The City is preparing to start major water main and sewer replacement projects that will disrupt movement and commerce in the Bloor West Village this summer.

As you can see from the project description below, the work will stretch from Clendenan in the East to Riverdale Gdns. in the West.

The street and sidewalks will be torn up. Crews are set to begin May 25th.

On the positive side this will mean the removal of the crumbling bricks on the sidewalks and intersections that have long posed a hazard to pedestrians and made the streetscape look awful.

However, an opportunity to widen the sidewalks, create bump outs and enhanced tree planters, and possibly establish bike lanes – is being passed up.

The City’s Urban Planning and Public Realm Sections say these have long been discussed as part of a long-needed renewal of the look of Bloor West Village.

But, they note that the BIA declined to become a partner in these enhancements. So, it will be the standard concrete and asphalt repair job as needed.

It’s hard not to agree with the City staff who worked on re-making the Village that this is an opportunity sadly lost. If Councillor Bill Saundercook advocated for a vision beyond the standard, he has not shared it and not engaged the community in helping to drum up support for a better Village.

Steve McNally
BWVRA Chair

Bloor Street – Keele Street Watermain Replacement and Pavement Resurfacing

10EY-13WS Watermain Replacement

A 300mm watermain will be replaced on Keele Street from Glenlake to Bloor St. and on Bloor St. from Keele St. to Riverview Gardens. In addition, most waterservices and several sections of storm and sanitary sewers will be replaced under this contract. The proximity of adjacent services prevent the use of the existing alignment, no by-pass will be required, thus allowing cold weather work.

This contract will be divided into two sections at Clendenan Avenue with at least one crew working simultaneously in each section. A completion date will be specified to ensure that the road work can commence in time for most to be completed this year. This may force the contractor to add additional crews to meet the deadline. This is likely to be additional crews to install waterservices as sections of the watermain are completed and a separate crew to do the sewer replacements.

The contractor will be required to maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction during watermain and sewer construction. The contractor will be required to provide a permanent concrete base repair of their watermain and sewer trenches.

Tender call is scheduled for February 4, 2010 (actual March 25). We would expect award by late March, 2010 (now May 12) and a start of construction by April 12, 2010 (now May 25). We will specify a completion date of July 16, 2010 for the section between Clendenan and the South Kingsway and Sept. 16, 2010 for the remainder.

10EY-03RD Pavement Resurfacing

Pavement resurfacing will consist of removing the asphalt surface, repairing the concrete base and replacing the asphalt on Keele St. from Glenlake to Bloor St. and on Bloor St. from Keele St. to Riverview Gardens. Curb and sidewalk will be replaced as required.

After discussions with the BIA, it was agreed that most decorative sidewalk will be removed and replaced by plain concrete sidewalk and the City standard two Row Concrete Paver Band (P-1). Some areas in good condition such as the area around the fountain at Jane Street will remain undisturbed. We will incorporate the BIA’s new solar powered lights. There will be no changes to the current curb line and existing south side parking lay-bys.

Work will be divided into sections with specific completion dates for each. Emphasis will be on completing the work through the commercial area west of Clendenan Avenue. Work will be scheduled to avoid scheduled events in the Bloor West BIA as much as possible.

Again, the contractor will be required to maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction during construction.

Tender call is scheduled for April 20, 2010 with contract award by June 9, 2010. Work should commence as soon as the sewer and watermain contractor completes the section west of Clendenan Avenue, not later than July 19, 2010.

All work will be co-ordinated with the planned deck replacement on the Humber River Bridge.

As you may have heard, approval was given to two of the three applications.

Approval was given to the replacement of an existing billboard with an LED display one at 2410 Bloor St, W (which is roughly above the Coffee Tree/Art Spot shops west of Armadale). It is supposed to shut off by midnight in deference to those who live near it.

Just to the West of it, above the Booster Juice shop (2420 Bloor West), Council approved the replacement of a the plain billboard with a “tri-vision” model that features rotating images. Neither were permitted under old bylaws, and would have been subject to the stricter new bylaw which does not come into effect until after Easter.

Council turned down a request for new billboard to the East of the other two, at Armadale over the Rogers store.

The BWVRA submitted a letter to Councillors objecting to the lack of consultation on a matter affecting Bloor West Village, and to the disregard for prorities set out by residents recently in the B.W.V. “design charrette” series of meetings. These issues were taken up with Ward 13 Councillor Bill Saundercook in particular, who we are told by a member in attendance, subsequently voted in favour of all three variances. I would note that the agenda shows that 42 letters were received from individuals and groups such as the BWVRA. Thanks to those of you who expressed an opinion one way or another.

As noted earlier, Councillors were asked to ignore the existing bylaw preventing electronic signs in this zone, and to circumvent the intent of a new sign bylaw.

