Councillor oe MihevcJ Ward 21 St. Paul’s West Report SPRING/SUMMER 2008

Dear Friends and Neighbours, inside: I am very thankful that Spring has finally arrived. I hope the warm weather brings everyone out of their homes over the coming months to enjoy our community’s GREEN, CLEAN & HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. 2 parks, public spaces and events.

PARKS ...... 2 With the snow finally melted, I hope everyone will chip in and help clean up the litter near their homes. I also hope everyone will take the few minutes needed to WYCHWOOD GREEN ARTS BARNS PROJECT. 3 report any damaged infrastructure, such as broken streetlights and potholes, to POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY. . . . . 3 help bring our community back to a state of good repair. Contact my community

RENAISSANCE ON St. Clair ...... 4 office for assistance.

SHOP LOCAL...... 5 The saying “When it rains, it pours” comes to mind as I think about all of the community improvements and events happening in Ward 21 in 2008, and my office TTC...... 5 has been busy in preparation. A multitude of capital projects, from the completion DEVELOPMENTS...... 6 of the St. Clair streetcar improvement project in our ward, bridge rehabilitations, utility and watermain work and beautification projects, will happen this year. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS ...... 7 These capital improvements are in addition to the many events and initiatives my COMMUNITY FESTIVALS...... 7 office organizes, like Environment Day and the St. Clair Supper Club. WARD 21 CAPITAL PROJECTS OPEN HOUSE. 8 To help people wrap their heads around all of the work in the ward this year, I am CALENDAR OF EVENTS...... 8 hosting an open house on Thursday, April 24 starting at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church Parish Hall at 356 St. Clair Ave. W. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with City staff and project representatives. CITY FINANCES This year, I am more committed than ever to keeping residents informed about my projects and the happenings at City Hall. To this end, I have revamped my In March, Standard and Poors Rating Services, the world’s foremost provider of independent credit website to reflect community feedback. I will continue to send out my monthly ratings, upgraded the City’s AA rating from stable e-newsletters in an easy-to-read format. To sign up for the e-newsletters, which to a positive outlook. This upgrade indicates the save paper and are a cost-effective way to communicate, visit my website at City’s strong financial state. Some may be surprised www.joemihevc.com. also to know that has won more than 70 I am proud and thankful to live in Ward 21. I hope the spirit of renewal penetrates awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in all corners of St. Paul’s West this year, bringing with it a new and exciting chapter delivering public services. I believe it is important in our local history. to highlight these facts, especially because they are often overlooked by some media. Sincerely, Recently, an independent Fiscal Review Panel, consisting of eminent Toronto residents, reviewed Councillor Joe Mihevc how the City delivers its service and manages its Ward 21 St. Paul’s West assets and finances and released a positive report. The panel made some important recommenda- tions on how to improve City operations, but it also praised the City’s management, adding cred- municipality in the GTA, created a small business TTC overcrowding; TTC service improvements ibility to the fact that the City is well run. tax class to provide relief for small business and and increased cleanliness; implementation of the As a member of the City’s Budget Committee and invested in important public services like transit, City’s ambitious Climate Change Plan; increased Executive Committee, I can report that the City housing, climate change, waste diversion and com- funding for neighbourhood beautification; new continues to have a revenue problem. The cost of munity safety. No small feat. harmonized street furniture; new Waterfront the services we are required to provide exceeds parkland and facilities; expanded green bin capac- I share Mayor Miller’s vision that our City and our our income. Successive provincial and federal ity, recycling and other measures to achieve 70 community deserves improved services and invest- governments have been slow to reverse the per cent waste diversion by 2010; increased fund- ment in initiatives that will make our city more damage done by downloading the cost of social ing for the arts and culture community as part of prosperous, livable and provide more opportunities services and social housing from the income tax the Creative City plan; funding of supports that for all. As a local representative, I am aware that to the property tax base, which has caused the help homeless people get off the street and into I must make careful choices to build our city in a City to deplete its reserves over the last 10 years. homes; and more community safety program way that addresses unmet needs within our com- However, despite this neglect, the City balanced funding that has made our city safer than 25 other munities. its budget this year, finding $615 million in sav- cities in , including ings, new revenues and efficiencies. The City Some 2008 investments I would like to briefly major cities like Montreal and kept property tax increases lower than any other highlight include: 100 additional buses to relieve Vancouver. www.joemihevc.com 1 Mihevc

