CPR Canadian Holiday Train will be in the Junction Saturday, December 01, 2012

 



 

The Canadian Holiday Train will be in the Junction

Saturday, December 01, 2012

5:30 p.m., 750 Runnymede Rd,

in front of CP Lambton yard office,

Entertainers on the Canadian train include Doc Walker, Miss Emily, and theBrothers Dube.

 

 

Morrow Ave. the most beautiful redefined street in the greater Junction Area?

Morrow Ave has been transformed over the last 15 years from the industrial street it was to a series of redefined buildings. These buildings now redeveloped house an art gallery of much merit, a loft development project and a series of other thought based businesses types. Oh yes and wonder Home Hardware.

This avenue is really worth a stroll particularly in Sunday's when it's quite quiet and the parked car and weekday business bustle is absent.

Here a little photo tour.



[caption id="attachment_11497" align="aligncenter" width="499" caption="Click Image for go to Google maps highlighting this area"][/caption]

Dream Bakery for the Junction

here goes...

While we have a Vegan bakery- Bunners for which the community is so lucky, and which many people consider a luxury, there are many of us that are not so inclined to vegetarianism nor always super healthy treats or breads.   We have lots of emtpy store fronts in the Junction even whole  buildings, many of which would be great spaces for producing   beautiful, naturally leavened whole-grain bread, delectable seasonal preserves, and granola for all of us (ok not this author) crunchy-granola types! say one with a milling room where we can purchase fresh milled flour own flour from local grower farms. Plus, a wood-fired brick oven that can also be fired with biomass briquettes manufactured from spent grain from one of the local micro brewery's that are opening in the area, such as the Indie Ale House.

Operationally for success this would probably have to be a licensed  commercial kitchen  so the operator will be sell at farmers markets, wholesale to restaurants and grocery stores.

Please do come!

Here are some facebook links to the type of foodie establishments that would be great , these are example from the Chicago area

• Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers
  


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  Three Sisters Garden
  

  
  

  
  


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  Kings Hill Farm CSA and Market Garden
  

  
  

  
  


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  Snookelfritz Ice Cream Artistry
  

  
  

  
  

 

Junction Triangle light industrial studio building sets pace needed.

Needed, more buildings for light industrial and design and art studios thoughout the greater Junction Area.

To create a vibrant community there must be opportunities for healthy living, good employment, new businesses creation and involved residents.

In the piles of renewed urbanization studies that abound, a common finding is that residents then employment then new creative industrials, be they skilled and tech manufacturing or culture based services followed by general retailing are the path to a healthy growing community.

Throughout the area we need to support such building use.

The images above such a building in the Junction Triangle clearly show the building can be developed and managed well.

Help WIN A NEW SCHOOLYARD FOR PERTH AVENUE vote!

 

Worth while to take the time to vote this is...

 

[caption id="attachment_10321" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="click image to vote"]Click here to go directly to the candidates - scroll down and look for Perth School yard and click more then Vote for this  - a orange button[/caption]

 

Click here to go directly to the candidates - scroll down and look for Perth School yard and click more then Vote for this  - a orange button

 

the text about the site...

Perth Avenue Public School/St. Luigi Catholic School

Field of Dreams: If you build it, they will run

With this grant we hope to attain a poured rubber track for approximately 600 students from Perth and St. Luigi Schools as well as 140 children from the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club. Perth Avenue Public School and St. Luigi Catholic School are a joint TDSB/TCDSB schools servicing students from JK -Grade 8. Our area is a vibrant inner city school/community located in the South Junction Triangle. Our multicultural student population represents over 16 different language groups. Presently our playground is a barren flat stretch of pavement. We hope to begin to develop it into a community resource to improve the physical health of the students and families in our neighbourhood. We know that physical activity in children prevents various health problems, and this project provides a positive active focus for our community, its children and youth. This community faces challenges such as: 1. in 1965, the previous school building was demolished and was buried under asphalt. The schoolyard has since remained a barren and desolate field. Excavation of the debris is infeasible and alternative synthetic surfaces, such as poured rubber and synthetic turf, are our only options yet are outside of the school's operational budget or fundraising ability. 2. there is a lack of year round sports and recreation facilities in the area. 3. railway tracks bordering on both the west and east borders creates an isolated community and reduces the frequency and accessibility of trips to sports and recreation facilities outside the neighbourhood for children in the community. 4. 33% of families in this area make below $29,000. At this income level only 39% of students partake in sports activities outside of school according to the TDSB''s 2011 Census. 5. the lack of facilities is one reason many families choose to attend schools outside of this school district. Parents that are more attuned to school choices tend to be more highly educated and have higher incomes. The student population remaining at Perth consists of higher concentrations of disadvantaged students, which widens the socio-economic gap. Many of the most involved parents have left the school creating low parent engagement, which is needed to foster improvements to the school. Anticipating the fulfillment of our plans, our students will then participate in safe, fun playground activities, increased physical activity, decreased playground conflict and bullying. The schoolyard's facilities would be available to families regardless of their economic situation, physical ability and age creating a community-type centre.

