Preparations underway to settle Syrian refugees

Chrystia Freeland (MP, University-Rosedale) addresses a packed town hall on refugees at the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre on Dec. 23. Many local groups are privately sponsoring Syrian refugees, who are expected to start settling in the Annex in the coming months. Courtesy Benjamin Bergen  Read more

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The newly minted Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, wasted no time in announcing rules further restricting the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) ability to “backstop” loans to homebuyers. Effective Feb. 15, 2016, purchasers of homes whose purchase price exceeds $500,000 will be required to put at least 10 per cent down, which is up 5 per cent from what it was under the previous Conservative government. This is the federal government’s latest attempt to dampen a housing market that is widely seen as vulnerable to a radical readjustment, especially in the event of an increase in interest rates.  Read more

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Harris Huron alum

Red House, Winter by Lawren Harris. Courtesy Hart House

Re: Red House, Winter by Lawren Harris (December 2015 Cover)

Thanks Gleaner for that lovely Lawren Harris cover. In addition to the local ties and contributions mentioned in the article, Harris was also an alumnus of local Huron Street Public School.  Read more

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Meeting the prohibitive cost of child care first-hand

Mike Layton and wife Brett Tryon with their new baby Phoebe Layton, whose arrival has made the councillor more committed than ever to making the city affordable for families. Courtesy Hugh Campbell

By Mike Layton  Read more

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Bloor St. Culture Corridor participates in strategy consultations

The Royal Conservatory of Music’s executive director of the performing arts, Mervon Mehta, supports the Ontario government’s open approach to developing a cultural strategy for the province. Courtesy of the Royal Conservatory of Music

By Heather Kelly  Read more

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An environmental case for less meat on the table

In Australia, labelling for egg cartons must state if the eggs come from caged hens. Photo by Terri Chu

By Terri Chu  Read more

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Notorious bar on month-to-month lease

The Brunny’s lease expires at the end of December. Corrina King, Gleaner News

By Annemarie Brissenden

Larry Sdao’s late November confirmation that he would not renew The Brunswick House’s lease has galvanized the community into a discussion about the future of the notorious landmark. It’s also become a catalyst for a broader discussion about the future of the neighbourhood, and revealed disconnects between residents, business-owners, and the city itself.  Read more

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Trap-Neuter-Return reduces feral feline population

Some feral cats can be domesticated, like Ossington Avenue resident James Beaton’s cat Boo. Courtesy Barbara Isherwood

By Summer Reid  Read more

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Laneways untapped realm of urban design

In April 2014, then federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau visited Scadding Court Community Centre’s innovative street food and retail market, housed in retrofitted shipping containers. Market 707 is one of the models consultants are studying as part of their research to develop a business plan for Westbank’s Honest Ed’s Alley.
Brian Burchell, Gleaner News  Read more

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“Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory,” said Franklin D. Roosevelt during his presidential inaugural address in 1933.  Read more

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A Ward 20 year in review

By Joe Cressy

In Ward 20, we’ve had a busy year! We’ve worked hard on the dozens of development files that populate downtown, improving our green spaces, and building liveable communities — and we have a lot to be proud of.  Read more

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Grassroots activism marks annual review

In May, David Suzuki Foundation Neighbourhood Park Ranger Aidan Nolan (above left) guided volunteers as they transformed a canoe into a garden in front of Tollkeeper’s Cottage at Bathurst Street and Davenport Road. Neiland Brissenden, Gleaner News

By Annemarie Brissenden

DEVELOPMENT DRIVES DENSITY DOWNTOWN  Read more

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