YMVA Newsletter Website: www.hoggshollow.net

Traffic Safety Reminder By: Leanne Lewis [email protected]

May 2010 Spring is in the air and the valley is once Vol. 70, Issue 2 again in beautiful bloom. Along with the ______great weather come increasing numbers of cyclists, pedestrians and kids playing

outside. We remind motorists to be extra

vigilant at this time of year as the roads Inside this Issue: become increasingly crowded. Moms

Traffic Safety Reminder and Dads are also encouraged to review Traffic Report road safety with their children and to Road Improvement and Stormwater remind younger drivers about safe Management Project Valley Email List neighbourhood driving practices, Development of the Northwest Corner of including coming to a complete stop at Yonge and Wilson/YorkMills stop signs. Valley Partial Parking Lot Conversion to Park and Region Conservation Traffic Report Authority - West Proposed By: Leanne Lewis Channel Maintenance [email protected] Environment and Beautification Crime Watch City of Toronto Transportation Services, NAG Activities responding to a request from the YMVA,

installed a traffic speed monitor on Valley Fair Flyer! Brookfield Road. They reported back to

the YMVA that 85% of motorists were driving very close to or below the speed limit. Although we expressed concern about the 15% that were exceeding the

Editor: Jan Kosick speed limit, we were advised that the city Tel.(416) 481-9799 Email: [email protected] considers 85% compliance to be within an acceptable range and therefore the Valley would not be getting the watch- your-speed trailer until 2011. We will

follow up with Councillor Jenkins’ office

- 1 - to see if t get the trailer into the Valley Email List Valley this year. By: Leanne Lewis [email protected]

Road Improvement and We invite everyone to join the Valley Stormwater Management email list. All emails are kept in the Project strictest confidence and everything is sent By: Leanne Lewis bcc – no other subscriber can see your [email protected] email address and there are no “reply all”

Construction on Donino Avenue, issues. Also, we try to be judicious in Donino Court, MayTree and determining when to send emails so we Plymbridge Road (from east of don’t fill up your In Box unnecessarily. Hillcrest School to MayTree) is Additionally there is a safe and easy expected to start in early summer unsubscribe option at the bottom of each once the tendering process is blast email. completed at the end of May or Being a Valley Email subscriber ensures early June. The delay in timing is that you receive timely updates on related to the need for the city to important issues affecting the Valley. revise water outfall drawings near We also periodically send out friendly the Donino Avenue bridge. These YMVA and Neighbourhood Activity drawings still need to get final Group reminders and updates as-needed. approval from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority We have recently updated our email (TRCA) and the Ministry of the server. We now send our blast emails Environment (MOE) before the through Constant Contact. This has tender can be issued. These enhanced the look of our emails and the drawing changes, which reflect an user friendly service has made things increased scope of work, were much easier for your loyal email scribe. required so that the TRCA’s Due to this server change, some emails channel repairs could be may be sent directly to “junk” that were incorporated into the city’s formerly received in your in box. If you stormwater management work so think you should be on the email list, but that it can all be done in one are not getting emails, please email operation. Leanne at [email protected] and we will ensure that you are on the list. More details will be provided to Similarly if you would like to add your residents by the city when the name to the email list please forward construction start date is your contact information to confirmed. [email protected] .

- 2 - Development of the offices into one building making this location the new TTC headquarters. Northwest Corner of 1,500 employees would work at the new Yonge and Wilson/York headquarters. Build Toronto is pursuing Mills this project since they believe it makes [email protected] financial sense for both the city and the [email protected] TTC. If their application process goes

The potential development of the smoothly, they expect the earliest Toronto-owned northwest corner construction start date would be Summer, of Yonge and Wilson/York Mills 2011.

(4050 ) was first Although this more detailed timeline was mentioned in the May 2009 only recently shared at a small meeting of Newsletter. Responsibility for the stakeholders, the YMVA was cognizant property has now been transferred that the City of Toronto was committed from the city to the newly created to developing the NW corner and had, Build Toronto which is a along with Councillor Cliff Jenkins, corporation whose sole proactively met with City Planners, the shareholder is The City of TTC, The Toronto Parking Authority and Toronto. Build Toronto’s mandate Build Toronto prior to the transference of from Mayor Miller is to engage the property to Build Toronto. This was private and public sector partners done in an effort to remind all parties that in the development of area residents have specific expectations underutilized City real estate to with respect to any future development of unlock the value of the properties, the property including the expectation stimulate job creation in key that zoning, in particular the zoned height sectors and regenerate Toronto's restriction, would be respected, that the neighbourhoods. current quantity of parking would be

