Recent News
Here's a listing of what's in this section.Regular Updates
- Cedar Ridge - Sep 06
- Coronation and West Hill - Sep 06
- Curran Hall - Sep 06
- Guildwood - Sep 06
- Seven Oaks - Sep 06
Other Articles
- Scarborough Rapid Transit - Sep 06
- 43 Police Division Opening - June 06
- 396 GANG - A Hotline to Remove Graffiti - May 06
City reports
- Guild Inn and Gardens Preliminary Site Plan (4 MB pdf) - Aug 06
- Guild Gardens Sculpture Park Plan (3MB pdf) - Aug 06
-
Guild Inn Gardens Pathway Concept
(3MB pdf)
- Aug 06
Markham Road Bridge
I almost gave up waiting for this project to start. I remember writing in one Newsletter that this is a project that would not reannounce until I actually saw construction equipment rebuilding the bridge. Even after the pylons appeared on Markham Road in July, I was doubtful. Finally construction has started. City staff advise that this is a 20 week project, which means that it should be done before the snow flies in late December. The existing bridge was built in 1949 and will totally be replaced. We have been advised that over the long term replacement is a less expensive option than ongoing repairs. The work will be done in two stages and the traffic on the bridge will be limited to one southbound lane and one northbound lane. A sidewalk on one side of the bridge will be maintained for pedestrians at all times.
Renovation of Cedarbrae Library
An early draft plan of renovation for Cedarbrae Library has come to our office. At this stage the concept is preliminary and needs to go through internal Library staff review and then to the Library Board for approval. At that point it will go through a rigourous public approval process.
This branch is the third busiest district branch in the library system. Enrollment in the summer reading club is the highest in the system. Back when its doors opened in 1971 area demographics, needs and technology were vastly different. Unsurprisingly the increase in the number and range of programs has taken its toll and the library is in need of a major renovation.
Although plans are formative, even at this stage staff will be proposing a complete redesign of the interior space. Systems such as security, safety and electrical need upgrading. The exterior needs more than a facelift. Consideration is being given to lighting, low maintenance landscaping, access and security.
We expect that these will have Library staff approval late this year and residents can expect consultation to begin in early 07. The consultation and approval phase should be completed during 07 so that the work can begin in 08.
New Afterschool Program in Cedar Ridge Area
The City is offering a new Afterschool Recreation Care program for 6 to 12 year olds at Willow Park Public School, at Susan Street and Windover Drive. These children will be offered recreational programs from the time school ends to the 6:00pm pick up time for $4 per day. Residents requiring subsidy are encouraged to apply under the Welcome Policy and Children's Services Subsidy. Our office can redirect your enquiries or you can apply directly at 416 338 2512.
Sept 06
4200 Kingston Road
Habitat for Humanity will have purchased the property as of 31 August. The site plan for this proposal was approved by Toronto Council in 2000 under the previous owner. Habitat for Humanity will use the existing plan for 19 townhouses and modify it to make the homes slightly smaller and the green space correspondingly greater than before. The amendments to the site plan are under review although we expect it to be approved shortly. Since there are typically many questions for these types of projects, our office will be scheduling a community information meeting for residents. To be clear, I support this project. The history of proposals for this land can be found at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2000/agendas/council/cc/cc000201/sc1rpt/cl018.htm
4274 Kingston Road
This property is the site of the Montoro Motel, and a couple of addresses on Galloway Road. The proposal is to build 52 townhomes. The preliminary plan and sketches can be found at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2006/agendas/committees/sc/sc060613/it020.pdf
My office and the Planning Department are scheduling a community meeting to discuss the proposal to build 52 townhouses at Galloway Rd and Kingston Rd. The municipal address for this project is 4274 Kingston Road currently known as the Montoro Hotel. The townhouse development will have a private street entering and exiting Galloway Road. We have a tentative date of September 19th at Eastview Public School. The date will be confirmed the first week of September. As soon as details are finalized, a meeting notice will be sent to all interested residents and the Coronation Community Association For information in the meantime on this development, please call my office at 416 392 4007.
