Thanks to the many thoughtful and articulate questioners, to the four invited candidates (Conservative, Green, Liberal, NDP), who had the difficult task of conveying complex concepts during the brief 1 minute we allotted for their answers, and to the Christian Heritage Party candidate who deftly attempted to answer nearly all the evening’s questions in his one-minute closing statement.

Thanks as well to the many enthusiastic volunteers who helped us to distribute leaflets and publicize the meeting.

The full slate of candidates for Parkdale High Park is:

Andrew Borkowski (Christian Heritage Party of Canada)
Lorne Gershuny (Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada)
Gerard Kennedy (Liberal Party of Canada)
Peggy Nash (New Democratic Party)
Terry Parker (Marijuana Party)
Robert Rishchynski (Green Party of Canada)
Jilian Saweczko (Conservative Party of Canada)

See Elections Canada if you have any questions about the October 14 election.

Keesmat gave an overview of the virtues and vulnerabilities of the Bloor West Village, based on the B.W.V. Urban Design Study which she co-authored in 2005. She reminded residents of how lucky we are: “You, in fact, have something here that is the envy of the nation. This is what other areas are trying to duplicate: it’s pedestrian-oriented, transit-oriented and allows small retail to flourish.”

Hume, who toured the Village with the BWVRA two weeks earlier, had a different take. “The sidewalks are in appalling condition and I don’t think there is one planter that is not empty. That medical building near Jane is an abomination.” The neighbourhood works, says Hume, despite of all the indignities that it has sufferred.

Keesmat advised residents to use the Urban Design Study to build a consensus “vision” of what we want the Village to become. “So, when a new development application comes forward the community could say ‘we have a vision. This is what we’d like in our community,’” she said. Keesmat is currently working in the Annex on a similar plan involving a wide range of stakeholders. The impetus for that was the approval of a hugely controversial 32 story condo across from Varsity Stadium. The idea is to be ready: “You have a chance to get out ahead of the curve. Changes will come and you want development” she told one resident who complained about the long-vacant lot at Bloor and Harcroft Road.

“You can shout and scream and no one’s listening”, said Hume. “I have no faith in planners, the city planning department, no faith in our politicians, in city government.” So, he urged people to take direct action, and on this Hume and Keesmat found common ground. Hume says residents have to do an end run around Toronto’s hap-hazard and adversarial system of property development. Go for the “win-win”, he urged. Both he and Keesmat said that means talking to the owners where re-development is most likely to occurr: the No Frills, the Turner & Porter Funeral Home, the Humber Odeon and connected buildings; the Old Mill Pontiac car dealership. “Developers don’t want to go to the OMB”, Keesmat insisted, and she described how stakeholders across the board in the Annex are now trying to work together to avoid another nasty confrontation.

Both agreed that a new opportunity may be in the offing at the corner of Bloor and Jane where the future of the old Humber Odeon and the remainder of the block are in flux. If this is to become a “gateway” to the Village and to the rest of Toronto and envisoned in the BWV Study, then Hume and Keesmat said all the stakeholders should be brought together to develop a plan that takes in the whole block.

Where things stand:

- The B.W.V. Urban Design Study is a policy guideline but not law. Councillor Bill Saundercook recently asked the Planning Department to prepare it for more formal adoption.
It was comissioned in 2005 in response to the Humber Odeon condo proposal condo proposal. While there was community input, it requires broader community discussion and possible updates. A copy of the Study can be viewed on this site under Links at the right of the home page.

- The Humber Odeon’s redevelopment as a 10-storey condo is in limbo. The owner (the Wynn family) won approval for the building over considerable local opposition, but never applied for a building permit. The Odeon and the remainder of the buildings on the block have apparently been bought by a single owner whose identity and plans are unknown. The car dealership to the west on Bloor will also change. It is appaently to close in 2009. Taken together these raise the possibility of a more comprehensive plan for a “gateway” as described in the Urban Design Study.

The crowd and the discussion were lively! Questions came from the audience (asked in writing and in person), with questioners chosen by lottery.

The written questions that were not drawn were later submitted to the Ward 13 Council candidates, several of whom replied. Their replies on issues ranging from the Humber Odeon project, to bikes and Kyoto are below.

Remember to vote on November 13th!

1. Question from Mark:
“In light of city council’s approval of the condominium
building now planned for the site of the old Humber Odeon cinema, it strikes me that so long as a developer has, in Bill Saundercook’s words, “cooperative and continuous dialogue with residents,” the developer is guaranteed, in the end, to get what they want, or at least a fair portion of it. What would you do, if elected, to ensure that developers are never again able to circumvent the official plan, and to make them settle in such
cases with the simple answer ‘No’?”

Answer from Councillor Saundercook
“Mark ; I have explained that if you can predict a positive report from the City planner (Ed Murphy) as was the case here, you must work with all involved. The developer first requested 18 floors in an ugly box. I believe the community involvement was very meaningful. Unfortunately, I was unable to support the proposal as the community requested me to represent them. The community Council supported me and turned down the application, but the city Council overturned that decision based on arguements supporting the new City Official Plan.”

Greg Hamara response:
Along with Steve McNally, I have been very much involved with the question of how to deal with the Humber Odeon. The Bloor West Village community is getting a building almost nobody wanted on the site of the old Humber Odeon theatre. The lack of leadership on the current councillor’s part allowed this to happen. Through extensive community consultation, and following the official plan, we can hold developers to respect the community’s priorities and create development that everyone can be proud of.

