Gleaner

Serving Toronto's most liveable community with the Annex Gleaner

NEWS: Reflecting on the campaign (Nov. 2022)

November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on NEWS: Reflecting on the campaign (Nov. 2022)

Two unsuccessful candidates share their thoughts

Compiled by Brian Burchell

The Gleaner reached out to the top performing candidates to get their take on such a competitive race. 

What are your thoughts about the campaign and in particular the challenge of running against other “progressive” candidates?

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Tags: Annex · News

EDITORIAL: A small business tax break in name only (Oct. 2022)

October 19th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: A small business tax break in name only (Oct. 2022)

In November of last year Mayor John Tory announced a new small business tax that was meant to reduce the property tax burden that small businesses must pay to the city. In theory, this meant an across the board decrease of 15 per cent for properties that met two criteria: lot size and value. It turns out however, that the methodology chosen by the city is so flawed that it appears that as many as 20 per cent of properties will not get the break even though they meet the requirements.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

ON THE COVER: Bloor Street United demo begins (Sept. 2022)

September 27th, 2022 · Comments Off on ON THE COVER: Bloor Street United demo begins (Sept. 2022)

Work has begun to in part demolish, and in part to restore, the Bloor Street United Church located at Bloor and Huron streets. A new luxury condo will be constructed to the north and west of the original church building. The section on the left will be removed and the part on the right restored. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS

READ MORE:

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Tags: Annex · News

FOCUS: Layton reflects on three terms as city councillor (Sept. 2022)

September 27th, 2022 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Layton reflects on three terms as city councillor (Sept. 2022)

Outgoing Ward 11 representative proud of legacy

A pensive Mike Layton selects a different path as he chooses family over the gruelling life of a Toronto city councillor. COURTESY MIKE LAYTON

By Brian Burchell

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Tags: General

CHATTER: Spadina Station gets a lift—two, actually (Sept. 2022)

September 27th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Spadina Station gets a lift—two, actually (Sept. 2022)

The intersection of Spadina Road and Lowther Avenue will be a construction zone as the TTC adds elevators below.
COURTESY THE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION

The TTC is planning to add two elevators to its sprawling Spadina subway station. These will be located under the intersection of Spadina Road and Lowther Avenue.


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Tags: Annex · News

EDITORIAL: Taking control of the narrative (Sept. 2022)

September 27th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Taking control of the narrative (Sept. 2022)

The province is dissolving Ontario’s independent COVID-19 Science Advisory Table and replacing it  with, what one member described, as its exact antithesis. The science table didn’t hesitate to bring attention to facts the government didn’t want to hear, but which the public needed to know. 

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

DEVELOPINGS: Developments on your doorstep (Aug. 2022)

August 19th, 2022 · Comments Off on DEVELOPINGS: Developments on your doorstep (Aug. 2022)

New and continuing developments in the Annex

Compiled by Fox Oliver with files from Henry Wiercinski, Annex Residents’ Association (ARA), 

Photos by Fox Oliver

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Tags: Annex · News

CHATTER: New Purolator pop-up on Spadina uses e-cargo bikes (Aug. 2022)

August 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: New Purolator pop-up on Spadina uses e-cargo bikes (Aug. 2022)

Purolator, City of Toronto and Toronto Parking Authority launch Urban Quick Stop pilot program designed to be mini hub for e-cargo bikes. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS

A new Purolator Quick Stop shipping location has just launched at 90 Spadina Road (just north of the Spadina TTC station) and intends to meet two pressing needs in the community. This full-service package pick-up and drop-off location in the neighbourhood serves local residents as well as commuters who park in the Green P parking lot where it’s located. The Quick Stop will also reduce cargo emissions by removing large Purolator trucks from the road. Two e-cargo bikes operated by Purolator staff will replace the truck. The new location is housed in a converted 40-foot shipping container. 

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Tags: Annex · News

CHATTER: Man wanted for aggravated assault (Aug. 2022)

August 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Man wanted for aggravated assault (Aug. 2022)

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance with identifying a man in an aggravated assault investigation.

On Wednesday, July 6, 2022, officers responded to a call in the Bloor Street West and Major Street area.

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Tags: Annex · News

EDITORIAL: Farewell Mike (Aug. 2022)

August 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Farewell Mike (Aug. 2022)

After 12 years on city council, Mike Layton, representative for University-Rosedale’s Ward 11 will not seek another term. Given the systemic changes made to the city’s governance in recent years, it’s no surprise Layton’s made this call—but it’s a shame and a real loss to this community.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

EDITORIAL: Highway’s environmental impact worsens with every report (July 2022)

July 18th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Highway’s environmental impact worsens with every report (July 2022)

The provincial PCs handily won another majority at Queen’s Park. The progressive parties split the vote and Doug Ford walked up the middle with his “get it done” message. It’s a simple and catchy phrase that Ford could utter authentically. A key plank in their plan is building Highway 413, but it appears that getting it done might not be so simple.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

EDITORIAL: Buck-a-fare just another sound bite (Provincial Election 2022)

May 24th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Buck-a-fare just another sound bite (Provincial Election 2022)

Doug Ford has lowered the discourse for campaign-time politics by sucking another party into a vacuum of sorts. The PCs have given free licence plate renewals and are promising a five-cent drop in the gasoline tax—if reelected. 

The Liberals have countered with a buck-a-fare public transit plan. It feels like we are at the CNE with hucksters competing for attention.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

EDITORIAL: Ford’s climate fiction (May 2022)

May 17th, 2022 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Ford’s climate fiction (May 2022)

We are just weeks away from the provincial election and voters are being besieged with election advertising. Every party is making bold claims of course, but the ruling Progressive Conservatives under Doug Ford are touting their environmental credentials, and that is nothing but offensive and absurd.

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Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion