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Don River Valley Park Art Program 04 Christopher Hume 08 Development Update 12 Spirit of York Distillery 15 11» Unity Festival 2017 Making By Kara Isert All styles dance showcases. All what styles? Cyphers. Spits and beats. What? Peace Opens By Michele Cummings

Corktown is very fortunate to be hosting Making Peace, an international exhibit presenting over a century of photography. The exhibit aims to educate people on what is needed to create “sustainable peace” and to hopefully inspire them to go forth and do what they can to affect positive change. This exhibition has been presented in 12 countries around the world and this is the first time it has been shown in North America.

The exhibition opened along the Promenade on May 13th as a group of guests arrived on the Mandela Streetcar. Heartfelt speeches were given by Councillor Pam McConnell, Deputy HIP-HOP DANCERS Mayor of , Reconciliation Canada Ambassador Chief Robert photo courtesy: Unity Charity Joseph, and Patricia Pearson, granddaughter of Lester B.Pearson. The If you’re middle-aged like me, you might Unity Festival is a three-day annual hip- Day One has an MC/spoken word and Making Peace Pop-Up Gallery was then not know what to expect from the Unity hop festival running July 13, 14 & 15 graffiti art showcase at Geary Lane opened by Jason Lester from Dream Festival’s dance exhibition and beatbox with the “best visual art, spoken word, (Dupont & Dufferin). The big concert Unlimited. The day continued with competition in Underpass Park on July breakdancing, and beatboxing by local with the likes of Main Source, TOBi, and tours of the exhibition, several live 14th. Fortunately, Andy Hicks from youth and international artists.” Unity has The Sorority, is on Day Three at David performances by Unity and a reception Unity Charity, the organization behind signed up sponsors to fund the festival . the festival, filled me in. so events are free or pay-what-you-can. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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UNITY FESTIVAL CONTINUED or rapping in the centre. A cypher few years, the festival has been based allows for spontaneity and creativity around Yonge and Dundas Square with We are super fortunate to be hosting as dancers improvise and feed off the all its corporate trappings and retail The Corktown News Day Two of Unity Festival in Corktown spectators and other participants. billboards which take away from the at Underpass Park on Friday evening, fact that it is a public square. This year, CIRCULATION July 14, 2017. I’m especially looking forward to the all the events are in venues that fit the Delivered: Quarterly beatboxing competition. It is so incredible arts presented. Taking the festival to the Circulation: 7200 copies the music people can make using just community, making it feel like a block Advertise: [email protected] their mouths and body as instruments. party. Underpass Park is a perfect match Editor: [email protected] Underpass Park is a perfect for dance and beatboxing, with the WHAT’S UP IN CORKTOWN? match for dance and Andy explained to me that all hip-hop graffiti murals, basketball hoops and comes from things artists couldn’t afford skate park as a backdrop. An urban park The Corktown Residents & beatboxing, with the graf ti or access. In rap cyphers, someone in the for urban dance and rhythms, that’s Business Association is a not-for- murals, basketball hoops and pro t and non-commercial volunteer crew would set the rhythm with their how Unity Festival is taking it to the neighbourhood organization. skate park as a backdrop. mouth for someone else to rap to. This is next level. We follow the latest developments in where beatboxing originated. Corktown on a wide range of topics For more information, please visit and serve as a liaison between Unity was established as a charitable unitycharity.com/unity-festival Corktown, the City and other key organization 10 years ago. It “uses organizations. This is the day for dance showcases and hip-hop to improve young people’s The CRBA is an inclusive organization competitive beatboxing. The dance will lives creating healthier communities.” Unity Festival 2017 Schedule open to all local residents and businesses. Join us and add your cover all styles of hip-hop including Throughout the year, Unity provides voice to the community discussion! breakdancing, popping and locking. after school and community Thursday, July 13, 2017 website: www.corktown.ca If you don’t know what these are, then programming in the hip-hop arts to MC/Spoken Word & Graf ti Showcase email: [email protected] you must come out and see for yourself. youth aged 12 to 24. Started in Toronto, 5 - 11pm • Pay What You Can Facebook: CorktownTO Hip-hop dancers display incredible Unity now has programs in underserved Geary Lane, 360 Geary Lane Twitter: @CorktownTO athleticism and creativity. Although communities from Vancouver to Halifax, there is no formal judging and no including some northern communities. Friday, July 14, 2017 NEXT CRBA MEETINGS prizes will be awarded, teams will be The Unity Festival is an opportunity Dance Exhibition & Beatbox Competition September 5 and October 3 competing to win over the audience and for young Canadian artists to showcase 5 - 11pm • Free Join your neighbours at 7PM on the rst Tuesday of most months to nd to prove their skills. their talents, alongside big name Underpass Park, 9 Lower River Street out what’s happening. international artists! There is also a chance for participants Saturday, July 15, 2017 Check www.corktown.ca for location, to show off their individual moves in Andy and the rest of the Unity Festival Unity Concert agendas and other details. cyphers. A cypher is where a circle is organizers are excited that this year’s 3 - 11pm • Free formed and people take turns dancing festival is in new venues. For the past David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street West SUMMER IS COMING 1 Week Free Trial! *new clients only, limit one per person

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photo courtesy: Paul Orenstein