Answer from Aleksander Oniszczak:
I would ensure that “NO” means “NO”. If the residents don’t approve, that is what matters. As councillor, I serve the constituents and don’t accept donations from corporate interests. Also, for those with interests in a topic but cannot attend a meeting, my cell phone number is posted quite publicly on my website and here: 416-831-6747. Call me and tell me what you think. My website will have updates on meetings at Oniszczak.com and you can post your ideas and views at vividpicture.com at any time of the day or night for all to see including myself your friends and neighbours. I have every intention of doing everything I can to get the community involved because we all live here together and I want to live in a great community where everyone has their say.

Reply from Frances Wdowczyk:
Mark; The official city plan needs to be promoted loud and clear to developers and residents alike and it needs to be enforced. This is true in the case of small individual homes and in large condo developments. The unique flavour of our neighbourhoods depend on growth that reflect the positive elements of the community and builds on it. We also need to have consequences for developers who do not follow the rules. This may be more an issue for smaller developments in our communities (single homes etc) but it is equally important to our neighbourhoods. If developers are not going to follow the rules of the plan or the rules of council then why should they be allowed to develop in the city?

Answer from Linda Coltman
Not having been at this meeting, I am unsure of whose plan you are speaking of, the City planner versus a local organization. But allow me to say that as Toronto grows, the greater the need of diversified housing and creative management of space should be taken into consideration by all parties.

2. Question from Christie:
“If elected, will you move a motion to rescind the Palais
Royale parking lot which is threatening to blight our precious greenspace on the Lakeshore?”

Answer from Councillor Saundercook:
“The Palais Royale has a contract with the City that requires they provide parking. The local Councillor Sylvia Watson has worked with city staff and proponents to find the best solution. I will work with the new Councillor elected in ward 14, if the Councillor is acting in a responsible way without negatively impacting my constituency.

Greg Hamara response:
Yes, and make sure that the Waterfront Usage Study is completed and followed.

Answer Aleksander Oniszczak:
“I certainly would! The last thing the Lakeshore needs is to have more of it paved over.”

Response from Frances Wdowczyk:
Hi Christie: I would work with the Councillor and Community in Ward 14 to be sure that the waterfront was protected. Our waterfront needs to be protected here on the west end of the city and it needs to start with this issue.

Answer from Linda Coltman:
As noted by our Federal government in during discussions of the Oak Ridge Morraine, parks, green spaces, natural environments etc. should be preserved but with the recognition that if no one ever gets to see them, investigate, document, photograph them etc. how do you know such are there? Our city has in place plans to eventually coordinate all lakefront areas into becoming one continuous green space/park like setting. How do you suggest best to see the wonders of this green space – while driving by from the Queensway or Lakeshore and do you believe rolling down the vehicle’s windows and smelling the fish while passing is enough?

3. Question from Stan:
“The riding of bicycles on sidewalks is a danger to pedestrians. They are a menace and could (do) cause injury (or theft of purses) from unsuspectingl walkers. Why not decal (paint) “no riding on sidewalks” signs at all intersections?”

Answer from Councillor Saundercook:
“Stan ; We spoke at your home and at the meeting wednesday and I agree completely that we have to first of all, make our bicycle lanes more functional. Then, we can post penalties for those who don’t seem to care about the safety of pedestrians. I would be happy, if re-elected, to bring this issue to the Pesdestrian Committee(of which I have been the only Council member) as well as the Cycling Committee to produce enforceable legislation to protect the public on their public space.”

Greg Hamara Response: I agree that riding bicycles on sidewalks is inappropriate and unsafe. Painting no-cycling signs on the sidewalk may be a solution, but I think better enforcement of traffic laws is also needed. The signage will only help in the enforcement, not the prevention. Prevention can be addressed in the form of education and advertising.

Answer from Aleksander Oniszczak:
“I agree that bicycles on sidewalks are a danger. I have a solution to the problem. It is a simple, but elegant modification to bicycle lanes to match the successful style of those found in Amsterdam (as seen on my website at Oniszczak.com) The idea is simple: instead of a bike lane being a painted line on a road, it is raised to the same level as the sidewalk – keeping bikes separated from motor vehicles. In my conversation with Mayor Miller, he indicated he liked the idea and that the plan sounded feasible with little to no cost as the lanes would be changed only as sidewalks and roadwork was replaced. These implementations would reduce road congestion, conflicts between cyclists and motor vehicles and increase pedestrian safety at little or no cost since cyclists would have no reason to ride on the pedestrian sidewalk anymore.”

Response from Frances Wdowczyk:
Stan; I agree that this is a big problem in the area. First off we need to follow through on the City Plan to create and support more bicycle lanes in the ward. This will address the root of the problem by giving the cyclists a dedicated lane to ride in. Council has been slow in following through on their promise for more bike lanes. The next step is enforcement of the traffic laws. While signs bring awareness to the issue we need to step up enforcement or the presence of enforcement. A return to Community Policing would support this level of enforcement and we need to look at other options. What about the parking enforcement officers supporting the enforcement of no bikes on sidewalks? I think it is an idea to look at and would look into it right away.