See this article in the Globe about West Toronto being a particular target for last minute sign applications:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/billboard-companies-bombard-city-with-requests-to-bend-sign-rules/article1494465/

For your information, sites and sizes with street photos can be viewed here:

2400 Bloor Street West:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-28029.pdf

2420 Bloor Street West:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-28030.pdf

LED Screen at 2410 Bloor:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-28028.pdf

The CC agenda & outcomes can be viewed on this useful site:
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmismonitor/index.do

Steve McNally
BWVRA Chair

The OMCA has already hired Johnston Litavski Planning Consultants to prepare its rebuttal.

The BWVRA shares the group’s concern about the potential impact of the project on Bloor West Village. It contains a number of sites that might also face development pressure.

Members of the BWVRA Executive will therefore attend the Community Meeting. We will also be participating in a related study of the wider area. The “Design Charette” process involves a group of about 20 local representatives brought together by the City Planning Department for an analysis of the project. The sessions will take place October 21st and October 28th.

While re-development of the Old Mill site, as well as the block containing the old Humber Odeon cinema is inevitable, the BWVRA feels any projects on this scale should respect the character of the Village and enhance it as it grows. Comments from members and local residents are always welcome at info@bwvra.ca
or via the comment link below.

The Tridel proposal can be viewed at http://2500bloor.ca/index.php

The OMCA can be reached through fighttheheight@yahoo.ca – they are looking for support.

The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance from the public with two incidents that occurred in The Queensway and Windermere Avenue area on Tuesday the 14th of July 2009.

Just after midnight on the above mentioned date police responded to a stabbing call on Windermere Avenue.

It was reported that earlier a 19 year old man had been walking in the area of The Queensway and Windermere Avenue when he was approached by a man who assaulted him.

The victim fled the scene and returned to his home. Once there he realized that he had been stabbed in the arm.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated and released.

Soon after the stabbing incident police responded to a shooting call again in The Queensway and Windermere Avenue area.

Upon arrival at this location officers located an 18 year old man suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery. He is listed in serious condition.

It is unknown at this time if the two incidents are connected.

Investigators have seized security camera images from the area and will continue to canvass the area for information.

It has been reported that several people were seen running from the area prior to the arrival of police.

Investigators would like to speak to those people and anyone else with information.

Contact police at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Councillor Bill Saundercook (Ward 13) also attended. Both he and the BIA were asked if the City would be dealing with existing tripping hazards in the Village. The answer was yes, but the timing was vague. It was clear that follow up letters and calls from residents would likely be needed to make the sidewalks safe in the meantime.

Ms. McInerney also announced that the BIA had converted recently-installed gas lamps to low energy LED bulbs as an energy saving move. The BIA plan is to install more than 50 more of the standards that would include hanging planters. The news that was greeted with some skepticism. Questioners wanted to know if this was part of an overall re-design plan that would update the Village along with its sidewalks. The answer was no.

Alex Ling, the long-time Director of the BIA, said the design job had been entrusted to the City’s urban design teams who had been asked for a “standard” sidewalk treatment. Applause greeted a person who suggested a comprehensive and forward-looking plan is needed which increased public space and decreased sidewalk congestion, possibly with fewer rather than more poles. She pointed to the recent re-design done for the streetscape of Roncesvales village as a example of a comprehensive design which provided an improved overall look.

Ms. McInerney also noted that two automated public washrooms would be installed in the village area for the convenience of shoppers. They are to be located in parkettes along the shopping avenue.

The BIA reps were asked by BWVRA co-chair Greg Hamara if the BIA would be willing to have its directors meet with representatives of the local resident’s association in a semi-formal fashion to exchange views on Village issues. Mr. Ling was noncommittal, saying his door was open to residents who want to speak with him. Mr. Hamara asked him and Ms. McInerney to consider the proposal in order to generate ideas that would help foster closer relationships between residents and local merchants.

I would first like to thank the members of our Executive for the time they find in their busy work and personal lives to provide a voice for our residents. They are our eyes and ears in the community, help organize meetings like this, act as liaisons with our local politicians, the police and business community. They meet with developers, talk with planners and look for ways to enhance a neighbourhood we know is very special. So, as Chair and on behalf of the community, I’d like to pay tribute to them.

By way of a brief summary of the past year, I would like to highlight four of the BWVRA’s main activities.

First: There was the federal election, for which the Association organized one of the best-attended Candidate’s meetings in this riding. Candidates have made ours a must-attend meeting in recent years in part because our residents are politically engaged, but also because of the Association’s reputation for hosting meetings that are fair, well organized and well promoted.

Second: Several of our officers joined a working group that was formed to meet with the Tridel development corporation over its propose condo project on the Old Mill car lot on Bloor west of Jane. In an effort to reflect what the community would like to see at this important site, they attended several brainstorming sessions at which they, among others, raised concerns about traffic, about the character of Bloor West Village, and the impact on nearby residents. The BWVRA also assisted in helping the residents of the immediate area organize their own association to ensure their particular concerns were heard by the developer.