MAKING PEACE CONTINUED and put in your bid for your favourite Where to Find Making Peace: This exhibition was made possible piece before the Gallery closes at the The Making Peace Pop Up Gallery is at by the donations of many groups, in the Gallery. A great time was had by end of June. 480 Front St E (corner of Tannery Rd and businesses and individuals. We all. Front St E) and is open daily from 11am would like to thank all of the The outdoor Making Peace Exhibition – 7pm until the end of June. sponsors especially the Aston Family The Making Peace Pop-Up Gallery consists of a series of stands painted in Foundation, Toronto Parks and Trees is showing five works by Canadian the five Colours of Peace. Each stand The Making Peace Outdoor Exhibition Foundation, The City of Toronto, Dream artists. The theme of the Gallery is displays photographs and narratives is on Front St E by Cooperage St Unlimited and the Corktown Residents “relationships” which play such an meant to inspire peace. The curator, and continues along Front St E into and Business Association, for giving integral part in Making Peace. The artists Ashley Woods, is giving free guided . It can be viewed 24 Corktown the opportunity to host include Sarah Foy – Landed: Together in tours of the exhibition each Sunday hours a day until September 24. Making Peace. Canada, Samra Habib – Just me and Allah: in June. Meet outside of Dark Horse Photographs of Queer Muslims, Robinder Coffee, 416 Front St E, at 10:30am for Uppal and Marc Serpa Francouer – The this 45 minute tour. RSVP to Ashley@ World in Ten Blocks, Mariam Magsi – makingpeace.org. The Registry and Ford Medina (Artist in KELLY PORTER HETU PC residence) – 5 Colours of Peace. There will also be a Tribute to Lester B. Pearson, the only Canadian individual Chartered Professional Accountants, LPA The 5 Colours of Peace by Ford Medina to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1957). and his son Jett, is a set of “live Details will be provided in the weekly paintings” that have been added to since CRBA eNewsletter or can be found on the Gallery has opened. You can see the website. Ford in action every Thursday evening between 5-7pm at The Gallery. These For more information: pieces of art will be auctioned off via http://makingpeace.org a silent auction so come to the Gallery http://toronto.makingpeace.org

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SYLVIA PARKHURST 475 Queen Street East, Toronto M5A 1T9 416 955 0060 | kellyporterhetu.com photo courtesy: Michele Cummings www.corktown.ca 04 SUMMER EDITION 2017 Don River Valley Park Art Program By Renee Thatch, Evergreen

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE IN CORKTOWN BY INTERNATIONAL ARTIST AND CHOREOGRAPHER This summer the national not-for-pro t Evergreen unveils a new art trail in Toronto. The tableau? The Don River Valley Park, a massive 480-acre ‘super park’ in the Don Valley. A centrepiece of the city’s ravine system, this greenspace, spanning from Evergreen Brick Works south to the mouth of Lake , is a ‘backyard’ to more than 250,000 residents and soon another 60,000 as part of the growing residential developments in the , East Bayfront, Central Waterfront and downtown neighbourhoods.

installation sparks a larger conversation regarding ongoing Indigenous and “I hope that people think of colonial occupation of the city. the area as a place to walk, think, contemplate and “Stumbling upon a sculpture or discover. I want to see how performance tucked deep in the valley will encourage visitors to experience the artworks change with and consider public space in Toronto the seasons and see how in a potentially new and exciting way,” people engage with them.” says Cwynar, curator of the Don River MARIA HASSABI’S STAGING 2017 Valley Park Art Program. “I hope that photo courtesy: Thomas Poravas people think of the area as a place to walk, think, contemplate and discover. Co-presented by Evergreen and the STAGING, a new work in which they in downtown Toronto, and will be I want to see how the artworks change City of Toronto, the Don River Valley appear as living sculptures, moving located along the Lower Don Trail in the with the seasons and see how people Park Art Program launches in July with and dancing slowly through the Don meadow north of the Bloor Viaduct. engage with them.” a series of site-specific temporary art Valley. Hassabi’s work focuses on acts of installations and performances by local, stillness and draws attention through This public installation stems from Five more projects with local artists will Canadian and international artists the dancing body to the transitory the artist’s interest in the structural be presented later this year as part of the along the Don River. spaces we tend to move through changes made to the Lower Don River Art Program’s first season. In addition without noticing. as it became an industrial hub in to the public art, Evergreen will offer a “Public art plays a critical role in Toronto, telling the story about the line-up of special programs, including creating vibrant, flourishing cities,” Opening in early fall is Linklater’s ways in which resource extraction in group bike rides and guided hikes explains Geoff Cape, Evergreen CEO. project entitled Monsters for Beauty, the Don Valley allowed for the building through the Don River Valley Park. “With Evergreen Brick Works as Permanence and Individuality, a series of of Toronto as a city. Here, Linklater the hub, the Don River Valley Park 14 striking concrete sculptures. The considers gargoyles as protectors of For more information on the art program provides a new way to large-scale figures are casts depicting buildings that communicate a certain project and programs visit: https:// experience nature in the city.” gargoyles that adorn prominent buildings kind of power and authority. His donrivervalleypark.ca

The commissioned artworks are inspired by Toronto’s Don Valley and celebrate the site’s natural environment and the city as a whole, integrating art into the landscape as the program evolves. Working with Kari Cwynar, curator of Evergreen’s Don River Valley Art Program, acclaimed contemporary artists respond to the Don Valley’s ecological, cultural, industrial and Indigenous histories and future.