Answer from Linda Coltman:
The City of Toronto recognizes major intersections as a parade of vehicles in continuum under massive signage. Gridlock, by-laws and all manner of things are factored in by City planners. People posting signs on telephone poles etc. are now widely being considered a nuisance due to such factors and their postings are basically overlooked and/or disregarded. My thought is that rather than your group being disregarded too, perhaps this would be a good opportunity to join with other cycling organizations and community groups that are as responsible as you are to work together to fundraise and obtain creative endorsements from radio, TV, newspapers etc. to either create an advertising campaign against such behavior.

4. Question from Brenda:
“During the week, could High Park be opened up to allow
access from the Queensway to Bloor Street? With the paving of the Queensway taking so long, it often has not been possible to turn north on Ellis, Windermere and the South Kingsway.”

Answer from Councillor Saundercook:
“Brenda: I would discourage creating a short cut through High Park for many reasons. But the reason Queensway has seemed to take so long to reconstruct is because it was agreed upon to be done in stages. Because 50% of the roadway was out of commission for the project it was decided to do reconstruction of westbound only for 2005 then do eastbound for 2006 which is receiving its finishing touches. The controversial part of the project were the ramps at South Kingsway, which are being further studied and recommendations from staff will be brought to the community early in the new year. This project is expected to have a life expectancy of 50 years, so we want to plan for the future in a meaningful way. During the delay of the study, I convinced staff to include better solutions for traffic infiltration on north-south routes of Ellis Ave, Windemere Ave and South Kingsway.

Greg Hamara response: No.

Answer from Aleksander Oniszczak:
I believe this is a perfectly reasonable solution. Although I would not support a permanent path through the park, it is quite reasonable to do so in this situation. This is a perfect example of great solutions to problems coming from the community. I would encourage other ideas such as this to be posted at vividpicture.com for myself and all those concerned to read and comment upon. This will make issues known to others in the community and ensure that the councillor does not ignore them.

Response from Frances Wdowczyk:
Brenda; I agree the work on the Queensway is taking a long time. Unfortunately opening access to the park is not the solution.The park was a gift to the city from John G. Howard and in terms the city agreed to leave the grounds and estate (Colborne Lodge) in as natural a state as possible. The addition of traffic through the park would negatively impact the delicate balance of nature found in the Park.

Answer from Linda Coltman:
Dear Brenda – I am glad to see that you are paying attention to the reconstruction of the roads in your area, our hard Municipal dollars at work. In this day and age when every minute is precious because we overtax ourselves with multiple influences, I still like the idea of the llamas, deer, senior citizens and disabled people being safe from traffic in our local parks and would ask you to please be patient.

5. Question from David:
“As of November 6, 2006, 328 mayors in the United States have
accepted Seattle Mayor Nickels’ challenge to join Seattle in taking local action to reduce global warming pollution. The challenge is to meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol targets, and to urge higher levels of government to enact policies or programs to meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol. Would
candidates for mayor be willing to initiate and endorse a comparable Canadian initiative? What specific actions would be taken to realize the Kyoto Protocol targets within the City of Toronto and to encourage the federal and provincial governments — and other municipalities — to take
concerted action on climate change? Would Ward 13 council candidates support the mayor in such initiatives, and what specific actions would they encourage for Ward 13?”

Answer from Councillor Saundercook:
“David ; I believe that all my political career has supported a progressive environmental platform, from bringing the first Blue Box to Toronto, the first down-spout disconnection program, water efficiency and conservation program to being the Works Chair when we introduced the toughest sewer-use bylaw in North America. I challenge any existing Councillor to a better record on the environment. We as a city must continue to replace the trees in a progressive manner in order to stay ahead of the disappearance of the ailing and aged stock. The private tree bylaw was a progressive step to add to the protection of our city canopy and all efforts obviously add to the quality of our air. I will continue to be the conscience of the environmment as long as I am on City Council.”

Greg Hamara response:
This is a complex question, due to the fact that it involves jurisdictions that include all three levels of government. Unlike American cities, Toronto does not fully control its destiny. With the new Toronto Act, the city will have more powers, but even so, it still isn’t at the same level of money and power that the Americans enjoy. However, Toronto can implement plans to make Apartment and Condo buildings recycle more. Specifically, Greg FULLY SUPPORTS A RAPID IMPLEMENTATION OF the CITY’s Environmental Plan: Clean, Green and Healthy, a Plan for an Environmentally Sustainable Toronto.

Answer from Aleksander Oniszcak:
“Yes, I would take local action to reduce global warming and support the Mayor in such initiatives. More importantly, I know a bold agenda is required for actual progress to be made. If one aims high, greater achievements will be made than by those who aim low – even if all the goals are not reached. Nothing is more important than the environment, and by extension, our health. It affects us all. Therefore every decision needs to have its environmental impact assessed, and if it is not a positive one, it needs to be rethought. For example buying water in bottles rather than drinking from taps and water fountains seems harmless, but these bottles need to be manufactured – which, of course, increases the particulate matter in our atmosphere. These bottles need to be trucked to their destinations. And when empty, these bottles need to be trucked for disposal or recycling. This all leads to waste and pollution. A rethinking of our water processing techniques together with education can make a difference. And this is just one issue. There are many more that I take equally seriously. I support the Kyoto Protocol targets and offer real examples of what I would do. See Oniszczak.com for more. I do not see the other candidates offering any specific ideas other than simply claiming to support it. Why trust a politician that writes “waste not want not” on a disposable sign? Why trust any politician that claims to want to help the environment while blanketing the area with lawn signs that have to be disposed of. Vote for REAL change on Novermber 13. Vote for Aleksander Oniszczak.”