GREEN, CLEAN & HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT v WISE PHASE II– NOW IS THE v NEW TREES TO SEASON TIME TO GO SOLAR WARD 21 The West Toronto Ward 21 will see a peppering of new trees planted Initiative for Solar on public property this Spring and Fall. The new Energy’s (WISE) plantings are a result of suggestions by residents momentum contin- and a ward-wide tree audit I undertook in Janu- ues to build, making ary. The City’s Urban Forestry department has it easier than ever to reviewed all of our suggested sites and approved v ENVIRONMENT DAY go solar. People in- 153 new tree plantings. Soon you will see trees RETURNS SEPTEMBER 28 terested in residential solar energy can still get popping up on Claxton Boulevard, around many involved and take advantage of this communi- schools, along Road and near Phil White NOTE: Unlike previous years, the date is not ty-led group’s expertise, administrative support Arena, among a plethora of other locations! in early May because of construction under- and bulk purchase prices for photovoltaic (solar way at the Green Arts Barns. panels) and solar hot water technology. As of ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES FOR Ward 21 Environment Day returns once December 2007, 46 solar systems were installed v again to the Green Arts Barns park on Sun- and 40 more will be installed when the weather CLEAN-UP DAYS day, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Park improves. To start thinking about solar on your Community Clean-Up Days have become more construction will not be entirely finished, but home, visit http://wise.ourpower.ca. popular every year and 2008 will be no exception. will be far enough advanced to accommodate I encourage residents to spend a morning clean- the popular event. As in previous years, recy- v GREEN NEIGHBOURS 21 ing up litter defacing our communities. Residents clables, hazardous materials and donations to (GN21) GROWING ROOTS are invited to clean up starting Goodwill can be dropped off and rain barrels at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27. The group will can be bought. Environment Day, however, This grassroots, action-oriented environmental meet at the foot of the Glen Cedar foot bridge has never been just a place to drop off batter- group has accomplished a lot since its incep- and work south from there. A day or so before ies and pick up green bins—it is a festival and tion in early 2007. The group shows no signs of the community clean up, students from Vaughan as such will feature community groups and slowing down this year. GN21 works towards Road Academy will clean the portion from Ar- activities for the whole family. This year’s finding neighbourhood solutions to climate lington Avenue to the Glen Cedar foot bridge. event will dovetail with the ArtWalk Festival. change and related problems by encouraging The Humewood Park and Hillcrest Park greener living, speaking out for government ac- Clean-Up Days will be on April 18 and 19 respec- COMPOST DAYS tion and building strong networks. The group tively, thanks to the owners of the Marcket Fine v currently is working on shop local initiatives, Foods (672 St. Clair Ave. W.). The day starts at Calling all gardeners! Don’t miss our free helping local businesses go green, assisting with Marcket for coffee and bagels at 8 a.m., then the compost days. Bring your shovels, wheelbar- the Strawberries and Asparagus Festival that clean up at 9 a.m., followed by a barbeque back at rows, wagons or whatever you may need to returns this year on June 14 (more informa- the shop. Sign-up sheets are located at Marcket. move the compost to your garden. Check out tion available at www.cedarvalepark.com) and Groups are invited to plan clean ups in parkettes the master calendar for the times and loca- planning more information booths, speakers and laneways around the ward. If you need bags, tions that best suit your needs. We are host- and movie screenings. Get involved and attend gloves and more information, contact my assis- ing seven Compost Days this year, enough to GN21 monthly meetings. Visit www.gn21.ca. tant Marion O’Sullivan at 416-392-0208. keep everyone happy.

PARKS

FUNDING TO FLOW TO OUR trimmed back. Ben Nobleman Park will receive identifying an off-leash area suitable for dogs v $100,000 for upgrades in 2010 and although it is and also one that minimally interferes with PARKS a couple of years away, the community has met other users of the park. once to discuss funding priorities. Cedarvale Continuing this year, the City will be investing Park will receive significant capital funding in in capital upgrades to parks in Ward 21. Laugh- CEDARVALE PARK SOCCER 2010: $345,000 to replace the aging tennis court v lin Park will receive $100,000 for upgrades in equipment and fence, and over $1.25 million be- FIELD 2008. A committee of local residents has met tween 2010 and 2012 for major park upgrades. to help select the new playground equipment I have been working with the Parks Depart- and structures. Glen Cedar Park will receive ment and the Toronto Eagles Soccer Club to in- $100,000 in 2009 and a community-led fund- v CEDARVALE PARK “OFF- vestigate whether a properly irrigated, properly raising committee is aiming to raise another LEASH” PROPOSAL MODIFIED placed and properly buffered soccer field can $50,000 this year to add to the project. Phil be located in Cedarvale Park. The proposal that White Arena will receive $670,000 this year The Parks Department’s work on the “off-leash” has been discussed with residents and parks for upgrades that include a new front entrance dog area proposal in Cedarvale Park is ongoing. users will see a soccer field located east of the way, upgraded barrier-free washrooms, new This is following feedback received at a com- asphalt path by the existing tennis courts. The heaters for the main lobby and new compres- munity consultation meeting in February. The mini field will be 45 metres wide and 70 metres sors, among other things. The new compressors City’s Parks Department staff is working on long, facilitating soccer for children under 12. will be strong enough to support the possible addition of an outdoor ice rink some time in the GARRISON CREEK PARK GETS A GARDEN future. With $55,000 in capital funding, work v will soon be underway at the Hillcrest Park Garrison Creek Park Community Garden Advisory Committee, made up of com- fieldhouse/washroom. The work consists mitted residents, Park Department staff and I have been working on de- mostly of improvements to heating, electrical veloping a community garden in the park. This year, vegetables and and lighting. As soon as weather permits, the other plantings will be grown in 10 above-ground planters. The City rotten timber and boards at the end of the slope will do an analysis on the ground soil in June, in the hopes of creating an in the Hillcrest Park will be replaced, in-ground garden next year. For more information, the local coordinator the trip hazards will be removed is Marc De Mouy at [email protected]. and the vegetation will be

