Redesigned Website – Feb 1! palmerstonara.org

JOIN US NOW! — see inside for details Should Toronto Become a Charter City? By Paul MacLean

Should Toronto become a Charter City? Join the conversation and have your say.

es, recent provincial cuts are impacting the city democratic participation in decision making that were and our neighbourhood! Citizens are now acutely present well before the last provincial election. Yaware of how little influence we have on deci- sions great and small that affect the quality of our urban At PARA’s AGM last June we heard about the move- life and the future of our city. Can becoming a Charter ment to create a City Charter for Toronto that would City help? A movement is afoot to shift power, authority, provide new powers and protections and more au- and responsibility for our urban life towards the people tonomy for our city. Charter City Toronto has now put of Toronto. forward a comprehensive proposal for such a charter The actions of the provincial government over the with the intention of building conversation and support. past year and a half have caused chaos and a waste of The proposal covers: valuable staff, political, and volunteer energy in our sGOVERNANCE city. Council has been reduced, funding for essen- sCONSTITUTIONALPROTECTION tial services have been cut, and the decision-making sPOWERSANDAUTHORITYDISTINGUISHINGBETWEENEX- framework created by the City to handle its future clusive city jurisdictions and jurisdictions that are development has been rescinded. These changes have shared with other levels of government) served to highlight issues of funding, governance, and sREVENUEANDlNANCES continued on page 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Nish Dish 7

Message from Councillor Layton; Responsible Planning 2 Lane Naming Celebration 8

PARA GREEN REPORT: Clean-Up Day; Climate Strike; Having a Party? 4 New to the Neighbourhood 10 Pollinator Grant; Did You Know? 5 Party in the Park; Palmerston Gates 11 Membership Form and Information 6 Mirvish Park 12

ABOUT PARA (Palmerston Area Residents’ Association): PARA is a volunteer organization of residents committed to strengthening and preserving the stability, distinctive character and quality of life in the Toronto neighbourhood bounded by Bloor and College, Grace and Bathurst Streets.

ESTABLISHE D 1985 P age 1 7).4%2s Charter City? cont’d from page 1 Responsible Planning and Development — Challenges and Frustrations By Ingrid Nasager

have many dedicated realm and transportation; and We neighbours who give of to guide future development their expertise and considerable and retail along this diverse and volunteer time to planning and character-flled street. Charter City Toronto advocate Councillor Josh Matlow. development issues, both large This avenue planning study and small. But lately their eforts co-sponsored by Councillors Interestingly, tHEEXCLUSIVECITY have been very frustrated. The Layton and Bailao in June 2018, jurisdictions proposed include land- following are two examples that had been scheduled to begin in use planning, streets, housing, local illustrate both the persistence late 2019. transit, health and education. This list and patience of our volunteers The best the city planners is bound to be controversial. and also the unsatisfactory state could do was to suggest that A City Charter addresses the core of our civic structures and ser- PARA engage on its own in some issue that has led to a very unsatisfac- vices. One concerns long-range of the preliminary work to pre- tory state of affairs. In the Canadian planning and the other non-com- pare for the study. constitution, created in the 19th cen- pliance with existing regulations. This delay is but one of the con - tury, municipalities are creatures of the sequences to our neighbourhood province. This may have been appro- College Street of provincial cuts to the structure, – an Avenue Study and resources of City Council. priate for the era, but now that Toronto PARA and its College Street With the redrawing of ward has a population greater than half the Task Group have recently been boundaries, City Plan ning has had #ANADIANPROVINCESANDISEXPERIENC- informed that it will be at least to restructure its planning zones ing unprecedented growth, it is time another year before the College and related stafng, resulting for a new deal. Street West Avenue Study will in an even bigger backlog of You can read and comment on the get underway. planning requests. proposal at: chartercitytoronto.ca. PARA had requested an av- 9OUCANlNDOUTABOUTEVENTSSUP- enue study for College Street Noncompliance porting this movement through Coun- from Bathurst to Lansdowne: in the Neighbourhood cillor Josh Matlow’s site: joshmatlow. to protect heritage buildings There are existing bylaws, stan- ca/empowerto/ PARA and character; to improve public dards, and city and provincial

