - some of which uses the most north lane as a passing lane when exiting the lights.

Junction Post Office saved

The Junction Post office has been saved with a new 5 year agreement with Canada Post.

A concerted effort of residents signing petitions and the efforts of the local federal MP Gerard Kennedy and his local office all spearheaded by the Junction BIA under  their executive director Anna-Louise Richardson who also working long hours to achieve the goal.

more details to follow

[caption id="attachment_5441" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="The Junction's happy postmaster after hearing the news"][/caption]

Two Junction events this weekend

West Toronto Junction Historical Society

WILD, WILD, JUNCTION

HISTORICAL MYSTERY TOUR

It was a night of Legend, the night they closed the bars in the Junction.  The newspapers claimed ten thousand men in the streets.  The women weren’t even counted although they’d made their voice heard.  West Toronto Junction was about to embark on a dry sea of temperance: the Local Option.  But how wild could a town get to have to close down its own bars?  Join us to find out for our fall fund raiser!

2PM, Sunday, Oct. 25, beginning at the Troubadour, 3071 Dundas West (south side just east of Quebec) and ending at Shox (2827Dundas St. W. just east of Keele.)

For father information, contact, Neil Ross

See Poster at Junction Parents Blog here

and the

Junction BIA

*The Junction Pumpkin Fest & Scary Halloween Movies Event*

The Junction BIA, and the Rue Morgue House of Horror invite you and your family to The Junction Pumpkin fest & Scary movies event held at The Junction Train station (Dundas/Pacific) on Saturday, Oct 24.

Come join the fun! We will have pumpkin drawing and pumpkin carving for everyone.

Kids 1 to 4 years old can decorate pumpkins (with parental assistance), while kids 5 to 12-years-old can carve their own pumpkins. All the necessary materials are provided free of charge. And the pre-Halloween festivities don’t end there! The evening will see a selection of family-friendly classic spooky movies (not too scary) projected at the Junction Train Station. Seating, hot chocolate and treats will be provided – and it’s all free of charge. Dress warmly!

see poster at the Junction Parents blog here

Junction area receives no support from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program

Looking at the list of funded projects for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program it seems that the Junction will see no benefit from the program although other areas nearby  will.

Maybe what is needed is joint effort of residents in the Junction  to begin to develop plans to seek available funds, by  working with elected members in advance of such offers at the federal and provincial level spelling, out priority needs so when funds are offered the groups can  lobby the members about  known projects.

Before are some example listed in the approved projects.

Recreational Infrastructure  Canada Program  in Ontario site link

3077 Dundas St West progress seems to near the takedown of the Handyman sign

Scaffolding has appeared around the old handy man shop  located on the corner of Dundas and Quebec. As it surrounds the front facade, it may indicate a reworking of the front of the store. Two people  have told the blog that there are some architectural elements under the sign.

The handy man was operated by two gentleman for a long time in the Junction. It's 1st location ewas the building where High Park Appliances  is located now.

Short doc on the West Toronto Junction link

A filmmaker with an interest in the evolving  Junction has made an interesting fly though view of some businesses and local people  all who have something interesting to say.  The real beauty in this film is the created links between the building footage of the built structures and their retail uses.

click here to go to the Batch Films site page with the film

Concourse Restaurant / Galaxy Donuts buildings (2853 Dundas Street West)

Wow, under all that mess of plastic signs and aluminum exterior finish is quite an excellent building structure. Although with the "stuff being taken off  was put on it must have had some appeal and provided some alure to the community and passers by.

This building is a Part of A.C. Thompson Block which includes 2845-2853 Dundas St. West; c.1889 (designation plaque - 1987)

Josh Barndt, facilitator of the Dupont bike mural speaks at JRA cultural meet

The Culture Committee welcomes guest speaker Josh Barndt, facilitator of the Dupont bike mural who will talk about what made that project a success, and share plans for a community mural in Parkdale/Roncesvalles. Other agenda items: Boom Times Spring Fling update, discussion of other local arts activities.

Mon, Oct 26, 7:30 pm at Wise Daughters for the next JRA Culture Committee meeting.

Cimate Change movie Sisters on The Planet

Please join us to view this recently released film which examines the impact of climate change on women, the most vulnerable. In this critical period, the countdown to Copenhagen, we must hear, with compassion, the voices of those on the firing line. We look forward to discussion on what this all means locally.

And, FYI, Tuesday evening at Hart House 2 excellent speakers, one a 17 year-old from the Solomon Islands, the other a Bollywood star, will speak as part of theVoices for Climate Justice Speaking Tour. Please see poster here.