Project Goals

Plans Perth has created a Schoolyard Enhancement Committee to develop plans and priorities for the school and its students. Its consists of two main components; Healthy Active Living and Aesthetic Improvements. Murals have been painted along the walls and doors of the schoolyard and two indestructible steel soccer nets have been erected. Phase one will be complete with the addition of two Basketball Fun Nets. To date, the School Advisory Council has raised $5200.00. In phase two, the Schoolyard Enhancement Committee intends to begin the construction of its sports facility and outdoor classroom. Our goal is to create an artificial turf and surrounding track with various fitness stations around the yard. Due to the fact that the playground contains the rubble from the previous building, the school is limited in what it can do to enhance the school yard. Removal of the debris is costly and infeasible and additions to the playground are restricted. Grass and trees are restricted to the edge of the playground or in raised beds. Alternative synthetic surfaces, such as poured rubber and synthetic turf, are our only options yet are outside of the school's operational budget or fundraising ability. A poured rubber track is dream we hope to fulfill with this grant. Physical activity can improve academic performance, creativity and productivity, while reducing the likelihood of smoking, alcohol and drug use. This project provides a positive active focus for our community, its children and youth. During recess, after-school and curriculum based programs, students will participate in safe, fun playground activities, increased physical activity, decreased playground conflict and bullying. Students from low-income families struggling with family unemployment, poor nutrition and limited opportunities for recreation, require a safe space at school to foster self-esteem and self-confidence. Sports-based recreation programming will enhance student's lives by meeting these needs. Improvements to the schoolyard will help to meet the needs of parents when selecting schools, thus retaining more economically diverse families and renewing this inner city neighbourhood. In addition St. Luigi's school and its 350 students, which shares the playground, will also benefit from improvements. The schoolyard's facilities would be available to families regardless of their economic situation, physical ability and age. The facility would be available over a large portion of the day and throughout most of the year. Other community partners would benefit from improvements to the schoolyards, such as the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club, the Running Club and the Track and Field Clubs. This project will benefit the students and the community now and in the future, thus leaving a legacy.

Click here to go directly to the candidates - scroll down and look for Perth School yard and click more then Vote for this  - a orange button

 

 

 

Junction Triangle Library Project expansion?

Post link to the Junction Triangle blog. From their blog


100 Day Survey

A group of local residents is working with the support of Councillor Ana Bailao to expand the Perth/Dupont branch of the Toronto Public Library. As an important community resource, we want to determine what Junction Triangle residents want in their local library.

The 100 Day Survey is ten questions that will form part of a Community Report to the Toronto Public Library detailing design features and services that will meet area needs.

The survey runs until February 29, 2012.

link to full post - lots of info

link to their survey

West Toronto Diamond project reaches Black Creek Drive

Black Creek Drive at its foot has been reduced to one lane as work proceeds on the rail bridgework overhead.

This slows down the traffic turn left on to Old Weston Rd. quite a bit.

A this has to do with the West Toronto part of the airport link, hopefully we will to see them build a new bridge section.

Up til now the the Weston Rd. area up in the Mount Dennis area has all the exciting stuff on the public highway.

Please keep me in the Junction dear CPR railway

Recently the yellow caboose that stood regularly just behind George Bell Arena, has been traversing the rail tracks around the Junction.

Worryingly does this indicate that the CPR cannot retain a place to store it, hopefully not it would surely be missed.

Or is the dreamy reality that the railroad men and women just love having a roar moving it around remembering the days when trains had cabooses.

The caboose was visible at the back of Vine parkette Thursday.

Dupont St. puppet store has an amazing window right now

This really unique store  which is always a special place to see, has a moving, fun, enlightening window display now.

One so wonderful you can stand outside viewing it and imagine your own warm and pleasant stories.

located at 1597 Dupont Street

About the store
Portable Puppet Theatres and Puppets for Sale
www.opendoordesigns.ca/
Doorway puppet theater, portable theaters and puppets for sale and rent from Open Door ... Visit our Online Store or if you are in Toronto our Retail Store where you will find along with ...

Are the Junctions best eats places destinations for the city’s hoard of traveling eaters

This blog thinks not,

A great mix of easy entry benefits  such as rock-bottom rents when looked at compared to "village" type neighborhoods in Toronto, long leases and word-of-mouth about the coolness of the Junction…suggests something is happening in the neighborhood served food area.