2 www.joemihevc.com SPRING / SUMMER 2008

WYCHWOOD GREEN ARTS BARNS UPDATE

Construction Moving Full Steam Ahead Artscape, the organization developing the Green Arts Barns, is over half way through the refurbishment of the former historic streetcar barns and is charging forward to complete construction this Fall. The Studio Barn (closest to Benson Avenue) will house 26 artist live/work and 15 work studios. It is looking like a home already, with the second floor installed and all of the unit partitions and mechanical/electrical rough- ins in place. The Covered Street Barn, a large communi- ty space, has all of its steel framing installed. In the Community Barn, which will contain office and rehearsal/performance space, the I spoke at the official Barns groundbreaking, as did MP Carolyn Bennett, MPP Michael skylight and roofing is installed, and much of Bryant, and Tim Jones (Executive Director of Artscape) standing behind me. The construction the concrete restoration work is completed. has come a long way since the groundbreaking event last summer and everyone involved is In the Green Barn, which will feature a shel- excited for the opening in the Fall. tered outdoor garden, community bake oven, offices, kitchen and programming space for This is a view of the west side of the Barns the Stop Community Food Centre, the steel A large community celebration is planned from the roof on April 1, 2008. Despite the framing for the greenhouse skylight is done. for November 15 in the Covered Street Barn. mud, construction crews are working hard More information will be available in the com- The preservation work on the gables is un- to complete the redevelopment by the Fall. ing weeks and months. derway in Barn 5, the “bones” of which will serve as a “front porch” from the structure of the barns to the green space. A Board Has Never Looked Better The company contracted by the City to build After an enthusiastic response to the public the Barns’ park is doing the preliminary call for applications, Artscape announced work on the drawings and ordering materi- the inaugural Green Arts Barns Community als, with construction starting in the summer. Association Board of Directors. The board The scheduled completion of the park is late will oversee the programming, services and Fall. engagement activities of the Covered Street Barn and the Community Gallery. The board Much Money Still To Raise members, chosen for their skills and commit- ment to engaging the community, are: Ruth Around the Wychwood area and beyond, an- Baumann (Chair), Phillip H. Carter, John De- ticipation of the Green Arts Barns’ opening venish, Michael Kainer, Louise Moody, John has reached an all time high and people are Smith, Jovanni Sy and Shelley Wine. Their getting ready to celebrate. The Barns is set to task will be to co-ordinate and facilitate ac- open in late Fall and in celebration a number tivities. Our best wishes go out to the new of Grand Opening events are being planned. board.

POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY Poverty takes a tremendous economic, social and personal toll on our com- munity. According to 2005 federal statistics, 27 per cent of Torontonians, including 35 per cent of Toronto children, are living in poverty. The provin- cial government has promised to develop a strategy to reduce poverty levels in . This promise is the catalyst that has brought together a unique coalition of groups committed to reducing, then eliminating poverty. The 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction was formed last year and includes a broad range of community, labour, faith and advocacy groups, as well as the City of Toronto and the United Way of Greater Toronto. “25 in 5” takes its name from its objective of reducing poverty by at least 25 per cent over the next five years. The network is guided by a steering committee on which I have been an active member. The network is spearheading a provincial campaign that calls on the McGuinty government to conduct a thorough public consultation on the impacts of poverty and to adopt a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy that includes specific targets to Toronto Children’s Services launched an online childcare centre measure progress. The network is seeking new investments in employment ratings system in January 2008. As the Chair of the Community opportunities, income security and community resources such as childcare, Development and Recreation Committee, I helped launch the web- housing and transportation. Visit www.25in5.ca for site with General Manager of Children’s Service Brenda Patterson more information and to see how you can get involved and lots of little helpers. Visit www.toronto.ca/children/quality.htm. in the provincial discussions about to take place.