Response from Frances Wdowczyk:
David; I have publicly pledged TO green and will support the implementation of the cities environmental plan. I will also support the mayor in the creation of any initiatives that meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol. If elected, the specific actions that I will encourage ward 13 to participate in include; increase recycling and composting in apartment buildings, increase public transit and access to public transit and support sustainable communities that allow and encourage people to walk or ride bikes to their local shops. I will encourage the city of Toronto as a corporation, to take the lead on reducing packaging by only purchasing products from companies who use minimal packaging, therefore leading by example.

Answer from Linda Coltman:
I am strongly in favor of following in the footsteps of what the Kyoto Accord has stood for from its infancy. It has been a long and slow road to educate the public en masse without instilling panic that we are in desperate need of resolving issues that create the pollutants that will eventually devastate our environment. As different stages have been implemented by the City, they continue to become more demanding upon themselves to create better and more effective ways of dealing with pollutants. I would strongly agree with any actions that a Mayor should take in the healing of Mother Earth. As an individual I do my part and make sure that my friends and associates recognize that we each have a part to play. As a first step I would make it my business to make sure every street, avenue, crescent, parkway etc. was tree lined. Many of the trees along established roadways are dead and/or dying with precarious dead branches hanging from them which would need perhaps an arborist’s hand. I might even go as far as suggesting that where many of our phone/power/cable wires are now underground that street lamp and other street posts actually have plantings of vines growing up them both eradicating nuisance signage and still allowing City employees to access said poles when the need arises through their truck/vehicular basket lift systems. These efforts would help our ward “breathe” better.

6. Question from Peter:
“What do you consider to be the two top priority problems
facing the Swansea community (Keele – Humber River – Gardiner – Bloor) which require immediate action to resolve, and what are your solutions to these problems?”

Answer from Councillor Saundercook:
“Peter ; I consider the congestion of condos and vehicular traffic the two top problems for lower Swansea. The abandonment of the Georgian Development plan to bring commercial (ie grocery) to Southport Plaza led me to sucessfully oppose their recent Committee of Adjustment plan. Hopefully, the developer knows we mean business and he will pursue the lead of A&P grocery, who I contacted shortly after our September meeting. I have also pursued a Pharmacy, LCBO and Postal outlet on behalf of the community. Secondly, the gridlock is only going to get worse. As a TTC commissioner, I have advanced the study of extending the dedicated track of the Queensway streetcar, beyond St. Joe’s Hospital into the Rail lands, over to the CNE and connect to Union Station in a quick and efficient trip.”

Hamara Response:
Community Services, or more accurately the lack of them, caused by the development south of Windermere has put an extreme stress on services for recreation and education. As well, public transit needs to be improved, especially the north/south transit to the subway lines.

Answer from Aleksander Oniszczak:
Crime and Property taxes.
Crime: People want to feel safe. People want police there when they need them. The way to attain this is to make their jobs easier by making the neighbourhood safer to begin with. What does this mean? It means keeping areas well lit at night. It means equalizing the disparity between the haves and have-nots. It means using studies that have been published on the root causes of crime rather than providing knee-jerk reactions that only make the situation worse. If larger numbers of police with more powerful weapons, gated communities and the death penalty were as effective as intuitively one would think, then the US would be safest country in the world. Let’s look at the facts and get results. I was personally robbed and assaulted recently and let me tell you I want to do something about it. This is not the city it once was. Let’s get it back on track.

Property Taxes:
Lawn signs, billboards, flyers – have you noticed that my opponents are spending a lot of money on their campaigns? Do you think they will stop spending a lot of money if they get elected? I believe fiscal responsibility is not just a phrase to drop in interviews. Intelligent and resourceful solutions are needed to get full value for our tax dollars. I don’t just say it, I do it. Did I spend thousands of dollars on a flashy website? No, not at all, I created it myself. A can-do attitude can take you far. Of course, the flip side of the coin has Toronto paying a disproportionate amount of money in taxes compared to the services it receives. The Province, the Federal government and most importantly, the people of Canada need to have this made clear to them. It simply will not change until we have their support. Toronto is the economic engine of Canada and when that engine needs an oil change, it is not the time to be shopping for a new stereo. That engine is going to seize up and Canada will find itself pulling to the side of the road. We need a campaign to educate people on the value of maintaining the engine. That would be money well spent.

Response from Frances Wdowczyk:
Peter; I feel that the two top priorities are #1 traffic- too many cars and driving too fast. We need to work with Police to make our community safer in the area of traffic. We need to return to Community Policing. More Police on the streets working WITH neighbours to change the behaviour around speed and distracted driving will make a big difference. I have a history of working as a partner with Police Services across the country. I will bring this experience to the table when working with our Police to reduce traffic and slow cars down.
#2 We need to hold the line on taxes in our community. The City of Toronto has been granted new powers, with some of those powers in the area of implementing new taxes. I believe that we need to find new and innovative ways to do business in the city without increasing our taxes.

Answer from Linda Coltman:
One of the many factors for this area is that the number of individual dwellings outnumbers the potential revenue created by the blending of residential with commercial productivity. If your chosen venue is to be a more residential community, it is up to you to embrace your neighbours and create an identity which would reflect a more stable economically developed area. In this I mean that I believe the area as indicated needs to redevelop itself to have a “new” identity which doesn’t have to necessarily be commercial or residential but rather identified by the members of the community residing within such as to a community based direction/approach of what the common desire is and what needs to be done and what is wanted so that such can be aggressively/progressively pursued.