Given its advantageous location, maintained, that the rural meets urban the corner of Yonge and Wilson character of the intersection should be was expected to be one of Build respected and reflected in the building Toronto’s highest priority and landscape design, that there should properties for development and, be a commitment to architectural indeed, a development plan is now excellence, high quality building being put together. The client for materials and excellent workmanship and the property in the current proposal that the community would be consulted is the TTC. The intent is to on any development plans. amalgamate various geographically disbursed TTC Councillor Cliff Jenkins has been very helpful throughout this process and

- 3 - thought it prudent to arrange a particular regarding the height and follow up meeting between the density of this 8.5 storey office building. YMVA, the South Build Toronto did imply that they might Resident’s Association, Build be willing to eliminate 1 floor if Toronto, the TTC, the Toronto requested to, a request that would seem to Parking Authority, city planners, be worth making. We were pleased to and Councillor Karen Stintz’s hear that Build Toronto has done a lot of office. This information sharing research and has met with the TRCA, meeting was held on April 29th . Urban Planning, etc before meeting with Councillor Karen Stintz, (Ward 16, Although it wasn’t possible to get Eglinton-Lawrence) 2 months ago to all the parties mentioned above in present this concept. It will be a highly the same room at the same time as energy efficient, green building, originally hoped, the meeting was including a glass solar chimney, 2 attended by Councillor Cliff staggered green roof surfaces and will use Jenkins; Domenic Garisto, Chief LEED glass (Leadership in Energy and Deputy Development Officer, Environmental Design certified glass on TTC; 4 gentlemen from Build the exterior of the building). The design Toronto including Lorne will reduce energy consumption by 40%- Braithwaite, recently appointed 60% over a comparably sized standard President & Chief Exec. Officer build. This will result in lower operating and Don Logie, SVP, costs for the TTC. As noted, this Development. Also in attendance proposed building would become the were Ron Johnson, Board member TTC’s new head office and of the South Armour Heights administration building. It would also Resident’s Association, just north house a TTC museum, coffee shop and west of us and YMVA President, restaurant overlooking the Don Valley Christine Acconcia. Cliff Jenkins’ Golf course. office has contacted the Yonge Ridge Homeowners Association to Among other things, Ron and Christine join future discussions. voiced concerns about reducing parking spaces from 260 to 219 (although it Build Toronto reps spoke about should be noted that TTC employees their building design which will receive TTC passes to encourage use require re-zoning. We were their use of public transit and, apparently, surprised to be told that their they occupy much fewer parking spaces package will be presented to than an equivalent sized corporate Community Council June 23rd for tenant). Christine and Ron also noted that preliminary approval, and that they there would be a need for flexible are applying for variances in evening and weekend parking availability

- 4 - in the garage and that issues a municipal parking lot in order to related to traffic flow (the parking generate revenue to aid in recovering the entrance will be off Wilson) would acquisition costs. Having now recouped need to be addressed including the these costs, Council adopted a staff need for a drop-off area for recommendation earlier this year, to commuters on the north west side convert the easterly portion of the of Wilson. Of course, concerns Toronto Parking Authority Lot back into related to building height were also green space. Studies were also conducted expressed. to ensure that removal of any parking spaces would not have an impact on A number of details and commuter parking in this area. clarifications are still required. Further information will be shared On April 21, the City Parks staff as it is available and when Build presented a park concept design, which Toronto sets up a Community has been developed in consultation with Consultation meeting sometime in the York Mills Valley Association. The June. We will let you know the new park will become an extension of the meeting details once we have that existing York Mills Park and will consist information. of a sitting area – A Miller’s Cottage ruin – in recognition of the Grist Mill cottages York Mills Valley Partial that once dotted the West Don River. Parking Lot Conversion Around the ruin will be perennial wildflower plantings, which will create a to Park wildflower meadow. There will also be By: Louise Sugar [email protected] native groundcover and tree plantings.

Valley Contact: The park will have a connecting pathway, Louise Sugar (416) 483-6614 which will run through the ruin. The park will be well lit with pedestrian lighting Valley Park Committee: for safe illumination. Interpretive signage Christine Acconcia, Pinky Franklin, will highlight the history of the valley as Susanne Holland, Leanne Lewis, an historical center of commerce, as well David Payne, Louise Sugar as its current role as a migratory path for In 1997, the former City of North birds and animals. York Council approved the acquisition of the Jolly Miller The City has retained the consulting property, located at 3885 Yonge Landscape Architecture Firm of Marton Street and the development of the Smith Landscape Architects. In northern portion of this property as partnership with the City Parks, Forestry, Toronto Parking Authority, Marton Smith