The art program officially opens to the public in July with the work of two celebrated artists: Duane Linklater, Omaskêko Cree from Moose Cree First Nation, who works in performance, installation, film and other media and New York-based performance artist and choreographer Maria Hassabi.

On July 7 and 8, the bottom of the Lower Don Trail near Corktown Common will showcase two special site-specific performances by New York-based performance artist and choreographer Maria Hassabi. Hassabi and six dancers will present two performances of www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2017 05

faces? Healthy cooking workshops Destination Fitness at a trendy new eatery? Trampoline dodgeball?! If there’s a way to have fun By Kevin Thorne, Director of Think Fitness Studios while thinking fitness, then we’ll do it.

Looking to achieve your health and tness goals this summer? Cement them Looking to truly have a transformative fitness experience? Once a year by visualizing not just when, but where. Just like when posting your recent new (and now twice annually!) our team restaurant pics on social media, attaching a location to your snapshot makes it organizes international trips to some much more likely to gain traction. That traction works the same for your tness pretty unbelievable locations around the world. All those step-ups come goals – let me explain: in handy hiking the Grand Canyon, Machu Picchu and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Here at Think Fitness, we focus on Tanzania. Those pull-ups make glacier not just the what, but the why. Why ice climbing in Iceland that much more do we put so much emphasis on your enjoyable! Next up on our hit list – squat technique being inch-perfect, or exploring the islands of Thailand in the pushing out those extra few reps at the late fall, and surfing Central America end of a circuit when you feel you can’t next winter. When you make fitness push any further? Why do you get up your focus, your adventures become religiously at 6am daily to train before a much more meaningful. long workday, allotting time for various styles of programming like strength, yoga, And that’s one of the amazing things cardio and more? To look and feel good? about Corktown and the Canary District – it truly represents destination Looking good only carries you to a fitness in downtown Toronto. Running certain point. Or at least for many of ICE CLIMBING IN ICELAND and cycling trails, healthy cafes, great us, we’re looking for a deeper purpose. fitness facilities and one spectacular Sure, you can look good, but what can photo courtesy: Max Sinclair park in Corktown Common. We you really do with those strong quads, have one of the most health-oriented glutes and hamstrings? The answer is a etc.) we train for tangible places, & 10k races throughout the running communities in the whole of the GTA. ‘helluva’ lot more than you think! organizing one fitness & wellness season. Maybe you’ve always wanted related event every month for our to try snowshoeing at Blue Mountain, Embrace it, and make your next Along with training for tangible goals members. From rock climbing at a local or perhaps enjoy a tasty, cold beverage adventure Destination Fitness – both at (weight/fat loss, strength, more energy climbing gym, to participating in 5 while throwing axes along with friendly home or abroad! www.corktown.ca 06 SUMMER EDITION 2017 George Brown College’s Wonderful Public Services By Tricia Waldron

George Brown College is focused on the Toronto community. The College’s mission statement says that it will offer programs focused on GTA industries, leverage the city as its campus and engage with partners and the community for education and services.

