Gleaner

Serving Toronto's most liveable community with the Annex Gleaner

FORUM: Find ways to support local businesses (Dec. 2020)

December 21st, 2020 · 1 Comment

Your support may prevent “ghost” towns on main streets

By Mike Layton

One of the most challenging years in recent memory is almost at an end, and I want to take this time to express my gratitude for the work of so many who saw us through. From our Medical Officer of Health and city staff, to local businesses, community groups and residents, it is clear that the majority of us want to work to overcome this pandemic, together.

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: City budget a real challenge but we can work together (Nov. 2020)

December 4th, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: City budget a real challenge but we can work together (Nov. 2020)

Impact on homeless is most acute

By Mike Layton

Winter is fast approaching, and with COVID-19 cases on the rise, we must prepare for how to support residents and small businesses through the next couple of months.

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Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion

NEWS: Parking versus housing (Oct. 2020)

November 2nd, 2020 · Comments Off on NEWS: Parking versus housing (Oct. 2020)

Kensington Market considers a change

By Mary An

Priorities are shifting in Kensington Market, according to a recent motion adopted by Toronto City Council that declares the parking lot at 25 Bellevue Ave. a surplus location that could be used to build affordable housing. 

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Inclusionary zoning is the answer (Oct. 2020)

November 2nd, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: Inclusionary zoning is the answer (Oct. 2020)

Growth in affordable housing is impossible without making it mandatory

By Mike Layton

The city’s need for affordable housing has never been more apparent than over the course of the pandemic. The public seems to have taken notice. My colleagues and I have been working on this issue and asking for additional and substantial investments in housing for more than a decade. We believe that housing is a human right and we need the funding and policies in place to treat it as such. 

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Making it green (Aug. 2020)

September 9th, 2020 · 1 Comment

Parks must grow with the city

By Mike Layton 

As summer slowly comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the ways that our city has developed during these challenging times. Our response to the pandemic has uniquely highlighted that investing in public green spaces and active transportation infrastructure means a better quality of life for Torontonians. 

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Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion

FORUM: Finding positive outcomes (July 2020)

August 7th, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: Finding positive outcomes (July 2020)

Rapidly expanding bike lanes a healthy solution

By Mike Layton

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: We are here to support you (May 2020)

June 15th, 2020 · 2 Comments

On the road to recovery and a sustainable future

By Mike Layton

As we prepare for a summer like we have never seen in Toronto, I want to take a moment to look back on what our community has accomplished so far. Whether you are part of the frontline response, or are doing your part by practicing physical distancing, this has been a challenging time. However, the sacrifices we have all been making have worked and we have saved lives. 

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

NEWS: Keep Your Rent campaign emerges (Apr. 2020)

May 1st, 2020 · 3 Comments

CIBC report says 30 per cent did not pay rent on April 1

NICOLE STOFFMAN/GLEANER NEWS

By Nicole Stoffman

Who should take the biggest hit during the economic shutdown of the coronavirus pandemic: renters, landlords, or the big banks? How one answers that question depends on whether one believes in the power of the individual or the collective.

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: We will get through this together (Apr. 2020)

May 1st, 2020 · 5 Comments

Community resources are here for you

By Mike Layton

This is a difficult moment in time for everyone. People across the continent are having to make substantial changes and sacrifices to their lives and routines in order to help keep them, their families, and others in their community safe. It is understandable to be confused, or feel anxious on a daily basis. People know they are facing a real threat, and that the choices they make have serious and immediate consequences.

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

FOCUS: Keeping beloved market “cool”? (Apr. 2020)

May 1st, 2020 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Keeping beloved market “cool”? (Apr. 2020)

Kensington BIA hones its market masterplan

A new masterplan aims to achieve what Kensington Market has already mastered, says one resident. KHYRSTEN MIERAS/GLEANER NEWS

By Khyrsten Mieras

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Tags: Annex · News

NEWS: 15 storeys planned for Davenport & Bedford (Mar. 2020)

March 24th, 2020 · Comments Off on NEWS: 15 storeys planned for Davenport & Bedford (Mar. 2020)

Neighbours are opposed due to traffic and density

The skyline may soon change dramatically for the neighbourhood near Davenport and Bedford. TANYA IELYSEIEVA/GLEANER NEWS

By Tanya Ielyseieva

A proposed mixed-use building with ground-level retail and residential uses above at 287 Davenport has neighbours up in arms.  

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Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Safer streets for bikes and pedestrians (Mar. 2020)

March 24th, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: Safer streets for bikes and pedestrians (Mar. 2020)

Redesigning the roads with necessary rules

By Mike Layton

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Tags: Annex · Opinion

LIFE: Harbord Village’s Sue Dexter makes a difference (Mar. 2020)

March 24th, 2020 · 1 Comment

Crusader lauded for her contributions

Sue Dexter (left), with Jessica Bell, has championed the preservation and greening of Harbord Village and worked tirelessly to better the community. COURTESY JESSICA BELL

This article is the second in a series about local residents making a difference in our community. These unsung heroes were brought to The Gleaner’s attention by MPP Jessica Bell, who honoured them at her Annual Community Celebration, in December of 2019.

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Tags: Annex · Life