www.joemihevc.com 3 Mihevc

RENAISSANCE ON ST. CLAIR WEST

St. Clair Right-Of-Way – Construction Update

St. Clair West Interpretive The dedicated streetcar stop at Tweedsmuir Plaques Avenue is part of the completed section that stretches to . By the end An important element of the St. Clair West of this year, the entire line in St. Paul’s streetcar improvements and street revital- Construction will begin in June on the third West will be completed. ization is the St. Clair Interpretive Plaque phase of the St. Clair transit and street improve- project, an investment in public art and ment project, which includes the installation local history. The plaques, each with a of a dedicated transit right-of-way for the 512 St. Clair Construction Tours theme, will be erected at streetcar shelters St. Clair streetcar. In 2008, the section between along the 512 streetcar route to showcase As we did in 2006, when the construction and Westmount Avenue (one elements of our collective history. The was last in our St. Paul’s West community, I block east of ) will complete the project is underway and coordinators want will be hosting a series of construction tours construction of the right-of-way in Ward 21. your stories, artwork, photography, poetry, to inform residents interested in the details of ideas and information for possible inclu- I have been working closely with TTC and the construction process. The tours will focus sion on a plaque. There is no deadline yet, Transportation staff over the last six months on the watermain construction and will also but submissions must be received well in refining the design of the section of Phase 3 in highlight work on the trackbed and sidewalk advance of the installation process that St. Paul’s West. These refinements include: the replacement. TTC and City staff host the tours, should happen in Spring 2009. For more retention of the TTC stop at Wychwood Av- describing in detail what is being done at that information, contact Carolyn Humphreys enue; the inclusion of sidewalk “bump-outs” time. I will be advertising the dates on my web- at 416-392-1536. at the northwest corners at Pinewood Avenue, site once the construction schedule is final. Rushton Road and Atlas Avenue and a side- walk “bump out” at the southeast and south- west corners of Wychwood Avenue; install- New Parking Lot At Christie & St. Clair ing a Gateway feature on the south side of St Clair West at Wychwood Avenue; increasing The Toronto Parking Authority will build a new 19-spot parking lot this Spring on the site of sidewalk space where possible and minimizing the former Queen’s Dairy at Humewood Drive and St. Clair Avenue West. The property will be sidewalk cuts where cuts are necessary. Retain- leased from the owner. It will have environmentally-friendly natural drainage features and soft ing and enhancing sidewalk width and ensur- landcscaping on the west and south sides of the lot. The entrance will abut the alley north of St. ing a high quality urban design have been my Clair Avenue West. These parking spots grow the total number of new off-street parking on St. main pre-occupations throughout the design Clair to 100 in five new lots that have been created for local businesses in recent years. and construction process. When construction begins, the first activity St. Clair Supper Club Returns will be the replacement of the 100-year-old wa- It started as a simple idea to re-acquaint Ward 21 residents with the culinary delights on St. Clair termain pipe for the St. Clair West area. This and boost business for local restaurant owners. It was such a success that I am going to host it flows from a Council decision to incorporate again this year. The concept for the supper club dinner parties is simple: participants enjoy an water infrastructure upgrades as part of road excellent meal, a great speaker and interesting conversation while helping local restaurants dur- reconstruction projects. Once the new water- ing the construction process. This year the St. Clair Supper Club returns this Spring with a new main is installed, the old tracks will be removed, theme and set of restaurants to enjoy. then the raised trackbed installed, followed by the sidewalks being replaced and the tree beds layed. Staff anticipate that construction should be complete by the Fall, with streetcar service Two Hours of Unlimited Travel on St. Clair resuming soon thereafter. Transit riders using the 512 St. Clair streetcar route have It has been exciting to see the transformation of access to a little-known gem: the time-based transfer St. Clair Avenue east of the St. Clair West subway (TBT). The TBT gives riders a two-hour window to get station. The installation of the decorative street- on and off the streetcar to do some shopping, grab a coffee lights and the new transit shelters have added im- or anything else. The Toronto Transit Commission’s TBT mensely to the visual streetscape. As a daily tran- means two hours of unlimited travel on St. Clair. My of- sit user, I can see a tangible difference in travel fice worked closely with business improvement areas and time and reliability of service in the corridor be- community members to assist the TTC with the new TBT tween the two subway stations. I anxiously await promotion strategy. Ward 21 residents will soon see post- the full completion of the 512 St. Clair line. I am ers and brochures in businesses and shelters starting this convinced that St. Clair West will soon be known Spring. Take advantage of the TBT, tell a friend and shop as “Destination Avenue,” thanks to the St. Clair! right-of-way and the streetscape improvements. 4 www.joemihevc.com SPRING / SUMMER 2008