Yet for these new food establishments, has the  area’s understated profile kept its best joints from becoming destinations for the city’s traveling eaters. The closest subway stop is 15 minutes away (High Park). Of the public travel  depends where you are in the Greater Junction Area (GT), we think, but it's an issues, public transit from across the city involves, the use of both a subway and a bus.

One of the questions also raised is whether the new businesses can succeed or rather prosper in an area that’s not a destination, the Junction is just not that now as it once was for people across the great city of Toronto, such as the Danforth is) And, if they do succeed, how long will the area stay comparatively affordable for new businesses... simple tried and true restaurant offerings and not to mention unique offerings like Rawlicious, which had to leave.

....and to answer the never stated new question that Toronto's elected members throw at the public now. Do you have a solution for the  problem?  Well no, but this is one of last remaining Beat Blogs in North America, and posing questions while reporting local happenings is what the movement was/is all about.

 

CPR Railroad holiday-train Tuesday, November 29 6:15 p.m., 750 Runnymede Rd,

 

 



 



The CPR Railroad holiday-train is returning to the Junction this year, at a new place.

Past Councillor Bill Saundercook worked with the CPR Railroad to bring the train visits to the Junction, from the downtown where they once were, now new Councillor Sarah Doucette  is continuing to support this event.

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.

This is the 13th year that the Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train has been raising food,  and awareness for food banks in communities across Canada and the U.S. 

The Canadian Holiday Train will be in the Junction

Tuesday, November 29

6:15 p.m., 750 Runnymede Rd,

in front of CP Lambton yard office,

parking only in Walmart lot

 

 

Shocking activity by city council members and staff

 

The blog wanted to highlight a particularity worrisome point brought out publicly by the  Toronto Public Space  (TPSI) group in their report on unprecedented policies that will allow the city to sell off the names of public spaces and bring in aggressive advertising into them, including parks and playgrounds. (see this post - its below this one)

Yet they are bringing local business Improvement associations (BIA's) into the decision-making and planning activities about these changes. That is right, the local retail store owners across the city are being consulted and allowed into the fold to decide how local parks are named and what advertising will go into them, Yes, big advertisers are involved too and their ads in parks and parkettes are probably not welcome also. But residents and community groups such as residents associations are not part of the consultation process.

"the inclusion of BIAs in a consultation process to the exclusion of all other stakeholders" [1. Toronto Public Space  (TPSI)]

Simply,  1st importance of the what the parks are to the community of people who use them is being removed from the people.

Hopefully the ethical BIA's in Toronto with see the folly of of being associated with this. BIA's are structured and created to improve retail streets and businesses within their areas.

 

Hilary Bell gathering in the Junction, Saturday September 17, 2011 from 2 to 5 PM

Re-posted from a comment on this site, Thanks Sean for the info

 

Hilary Bell passed away  September 2011.

To celebrate her life there will be a gathering of friends and family in our neighborhood on

Saturday September 17, 2011 from 2 to 5 PM.

Hilary loved Pilates and spent many mornings and evenings at the studio. We felt it would be fitting to have the event there.

“The Loft Pilates Studio” ,
396 Pacific Avenue, suite 201, Toronto M6P 1Z2.

Snacks and drinks will be served.

Your presence would be much appreciated.

 

For some information on her contributions to your community please see this link  to the Junction Triangle site 

Loblaws properties donates land at 96 Ricthie Ave for home

A passage lot from the Loblaws rear parking lot for the companies store at Dundas St. W. and Bloor St. W. to Richie Ave has been donated by Loblaws for the construction of a single family home for a family with a disabled son. The home will be one story in height.

[caption id="attachment_8653" align="aligncenter" width="315" caption="The lot viewed from the parking lot of the store, click image to visit Habitat site"][/caption]

 







 

Sadly Hilary Bell, Community Leader, Passes

Reposted from Junction Triangle Community site

Sadly Hilary Bell died a few days ago due to cancer. Hilary was known in many circles for her tireless community work and advocacy for improving communities. She was involved in creating Railpath, the natural garden along Dundas, the murals under the Wallace Bridge to name but a few. She was a fair but formidable foe to developers, Metrolinx, and politicians when she needed to be but never lost her sense of humour and the desire for a hearty bike ride. This obit is provided by the family and there will be more news to follow. I note that the wonderful picture of Hilary was taken at the official opening of Railpath.

Hilary Bell was a long time member of the TWBCA Steering Committee

 

Further text at the Junction Triangle Community site (direct link to text about this tireless and trans-formative person.

Major building changes to your Junction Area house?

[caption id="attachment_8361" align="aligncenter" width="475" caption="Soil engineer checking soil conditions at a Junction area house"][/caption]

 

Increasingly many house owners in the Junction area are deciding to enlarge their house, by heightening the basement by lowing the level of the basement floor or converting the attic to usable space or adding an addition.

Any of these projects involves the use of a building permit. In addition to the architectural or designers drawings, an engineers report as to the suitability of the building foundation to support the changes will be required.