4314 Kingston Road
A company called Plantactics has submitted a revised proposal for site plan copntrol approval for 4314 Kingston Road. The new proposal is for 39 townhouses on a private Road. Since the preliminary application was approved at Council, and the revisions do not adversely impact zoning, density or other major considerations, staff can approve site plan control application. I was amused to see an easement in the plans in favour of The Toronto and York Radial Railway! The only decision required for Council is the street name. Scarborough's archivist has recommended the name 'Ignatius Lane' in recognition of one of Scarborough's first documented disabled persons, Ignatius Galloway (1810 - 1885), the brother of William Galloway who owned several hundred acres of land in the area. The original site plan approval application and waste management report is located at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2006/agendas/council/cc060131/sccl005a.pdf
4097 Lawrence Avenue East
During the summer we convened a community meeting to consider this project. The proponent applied to build a four storey 38 unit apartment building with 24 bachelor units and 14 one bedroom units. City staff, residents and I had concerns about the application. The problems included parking, access to Lawrence, garbage and snow removal and over-building of this site. Recently the architect submitted a revised proposal. Early indications from staff are that the new plans are still problematic. If the applicant decides to proceed, his proposal will have negative recommendations and will be highly unlikely to be approved by Council. The original application - not the revised one - is available at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2005/agendas/committees/sc/sc051018/it014.pdf
4177 Lawrence Avenue East
The model homes and landscaping are nearing completion. The townhouses are scheduled to go on sale during the first week of September. Staff's recommendation to approve the private street in this project can be reviewed at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2005/agendas/council/cc050928/sc7rpt/cl022.pdf
French Avenue Closure / Surplus Property
So far a date has not yet been set to hear the developer's appeal for the French Avenue properties at the Ontario Municipal Board. These are the two lots that were sold by the City for one home each. The application for severing each of those lots into two was turned down by the Community Association, myself, and the Committee of Adjustment. Undeterred the owner has asked for a decision from the Ontario Municipal Board. Council has authorized the defence of the Committee's decision by the City Solicitor at City expense.
By the way, it is a matter of public record (at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2005/minutes/committees/sc/sc050919.pdf) that this property was sold to the highest bidder at $312 200 last year. According to www.mls.ca, each of the two lots are still available for sale for $209 900 (reference numbers E936417 and E936414).
West Hill Traffic
If Scarborough East has a centre for traffic studies, it is the West Hill community. In August I requested a summary map that shows that there have been eleven places of investigation, some with multiple reviews. City staff assure us that the roads are operating safely and well under capacity. Twice we have neutrally surveyed the community, not to dampen any request for change, but to determine the nature of the residents' concerns and their suggestions. To prevent accusation that residents did not receive our requests for participation, we delivered our flyers ourselves.
The first survey had about twenty responses split evenly between requesting changes and advising us to leave matters alone. In consultation with the West Hill Neighbourhood Association we concluded that there was neither a pressing demand nor consensus, so we went on to other issues.
We then received a petition with hundreds of signatures requesting traffic calming measures.
So to find out exactly what people wanted, we sent out 500 surveys asking for suggestions. There was a response rate of 11% showing splits in the community. Two streets (Falaise Road and Rodda Boulevard) had majorities favouring speed humps. But overall 18 homes were in favour of humps while 34 were against. The results were published in the last eNews and will be reprinted in the next Newsletter.
To see if we can get some resolution we have requested staff to update the traffic data and to schedule a community meeting as soon as the information is available. Hopefully this can be done in September.
Of course this type of response does not satisfy the advocate who wants additional control measures and is concerned about safety. On the other hand I do not wish to impose measures that will negatively impact residents throughout West Hill without their approval.
Sept 06
Orton Park / Brimorton Plaza
Although it's not the beginning of real construction, it's a start. A sales trailer with all of the accompanying signage has been installed on the plaza site at Orton Park and Brimorton. Tiffany Park Homes will host this sales office as a means of selling the 45 freehold homes that will be built there. Work this fall will focus on demolishing the old plaza, and installing ground services such as sewers. Construction and marketing of the town homes will begin in the spring of 2007 with families scheduled to move in that autumn. Background on the developer, Tiffany Park Homes, can be found at www.tiffanyparkhomes.com.
Sept 06
Guild Inn Revitalization
City staff and the proponent are both working together to assemble the documents required to support the Agreement to Lease, and the Lease itself. Unfortunately they are not far enough along to be able to prepare those documents prior to the final Council cycle. Therefore both sides are asking Council to allow them to continue to negotiate and finalize the agreement early in the new term.
Late in August I spoke to the Principal for the Windmill Consortium. He advised that as of mid August they had finally submitted their Master Plan, which is one of the key milestones, plus reports from consultants on traffic, landscaping and the interface with the cultural precinct. They also submitted a 'letter of comfort' from their financial institutions. With the chief City negotiator being on vacation I have not yet been able to verify that these documents are satisfactory.