7. Question from Anonymous:
How are you going to ensure that you are representing us?

Greg Hamara response:
With hard-work, with a knowledgeable and responsive staff, accessibility, and being a team-player, As well, I plan to use various means to keep the community informed of local issues and events, not just once or twice a year.

Answer from Aleksander Oniszczak:
“Many of you have great ideas that are never heard. As we all know, life gets busier all the time and, as much as one would like to, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to attend neighbourhood meetings or even visit the councillor’s office to voice complaints and opinions on a regular basis. Of course, these things are encouraged as I am a people person and love discussing issues, but there needs to be more access and interaction. There needs to be a forum where not only is there an opportunity to voice your opinions to the councillor, but to also share the ideas with your neighbours too. I propose to augment (not replace) the current process by putting the technology in place to allow communication with one’s friends and neighbours and city officials in a publicly accessible medium. Great ideas can come of collaboration. This is not an empty promise. While the others were out posing for photos with and debating what colour their lawn signs will be, I built a system for the Ward to use right now! Go to VividPicture.com and contribute your ideas! Post, comment, vote – it’s all there for us to use. It also forces the councillor to act on issues as it will shame him if the issues are left unsolved for all to see. What have the other candidates offered but empty promises.”

Response from Frances Wdowczyk:
The best way to represent you is to hear you and take that voice forward to city hall. This will be done through community consultation. I am committed to hearing you (surveys, door to door, town hall meetings or telephone conversations) prior to any major decisions being made. My job (if elected) is to seek your input and feedback, not wait for you to find me.

Answer from Linda Coltman:
I think the first way to best represent constituents is for them to come out of the closet and be named. We have far too many Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous that live in this ward as it is. We are in the age of the highest technological achievement to date making common use of e-mail, faxes, the internet etc., etc. and best of all the common Canadian invention of the telephone. Too, in this age we still have available to us paper and pens, pencils and charcoal and as last resorts constituents can walk into my constituency office at any time. I am open to invitations to meetings and would hope that if there’s an issue of individual or community concern and/or interest that someone would come forward letting me know what the issue is and where within the “anonymous” part of the ward they reside etc.

Many stood for over two hours to question and listen to the candidates from parties large and small. The bulk of the questions were directed at Liberal candidate Sylvia Watson on the issues of health care, education funding, and property taxation.

But, equal time was given to all candidates, who included Cheri DiNovo (NDP), David Hutcheon (PC), Frank DeJong (Green), Sylvio Ursomarzo (Freedom Party), Jim McIntosh (Libertarian), John Turmel (Independent).

Many of candidates commended voters for taking the time to come to meet those seeking their support and engaging in the democratic process. The vote will be held September 14th.

For information on candidates and polling places see:

http://www.electionsontario.on.ca/en/parkdale-high_park_en.shtml?nocache=true

June 14, 2006

The June 14th forum on recreation issues presented by the Bloor West Village Residents Association highlighted a number of concerns people in our community have about the activities available to their children.

In attendance were: Irene Atkinson, School Trustee Ward 7, John Fulton, City of Toronto Parks and Recreation, Mike McClusky, Supervisor Parks and Rec West District, and Councillor Bill Saundercook, Ward 13.

Not enough programs & poor facilities

While many attending stated that they routinely drive their kids out of the area to find the Rec programs they need, City officials maintained that Bloor West (Ward 13) ranks 4th in all Toronto in terms of facility space.

They admitted that this statistic is not a measure of actual services or the quality of the facilities. A number of residents asked for statistics on how many residents from the Bloor West area are registering for programs elsewhere because programs are lacking or facilities are sub-standard. Asked for an explicit pledge to provide these figures, West District Parks and Recreation Supervisor Mike McClusky and Councillor Saundercook agreed.

Councillor Bill Saundercook noted that he and local Parks and Rec officials had recently come up with a more direct way for residents to express their opinions on recreation programs and facilities. They undertook to finalize the details and to make this new sounding board available to the community.

The Councillor also accepted what both staff reports and residents say about the run down condition of our local pools and facilities. He pledged to get those improvements on a priority list for future budget discussions. In the meantime the Councillor said the Home Depot store has pledged funds to give the Annette Recreation center a face lift.

Sports in School: The majority left out?

School Trustee Irene Atkinson (Ward 7) was asked by a number of parents about the sports policy at Runnymede Public School. They feel the school’s focus on fielding competitive teams (inter scholastic) means the majority of kids are denied the chance to play team sports at school. Parents described children giving up on sports after failing to make a school team. They maintained that the same few dozen strong athletes at the school dominate all teams. Those who fail have not tot the option to play at a recreational level because very few intra mural programs are offered.

Trustee Aktkinson said she would do her best to intervene. The BWVRA has forwarded the inquiry to the principal of Runnymede School and is following up with the Toronto District School Board’s Phys Ed Department.

Swimming classes: wrong times, wrong ages?

“Pre-school swimming at 8pm?”, one mom asked. Staff from the area’s three pools said they were scheduling a variety of times and ages aimed at meeting the needs of working parents, some early, some late. One staffer from Swansea pool said clients should feel free to ask at the Rec centers if something isn’t working for them. Sometimes new programs/slots are quickly created in response to requests. “We’re here to please the users, not ourselves”, the staff member said.