At a recent CRBA public meeting, Young Centre Theatre in the Distillery » Staffed by fully trained early » Services include: Skin care Lorraine Trotter, Dean, Centre for District childhood educators treatments, waxing treatments, Hospitality and Culinary Arts told the » The George Brown Theatre School » Open Monday to Friday, 12 months Massage and Body Polish, Classic community about a number of these presents a season of productions a year Manicure and Pedicure Treatments services and how to access them. from November to April For more information on locations and and IPL Hair Removal Treatments » 2017/18 Program TBD fees, see http://www.georgebrown.ca/ » This Spa is a working school so not The George » Adults $20, Seniors $15 childcare/ all services are offered on a daily A new 175,000 sq. ft. co-ed student » Box Office 416-866-8666 or basis. residence launched in Fall 2016, located YoungCentre.ca School of Makeup & Esthetics Spa For more information on service a 10-15 minute walk from St. James For more information, see: http://www. Located: 193 King St E schedule, prices and hours, see https:// campus. georgebrown.ca/theatre/productions/ » This Spa provides a wide variety of coned.georgebrown.ca/school-of- » Designed by ArchitectsAlliance, services at a discounted rate. The makeup-and-esthetics-spa/ developed by DundeeKilmer Child Care Centres services are performed by students Developments Ltd. » 11 locations, including the Nelson under the guidance of their The Consulting Hub » Housed U.S. athletes during 2015 Mandela Child Care Centre at 440 instructors. » Business consulting services for Pan Am & ParaPan Am Games Shuter Street small to medium businesses and » Opened to students in Fall 2016 not-for-profit organizations to assist » 9 stories, 250 double suites them in achieving their strategic » Lucy and Thornton Blackburn goals Conference Centre - 4,500 sq ft. » Consulting on all the projects is rentable meeting space for groups Un projet fou! provided by 150 - 200 Centre for up to 300 By Kara Isert Business Graduate Certificate » Accommodation for the Public and Advanced diploma students Suites are available to the annually public from May to August, A CRAZY DREAM STARTING FROM TORONTO providing affordable, convenient Highway 66 by Vespa GT 160. A crazy project! Graphic Design for Not-for-Pro ts accommodations – wifi, cable TV, » Design services by senior students housekeeping services, full linens, 3950 km through the United States! for local not-for-profit organizations room amenities, and 24-hour guest in our on-campus Studio Lab at 230 services. This is how Parisians Jean-Pierre and of the route in 2017. They haven’t Richmond For more information, see: http://www. Corinne describe their plan to ride been to Toronto before and don’t For more information, call Luigi Ferrera georgebrown.ca/residence/summer- Route 66 by Vespa. know anything about the different at 416-415-5000, ext. 2165. accommodations-and-conference- neighbourhoods. They turned to the facilities/ Their plan is actually for 2018: to Vespa Club of Canada for help finding The Chefs’ House Restaurant bring a 40-year-old Vespa from Paris a place to stay. The VCoC president Located: 215 King St E WAVE (Wellness, Applied Research and drive Route 66. They will start in in Halifax introduced them to the » Monday – Friday and Visionary Education) – , travel down to Chicago and Toronto scooter community. Corinne » 3-course Lunch for $25 3-course Campus then along to Los Angeles for about and Jean-Pierre were getting stressed dinner for $35 » On-site group of clinics where 4000 km in total. that they wouldn’t find a room: For more information on reservations, George Brown College Health “There are many Europeans who take special events and school break Sciences students provide health a summer vacation in Canada! And we closures, see http://www.thechefshouse. and wellness services under the notice that there is less and less room.” com/ After looking into homestays, supervision of faculty » Open from September – April AirBnB and, of course, After looking into homestays, AirBnB Special Events/Wine & Beverage Rooms » Dental Hygiene Services from $20 hotels, a Corktown scooterist and, of course, hotels, a Corktown Located: 215 King St E » Denture & Restorative Services put them onto The George. scooterist put them onto The George. » Fitness Studios and Personal The George Brown College The George Brown College residence Chef on the Run Training acts as a hotel for the summer. So Located: 300 Adelaide St East » Free Group Exercise Classes residence acts as a hotel for that’s where they’re booked. Perfect – » take-out retail outlet that sells a » Hearing Clinic for free hearing tests the summer. central, easy to get around and explore variety of lunch, dinner and baked and consultations the city (by TTC this year, Vespa next good items for reasonable prices For more information, see: http://www. year) and affordable. Keep an eye out » Monday – Friday from noon to 3pm georgebrown.ca/wave/ for this cool and adventurous duo in To research and prepare for this July. And watch for them with their More information on these services very ambitious trip, Jean-Pierre vintage Vespa next summer as they can be found at www.georgebrown.ca/ and Corinne are travelling much embark on their Route 66 tour. about/services-for-the-public/ www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2017 07 Underpass Park Mural Guide By Sandra Iskandar

Underpass Park has become an integral part of our neighbourhood. There is skateboarding, basketball games, kids playing, neighbourhood gatherings and soon there will be a farmer’s market! All of this is done with the beautiful backdrop of murals painted on the pillars. Have you ever wondered who the artists were who created these? Well here is your guide. Pull it out of the paper and go take a wander. Enjoy!

SELECTED ARTISTS

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Labrona ArtChild Kirsten McCrea Peru Dyer Jalea Labrona is considered to be one of the ArtChild is a key member of the HSA Kirsten McCrea is a visual artist known “Peru” Dyer Jalea was raised in Lima, top 100 street artists in the world. His (Humble Servants of Art) crew “who for her multi-disciplinary, collaborative art Peru before moving to Montreal, the work illustrates multi-coloured faces put Toronto and Canada on the world practice. Named one of the Top-30-Under-30 city he calls home. After spending 20 and animals defined by dark features. map with his groundbreaking, original artists in Canada by Blouin Artinfo, her years painting graffiti, Peru followed Inspired by 80’s skate culture and graffiti styles.” His amazing talent was work has exhibited internationally and the of the travelling artist. He German Expressionism, his work stems apparent at a young age which is why has appeared in numerous publications, continues to work for the worlds most from his fascination with - and desire to he was given the name ArtChild. A true including Fast Company and Canadian Art. established brands and low-income convey - raw human emotion. innovator, graffiti master and well- When not painting murals she runs the communities alike. He currently resides rounded artist, he is the proud father of art subscription Papirmass with her in Toronto with his beautiful wife, two and a child at heart. husband and collaborator, JP King. where he enjoys snacks and Netflix.

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Isaac Weber Jason Botkin Jerry Rugg Fiya Bruxa Isaac was born in Holland to parents A graduate from the Alberta College Jerry Rugg AKA birdO is a Canadian Fiya Bruxa is an international award with different cultural backgrounds; of Art and Design, Botkin has been muralist based in Toronto. While his winning visual artist, actress, an Anishnawbe mother and a father involved in the creation of over 200 surreal geometric animals can be filmmaker, and writer. Her artistic from Cabo Verde. He grew up around murals internationally, exhibiting in found on canvas, in digital print, and vision is a social one that questions Rotterdam, exploring the urban city solo and group exhibitions throughout installations, birdO is primarily known and celebrates the beauty, dignity life, exposed to art through graffiti, Canada, the United States, and Europe. for his large scale mural work on walls and perseverance of those who have, art class and graphic design school. “In His body of work includes the co-creation and buildings around the world. He or continue to, overcome adversity this oppressive alien society, I worked and ongoing direction of the EN MASSE utilizes the principals of graphic design and oppression. Fiya’s work has been myself through by drawing my vision project; a multi-artist, collaborative in his painted works and treats his produced in Canada, USA, Chile, on this world.” He describes his work drawing project that explores the creation surfaces as editorial layouts that make Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, as an escape from reality, a way of of highly spontaneous, large-scale his animals easily identifiable with Dominican Republic, France, Sweden coping with internal problems caused collaborative black and white drawings their unique look and composition. and Senegal. by his ethnic background, focusing on and public installations. political and social awareness. COLOUR PAGE

www.corktown.ca 08 SUMMER EDITION 2017 Revitalized and Reinvented By Christopher Hume and photos courtesy Spencer Wynn