The Windmill Consortium is both encouraged and challenged by discussions with two prospective operators of the Inn. Of course they were hoping to have more alternatives, yet they are pleased that there are excellent professionals who are seriously considering participation.
The City staff side is aware of the huge strides that have been made, but also aware that there are many issues that require resolution. So in mid August they drafted a report which recommends that Council approve continued negotiations.
I recognize the importance of the Guild Inn revitalization, and so called both the proponent and City staff to advise them I would not be seeking re-lection even before speaking to the Mayor. I explained the reasons for doing so and assured them that I still wanted to go as far as possible on the negotiations until the term ends on 30 November. Also, I advised them that I planned to emphasize the wide level of support for this project among Guildwood Villagers, their Community Association and the Guild Renaissance Group to Councillor candidates. I raised the continued support for this project with the Mayor in my most recent conversation with him. He assured me of his support for the project and said he would work to see the negotiations to their successful completion.
Traffic Signal Request
Request for Traffic Signals at Morningside and Cumber Avenue / Fordover Drive On behalf of a resident we asked City staff to review how well the Morningside and Cumber/Fordover intersection was functioning and whether traffic control lights were justified. Currently there is a pedestrian crossover (PXO). City staff went to the site to observe as well as place instruments to measure traffic volume and speed. In terms of traffic patterns, volume, speed and accident history (nil), "the PXO at this intersection is operating in a safe and efficient manner, and continues to be a suitable location for a PXO.... It is worthwhile to note that the adult crossing guard who supervises the PXO during school crossing times was observed to be doing an excellent job at all times in assisting school children in the crossings at this location. ...it was noted that all motorists stopped, when required at the PXO."
Sept 06
Centenary Hospital Expansion
Centenary Hospital is progressing well with their plans for an expansion of their mental health facility at the south east corner Ellesmere and Neilson. Tentatively called Mental Health House, it is built on land formerly owned by the City of Toronto and will not only expand the Hospital's mental health services but also provide much needed parking spaces at the Seven Oaks Home for the Aged. Notice of prequalification of bidders appeared in this weekend's Scarborough Mirror. The next steps are to award the tenders and commence construction. Plans have already been processed by the City to allow for initial construction.
Lakeview Subdivision
The last issue of this eNews had a long section on the challenges faced by residents in the Lakeview subdivision. These included getting reasonable access to Morningside, a stormwater pond that wasn't properly functioning, poor landscaping and orphaned parcels of land. We've been able to make some progress. We have the basis of an agreement among the parties to get access next to the pond through to Morningside. Provincial staff is working with City staff to consider fencing only where necessary so more land will be accessible. Work will be commencing to landscape the pond area in the next few weeks.
Some issues need further input from residents. For example, Parks staff suggests the fencing at the entrance to the subdivision alongside the ravine lot remain to discourage dumping. We'll need to discuss whether moving bus stops is a good idea. Our goal is to have a meeting in September, for which we will circulate a notice in the area.
Conservatory Group Subdivision
The other new Seven Oaks subdivision, the Conservatory Group Development, continues to be a source of concerns about illegal dumping, poor road conditions and illegal parking. Since there are unsold homes, the roads are unassumed and this subdivision is still under the authority of the developer. We have called the developer on numerous occasions and usually receive a prompt response. Once the subdivision has been completed, the City will assume responsibility for City services. The Conservatory Group advises our office that they expect to have all units sold by the autumn of this year. Along with residents in the nearby Lakeview subdivision, these residents have requested a review on how to better access transit and cross Morningside Avenue.
Community Picnic
In late July I held a Community Picnic at Seven Oaks Park. Over 200 residents joined my staff and I for hotdogs and drinks. The face painting was a favourite as was the Toronto Zoo table with many items one could touch, hold and learn about. I myself was intrigued by the tooth from an elephant. The Toronto Fire Department provided an aerial truck. Those who wished could try on the firefighters' coats. I found it a great opportunity to meet with residents on an informal basis. Special thanks go to the volunteers who helped us out during the evening.
New 'tot lot'
Tam Heather Park, located on Military Trail, will soon have a ‘tot lot’ with a pathway, seating, trees and shrubs. Construction of this project for our smaller residents will take place later in 06.
Sept 06
Scarborough Rapid Transit
Replacing the Scarborough Rapid Transit line has given new vigor to the debate in Scarborough about transit. Without a doubt the first reaction of many – including myself – was to simply convert the aging system to a subway. From the beginning this position had the ability to capture interest. It also had a certain fairness, simplicity and justification.