TTC

Transit City Plan Includes Light purchase of 100 additional buses, a new bus ga- rage and hiring of additional operators. Locally, Rail Transit (LRT) On Eglinton this investment has meant improved service on the 29 Dufferin and 63 Ossington lines. As rid- The Transit City Plan calls for the development of ership continues to grow on a transit system that seven new light rail streetcar lines across Toronto. has become the third-largest in North America, The seven new transit corridors will provide, in to- behind only New York and Mexico City, even tal, 122 additional kilometers of light rail service. more service will be added. With these invest- The lines, which will be funded by the Province’s ments, 2008 promises to be the year of the high- “Move Ontario 2020” funding, are as follows: Don est ridership ever in the history of the TTC, Mills Road from to the Bloor-Dan- topping 463 million rides by year’s end. As the forth Subway; West from Yonge Vice-Chair of the TTC, I will continue to be a Street to Hwy 27; Jane Street from Steeles Avenue fierce proponent for increasing investment each West to the Bloor-Danforth subway; Sheppard Av- year in public transit. enue East from Don Mills station to Morningside Avenue; Waterfront West from Exhibition Place to Long Branch; Scarborough Malvern RT from New Hybrid Buses Kennedy station to Malvern/Morningside AND The TTC recently received the funding to pur- an Eglinton Crosstown from Kennedy station to chase 694 replacement and new low-floor diesel Pearson International Airport. hybrid buses. The new “green” buses are part The Eglinton Crosstown LRT will provide our of a dramatic transformation of a fleet of buses midtown community increased transit acces- that was once one of the oldest and now one of avenue with the introduction of light rail tran- sibility. Some may recall the previous Conser- the newest. The hybrid diesel-electric fleet is the sit. Public meetings will soon be held and I will vative government’s ill-informed decision to first of its kind in Canada and the second largest certainly send residents and business owners “mothball” the Eglinton subway. The Eglinton in North America. The TTC, as part of its En- information once it is available. Crosstown LRT proposal will be subject to an vironment Plan, has committed to replace the environmental assessment (EA) this year that entire TTC diesel fleet with new hybrid buses. will study the best option to link Scarborough to Ridership Growth Strategy Brings By 2010, close to half of the fleet will consist of Mississauga via transit across Eglinton. One op- Improved Off-Peak Bus Service the more fuel-efficient, lower-emission vehicles. tion being considered is to bury the LRT in sec- Also, the hybrid vehicles use a bio-diesel blend tions like the Upper Village in our community, In February, the TTC delivered on its promise to that is 95 per cent ultra low sulphur diesel and 5 where the road width is narrow. I look forward invest new monies into service improvements to per cent vegetable oil that lowers the TTC’s car- to the results of the EA and Provincial funds reduce overcrowding and wait times for riders. bon footprint. The new buses and the biodiesel that will follow to build this vital link. For Up- The investment meant that a total of 180 service blend are some of many steps the TTC and the per Village business owners, this will be a great increases were made on 43 bus and three street- City are taking to achieve the goal of becoming boost as customers can more easily access the car routes. This was made possible through the North America’s Greenest City.

SHOP LOCAL FOREST HILL “VILLAGE (from left to right) L Victor Cappella, VISION” IN THE WORKS Co-Chair of the The Forest Hill Village Business Improvement Hillcrest Village BIA, Area, in cooperation with the City, has devel- Joe Mihevc, “Shop St. oped a “Village Vision,” an improvement plan Clair” poster contest for the Spadina Road shopping district. The winner Michele Van plan envisions pedestrian-friendly sidewalk Maurik with her “bump outs” on Spadina Road at Lonsdale Road design, Hillcrest and Thelma Avenue and new landscaping fea- Village BIA Co-Chair tures. The vision is still in the development and Frank Pronesti consultation phase in 2008, with work on the and Tony Bassels, project likely to begin in the next few years. Wychwood Heights BIA Chair, on March 28 at The Rushton L EYES TURNING TO EGLINTON restaurant. WEST & THE UPPER VILLAGE The Upper Village Business Improvement L SHOP LOCAL ON ST. CLAIR Area is steadily improving the face of West between Bathurst Street and the Business owners on St. Clair Avenue West have had a rough go of things over the last couple Allen Expressway. The BIA has spent the last years due to the re-construction of the street. In support of the shops and restaurants that few years repairing its street infrastructure help make our community liveable, I have initiated numerous “shop local” initiatives. The and beautifying the avenue with flowers. This idea is to constantly promote shopping locally in ways big and small in order to encourage the year, the BIA plans on distributing its “Eyes continued success of our businesses and promote “green” habits. on Eglinton” directory to local residents to re- One of the major initiatives this year is the “shop local” poster design contest I hosted with the introduce them to the high quality retail and Wychwood Heights and Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Areas. The winner of the design professional services provided. Also, on Fa- contest is Michele Van Maurik. Residents in the St. Clair neighbourhoods will be able to pick ther’s Day weekend (June 14 and 15), the BIA up a lawn sign featuring the winning design in May at my community office to show support is hosting a street festival that will highlight for our local merchants. The idea is to show support for local business by sporting a lawn sign the businesses and entertain visitors with an during the “dog days” of construction on St. Clair West. This effort is in addition to the other eclectic mix of local arts, shop locally initiatives, including the St. Clair Construction Tours, Supper Club, time-based TTC culture and music. Every- transfer promotion and work with the Green Neighbours 21 local economy subgroup. one is welcome! www.joemihevc.com 5 Mihevc

DEVELOPMENTS

L MORGUARD DEVELOPMENTS – 310-320 TWEEDSMUIR AVE. In 2000, the Ontario Municipal Board overturned a City Council de- cision to refuse a development application of the rental properties at 310 and 320 Tweedsmuir Ave. It was a decision that would later spur provincial legislation that protects against rental housing demolitions and conversions into condominiums. The OMB gave approval for two 25-storey condos and an eight-storey rental replacement building. Years have passed, ownership of the property has changed hands and finally starting last year, Morguard is considering revising its plans. We await submission of new proposals. Once we receive them, we will certainly organize a community meeting to discuss the matter properly.

