The provincial government led by Premier Doug Ford has elected to shutter ten of the of province’s 23 safe injection sites based on a “gut feeling” they are not working. This, despite the government’s own experts telling him they are not only working, but that their work needs to be bolstered. The war on drugs is now part of the culture wars in Doug Ford’s Ontario.  Read more

Housing and flood mitigation are at the top of the list

By Dianne Saxe  Read more

Doug Ford chooses political gain over public health

By Jessica Bell

In a cynical move, the Conservatives have announced they will shutter ten consumption and treatment sites in Ontario, including the Kensington Overdose Prevention Site operated by The Neighbourhood Group. Any site 200 meters from schools or daycares will be banned from operating.  Read more

Toronto lacks the leadership to address effects of climate change

Toronto had two “once in a century” storms this summer. If you are bothering to read my column, I can only assume you understand the cause—climate change. I know there are still corporate lap dogs licking oil men’s boots and denying its existence, but for the most part, the era of denial is over, except for the those whose money solidly depends on infinite oil and those suckers who believe them. Sadly, for us, the former group is highly influential, and the latter group is stubbornly numerous.   Read more

Maple Leafs owners seek bigger crowds in 2025 with food, music, and fun

By R.S. Konjek 

It is the evening of Saturday, August 24, and smoke and flames engulf the outfield of Dominico Field at Christie Pits.  Read more

Density on Spadina Road to expand in coming years 

By Meredith Poirier  Read more

Bloor Annex BIA and STEPS Public Art make the Annex more accessible

By Merideth Poirier  Read more

A plethora of Annex-area parks under scrutiny

Each year the Annex Gleaner reviews the many parks and parkettes in our coverage area using a variety of criteria. While there is no decisive “winner” of the grading, letter grades are assigned to convey the quality of the parks, considering aspects such as upkeep, design, and amenities. The reviews accompanying the grades also let the reader know what makes each space unique. This is the first instalment of reviews for 2024.  Read more

Cornfest returns; Koreatown’s inaugural street festival; street closure at Bloor and St. George streets

Cornfest returns to Jean Sibelius Park on Sept 15 (3-5pm)

The Annex Residents’ Association is again hosting its annual Cornfest. All are welcome to this rain or shine event to enjoy the sweet seasonal treat together with baked goods, games, and live entertainment!  Read more

SEE MORE EDITORIAL CARTOONS:  Read more

• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (June 2024)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (May 2024)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice: NIMBYism 101 (Apr. 2024)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: Why can’t they get along??? (Mar. 2024)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How to drive in Toronto (Feb. 2024)
• EDITORIAL CARTON: “Someone’s getting rich!” (Dec. 2023)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Fall 2023)
• EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Summer 2023)

When Ontario Premier Bill Davis stopped the Spadina Expressway, the decision could have been a defining moment for Toronto. But over a half century later, it’s still not clear that we are “building a transportation system to serve people” instead of automobiles. Construction projects and heavy trucks that endanger vulnerable road users, along with politicians devoted to protecting the status quo, continue to block a more people-friendly way forward. The death of a young female cyclist on Bloor Street on July 25 offers additional, tragic evidence that we still live in a car-first reality.    Read more

Councillor debuts podcast; Avenue Road safety improvements are on the way

By Dianne Saxe  Read more