More than anything, the history of 21st-century Toronto has been one of rediscovery. After decades of invisibility, the city has slowly but surely started to reveal itself again. Residents have awoken to the urban landscape as they return to long forgotten neighbourhoods and overlooked precincts.

Corktown is a prime example. Ignored highways, the transformation is ARTIST LEGEND for years as a post-industrial wasteland, complete. The civilizing power of art it was passed over and passed through has never been more happily displayed. Column Pillar Artist without so much as a second glance. Headed by local artists Labrona and (west to east) No longer. Revitalized and reinvented, Troy Lovegates, a small army of 20- 1 Troy Lovegates (lower), Labrona (upper) Corktown has not only been revealed, it plus muralists turned 23 pillars into 2 Troy Lovegates (lower), Labrona (upper) has been rejuvenated. concrete canvases on which they explore 3 Troy Lovegates (lower), Labrona (upper) Toronto’s past and present, its diversity 4 Troy Lovegates (lower), Labrona (upper) Nothing sums up the new neighbourhood, and its resilience. Working in different 1 the new Toronto and the new urbanism styles -- abstract and figurative, serious 5 Labrona (lower), Troy Lovegate (upper) more dramatically than Underpass and humorous –these artists bring life 6 Labrona (lower), Troy Lovegate (upper) Park. Carved out of the shadowy spaces to a place where there was none. Makes 7 Labrona (lower), Troy Lovegate (upper) beneath the Richmond, Adelaide and you wonder; what took us so long? 2 8 Labrona (lower), Troy Lovegate (upper) Eastern Ave flyovers, the car-based 9 Labrona (lower), Troy Lovegate (upper) infrastructure of an earlier era has been Underpass Park can be found on Lower remade as a kid-friendly facility that has River St just south of King St East. This 10 Sight 1 attracted attention around the world. guide notes the artists responsible and 11 “Elicser” Jabari Elliott provides some biographies. Come back in 12 Skam And now, with the painting of the July, when the remaining pillars on the west 3 13 “Peru” Dyer Jalea columns that support the elevated side of Underpass Park will be painted. 14 Artchild

15 “birdO” Jerry Rugg 16 Recka 17 Jason Botkin 4 18 Fiya Bruxa 19 Will Gaydos

20 Denial 21 Kirsten McCrea 22 Spud1 5 23 Flips 24 MSKA 25 Pascal Paquette 26 Adrian Hayles SHOOTING HOOPS 6 27 Isaac Weber COLOUR PAGE

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Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage yourhome-downtown.com www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2017 11 Rocketing down King Street By Philip Stoop

KING STREET PILOT STUDY TO START THIS FALL, BETWEEN BATHURST AND JARVIS As a Corktowner, what is your favourite street for getting downtown? If you take your own wheels, then Richmond is probably fastest. If you’re walking or taking transit, then I bet King is top of your list. The appealing shops, parks, and people passing by can put a smile on your face.

DETAIL OF INTERSECTIONS

However, there is not much to smile about » TTC stops placed on far end of the streetcar can keep moving across. boarding streetcars, same as before. So when it comes to road traffic on King. intersections When I exit, I enjoy not having to dodge mostly par for the course. Often you’re either stuck, or dodging » Right turns mandatory: from King distracted drivers in a live lane of traffic. traffic. As density rises in the city, King in both directions onto Bathurst, Pedestrians is no longer working well for any type of Portland, Spadina, Peter, University, Car drivers As a pedestrian, I enjoy the widened road user. Therefore the city is launching Yonge, Church, and Jarvis. Exceptions: As a driver, the only good news is sidewalks in many places. King has a a pilot project, to change how traffic will transit, bicycles, and emergency that I can still get to all King street more relaxed vibe by virtue of having move through the core on King street. services can go straight through. destinations. However I will need to less traffic passing through. When the » No left turns. figure out the best points to enter and lights turn green, there’s no more cars There are multiple problems that » Traffic still shares the streetcar lane exit King to get there. If I don’t need sprinting off the line to cut in front of the project seeks to alleviate. Mostly » No on street parking, but still space to be on King with my car, the rule the streetcar. Are there more cars now the biggest pain point: the 504 King for deliveries and loading. of thumb will be to stay away. Cars turning right, clashing with crossing streetcar being held back by the busy » Driveway access is maintained. get diverted away after a block or two pedestrians? The data will tell, but since road and mixed traffic. This matters » More room for public space anyway, in the same direction they traffic is supposed to be mainly local, because with 65,000 daily passengers, amenities and pedestrians. came from. Exceptionally this could this may not be a big issue. the King line serves far more people serve as an elaborate right turn route, than any other surface route operated Let’s jump forward in time and get the but there is probably no useful scenario Conclusion by the TTC. The data shows that in peak perspective of some different road users. otherwise. If the surrounding streets Overall we think this will be a great times you’re often faster when walking. get overly busy, I may need to consider improvement, we would even have Streetcar passengers using transit or a bike. liked the pilot scope to have been To solve this problem, the priority is to Once everybody has boarded at the extended on both sides. We look get other traffic out of the way. If the beginning of the block, the streetcar Bicyclists forward to seeing the results. streetcars can keep moving along, we gets moving: no need to wait for lights As a cyclist, I still get no separated bike would enjoy increased capacity. We may to change. Since we stop at the far end lane, but I benefit from there being less Please note that the final proposal is see a rise in ridership as well. of the intersection, the streetcar is not cars. I can still go along King end to still subject to City Council approval in bothered by cars making a right turn end, since I’m not subject to mandatory July. Illustrations by City of Toronto. For The main features of the proposed at the near end. Many intersections right turns. I still need to yield to people more information refer to www.toronto. solution between Jarvis and Bathurst are: now have prioritized green lights, so ca/kingstreetpilot www.corktown.ca 12 SUMMER EDITION 2017

