January 24th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: His villainy was his lack of transparency (Jan. 2023)
Our just “trust me” mayor has betrayed democracy
By Sue Dexter
“What I can’t support is change being rammed down our throats without a single second of public consultation.” John Tory after the province slashes council in half, 2018.
“Trust me.” John Tory on receiving unprecedented minority rule powers, after no public consultation, 2022. Read more
November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on ON THE COVER: Pumpkin Festival returns (Nov. 2022)
Harbord Bakery shares fresh baked goods during the Harbord Village Residents’ Association’s Pumpkin Festival on Nov. 1. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HAILEY ALEXANDER & NEILAND BRISSENDEN/GLEANER NEWS
November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Harbord Village’s Pumpkin Festival returns (Nov. 2022)
Children gather around glowing jack-o-lanterns at the Pumpkin Festival on Harbord Street. HAILEY ALEXANDER/GLEANER NEWS
Harbord Village’s cherished pumpkin festival is back in full swing. On November 1, dozens of pumpkins lit up the neighbourhood along Harbord Street from Spadina Avenue to Borden Street. Between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., people paraded the street with hot apple cider, baked goods from Harbord Bakery, and the last of their Halloween spirit. Pumpkins carved at homes in the neighbourhood are brought to Harbord for a “re-showing.” Read more
November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Adam Vaughan headlines HVRA AGM
The Harbord Village Residents’ Association (HVRA) held their 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Oct. 18. Guest speaker Adam Vaughan spoke after members of the HVRA discussed administrative, financial, and area reports. Read more
October 19th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Harbord’s fall fair returns (Oct. 2022)
The band Feline Groovy, from the Annex Academy of Music, performed at the HVRA event. COURTESY STUART LAWLER/HVRA
Autumn is here, and so is the Harbord Village Residents’ Association’s (HVRA) fall fair. On Sunday, Sept. 11, residents of Harbord Village gathered in Margaret Fairley Park on Brunswick Avenue to celebrate their neighbourhood and the season with a joyous community event. Read more
July 18th, 2022 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Wiener’s Home Hardware 100th anniversary a day to remember (July 2022)
On June 18, Wiener’s Home Hardware celebrated their 100th anniversary with a block party hosted by the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area, Annex Residents’ Association, and the Harbord Village Residents’ Association. The community enjoyed live music, food, and got a chance to learn about the history of the family-run store (pictured top-right). The block party gathered four generations of the Wiener family to celebrate (pictured above). Marty Wiener also accepted a plaque from Mayor John Tory, presented by Councillor Mike Layton, on behalf of the Wiener family commemorating the store’s contribution to the community over the past 100 years (pictured right). This celebration will surely be a day Annex residents will remember. —Fox Oliver/Gleaner News.Read more
June 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on NEWS: Appeal against 225 Brunswick Ave. (May 2021)
Developer seeks “middle ground” to resolve dispute with neighbour
This architect’s rendering depicts how this one-time synagogue located on Brunswick Avenue might look if it’s converted to residential units. COURTESY SUULIN ARCHITECTS
By Madeline Smart
The approved development plan for the one-time synagogue at 225 Brunswick Ave., whose plan required nine bylaw variances, has been appealed by a nearby neighbour. Read more
March 26th, 2021 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Revitalization of Robert St. Field (Mar. 2021)
Long-awaited renewal of U of T park space for community use
Emerging from its confusing past, Robert Street Field has upgraded the playground and the field is now the largest geothermal project in Canada. COURTESY STUDIO tla OBTAINED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
“Canadians are kind and generous.” The Prime Minsister tells us this in his daily briefings on the COVID-19 crisis. In reality, this statement is part truth and part aspirational. Fortunately in the Annex, and in a great many other parts of our city, this is proving to be true. Many residents are acting as model citizens: staying home, sharing positive messages, and helping each other out. Read more
March 24th, 2020 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Robert Street Field site of geothermal energy (Mar. 2020)
U of T seeks big win on greenhouse gas reductions
The University of Toronto has embarked on the largest geo-thermal installation in the country which is located on the Aura Lee playing field on Robert Street. TANYA IELYSEIEVA/GLEANER NEWS
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.Read more