- 5 - will complete detailed design drawings . The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) retained Stantec Construction of the new park is Consulting Ltd. to complete a hydraulic scheduled for the fall of 2010. assessment and channel maintenance Further information regarding the study for the West Don River from final park plans and schedule for Yonge Street to a point approximately 1.7 construction will be communicated km downstream at Knightswood Road in the coming months. A (Study Area). The intent of this study was volunteer “community planting” to develop an understanding of the will also be a part of the new park existing flood conveyance capacity of the plan and will be communicated by channel through the Study Area, assess the YMVA committee in the the structural and geotechnical integrity coming months. of various hydraulic structures and channel lining materials, characterize the existing natural heritage system (aquatic Toronto And Region and terrestrial), and to identify opportunities to restore capacity with the Conservation Authority intent of reducing flood risk to the West Don River - adjacent residential community. Proposed Channel Maintenance Study Status (Yonge Street To Knightswood Road) The required field assessments have been By: Louise Sugar completed and a channel maintenance [email protected] strategy has been developed for the Study

Area. The maintenance plan will Background generally include the removal of

The West Don River, which runs accumulated sediment, woody vegetation, through the Hogg’s Hollow and debris from within the channel Valley, has not been cleared of throughout the Study Area. In addition, sediment and brush in both the the maintenance plan will also include riverbed and along the banks, in spot repairs to the existing concrete over 15 years. Given that most of channel lining between Yonge Street and the Valley is in the flood plain of Donino Avenue, repair to the concrete the river, the City must ensure that drop structure at Donino Avenue, and the river is cleared of all major replacement of several concrete panels obstructions, in the event of a just downstream of Yonge Street. major, “50 to 100 year” flood.

- 6 - On April 28, The TRCA and Project Manager Stantec Consulting Ltd. 300 – Stantec presented the results of this 675 Cochrane Drive study and outlined the proposed Markham, ON L3R 0B8 Phone:(905) 944-6870 maintenance plans and anticipated Fax: (905) 474-9889 maintenance schedule. The project Email: [email protected] will look at the 3 “reaches” or sections of the West Don River, in our neighbourhood. Reach 1 runs Environment and north from Mill Street to Yonge Beautification Street. Reach 2 runs south from By: Christine Acconcia [email protected] Mill Street to Donino and Reach 3 runs from Donino to the Rosedale Our Community Clean Up on April 24th Golf Course. was better than ever! More than 30 neighbours came out to pick up after the TRCA plans on initiating Phase 1 winter thaw and paint over graffiti. of a 5-phase maintenance plan in Young, old, very young, dogs…they all the fall of 2010, with subsequent chipped in. The following week, dog phases happening over a 4 to 5 owners walking their usual routes year period. Work will not be commented on how clean the parks were conducted between Mid March and how lovely our neighbourhood and the beginning of July, a period looked. Particular effort was put into of fish spawning and migratory weeding the Millstone Parkette this year. bird nesting. If anyone knows of any teens requiring community hours, please contact me Information because there is more weeding to do before we can plant some flowering Valley Contact: Louise Sugar (416) annuals. Thanks again to all those who 483-6614 came out !

City Official Information Get a Free Tree in Front of Your requests or questions may be Home! directed to:

Mr. Nick Lorrain Water Resources Just a reminder: Urban Forestry Services Analyst Toronto and Region plants trees on City owned street Conservation Authority 5 Shoreham allowances fronting residential properties Drive , M3N 1S4 for free. For more information go to: Phone:(416) 661-6600, ext. 5336 http://www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/FreeTree_Final.pdf Fax (416) 661-6898 to download The City’s residential street Email: [email protected] tree planting brochure or call (416) 338- Mr. Tim Gallagher, M.Sc., P.Eng., P.E. TREE (8733). For an additional fee

- 7 - residents can order a larger tree. N.A.G. The City will provide advice on (Neighbourhood Activities Group) tree choice. Even if you have a mature tree on your front lawn, Chris Rosenthal 482-6666 [email protected] The City suggest that residents Erin Nella 485-1858 order a young tree that can get [email protected] growing so it will make a nice, full replacement tree if something As of June, Christine Rosenthal and Erin Nella happens to the older tree. Check will be stepping down as NAG co-chairs. If you are interested in taking on this role, please out the Environment and contact either Chris or Erin directly. Thanks so Beautification tab on our website much! for more: **Please remember to check the notice boards http://hoggshollow.net/beautification.ht to confirm times and locations! ml EMPTY NESTER’S TEA:

Crime Watch Valley Empty Nesters are invited to a relaxing By: Penny O’Rourke get-together with neighbours while enjoying [email protected] traditional afternoon tea. Please RSVP to Leanne by Friday, May 14 at 12.00 noon.

