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CRBA SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY FROM BERKELEY STREET TO www.corktown.ca THE DON RIVER, SHUTER STREET TO LAKESHORE BOULEVARD SUMMER EDITION 2016 01
The Coffee Shop Tour 04 Playing Tourist at Home 05 For the Next Generation 08 West Don Lands 06»PICTURED: Future? 10 NEW IN CORKTOWN Short History of the West Don Lands By: Cynthia Wilkey, Co-Chair, West Don Lands Committee, Past Director - CRBA Just look at what has been created so far in the 80 acre West Don Lands site:
»» Corktown Common »» Underpass Park »» River City »» the newly opened Canary District »» George Brown College Student Residence »» Cooper Koo YMCA »» Affordable rental housing operated by Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Fred Victor and Wigwamen »» the Front Street promenade »» public art installations and »» the new 514 streetcar line
It is astonishing to recall that, in 1997, the Province almost made the monumental mistake of selling half of the WDL to a harness racing consortium! A WHOLE NEW VIEW OF TORONTO That move, justified by the short-term photos courtesy: Spencer Wynn desire to raise money for provincial coffers during a time of economic downturn, would have deprived Toronto Eggleton announced the expropriation River floodplain, and a steep recession- a harness racing and video lottery and Corktown of an internationally of 80 acres of mainly derelict land for driven drop in real estate prices. facility, it galvanized Corktown and its recognized example of master planning the development of a new mixed-use neighbours. At the CRBA’s initiative, a and brownfields revitalization. neighbourhood. The project was given In 1995, the lands passed to the Province coalition of community-based resident, the name Ataratiri and planning began, and in 1996 were declared surplus and business, environmental, heritage and The journey started in 1988, when only to be cancelled in 1993 because of put on the market. When news leaked social service organizations Premier David Peterson and Mayor Art environmental cleanup costs, the Don out in 1997 about a potential sale for CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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HISTORY OF THE WEST DON LANDS CONTINUED agency representatives and political for dealing with flood protection and representatives. The workshop produced soil remediation. Toronto was bidding came together as the West Don Lands a strong endorsement for the creation for the 2008 Olympics and identified The Corktown News Committee (WDLC) to fight the of a sustainable, mixed-use, mixed- the WDL as a potential site for a media development. Fortunately, the harness income development that would knit village, prompting the Province to CIRCULATION racing proposal fell off the table, but the the WDL back into the surrounding take the lands off the market. Most Delivered: Quarterly lands stayed on the market. communities. Included in the vision importantly, to support the Olympic Circulation: 6000 copies was the creation of a regional park and Bid, the “three amigos” Jean Chretien, Advertise: [email protected] While the WDLC was initially reactive, better connections to the Don River. The Mike Harris and Mel Lastman Editor: [email protected] it quickly became proactive. The consensus also identified the need for announced the creation of a Waterfront member organizations were united in the public sector to take responsibility Task Force led by Robert Fung, which WHAT’S UP IN CORKTOWN? wanting to see positive development for initiating flood protection and was asked to develop a business case for The Corktown Residents & in the WDL and took on the challenge environmental management strategies, a waterfront development agency. Business Association is a not-for- profit and non-commercial volunteer of building consensus that it had more which were seen as the biggest obstacles neighbourhood organization. potential than a race track type use. to revitalization. Although the Olympic bid was not We follow the latest developments in In 1999, the WDLC hosted a 3-day successful, The Fung report led to Corktown on a wide range of topics community planning workshop that The timing was auspicious, David the creation of Waterfront Toronto and serve as a liaison between brought together community members, Crombie’s Waterfront Regeneration – the tripartite agency with a 20- Corktown, the City and other key developers, design professionals, Trust had recently completed a report year mandate to revitalize Toronto’s organizations. environmentalists, heritage experts, proposing new and less costly strategies waterfront. The West Don Lands The CRBA is an inclusive organization Committee had been one of the first open to all local residents and businesses. Join us and add your groups to present to the Fung Task voice to the community discussion! Force and when Waterfront Toronto was website: www.corktown.ca created, development of the WDL and email: [email protected] flood protection of the mouth of the Facebook: CorktownTO Don River became priority projects. Twitter: @CorktownTO