CHURCHILL PARK CONDO – 330 SPADINA RD. I toured the Rose of Sharon Korean seniors home last summer L while it was under construction. I assisted the Rose of Sharon team In 2000, the Ontario Municipal Board decided to overturn a City Coun- through the City’s development approval process. cil decision to refuse an 18-storey condo development on Spadina Road, just south of St. Clair Avenue West. Recently, Tower Hill applied for building permits to start construction. Our task now is to ensure the L THE FOREST HILL – 500 ST. CLAIR WEST impact on local residents and traffic is minimized. My office will work with resident representatives and City staff to ensure everything is done Construction continues on the 22-storey “gateway” building located to this end. at the northwest corner of St. Clair Avenue West and Bathurst Street. Excavation is nearing completion on The Forest Hill and construction should begin in the Spring. The project, built by the Goldman Group, L RESTAURANT RELOCATION – 400 WALMER RD. will provide retail at grade, commercial tenants on the first three floors Great West Life (GWL), the owner of the two residential towers at and residential dwellings on the next 19 floors. I continue to work with 400 Walmer Rd., has submitted plans to the City that would relocate City staff and the developer to ensure the impact of construction on the famed Scaramouche Restaurant, currently located at 1 Benvenuto vehicular and pedestrian traffic and area residents is minimized. The Place. Residents expressed concerns about garbage, noise and parking developer plans to complete the structure and the basic interior by Feb- at a community meeting in January 2008. I have served as a facilitator ruary 2009. This building will provide an anchor to an important inter- to ensure the issues expressed by residents are properly addressed by section and has attracted renewed interest in developing other underuti- GWL. I look forward to a constructive process that will eventually end lized properties on St. Clair West. up at the Toronto East York Committee of Adjustment for its consid- eration. L TAMMI LETTNER SYNAGOGUE – 356, 358 & 360 SPADINA RD. The Forest Hill Jewish Centre and the Tammi Lettner Synagogue have COMMUNITY FESTIVALS submitted an application to the City Planning Department to build a replica of a famous Polish synagogue that was destroyed in World War L CARIBANA II. The application includes the removal of three residential properties on Spadina Road between Heath Street and St. Clair Avenue West. The properties are zoned R2, which allows “as of right” the construction of a place of worship. The planners are currently processing the application. The synagogue held a community information meeting in June 2007. The strongest concern heard dealt with parking. Since then, officials have worked closely with my office, City Planning and possible parking providers to find off-site parking to address the deficiencies. I am con- fident that a resolution will have been found by the time the matter is considered by Toronto East York Committee of Adjustment.

L 390 SPADINA RD. Recently, a site plan application was submitted to the City to redevelop 390 Spadina Rd., the site of the former Savorie Restaurant at the corner of Montclair Avenue and Spadina Road. The site plan calls for a three- storey office/commercial property. Planning and City staff will review Every year I look forward to taking part in the Caribana parade the application and report back shortly. with Mayor David Miller and over a million revelers. DUNPAR DEVELOPMENTS – L As Council’s Liaison to the Caribana Festival for the last 11 years, I 1145 OSSINGTON AVE. can say that I have seen first-hand the slow maturation of the festi- val into a world class attraction. In March, the Festival Management In November 2007, City Planning held a community consultation meet- Committee (FMC) announced Scotiabank as its lead corporate spon- ing to solicit community responses to a proposed 48-unit townhouse de- sor. The partnership covers the Caribana Festivals for 2008 and 2009. velopment on the site of the former Canadian Linen Supply factory, north The significant cash investment made by Scotiabank will allow the of Acores Avenue and the CN Rail tracks. Residents were unanimous in FMC the latitude to improve the Caribana experience for 1.2 million their view that the project was too dense, too high and encroached too revelers, Mas, Steel Pan and Calypso artists alike. I encourage you to much on the existing homes to the north, south and east. The developer join me and “jump up” and celebrate the sounds, colour and culture of has yet to re-submit plans to the City. I am hopeful that the de- the Caribbean at the many festival offerings in July and early August. veloper will understand the need to address community concerns. Stay tuned! 6 www.joemihevc.com SPRING / SUMMER 2008

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS TOLLKEEPER’S COTTAGE SET TO OPEN JULY 1 L with above-ground transformer boxes. This Spring, the systems in the area bounded by Briar Hill Avenue to Ridelle Avenue, Bathurst Street to will be upgraded. Next year, residents south of Ridelle Av- enue to Elm Ridge Drive will see upgrades to their systems.

L CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS IN WARD 21 The Mayor’s Clean and Beauti- ful City initiative provides for beautification projects in Ward 21. 2008 funding allocations are as follows: Bicycle Demonstration Project, $15,000: Jane Beecroft from the Community History Project, the group spear- heading the Tollkeeper’s Cottage restoration, shows me some of the Design will start in April for a transit hub at the Wells Hill entrance work already completed inside in the historic cottage last Fall. to the St. Clair West subway entrance to better accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. This project is a partnership project with Pedestrian The many Ward 21 residents who have long noticed the little white Cycling Infrastructure, Clean and Beautiful City Office and Transpor- building sitting in the park at the corner of Bathurst Street and Daven- tation Services. port Road will soon get the chance to learn all about this historic edifice. Capital Projects, $80,000: The Tollkeeper’s Cottage is set to officially open to the public on July 1, when the community can get an inside peek into this fascinating part of This money will be distributed among a number of projects. One in our local history. The cottage was home to the tollkeeper and his family particular is a new bench and some landscaping on the south side of when Bathurst Street was a toll road in the early 1800s. The volunteer Bridgman Avenue across from the Tarragon Theatre. The drawings of group Community History Project is working hard to complete the cot- the bench, which echo a typewritter ribbon, are being completed this tage restoration. As well, the site will be used by the Toronto Historical month and installation is likely to follow later this year. Local artist An- Association to host a Simcoe Day historical event on August 4. drew Furman designed the bench, which recognizes the important con- tribution of the theatre to the community. Completion scheduled for Fall L HYDRO SERVICE UPGRADES FOR UPPER VILLAGE of 2008. Community Improvement Projects, $3,000: In response to feedback and complaints, Toronto Hydro will upgrade its utility hardware to resolve the electricity problems that have plagued the The Tollkeeper’s Cottage will be this year’s recipient of this fund- Upper Village neighbourhood. The upgrades will ensure more reliable ing. The money will be used to build a stile up to the retaining wall service, faster power restoration times and increased safety for crews on the south side of the park and create steps from there up to the undertaking future repairs. Hydro plans to move the utility systems from interior of the park. Two memorial trees also will be planted. the back to the front of residential properties and bury them underground

COMMUNITY FESTIVALS

L SALSA ON ST. CLAIR L ARTWALK ON ST. CLAIR L MELITAVILLE FESTIVAL No festival in Toronto history has caught on The fifth annual ArtWalk on St. Clair is sched- Now in its third year, the Melitaville Festival as fast as Salsa on St. Clair. The festival featur- uled for Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and is happening Saturday, September 6 from noon ing Latin culture at its best is only in its fourth 28. This year the event promises to be bigger to 2 p.m. at Marion Engel Park near Christie year and boasts attendance numbers above and better than ever. The festival showcases the Street and . The festival always 200,000 over two days. Some of the highlights creativity of local artists and consists of a studio draws many residents and features food, music include salsa dance lessons, Latino music and tour and exhibits in stores and restaurants along and activities for kids. I am hoping more nearby a general electric atmosphere. Business owners St. Clair Avenue West. This year’s Artwalk will residents will get involved in planning the event on St. Clair Avenue West have benefited great- coincide with the annual Ward 21 Environment this year. If you wish to volunteer, call Marion ly from the festival. The restaurants and stores Day at the Green Arts Barns. O’Sullivan in my office at 416-392-0208. are already gearing up for this year’s festival, scheduled for July 12 and 13. L WARD 21 CRICKET IN THE PARK RETURNS UNDER THE STARS: L Team Mihevc, comprised of local residents CEDARVALE MOVIE NIGHT and myself, and 13 Division Toronto Police will square off in a friendly cricket match at I am hosting a family movie night at 8 p.m. the pitch in Cedarvale Ravine (near Phil White on Saturday, June 21 in Cedarvale Park in the Arena). Last year, 13 Division beat Team Mi- field (sometimes called “the bowl”) behind Phil hevc in an over 30s game, but we plan on com- White Arena. Movie night is sponsored by some ing back strong this year! The family-friendly of the businesses on St. Clair including Exit event includes a barbeque and runs on Satur- Realty (598 St. Clair Ave. W.), Marcket Fine day, July 19 from noon to 5 p.m. If you want Foods (672 St. Clair Ave. W.), the Self Esteem to be on Team Mihevc, email me at councillor_ Academy and the Wychwood Heights Business [email protected]. All are invited. Improvement Area. Bring some blankets or chairs and enjoy a night under the stars with your family and neighbours. I will bring the Team Mihevc plans on coming back strong popcorn! The movie will be announced closer in the friendly Ward 21 Cricket in the Park to the date. match happening on July 19 to even the score after the 13 Division Police team’s win last year.

