Annual General Meeting Package

MARCH 19, 2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING PACKAGE

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Table of Contents President’s Welcome Letter………………………………………...2 Agenda………………………………………………………………..3 Minutes of March 20, 2018 Annual General Meeting.…………...4 Treasurer’s Report …………………………………………………..8 President’s Report …………………………………………………..9 Election Nominations Sheet ………………………………………10 Committee Reports ………………………………………………...11 GVCA Spring Events Listing ………………………………………24

TO ALL GUILDWOOD VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS Dear Members: The materials enclosed are the GVCA 2019 Annual General Meeting package for the meeting of members to be held Tuesday March 19, 2019 at Laurier Collegiate Institute, Room 105. The purpose of this meeting is to elect the GVCA’s Officers for 2019 and to update the members on the activities of the Association during the past year. Please find enclosed in this package written reports from the Treasurer, the President and the GVCA committees, which will provide members with key information on the activities of the Association. To improve communication with our members, the AGM meeting materials package is being made available in advance of the meeting on-line and will be sent to those members on our email list. Hard copies of the package will be available at the registration desk immediately prior to the meeting. We have found that by providing members with written reports in advance of the AGM we can reduce the number of verbal reports presented at the meeting and in turn run a more time- efficient Annual General Meeting. The GVCA Executive is looking forward to seeing as many members as possible at the AGM. Please come out, take the time to learn what the many dedicated volunteers of your community association have been working on over the past year and learn more about some of the key plans for 2019 and beyond. In addition, I encourage you to attend the Special General Meeting, which will precede this year’s AGM to consider changes to the GVCA’s Constitution, and to stay for the special presentation that will follow immediately after the AGM. Yours truly,

Jim Whitney, President, GVCA

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA Laurier Collegiate Institute – Room 105 March 19, 2019 - 7:30 PM

1. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE 2018 AGM - MARCH 20, 2018

3. TREASURER’S REPORT

4. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

6. NEW BUSINESS

7. ADJORNMENT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be followed immediately by this year’s special presentation: Community Wellness in Guildwood - Challenges and Opportunities: A Discussion with Toronto Police Services and Laurier Collegiate

Draft Minutes of Annual General Meeting March 20, 2018

1. Welcome The Annual General Meeting of the Guildwood Village Community Association was held at the Guild Inn Estate on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. The community was thanked for attending the 60th Anniversary Annual General Meeting. The Reverend Stephen Kirkegaard from the Church of the Holy Trinity provided a few words of welcome. 2. Call to order President Dave Arnold acknowledged the attendance of Paul Ainslie, Councillor Ward 43 and Gary Crawford, Councillor Ward 36. The ward boundaries will be changing effective December 1, 2018, which means Paul will no longer be our councillor. Paul has been serving our community since 2006 – sincere thanks were extended to Paul. With the upcoming election, good luck was extended to Gary. The Guildwood community looks forward to working with the new Councillor.

With the sufficient quorum, President Dave Arnold called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. 3. Approval of Minutes M/S/C to adopt the March 21, 2017 Guildwood Village Community Association Annual General Meeting minutes as distributed. 4. Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Jim Whitney presented the Treasurer’s Report which shows a reduced cash balance of approximately $14,000 year over year. Highlights included:

• Membership numbers were higher in 2017 than the previous years • The net cost for Guildwood Day was $10,000, down from $12,000 from the year before • Two major events took place this year: The New Year’s Eve Party and the June 2nd event. With the approval of the Executive Committee, the GVCA supplemented these two events. • News & Views publication ended the year in the black • Office costs have gone up because of increased storage costs This is the final year for Jim Whitney as Treasurer. After seven years, it is time to pass the torch and he will ensure a smooth transition to the new Treasurer.

5. President’s Report Dave Arnold paid tribute to John Mitchell who passed away on July 21, 2017. The GVCA lost a great gentleman and ambassador. John and his wife Margaret moved to Guildwood in 1962. Over his 37-year commitment to the community John held a wide variety of positions: photographer, President, creating calendars.

Dave asked the Executive Committee to stand up. Then he asked former members to rise. Dave also then asked the volunteers stand up. Dave proclaimed that this is what real community spirit looks like, when so many people in the room were standing.

One of the greatest legacies over the past 60 years has been to nurture the spirit and engagement in the community. Having said that the Guild Festival Theatre may have to cease operations. The response from the community was immediate and action was taken to help raise the funds with a Casino night, where the Guild Inn provided the room for free.

