Councillor Councillor
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Councillor Councillor
Councillor Gord Perks Spring 2015 Gord Perks City Councillor Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park OFFICE STAFF Karen Duffy Executive Assistant Meri Newton Executive Assistant Clive Scott Constituency Assistant Lucas Costello Constituency Assistant TORONTO CITY HALL OFFICE 100 Queen Street West 2nd Floor, Suite A14 Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 T: 416.392.7919 F: 416.392.0398 E: [email protected] CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Parkdale Public Library 1303 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6K 1L6 Fridays only 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Call 416.392.7919 for an appointment Sign up, for my weekly email updates @ www.gordperks.ca Ward 14 • Parkdale - High Park Friends, With the election well behind us, the new Mayor and Council have settled in and are hard at work. After the distractions of the last four years this is a tremendous relief. City issues, large and small, long overdue for attention, are finally being discussed frankly and openly. Some of our bigger challenges include: attention to our transportation infrastructure; housing affordability; a critical need for more childcare spaces; protecting and expanding our green/ recreation space; and public finance. Locally, these issues play out in all kinds of important conversations, and sometimes in strong debates. More and more often conversations in Ward 14 turn to transportation. We have the highest rate of transit ridership in the City at 44% of all trips. Another 16% of trips are walking/cycling. Simply put we need to allocate more of our scarce street space to these modes. Meanwhile, many of our residential streets are overwhelmed by car traffic. I have been working on an initiative to reduce traffic speeds on neighbourhood streets City-wide. Affordable housing is a constant concern for Ward 14 residents. We are losing privately-owned affordable housing apartment units in Parkdale-High Park and housing for people in middle income groups is becoming harder to find. New tenant associations are appearing. Community groups and neighbours are volunteering to look for new models to secure affordable social housing. Underlying all of this is the need to invest both in the public housing we already have and the need to build more. Just as critical is the need for affordable child care. I've managed to secure some funding for building new daycare space in the ward. As a City we need to fund more affordable quality child care spaces. The expansion and enhancement of green space and recreation programs continues in Ward 14. The Sorauren Town Square moves into phase two. Two parks are getting major renovations and a new park at King and Dufferin will open this year. Common to all of these issues is a deep problem in City finance. As the Federal and Provincial governments cut costs by downloading housing and transit costs, and drag their feet on issues like daycare, we in Toronto face a stark choice. We can step up and contribute or allow problems to worsen. The conversations will range from increased property taxes to other revenue tools, like an income tax or sales tax. These will be lively issues over this term. I hope you will be part of the conversation around them, and as always, I want to hear what you think. Gord @gordperks 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • www.gordperks.ca COUNCILLOR GORD PERKS • WARD 14 PARKDALE – HIGH PARK Growing Green Spaces in Ward 14 West Queen West Planning Study Here is a snap shot of recent improvements and additions to the parks and green spaces in the ward G1 Tree Canopy – tree replanting – EAB King – Dufferin Park Expansion Update There are plans to replace these trees. The City is dealing with a back-log as many trees were damaged and / or lost during the ice-storm of December 2013. Three community meetings have already taken place about the park in which individuals were able to discuss their vision for the park. G2 Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden As you may recall, this this project was brought about through the joint partnerships of local residents and the Roncesvalles Village BIA to commemorate the local connections to the events of the War of 1812 while beautifying the corner of Dundas and Roncesvalles. G3 Dundas – Watkinson Parkette Dundas-Watkinson Parkette was scheduled for improvements through the 2015 Parks Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget. After the first meeting, members of the community voiced that they would like to see a more passive and naturalized parkette. Park improvements will be completed in the fall. G4 Albert Crosland Parkette Another park that is receiving an upgrade in our ward is the Albert Crosland Parkette. These improvements include: playground upgrades with protective surfacing, junior play equipment, edge treatment, at grade