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WARD 21 CAPITAL Calendar of Events PROJECTS OPEN HOUSE Date and Time Event Place Ward 21 Capital Projects Friday, April 18 at 8 a.m. Humewood Park Cleanup Meet at Marcket Fine Foods, 672 St Clair Ave. W. Information Open House Saturday, April 19 at 8 a.m. Hillcrest Park Cleanup Meet at Marcket Fine Foods 2008 is the year of construction in Ward 21. Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Community Meeting on Holy Rosary Parish Hall, There are so many capital projects happening Capital Projects in Ward 21 356 St Clair Ave. W. from the St. Clair streetcar improvement proj- ect to bridge rehabilitations, utility work and Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to noon Cedarvale Ravine Cleanup Meet at the foot of Glen Cedar foot bridge beautification projects to watermain work. To help residents understand all of the work being Monday, April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Compost Day St. Bruno’s Catholic School, 402 Melita Cres. done, I am hosting an open house. Residents can Tuesday, April 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. Compost Day McMurrich Public School, 115 Winona Dr. learn about the projects and have their ques- tions answered by project representatives. The Wednesday, April 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. Compost Day Cedarvale Community School, 145 Ava Rd. open house happens on April 24 from 7 to 9 Thursday, May 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. Compost Day / Spring Flower St. Alphonsus Catholic School, 60 Atlas Ave. p.m. at the Holy Rosary Parish Hall gym Sale and Bake Goods (356 St. Clair Ave. W.). Friday, May 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. Compost Day J. R. Wilcox School, 231 Ava Rd. Projects included in the open house are: A St. Clair Avenue West transit & street Monday, May 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. Compost Day only (do not Green Arts Barns improvement (hydro undergrounding, bring paint cans, etc.) watermain, TTC track, sidewalk and road Friday, May 23 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Compost Day / Plant Sale Humewood Community School, reconstruction); 45 Cherrywood Ave. A Bathurst Street (from St. Clair Avenue West to ) track reconstruction, and CN Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Family Bicycle Parade Starts at the Glen Cedar foot bridge rail underpass reconstruction; Saturday and Sunday, June 14 to 15, Upper Village Street Fair Eglinton between Bathurst Street and A Green Arts Barns reconstruction by Artscape all day Allen Expressway and the site’s park development; A Bathurst Street bridge (over Cedarvale Saturday, June 21, noon to 5 p.m. NA-ME-RES Native Wells Hill Park Ravine) repairs and narrowing; Community Festival A Bathurst Street road reconstruction (Briar Saturday, June 21, 8 to 11 p.m. Cedarvale Movie Night Cedarvale Ravine (behind Phil White Arena Hill Avenue to Shallmar Boulevard); in the “Bowl”) A Maplewood Ave road reconstruction (Vaughan Road to Raglan Avenue); Tuesday, July 1 at 2 p.m. Grand Opening, Davenport Square Parkette at N/W corner A Eglinton Avenue bridge reconstruction Tollkeeper’s Cottage of Bathurst Street and Davenport Road (between Chaplin Crescent and Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, Salsa on St. Clair St. Clair Avenue West from Christie Street Spadina Road); from noon to late to Winona Drive A Upper Village Toronto Hydro renewal (Bathurst Street to the Allen Road, Briar Hill Saturday, July 19, noon to 5 p.m. Cricket on the Park Cedarvale Ravine (behind Phil White Arena Avenue to Elmridge Drive); in the “Bowl”) A Laughlin Park play equipment replacement; Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to the Caribana Parade Exhibition Place and Lakeshore Boulevard A Hillcrest Park fieldhouse & washroom and evening walkway/trail improvements; A Cedarvale Park soccer field and Phil White Monday, August 4, time TBA Simcoe Day celebration at Davenport Square Parkette Arena renovations and upgrading; the Tollkeeper’s Cottage A Tollkeeper’s Cottage heritage restoration; Saturday, September 6 from Melitaville Festival Marion Engel Park (between Melita Ave. and A New Toronto Parking Authority lot at 12 noon to 2 p.m. Lambert Lodge Ave., west of Christie Street) Humewood Drive and Christie Street; A Tarragon Theatre bench project; Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and ArtWalk Many events north and south of side of A Vaughan Road bicycle lane and bicycle 28, noon to the evening St Clair Avenue, west of Bathurst Street lockers at the St. Clair West subway station; Sunday, September 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ward 21 Environment Day Green Arts Barns A West Toronto Initiative for Solar Energy (WISE) residential solar energy project; Saturday, November 15, time TBA Grand Opening of Green Green Arts Barns A Ward 21 tree planting project. Arts Barns (and Fundraiser)

WARD 21 TO YOUR INBOX

Every month I send out an e-newsletter filled with information about community developments, groups, events, updates and links to videos I post on www.youtube.com. To sign up for my e-newsletters, visit www.joemihevc.com or send an email to councillor_mihevc@ toronto.ca with your name, street address and email.

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YOUR WARD 21 ST. PAUL’S WEST TEAM CITY HALL COMMUNITY OFFICE 100 Queen St. West 747 St. Clair Ave. West (from left to right) Sean Hill, Executive Assistant; Marion O’Sullivan, Toronto ON., M5H 2N2 Toronto, ON., M6C 4A4 Constituency Assistant; JOE MIHEVC; Lucy Deluca, Constituency 416-392-0208, 416-392-7460 Assistant; Lydia Hanson, Special Assistant. fax: 416-392-7466 fax: (416) 392-7459

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