Checking with residents before setting Rec schedules.

The Annette and Keele Rec centers do not have advisory councils made up of local residents. However, Parks and Rec supervisor Mike McClusky says his department is working on the idea of holding a neighbourhood consultation night once or twice a year before it finalizes the Fun Guide catalogue of programs. The BWVRA offered to follow up on the idea for next year.

A home for skateboarders?

Most people would like them off the street, their parents would like them somewhere safe. Councillor Saundercook reported that discussions on locating a new skateboard facility in High Park have ruled it out. However, he says there is still talk of locating one in Lampton Park, and that a skateboard park in the Royal York and Islington area would be open within a year. One resident reported that a new skateboard facility has been opened in Dufferin Grove Park.

A copy of this summary has been forwarded to the officials who attended the forum by the BWVRA, which will follow up on the commitments made.

Photos of the event are posted here.

Information about the January 23 election is available on the Elections Canada site.

You can read several comments about the meeting. Feel free to add your own comments — your feedback is always welcome!

Despite torrential rains, more than fifty Bloor West residents attended the BWVRA’s forum on our “Vanishing Urban Forest”. Guest speakers confirmed that the city’s mature tree cover is changing and is under threat – and that inadequate resources have been allocated by the City to do much about it. The meeting heard that much can, and should be done by residents to protect this key element of our natural and economic environment, and to move it up the political agenda.

The Current Situation

Toronto’s Chief Forester Richard Ubbens says aerial studies show that Toronto has a tree cover on 17 to 21% of its area. Preserving it and expanding it is a constant challenge because plans are developed but not funded by the City. He says last year’s proposals for $11 million of investment in the urban forest was reduced by Council to just $1-million. Shelley Petrie, Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance, noted that ideally 40% cover is needed for a healthy urban environment. There are some 3-million trees in Toronto and only 200 forestry staff to care for them, meaning even some trees posing public safety hazards are not being dealt with. One resident who attended displayed a picture of a large tree that fell on his home after its condition was left unattended.

The Threats

Ubbens says construction of new roads and buildings eat into the city’s tree cover, while Regina Gudelis, Supervisor of Urban Forestry Planning and Protection, noted the problems of pollution, parking pads, pests, and age.

Parking pads sparked an extended debate. Gudelis says a number of Bloor West homeowners, frustrated with parking problems, have “re-landscaped” their front yards only to create illegal pads that cut into the roots of mature trees. Bylaw enforcement officers will issue stop orders if alerted to work that threatens a mature tree, either on private of public land.

Urban Forestry often turns down applications for new pads that threaten tree roots, but finds those decisions routinely overturned by City Councillors at Community Council. Shelley Petrie argued that their legal power to do so, should be removed.

Richard Ubbens says the parking pads issue consumes huge amounts of administrative time. Over the years he says he has seen enormous public support for them, but that they have changed the landscape to a “staggering” degree, and when people realize how much they often change their views.

Another threat to our mature trees is that which makes them so special: their age. More and more trees are coming to the end of their natural life span. The City is taking some actions to extend their lives, but resources are scarce. Regina Gudelis says it’s important for residents to care for all trees on their properties by keeping mowers and weed whackers away from surface roots, watering in dry times, and keeping them moist by applying mulch. NB: wood chips are available from the City’s Rockliffe yard.

The one long-term solution is for residents to plant young trees now to introduce a mix of ages to the canopy of the Village. The City will plant trees for free on the strip of City owned land in front of your home, but will only do so if you request one and undertake to water it regularly for the three years it takes to establish itself. Planting is best done in Fall and Spring. Call 416-338-TREE (8733) for information on species – you can order for the Spring!

Responding to a resident’s question, Richard Ubbens also noted that cutting continues in order to contain and hopefully eliminate the Asian Longhorn Beetle. But, the Emerald Ash Borer, which has moved from the U.S. into Southwest Ontario, poses an enormous risk to our trees since these imported pests have no natural predators. The City’s website has more information.

Bloor Street’s Troubled Trees

Residents asked why Bloor Street’s trees are in such poor condition and wondered whether potting them isn’t the problem. Richard Ubbens says these trees are usually over gas lines, and so have to be restricted to a shallow growth area. The pots, which have open bottoms, create extra root space above ground. The Chief Forester agreed that the pots are homely and assured the meeting that new design is nicer and larger. However, there is no plan to replace old ones because of the high cost.

Regina Gudelis says the problem with Bloor’s trees remains a mystery. Commercial trees on Annette and Dundas have done much better. But, planting in different seasons, with different varieties hasn’t worked on Bloor Street. The trees have been replaced four times in 12 years. The City will try talking to merchants about helping to care for the trees.

Pruning & Butchering

Does “pruning” go to far? Some residents have noticed crews carrying out what appear to be radical and unsightly degrees of “pruning” of mature trees. Ms. Gudelis explained that the City sometimes does major limb cutting to get trees to grow up rather than out, to deal with ones that come into contact with homes or cause excessive shadowing. She notes that people have the right to enjoy their properties and that this right is balanced against the need for large, healthy trees. Residents have the right to trim private trees overhanging their properties from neighbouring properties, but not to the degree of injuring them, which is a bylaw offence.

Guidelines, rights and responsibilities are outlined on the City’s website.

