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
March 14th, 2022 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Groundbreaking at Sussex (Winter 2022)
The University of Toronto officially broke ground at the site of a yet-to-be-named 23-storey student residence at Spadina and Sussex. Concessions to city planning and the HVRA allowed the development to proceed: preserving the heritage building at 698 Spadina, and creating the new Robert Street Park. U of T is pleased to be able to offer 509 additional future students the experience of on-campus living, which has been shown to improve their academic performance and mental health. The residence will use an innovative geoexchange system for heating, cooling and hot water, dramatically reducing emissions. (From left), Scott Mabury (VP, Operations), Mitchell Cohen (President & CEO, The Daniels Corporation), Meric Gertler (President, U of T), Brian Lawson (Chair of the Governing Council, U of T), Rose Patten (Chancellor, U of T), and Vishar Yaghoubian (Student Governor, Governing Council). NICOLE STOFFMAN/GLEANER NEWS
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
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
October 8th, 2019 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Gas pains on Harbord, Tabares honoured (Sept. 2019)
Last spring, long-time Harbord Village business owner Tino Tabares learned that the building that housed his gas station, Torreira Import Auto Service, was going up for sale. With the business under threat, the neighbourhood stepped up to help, but in the end, it was not enough. Read more
July 16th, 2019 · Comments Off on NEWS: Patio proposal moves ahead, tentatively (Summer 2019)
Layton helps forge a compromise for cheesecake purveyor
By Nabahat Hussain and Juan Romero
After a lengthy dispute with the Harbord Village Residents’ Association (HVRA), the recently opened “LeTao Sweets” bakery is up and running with tentative plans for a patio next summer. Read more
July 16th, 2019 · Comments Off on LIFE: Losing the hood (Summer 2019)
Tree canopy of Harbord Village depleted by 20 per cent
By Nabahat Hussain
A thorough tree inventory in Harbord Village shows that the neighbourhood’s tree canopy has decreased by 20 per cent in the past 12 years. This rate of decline is similar to that of trees in the Annex, north of Bloor. Read more
April 23rd, 2019 · Comments Off on NEWS: Ten Editions Bookstore calls it a day (Spring 2019)
Heritage designation of building does not extend to its occupants
By Lena Sanz Tovar
Ten Editions, a beloved book store at 698 Spadina Avenue, has officially closed after 35 years. The University of Toronto is set to begin its newest residence-building project at the site, and many community members are feeling bittersweet. Read more
A mature tree at 113 Howland Ave. fell victim to a windstorm in April 2018. COURTESY ARTHUR GRON
By Arthur Gron
In the Annex and Harbord Village, large maples and majestic Dutch elms are maturing and dying out. The trees that are taking their place tend to be smaller ornamental trees, throwing the future of the area’s beloved canopy into question. Read more
October 16th, 2018 · Comments Off on NEWS: Election chaos (October 2018)
Council cuts a concern
By Ellie Hayden
Local residents’ associations, business improvement areas, and community organizations are concerned that reducing Toronto City Council from 47 to 25 seats will wreak havoc with the business of the city in their neighbourhoods. Read more
September 11th, 2018 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Meet and greet at the fall fair (Aug./Sept. 2018)
If it’s the first Sunday after Labour Day, it must be time for fun at the fair. On September 9 from noon to 6 p.m., residents of Harbord Village will be out in full force for music, socializing, and a silent auction at its annual fall fair in Margaret Fairley Park. Refreshments like burgers, soft drinks, and wine will be available for 50 cents to $5, depending on the item. Read more