Dave wished to discuss three main themes that were undertaken in the past year:

• GVCA celebrates their 60th Anniversary • Improving Communication • Obtaining / attracting new volunteer energy In the summer of 2017, a working group was formed with the objective to review the GVCA’s needs. As a result, a new group was formed: The Communications Committee.

Brad Warren heads the sub-committee and he reports directly to the Executive Committee. The committee members include Andrew Macklin, Julia and Drew Baker, Michelle Weitzman, Lucy Vale, Jack Henry and Samantha Gagaliani, Ulrik Westergaard and Marsha Leverock.

This is Dave Arnold’s last President’s report. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the community. Dave thanked his fellow officers and thanked the members for their kind words and support. He also wished to express gratitude for the support of his family. 6. Guildwood Flag Creation John Mason and Jack Henry presented the idea of creating a Guildwood flag with the hope that this flag will become part of the community’s history. A flag can show symbols and stories. How can we get a flag that resonates with the community? That conveys a sense of pride?

First, John formed a flag committee. Many preliminary concepts were explored. There was a lot of great feedback from the News & Views article as well. It was agreed that there are certain images that makes the Guildwood community unique: green / nature; location (bluffs / water), the community itself (distinctive mid-century homes), creativity / arts.

Put them together and you get a unique picture of our community. John has asked those interested to attend a meeting to be held on Monday, April 9, 2018, at the Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church. 7. Recognition Awards Volunteer awards were handed out to a number of community members, recognizing their contributions over the years.

Vice President Bob Taylor-Vaisey made the first two presentations. The first recipient recognized was Dr. Robert Baggs. Dr. Baggs grew up on Hill Crescent, attended the University of Toronto and then started practicing dentistry in early 1960’s. In 1971 he started his practice on Livingston Road, which would continue for 47 years. Dr. Baggs would even go over to the Chartwell home to bring the residents over for appointments. Dave Arnold presented a plaque to Dr. Baggs.

The second recipient was Tom the Barber. Tom immigrated from Italy in 1970 when he was only 20 years old. Tom spoke a few words about all the memories he had: so many children he watched growing up; Satan’s choice bikers; Mary Macker and her cat; just getting his driver’s license in 1973, and in a snowstorm, he accidentally hit a police cruiser. He cut three generations of hair for many families. Tom has been in the Guildwood community for 47 years.

Dave Arnold spoke about the third recipient, Donna Milovanovic, and her long-standing continuous service since 1991. Donna grew up in the area and had a 29-year teaching career. Originally, she came together with small group of neighbors to include that part of the neighbourhood into the Guildwood community. Donna has performed many roles: President, Treasurer, Member at large. Ann Petite was a mentor, who unfortunately could not make it, but she sent kind words. Donna is a respected community leader who has made many contributions. A huge Thank you to Donna for the last 27 years. 8. Election of Officers Dave Arnold conducted the elections, by opening the floor for any further nominations.

M/S/C to close nominations.

• Jim Whitney, President by acclamation • Bob Taylor-Vaisey, Vice President by acclamation • Kelly Cole, Treasurer by acclamation • Lynda Satelmajer, Secretary by acclamation

9. New Business Jim Whitney spoke to the audience about leaders. He reflected on Dave’s contributions with setting the direction for finding new people in the community. The GVCA is well positioned to move forward. A survey was recently conducted to feedback on what we could be doing better. That feedback propelled the group to move forward. We now have a community affairs subcommittee which looks at things that may impact the neighbourhood – i.e. TTC, Airbnb, etc. In addition, a Communications Committee which will look at using Social Media, e-newsletters, etc. Doing more and doing it better. In 2017 we had sold- out social events. 800 and 600 people at the 60th anniversary day and New Year’s Eve Bash, respectively. Jim thanked everyone for all their contributions.

For the Q&A portion of the evening:

• What is the theme for the upcoming Guildwood day? The 60th anniversary. • Underpasses – when are they getting started? They have not started yet. Furthermore, the plans have not even been ratified by Metrolinx. There will be many meetings before the plans gets started. • Alison Murray has an update from the article she wrote in the News & Views. The David Suzuki Foundation has chosen our community as 1 of 3 groups selected in Toronto area for the healthy habitat Butterfly campaign. 10. Adjournment of AGM Motion to adjourn at 8:29 pm.

