December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on LETTERS: An open letter to the Minister of Transportation (Dec. 2024)
My family [and I] are longtime downtown residents and homeowners. We own a car and we also cycle daily to run errands, particularly on the Bloor shopping strip.
If you enact this bill we will simply stop shopping on the local Bloor strip. We will get in our car and drive somewhere else. So much for lowering congestion.
Your war against bike lanes will hurt me and my family. It will put us in danger.
And if my health and safety does not matter to you – as it obviously doesn’t seem to! – you don’t even seem to care that [it] will hurt downtown businesses.
You are perfectly willing to use an electoral wedge issue to put me and my family in danger, and hurt downtown businesses.
Your government must be very worried indeed about what the Greenbelt RCMP probe is going to uncover. What’s a few more dead cyclists when you can stay in power? And you are going to hurt our neighborhood businesses and waste more of MY tax dollars to do it.
—Sincerely, Shaw Street resident
Comments Off on LETTERS: An open letter to the Minister of Transportation (Dec. 2024)Tags:Annex · Opinion
December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on FOCUS: TSP and BIA work together to bring a new mural to Bloor (Dec. 2024)
Renowned Indigenous artist brings another masterpiece to the Annex
By Rose Haberer
Technicians apply the vinyl composition of Joseph Sagaj’s artwork titled Checkmate. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS
Mural maestro Joseph Sagaj strikes the Annex community again with the powerful blow of his allegorical art. The mural, with all its vibrancy, sits atop the eroding steps of Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts.
The weathered steps on the east side of Trinity-St-Paul’s needed urgent repairs and had become a safety hazard, said church general manager Aaron Dawson. However, repairing the stairs was complicated because of the offices beneath them, meaning the church would have to go through the ordeal of digging up the foundation. “Since we couldn’t just do a quick repair of the stairs, we decided it would be better, until we can raise enough money to repair the stairs and hopefully put a ramp in, to cover the stairs and protect them from the elements.” This resulted in a partnership between the Toronto United Church Council, which provided partial funding, and the BIA, who built the wood structure to protect the stairs from further erosion and provide a canvas for the mural. Together, they decided to cover the steps, not with plain plywood, but with colourful art.
In the early days of the pandemic, the BIA took over some space on Robert Street near the crumbling stairs to put in dining tables for public outdoor eating. They continued to develop the space, adding flowers and brightening the area.
Melanie Ramsey, the BIA project lead for Joseph’s mural, described how the mural came into being: “The steps were crumbling at the church, and they didn’t have the budget for repairs. Working with Trinity St. Paul’s, we tried to find a solution. So, the BIA built the infrastructure over the stairs, and then Trinity St. Paul’s, with some grant money, decided they would do a mural. The BIA has lots of experience doing murals, so we helped find an artist, and Joseph was a great fit. So, Joseph painted a small painting, and then we digitized it, blew it up, and wrapped the stairs in a vinyl wrap. The mural ties in with our commitment to beautifying the commercial areas and working with the community.”
Sitting in the Annex’s Future Bistro on a sunny day, Joseph gave the artist’s digest of his new work as well as the inspirations and stories behind it:
Joseph’s, who is Anishinaabe, path to artistry stemmed from his harrowing experiences at the residential school in Fort Frances. “We would take turns cleaning up the supervisor’s room. I remember looking at the drawings that were pinned up on his mirror and on his walls, and I used to think, oh my god, I wish I could draw like that. I would dream about it. When I went back to my reserve, everybody had skills. Some knew how to hunt, some knew how to make snowshoes or go fishing, that kind of thing. So I learned how to draw. And that’s how I started.”
Joseph Sagaj in front of one of the panels of Interconnections in Paul Martel Park. NEILAND BRISSENDEN/GLEANER NEWS
Joseph’s dedication to preserving the stories of his cultural roots and making sure that they are heard, is showcased by the odes to Indigenous tales that he places around the city. An example of this is the 86-foot mural in Paul Martel Park called Interconnected. The mural, like an ancient scroll, wraps around the park. It consists of seven different segments that shapeshift together as one narrative. But how does his new piece take inspiration from Indigenous storytelling?