This ended the uncertainty about the NEXT CRBA MEETINGS West Don Lands future. Waterfront July & August no meetings Toronto launched into intensive Join your neighbours at 7PM on the first Tuesday of most months to find consultations to develop the award out what’s happening. winning precinct plan for the WDL. The Toronto & Region Conservation Check www.corktown.ca for location, agendas and other details. LOOKING UP Authority was tasked with developing a flood protection strategy. Urban design photos courtesy: Spencer Wynn CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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guidelines, a public realm plan, a public The economic crisis of 2008 intervened art strategy and consultations for the just as Waterfront Toronto’s strategy design of Corktown Common and was shifting from the public realm to Message to the Underpass Park followed over the next private sector investment. Aside from few years. More information is available the first sale to Urban Capital, builder of at www.waterfrontoronto.ca the River City project along Lower River residents of the Street, the global crisis brought the private sector strategy to a halt. The Corktown community When the possibility of hosting West Don Lands has every reason to be the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games By Pam McConnell, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor, Ward 28 proud of what has been emerged, it had strong support from the West Don Lands Committee. An achieved in the West Don Athletes’ Village was a good fit with I am pleased to join with community facilities, and the incredible Lands. The reality has met the WDL precinct plan and offered the the rest of your Corktown centrepiece of Corktown Common and exceeded the vision opportunity to accelerate development are the framework for a vibrant identified by the community while the market was stalled. Working neighbours to welcome neighbourhood. within Waterfront Toronto’s precinct in 1999. you to Toronto’s newest plan and development guidelines, The results were never preordained. Infrastructure Ontario oversaw a neighbourhood. It was the strong advocacy of the procurement process, won by the communities living around what were DundeeKilmer partnership, that built As I attended the planting of the 41 then orphaned lands that fended off Thanks to the funds committed by the Village using some of Canada’s top commemorative trees on the Front uses such as a racetrack and supported three orders of government, Waterfront architects. The George Brown College Street Promenade before the start of the leadership of Waterfront Toronto Toronto was able to use a strategy of residence, YMCA and the two affordable the Pan Am Games, I experienced a to complete a plan that arose from the leading the revitalization process rental housing buildings are a direct sense of wonder at how much this area community. through investment in the public legacy of the Games. had transformed. Even after working realm. This included building the flood for years on the development of this Along with beautiful spaces, this protection landform that has taken the The Corktown community has every neighbourhood, I still felt I had been neighbourhood was planned to be WDL (and Toronto’s financial centre) reason to be proud of what has been transported to a completely new place. inclusive of the diversity of our city. I out of the floodplain of the Don River. achieved in the West Don Lands. The am proud that our communities have It also included designing and funding reality has met and exceeded the vision The planning behind this community supported the affordable housing the parks, streets, public spaces and identified by the community in 1999. was visionary. Sustainable green programs that are imbedded in this transit that have given the WDL its The persistent and informed work of buildings, excellence in architecture, a revitalization. In my role as the Mayor’s particular character. the community has helped to make that network of intimate streets with high lead for the City Poverty Reduction vision a reality. quality finishes, dynamic public art, CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 www.corktown.ca 04 SUMMER EDITION 2016
Coffee Shop Tour Savoury Grounds – 481 Queen St E (at Sumach) First Cozy, rustic, comfortable space. Local art is displayed By Secret Coffee Tasters Impressions How’s the Brewed - acidic, not our fave, would go for Americano next time Corktown may be short on grocery stores but if you are a coffee lover, this is the coffee? Cappuccino - not overly strong and very foamy (vs. creamy) neighbourhood for you! There are several independent coffee shops plus a number Other drinks Sandwiches and baked goods as well as a selection of teas of places that sell coffee in addition to their other goods. We decided to do a little & snacks? and cold drinks. Sell a wide range of coffee beans to take neighbourhood tour so we could give you the straight goods on five of the indies. home, roasted at another Savoury Grounds location. We were happy to confirm that most are excellent; all have something redeeming. Here they are in alphabetical order. Grab a cup of java and enjoy... Who comes Seems to be people from the businesses close by and people here? catching the streetcar – the Queen car stop is right out front! Mostly take out when we were there. Other Free wifi, washrooms are accessible (although they had no notables sign on the door). There is a small step at the entrance. Open 7am – 5pm weekdays, 8am – 4pm Sat. & 9am-3pm Sun. TL;DR Hopping on to the streetcar and need a coffee to go? This is the place for you.