Community Update From Councillor Mike Layton Copenhagen last month on behalf hope everyone in PARA enjoyed brought forward declaring a climate of the City of Toronto. I attended at I the fall season. I have been busy emergency and committing Council the request of the Mayors of Paris at City Hall, responding to the to climate actions that would signif- and Copenhagen in recognition of concerns from PARA about climate cantly reduce our emissions. I have my leadership on climate change change and working on issues been working on this for a long time, initiatives in Toronto, and specif- related to development pressures alongside environmental experts cally my role in starting Toronto’s on College, the status of the Palm- and advocates. I expect that the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) erston Gates, and the next steps in green plan PARA put together will be and High-Rise Retroft Improvement the Mirvish Village Park. a framework for climate mitigation Support Program (Hi-RIS). At City Council in October, I was eforts within this neighbourhood. Locally, City Planning agreed to glad to have the support of my I also had the privilege of attend- begin work on a College Street West Council colleagues on a motion I ing the C40 World Mayors Summit in Avenue Study that will help guide

7).4%2s P age 2 WWW.P ALMERSTONAR A.ORG Ensuring compliance with existing regulations and creating imaginative and responsible plans for future development are proving a challenge for both the City and its many residents’ associations.

departments that are intended to pro- erating as a rooming house and the ments. If you notice suspicious activ- tect neighbourhoods from illegal, un- matter is being pursued by the City’s ity at a property in the neighbour- safe, and substandard developments legal department. Whether or not hood, please contact PARA for advice and renovations. What if an unscru- there will be signifcant consequences on how to proceed. pulous developer simply ignores legal for the developer remains to be seen. These are but two of an increasing processes? A recent example illus- This is a fagrant – but not unique number of issues afecting our neigh- trates the frustrating process of iden- – case of extensive work being bourhood in which PARA has taken a tifying and reporting concerns within done without the requisite permits. role and spent considerable energies. the existing municipal framework. An The lack of coordination and slow At the city level our councillor now extensive renovation was undertaken response of various departments manages a ward equivalent in size without the required permits. A group to residents’ complaints can prob- to our federal and provincial ridings. of concerned residents contacted no ably not be laid at the feet of the Ensuring compliance with existing fewer than fve separate city and pro- provincial government but is more regulations and creating imagina- vincial departments over a period of likely due to chronic understafng. tive and responsible plans for future several months, but with few results However, the only way to stop illegal development are proving a challenge and no discernible coordination. Stop developments and renovations is to for both the City and its many resi- Work orders were ignored and the by- make a complaint and to follow it dents’ associations. These and other HOY C laws were fouted with little recourse. up persistently with the councillor’s municipal issues have fuelled support AMES J The building in question is now op- ofce and the relevant city depart- for new powers for Toronto. PARA

future growth in the erston was believed to be We expect to have plans in Janu- neighbourhood and the private entryway to ary for comment, followed by the prepare for densifca- a rural private street. The plans being submitted to the Design tion. This needed re- plans will help to ensure Review Panel later in the year. Once view has been delayed that this piece of our his- designs are solidifed, construction to late 2020 due to tory is never lost, and we can begin, although the opening will staf shortage, but I will continue to continue to honour our past. likely be late 2022 because the area work to ensure it is funded and com- Lastly, the design for Mirvish Vil- is required in the interim for con- pleted as quickly as possible. lage Park continues, and my ofce struction staging. On Bloor Street, staf have created will be communicating next steps for If you have any questions/con- plans to reinvigorate and beautify community involvement in the com- cerns please don’t hesitate to email the Palmerston Gates, a relic of a ing months, including an updated me at: Councillor_Layton@ toronto. simpler time in the City, when Palm- park concept to share with all of you. ca or by telephoning: 416-392-4009.