Lynda Satelmajer, Secretary Date of approval

Treasurer’s Report- Kelly Cole

(1) Revenues are recognized when received and available for deposit to the bank. Expenses are recorded when payment is made. 2014 includes revenues for the 2015 Winter Edition of News and Views. (2) 2015 includes the Volunteer Appreciation Event. (3) Includes charges for processing numbers of cheques and for returned cheques. Beginning January 2016, PayPal processing fees are also reported here. (4) In 2013 the GVCA Executive agreed to establish a fund to provide the financial resources needed to guide the future of the Guild Inn buildings and Guild Park. During 2014 the mandate of the fund was extended to include all community investment projects. In each of 2013 and 2014 the amounts in the General fund in excess of $10,000 were transferred to the Advocacy / Investment Fund. (5) During 2014 the GVCA Executive committed $5,000 towards the planting of large trees on the church grounds. Holy Trinity accepted payment in Sept 2015 and Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church in Sept 2016. In December 2015, the GVCA Executive committed $12,500 to the Residential Tree Planting Project. In August 2016, Sheridan invoiced the GVCA $2350 for 47 program trees (in total nearly 100 trees were planted). By September 2016 all commitments had been met and the unspent balance of $10,150 was returned to the Guildwood Investment Fund. The Residential Tree Program had additional sponsorship from local realtors and those receipts are shown above as Fund Specific Revenues. (5a) In 2018 Butterfly Way flower purchase and flag order expenses in Fund Specific Expenses. (6) Each December, the net of the current year Garden Tour revenues and expenses is transferred to the Beautification Fund. The Garden tour was not held in 2017 or 2018. The Butterfly Way flower purchase was deducted from the Beautification Fund in 2018.

President’s Report

This evening’s AGM marks my first anniversary as President. Looking back I can say that it has been a good year and I have learned a lot.

Leading an organization that relies solely on the efforts of volunteers is very different than my day job leading the Finance department at a life insurance company. Working with volunteers is great experience because people participate because they find reward and self-satisfaction in giving back to their community.

When it comes to volunteers, ours are the best and the most dedicated. Every individual that helps with the membership drive, delivers the News & Views, helps out on Guildwood Day, or any of the other community focused activities is playing an important part, their part, in making Guildwood a special place to call home.

While I participate in planning and running a range of the GVCA’s events and activities, most of my interactions are with the group of dedicated individuals who contribute not only as members of the Board of Directors (formerly the Executive Committee). Many also lead important functions like Membership, Guildwood Day, Events, or Communications, while others represent the GVCA on community focused groups including the Community Policing Liaison Committee. These folks care deeply about the community and when we meet as a group, we don’t always agree on the best way forward on a given issue. Over the past year, we have had many challenging discussions and debates. In the end, it seems we always come to a better outcome, an outcome that considers many points of view and one that most Board members can actively support. I have come to greatly appreciate the support, challenges, guidance and insights each Board Member brings to our meetings.

I strongly encourage you to read the committee reports that follow to better understand all that these volunteers contribute throughout the year.

I have also come to understand how important partnerships are in the success of our organization. By working with businesses in the community we have established partnerships that help make our fundraising efforts and community events like Guildwood Day even more successful.

Similarly, by partnering with other Guildwood-focused groups like the Friends of Guild Park and Gardens, the Guild Renaissance Group and the Guild Festival Theatre we were able to establish a single set of priorities for the Guild Park. The City has been very responsive to this collaboration to the benefit of all these groups and the Guildwood community.

Overall, my first year as President has been a challenge but it has provided the reward of working with so many great neighbours and a sense of satisfaction knowing that together we are continuing and building on the traditions that help define Guildwood.

2019 Officer Election Nominations

The following individuals have notified the Executive Committee of the Guildwood Village Community Association of their intention to seek re-election to the following officer positions;

President …………………… Jim Whitney Vice President …………….. Bob Taylor-Vaisey Treasurer …………………... Kelly Cole Secretary …………………... Lynda Satelmayer

For those members that are interested in seeking election to an officer position that have not yet notified the Association, you will have an opportunity to be nominated from the floor, during the election portion of the meeting.

Dave Arnold, Chief Returning Officer

Community Affairs – Angela Vanderburg

Over the last year, the Community Affairs Committee engaged with many levels of government and various organizations to understand issues within and around our neighbourhood.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) A second Pupil Accommodation Review (PARC) was formed with parents, Principals and a GVCA representative to meet multiple times to review the physical condition and enrollment at our 4 elementary neighbourhood schools: Poplar Road, Elizabeth Simcoe, Guildwood and Jack Miner.