Sumach Espresso – 118 Sumach Street (at Shuter) First Wood and metal fixtures give a rustic and cozy feel. Nice tile on Impressions the wall and murals of neighbourhood are lovely. Decorated for the season. A choice of low and high tables for seating. How’s the Brewed – strong, hot, tasty Odin Hus Café & Bar – 514 King St E (near River) coffee? Cappuccino – smooth, creamy and strong with lovely latte art First This is a beautiful space. Very minimal, uncluttered and bright. Other drinks Delicious looking cookies, cakes, croissants that are not made Impressions Scandinavian style, as you might expect from the name. & snacks? on site. Large selection of cold drinks. The coffee bar, furniture, murals on the walls, ceiling are all Who comes A bit out of the way so mostly filled with people from the well done. They have actually appeared in interior design here? immediate neighbourhood including workers from Regent Park. magazines and have won an international architecture award. Other Free wifi, fully accessible, great patio How’s the Brewed – very tasty, chocolate, strong, smooth notables Open 7am – 5pm weekdays, 8am – 5pm weekends coffee? Cappuccino – a work of art, beautiful looking, great flavour, could have been a bit hotter TL;DR A much needed addition to this corner of Corktown. A great space and delicious coffee. Other drinks Odin has sandwiches, pastries and other little bites that are all & snacks? made in house. Not cheap, but delicious. Tandem Coffee – 368 King St E (near Trinity St.) Also an assortments of beverages including juices, teas AND craft beer and wine! First An eclectic decor. Beautiful green wall at the back, woven Impressions rugs on the wall, wooden tables and chairs and an array of Who comes It’s a sophisticated crowd; when we visited, there were a lot of antiquey objects for sale. Feels very old school. here? people at the tables working. How’s the Brewed – (1) – earthy, bitter, strong. (2) – smoother and sweet. Other Free wifi, accessible, very supportive of the CRBA coffee? Cappuccino – beautiful and smooth, perfect combination of notables Open at 7am weekdays, 8am weekends. Closes 6pm Sun., milk and espresso Mon., Tues. Closes at 10pm Wed. through Sat. Other drinks Baked treats that are not made on site and little sandwiches. TL;DR Want to sit and relax with a delicious coffee or snack? This & snacks? Small and interesting selection of non-coffee drinks that is the place for you. Can’t drink coffee after 2pm? Stop in for change with the season. Happy Hour! Who comes Local businesses and neighbourhood folks. The owners are Redline Coffee & Espresso Bar – 354 Queen St E (near Parliament) here? super friendly and know almost everyone by name! First Cluttered though welcoming. There are a few ‘well loved’ Other Features a roster of local roasters. No wifi, not accessible Impressions armchairs at the front and wooden chairs and tables at notables (step at door, washrooms downstairs), cash only. Open the back. Interesting local art is displayed and changes up 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends frequently. Sit at the bar and watch the streetcars roll by. TL;DR In cappuccino and friendliness they win! How’s the Americano – nice and strong and fresh coffee? Cappuccino – nicely made, very good with lovely latte art. Other drinks Sandwiches and baked goods are made in house and cold & snacks? drinks are in the cooler. Who comes A mix of people – residents and workers from nearby here? businesses. Redline is welcoming to the whole neighbourhood, in all its diversity! Other Free wifi, patio out back that is for the adventurous (tiny, It’s time for your fave cup of coffee notables quirky), washrooms are in basement & not accessible. Low to come from your own kitchen. prices (but a bit higher than the menu board). Order online: or call Kara: Open 7:30am – 5:30pm weekdays, 8am – 5pm weekends www.Sparkplug.Coffee (647) 479-2897 TL;DR A friendly space on a rugged strip of Queen St. with very good Roasted Coffee Delivered To Your Door! coffee. Fresh www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2016 05 Playing Tourist at Home POPPED By Michele Cummings THE GOOD AND THE BAD
I spent a few years living in Paris and New York City and many of our friends and Congratulations to two Corktown businesses family came to visit. I went to every famous tourist attraction going and many for being awarded more hidden gems. We have moved back to Toronto, our home, and like many Architizer A+ awards others who live in a city for a long time, I have stopped exploring. in recognition of their great design. Architecture firm Agathom’s Rainforest Retreat design This must now end! Time to embark on Limestone and the walls are several feet won in the XS (under 1000 square feet) a summer of discovery. First stop, the thick. In 1869 a fire destroyed the wooden Private House category and Odin Hus Distillery District, the Segway tour will interior of the building but “no deaths were won for the Bars & Nightclubs category add a new dimension to the experience. reported”. That was very fortuitous! The and received Special Mention in the building was rebuilt and lives on. Restaurants category. Stylin’. There were several Segway tours to choose from and we decided on the tour In 1990 