3094 Dundas Street West removes fake siding to revel brick ....yea

Bring brick back the brick seems to be a movement now among local business building owners on Dundas Street West now.

Today another building removes its face covering.

JRA - Annette Public Library - Learn how to save a life course

Learn how to save a life

All you need are the skills and confidence to know what to do when danger strikes.

The course will be conducted by a certified instructed and is co- sponsored by the Junction Residents Association and the Annette Public library. The course includes:

• How to perform Adult, Infant and Child CPR


• How to use an Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D)


• How to recognize and treat heart attacks and strokes


• Choking and breathing emergencies

October 24^th from 9am – 5pm

Annette Public Library

145 Annette st

Certification - $30

No certification (just for information) – free

Register at the Annette Public Library or contact Linda Clements

co-chair for the JRA at 416-604-9772

Dominican-Canadian Community Development LECTURE

Proposed three storey addition to existing detached dwelling 290 High Park Avenue

A Zoning Review has begun for a large house located at 290 High Park Avenue.

Application number 09 176456 ZAL 00 ZR  sates “The proposal Proposed three storey addition to existing detached dwelling, and interior alterations to establish five apartments.”  As a single family home the property is currently zoned Residential General.

I don’t know what the proposed apartment building will look like but hopefully the original facade can be restored.

Submitted by JRA urban person Martin L.

Gerard Kennedy's community meeting to include info on his efforts for the saving of the post office

The Junction BIA executive director  Anna-Louise Richardson  has been working hard with Gerard Kennedy and his office to create a window of opportunity on the the closure of the local Junction Post office.

Mr Kennedy's  office is speaking with persons at Canada Post to work out a at least a delay in the closing until after Christmas and then a reassessment of their decision and ultimately a reversal. Talks continue.

Mr Kennedy will be reporting on the issue his environment and economy meeting tomorrow.

Saturday

Oct       17        2009

at RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL between 2pm and 4pm

375 Runnymede RD

full flyer view

Canadian Union of Postal Workers campaign to stop closures @ Canada Post

PublicPostOffice.ca - Campaign to stop Closures, Privatization and Deregulation at Canada Post

The link above is for the CUPE special site to prevent post office closures

at this link they highlight a problem and efforts similar to ours

Urgent request for support to stop post office closure in Pointe-Sainte-Charles
(February 28, 2008 / Your Public Post Office Delivers Campaign / Miscellaneous)

The community of Pointe-Saint-Charles, which is located in Montreal, is fighting Canada Post’s decision to close a community post office and reopen another one in an industrial park that is not convenient for anyone. People want to keep their post office. It is slated to close on March 28, 2008. Residents and organizations in Pointe-Saint-Charles would like your support to stop the closure of their post office. What you can do: Please consider downloading and signing Action-Gardien’s...

insidetoronto article by LISA RAINFORD Wild Wild Junction Historical Mystery Tour

link to article here

Fuzzy Boundaries neighbourhood name tryouts chalked on the Railpath

Neighbourhood Name Tryouts

Name Suggestions Chalked from Dupont to Bloor in West Toronto Railpath Park

Who: Fuzzy Boundaries, a group of local residents spearheading a naming project in their West Toronto neighbourhood north of Roncesvalles and east of The Junction.

What: The inscription of all 185 name suggestions (to date) along a section of the West Toronto Railpath stretching from Dupont Street to Bloor Street.

Where: West Toronto Railpath

Wallace Avenue Foot Bridge Entrance

370 Wallace Avenue

When: Thursday, October 15, 2009

(On display all weekend or until the rain washes the slate clean)

Why: Engage the community in the naming project. Naming the neighbourhood gives us a collective identity – something to call our area as a whole – which in turn creates a sense of pride and ownership among residents. This unique display offers everyone a chance to see the names suggested so far and prompt additional ideas before the shortlist is drawn up in January.

Contact: Kevin Putnam

Fuzzy Boundaries

www.fuzzyboundaries.ca

Putnam@sympatico.ca

Neighbourhood Name Tryouts

Name Suggestions Chalked from Dupont to Bloor in West Toronto Railpath Park

Who: Fuzzy Boundaries, a group of local residents spearheading a naming project in their West Toronto neighbourhood north of Roncesvalles and east of The Junction.

What: The inscription of all 185 name suggestions (to date) along a section of the West Toronto Railpath stretching from Dupont Street to Bloor Street.