The original recommendations were rejected by the TDSB. The new proposal has been approved by the PARC Committee and the TDSB and is awaiting a response from the Provincial government.

The new recommendations put forth are:

• that Jack Miner Senior Public School be closed effective 30 June 2023; • that Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School be converted from a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 school to a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school, retaining Grade 7 effective 1 September 2022, and Grade 8 effective 1 September 2023; • that Guildwood Junior Public School be converted from a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 school to a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school, retaining Grade 7 effective 1 September 2022, and Grade 8 effective 1 September 2023; • that Poplar Road Junior Public School be converted from a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 school to a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 school, retaining Grade 7 effective 1 September 2022, and Grade 8 effective 1 September 2023; • that the junior attendance areas for Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School, Guildwood Junior Public School, and Poplar Road Junior Public School become the intermediate attendance areas for these schools effective 30 June 2022; • that the name of Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School be changed to Elizabeth Simcoe Public School, effective 1 September 2022, to reflect the expanded grade range of the school; • that the name of Guildwood Junior Public School be changed to Guildwood Public School, effective 1 September 2022, to reflect the expanded grade range of the school; • that the name of Poplar Road Junior Public School be changed to Poplar Road Public School, effective 1 September 2022, to reflect the expanded grade range of the school; • that business cases be submitted to the Ministry of Education to gain funding to provide additional pupil places at Elizabeth Simcoe Public School, and Poplar Road Public School and that recommendations above be contingent on Ministry approval for capital funding to provide these additional pupil places; and

• that the timing of the above recommendations be adjusted, with adequate community notice, in the case of unexpected delays in the provision of the additional pupil places required at Elizabeth Simcoe Public School and Poplar Road Public School.

Please note that there has been no discussion about the potential future uses of the Jack Miner SPS building or property.

Laurier Pool The pool has remained open since the City of Toronto withdrew Parks and Recreation programs. TLC has found some groups to rent out the pool to offset operational costs so Laurier students can continue to use and enjoy the pool extensively during the school day.

Metrolinx The Subcommittee continues to monitor the ongoing and proposed developments along the train corridor and the new construction at Guildwood Station. We provide regular updates via our website, email blasts, News & Views articles and sharing posts on Facebook on the Guildwood 2.0 and The Guildwood Group pages.

The Guildwood GO Station – they are now working on finishing the plaza area east of the station building. The last of the parking lot paving and landscaping around the station should be completed in early spring 2019.

The construction of the third rail is part of the Regional Express Rail project which is separate from the Guildwood GO Station build. There isn’t a schedule yet for this work but when it is available, we will share it.

There are three grade separations that will take place in south east Scarborough. They will take place at Scarborough Golf Club Road, Galloway Road and Morningside Avenue. These projects will move the rail track above the road, moving the road/crossing below.

Currently, the proposal to date is to close Poplar Road to vehicle traffic but maintain pedestrians/bicycles traffic. Future changes will be communicated accordingly.

Galloway grade separation project is also a part of the Regional Express Rail. It is not clear at this point as to whether sidewalks will be added but it will decided during the design stage of the project.

There have been no further updates on this project since last year’s report.

Scarborough Waterfront Project (TRCA) Toronto and Region Conservation Authority plans to create a system of green spaces along the Lake Ontario shoreline in Toronto between Bluffer’s Park and East Point Park/Highland Creek.

• The proposed project will: • protect and enhance terrestrial and aquatic habitat • improve the natural heritage system • manage public safety and property risk • provide an enjoyable waterfront experience

The project will also address problems identified during previous planning and erosion protection work, including:

• risk from erosion along the shoreline • limited waterfront access and public space • low habitat integrity

The environmental assessment study area is separated into three segments.

The west segment includes:

• the area between Bluffer’s Park and Meadowcliffe • expansion of the existing beach waterline into Lake Ontario between Bluffer’s Park and Meadowcliffe • extension to the existing armourstone headland at the east end near Meadowcliffe • expansion to the existing headland at the west end of Bluffer’s Park and the inclusion of a small cobble beach

The central segment includes:

• the area between Meadowcliffe and Grey Abbey • a new headland beach system at the base of the Doris McCarthy Trail, with two new headlands and the extension of an existing headland into the lake at the east end of the Meadowcliffe shoreline • new headlands features at the Guild Park and Gardens area, with cobble beaches in-between • a new headland to the east at the base of the existing Guild Park and Gardens construction access road

The east segment includes:

• the area between Grey Abbey and East Point Park/Highland Creek • removal of the existing breakwater feature at the east end of the Guildwood Parkway shoreline protection section • construction of a headland beach that extends to the east side of Grey Abbey Ravine • moving the multi-use trail from the toe to the top of the bluffs at a new access point A multi-use trail will run along all three segments at the toe and top of the bluffs

On June 15, 2018 the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) submitted the Scarborough waterfront project environmental assessment.