the distillery closed at which time We’re sad to see more that included a stop at the chocolate it served as Hollywood North, hundreds of businesses closing along store Soma and beer tasting at Mill Street movies, television shows, commercials and Queen Street. Sorry to Brewery. It turned out to be a freezing videos were shot here. The best known was see you go, Adornments cold April afternoon so we bundled up likely Chicago where the Distillery building on Queen! Your owner, and headed down. After signing a waiver, was the “Cook County Prison”. In 2003 The Barbara, was a great supporter of the getting our helmets, and having a brief Distillery Historic District as we know it CRBA and we loved the home décor items lesson on riding segways we were ready today was born. It has grown a lot since then you stocked. Though, not enough to keep to go. Our first stop was in the corner just but is now a thriving area full of history, you in business, apparently. And Europe to the right of the Voice school entrance. ON TOUR events and lively street life. Bound’s outlet store is also dead. Come on Our history lesson began. Corktowners - eat and shop local! into the lake and it was horribly polluted. In There is so much more to the history in In 1831 James Worts emigrated to Canada 1832 there was a cholera outbreak, however the Distillery District but the Segway tour We’re getting bike with his eldest son, bought a piece of land, those who drank alcohol did not seem to was an entertaining way to get a brief lanes on River Street! built a windmill and started his new milling get sick! This was good for the Gooderham glimpse back in time. Our tour guides And without losing any business. The windmill was erected on the and Worts business! Drinking whisky was were excellent, even emailing us after parking spots. Maybe shores of Lake Ontario, which was the very much better than death so everyone drank, the tour to give us the name of our Indian a BikeShare station, spot that we were standing. The outline of clergyman, women, children and even babies. singer whose video we may be in, or not. too! Not to be a Debbie Downer, but the windmill could be seen by the pattern let’s hope the new bike lanes actually of the bricks underfoot. James was joined Now it was off to Soma to fetch a piece That was a great start to my journey. connect to other bike trails and paths. a year later by his brother-in-law William of chocolate. Now this is not just any What next? The possibilities are endless. (Really, what’s with the bike lanes along Gooderham and 54 of their family members chocolate. They are a “bean to bar” Richmond and Adelaide abruptly ending and servants. Several of these “family business; they buy the cacao beans If you are staying home this summer, on Parliament? And will there ever be a members” were actually children who and do the entire process themselves, consider getting outside and discovering safe way to cycle along Bayview to the were orphaned on the boat whom William creating this awesome finished product. our City. This will help get you started: Brickworks?) adopted. Children could work several The place was packed on this cold day; hours a day so this increased his workforce, everyone enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. »» Distillery District Segway, Walking Roadwork is never or maybe he was just being a nice guy? or Ghost Tour: http://www. ending and badly William invested in James’ milling business, Having devoured the chocolate, we head gotourscanada.com coordinated in thus the Gooderham & Worts partnership across the road to Mill Street Brewery. »» Distillery District Self Guided tour: Corktown. Bayview was born. In 1834 James Worts wife died Just in the door on the left is a little http://www.distilleryheritage.com/ was closed for a couple giving birth to their sixth child and James was store with 4 beer taps. We sampled 3 »» Heritage Toronto Tours: http:// weeks in May. But that was just to so overcome by grief that he killed himself by of them, warming ourselves up for the heritagetoronto.org/programs/tours/ prep for the big closures and major drowning in the company well. James Worts remainder of the tour! »» Cabbagetown, Corktown and watermain construction work that will Jr. joined the family business, which by 1837 Distillery Tour: last most of the summer. And River had turned to distilling from milling. Back on our segways we head to the http://genovatours.com Street is going to be rebuilt at the same clock tower at the main square. »» City of Toronto Self Guided time. How very (in)convenient for users At this point we were interrupted by a Walking Tours of the Bayview Extension. music video being shot. They approached The white-ish building that now houses Tappo »» Walking Tour Books: Toronto us wondering if we would like to be in Restaurant and Wine Bar was originally Urban Strolls by Nathalie Prézeau, A couple years ago, the it. Well, why not! We just had to ride the Distillery itself and it was finished in Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking only fitness facility around him as he strode along singing 1861. The building is made from Kingston Tours of Toronto by Shawn Micallef within Corktown was away. It was hilarious and more than the Extension