“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.
EDITORIAL: Local heroes (Apr. 2020)
May 1st, 2020 · 4 Comments
LIFE: Harbord Village’s Sue Dexter makes a difference (Mar. 2020)
March 24th, 2020 · 1 Comment
Crusader lauded for her contributions

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.
CHATTER: Gas pains on Harbord, Tabares honoured (Sept. 2019)
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.
NEWS: Patio proposal moves ahead, tentatively (Summer 2019)
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.
LIFE: Losing the hood (Summer 2019)
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.
NEWS: Ten Editions Bookstore calls it a day (Spring 2019)
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.
FOCUS: Annex’s old trees will soon be history (Spring 2019)
April 23rd, 2019 · 1 Comment
Arthur Gron tracks tree attrition rate

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.
Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion
NEWS: Election chaos (October 2018)
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.
CHATTER: Meet and greet at the fall fair (Aug./Sept. 2018)
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.
NEWS (FALL 2017): Students argue for new residence
October 12th, 2017 · Comments Off on NEWS (FALL 2017): Students argue for new residence
Finding a place to live an urgent need
By Marielle Torrefranca
When Maureen Gustafson was searching for a place to live near the University of Toronto, she quickly hit a wall.