ESTABLISHE D 1985 P age 3 7).4%2s PARA GR EEN REP O R T

Clean-Up Day shorelinecleanup.ca), an organization donated cookies and hot drinks of that promotes community clean-ups mulled apple cider and hot chocolate PARA’s Clean-up day is becoming a and tracks the amounts and kinds with marshmallows. What an inviting semiannual event. A group of hardy of garbage found. Our group col- way to meet our neighbours. residents came out on November 10 lected a variety of garbage includ- We hope you can join us for the to clean up Healey Willan Park and sur- ing beverage cans, bits of plastic spring clean-up! — Frumie Diamond rounding area. We were very lucky, as and styrofoam, cigarette butts, and it turned out to be the warmest day of even clothing. Marisa Burton, one Enthusiastic participation in the community clean- the week, and our clean up ended just of the organizers, noted that “there up was demonstrated by cleaner-uppers of all ages. as the temperature started to plum- were a considerable number of Hal- met and the snow furries started. loween candy wrappers and lots of Once again we looked for dam- trash from kids’ snack-foods near the aged and broken toys and sorted schools (like single-serve fruit cups, waste into recyclables and garbage. etc.). There were even instances of Several teams went out and scoured bagged dog poop left on the road.” the adjacent streets and laneways We raked leaves and used them to for garbage. Unfortunately, they mulch around some of the trees. This were extremely successful, bringing was a great activity for the children, back several bags of garbage. This who had a grand time creating piles year we registered with the Great of leaves. Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (www. Many thanks to the residents who

It was encouraging to see so many Climate Strike young people out advocating for their PARA added its voice to the urgent call future and the future of the planet. for action on climate change. A small Climate change is an increasing threat but mighty contingent of PARA resi- and impacts our neighbourhood. We dents joined throngs of other protesters hope more PARA residents will join us marching across Harbord St. to Queen’s in our fght against climate change and Park for the Climate Action Strike held help us to mitigate its efects. The PARA on September 27, 2019. Green Plan is coming to fruition and Our banner was lost in the crowds at there are many potential projects to be Queens’ Park, as were other PARA mem- developed. We just need people power. bers who tried to join us but couldn’t There are many ways you can be in- fnd us even though we were close by. volved. Join us. — Frumie Diamond

Having a Party? K

and return it. It’s ideal for children’s parties. ENJI F

Here’s an innovative idea on how to cut down We even have a rental “station” here in our neighbour- ERGUSON on waste and help reduce your carbon footprint. hood thanks to one of our neighbours who is involved (

The Annex Residents’ Association (ARA) has initiated in the program. The ARA is looking for donations of TOP

a plate-share program, and this is how it works. They dishes/cutlery and people to host “stations.” RIGHT

have gathered plates, bowls, and cutlery in sets of Cut down on costs while diverting waste – especially ) ; K 20 that can be washed and reused. You can register plastics – from landfll. The City does have a plastics ERRI S online to rent a set at no cost – you simply pick up recycling program, but most of the plastic does not get ALATA

a set (or more) a couple of days before you need it, use (

recycled and ends up in landfll. CENTRE it, and then wash (in the dishwasher is a good idea) Check the website for more info: www.plateshare.ca )

7).4%2s P age 4 WWW.P ALMERSTONAR A.ORG PARA GR EEN REP O R T

Pollinator Grant

ceived over 150 applications, and we’re pleased to an- nounce we were one of the 37 successful applicants. Now the work begins. Over the winter Harbord science teachers and students will be planting seeds and nurturing seedlings in the Harbord greenhouse. These will be planted in the spring along with other seedlings purchased from nurseries specializing in native plants. Students currently enrolled in Grade 11 Biology are also learning more about the city’s pollinators and developing a media campaign to draw attention to the importance of pollinators. Additional signage about the native plants will also be created by students in Harbord’s Eco-Club to help edu- cate city residents about the importance of incorporating pollinator plants in their own gardens and containers.

We are currently in the process of planning for a large spring planting event. This event will likely take place following the last frost in the spring and will require both Busy Bees at Harbord Collegiate working on the pollinator project! the school and local community to come together to plant a large number of pollinators in a short period of time. If you have an interest in becoming involved in this exciting By Frumie Diamond project, please let us know. Plans are currently in the works for a workshop to be held in the new year at Harbord arbord Collegiate will be the site of a new pollinator Collegiate to discuss pollinators and this exciting project. Hgarden next spring thanks to a partnership formed No date has been set yet, so look out for PARA eblasts. between PARA’s Green Committee and the Harbord We are very excited about this project and hope you can Collegiate Eco-Club. The two groups are the proud join us in some capacity in our conservation eforts. PARA recipients of a $5,000 grant from the City’s PollinatorTO Community Grant Program. This grant allows for the creation of a pollinator garden and allows us to promote DID YOU KNOW? the importance of supporting our declining pollinators in our local community. Last spring, Frumie Diamond from PARA’s Green Reminder: Being Smart About Salt Committee approached the lead teacher of Harbord’s Eco-Club, Krysta Carver, to explore ways in which the Last year we wrote an article in the newsletter about the two groups could work together to promote the City’s impact salt was having on our local watershed. Chloride broader Pollinator strategy. PollinateTO was encourag- levels are rising towards levels that are dangerous to fsh ing community groups to apply for its frst-ever grants and other freshwater creatures. As well, chloride is very to create pollinator habitats across the City. Fortunately, hard on our trees, plants, and gardens. the timing aligned perfectly with the City’s broader Pol- There are alternatives to using salt, linatorTO grant application deadlines. such as sand and volcanic ash, which Work began immediately on the grant application are available in our local hardware to meet the tight May 1st deadline. The students in stores. Last year it was noticed that Harbord’s Eco-Club began researching native plants more residents were using alterna- and garden designs, while Scott MacRitchie from PARA tive methods. Let’s try and reduce brought his grant-writing expertise and GIS mapping our salt use even more this year. skills to the grant application. The City of Toronto re- — Frumie Diamond ESTABLISHE D 1985 P age 5 ?7).4%2s

JOIN Palmerston Area Residents’ Association US Serving Palmerston & Little Italy NOW! We are advocatesA for STRONG the community RESIDENTS and need your’ ASSOCI help bothA TIONto maintain the livability of our wonderful neighbourhoodIS NOW MORE and to make IMPORT our communityANT TH stronger.AN EVER.

WE NEEDThe recent YOU! cuts Your tomembership City Council supports and PARA its funding initiatives. are As negativelya Member... impacting our neighbourhood,● YOU will be kept especially up to date in on areas issues such affecting as City our neighbourhood Planning. We. need a strong voice to ● YOUensure will have our input community’s on the issues priorities that matter are to younot. overlooked or disregarded. Your membership fee will support PARA’s work, including: negotiating traffic and public-realm plans during the development of the Mirvish VillageADVOC site; A developingCY our Green Plan; and subsidizing importantOur community board and event smalls. group of volunteers cannot do this alone – we need you! PARA engages in advocacy work on behalf of its members. During this past year we have acted on many community

issues, including: developing a neighbourhood Green Plan and marching for climate action, contributing to the City’s noise bylaw updates and taking positions on cycling infrastructure and waste management issues, championing affordableI want housing to supportin new development my neighbourhood projects, preparing with for a development membership planning in PARA! on College Street, and

participating in City Governance workshops. 2018 Membership: NEW- welcome! RENEWAL- welcome back! Name:As Toronto ______changes and grows, PARA will continue its work to drive discussions, shape planning and affect policy change for things that matter to our community and our members. Street & Unit: ______Join us – become a member today! Postal Code: ______Phone:______

Email: ______I WANT TO SUPPORT MY NEIGHBOURHOOD AND JOIN PARA

Your areas of2020 community Membership: interest (¨e.g. NEW traffic, – greenwelcome! plan, laneways,¨ RENEWAL community – welcome events, back! etc.): ______Name: ...... Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...... ……….. Supporting Commitment: Email: Individual………………………………………………………………...... Voting Member $25 Phone: ...... Supporting or Family Member $40 = additional support for PARA initiatives Your areas of concern (e.g., development, green issues, laneways, community events, traffic, etc.): Super Member $50 = maximum support for PARA activities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ……. Payment: PayPal, through our site: palmerstonara.org/about-us/membership/ Membership: ¨ Individual Voting Member $25 Cash or Cheque, made payable to PARA, ¨ Supporting Member or Family $40 = additional support for PARA initiatives ℅ Ingrid Nasager,¨ PARA Super MembershipMember $50 Coordinator,= maximum support for PARA activities 146 Clinton St. Toronto ON M6G 2Y3 Payment: 1. Send an email e-transfer to: We need volunteers to help meet our 2018 priorities. [email protected], through your online banking Please consider assisting PARA in one of these areas: 2. Cash or Community Cheque, made Events, payable including to PARA: Party in the Park c/o Ingrid Nasager, PARA Membership Coordinator, 146 Clinton 2018 St.,Membership Toronto, ON, Drive M6G 2Y3 Communications/Newsletter 3. Find us and renew online at: palmerstonara.org/membership

Find usFind on Facebook:us on Facebook: PalmerstonARA PalmerstonARA Nish Dish by Nick Forsyth

you are familiar with our neighbourhood, you may have noticed the If colourful murals that now fll the plaza of Bickford Park on the Bloor Street side. It might seem a small diference now – it’s easy to forget how shabby public property can become. The visual embellishment is due to one of our tiny Bloor Street restaurants, NishDish, (690 Bloor Street West). The murals started appearing 2 years ago, with a small festival that spread across the piazza of Bickford Centre. Cold winds drove people to huddle over Three Sisters soups and Sweetgrass teas, delicious burgers and cuts of fsh, while drum circles warmed the centre. Vendors, artisans, muralists, dancers, elders, and children mixed about the place. The painting of murals was the beginning of several eforts at beautifcation led by NishDish, the cafe and catering kitchen at Bloor and Clinton. The space is now wrapped in murals by diverse artists such as Angela Aula, Les Harper, and Phil Cote. It is gratifying to me that when the beloved Tacos El Asador moved from its old location to new digs across the street, NishDish took over the corner, and has proven to be every bit as meaningful and rich an addition to the neigh- bourhood’s culinary and cultural community. NishDish is truly a food busi- ness with a diference: they are involved in many interesting and meaningful projects that go far beyond traditional restaurant service. Gifting me with a very tasty Americano and cream, NishDish partner Hywel Tuscano spoke with me about Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, their wider en- deavors, and the web of experiences that built towards this moment for both of them. Both men have had experience in kitchens and social work, two unique worlds of endless challenge, and NishDish is a conduit for important eforts in both these worlds. On the culinary side, they recently adjusted their hours for the winter, operating as a restaurant only on the week- ends and focusing on catering through the work week. And they just won the Toronto Star’s Reader’s Choice 2019 Gold

) Star for Catering. LEFT The social work background is evident in NishDish’s

LOWER many cultural endeavours, including its eforts to help peo- ( ple come to terms with the efects of colonization and its FORSYTH support for native peoples—be they street kids or commu- ICK

; N ) ; nities near and far — through programs, workshops, food gardens, the festival, and various other initiatives. RIGHT NishDish excels both at simplicity and diversity of LOWER , approach. I hope that we have the pleasure of seeing LEFT them engage with and challenge this community for years

IDDLE to come. PARA ( M HILDS C Nish Dish, a conduit for culinary and cultural endeavors, strives to go ATHERINE

; K ) ; beyond serving delicious food and LEFT

catering at the Bloor Street restaurant

TOP (bottom left) by participating in (

ANO various community programs, Y EI

K including a festival at Bickford Park.

ESTABLISHE D 1985 P age 7 7).4%2s Time to Celebrate! PARA Laneway Dedication By Robert Vipond

Photos by Milan Ilnyckyj and Fernanda Pisani

On a glorious Sunday afternoon in late June, about 150 of us – PARA-normals, neighbours, friends, and the odd passerby – gathered to dedicate eight new laneways in the PARA neighbourhood. Led by a trumpeter and a trombonist who enlivened the parade with New Orleans-style tunes, we snaked our way from laneway to laneway. At each site Paul MacLean, the chair of PARA, read a brief and beautiful citation that paid tribute to the person, activity, or organization 2 recognized in the laneway name, and he connected their contributions to enduring and universal themes: speaking truth to power (Morley Safer), rights activism (Alan Borovoy), neighbourliness (Joe Bertucci), the scourge of enduring racism (the Huggins family), cultivating friendship through cultivating gardens (Via dei Gardini), philanthropy (Beatrice Minden), and celebrating the comedy of life (Wayne and Shuster). At each laneway, someone who was close to the honouree spoke, movingly, about the importance of having a named laneway to serve as a permanent reminder of those people, activities, and organizations that had gone before. We ended at the Jewish Folk Choir Lane, where a group of the choir’s alumni sang songs of resistance and solidarity that had been part of the Choir’s repertoire during its heyday. Relaxing at a lovely reception hosted by Kei Yano after the event, I couldn’t help but think: this is what PARA is all about. In recognizing and sharing the past, we build community here and now – and for the future. I’d like to thank other members of the laneways committee, especially Katherine Childs, who sustained the momentum and guided the project through the formidable city bureaucracy. Congratulations are in order to the members of PARA’s laneway naming committee and volunteers: 1 2 3 4 Katherine Childs, chair, Jennifer Deyell, Frumie Diamond, Ronen Kleiman, Mary McKee, Fernanda Pisani, Anna Vellone and Robert Vipond. PARA