Room and once he was almost hit. After all, we had some basketball hoops only been given our “licenses” about 5 in Underpass Park. Now we have a brand minutes earlier! His name was Vikas new YMCA on Cherry plus a cross-fit Bhalla and he was a singer in India so studio, Lift, at 508 King. Any day now, keep an eye out for our amazing music the Running Room, Think Fitness and video debut. Off we go again, stopping Gears bike shop will open in Corktown at the south end of Cluny’s patio. South (as I like to think of it). Plus we have all the new recreational options in There on the ground is a marking showing Regent Park with the community centre, where the shores of Lake Ontario once were. amazing aquatic centre, new sports In the early 1800’s everything was thrown YE OLD WINDMILL fields and a renewed ice rink. COLOUR PAGE
www.corktown.ca 06 SUMMER EDITION 2016
SKYLINE OF TORONTO OLD SAFE
LOOKING UP
WATER GUARDIANS GETTING TO THE POINT COLOUR PAGE
www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2016 07 New in Corktown Photos by Spencer Wynn
The south east corner of Corktown has emerged as an amazing new award winning neighbourhood. It is known to some as the West Don Lands or to others as the Canary District. Regardless of what you call it, it is an awesome new place that many will call home and a welcome addition to our Corktown neighbourhood. CANARY RESTAURANT BUILDING
LATE AT NIGHT OUTSIDE THE GEORGE BROWN BUILDING
All of these images were photographed over a two year period by Spencer Wynn, himself, a Corktown resident. He had exclusive access and permission to enter the construction site and all buildings any time day or night. Spencer took Ministry safety courses and was safety certified in order to be allowed the access he enjoyed.
Shooting at times around the clock allowed him to document the growth and evolution of this unique neighbourhood and to capture images in all weather conditions over several seasons both day and night.
To get all the amazing shots, Spencer employed several different methods. The aerial images were photographed from a remotely controlled camera rig, lofted by a huge seven-foot wide helium balloon and controlled by Spencer from the ground, including the 200lb test line that kept the balloon from floating away. RED PIPE FITTINGS www.corktown.ca 08 SUMMER EDITION 2016 Little Trinity A neighbourhood Refugee Update for the next By Joanne Millard If you have been following initially), advocate as necessary with generation landlords, and help the families to the news about Canada’s access the health care and other services By Andrea Wightman program to welcome that are provided for them. We show Syrian refugees, you them where the local parks are. We take Finally! Spring is here them to the beach. and the neighbourhood Whether you’re planning a will be aware that the processing of private Little Trinity has now been linked to is booming with activities staycation, hosting friends sponsorships, such as two, very different families. Initially for people of all ages. from out of town or just we were matched with a newly- single by Little Trinity Church It is time to get out and looking to fill a few hours on mother and her 6-year old son. A primary the weekend, Corktown is (described in the March schoolteacher in Syria, she was very explore some of the happy to have been matched with a group many attractions that this summer’s place to be! edition of Corktown of Canadians ready to help her, and is News) has been delayed. determined to learn English and embrace Corktown has to offer. a new life in Toronto. As it happened, a sponsorship group located in the Annex During Corktown’s 150-year history, Initially, this was due to the had accommodation that exactly suited our neighbourhood has come a long Play government’s commitment to bring in her needs, so she is now being cared way from its roots as an employer We’re experiencing a rejuvenation 25,000 government-assisted refugees by for primarily by that neighbourhood of breweries and brickyards. Today, of the playgrounds around the the end of February, and then, once that group, with assistance (and support) it’s an ever-changing landscape of neighbourhood. Though the Corktown objective had been met, to the scaling- from Little Trinity as requested. playgrounds and businesses that draws Common playground was closed for down of staffing in the overseas visa residents and tourists onto its streets. most of the summer in 2015 for the processing offices. In the meantime, In mid-April, Little Trinity was asked Whether you have young children or Pan Am / Parapan Am Games, it is residents of Toronto have seen the to assist a family of Syrian Catholics: a you’re young at heart, Corktown has ready once again to accommodate large media reports of government-assisted mother, father and four children aged something for everyone. numbers of fun seekers. refugees languishing in hotels, while from 7 – 12. This family experienced the overextended settlement agencies brutal sectarian violence before they Learn The newly renovated Bright Street Park that have been contracted to assist fled Syria. The father asked us to Visit a nearby library to borrow a few opened this past fall with a pirate boat them, scramble to find housing and