Sagaj tells me how the storytelling in all of his pieces reflects how stories were told to him. “The way they were told to us was more metaphoric, so we really had to pay attention. The elder would come with his pipe, loading it and smoking it, and then he would start off very calmly. Silence is a tool for attention. That’s how he strategized his storytelling. Sometimes there would be a dozen of us just waiting and waiting. There were no movies or devices. Adults had those but not us kids. We relied on storytelling.”
Finally, Sagaj gave me the brushstroke breakdown on his new piece outside Trinity St. Paul’s Church.
Initially, he presented three options to the BIA and the United Church. Both parties, as well as Joseph, found the first one too graphic. “I wanted to put the truth on the table. Sometimes the truth is hard to swallow, ” Joseph added. The second option was a softer attempt. Finally, the third option, which Joseph based on a piece called Checkmate, by German artist Mordes Wrecks, was selected.
The tale behind Joseph Sagaj’s piece is like a matryoshka doll of stories. Hanging in the Louvre, Checkmate was originally thought to represent the moment of defeat, symbolized by a man being put into checkmate by his opponent. It was thought to portray humanity being lost to destruction, and the man’s opponent symbolizes Satan; however, Joseph explained that this interpretation is false.
Joseph Sagaj’s original art for the mural. COURTESY JOSEPH SAGAJ
“There’s this man from a tour group staring at the painting. And he said, ‘You know, I’ve been looking at this painting. I’ve been studying it, and I’m a champion chess player. You either change the name of the painting or you replace the painting, because I’ve studied the game and the positioning of these players, and the king has one more move.’”
Joseph, using the same positionings of the original chess pieces, adorned the mural with fragments of his culture and identity.
“The gentleman on the left is what appears to be a devil. He’s ready to claim the soul of his opponent, who has no more moves. But that’s just what it appears to be,”
Joseph explained. In his rendition of the painting, the losing player holds in his hands a tangible piece of hope and a powerful symbol of Indigenous culture: a tobacco tie.
“A tobacco tie is a reference to offering a prayer to the Creator. That’s the way we interpret that. We interpret it also as an acknowledgement and thanksgiving for life. So that’s what the man on the right is holding, this prayer that he gets out of the situation. So, there’s divine intervention. He’s losing hope that he can get out of this situation, because the devil appears to be claiming his last move, right?”
He connects back to the original painting, and how he added to the story.
“There’s a bee or fly on the edge of the table, but I replaced it with a butterfly. The butterfly symbolizes a metamorphosis, so I painted a young woman, floating above the chess board implying that this woman has evolved from this situation, by way of divine intervention. She’s ascending away from this, from this circumstance. She’s transformed.”
Joseph morphs metaphors on a whim, taking every object in the original painting and giving it his own new meaning, even the chessboard that the players are sparring on. “The chessboard is already symbolic. It’s floating off the table. It’s an illusion that the devil’s creating, saying ‘I claim you.’”
Joseph connects his work to Truth and Reconciliation and how there is a great lack of it. He points out that there are 94 Truth and Reconciliation calls to action but only 11 have been implemented.
“I was trying to portray this systematic positioning of the game. When the government and church gathered, just imagine what they were talking about. What are we going to do about these Indian people? They’re savages. They’re uncivilized. Well, we gotta turn them into white people, We gotta kill the Indian. That’s the expression: kill the Indian. And this is what we have to educate the public about by sharing our stories and the truth.”
When asked about how he connects personally with his piece, he discussed how he overcame the struggles of being a residential school survivor and the painting’s message of rising above and transforming.
“I was a residential school victim so I have had some terrible experiences. Some people didn’t make it, you know. And many that did, couldn’t carry this load, this heavy load, this heavy burden that they experience. I’m lucky. I survived somehow, maybe through divine intervention.”
December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Annex parks’ report card (Dec. 2024)
Our fourth and final instalment of the review of area parks for 2024
Compiled by Ammara Khan
Each year the Annex Gleaner reviews the many parks and parkettes 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. This is the fourth and final instalment of reviews for 2024.
