Gleaner

Serving Toronto's most liveable community with the Annex Gleaner

FOCUS: Grading our Greenspace (Dec. 2023)

December 23rd, 2023 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Grading our Greenspace (Dec. 2023)

Compiled by Alexa Méndez

Rejuvinated Queen’s Park looking north. MIA KESKINEN/GLEANER NEWS

Each year the Annex Gleaner reviews the abundance of parks 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.

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Tags: Annex · Life

NEWS: Carved pumpkins to enjoy an encore on Harbord Street (Fall 2023)

December 4th, 2023 · Comments Off on NEWS: Carved pumpkins to enjoy an encore on Harbord Street (Fall 2023)

Come celebrate the warmth of community 

Children seen here at last year’s display of creative carving. HAILEY ALEXANDER/GLEANER NEWS

By Brian Burchell

Harbord Village’s cherished pumpkin festival is back this year on Nov. 1. Dozens of pumpkins will light up the neighbourhood along Harbord Street from Spadina Avenue to Borden Street. 


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Tags: Annex · News

NEWS: University Women’s Club of Toronto celebrates 120 years (Summer 2023)

September 14th, 2023 · Comments Off on NEWS: University Women’s Club of Toronto celebrates 120 years (Summer 2023)

Over a century of events and philanthropy

Past President Judith Lewis doing the honours of cutting the UWC’s anniversary cake. She was president from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2008 to 2017. HAILEY ALEXANDER/GLEANER NEWS

On April 23, the University Women’s Club of Toronto (UWC) celebrated 120 years with over 160 members. The celebration took place on May 1 at the University of Toronto’s Faculty Club at 41 Willcocks Street, east of Spadina, where the club holds its events.

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Tags: Annex · News

ARTS: Diorama Dramas displayed at photography exhibition (May/June 2023)

August 8th, 2023 · Comments Off on ARTS: Diorama Dramas displayed at photography exhibition (May/June 2023)

The light box pictured here in Martha Davis’ garden allows children to discuss difficult subjects with trusted adults. COURTESY MARTHA DAVIS

Since retiring from her career teaching elementary school five years ago, photo artist and independent filmmaker, Martha Davis, has found opportunities to work with children outside the classroom. This May, she joined the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival with her Diorama Dramas.

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Tags: Annex · News · Arts

FOCUS: Porch View Dances returns (May/June 2023)

August 8th, 2023 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Porch View Dances returns (May/June 2023)

12th annual Seaton Village event runs Aug. 9 to 13 

Choreographed by Karen & Allen Kaeja, dancers Jim and Owen Adams perform during 2018’s iteration of PVD: Real People Dancing. COURTESY 2018_PVD_SV PHOTOGRAPHY

By Hailey Alexander

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Tags: Annex · Arts · Life

NEWS: Unveiling ceremony in honour of Sam Richardson (April 2023)

August 8th, 2023 · Comments Off on NEWS: Unveiling ceremony in honour of Sam Richardson (April 2023)

Central Tech student competed at 1936 Berlin Olympics

Sam Richardson passes the baton during the men’s 4×100 relay during the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Like Jesse Owens, who became a friend, he proudly represented his nation while facing the institutionalized racism of Nazi Germany. PHOTO COURTESY CENTRAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL ARCHIVES

By Hailey Alexander

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Tags: Annex · News

NEWS: 196 years of Black history in Toronto (Feb. 2023)

March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on NEWS: 196 years of Black history in Toronto (Feb. 2023)

A church founded by former slaves who were rejected by “white” churches

By Hailey Alexander

Founded by former slaves First Baptist Church Toronto is now located at 101 Huron St. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS

First Baptist Church at 101 Huron St. was founded in 1826 by Elder Washington Christian and 12 other formerly enslaved people who escaped to Canada by way of the Underground Railroad. First Baptist Church is the oldest Black institution in Toronto.

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Tags: Annex · News

NEWS: PenguinPickUp once site of gambling bust (Feb. 2023)

March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on NEWS: PenguinPickUp once site of gambling bust (Feb. 2023)

In 1928, police arrested 74 men in a surprise raid 

527 Bloor St. was the site of a major gambling bust in 1928.
(COURTESY TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY)

By Hailey Alexander


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Tags: Annex · News

ON THE COVER: New mural in the Annex (Jan. 2023)

January 24th, 2023 · Comments Off on ON THE COVER: New mural in the Annex (Jan. 2023)

BIA sponsors art on frequently tagged space

Local artist Talie Shalmon stands proud with her new City of the Future mural. COURTESY MELANIE RAMSAY/BLOOR ANNEX BIA

By Hailey Alexander

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Tags: Annex · News · On the cover

FOCUS: Bloor Street BIA parkettes win prestigious design award

January 24th, 2023 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Bloor Street BIA parkettes win prestigious design award

Architectural association praises conversion of asphalt lots to “dynamic green public amenities”

Major Street parkette with artist Daniela Rocha’s mural in the background. COURTESY DTAH

By Hailey Alexander

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Tags: Annex · News

NEWS: Wychwood library celebrated (Dec. 2022)

December 13th, 2022 · Comments Off on NEWS: Wychwood library celebrated (Dec. 2022)

Historic building reopens with new features

Wychwood library’s original building keeps its old charm with modern improvements. HAILEY ALEXANDER/GLEANER NEWS

By Fox Oliver

On Oct. 3, community members gathered for a ceremony to celebrate the official reopening of the Wychwood Public Library following four years of renovation. 

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Tags: Annex · News

CHATTER: Annex Art Centre’s Arty Market (Dec. 2022)

December 13th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Annex Art Centre’s Arty Market (Dec. 2022)

The Annex Art Centre is opening their Let it Snow Art & Craft Market on Dec. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 1075 Bathurst St. in celebration of the festive season. Look forward to crossing some gifts off your holiday shopping list while enjoying warm apple cider and other treats with the friendly Annex community.

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Tags: Annex · News

CHATTER: Santa returns (Nov. 2022)

November 22nd, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Santa returns (Nov. 2022)

Santa Claus is officially bringing his magic back to the city this year on Sunday, November 20. The season will finally feel complete again as Mr. and Mrs. Claus return with their annual parade of marchers, bands, runners, and festive floats. The Santa Claus Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Bloor Street West and Christie Street, finishing off by 4:00 p.m. at Maple Leaf Square.

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Tags: Annex · News