Families, dignitaries, and neighbours gather to celebrate the unveiling of: 1. Morley Safer Lane, 2. Huggins Family Lane, 3. Joe Bertucci Lane, 4. Alan Borovoy Lane, 5. Beatrice Minden Lane, 6. Via dei Giardini Lane, 7. Wayne and Shuster Lane, 8. Jewish Folk 6 7 8 Choir Lane.

7).4%2s P age 8 WWW.P ALMERSTONAR A.ORG 1 2

3 4

5 6 8

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ESTABLISHE D 1985 P age 9 7).4%2s WELC OME TO THE NEIG HBOUR HOOD

Business ventures along the commercial streets in the PARA neighbourhood are constantly changing. we welcome new businesses that bring a greater range of services closer to our homes.

A furry of new restaurants tional one at that. Its menu sweet or salty, something take their shot. seems quite solid, and it’s a akin to cappuccino foam. Mugi (793 Bathurst), welcome sight in a location Defnitely a development. the vegan Thai takeout that lay vacant for too long. — Nick Forsyth spot just south of Bloor on And it looks like the Bathurst, has the spark of neighbourhood will be AND MORE GOODBYES... young talent about it. It getting its frst sanctioned It is sad to see more small, Mugi at Bloor and Bathurst. takes some ingenuity to marijuana dispensary independent businesses separate proper Thai food Spirit Leaf at College and close their doors after be- from shrimp paste and by ofering one of the Euclid, timing unknown. ing such long-time fxtures fsh sauce while keeping more underrepresented Of course, there has been in the neighbourhood. Yes, it hearty and favourful. It cuisines on our stretch of scathing criticism about Bike Joint at 290 Harbord means the majority of the College. . . and you can the processes in place thus St. and Friendly Magno- work is done from scratch. build your own curry bowl! far for Ontario dispensaries, lia at 548 College St. will Other members of the The John (488 College), a so warnings to do your be shuttered this winter. vegan wave include Glob- small, local gastropub chain own research before mak- Bike Joint ofered cyclists ally Local (492 College), a making a go of it, presents ing decisions about who in the area great tune-up new “plant-based” burger an extremely carnivorous you trust with your health. prices and free air for your joint, and Virtuous Pie (611 menu with macho geniality. This article attempted tires with a friendly smile. College), sellers of vegan Wing Street Sport Bar a moratorium on new Magnolia ofered organic pizza and ice cream. replaces Bi Bim Bap at 598 bubble tea franchises, but groceries and take-away Masalawala Indian Can- College. 1011 Sip Tea (635 Bloor) food. Both a sad loss for teen (617 College), just Crystal Thani (571 Col- has an innovation that de- our community – we wish across from the Royal Cine- lege) is another Thai restau- mands attention: Cheese them the best of luck. ma, adds exciting diversity rant, and a more conven- Tea. Cream cheese based, — Frumie Diamond

Think IT (Italian) Revisited couple of hours – generally between Since opening its doors in April 7pm and 9pm – when they can relax 2018, Think.IT café has been slowly after work over a glass of wine, beer, building momentum as one of the or Campari and some appetizers. best modern Italian cafés in our Think IT now holds a once-a-month neighborhood, maybe in the city, by aperitivo night, serving free home- serving authentic homemade Italian made appetizers with your drink food and creating an authentic Ital- orders. Get on their mailing list to ian atmosphere. Owners Marzia and be notifed in advance when the Enrico have transformed this south- Think IT Cafe owners Marzia and Enrico. next aperitivo night will be. J

west corner location at Borden and Wine tasting nights featuring the OSHUA Harbord into a regular haunt for cof- Italian cuisine with the freshest in- fnest Italian wines are in the works B fee afcionados. Made from Trucillo gredients. And all the Italian desserts so inquire how you can get on their ROWN (

beans and with velvet creaminess, – including tiramisu, tartellette, and VIP list. TOP

their cofee’s tasting notes include sbriciolona – are made inhouse. If you can’t make it out there, CENTRE hints of chocolate, vanilla, and Since my last article, Think IT café they now cater for small events. ) ; J

toasted almonds – delicious! Think. has acquired a liquor licence. Highly recommended!!! AMES

IT serves pastries, paninis, and other For Italians, aperitivo is a glorious — James Choy C HOY

7).4%2s P age 10 WWW.P ALMERSTONAR A.ORG Party in the Park was a well attended afair in June which featured a fre truck, delicious food and music.