Taddle Creek Park
Sir Frederick Banting lived right by Taddle Creek park at 46 Bedford Rd. AMMARA KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Grade: A Last year’s grade: A Time: 1:40 p.m. Location: 40 Bedford Rd. Overheard: A group of friends laughing. Raindrops consistently hitting the ground at the foot of the giant fountain which is a sculpture of a pitcher. Reasons to go: Upon entering the park, I was greeted by a squirrel sprawled out on its belly, arms stretched fully out by its sides. I needed to walk past it to enter the park, which deeply disturbed it. It got up, its back to me, threw an unhappy (I assume) glance my way and bolted away. I did not let this altercation deter me, and I moved on. On one side of the park there’s a playground for kids, and on the other side of the park there’s a sitting area surrounding a large sculpture of a pitcher with water dripping down the edges. I sat at the benches surrounding this fountain. Water falls from the top and hits the bottom forming little puddles. Little birds, (I counted six of them) use this puddle to cool down and take baths. They fly back and forth between the puddle and a bush, and it seems like such a great time. There is a Bike Share rack here too. There is a lot of foot traffic. People use this park to cut across the corner of the street. Some choose to sit for a little bit and enjoy the sounds of the birds having a blast and the water droplets hitting the ground.
Temporarily re-located Huron Washington Parkette provides a safe space for little ones. NIMRAH KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Time: 2:07 p.m. Grade: B+ Last year’s grade: B+ Location: 420 Huron St. Overheard: A Canada Postworker tugging at the locked front driver seat door of the Canada Post truck while simultaneously talking on the phone. Did you know: The Huron Washington Parkette sign is not in front of the park. It is rather on the other side of the street, facing the park. Very confusing… Reasons to go: Based on what the playground has to offer, one can conclude that the park’s target market is a younger age group. This little parkette is completely fenced off, with only one entrance. It provides a sense of safety. I imagine parents must be relieved to know that their children are at less of a risk of running into oncoming traffic (not that there is much traffic). Cars do not drive by very often, but you can still hear motor vehicles from streets away. I actually quite like the size of this park and the fact that it is fully enclosed. The small size creates a more intimate environment that feels like it could foster more interaction. The rusty red brick walls of the neighboring buildings also add to the feeling of closeness. Also, despite its humble size, it hosts so many fun elements that children can interact with. The yellow/red/blue color theme is very on-brand for children’s parks, and it creates an almost nostalgic vibe. Right outside the enclosure, there is a picnic table. It is close enough that parents can keep a careful eye on the playground, and their voices can still be heard by the children playing. It’s a perfect spot for lunch or a place to sit and rest under the shade of the trees.
Village of Yorkville Park
The Village of Yorkville park is heavily used and has many “activations.” It’s somewhat “overstimulating” according to the review but deserves a nighttime visit. NIMRAH KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Grade: B Last year’s grade: A+ Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: 115 Cumberland St. Overheard: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor and I was not entirely sure where it was coming from. Reasons to go: This park is really bustling and full of energy on a Sunday afternoon. There are many different kinds of people walking in so many different directions. There are lots of stones in this park. Large stone bricks are stacked on top of each other to make some sitting areas, and one very large rock attracts many people who climb to the top of it. There are trees, metal chairs, and tables. And lots of pigeons. The table I sat at was decorated with some fresh cigarette ash paired with fresh pigeon poop. The demographic here feels older and busier. I sat through two and a half songs (still unsure where it was coming from) and had to leave, feeling a little overstimulated. It felt a little more like a mall food court than a park. I would, however, return. I believe it would be very beautiful at night. I noticed spotlights on the ground, and I think they light up during the nighttime. Did you know? Yorkville has an amazing coffee shop, Delysées at 161 Yorkville Ave., where a sweet treat will not disappoint.