There was not one valley incident th reported to me either through the Date: Sunday, May 16 Location: 113 Donwoods Drive valley or the police. That makes Time: 1:00pm to 3:30 pm two months in a row with nothing Contact: Leanne Lewis @ 485-0959 or to report -- a good thing. [email protected]

Just a reminder that you should FAMILY FUN DAY: leave car doors locked, lights on at It’s hard to believe, but summer will soon be night on the front/back porch and here – honest! Come on out to celebrate the do not leave ladders in places return of green with your friends who have been where intruders could take hibernating all winter. We have a fun-filled advantage of them to enter homes. family oriented day planned, so come on down! This has happened in the valley in Look for details on the notice board. the past. Date: Saturday May 15th Location: the park with the playground Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Contact: Albina Huang @ 488-7248 SALVATION ARMY AND CHILDREN’S BOOK BANK DONATION DRIVE:

- 8 - In lieu of a garage sale this year, we are VALLEY FAIR: holding a Hogg’s Hollow Donation Drive to benefit the Children’s Book Date: Saturday, June 5th Bank and the Salvation Army Thrift Store in . After last year's success with Hogg's Hollow This event will be held in conjunction Idol, we decided to continue with the theme of with the Family Fun Day on Saturday Talent Competition. This year's theme is Hogg's May 15th. Hollow's Got Talent! The Valley Fair is a very special day for our We ask that you please bring all your neighbourhood and heavily reliant upon gently used donations, including books, donations from all of us. To make the Fair a toys, clothing, household items and continued success, we need your help in furniture to the drop off point at the park securing donated auction items and sponsorship. entrance (on Donino Avenue) on May Please contact Karina von Stedingk @ th 15 between 12:30pm and 2pm. We [email protected] if you can help. will then transport all collected items down to the charities. WELCOMING COMMITTEE:

Please note that the Salvation Army This committee is headed by Susanne Holland Thrift Store does not accept baby (485-2218) and Trudy Young (481-6905) and furniture or equipment; or large exists to help new neighbours make a smooth appliances (i.e. stoves or fridges). All transition into Valley life and all it entails. books for children ages 2-12 will be donated to the Children’s Book Bank. Please feel free to call either of them at the We are looking forward to seeing you all above listed numbers, or call your street out at Family Fun Day. And remember - representative directly if you have any questions please bring your gently used items for or concerns about Valley goings on: donation! Brookfield Rd: Christine Acconcia Date: Saturday May 15th 480-0623 Location: park entrance on Donino Ave. Campbell Cres: Morag Fitzgerald Time: 12:30pm to 2:00 pm 485-3320 Contact: Erin Nella @ 485-1858 or [email protected] Donino Ave: Dale Hewat 487-1039 Donino Ct: Dale Hewat POSTER PARTY: Donwoods Dr (flat section): Trudy Young 481- 6905 Bring your budding Picasso and Da Donwoods Grove: Pam Spence 322-0037 Vinci and create beautiful artwork Green Valley Rd: Louise Sugar 483-6614 advertising our annual Valley Fair. The Ivor Road: Kelly Alkier 486-1200 more artwork plastered around the Knightswood Rd: Susanne Holland Valley the better – so come on out! 485-2218 May Tree Rd: Helen Wong 489-8258 th Date: Sunday May 16 Plymbridge Cres: Louise Sugar 483-6614 Location: 8 Winton Rd Plymbridge Rd: Louise Sugar Time: 1:00 pm St. Margaret’s Dr: Lynn Richardson Contact: Alanna La Gamba @ 486- 322-7918 2102

- 9 - Winton Rd: Brett LaGamba 486-2102 June 16th (9:30 am – location tba): York Valley Cres: Helen Wong 489- Why Gender Matters - by Leonard Sax. 8258 Hedgewood Rd: Laura Pryde 488-0218 It is full of interesting topics, factual but also an easy and enjoyable book to read. It will POSTERS: definitely make you pause and re-consider how girls and boys react to the same situation Thank you so much to Albina Huang differently. and her family for the wonderful posters this year. We are looking for a volunteer Please contact Perry at [email protected] to take over this position starting in the or 416 433 3871 if you have any questions. Fall. Please contact either Christine Rosenthal @ [email protected] or Erin Nella @ [email protected] if you would like to volunteer!

VALLEY BOOK CLUB:

CALLING ALL VALLEY READERS – 2 BOOK CLUB MEETINGS LEFT:

Please join us for a morning of coffee/tea and a discussion about a book. We are very relaxed, and invite all neighbours, even if you haven’t read the book – often the topic is so wide- reaching, you can participate in the discussion whether or not you have completed the book. We meet the 3rd Wednesday of each Month (September – June), and rotate moderators and hosts. The books for the remainder of the year are as follows:

May 19th (9:30 am – location tba): Little Bee - by Chris Cleave

All you should know going in to Little Bee is that what happens on the beach is brutal, and that it braids the fates of a 16- year-old Nigerian orphan (who calls herself Little Bee) and a well-off British couple--journalists trying to repair their strained marriage with a free holiday-- who should have stayed behind their resort's walls.

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