Third: The BWVRA was very active in the campaign that ultimately saved a large portion of the dedicated Annette bicycle lane, which was nearly removed from Jane Street to Runnymede. The Association sent notices to residents on our e-mail list alerting them to poorly-advertised meetings at which the issue was discussed by the City departments responsible. We distributed flyers and posted posters through the area to mobilize the community, which flooded City Councillors with letters in favour of a fully dedicated bike route. Ultimately, the plan to create a major east-west bike lane on Annette, which we felt was needed to provide a safe and well-used alternative to car drivers, was passed and is being completed presently.

Lastly, the Association, particularly through the efforts of Executive member Michael Davidson, has been working with the school board and local schools. His has met with parents and principals in efforts to reduce litter, reduce graffiti and improve lighting and security around the area’s elementary and high schools. Michael has is also organizing a joint event for the fall involving the Ursula Franklin High school designed to promote greener living in our area.

There are a lot of other issues we’ve worked to on, and others we’d like to turn to. Personally, I think the state of the economy and the environment should move us into some new directions. We should be able to provide residents with more practical information on reducing energy consumption. We should foster fresh approaches to creating a true local economy with new ties that bind local merchants with local residents.

But, new initiatives, even maintaining ongoing ones, depend on people. People like you and us, working together. So, I’ll ask you to think about joining our group as a member of the executive to help us move into the future.

Steve McNally
BWVRA Chair

Financial Report:

Bank balance as of April 17/09 : 804.07
(minus AGM expenditures – flyers $225, hall rental $150, plus donations at the door and membership renewals @ AGM of approximately $200.)
Extraordinary expenditure: 1,000 colour promotion brochures ($255), which resulted in approximately 30 new members.

Minutes:

Approval of bylaw changes that give the Executive greater freedom in the number and timing of meetings, including the AGM. That eliminate named subcommittees in favour of ad hoc groups.

Approval of bylaw amendment from the floor re: specifying communications with the membership, reading:

BWVRA Ojectives to include:
“… To communicate by regular email messages and updates to the website.” Moved by Steve McNally, seconded by Fred Patterson. PASSED
 
Adoption of the amendments to the by-laws: moved by Jamie Isbister, seconded by Kevin Paul. PASSED

Self-nominations for the executive: Joshua Bizjak and Jamie Isbister. 
 
Moved to accept the roster of Executive members 2009: Robin Kalda, seconded by Andrea Leven-Marcon. PASSED
 
2009 Executive:
Chair Steve McNally
Vice-Chair & Communications Greg Hamara
Treasurer Jill Marzetti
Membership Dennis Horgan
Officers:
Mark Warrack
Evelyn Sommers
Robyn Kalda
Michael Davidson
Jamie Isbister
Joshua Bizjak

The “Village” is the lifeblood of our neighbourhood. It has long been the envy of the City, but faces challenges and opportunities in the coming years. Come hear the panel, raise your concerns, ask your questions and share your ideas.

When? Wednesday, April 29th, 7:30pm, Runnymede United Church (432 Runnymede Road).

The meeting will be preceded by the BWVRA’s AGM. A slate of officers will be presented and residents will be invited to put their names forward to join the executive. It’s an ideal time to renew your membership or to sign up for the first time. We count on your support!

Funds raised from ticket sales will go towards the Community Building Fund including landscaping and greening of the UFA grounds at 146 Glendonwynne Rd (Western Tech High Shool).

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ursula Franklin Academy at 146 Glendonwynne Rd.: Students – $5; Adults – $20; Family Pack (for up to 5 people) – $40 ph: 416 393 0430.

Friday, March 27th

Local schools hold Earth Hour events

6 pm – Critical Mass bike ride (starting at Keele Street and Dundas Street West)

7 pm – Free public screening of “Tales of a Yellow Bike” at the Revue Cinema, sponsored by MPP Cheri DiNovo.

Saturday March 28th

8:00 – Candlelight walk through High Park (lantern making workshop begins at 6:30) – gathering at the Park’ Nature Center.

8:30 – Candlelight walk through Bloor – West Village – gathering at Bloor & Jane.

8:30 – Candlelight walk through the Junction – gathering @ Keele and Dundas.

8:30 – Candlelight service at Runnymede United Church.

Candlelight dinners at participating Junction and Bloor West Village restaurants

9:30 – Community reception at Runnymede United Church sponsored by MPP Cheri DiNovo and powered by Bullfrog Power.

a number of restaurants in the Village plan candlelight dinners to coincide with the event.

Lights off, heat down, chargers unplugged. Enjoy Earth Hour!

For more info see: www.green13toronto.blogspot.com