Walmer Road Parkette
The built form of the surrounding townhouses of this park create a rather loud atmosphere. NIMRAH KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Grade: C+ Last year’s grade: (not found) Time: 2:07 pm Location: 227 Walmer Rd Overheard: “I have to make a resume, a cover letter…All that bullsh*t” Reasons to go: This parkette is located on a little patch of grass surrounded by townhouses. It looks like it should be quiet, but it is not. There is the loud buzz of construction nearby. Two benches away from me there are three loud and angry college boys complaining about professors and cover letters. A bird behind me is shouting very loudly. I can hear a leaf blower not far away. Noise aside, the benches are comfortable. The benches (all four of them) form a semi-circle around a couple of trees and some flowers that are dying. The trees are tall and provide comfortable shade. Amid the trees there is a tall pillar. It looks like a tree trunk at the bottom, but the top is shaped like a roman pillar. The townhouses surrounding the park are all identical and it feels like the set of a movie. Did you know? Applying mulch around your flowers during the fall can prevent them from dying too early.
Wychwood Park
A dog eyes a squirrel in lovely Wychwood Park, contemplating perhaps an attack. NIMRAH KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Grade: A Last year’s grade: (n/a) Time: 2:48 p.m. Location: 76 Wychwood Ave. Overheard: Someone walking past playing Water by Tyla on a Bluetooth speaker. Reasons to go: This park is really great for children. The playgrounds look like so much fun. I imagine daycare owners around the area feel very lucky. I’m not overly fond of parks with sand coverings but I think I’ll accept it here because all the children here seem to be having an incredible time. I am a little worried though as the playground offers the children little to no shade. The squirrels at this park look busy, busy to the extent that they do not pay people any mind. I walked very close to one that was digging a hole with so much passion that I could not help but simply observe in admiration of its hard work. In the large field across from the playground, a group of children are playing baseball. There is enough room on benches for parents to observe their children in the shade. Did you know? Squirrels dig holes here to bury nuts in preparation for winter. Will they ever find them?
Hillcrest Park
Hillcrest Park is truly a family-friendly destination with lots to do—very welcoming. NIMRAH KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Grade: A+ Last year’s grade: (n/a) Time: 3:18 p.m. Location: 950 Davenport Overheard: A child said, “Momma, look!” and then swung her arms around in circles. I believe she was attempting to twirl. Reasons to go: I sat on a picnic table that people had painted many times, drawn on, and carved into. It is sitting under a tall tree. It’s honestly a relic, and I hope they never paint over it. From where I sat, I could see a playground, a tennis court, a table tennis area, and a huge maze! There are so many amenities. There is a basketball court, a dog area, and a path that encircles the park where children enjoy bicycling. The water fountain is child-friendly as it has a built-in stool for children to stand on. I think this park would be great for families with older children or for groups of kids who are old enough to visit parks without parental supervision. If you bring your own gear, there are a few sports you can play here with your friends and family and later have lunch on the beautifully defaced picnic table. Did you know? On the maze, it says: “TSI TKARONTO.” In Mohawk, Tsi means a place where things are permanently situated, while tkaronto means a place where there are trees in the water.
St. Alban’s Square
A new tree has been planted here, a tribute to Thomas Swales. A quotation under the name reads: “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” NIMRAH KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
Grade: A+ Last year’s grade: (n/a) Time: 4:19 p.m. Location: 90 Howland Ave Overheard: A helicopter. Reasons to go: There are about seven benches in this charming park, surrounded by tall, mature trees. The main path runs through the middle. This park is really beautiful to walk through or to take a portrait photo. There is a water fountain and a Bike Share rack. I love the ambiance, and it’s surprisingly quiet despite being next to the street. The grass is well-kept, making it an inviting spot to relax. There are a few stacked construction cones that honestly really didn’t bother me at all. One highlight is a young tree decorated with unique metallic ornaments dedicated to Thomas Swales which adds a touch of whimsy. The quotation under the name reads: “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” It’s a peaceful place with just a few visitors, like a woman playing fetch with her dog. It is ideal for anyone looking to unwind or enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Did you know? The quotation under the tree is from The Tempest by Shakespeare.