Having the knowledge about the need for the engineers report is what this post is about as in new parts of this ward the construction includes footings, but they are not common on 1st lot construction homes in the Junction. Thus the necessarily need for this professional action to performed before a permit is issued by the city.

Often the house owner finds out about this need and its  costs for the report and many times remedial foundation work to strength the foundation is required.

Most Junction houses do not have a footing, but a foundation sitting  on soil, often this has to provided to add an addition or do other major renos. This remedial work can outstrip the cost of the design services.

 

Eduarda's Poultry and Foodstuffs takeout

 

It's 9:20 am and the staff at this takeout are cleaning and readying to cook for today's trade.

Great character view though the window each morning.

At Dupont Ave and Perth Ave.

Junction Arts Festival 2011, in its traditional footprint as usual now as a community organized event

hey everyone,

Just to let everyone know the Junction Arts Festival 2011, in its traditional footprint as usual now as a community organized event is happening.

Everyone is welcome to have input,  help plan or simply email a suggestion in.    info@junctionartsfest.com

2011 greater Junction (Toronto) Arts Festival September 5 th to 14th

Whats different this year?  The festival is not affiliated with the local  BIA nor is the BIA a sponsor of the festival this year.

And it addition to the traditional footprint we will have satellite sites throughout the greater Junction area - in the Upper Junction, Junction Triangle, and other places around the Junction.

Why? for two reasons... it called the Junction Arts Festival.. so it's now all areas Junction.

Also so we can bang things into the ground and tie down larger works, a big problem for years as the city does not allow for the harming of the roadway.

The off-road locations will also allow artist over two weeks to build their works.

from the festival site.

New model artist model general details .

1. The festival will accept applications for 10  large sculptures, paintings, photographs works and offer 1000.00  to each artist, and the obtaining of materials and sundry issues such as materials transport, insurance etc.

1.b  large (ie we want them to bigger than a car, in any axis, on any plain, using square meters up to 750.

Until we get the complete info up you can email submissions up to info@junctionartsfest.com

 

2011 greater Junction (Toronto) Arts Festival September 5 th to 14th

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Go walkabout in the greater Junction

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design Workshop for the “Sorauren Square” Wednesday, June 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Help take Sorauren Park to the “next level”...

Design Workshop for the “Sorauren Square”

Wednesday, June 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.


Food and drinks provided


Help plan — and name — the new “Sorauren Square” proposed for the “dead zone” of derelict land between the Sorauren Fieldhouse and the old linseed oil factory.

At this public design workshop, we’ll look at town squares in other cities and countries, review the existing Sorauren Master Plan concepts, and get drawing!

Sorauren Square is envisioned as a place for markets, festivals, concerts, shows, events and meeting neighbours on warm summer evenings.

If you like to draw and dream, or have ideas for this new public space, please come to our Design Workshop. RSVP to dbennet@sympatico.ca so we can plan our numbers.

“Sorauren Square” Design Workshop

Wednesday, June 29

6:30 p.m. at the Sorauren Fieldhouse


50 Wabash Avenue


Light dinner and refreshments provided

Sponsored by the Wabash Building Society

http://www.soraurenpark.com

 

TOTSTOCK Sunday June 19th, from 2-5pm, Sorauren Park YEA!

 

On Sunday June 19th, from 2-5pm, Sorauren Park, will be filled with the sounds, stories, food, games, and community-minded revelry of the third annual Totstock!

Last year’s Totstock! drew a crowd of about 3000 people. Given the high profile acts on this year’s bill, we expect an even larger audience this time around.

Sounds

Brent Bambury of CBC Radio will host a lineup on the Little Paper Main Stage that celebrates the variety of our city’s music scene: from indie-pop darlings, Hooded Fang, 11 year old Russell Rae Wellner, zany jazzers,Rambunctious, and under-aged rockers Eleven Toes, to the velvet tones ofOldies 990 and old-time-twang-with-a-modern-twist of Bellwoods Trinityand Hotcha!

Stories

Small Print Toronto will host a diverse array of local kids-lit heroes at theStory Tent. Don’t miss the creators of such wildly popular series asFranklin The Turtle (Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark) and Ninja Cowboy Bear (David Bruins and Hilary Leung), authors and performers Njacko Backo, Martha Jocelyn, Monica Kulling, Rina Singh, Heather Hartt-Sussman, Frank Viva and Nicola Winstanley, singer-songwriter Daddy Long Legs and a special appearance by Winnie-the-Pooh.

Super Cool Stuff

Want to create your own a kite? Dress up in a dragon costume? Build a grafitti city? Like to play games? Win prizes? You can do all this and more, thanks to the steadily growing number of local businesses and groups helping us out this year.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to the West End Food Coop.