Where: West Toronto Railpath

Wallace Avenue Foot Bridge Entrance

370 Wallace Avenue

When: Thursday, October 15, 2009

(On display all weekend or until the rain washes the slate clean)

Why: Engage the community in the naming project. Naming the neighbourhood gives us a collective identity – something to call our area as a whole – which in turn creates a sense of pride and ownership among residents. This unique display offers everyone a chance to see the names suggested so far and prompt additional ideas before the shortlist is drawn up in January.

Contact: Kevin Putnam

Fuzzy Boundaries

www.fuzzyboundaries.ca

Putnam@sympatico.ca

AWARD OF MERIT West Toronto Junction Fire Station No. 1

awarded  an AWARD OF MERIT by Heritage Toronto

History of West Toronto Junction Fire Station No. 1 Multimedia Exhibit

Authors/Directors: Duncan Brown, Greg Schultz
The firefighters of West Toronto Station 423 have worked on a variety of projects to highlight the history of their station and of firefighting in the Junction. They include historical displays at the Station, a pamphlet, and a digital presentation

Having been to one of their presentations - they are an exhilarating adventure into local firefighting lore.

New adult store in the Junction next to the early years centre?

2920 Dundas St. West

The blog has heard voices about the Junction saying the building owner of the building to the right will be renting the ground floor storefront space to an adult entertainment store.

Kendrick Astro which still rents the rear of the store is reported by a reliable source to be leaving the building.

What is so troubling is that this building and it's new tenet are right next door to an early years centre.

Money over community is what can read here if this happens.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dundas High Park Ave traffic lights

[caption id="attachment_5390" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="Pascal Abboud chair of the Junction BIA with Councillor Bill Saundercook and Martin Lennox of the JRA cutting the ribbon"][/caption]

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new traffic lights at was held today at lights with Councillor Bill Saundercook and Martin Lennox of the Junction Residents Association along with Pascal Abboud chair of the Junction BIA cutting the ribbon.

Of note in the new lights enlivened intersection our the are the zebra strips painted on the roadway in the pedestrian crossing area. When speaking to one the City of Toronto raffic light designers at the ceremony the blog was told that one of the occurring issues at "T" intersections is the need for left turning cars drivers to be aware of   pedestrians crossing the roadway.

Take a cross at the intersection now and get a feel of how the lights have knitted the intersection further into the Dundas st west streetscape.

While the blog has been promoting   this event for a while now, everyone should know that Bea Mozdzanowski Constituency Assistant to Mr  Saundercook, has kept the blog and  this author up to date on the city timeline for the lights arranging a multiple of necessary items for the event to happen.

Attempting to ask Canada Post about the local post office

Post office closing over post office outlet over marketing

(see update below)

The blog though it would be fair and reasonable to post the reasons Canada Post wanted to close down the Junction Gardens Post office.  Starting with a real person search of their website and then a Google "site" search, nothing turned up, no press releases, no publicly available statements or plans. A telephone call was made and after 20 minutes on hold we were told a question such as this must be made though their online contact us form and they would reply within one to two business days.

Which has been done yet, why should a simple question about were to find information about an impending closure of a community post office not be addressed on their site or though a wider public communication such as newspaper ads?

...we did find a lot of the subject at the Canadian Union of Postal Workers site

Tuesday 3:38pm UPDATE: submitted by Martin L  (upped from the comments section) The JRA's urban person.

...just got an update from Canada Post regarding the closure.

The store is closing the end of October, no new outlet is opening and the service is moving to the already existing outlet at the Shopper Drug Mart at Keele and St. Clair.

I was told the issue is the store "is too narrow to fit the new image".  The customer service rep went on to explained that Canada Post is implementing a Canada wide marketing effort called "New Maple" and the store simply doesn't fit the display panels.

I can't believe we're loosing our post office outlet over marketing!

Ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dundas St W and High Park Ave traffic lights, Oct 14th ‘09 at 8:30 am

Ribbon-cutting ceremony, in celebration of the installation of the traffic lights,  Oct 14th ‘09 at 8:30 am at the corner of Dundas St W and High Park Ave.

Sat Toronto Star article on the use of laneways

Regular readers of this blog may remember the author of this post drones on about the loss of a laneway everytime the city sells one of to some private concern. They many sell a laneway to a condo developer or to a abutting homeowner.

Laneways should never be sold as they themselves are abutted by the rear of many buildings that could be used to create a second front to the high street buildings, and cause te laneways to be become much more integrated into the city.

Today the Toronto Star has a article on just this idea click here to vist the article at the Toronto Star site

Highlights.