pray for “a home and healing for his children’s books and take in one the and better seating. The Sackville Park other supports. Thankfully, a couple children.” With the help of a volunteer Toronto Public Library’s many family will undergo construction later this of organizations have stepped in to from Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, activities, including Saturday Family year to have its play structures and match private sponsorship groups they have located a newly-renovated Time. Our nearest libraries are Queen/ landscaping updated. Stay tuned for like Little Trinity’s, still waiting for three-bedroom apartment within their Saulter, and St. Lawrence. more news on that soon. our sponsorship to be processed, with budget, near Finch and Victoria Park government-assisted refugee families, Avenues. We will continue to assist Drop in to the Ontario Early Years If the sun isn’t shining your family to help them with the enormous them to access care and services. Centre at St. Paul’s Catholic School with can head indoors and run around the challenge of settling into a new your under-six child to meet other local new gymnasium and rock climbing community and culture. In late April, just as Corktown News families and learn some new games. wall (yet to open) at the Regent Park went to print, we heard from AURA, the Community Centre. Otherwise, the At the beginning of April, Little Trinity organization through whom we have Take in a show with the family at much-anticipated three storey climbing became involved in The Welcome applied to sponsor a family, that one had the nearby Young People’s Theatre structure at the Cooper Koo Family Project (http://www.welcomeproject. been found for us! We had discussed the or Canadian Stage Company. Both YMCA is a must for high-energy kids. ca/). The Welcome Project works in possibility of accepting refugees from a schedules are posted online and have cooperation with COSTI Immigrant country other than Syria, and received productions to suit most age groups. Swim Services, the organization contracted the call a couple of days later. Little Cool off at the Regent Park Aquatic by the federal government to manage Trinity’s sponsored family will be a young Eat Centre’s toddler pool, where kids the settlement of Syrian refugees in professional couple from Iran: a journalist Beat the heat with an ice cream at have fun splashing around the giant the Toronto area. COSTI looks after and a dental hygienist, currently living the Distillery District, or at Savoury waterfall mushroom and playing with the families’ initial arrival needs and in Turkey, who have been accepted by Grounds on Queen Street East, which the pool’s water toys. Now that the new paperwork, locates housing for many, Canada as political refugees. We were now serves six flavours of Ed’s Real YMCA is open, drop in during their and equipping them with furniture and told, as of the end of April, that they Scoop. recreational swim times for a family start-up essentials. Welcome Project would arrive in four to eight weeks. swim. volunteers provide helping hands, Treat your family to a freshly made information, and friendship over a Throughout this process, we have been pastry at Roselle’s on King Street East, Corktown Common is arguably the two-to-three-month period. We help very encouraged by the wonderful or something natural and organic at shining jewel of the neighbourhood, families find places to buy familiar food people we have met in other sponsorship Tori’s Bakeshop, opening soon in the and its splash pad is a flurry of in their neighbourhoods, negotiate their groups and grassroots organizations. Canary District. activity on summer days. Kids can run way around town on the TTC, locate around the brightly coloured splash English classes for the adults, register For more information or to find out Or, simply put together a few of your pad and activate the water sprayers children in school and recreation how you can help, please contact Little own favourite creations and have a themselves while parents relax in the programs, and figure out which days Trinity Church at: admin@littletrinity. picnic on a sunny patch of green on the amphitheatre-like structure or on one of recycling and garbage are picked up. We org, or drop by our office at 403 King St. field at Corktown Common. the large boulders surrounding the area. also listen, inform (through translators, E., M - Th, 9:30 AM to 3PM. www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2016 09 Get into Gear By Andrea Wightman