Party in the Park by Joan Reynolds nization: Erin Chan and Maya Mkdsi devoted hours of their time; they arranged the donation of free beverages and this year’s participation of local retailers serving up midst all the rain of this past June, one sunny Sunday biscotti from the Riviera Bakery and pizzas from Café Dip- Astood out as PARA hosted its annual Party-in-the-Park lomatico. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene partnered on June 9. It was a well-attended afair, and the many chil- with PARA by providing tables and chairs, lending access dren present revelled and splashed in the wading pool to the church facilities, and serving homemade goodies that opened ahead of the summer season for the occasion. to the volunteers. With these many contributions, PARA Other highlights included Heather Rolleston’s face paint- was able to cover all expenses. ing, the frefghters’ visit, shoulder massages courtesy of Undoubtedly PARA’s success relies on community assis- the Hand & Stone Spa, and a trio of musicians. Once again tance to run the annual Party-in-the-Park. Those who can Clive McLean, a regular participant, set up his ice cream contribute time and ideas to the 2020 planning are asked and popsicle cart, donating all proceeds to PARA. to contact Joan Reynolds at
KSFZOPMET!HNBJMDPN. This year we tracked our attendance and there were Sustaining collective ventures strengthens our neighbour- 180 who participated in the day. Two dedicated volun- hood and shapes the preservation of values that assure teers were particularly instrumental in the event’s orga- our community continues to thrive. PARA

Palmerston Gates at College and Bloor mark not only a name change – where Palmerston Avenue becomes A bit of context from Torontoist (April Palmerston Boulevard – but also a complete 26, 2008), about the Palmerston Gates: change in the character of the street com- Palmerston Boulevard is one of the best pared with the rest of the neighbourhood. examples of an intact turn-of-the-century The impressive streetscape is characterized residential street in the city. Stone gates by homes with peaked roofs continued on page 12

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ESTABLISHE D 1985 P age 11 7).4%2s patched. The gates are currently surrounded by garbage cont ’d from page 11 Palmerston Gates bins and illegal dumping, an eye sore to say the least. On November 6, 2019, a number of residents met and angular gables stretching along a roadway that is with the City of Toronto’s Public Realm Department to signifcantly wider than any other in the area – 24 metres see what could be done to restore the historic charac- instead of the usual 20 metres. Iconic street lamps and the ter of the gates. The timeframe for the repairs is not yet trees that line the street in pairs also defne the boulevard known. — PARA today. None of these distinctive features happened by ac- cident: they are the result of a highly formal plan... Even as institutions such as the College Street Baptist Church (1889) and Harbord Street Collegiate Institute (1892) Mirvish Village Park were built to serve the growing community, Palmerston As the Westbank development at the southwest Boulevard remained totally undeveloped until 1903. Then, corner of Bathurst and Bloor presses on, we should in a furry of rapid but highly coordinated development, not lose sight of the green space proposed for that the street was completely built up by 1910. Intended as an site. A design for the park will be reviewed by upper-middle-class enclave, Palmerston’s stone gates were City staf from the Parks department and the Mirvish meant to give the efect of entering a private country estate. Village Task Group in early January. Following The historically designated and protected gates at revisions there will be a public engagement/ College Street have been relatively well preserved, community meeting, possibly this spring. and the northern gates, at Bloor, have been largely ob- Come out to hear the proposals and have your say. structed from view by poorly placed signage. On the Check the PARA e-blasts or the website for details. northwest corner behind the gates the sidewalk has — Kei Yano been damaged by a water main break and temporarily

SHOP IN OUR N E I G H B O U R H O O D

Neil Wright Simon Wright Broker of Record Sales Representative [email protected] [email protected]

Mind your business on Harbord Street An eclectic mix of businesses that offer something for everyone and make a wonderful stroll

Harbord Street Business Improvement Area (B.I.A.) Chair: Neil Wright - Broker