The Way Ahead

There are areas of the Bloor West Village where the trees on entire streets are coming of age. The canopy of trees in our area is changing. Mature trees are under increasing pressure from various threats – some of which residents can ease with due consideration and vigilance. But, the areas with the greatest potential for “reforestation” are in private hands.

Quick fixes do not usually work. Nursery trees (even larger ones) tend to fail more when replanted, then grow more slowly than ones planted as saplings. So, residents were told we need to finds spots both on their own land, and on the City owned frontage of their lots, where young large specie trees (eg: oaks) can be planted and well tended.

Residents also need to push the issue of Urban Forestry funding with our Councillors. The shortage of resources to deal with the issues residents brought to the November forum came up time and again.

Council will discuss the operations budget for Urban Forestry in January. Make your views known to the Mayor, to Councillor Saundercook, and Councillor Joe Pantalone, the point man on Council for trees.

As Shelley Petrie pointed out the issue is not just money, it’s planning. No strategy plan exists to reach the stated goal of increasing the urban canopy.

New areas for tree planting need to be opened up/created, Petrie said: parking lots in malls, boulevards, and derelict sites. Trees have yet to be worked into the planning process, making them a condition for granting zoning for extra density, for example. Trees have yet to be made part of the infrastructure (like sewer and water) of newly planned communities. Petrie points out that trees provide economic benefits (eg: energy savings from shade, water drainage) – and pointed to the State of Georgia as providing a model for the above.

FIND OUT MORE!

For information about tree bylaws, threats, what you can do, and your rights see: http://www.toronto.ca/trees/index.htm

The City’s FAQs on trees: http://www.toronto.ca/faq/trees.htm

Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) – provides links to a range of information sites, including a guide to caring for urban forests.

LEAF’s Essential guide for tree owners – bone up here! Advice on planting, caring, choosing a species, etc.

To find out about getting a free tree planted on the City owned frontage of your lot call 416-338-TREE (8733). A pamphlet is available listing and illustrating the species from which you can choose. Order now to plant for Spring ’06!

If you have any questions or comments, or want to relate an experience you’ve had, please contact us: info@bwvra.ca

1. Welcome & Opening Remarks

The meeting began at 7.40pm. The chairman welcomed everyone and gave a brief summary of activities since the public information meeting in November 2004. He noted that a steering committee had been set up to plan the association’s founding meeting. He thanked members of that committee for their work.

2. Greetings from Ward 13 City Councillor Bill Saundercook

Councillor Saundercook welcomed the formation of the BWV Residents Association, and congratulated all those involved.

3. Motion to Adopt Proposed Boundaries

Boundaries of the Bloor West Village Residents Association will be: Bloor Street (south), Annette Street (north), Jane Street (west), Quebec Avenue (east).

The chairman outlined the work done by a sub-committee of the steering committee, set up to consider the association’s boundaries. The motion to be discussed was based on that sub-committee’s work. From the start, the boundaries issue had challenged all involved. In the steering committee’s view, the recommended co-ordinates best captured the community of common interest in Bloor West Village.

The chairman noted that all present would be entitled to vote on the motion. He then invited discussion.

Larry Hoffman asked why the eastern boundary would be as far east as Quebec Ave. Also, why the western boundary was not the Humber River. He expressed concern about excluding the large number of residents west of Jane Street.

The chairman said that the area east of Quebec Ave contained many multi-storey, high-density condo buildings. The interests of these residents were not necessarily the same as those of residents west of Quebec. The Jane-to-Humber area has had its own resident associations in the past. The Humber cinema development issue is a singular concern to these residents. Also, environmental issues are high on the agenda of residents west of Jane. On a practical level, there are limits to how much volunteers can be expected to contribute. Expanding the boundaries would add a lot more administrative work and push up costs.

Russ Pochmurski said that the Bloor West Village business association had set different boundaries from those proposed for the residents’ association.

Marshall Leslie suggested expanding the northern boundary to St John’s Road, conforming with the former municipal ward. Residents north of Annette Street use the institutions south of Annette, and do much of their shopping on Bloor Street.

The chairman replied that the problem was that St John’s Road ended at Clendenan Ave. How would that be linked with Quebec Ave without including a part of Dundas Street, which is part of the Junction residents’ association?

C Wong said it was misleading to refer to the association as “Bloor West Village”, and suggested that the name be changed. As commonly understood, Bloor West Village also includes Swansea. He was concerned how this ambiguity might impact the relationship between the two areas. As an alternative, he suggested that the mission statement be changed to reflect a relationship with neighbouring associations.

The chairman replied that part of the association’s mission would be to work with neighbouring associations. At some point, boundaries have to be set, and the association needs to start somewhere. But decisions taken tonight are not carved in stone. Members of the steering committee have discussed the boundaries issue with other residents’ associations.

Norma Wenger was concerned about changing the definition of Bloor West Village.

Stan Kumorek said the highest priority was to get the association off the ground. There is nothing to stop people living outside the area from being involved in the Bloor West Village association.

Ken Rawling suggested that the eastern boundary be extended to Keele Street. Residents of the high-rise buildings shop in Bloor West Village. The present boundaries include only single-dwelling homes, and apartment dwellers would bring more diversity to the association.

A member of the audience (unidentified) said that the chairman had promised at last November’s public information meeting that the new association would include all area residents not covered by an association. For this reason, some High Park residents had put off forming their own body. The Bloor West Village association should include the High Park-area apartments.

Jill Marzetti proposed the motion. Derek Ground seconded it. The motion was put a vote, and was approved by a show of hands.