On September 7, 2018 TRCA amended the environmental assessment to address comments received during the initial comment period and provide an updated record of consultation with Indigenous communities. You can comment on the environmental assessment and the ministry review for this project by 5:00 p.m. on March 29, 2019.We will continue attend meetings and pass on information on developments.

Toronto Public Library

Our new and expanded library is still under construction in the plaza. Anticipated completion date is summer 2019.The renovation will include:

• Revitalize all public service areas • Add a program room • Re-imagine zoned areas for adults, teens and children • Incorporate customer service improvements and efficient staff spaces • Add a barrier-free washroom • Increase the amount of seating in the branch

Scarborough Community Renewal Organization The Scarborough Community Renewal Organization (SCRO) has a mandate to revitalize communities in Scarborough. We continue to communicate and support initiatives to improve quality of services to keep Scarborough vibrant and a great place to live & work.

Community Hubs On May 22, 2018 Toronto City Council also passed a motion to work with relevant stakeholders and decision-makers to identify opportunities for creating a sustainable and vibrant community hub on the site of Sir Robert L. Borden BTI, and report back to Council in the first quarter of 2019. Please follow link for report: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2018.MM41.23

Through the City of Toronto’s planning process, it has the decision-making authority to work together with the buyer to ensure that the redevelopment of the Sir Robert Borden site meets its community needs in order to enhance facilities in this area and create a new vibrant neighbourhood within the West Hill community. For convenience, link to the City Planning process: https://www.toronto.ca/city- government/planning-development/application-forms-fees/building-toronto-together-a-development- guide/

While work is still underway to identify opportunities to develop a hub on the site, TLC will complete the required Ontario Regulation 444/98 process and place the site on the open market for sale. During the sale process, the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario will have time to further consider all the information from the needs assessment and be in a better position to work with a developer partner when a sale is transacted. It is expected that taking the time to appreciate and understand the community needs and existing services will be of value to the City during its planning process with the purchaser in redevelopment of the site and that it will include further stakeholder forums.

Chartwell - Construction of New Retirement Residence

We receive monthly construction progress reports and discuss potential community engagement.

Guildwood Plaza

Morguard continues to work with Toronto Police, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate and their security provider, Garda, to address community concerns. They report already seeing a significant improvement as a result of increased security and police presence, newly installed security cameras and minor landscaping improvements plus other property improvements.

Morguard will continue to monitor the site and implement additional measures on an as needed basis.

Building variances in Guildwood

The Subcommittee undertook the task of researching and learning the ins and outs of new house builds in Guildwood and how these variances affect the overall character of our neighbourhood. We have lent support to petition against the variance requests by writing letter of objections and attending hearings with the Committee of Adjustments. Last May we published a document outlining “Guidelines and recommendations for Applicants or Opponents for minor variances/severances” which can be found on our website.

Friends of Guild Park – John Mason

The arrival of more visitors, activities and features at Guild Park & Gardens shows the remarkable progress underway at these 88 acres – where art meets nature – in the heart of Guildwood Village.

Visitors: In 2018, Guild Park welcomed about 78,000 people to park events. That’s 50% more than the previous year and 10 times more than a decade ago! The catalyst for this big jump is the restored and expanded Guild Inn Estate, which opened mid-2017 to host weddings and private events. In 2018, its first full year of operation, Guild Inn Estate attracted some 68,000 people.

Activities: Another 10,000 visitors attended Guild Park’s popular volunteer-organized events last year. The biggest included GVCA’s Guildwood Day BBQ; the annual Guild Alive With Culture arts festival; the summer season of performances at the Greek Theatre; plus park tours and activities (clean-ups, walks and community happenings). These major events are returning to Guild Park this summer.

Features: Many key improvements and new features came to Guild Park in 2018, including: ● opening the two forest boardwalks, ● adding lights along some garden paths, ● installing a drinking water station, ● improving the park’s electrical system, ● planting the historic Vimy Oaks, ● planting a live (and still growing) Christmas tree.

Thanks to the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation Department, City Councillor Paul Ainslie and Scarborough-Guildwood MP, John McKay, for making these and other improvements possible.