accessible paving, and proper drainage. There will be a new protective play surface at the swings location. Improvements will also include the removal and replacement of broken and uneven concrete paving and unit pavers with new paving throughout park. The drinking fountain will be replaced by a water bottle filling station. D2 G3 There have been many trees that have been removed in the ward because of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) or because of irreversible decline. The City approved the acquisition of 248-250 Dufferin Street for parkland. Attaining these properties will allow the City to increase the green space in this area. The park will feature an open green space, armour stone amphitheatre, armour stone seat wall, Salvation Army Dedication Plaque, concrete stage, new metal trellis, and benches placed throughout. The portion of Queen Street West between Bathurst Street and Roncesvalles Avenue is experiencing increasing pres sure for redevelopment. The community has raised concerns regarding the loss of buildings with heritage attributes, transit capacity, insufficient parking, and protecting the character of the street. This planning study will focus on the character of the street and how to plan for new development that complements the built form and heritage attributes. Transit capacity and parking supply will also be reviewed. The study will involve public consultation to clarify what defines the street character and to develop a community vision for the future. G5 Sorauren Park Town Square In Summer 2014 a community celebration took place to mark the opening of the new Sorauren Park Town Square; phase 1 of the Wabash Building Society in conjunction with the City. G6 D1 This town square will be the new home of the Sorauren Farmers market among other community events. G2 G6 Dorval Gardens Community Garden – Spring 2015 As part of the Keele yard retrofit and structural rehabilitation project, the Dorval Community Garden was impacted. However, in consultation with the West Bend Residents Association and the Bloor by the Park BIA, the garden will be restored and enhanced so that the community can continue enjoying the area this summer. The area will include new plantings and an open space with rockery and paving stones. Pedestrians will still be able to view subway operations from the street level above; something children in the community have enjoyed for years. The bench and memorial plaques will also be restored. The Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning have begun to: 1. Undertake a review of the policy context, built-form and heritage value of the properties on Queen Street West, between Bathurst Street and Roncesvalles Avenue. 2. Consult Transportation Services, the Toronto Transit Commission, and the Toronto Parking Authority to address concerns related to transit capacity and parking in the vicinity of the study area. 3. Consult with the community, including residents and other stakeholder groups, together with the Ward Councillors, to understand what defines the character of the street and D10 D1 2376 Dundas Street West north of Bloor Street West D3 G5 D4 C1 G7 Beaty Parkette & Masaryk Park The OMB has approved an 8-storey mid-rise building along Dundas Street West with a 23-storey component at the rear of the site. Construction is C2 underway. D8 G4 G7 G7 Fermanagh Contra-flow Planned Construction for the Dowling Ave. and Dunn Ave. Bridges In September 2014, the Fermanagh Contra-flow lanes were installed. Contra-flow on Fermanagh Avenue was developed as part of the City of Toronto’s 2008 planning exercise to improve cycling in Toronto’s west end. C2 Lansdowne Ave Bike Lanes In Fall 2014 bike lanes were installed at the Lansdowne Ave underpass to improve safety for cyclists. In the fall of 2015, the City of Toronto will move forward with plans to remove and replace the Dowling Avenue and Dunn Avenue bridges over the Metrolinx/GO Transit Rail Corridor. Both of these bridges are more than 100-years old and nearing the end of their useful service life. The bridges will be replaced with temporary bridges while the City undertakes an Environmental Assessment (EA) to determine the appropriate permanent solution for each bridge. For more information: http://bit.ly/WQWplanning For more information: http://bit.ly/stARTtoronto D7 2803 Dundas Street West at Indian Grove 422-430 Roncesvalles & 76 Howard Park Ave A 7-storey, mixed-use building, containing retail uses at grade, and a total of 109 residential units is under construction. Following a community pre-application meeting in April, the developer has asked for some time to review their 8-storey residential proposal against the comments that they heard at the meeting before formally submitting their application to the city. . 383 Sorauren Avenue south of Dundas A 10-storey residential building, consisting of 145 units is under construction. 