4. Motion to Adopt Membership Eligibility and Fees

A “member” of the BWVRA will be defined as an adult (18 and over) who resides within the boundaries of the Association who has paid a membership fee. Those identifying themselves as residents at the March 1st founding meeting will be asked to vote on an annual fee of $10 per person. (A paid membership will not be required at the founding meeting, though they will be sold at that time.)

In the case of any major BWVRA initiative that may require additional resources, those funds will be sought from the membership (or through public fundraising) only once members have voted to support such a plan.

The chairman invited discussion on the motion.

John Kimber asked why membership was restricted to residents within the association’s boundaries. He felt that the more members who signed up, the better.

Chris Holcroft said the committee reasoned that the association should not ask people to pay a membership fee if they were not entitled to vote.

Ed Guca questioned the phrase “those funds will be sought from the membership”. He was concerned that members would be forced to pay for BWVRA initiatives.

Jill Marzetti said that there would be no commitment of funds for special initiatives without members’ approval. Members will also decide how those funds should be raised.

Jay Zimmerman said the purpose of the motion was to ensure that the $10 membership fee would not be used for lobbying. If the association wants to hire a lawyer, members can decide at the time whether or not to contribute.

Bob Boroski suggested deleting the final sentence of the motion.

Sheila Malloch said the purpose of the association was primarily to share information, and membership fees would be used only to this end. The final sentence of the motion was designed as a protective measure to ensure that membership fees were spent in this way.

An amendment was put to the floor, changing the word “funds” to “donations”. The amendment was proposed by Sheila Malloch, and seconded by Jay Zimmerman. It was approved by a show of hands.

A second amendment was put to the floor, deleting the final sentence of the motion. Larry Hoffman proposed the amendment. Ed Guca seconded it.

Louis Gris, a representative of the Swansea Ratepayers Association, said that if the amendment was passed, the motion would lack any provision that might facilitate hiring a lawyer, if that became necessary.

The second amendment was put to a vote. It was defeated by a show of hands.

Steve McNally proposed the main motion, as amended. Larry Hoffman seconded it. The motion was approved by a show of hands.

[Note: the final text of the membership motion as approved at the meeting is here]

5. Motion to Adopt Mission Statement:

To share information and encourage the participation of all area residents in activities that promotes a liveable community.

to be proactive by keeping well informed and sharing information with all residents, businesses and other interested members of the community

The chairman said the steering committee had drawn up a “motherhood” mission statement designed to be as inclusive as possible. He suggested that, unless something egregious or controversial came to light, the meeting should adopt the statement in its current form.

Derek Ground said the word “promotes” was grammatically incorrect, and should be replaced with “promote”.

Harding Bishop suggested that school boards be added to “all levels of government”. He also suggested that “…and by working with other residents associations” be added to the final sentence.

An amendment incorporating the above three suggestions was proposed by Mary Mascarenhas, and seconded by Robyn Kalda. It was approved by a show of hands.

Larry Hoffman asked what was meant by Bloor West Village. Does the association’s mandate extend to issues south of Bloor Street, or the new Wal-Mart?

The chairman replied that the steering committee indicated no reluctance to become involved in issues beyond the association’s boundaries.

Chris Holcroft proposed the motion, as amended. Bob Boroski seconded it. The motion was approved by a show of hands.

Greg Hamara turned the chair over to John Leeson.

[Note: the final text of the mission statement is here.]

6. Election of Table Officers and Officers-at-Large

The following slate of table officers was presented to the meeting:

Chair: Greg Hamara

Vice-chair / Communications: Chris Holcroft

Secretary / Treasurer: Jill Marzetti

Membership: Steve McNally

Policy: Merril Mascarenhas

The chairman outlined the slate. The initial term of office will be one year.

C Wong suggested that the names be published in a local newspaper. He was concerned that the slate was a fait accomplit.

The chairman said there would also be an opportunity this evening to elect 15 officers-at-large. These positions were wide open. The slate had been publicised on the association’s website, and it was time to get the association off the ground.

The chairman asked the slate candidates to step forward to the front of the hall.

He put the slate to a vote. It was approved by a show of hands.

The chairman encouraged others to become involved in the association, and asked for nominations for officers-at-large. The following offered themselves as candidates (in alphabetical order):

Bob Boroski
Tom Davidson
Terry Graham
Peter Hamiwka
Larry Hoffman
Robyn Kalda
Dianne Kwok
Paul Nielsen
Michael Pasztor
Evelyn Sommers
Mark Warrack
Jay Zimmerman

Greg Hamara proposed a motion to accept these nominations. Chris Holcroft seconded it. The motion was approved by a show of hands.

John Leeson handed the chair back to Greg Hamara.

7. Motion to Adopt Quorum Policy

The quorum for “table officer” meetings will be three officers. The quorum for “all officer” meetings will be three table officers, and one-quarter of elected officers-at-large.

Jill Marzetti proposed the motion. Chris Holcroft seconded it. The motion was approved by a show of hands.

8. General Discussion

Marshall Leslie asked when a constitution would be drawn up, and circulated to association members.

The chairman replied that forming a committee to draw up a constitution was a high priority. He hoped that a constitution and by-laws could be submitted to members for ratification by early fall.

Numerous questions were directed to Counciller Saundercook on issues related to the building development at the corner of Bloor Street and Ellis Park.

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9.20pm