Bloor West Village Residents Association

The BWVRA invites you to attend a panel discussion on the state of the Bloor West Village commercial strip, and its prospects for the coming years. The panelists include BIA representatives Alex Ling and Paul McInerney, Royal Lepage commercial real estate broker Jim Turnbull, and a representative of Toronto Police Division 11.

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!

The URSULA FRANKLIN ACADEMY is holding its third annual Spring Gala on May 5, at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.). Friends and neighbours are invited to a lively evening of student and professional acts, including stories, music and dance. MC this year is famously funny Stuart McLean from CBC Radio’s The Vinyl Café. Events include silent auction, door prizes and refreshments.

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.

PROVINCIAL SEAT BELT CAMPAIGN

The Provincial Seat Belt Campaign, with the full support of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, is a combined public awareness and enforcement campaign that is aimed at getting more drivers and passengers to buckle up. Using seat belts is the single most effective way to reduce vehicle related injuries and fatalities.

The spring campaign will run from Wednesday 2009 April 15 until Sunday 2009 April 26. It is estimated that for every 1% increase in seatbelt use, 5 lives are saved in Ontario every year.

The spring seat belt campaign will focus on drivers who fail to properly secure their children safely. Child Safety Seat clinics have continually shown that 80 percent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly.

11 Division will be hosting an infant/child car seat inspection clinic on Monday 27 April 2009 between 8:30AM and 12:30PM in the Walmart parking lot located at 2525 St. Clair Avenue West (St. Clair Avenue West and Runnymede Road). No appointment is necessary – first come first served.

Earth Hour will be marked this weekend. Our friends at Green 13 have organized a series of events and three public “walks” for Earth Hour, Saturday, March 28th – 8:30pm.

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

ARSONS IN 11 DIVISION

On the 19th of November 2008 in the early morning hours there were a number of arsons in 11 Division. They occurred on Humbercrest Boulevard, Gooch Avenue, Magwood Court and Colbeck Street. In this instance, these arsons appear to be similar in that parked vehicles and trash bags with garden waste or leaves were targeted. The dry leaves were sometimes used as tinder for the fires. In one instance the wooden portion of a garage was set alight causing extensive damage to it and a nearby wooden deck.

You can’t be on guard 24 hours a day or be expected to stay up nights wondering if an arsonist might be lurking around your property. The following precautions should be taken which may assist you and your family from becoming victims of this type of crime.

• Make sure all doors , windows and skylights to your house and garage are closed and locked.
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
• Park your vehicle in a locked garage if possible.
• Check to ensure all exterior lighting around your home is powered and operational.
• Use your exterior lighting. Install some if you don’t have any.
• If you have a back alley or easement, be sure no unauthorized person can get into it.
• Beware of landscaping that may provide cover for someone lurking at night – and a possible source of combustion.
• Trim back trees and bushes on your property.
• Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home with the promise you’ll do the same for them. Concentrate on houses where people are away on vacation.
• Make sure there are no sources of flammable materials left out in the open, like rags, wood, gasoline cans, newspapers etc.
• Lock and chain barbeque propane tanks (spare tanks also) to prevent them from being used as a source of flammable material.
• Talk to your family about a fire plan and how to get out if a blaze strikes your home. Remember to arrange a specific meeting place so everyone knows all the members of your household escaped the flames.
• Make sure smoke detectors are installed on every floor of your home and they are operational.
• Consider having an emergency collapsible ladder if your bedroom is on an upper floor, to make it easier to escape by an upstairs window.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Report any suspicious person(s) or events to the police.
• Do not delay in calling the police. Hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety. Then call immediately. The faster the police are able to respond, the better the chances the criminal(s) will be arrested.

General Toronto Police Contact Information

9-1-1
Should be used for the following emergencies:
• Crime in progress – situations where the safety of people or property are at risk
• Fire
• Medical emergency

416-808-2222
Should be used for non-emergency situations

416-222-TIPS – Crime Stoppers – Report anonymously to police any information regarding a crime (or online at www.222tips.com) Text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637)

City Council has voted in favour of creating dedicated bike lanes on both sides of Annette Street, from Jane to Dundas. The vote went 22 to 11. It was the largest item on the Council agenda, swollen by some 200 letters from locals and other biking supporters.

The Mayor lauded the defeat of the proposal by Ward 13 Councillor Bill Saundercook to downgrade part of the cyling lane (Jane to Runnymede)

Normally, said David Miller, the Council hears a lot of opposition to bike lanes. In his travels around the Ward, he said many brought up the issue, but virtually none had spoken against it.

It’s a tribute to local residents who took the time to write personal and well-reasoned comments to Council members that a series of setbacks was reversed.