Looking Forward to 2019 In the months ahead, Guild Park will be home to additional attractions and activity, plus lots more visitors. The arts-related projects and programs listed below are the work of the City’s Economic Development & Culture (EDC) Department. Here’s what to watch for in 2019:

The Clark Centre for the Arts. This $5.4 million project is managed by EDC and now underway. The building’s new name commemorates Rosa and Spencer Clark, founders of the Guild of All Arts. This centre is the 21st Century addition to their legacy. Construction will transform a long-vacant structure (once known as Building 191) into three levels of public art programs, exhibition areas, plus two working studios for professional and emerging artists. Note: Access to the surrounding park area will be restricted during construction. The centre is expected to open by the end of 2020.

The Sculptor’s Cabin. After 30 years of being boarded up, the one-room, wooden cabin near the front gardens of Guild Park is being restored as a small-scale activity site and welcome centre for park visitors. The cabin, originally built in 1940, was a studio for sculptors and is decorated with hand-carved figures from Norse legends. The City of Toronto and Guild Park’s volunteer groups are taking steps to reopen the structure this summer.

Heritage Toronto Plaque. Guild Park’s first official plaque will commemorate the history of the site as the Guild of All Arts, Canada’s only artist’s community operating during the Great Depression of the 1930s. “The Guild” was forerunner of both the old Guild Inn and our community of Guildwood Village. A two-year fundraising campaign, backed by the GVCA, local residents and many Guild Park supporters, recently topped its $6,500 goal. The Heritage Toronto plaque will be unveiled on-site later this year. Friends of Guild Park thanks everyone who helped with our project to bring such long-overdue recognition to the site.

Arts In the Parks: The sights and sounds of Japanese drummers and contemporary dancers are coming to Guild Park with free, one-night-only performances by the award-winning troupes, Nagate Shachu and Kaeja d’Dance. They are part of the City-sponsored Arts in the Parks, managed by EDC. Dates to be announced. Other arts events are expected to be added to Guild Park’s schedule.

Seniors Walks at Guild Park: This new program will include eight easy-to-navigate walks at Guild Park for those 65 years and up. Park People and Manulife created this City-wide program to encourage older men and women to get outside and enjoy nature. Friends of Guild Park was selected to host local tours, thanks to support from the GVCA, the Probus-Guildwood Club, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities and the Scarborough Garden and Horticulture Society. Walk details to be announced soon.

Future Plans & Action The result of these achievements to date: Guild Park & Gardens is on its way to again become a destination where our community welcomes the world. Thanks are due to EDC for allocating more than $8-million over the next five years for the Clark Centre and to enhance other park arts/culture features.

There’s much to do so Guild Park maintains the high standards visitors now expect after the $20-million restoration of the old Guild Inn and the arrival of the new arts facility. Park issues to focus on include: • Installing more public washrooms, bike racks and informative signs • Improving trails, with more benches, garbage containers and better fencing • Providing easier access to the park’s waterfront • Applying best practices in landscape architecture to the park’s gardens • Making appropriate on-site food service available to more park visitors • Displaying unused and extra building fragments/stonework throughout the park, around Guildwood Village and at other appropriate sites

Overriding all these visitor-related considerations is this: Guild Park MUST continue as an important wildlife habitat and natural sanctuary. To address these multiple perspectives, the 2014 Guild Park Management Plan, commissioned by the City’s Parks department, set out the long-term direction for Guild Park. That plan is a foundation for the ongoing revitalization of Guild Park’s public areas.

It also established an important advisory group of park officials and park users. Through regular meetings over the past five years, City staff, reps from Guild Park volunteer groups (including Friends of Guild Park and the GVCA), plus others are taking a collaborative approach to address Guild Park’s future.

From this work, two companion plans were completed in 2018 -- one for Guild Park’s trails, the other for its garden areas. Both reports include valuable expertise from park planners and Guild Park visitors.

Looking ahead, Friends of Guild Park, the GVCA and other volunteer organizations, are advocating and taking informed steps so the best practices recommended in these three reports get put into action.

With this approach, Guild Park will operate as a sustainable and spectacular public site that’s a unique asset to our community. I welcome comments and thoughts from GVCA members about Guild Park’s future.