35 Wabash D9 D9 G1 While we are still in the early stages of the project, residents can expect to hear more about the projects at upcoming Public Meetings that will be held this summer. Residents will also be informed through notices and consultations that are part of the Environmental Assessment. G 1205 Queen St West D6 Legend D D5 An 8-storey condominium building has been built. C3 C Developments Greening Construction Spaces Projects 1624 Queen St West D4 Following a community pre-application meeting, the developer has advised that they are in the process of modifying their plans for a 4 storey residential building before formally submitting their application to the city. There will be a D5 Statutory Public meeting once the application is filed with the city. C3 D8 Toronto Parking Authority continues to move ahead with their plans for a 37–space car park (at Callender Street). Expected completion date is early fall, 2015. Ongoing Projects & Cycling Improvements in Ward 14 The temporary bridge at Dowling Ave. will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The temporary bridge at Dunn Ave. will accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. 4. Report back on the findings of the review and provide recommendations for changes, if necessary, to the planning framework for the study area. Funding was made available to each City of Toronto Police Division to cover the budget for material costs to create art murals in areas that were visible from public spaces. Mural art is an effective means of deterring graffiti vandalism. D2 Construction Projects in Ward 14 C3 develop a vision for future development. D3 New benches were installed for residents to enjoy. C1 Residents of Columbus, Sorauren and Parkway Avenues had the opportunity to participate in a mural project to beautify their garage doors and help address the ongoing issue of graffiti vandalism in the neighbourhood. Development Updates in Ward 14 D7 D6 This project should be completed in the fall. Community Art Initiatives Columbus Parkette Murals 20-66 Howard Park Ave Two residential buildings, 8-storeys in height with a total of 177 units. Development of the first building is near completion. 1100 King St. West A development of two mixed-use buildings comprised of four levels of underground parking, including 746 vehicle parking spaces, non-residential uses at the ground, 2nd, and part of the 3rd floors, and a total of 511 residential units is currently being constructed. A new bike path situated adjacent to the rail corridor north of the building is proposed to connect Joe Shuster Way to Liberty Village. D10 421 Roncesvalles A community pre-application meeting in July, 2014, was an opportunity for developer to hear from community members on a 10-storey commercial proposal before formally submitting application to the City. At the time of this newsletter going to print, there has been no application filed with City Planning. If the application moves forward, there will be a Statutory Community Meeting. The city will also require a Placard to be posted on the site with the details of the application. Sign up for Councillor Perks' e-newsletter at gordperks.ca for updates on this current application. 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • www.gordperks.ca 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • www.gordperks.ca Pan Am and Para Pan Am Games The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games; they are only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. On certain days this summer, temporary road closures are expected for Ward 14 and various parts of the city. The road closures will support various Pan Am Games road events. I have been working with Pan Am Games officials as well as City of Toronto designated staff to ensure the traffic impacts are kept at a minimum. Maps of the various road race events in the Lakeshore / High Park / Exhibition Place area and a detailed list of day-by-day road opening and closure times for roadways affected by the road race events can be viewed on TO2015’s website at: http://bit.ly/PanAm15 Gord meeting with the Toronto Grassroots Youth Collective. Gord with Cheri DiNovo, Parkdale Tenants Association, Peggy Nash at the Ward 14 Tenant Townhall Ward 14 Resident Associations: Gord with the Parkdale Intercultural Association and founder Rita Cox. Councillor Perks & Councillor Doucette 2015 Budget Townhall Ward 14 Business Improvement Areas: High Park Residents’ Association (416) 570-4959 highparkra.org Bloor by the Park BIA – bloorbythepark. com [email protected] Parkdale Residents’ Association (416) 533-0044 parkdale.to Liberty Village BIA – LVBIA.com (416) 516-1723 The Junction BIA – thejunctionbia.ca (416) 767-9068 [email protected] (416) 536-6918 [email protected] (416) 537-2701 [email protected] Roncesvalles-Macdonnell Residents’ Association rmra-to.org Sunnyside Community Association (416) 533-3830 Parkdale Village BIA – parkdalevillagebia.com West Bend Community Association (416) 766-5509 thewestbend.ca Roncesvalles Village BIA – roncesvallesvillage.ca Friends Of Parks Join your neighbours at one of these Friends of Parks groups, or contact my office for assistance in starting a 'friends of ' group for your local park. 