According to Toronto architect Brigitte Shim, laneways represent one of the great untapped resources of the city. In the mid-1990s, she and a group of graduate students at the University of Toronto undertook an in-depth study of Toronto's laneways. As the report pointed out, there are more than 2,400 in the city, which gives an idea of the impact they could have if development were allowed. One estimate concludes local laneways have enough space for upwards of 6,000 housing units.

And as Shim says, the advantage of laneway housing is that it can be plugged into the existing infrastructure. At a time when less is more, the idea has never made more sense.

In Cabbagetown, an intact 19th-century neighbourhood that boasts some of Toronto's most appealing alleyways, the process of integration is well under way. They are an essential element in the 19th-century area, built into the very fabric of the district.

Toronto has a huge number of lanes where people live and work. And except for the fact that city planning policies are designed to keep residents away, the back roads of Toronto could be home to thousands.

Mulock Residents Assoc site has a good short overview of the residents concern about the 30 Weston Rd project.

Link to MULOCK AVENUE RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION 30 Weston Rd Post.

...Opens in new tab.

For those  who are interested, this group is in one of the most wonderfully zoned areas of the Junction- it's an area where you can live in house zoned industrial.

If you have not walked the area -  do - it's great for the feel of what the Junction was even 12 years ago.

Canadian Transportation Agency finds GO Transit to be rude

From the Bulletin GO Transit has 14 days to respond

GO Transit is in breach of its obligation under section 95.1 of the Canada Transportation Act to cause only such noise and vibration as is reasonable, in relation to GO Transit's pile-driving activities at the West Toronto Diamond. The Agency found that, in the circumstances, the prolonged exposure of the local citizens to the noise and vibration generated at that location is unreasonable.

The Agency's proposed measures are:

1. Vibratory hammer:

Use a vibratory hammer to completely install the piles by modifying the hammer's frequency settings and, where this is not possible, drive the piles to the maximum depth possible considering soil conditions and then finish the pile-driving with an impact hammer.

1. Giken hammer:

Extend the use of the Giken hammer in conjunction with vibratory hammer use, as discussed in the Decision, for the entire length of pile-driving activities and not just until the scheduled 250 piles are installed, especially in the more sensitive areas.

1. Impact hammer and related mitigative measures:

a) Use an impact-vibration hammer which switches automatically from one mode to another depending on soil resistance. Alternatively, use the impact hammer on the project only in conjunction with a vibratory or Giken hammer and only where it has been demonstrated that no other method is technically or commercially feasible;

b) De-power the impact hammer and decrease the hammer energy wherever possible and use shrouds, skirts and rubberized chasers. Any opening in the shroud should always be positioned down the tracks and not toward any residential area;

c) Employ moveable noise barriers to deflect noise away from nearby residential areas by moving them to current pile-driving locations and by setting them up around the shrouds to deflect noise from the fourth, open side of the shroud.

1. Limited hours for pile-driving activities:

a) Restrict the hours of work for installing piles to 40 hours per week from between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays;

b) Negotiate an agreement with the City of Toronto to allow for road closures during the weekday hours to complete the required work at that location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays;

c) Negotiate agreements with other railway companies to allow for train blocks during the weekday hours to complete the required work at that location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Information on the Agency's process for dealing with rail noise and vibration complaints is contained in its Guidelines for the Resolution of Complaints Concerning Railway Noise and Vibration.

full text file hosted at this blog download here

Google street view leaves out Jackson Place mew houses

A few days ago Google let loose it's photo view image maps of  Toronto, and it is great, but alass they have not photo mapped Jackson Place and the 6 or so mew huses mew houses on the place.

They do map in the the normal graphic maps.

3385 Dundas Street West Zoning Application

[caption id="attachment_5372" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Goolge street view "][/caption]

Etobicoke York Community Council has recommended

1. City Council amend the Zoning By-law 1-83 of the former City of York substantially in accordance with the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Attachment 5.


2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to make such stylistic and technical changes to the draft Zoning By-law Amendment as may be required.


4. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, require the issuance of the Notice of Approval Conditions for the Site Plan application.


5. Before introducing the necessary Bills to City Council for enactment, require the applicant to provide pressure and flow testing of the existing water main on Dundas Street West fronting this development. In the event that those tests indicate that improvements to the existing water main are necessary to service the development, require the applicant to provide funding for these improvements and make arrangements, including any required financial securities and fees, to the satisfaction of the Executive Director of Technical Services.

6. City Council amend the draft Zoning By-law to include a provision that the residential component only be occupied by individuals 65 years of age and older, if permitted by applicable Human Rights Legislation.