parties lift the conditions, the process POPPED Development for RC4 gets back on track. Good job too, THE GOOD AND THE BAD because it’s an architectural gem! 60 Mill Street Corktown will become Update a popular destination By Larry Webb, CRBA Development Committee this summer with all the amazing events going on! I’ve already First, the CRBA is in need of volunteers to join the enjoyed the photos of the Making Peace exhibition and I’m looking forward to Development Committee! We aim to allocate each Movie Nights in Corktown Common, development project to one person to coordinate UNITY Festival with hip-hop dance and and we need more coordinators! beatboxing in Underpass Park, more murals plus all the usual great stuff in the Distillery District. There’s even a It doesn’t necessarily mean that you do all the work, or even need to know about rumour of a Farmer’s Market starting up the development process. It simply means keeping tabs on what is going on for that in Underpass Park! I won’t have to trek development and reporting to the Development Committee or CRBA board. E-mail to Riverdale Farm for farm fresh veggies [email protected] if you are, or you know of someone who might be, interested in and have my knives sharpened anymore! helping out.

A 501 bus?! No Queen So what is happening? Streetcars until In the northeast corner of Trinity and October?! There’s so 77 River/7 Labatt South-East corner of Queen/Parliament Mill, this is the “conversion” of the much work being done We are still awaiting word on when a The TD bank closed in April but the historic Rack House building into a on Queen Street that community consultation will be held as Shoppers Drug Mart remains open. hotel. At the last City Council meeting, the TTC has replaced streetcars with required by Council in December 2016. Nothing further has been learned about the basis of an agreement was approved buses on the entire route. To be honest, this land assembly. that will see a dramatically shorter now that I’ve bussed from Corktown to 1-25 Defries Street building than initially proposed. It is downtown, I’d almost put this one in A revised massing proposal was River City 4 designed by Saucier Perotte, the same the good category. At least there aren’t received by the City in December architect as the River City buildings, those crazy diversions like we get with 2016 and was not met with favourable and will go inside and on top of the most street construction. And the buses comments. An application has been Rack House. However, the matter is still are faster than streetcars. But I bet you made to the City for two towers, 31 and caught up in a complex OMB hearing. rush hour commuters getting thrown 39 storeys including a shared 6-storey Although the hearing is over, the around a lurching bus and stewing in podium with commercial uses. This contents remain confidential. Close, but the diesel fumes are counting the days is a different model than we saw and not there yet! until the streetcars come back. we do not yet know how the City will respond. We will continue to press for a 18-32 Eastern Avenue Have you been on River negotiated settlement. There is no update on this since the Street recently? It’s last issue. We will continue to press transformed! Last issue 191 Parliament Street for significant reduction as well as the of the Corktown News, There is a new development application retention of the heritage property in the I whined about how for this site immediately south of northeast corner of Gilead and Eastern. brutal it was with all the construction the women’s shelter, Jessie’s. It is an This exciting development immediately and watermain work. Now, just a couple interesting concept for 12 floors of live/ south of Underpass Park on the west Anishnawbe Health Toronto months later, we have a completely new work space plus mechanical penthouse. side of Lower River, is the final phase Finally, a tidbit of an update on Block road. With bike lanes! that are safe! and This application has not come before of River City. It went to the Committee 10 in the West Don Lands – that’s the no loss of on-street parking! new trees Community Council yet and so a public of Adjustment and the long list of block with the old Canary Restaurant (let’s hope they live)! meeting is yet to be arranged. technical variances was approved, with building, which originally was a school. conditions which need to be resolved. The province “sold” the property to Now that the good 28 River Street Anishnawbe Health Toronto to develop weather is here, I’m This proposal went to Council on April There is a long-standing easement on as a health centre and Aboriginal Hub, using my bike and 26, 2017 as a “refusal” report and was the north edge of the property adjacent but the conditions on the sale were BikeShare a lot more accepted. This means that the Planning to the Adelaide Street overpass intended almost impossible to meet. Three years but one of the really Department refused the proposal for a bus lane to accommodate buses later, and those conditions were lifted annoying dangerous situations I outright, presumably because the turning onto with the at a Provincial Cabinet meeting in May. run into is cars parked in bike lanes. parties were too far apart to negotiate. northbound DVP as their destination. Expect a more substantial update on Sometimes it is just for a few moments, We have heard nothing since and would This is an outdated plan but it is still on this important development from AHT to pick up or let off passengers. But more expect either a new proposal from the the books, and so technically it cannot soon. often it is for several minutes, like in the developer or an appeal to the OMB. be lifted until the necessary updates bike lane by the Tim Horton’s on Lower to reports are made and approved by River. Every day, you see cars parked Home/48 Power Street Council. Additionally, the TTC has While it doesn’t appear so from this in that bike lane for “only a minute” to While this project is approved, there indicated that while no objection was report, development keeps getting busier in run in and grab their double double. The are still some points in the agreement made to the much larger River City Corktown. The CRBA will continue to track hazard isn’t just because the parked cars to be finalized, among them the Section 3 development, there could be an it, report on it, and be very much involved force bikes into traffic, it’s also the risk 37 benefits to the local community. We interference issue with the building in trying to make sure that development is of being doored as people jump out of have placed our expectations with Pam caissons (foundations) and the future appropriate to the immediate surroundings. their car without checking for bikes. I’d McConnell and expect to hear that what subway Relief Line tunnel. This will It isn’t always easy, and we know that love to see some parking police to patrol is negotiated resembles what we have take some time to resolve and for the development pressures will only increase. and ticket cars blocking the bike lanes! asked for. TTC to reverse their position. Once both www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2017 13 Welcome from Then & Now KING STREET AT SACKVILLE LOOKING WEST your CRBA! By Michele Cummings By Thomas Junek, President, Corktown Residents & Business Association