December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on FOCUS: Community Safety Scholarship awarded to Sean Chen (Dec. 2024)
Chen has made an impact at Harbord Collegiate
From left, P.C. Geoff Graham, Inspector Robert Choe, scholarship winner Sean Chen, Scholarship Coordinator Brian Burchell, and P.C. Jamie Breau at Toronto Police Service’s 14 Division. COURTESY TORONTO POLICE SERVICE
By Ammara Khan
In a world where community connections can feel fleeting, 18-year-old Sean Chen proves that one passionate and dedicated individual can make strong and lasting impacts. Prior to starting his first year at Toronto Metropolitan University in business management, Chen’s efforts were recognized and rewarded with the Toronto Police Service 14 Division’s 2024 Community Safety Scholarship. The scholarship, established in 2011, awards $4000 to individuals 25 and under who reside or attend school in the 14 division.
According to Brian Burchell, Community Safety Scholarship coordinator (and publisher of the Gleaner), the scholarship “recognizes youth who have made their communities safer and helps them realize their potential with financial support for post-secondary education.”
Chen began making an impact in the community during his time at Harbord Collegiate Institute. “To be honest,” said Burchell, “the worlds he has touched in a brief span of three years are too numerous to list.”
To list a few, Chen was a member of the RCMP’s National Youth Advisory, a captain with the Reel Asian International Film Festival, a member of Toronto’s Youth Cabinet Urban Health Working Group, a member of his school’s Caring & Safe Schools committee, and the president of his Student Activity Council. He also started a club, the Harbord Response Team.
Chen often thinks about how he can give back to his community. He is unsure what his driving factor is. “It’s hard to say where it comes from when you have passion,” he said.
Chen felt that winning the scholarship was “definitely affirming.” He said, “it points to a greater cause that I’m trying to achieve.”
“I’m not sure what the cause is, to be honest,” he continued, “but it is affirming in the sense that it shows you’re going in the right direction.”
One of his many notable feats is the Toronto Police vs Student Dodgeball game, which hosted three games in a span of four years. It is a community relations event that Chen organized to bring students and 14 division police officers together.
This is one of the ways that Chen helps encourage a safer community—through building lasting connections.
“I think community safety is an ongoing initiative that requires collaboration from both the community, especially the youth,” said Chen. “We have to realize that community safety is a shared responsibility. It’s not just the police.”
“I first met him through an email when he wanted to do dodgeball,” said Staff Sergeant Israel Bernardo, police officer and member of the scholarship adjudication committee, “and I was confusing the [school] principal for him. The email was so professional,” expressed Bernardo. They set up the date for the event, and Bernardo went on thinking Chen was a staff member. “We go down there, and he’s just a kid!”
“He’s very mature, centred, and deliberate in conversation,” said Bernardo. “He can roll with the punches. He’s good in a room. He’s sharp.”
Bernardo says that Chen’s initiatives benefit community safety because they benefit many members of the youth. “Giving your time is the most valuable thing you can do,” he said. “Giving your time for the benefit of others.”
Bernardo says that fostering a relationship between the police and the community also creates a safer environment. Cooperation between the community and police could lead to less violence.
Bernardo hopes this opportunity can give the youth “hope.” He hopes it “takes some of the burden away.” He wants it to act as one less excuse to hold the youth back from achieving their goals.
“This is available,” said Bernardo about the scholarship, “and it’s attainable.”
“I’m hoping that we can get more community partners,” said Bernardo, “to continue to contribute.” Bernardo hopes that the scholarship can expand to provide opportunities to more members of the youth in the community.
“It’s supporting your community because some of the things that Sean’s doing is impacting dozens of students,” said Bernardo.
“Safer communities,” said Burchell, “are our mutual goal.”
December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Bill 212 causes congestion (Dec. 2024)
Bill 212, Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024, is a reckless piece of legislation based on the false premise that bike lanes add to traffic congestion and are bad for business. The Annex is a shining example of how neither is true.
The government has now passed legislation empowering itself to remove bike lanes without any evidence they contribute to traffic congestion; in fact, they know there is evidence to the contrary. They will be endangering lives, and they have added an amendment to the bill at the eleventh hour to prevent anyone from suing the government if they become injured because of the wilful negligence of ripping out bike lanes. You can’t make this stuff up.