7. City Council require the developer to provide appropriate amenity space based on a formula considering the number of seniors, to the satisfaction of the Director,
Community Planning.

3385 Dundas Street West Zoning By-law Amendment Application

IS CANADA POST going to close down the Junction storefront post office?

JUNCTION GARDENS 2938 DUNDAS ST W TORONTO ON  M6P 1Y0 1-866-607-6301

We have not been able to get down to the post office today, but people are reporting the post office operators  are asking people to sign a petition to save the Junction Gardens post office as Canada Post is attempting to close it down.

The Dundas St W and High Park Ave intersection are working - turned on about 11:15am

[caption id="attachment_5366" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="The lights in the final testing stage minutes before being turned on"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5367" align="aligncenter" width="473" caption="The 1st cars enter the now working intersection"][/caption]

The lights are working now  and right away people have started to use them to cross Dundas St West, and by standing around It could see that they were using them to move between the retail stores on the north and south sides of Dundas St West with much greater ease.

Before the traffic lights were working -  to cross safely people had to cross at Pacific Ave. or Clendenan Avenue Ave., 1 block to the east and two blocks to the west.  An action that reduced the flow  of pedestrian traffic acrros  Dundas St. and probably reduced the sales for many merchants.

While these lights were motioned and brought into reality at city council by the local Councillor, they are also the result of many requests and a need expressed by business and members of the community, so come and make some requests to Councillor Bill Saundercook.

Why should you come to the ceremony? The lights are an new important element to the street scape and usability of the Junction retail strip. Part of the function of your attending the opening will communicate to the Councillor and the city transportation services that not only do you appreciate their efforts - but that the Junction community wants more efforts expended by the city on the The Junction.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony, in celebration of the installation of the traffic lights, to be held on Oct 14th ‘09 at 8:30 am at the corner of Dundas St W and High Park Ave.:

3500 Eglinton Avenue West - old Kodak site - City staff report out

Report outlines and informational highlights below full report here at city and here hosted on this site.

This report outlines the existing planning policy context for retail permissions on the former Kodak Lands.

The communication from Councillor Nunziata broadly seeks an interpretation of retail use for the subject lands. ~ the proposed development is for a mix of office, retail and service commercial uses having a total gross floor area of approximately 75,100 square metres. The office component would have an approximate floor area of 17,500 square metres, the retail component would have an approximate floor area of 55,575 square metres, and the service commercial component would have an approximate floor area of 2,025 square
metres. A variety of retail unit sizes is anticipated, ranging from 325 square metres to 10,350 square metres.

The applicant is proposing to construct a four-storey office building fronting on Eglinton Avenue West, which will replace a portion of the retaining wall (ouch) and provide pedestrian and vehicular access from Eglinton Avenue West to the shopping complex. The shopping complex would consist of a variety of large and small stores fronting on a series of covered pedestrian streets, with common gathering and plaza areas. Additional office and retail uses will be provided along Ray Avenue, with service commercial uses along Industry Street.

While the site has frontage on Eglinton Avenue West and will have direct access via a proposed a connection from Eglinton Avenue West to the interior of the site, the current site plan situates all of the retail and service commercial uses behind the office building fronting Eglinton Avenue West, extending towards the rear of the site and onto Industry Street. Because the current proposal provides for major retail activities to extend northerly to Industry Street, which is not a Major Street on Map 3 and does not form the boundary of the Employment Area, major retail activity on this street would not meet the locational criteria of Policy 4.6.3. To meet the intent of the Official Plan’s Employment Areas policies, substantial nonretail employment uses would need to be provided along the entire frontage of Industry Street for a significant depth of the site. The lack of an extensive non-retail employment along Industry Street would offend the intent of the Official Plan.

238 Annette Street – Coffee Shop Proposal

A zoning review application has been submitted to the city for the former variety store on the corner of Quebec and Annette.  The application description states  “Propose to create coffee shop with 28 seats. Previously a retail store in existence prior to zoning bylaw”

This stretch of Annette is zoned “Residential General” which does not permit a commercial application.  However this building has been commercial for the better part of a hundred years so the application will likely be permitted and the new coffee shop a welcome addition to the Junction.

Submitted by Martin L, Junction Residents Assoc. development lead

Google Street View goes live in the Junction

Starting to day you can see the Junction buildings and streets though the eyes of Google, simply go to Google Maps - the only part of the interface thats annoying is the hidden link to the live view. (see screen snap below)

[caption id="attachment_5353" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Junction City Square looking easy on Dundas St West"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5354" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Mc Murray Ave with everpresent artists loitering about"][/caption]