It’s been a busy year so far for the Corktown Resident’s & Business Association (CRBA) and I’d like to share with you just some of what we have been up to these past few months.

Green P Is Coming To King St. East new business to come to Corktown This is something the CRBA has been in a very long time – the WE Global working on and pushing for a long time Learning Centre at 345 Queen St East, and it’s finally coming to fruition. This slated to open this Fall. A somewhat new public parking will be both North and neglected part of Corktown can now South of King St. East west of Sumach. It bask in the positive attention that will have space for about 40 cars and will this cutting edge renovation of a have a Toronto BikeShare Station, too! heritage building brings to Queen and Parliament. Serving as HQ for one of the More Murals! world’s most esteemed charities, WE in Our Arts and Culture Committee Corktown is a win win for everyone. has been working with StreetART to continue with painting the remaining We Need You! Underpass Park pillars and it looks like The CRBA, as a completely volunteer 2017 will be the year! The artists will be run, not for profit organization, relies commencing work in July. on the hard work and dedication of a very small group of residents and Events, Events, Events! business owners. We do our best to keep Summer 2017 is going to be busy as the you informed, bring arts and culture CRBA has worked hard to get these free programming to our neighbourhood, events to come to our neighbourhood: keep developers who come here on their toes and just generally advocate Making Peace – officially opened May for our community. We also produce 13, this international photography and publish the paper that you are now exhibition is in town until September enjoying. We are only 10 people on the 1977 24th and has taken over Front Street board and we need your help if the East from Cherry Street to Corktown CRBA is to continue to fully serve our Common. Their Gallery is located at 480 mandate. Front Street East and is open until the end of June. See Article on pg. 1. We are looking for engaged and energetic Corktowners for the CRBA and Waterfront Toronto present following: Outdoor Movies at Corktown Common – set to take place on July 6, 13 and 20. Committee Member Who doesn’t love watching movies We currently have openings on our outdoors? We hope you join us to be Business, Development, Social, and entertained under the stars. Membership Committees. It’s a great way to be involved in the important Unity Festival – this hip-hop festival is issues affecting Corktown. coming to Underpass Park on July 14 for a night of Dance and Beatbox. Learn Project Managers at the Corktown News more on pg. 1 If you have ever dreamed of running a newspaper, well here is your chance Farmer’s Market Comes To Corktown – we are looking for some sharp locals For the first time ever, Corktown will be to join our editorial team this summer hosting a Summer Farmer’s Market. The to keep our paper going! There is CRBA has teamed up with the people some significant time investment, not at to bring this event going to lie, however the payback is to you. Slated to start July 20 and take significant as well. This is your chance place every Thursday afternoon (3pm- to become involved in a more dynamic 7pm) until October 26, The Underpass and fun way while keeping your Market is going to offer residents a neighbours informed and entertained. selection of offerings including fruits, vegetables, cheese, honey, wine and Interested? Need more Information? We other fresh goodies. We can’t wait! would love to hear from you. Shoot us an email at: [email protected] We Set To Open The CRBA is excited about the Enjoy your summer and see you at the possibilities presented by the largest movies! 2017 www.corktown.ca 14 SUMMER EDITION 2017 Neighbourhood Momentum in the Watch Neighbourhood By Lindsay Forsey