Ministry of Transportation (MOT) staff are still in data gathering mode trying to find a set of facts that fit the “problem” to which the premier already “knows in his gut” is the solution.
If anything, the available data tells a different story.
The Canadian Automobile Association commissioned CPCS, a Canadian-based international transportation consulting firm, to examine best practices to ease congestion. In their report, they made several recommendations including improving traffic management systems, improving traffic incident management, and investing in relatively low-cost solutions like bike-sharing, bicycle infrastructure, carpooling and ride-sharing.
The Toronto Region Board of Trade’s congestion task force echoes this sentiment in their Congestion-2023 Mayoral By-Election Issues Guide which states that “Mayoral candidates must be ready to pursue solutions that can help ease the pressure points across our transportation network including: improving traffic management systems, bringing our roads to good repair, seeking to upload costly regional expressways, better utilization of bike lanes, and more thoughtful construction planning that ensures viable traffic detours.”
On Bloor Street, the Bloor Annex BIA is dedicated to providing its business membership with data-driven and evidence-based decisions. That’s why, in 2015, when the City of Toronto proposed installing a bike lane as a pilot project along Bloor Street, from University Avenue to Shaw Street, the BIA, in partnership with the city, the Korea Town BIA, and the Metcalf Foundation, commissioned the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) to investigate the economic and safety impacts—positive, negative or neutral—of the bike lanes.
This academic-level study included baseline data that was obtained pre-pilot, as well as data from when the pilot concluded in 2016, in both the Bloor Annex and Korea Town BIAs. Data was also collected along a comparable section of Danforth Avenue which was used as a control. To ensure impartial data collection and analysis, TCAT partnered with researchers from the U of T.
The TCAT study found that in the Bloor Annex, looking just at the economic data, sales went up after the installation of the pilot bike lanes across all parameters. This was verified by Paymentech, the payment terminal, which provided locally sourced data.
And from a safety perspective:
• conflicts between all road users decreased by 44 per cent
• conflicts between motorized vehicles decreased by 71 per cent
• bike/motorized vehicle conflicts decreased by 61 per cent
• pedestrian/motorized vehicles conflicts decreased by 55 per cent
After receiving this positive data, the Bloor Annex BIA supported the permanent installation of bike lanes.
Eight years later, what we’re seeing on our main street is an inclusive retail area that supports 270 small businesses. It’s a main street that is welcoming to all—whether they arrive by bike, on foot, by public transportation, or by car. Women are 50 per cent more likely to bike on Bloor as well as the elderly, children, or whole families; all feel safer and are coming to Bloor more frequently.
Toronto works because it is a collection of neighbourhoods which are sustained by amenities found on main streets. Without main streets, we cannot sustain neighbourhoods. In the Annex, bike lanes have become part of our main street, and they help make our businesses economically viable. We are not a freeway. We do not aspire to be one; we are a village.
Based on all the evidence, removing bike lanes on our stretch of Bloor and disconnecting Toronto’s cycling network would only undo the complete streets work we’ve fostered over the last 10 years, make the roads more dangerous for all users, and increase congestion.
December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on FORUM: Time to file your vacant home tax declaration (Dec. 2024)
Not to late for the flu shot or an updated COVID vacine
By Dianne Saxe
Two years have now passed since I was first elected to Toronto city council, and I am tremendously proud of the improvements we have made together.
I feel especially satisfied for having earned a reputation at city hall for doing my homework, following up, and causing “good trouble.”
My focus throughout my tenure has been on substantive interventions, listening carefully, and giving thanks and praise where it is due.
Budget season is upon us. Thank you to everyone who participated in the preliminary consultation in October, whether online or in person.
There will be another round of intensive consultations in January before the mayor brings her budget to council on Feb. 11.
I am doing everything possible to accelerate our multifaceted Housing Action Plan, with its ambitious goal of 65,000 new affordable homes.
Much of this depends on federal and provincial cooperation, which is not yet forthcoming, but we are doing a lot with what we have.
It’s time to make your 2025 vacant home tax declaration. The process is much simpler this year; watch for the instructions in the mail.