Membership – Donna Milovanovic

The 2018 Annual Membership Drive was a great success with a final 1608 memberships. This number was down 30 memberships from the previous year. Members were able to take advantage of many incentives including discounts at two plant sales, a Valu-Mart membership appreciation day, and Guildwood Day activities. All apartments and houses were canvassed except for 10 & 20 Guildwood Parkway. A huge thank you to all the area coordinators and canvassers. You are awesome!

The 2019 GVCA annual membership drive will take place April 13 – May 11, 2019. The area coordinators are in place but we still need canvassers in several areas including: Somerdale Square; Regency Square; Fordover Drive. To show our appreciation to our canvassers we will be giving all our canvassers a draw ticket for each route they canvass for a chance to win one of 10 PC gift cards worth $100 each. If you can spare some time this spring to canvass a route please contact Donna Milovanovic at [email protected].

Memberships ($15) can be purchased at the GVCA Annual General Meeting, the member events listed below, during the door to door canvass in April/May, at Maritime Travel, Valu-Mart or Guildwood Physiotherapy, or online at www.guildwood.on.ca.

Upcoming member events include:

Valu-Mart membership appreciation day– March 23

Valu-Mart Plant Sale – May 23 (10% off for GVCA members)

Guildwood Day Prizes – (free for GVCA members)

Guildwood Day BBQ – June 1 (free for GVCA members)

Please note that your 2019 GVCA card must be presented to receive discounts.

Guildwood Day – James Gilchrist

The 2018 edition of Guildwood Day was again a huge success and Mother Nature cooperated and provided a perfect backdrop back on June 2, 2018.

The planning and running all the various activities takes a village of volunteers. I want to thank the many volunteers from last year’s event including residents, clubs and merchants that had a float in the morning parade. The setup and tear down crews that had early morning starts and had stayed behind after the last hamburger was eaten during the evening BBQ. The running of the games and activities behind Laurier Collegiate required over 100 volunteers including community residents and students.

The 2019 Organizing committee is hard at work for this year event on Saturday June 1, 2019.

The theme of this year’s event is “Anne of Green Guildwood” our local take on Anne of Green Gables.

The story of the independent, flame-topped 11-year-old Anne. Like the original story, that is set on the shores of small community like ours. The story reflects family and community and that’s the spirit we want to bring to this year’s event.

Finally, we are in desperate need of volunteers to help make this year’s event and future year’s events a success. Many of our volunteers have been with us for decades and are looking to retire.

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to me at [email protected] by phone at 647-458-5648.

Communications – Brad Warren

Our communication Team acts as proactive measure to ensure that everyone in Guildwood has the right information in a timely manner. Community based information will be shared and is distributed on several platforms. Our Plan and vision is to communicate and identify goals, for our target audience, key and relevant messaging to keep you informed.

Goals:

1. Increase community engagement by informing members of upcoming events in a timely manner and reinforcing messages communicated in the News & Views and the e-newsletter. 2. Improve awareness of the GVCA’s activities and those of other local non-profit groups, stakeholders and community members. 3. Inform members of important issues in the community and how to become involved or express their opinions.

Types of Content:

There will be three types of content on our communications Assets:

1. Original Content: This content is written or curated by the GVCA communications committee specifically for the FB Page. Examples: Link to the News & Views, original articles, photos; 2. Shared Content: This content is created by Guildwood stakeholders or community groups for their own pages and shared on the FB Page by the communications committee. Examples: Friends of the Guild posts an event, Poplar Road posts about the Strawberry Festival, we share their articles/ event posting; and 3. Public Content: This content is generated by the public, and posted to the FB Page after being approved by the Administrator of the FB Page.

Distribution and Reach Numbers

• Guildwood News & Views: Continues to be our most wide reaching communication asset with over 3000 copies delivered. It separates us from many communities. • Facebook: 464 People Follow us • E-Newsletter: 349 Have subscribed for this communication • Twitter: 361 People Follow • Instagram: 94 People Follow us • Guildwood.on.ca, our website continues to be a great tool for making information materials available to the membership, and to host our event calendar.

Events – Dave Arnold

2018 was a busy year for the events committee and we managed to organize and stage a number of Community Events right here in Guildwood. Most notably the Events Committee did a wonderful job with regards to the 60th anniversary New Year’s Eve Gala and then working closely with our colleagues at the Guild Festival Theatre we put on a very successful fund raising Monte Carlo evening in April of 2018. Also committee members effectively supported, helped organize and/or participated in a number of other community events throughout the year.

In 2019 we are off to a great start having organized our 2nd New Year’s Eve Gala with another great turn out of more than 450 local residents and have a further Monte Carlo evening in the works planned for April 18 at the Guild Inn Estate.

