You will have a chance to make your views known to our councillor on Feb 9 (Monday evening_ 7:30 PM, Fairview Public Library, 4th Floor) at the regular W33AC monthly meeting. See its Administration Blog: www.ward33ac.blogspot.com
We expect both of these items to be on the agenda and motions presented & voted.
We also bring to your attention that Division 33 has issued reports of purse snatching: "Within 33 Division, women shopping at Bayview Village Mall, Food Basics Plaza at Sheppard Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, and Fairview Mall have been victimized by the perpetrators. During the month of January 2009, there has been a rash of purse snatch robberies throughout the City of Toronto"
1 The Rusty Rail
(or, less well known as the Leslie-Sheppard Gateway designed by Adrian DiCastri)
This city monument has been an issue in our neighbourhood since 2001. From the Bloorview redevelopment meetings community reps managed to get Section 37 (community benefit money under Ontario's Planning Act) designated for its removal_2009 was likely our first opportunity to see this happen. However, the "rail" designer died last year and a movement (fellow architects, urban planners) started to complete the "greening" of this monument. The greening would consist of a major soil remediation, removing the safey barrier and building a concrete box tor the soil and new plants. While all the info and commitments have not been made we feel the community must start to present a louder and deeper voice to Councillor Carroll. She has mentioned a full community meeting to present cases. If the "greening" effort goes forth, that is city councils decide against removal., she has mentioned the use of city funds (our Section 37, Ward Clean/Beautiful City funds) plus what the "movement" comes up with.
From exchanges between some residents, the message we believe from the community remains_ remove the rail and if not allowed, then say no city funds (especially, Section 37 benefits) be used for "greening". The majority of our community stands for removal. They don't want city resources attempting to revive a failed project.
YOU CAN VOTE IN A POLL ON THIS ISSUE ON THE SLHA BLOG _ http://www.slha.blogspot.com/
2. Use of Don East Parklands for new Civitan Arena
Many of you likely have seen articles in The Miiror and even the Star. In brief, the Don Mills community organization, Civitan runs hockey and youth focused programs. They now use the arena in the Shops on Don Mills site / Don Mills Center (Lawrence & Don Mills). For reasons (which would make this email too long) they approached the city about a new multi-pad location (free city land) and new facilities (which they would raise funds for and operate). A "preferred" site location for what appears to be a massive footprint was documented in the North York Community Council as the Don East Parklands, south of the 401 and east of Don Mills.
For environmental reasons alone, most eloquently expressed in a Mirror, Letter to the Editor (Lou Wise, Jan 16, see link below) many in and outside our ward believe parklands use should not be allowed. for any development, especially one of this magnitude and negative impact. If you drive Don Mills at peak hours, you will see more congestion and more intersection red lights (just south of the bridge)_ you also should know another light will be installed by a new street accessing Don Mills between Havenbrook and Sheppard.(Emerald City work). There could also be a financial risk to the city.
Users of the Betty Sutherland trail and wildlife would be offended by the proposed structures.
Many believe that the city staff reviewing this project and ice rinks issues can find a better site and solution_ for an arena with 2 ice surfaces.. On the W33AC "Forum" blog you can find some background: www.ward33forum.blogspot.com
Check this link "New arena project would compromise Don River", Lou Wise http://www.insidetoronto.com/article/62382