Would your condo board, church, or other group like us to come hold a clinic to make it easier for your members? Please let us know and we will be glad to come.
What else can we do together to make Toronto better?
Bike Lanes: Many of you have asked what you can do about Doug Ford’s attack on our bike lanes. I urge everyone to contact their local MPP’s office, join a group, and visit cycleto.ca and sign their petition.
Water bills: The transmission unit that sends your meter readings to the city may have failed early due to battery problems.
These units have saved the city more than $300 million; now, we will be spending a small part of those savings to replace the broken units or to function without them. Details on what to do have been mailed to every water customer. If you need help resolving an unexpectedly large water bill or with finding and reading your water meter, please let us know.
You can call the special line at 311 for help; if that doesn’t work, ask our office.
Noisy garbage trucks: Do you lose sleep because of nighttime private waste collection which the previous council exempted from the noise bylaw? If so, please contact 311.
Working with No More Noise Toronto, I have successfully compelled municipal licensing and standards to start resolving these complaints, but nothing will happen unless you let them know.
If the problem persists, please report it again.
Vaccines: It’s time to get your COVID and flu shots to reduce the risk of serious illness. Get them from your family doctor or pharmacy.
Do you need a volunteer for tree planting, Christmas giveaways, or other public services? Does your school, church or other group hold an event where my team and I can meet your members? Please invite us! Thank you so much for including us!
Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season!
Dianne Saxe in councillor Ward 11, University–Rosedale.
December 16th, 2024 · Comments Off on FORUM: Dangerous road safety bill is a distraction (Dec. 2024)
It’s as if being premier is too hard and he would rather be mayor of Toronto
By Jessica Bell
The Conservatives anti-bike bill went to committee in mid-November. It came into committee bad, and it went out worse.
The Conservatives introduced an 11-page amendment that gives the government power to remove the entire Bloor, University, and Yonge Street bike lanes, bans municipalities from creating new bike lanes on all streets, including side streets, if a vehicle lane is removed without first getting permission from the province, and blocks lawsuits arising from injuries or deaths from the removal of these bike lanes.
In committee, I listened to people’s testimony and read people’s written submissions. In my six years at Queen’s Park, I have never seen more people sign up to speak to a bill. Not a single person who spoke in committee was in support of Bill 212.
We heard from the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Association that the bike lanes have led to an increase in sales at retail outlets along Bloor.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario recommended the government focus resources on accelerating its own approval processes for transit projects—like the Eglinton Crosstown—that can have much higher impacts on congestion, instead of micromanaging bike lane removals.
Volunteers with Friends and Families for Safe Streets shared devasting stories of loved ones—sisters, mothers, children—being killed while cycling on Toronto’s roads. They begged for safe, protected infrastructure like bike lanes.
City of Toronto staff said the installation of the bike lanes has reduced injuries and deaths, led to an increase in bike traffic, and had minimal impact on vehicle commute times, and has had no negative impact on emergency vehicle response times.
The fact is that the three bike lanes in downtown Toronto are not the reason why our entire region has the worst commute times in North America.
Congestion is caused by many things. Our population has doubled over the last 40 years, yet we have about the same number of roads. We have traffic accidents, construction blocking traffic lanes, bad weather.
If the government was serious about making it easier for us to get around, then they would move ahead with practical solutions to congestion, not divisive games.
Let’s allow transport trucks to travel on the 407 for free, freeing up space on the 401. Make transit a fast, cheap, and attractive option by investing in transit operations and maintenance. Build more apartments—and services—along transit routes so more of us can take transit, walk, or bike to our destination instead of permitting low-density and expensive suburban sprawl, which locks people into long commutes by car.
With an early election looming, the Conservatives’ move to blame bike lanes for congestion is a way for them to blame something or someone instead of showing leadership and addressing the challenge. They’ve doing this a lot right now.
The Conservatives are blaming the liberal carbon tax for the affordability crisis—a crisis they could help address by stabilizing housing prices and cracking down on price gouging at the supermarket.