However, after seeing the latest presentation on the future of the Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) line and having discussions with my colleagues on Scarborough Community Council and in the media, I began to wonder about our best interests with respect to transit.With some encouragement I wrote an opinion article for the Scarborough Mirror suggesting that Scarborough residents should first determine their best interests prior to deciding how to replace the aging SRT.
I believe that residents, TTC staff and City planners need to determine what is required before placing an order for rolling stock. This position is not about subservience or compromise. Rather it is about first understanding what we need. For example, the subway can only be reasonably built to go up Brimley Road, which is not a main thoroughfare. This route will be underutilized for over a generation. If we insist on a subway, more Scarborough residents would be served by extending the Sheppard subway to McCowan.
Looking at this opportunity parochially, we in Scarborough East would be far better served to see intermediate light rail on Kingston and Eglinton. It would support our goals of revitalization, making these routes part of livable communities instead of just commuter thoroughfares.
Again, I stress any early ideas are subject to change. What is important is that we must first decide on the type of communities we want, and how that vision is supported by transit. Accordingly I have requested that the Scarborough Councillors meet together to define how transit will best support the City in which we will want to live in, play and work. I’ve also asked for support from TTC staff to provide us a plan to engage the public, elected officials and professional staff.
Working to build transit alternatives is not about compromise. It is about understanding our future and our interests.
Sept 06
43 Division Police StationFinally! After years of pleading, pressure and planning, we have our new 43 Police Division. This building is located just east of the intersection of Lawrence Avenue E and Manse Road. Although the Police Division has received much of the limelight, it’s important to realize that this building houses both our new police station and a major ambulance station.
Our work in bringing this station in Scarborough is not because of the high crime statistics. Indeed our part of the City usually rates very well on a per capita basis. Rather it is because significant amounts of development occurred in eastern Scarborough over the years. As a result policing resources became stretched dangerously thin. Not only is the new building a symbol of a renewed police presence, but the addition of extra officers to the station now provides our part of Scarborough with policing strength similar to that elsewhere in the City. In Scarborough East we are fortunate not to have the same level of grow house activity as in other parts of the City. However we must remain vigilant. As one example, two months ago officers investigating a medical complaint in Guildwood came upon an active grow operation in the basement. In addition to the drugs, drug paraphernalia and chemicals used for the operation, a young child was found in the house. For the child’s own safety, he was placed in the care of the Children’s Aid Society. The parents not only face charges associated with the marijuana, they are also now charged with failure to provide the necessities of life.
If you have any reason to suspect a grow house in your neighborhood, please call with the 43 Division Crime Prevention office at 416 808 4339 or our office at 416 396 7222. This summer our police will be trying some new strategies to minimize drinking, drugs, and vandalism in City parks. You can expect to see officers patrolling on foot, bicycles and cars. The Police are asking the public to advise them of any potential trouble spots. If you can assist you are welcome to call their community response unit at 416 808 4328 or our office at 416 396 7222
June 06
CALL 416-396-GANG (4264) to report graffiti and gang taggings.
In response to not having a single number to report gang markings, called tags, my office has set up and maintains 416 396 GANG (416 396 4264). In previous years this hot line has received over 500 calls from throughout Toronto. Every call is reported to the owner of the property, public or private, for immediate clean up. Just as importantly, we are pleased with the assistance and cooperation for this program from the Toronto Police Service, which performs the analysis and lays criminal charges where warranted, and with the City’s Municipal Licensing Standards staff, who contact property owners when required.
My office will report the location to the Police to check for gang identification and then to the property owner for removal. Since graffiti vandals thrive on having their work seen, quick removal is the best solution. When the property owner does not remove the graffiti, we ask a City inspector to become involved Recently the Guild Inn and some nearby buildings were the targets of taggers and vandals. City staff certainly was challenged to remove graffiti due to permeable surfaces and the historic nature of some of the buildings such as the Osterhaut Cabin. We were able to start the investigations and remediation quickly thanks to Guildwood Villagers who provided timely information.
Based on statistics collected by police, the profile of a graffiti vandal is male (90%), 16 years of age and armed with a spray can (51%) or marker pen (30%). The vast majority of graffiti are “tags” which are the vandals’ signatures. Regardless of their nature, residents want graffiti removed.
Please call 416 396 GANG (416 396 4264) to be part of the solution.
May 06
Copyright © 2006 David Soknacki. All rights reserved