Although gun crime is high in the entertainment district, neighbourhood crime and crime incidents related to gang activity is down, reported Staff Superintendent Francis Bergen of the Toronto Police Service at a 14 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) meeting on Sept. 14.  Read more

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A jumble of stories about an area lost to time

By Annemarie Brissenden

Before there was Ed Mirvish and his free turkey giveaways, there was Merle Foster and her annual Christmas trees; parties the sculptor would throw in St. John’s Ward for children who would have little other pleasure during the holiday season.  Read more

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I read the September Gleaner article “A haven for children’s literature”, on the 20^th anniversary of the Lillian H. Smith library, and I was instantly brought home to my old neighbourhood in Toronto. I remember fondly afternoons spent reading a book in the garden behind the library. Or wintry afternoons spent roaming through the stacks, looking for something of interest. Of particular interest to me was the mention that this library was a descendant of the first free-standing library in the Commonwealth. Living as I do in the UK right now, where we have seen swaths of libraries closed and boarded up due to cutbacks, it was especially delightful to note that Lillian H. Smith is doing so well. Congratulations to the dedicated staff who have created such a welcoming, warm space in Toronto.  Read more

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Thank you for your article in the August 2015 edition “Breaking bread with friends, Harbord Bakery marks 70 years”. It was a joy to be reminded of the rich history of the Harbord Bakery and how intertwined
it is with the neighbourhood.  Read more

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I lived above the Harbord Bakery (“Breaking bread with friends”, August 2015) in the early ‘60s. A newcomer to Toronto, I initially saw only space (furnished one-bedroom) and location (close to the U of T) that were right for me; however, I was soon to learn what a legendary roof I had found.  Read more

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Greenspace, heritage, and integration at top of list as Westbank opens Markham House

Westbank opened its Markham House Citybuilding Lab (610 Markham St.) on Sept. 19. Not only a space for providing information on and answering questions about its proposed Mirvish Village redevelopment, Markham House is envisioned as a community hub that will feature rotating exhibits and art installations. Summer Reid, Gleaner News  Read more

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Let’s lead so they will follow

By Terri Chu,

The federal election has been lack lustre on the environmental front to put it mildly. In fact, finding an environmental platform from the three major parties to write about for this final piece before election day is akin to searching through Kim Kardashian’s twitter feed for words of wisdom. I decided a more enjoyable pastime would be sticking my head into the tailpipe of a “clean diesel” Volkswagen.  Read more

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College and Russell streets facilities at risk

Brookfield, which is developing condominiums at the southeast corner of Spadina Avenue and College Street, says its property across the street, leased to CAMH, should be valued on highest and best use. Doing so would increase the hospital’s rent by as much as 333 per cent.
Brian Burchell, Gleaner News  Read more

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Lillian H. Smith library branch celebrates 20 years

By Annemarie Brissenden

Can you remember the first book you ever read?  Read more

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Dupont Station will soon be fully accessible to all riders, regardless of mobility. It’s currently undergoing an upgrade under the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Easier Access Program, which aims to increase the accessibility of subway stations across the city. The station improvements – slated for completion in 2019 – include adding three elevators that will access all levels of the station, accessible fare gates, barrier-free paths to the subway platforms, improved signage, and the installation of CCTV security cameras.  Read more

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Hidden treasures, baked goods, food, crafts, books, CDs, and more all return to the fall fair this Oct. 3 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and 4 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at St. Peter’s Church (659 Markham St.).  Read more

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Just as the stigma surrounding mental illness has started to dissipate, the College Street location of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is facing a crisis of its own.  Read more

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RE: Bloor “foremost a public space”?(July)

Thank you for your editorial “It’s really a village not a freeway” in the July edition of The Annex Gleaner. I can’t agree more!

The case for bike lanes on Bloor is strong: the route is flat and unencumbered by streetcar tracks, and many people continue to cycle along it, despite the absence of cycling safety measures.  Read more

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