For Micheal Cranwell, the lines between career, social life and personal By the numbers hobby are not just blurred, they’re 4 Number of locations non-existent. Having left the corporate 3,500 sq.ft. Size of the new shop world ten years ago to pursue his 10 – 12 Number of employees passion for cycling full-time, he is now 28 Years in operations the General Manager for the new Gears $4 million Raised by Gears for Bike Shop in the Canary District. local charities “Canada is becoming a cycling powerhouse,” says Micheal, “and we’re building Gears to be Toronto’s next tailoring their core inventory to the cycling destination.” Indeed, Gears is demographics of its surroundings, opening its doors at an opportune time. notably urban commuters who prefer With the Canary District now open, high-performance bikes. But that’s not and the cycling season officially upon to say casual or first-time cyclists won’t us, Corktowners can expect to see a rise find something that catches their eye. For DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY in the number of cyclists commuting to example, Gears is also stocking its shelves work, getting in an early morning ride, or with “Electric Assist” bikes, which it sees Have an upcoming wedding or know someone who does? WynnPhoto creates timeless documentary wedding casually exploring the neighbourhood. as a way to get novice cyclists hooked. photography from years of visual journalism experience. Built with an electrical motor that makes it easier to pedal, Electric Assist bikes can Primarily black and white, each image has a rich help you climb a hill faster or cover long visual narrative that tells a story. In the near future, you distances with less effort. In Micheal’s can expect to see more words, “we don’t see this as ‘cheating’ Call 647-448-8443 or visit www.wynnphoto.ca the sport. We see it as a great way for community engagement to learn how we can create your heirloom wedding images. from Gears. couples or families at different cycling levels to enjoy the sport together.” www.wynnphoto.ca
Gears cares for its customers and community in the same personal way Purposely curated as a neighbourhood it looks after its employees. As the geared towards health and wellness, Manager of the new location, Micheal the Canary District has created a prides himself on creating a healthy compelling environment for those and happy work environment. Notably, who appreciate shopping at small, Gears offers sustainable, year-round independent shops rather than big box employment rather than just a spring to stores; precisely why Gears was selected fall job. His team can also benefit from as part of the new retail development in the shower and bike storage facilities in the West Don Lands. the Canary District buildings, which makes it more convenient for his team Founded in 1988 by Kevin Wallace, to cycle to work rather than drive. Gears was first established as a bicycle repair shop, and has since grown into What’s next for Gears? a multi-store full service operation Micheal is already planning a few with locations in Leaside, Mississauga, years down the road, and sees this Oakville, and the Canary District new store as more than just a place to location. Over the years it has continued buy bike parts. In the near future, you to evolve to meet the needs of its client can expect to see more community base. In 1997, Gears launched a popular engagement from Gears, when they in-house spinning program, which has start offering a rental fleet for casual NOW OPEN seen its “Gears 24-Hour Spin” event cyclists, a beverage and snack bar raising $4 million dollars for Trillium for those stopping in mid-ride, a Health Partners and building “The Betty clothing line, and in-store events with Wallace Women’s Health Centre” to demonstrations and guest speakers. honour Kevin’s mother. Most excitedly, customers can look “BASSO PIZZERIA IS CORKTOWN’S NEWEST HOTSPOT. Through these philanthropic successes, forward to an upcoming concierge WE EVEN IMPORTED A WOOD BURNING PIZZA OVEN FROM ITALY.” Gears is leading by example. They aim service, where Canary District residents to empower their fellow cyclists to can leave their bike in the nearby - ANGELO MONGIOVI, EXECUTIVE CHEF engage their communities to raise money storage areas, email Gears the locker through cycling races and events, develop number, and go on with their day while as athletes, and bring more enjoyment to their bike gets a full-service tune-up. people’s lives through cycling. DINE-IN OR TAKE OUT. �������������.��� Less time spent on repairs, more time 320 QUEEN STREET EAST @ PARLIAMENT 647.348.3200 Gears does not limit itself to experienced spent outside on the paths. That’s what cyclists. Understandably, they are Gears is all about. www.corktown.ca 10 SUMMER EDITION 2016
occupied along with a number of retail the Province to Anishnawbe Health »» Block 8 – the parcel east of Cherry stores opening very soon and in the Toronto with a program to create an and South of Mill (excluding the West next few months. But what about the Aboriginal Culture Hub. AHT will have lands in block 9 next to Corktown future? its own facility within this hub but Common that are reserved for a many other partners will be involved school and community centre Don Here’s what we know and more in creating a signature development »» Blocks 3 & 4 – The large paved area importantly, what we don’t know! which will serve both Aboriginal and between Trinity and Cherry, south non-Aboriginal peoples; it will be of Front that served as the Pan Am For the remainder of the lands to the an important and much-needed link Welcome Centre Lands: east of Cherry Street, DundeeKilmer between the two communities. »» Block 17 – The Dominion Foundry still have three blocks yet to develop, building on Old Eastern (heritage all of which will be determined by There are a number of development sites buildings) market needs. Their lands essentially in the West Don Lands for which there »» Block 