We are also working closely with the folks at the Guild Inn Estate to promote community accessible events in both the Bistro and Banquet facilities. More events like the St. Patrick’s Dinner & Dance as well as special brunches will be planned in the Bistro that will offer discounts to our members.

The world is really our oyster when it comes to possible events to organize for our members that could take place both within and outside of the community. If you have an idea for an event or even better, you are a team player with some organizational skills, time, energy and would like to get involved, please get in touch by emailing; [email protected] .

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Executive Committee and Communications Committee for their continued support of the work of the Committee and also extend our warm and sincere thanks to the following residents who have contributed greatly to the success of the committee’s work; Louise Miskew, Jill Watson, Lucy Veale, Jeff Caldwell, Julia Lakats, John Mason and Jim Whitney. “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in”. ~Author Unknown

Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC)

This committee meets ten times per year and is held at 43 Division of Toronto Police Service. The mission of the CPLC is to establish a meaningful partnership between the community and police by encouraging mutual trust through understanding, shared knowledge and involvement to improve safety and security in the neighbourhood.

Your executive has representatives at each meeting and they raise concerns from villagers for action by the police. We also gain useful tips and hints for crime prevention, awareness of scams and frauds which are passed on to the members by means of an article in the Guildwood News & Views.

The CPLC meetings are open to everyone and are held on the second Thursday of the month at 2:15 pm in the Brigadier Room of 43 Division. There are no meetings in July and August.

Guildwood Village Flag Committee – John Mason

The GVCA unanimously approved the design for the Guildwood Village Flag in 2018. The aim was to reflect the pride residents have in our community since its founding in 1957. The final flag design was refined from more than 150 suggestions and mock-ups. The project was completed by flag subcommittee members: Audrea Douglas, Leslie Heatherington, Jack Henry, John Mason, Marsha Westergaard, Ulrik Westergaard and Jane Whitney.

The flag tells the story of Guildwood Village's past present and future with four stylized images: the white columns from the Guild; the green woods; an outline of an original village bungalow; and the bluffs in silhouette.

The colourful flag is available in three different sizes and can now be ordered on-line through the GVCA website.

UP-COMING EVENTS - SPRING 2019

Tuesday March 19, 7-9pm – GVCA 2019 AGM Location: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Special Presentation – Community Wellness

Saturday March 23, 10am – 4pm – GVCA Membership Sales & Valu Mart Member Appreciation Day Location: Valu Mart Information: Purchase your 2019 GVCA Membership Card In-Store and enjoy 10% off on all in store purchases plus a chance to win prizes

April 13 – May 11 GVCA Membership Drive – Volunteers will be canvassing your street. Purchase your $15 membership at your door or at Maritime Travel, Guildwood Physiotherapy or Moore’s Valu Mart

Thursday April 19, 7:00pm – 11:00pm – Guild Festival Theatre - Monte Carlo Fund Raising Evening Location: Guild Inn Estate Banquet Facility, 201 Guildwood Parkway, Guild Park Information: Information and tickets – www.guildfestivaltheatre.ca Come out and enjoy a fun evening and support the Theatre!

Saturday April 27, 9am – 12pm – Annual Spring Guildwood Clean Up Day Location: Corner of Guildwood Parkway and Livingston Rd. Information: The GVCA’s Annual Clean-up Day is a great opportunity to help remove unwanted garbage from our streets and parks and do something positive for the community and the environment

Wednesday May 15, 5pm – 9:00pm – Sheridan Nurseries GVCA Plant Sale Location: Sheridan Nurseries Ellesmere Location Only - GVCA 2019 Members receive 20% Off Purchases of Regularly Priced Plants * Please ensure you bring your 2019 Membership Card to present at the cash. No in-store membership sales will be available this year.

Thursday May 23, 5pm – 9pm Valu Mart Plant Sale Location: Valu Mart, 123 Guildwood Parkway Information: GVCA Members receive 10% discount

Saturday May 25, 9am to 2pm - Guildwood Garage Sale Day Location: Guildwood Village Information: The Annual Guildwood Garage Sale Day is a bargain hunter’s paradise, so don’t miss it!

Saturday June 1 – All Day – 2019 Guildwood Day Celebrations Locations: Sir Wilfred Laurier & Guild Park Information: This year’s theme is “Anne of Green Gables” and the Guildwood Day Committee has put together a fantastic day of fun family filled activities. Stay tuned for more info!