Here is some late breaking news. Free movie Nights on the following First, if you haven’t already, register Thursdays in Corktown Common: A new Montessori school in Regent Park spells your bicycle! It’s super easy either » July 6 is A League of Their Own, online at bike.torontopolice.on.ca/ classic 1992 sports movie based on childcare options for area families. BicycleRegistry/ or go by 51 Division to a true story about the All-American fill in and drop off the bike registration. Girls Professional Baseball league. Located next to the rejuvenated Regent include professionals from all over » July 13 come out for Hairspray, Park, at Sackville Street and Dundas the world. “The diversity of our staff In early June, a sketchy guy was seen the John Waters film about “a Street East, Momentum Montessori is reflects the diversity of our program dismantling bikes around Shuter and ‘pleasantly plump’ teenager [who] a welcoming space for young children – multiple cultures, customs, and Sackville, taking the parts away in a teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or eager to learn, and parents looking for languages synergized towards building trailer. There have been several break- two about integration after landing high-quality childcare. Since opening an educational program to prepare ins of townhouse and condo garages a spot on a local TV dance show.” in December 2016, the pre-school has students to think globally and act around Corktown in recent weeks. » July 20 is Invictus, the 2009 movie created a new option for families living locally,” Murray says. Thefts have included bicycles, small about Nelson Mandela’s venture to or working in the area. tools, plants and other easy to steal, easy unite South Africa by pursuing the Momentum prides itself on nurturing to pawn items. Rugby World Cup. A perfect choice “Our student body is comprised of the importance of sharing, caring and before the Invictus Games come to multicultural families who are eager accepting others, as well as creating a Recovered stolen property can’t be Toronto in September! to give their children a head start to home-away-from-home environment returned if the police don’t know who it » July 27th is a rain date. success,” says Momentum principal, for its students – a space where children belongs to so get your bikes registered! Ryan Murray. “We foster enthusiasm of varied ages explore the world at their A huge thank you to the sponsors who toward learning about the world. Our own pace, with guidance from their In happier news, Tori’s Bakeshop is donated so we can see these movies students are immersed in learning teachers. open on Front Street – organic, vegan, for free! And a special shout-out to the multiple languages, science, technology, delicious treats. Yum! Open Wednesday CRBA’s Scott Wilson. Scott drummed up engineering and mathematics, as well as “We’re contributing to our surrounding through Sunday, 10am to 4pm to start, advertisers to make this paper possible sports, nutrition, music and much more.” neighbourhoods by offering a hours will expand as they “finely and gave a very generous donation for modernized educational program calibrate the space”. Movies on the Common. Thanks! Momentum’s Casa program for children with university-quality technology, aged two-and-a-half up to six years a low student-teacher ratio for more old focuses on child-led experiential individualized learning and attention learning and understanding that each and more learning materials than student is unique. If you’re a parent, most toy stores,” Murray says. “Since you’ve witnessed it: The wonderment of Corktown has been developing a child engaged in their environment. commercial spaces into condominiums Watching a spider spin a web elicits and businesses, there are more and total centration. Discovering the sounds more people living and working in the of musical instruments evokes creation. area who are in need of childcare. We’re MOVIE NIGHTS AT providing an incredible educational Students are encouraged to embrace program for young families in the CORKTOWN COMMON diversity as they learn Spanish, French, downtown area.” Mandarin, and English. Momentum Montessori is located at 237 Momentum introduces culture and Sackville Street. You can reach them at COMING SOON. THURSDAYS JULY 6-27, 2017. music as well as language and its staff 416-875-7272

FOR THE SECOND SUMMER RUNNING, YOU CAN WATCH FILMS UNDER THE STARS IN CORKTOWN COMMON.

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photo courtesy: Maryna Kaduchenko www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2017 15

“SOULPEPPER IS THE Spirit of York MOST CONSISTENTLY EXCITING THEATRE COMPANY IN CANADA” Distillery –    By Tricia Waldron with photographs by Scott Wilson

   ’ : VIMY CONFEDERATION PART I THE BAR VERN THIESSEN CONFEDERATION & RIEL ON STAGE JUNE 29 VIDEOCABARET. MICHAEL HOLLINGSWORTH ON STAGE JUNE 9 BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR CONFEDERATION PART II Corktown Residents and to produce whisky but this will not WRITTEN & COMPOSED BY be available for three years while the JOHN MACLACHLAN GRAY WITH ERIC PETERSON SCANDAL & REBELLION Business Association ON STAGE JULY 1 VIDEOCABARET. MICHAEL HOLLINGSWORTH liquid ages in oak casks. ON STAGE JUNE 23 (CRBA) Board members           Tricia Waldron and  ’    Tricia tried the vodka and   :   Scott Wilson had the BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! VISIT SOULPEPPER.CA opportunity to visit Scott the gin. Martinis have the new Spirit of York never tasted so good. Distillery prior to its of cial opening on May The Spirit of York Distillery offers 11. It was a magni cent tasting experiences and will retail its evening with tastings of product along with additional small the new spirits as well batch productions of additional spirits. Tricia and Scott can testify to the as martinis and mixed quality of the spirits and recommend drinks. Some 50 or 60 that readers pay a visit to the Spirit of people attended and the York. founders were also there. If you would like to know more about the distillation process or the location, visit SpiritofYork.com. The building has been lovingly restored and is a treat for the eyes. The distilling equipment is on site and available for viewing. Tricia tried the vodka and Scott the gin. Martinis have never tasted so good. The vodka was crisp and fresh while the gin was rich with flavours of the botanicals grown onsite and added during the distilling process.

According to the duo, this distillery needs to be added to the list of ‘must visit’ spots in the Distillery District.

Operating out of a 7200 square foot space located at 12 Trinity St, the initial offering is gin and vodka. The distillery uses locally sourced ingredients and world-class distillation equipment to produce small batches of these spirits. The distillery is also planning THE DISTILLERY COLOUR PAGE

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