7 – The Mill Paper Fibre What’s are north of Mill Street and extend are no specific development plans at the Building on the north west corner to the building built or to be built on moment. These include: of Trinity and Mill the north side of Front Street. Block in the 16 on the north side of Front Street will be the first to develop followed by Blocks 12 and 13 on the south side of Front. Currently, Blocks 12 and 13 are Future? temporarily configured as landscaped areas, completed for the Games, and By Larry Webb, CRBA Board Member, DundeeKilmer have confirmed that Corktown resident they will remain in current condition until development starts. So we know about the current state of Urban Capital’s River City project, Also in the same area is Block 10 which where Phases 1 and 2 are already is immediately east of Cherry between occupied, Phase 3 is under construction, Front and Mill Streets and includes and Phase 4 is now entering the the old Canary restaurant building in approvals process. And we know about its north-west corner; the building is a the legacy of the Pan Am Block 8/20 and protected Designated structure and will Parapan Am Games which sees two remain, although most likely not as a market condos, two affordable housing restaurant. While many of the details buildings, the George Brown residence are yet to be announced, this land is WDL BLOCKS and the new “Y” already starting to be in the process of being conveyed by www.corktown.ca SUMMER EDITION 2016 11
»» Block 2 – The lands west of Trinity MESSAGE TO WEST DON LANDS CONTINUED and South of Front currently leased by Chrysler Strategy, I see access to stable housing Then & Now as a pillar of a prosperous city, and a EASTERN AVENUE After the Pan Am Games, we foundation of a healthy neighbourhood. had expected that Waterfront by Michele Cummings Toronto would be coming back to This is a neighbourhood that the community to consult on the acknowledges the history that has development strategy for these come before us, from the original lands. Given the high level of trust First Nations inhabitants to the in Waterfront Toronto’s engagement extraordinary story of Lucie and process and the quality of the Thornton Blackburn, who escaped from implementation, we had been looking slavery to live here and created the first forward to working collaboratively Toronto taxi. through the West Don Lands Committee on outstanding issues, This revitalization also gave impetus such as the location and format of the to breaking down barriers to our remaining affordable rental housing older neighbourhoods and making or the accommodation of community new connections. Underpass Park is services such as childcare. a destination for play and a pleasant route to the rest of Corktown, where a When that did not happen we became Master Plan for improvements to the nervous about whether the province older parks is being implemented. The intended to continue its support Front Street Promenande leads to the for Waterfront Toronto’s role as the St. Lawrence Market, with a new North development lead for the precinct. Market revitalization underway. Mill We were right to be worried. At the Street at the Distillery is being rebuilt time of writing, we have just learned to better manage the flow of visitors that Infrastructure Ontario has to this incredible historic resource. At quietly declared the 5 parcels surplus, Front and Parliament, Canada’s First potentially clearing the way for them Parliament building site is occupied to be to be put on the market. The by car dealerships but will be rebuilt implications of this initiative and with a district Library, heritage the provincial intention behind it interpretation, and public open space. are unclear but worrisome. Up until Waterfront revitalization planning now, the West Don Lands Committee, continues to the south for the Port of which the CRBA is a founding Lands. The great engineering project of member, had the benefit of an open our times, the re naturalization of the and information rich relationship with Don, will bring back the river to flow 1925 Waterfront Toronto in which we were through a new neighbourhood, while consulted and advised of any initiatives providing the flood protection that is involving the West Don Lands precinct. needed to develop the area. We have had no assurances from the province at the moment that the same As the new buildings continue to process will be followed before any of occupy, we have achieved a pedestrian these parcels have been put up for sale. focused, transit accessible, cycling friendly precinct. Neighbourhoods We are still gathering information that are designed for people foster about this from provincial and city community and engagement. I look sources and from Waterfront Toronto. forward to working with you and your If you are concerned about this, please Corktown neighbours to build upon the stay in touch, if you wish by e-mailing exciting development of this area. [email protected]. We will also provide more information through If you have any issues that you wish our website and CRBA meetings as it to discuss, you may contact my office becomes available. through councillor_mcconnell@ toronto.ca or 416 392-7916.
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