'Friends of Parks' works with City staff and other local organizations and businesses, to improve park conditions and helps create safe, attractive and enjoyable programs. Friends of Masaryk Park masarykfriends.com [email protected] Friends of Charles G. Williams Park [email protected] Gord currently sits on the Parks and Environment Committee, Chair Subcommittee on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Tenant Issues Committee, Tribunal Nominating Panel, Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board of Directors, Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance and Greater Toronto Area Agricultural Action committee. 100 Queen Street West, Suite A14 Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 Ph: 416-392-7919 [email protected] Friends of Watkinson Parkette http://watkinson.ourpark.ca Fridays from 9:30am - 12:30pm e-Updates: GordPerks.ca Facebook.com/Gord.Perks Twitter.com/GordPerks Call 211 for information and referral to social services in Toronto. City Hall Office: Friends of Ritchie Parkette ritchieparkette.blogspot.ca Stay Connected with the most up-to-date information on what’s happening in Ward 14 by subscribing to Gord’s e-Updates, the Park Post. Frequently called numbers: Call 311 for information and referral to city services in Toronto. Constituency Office: 1303 Queen Street West - Parkdale Public Library, Meeting Room B Tájékoztatás és átirányítás Torontó város szociális intézményeihez. Call 416-392-7919 to make an appointment. Toronto Public Library (416) 393-7131 TTC Customer Service (416) 393-3030 TTC Schedules (416) 393-INFO Police 11 Division (416) 808-1100 Police 14 Division (416) 808-1400 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • www.gordperks.ca Pan Am & Parapan Am Road Closures in High Park Area – July 18, July 24 – 25, August 7 – 8 STREET HIGH PARK FROM TO Friday July 10 DIRECTION TIME Saturday July 11 DIRECTION TIME Sunday July 12 DIRECTION TIME Saturday July 18 DIRECTION TIME Friday July 24 DIRECTION TIME Saturday July 25 DIRECTION TIME Friday August 7 DIRECTION TIME Saturday August 8 DIRECTION TIME High Park Blvd Parkside Dr Spring Rd All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 18:00 Centre Rd High Park Blvd Colborne Lodge Dr All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 18:00 West Rd All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 18:00 All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 18:00 Colborne Lodge Dr Centre Rd West Rd Colborne Lodge Rd Centre Rd Legend: E► = Eastbound Lanes Closed, ◄W = Westbound Lanes Closed, S▼ = Southbound Lanes Closed For any PanAm or Parapan Am related questions, please contact: [email protected] 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • www.gordperks.ca Pan Am & Parapan Am Road Closures in Parkdale – July 10, 11, 12 & 18 – 19, July 24 – 25, August 7 – 8 STREET PARKDALE FROM TO Friday July 10 Saturday July 11 Sunday July 12 Saturday July 18 DIRECTION – TIME DIRECTION – TIME DIRECTION – TIME DIRECTION – TIME Lakeshore Blvd New Brunswick Dr British Columbia Rd E► 22:00 - 23:59 E►00:01 - 23:59 E► 00:01 - 14:00 Lakeshore Blvd British Columbia Rd Dowling Ave E► 01:00 - 14:00 E► 01:00 - 14:00 Sunday July 19 DIRECTION – TIME Friday July 24 DIRECTION – TIME Saturday July 25 DIRECTION – TIME Sunday July 26 DIRECTION – TIME Friday August 7 DIRECTION – TIME Saturday August 8 DIRECTION – TIME E► 01:00 - 18:00 Lakeshore Blvd Strachan Ave Dowling Ave Lakeshore Blvd Jameson Ave Parkside Dr Lakeshore Blvd Strachan Ave Parkside Dr Lakeshore Blvd Strachan Ave British Columbia Rd Parkside Dr Lakeshore Blvd High Park Blvd All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 18:00 Parkside Dr High Park Blvd Bloor St S▼ 01:00 - 14:00 S▼ 10:00 - 15:00 S▼ 01:00 - 22:00 S▼ 10:00 - 15:00 S▼ 01:00 - 18:00 ◄W 01:00 - 22:00 ◄W 10:00 - 15:00 ◄W 01:00 - 14:00 ◄W 01:00 - 14:00 E► 01:00 - 14:00 E► 10:00 - 15:00 E► 1:00 - 12:00 ◄W 01:00 - 14:00 ◄W 10:00 - 15:00 ◄W 1:00 - 12:00 E► 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 12:00 - 22:00 All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 01:00 - 14:00 The Queensway Glendale Ave Ellis Ave ◄W 10:00 - 15:00 Ellis Ave The Queensway Morningside Ave All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 09:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 03:00 - 16:00 Ellis Park Rd Ellis Ave Bloor St All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 09:00 - 22:00 All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 03:00 - 16:00 Olympus Ave Ellis Park Rd Harcroft Rd All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 All lanes 09:00 - 22:00 Bloor St Kennedy Ave Keele St All lanes 10:00 - 15:00 E► 1:00 - 22:00 E► 10:00 - 15:00 E► 01:00 - 18:00 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • www.gordperks.ca