The Conservatives are blaming the poor for living in encampments—when this government has failed to build affordable housing or provide more affordable rental homes.
The truth is the Ontario legislature is a very powerful political body, that absolutely has the power to fix our most pressing issues, like ending homelessness, ensuring everyone has a family doctor, funding our public schools so our kids get a good education, and addressing congestion.
To that end, the province’s pre-budget consultations for its 2025 budget have just begun. You can sign up to speak in committee in Toronto on January 29 or submit your written comments by going to https://www.ola.org/en/apply-committees.
Please contact our office at jbell-co@ndp.on.ca if you need help, wish to volunteer, or give us feedback.
Jessica Bell is MPP for University-Rosedale and the Housing Critic for the Official Opposition at Queen’s Park.
November 8th, 2024 · Comments Off on ON THE COVER: Redo of intersection itself a hazard (Oct./Nov. 2024)
Import of a Dutch design was a response to cyclist death at Bloor and St. George streets
City crews work to amend the recently redesigned intersection of Bloor and St. George by removing trip hazards that were injuring cyclists and pedestrians. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS
By Austin Kelly
Construction crews are back at the
Bloor and St. George intersection to fix potential injury hazards after its design caused further issues. The “fix” for the intersection completed in late July brought its own problems.
The City of Toronto is readjusting bike lanes and pedestrian crossings at the busy intersection of Bloor and St. George streets. The initial redesign which replicates a European style of lane safety caused as much of a problem as it had originally looked to solve for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Construction during the summer involved installing protected bike lanes along Bloor Street West, from Spadina Avenue to Avenue Road; however, the Bloor and St. George intersection got a special treatment inspired by the cyclist-friendly pathways of the Netherlands. The city implemented their “Dutch model” in hopes of improving safety for bike riders in the area. In 2018, 58-year-old cyclist Dalia Chako was killed after being struck by a truck turning right onto Bloor from St. George Street, leading the city to push for a safer intersection.
Six cyclists have died this year in the city, surpassing the number of fatalities in the last three years combined. This includes a female cyclist who was killed this past summer at Bloor and Avenue Road. At Bloor and St. George, on August 30, Sally Danto, an administrative assistant at Havergal College, was injured while riding her bike through the new intersection. A statement released from the family on Sept. 10 said that Danto suffered serious brain injuries and was still unconscious in intensive care. The statement, released by her son, Justis Danto-Clancy, a criminal defense lawyer, said that he had personally witnessed other cyclists fall in the same intersection and he is appealing for any witnesses in his mother’s accident.
An apparent flaw in the design is the gutter that crosses the pedestrain and cycle path.. This makes for a potential fall hazard for cyclists and pedestrians because of the awkward transition between sidewalk and street. Bright yellow “bump” signs were put up as a way of visibly alerting pedestrians. Reconstruction is now underway to level the surface and remove the bump to make an easier transition.
Councillor Dianne Saxe said she feels satisfied by the new replaced lanes, commending the quick response undertaken by the city to fix the issue, and she says she has trust in the renovations done by construction crews. Saxe told the Gleaner that she had been made aware of concerns about the newly designed intersection and pedestrian paths from city officials overseeing the project.
Saxe said the original design she viewed and approved did not have a bump, and she wasn’t sure when or why the design was later altered. Although Saxe admits errors in the original execution, she feels necessary action has now fixed the lanes. “This was an attempt to make things better. I think it is better now, but certainly the process to getting here was worse than I had hoped,” Saxe said.
The Gleaner contacted Mark DeMiglop, the city’s field ambassador for the project, for a response to the project, its redo, and the problems that arose. City of Toronto media relations redirected the request to transportation services and engineering & construction who were overseeing the work. A media spokesperson provided a statement on the redesign:
“Based on site observations and user feedback, staff are making further modifications to the intersection design. Curb adjustments have been made at the three corners where beveled curbs were present, smoothing and lowering them to create a better path for pedestrians and cyclists. The concrete in these curbs has also been tinted for improved visibility. Hanging signs indicating right and left turn restrictions for motorists have been installed to improve traffic flow and the new signals for cyclists and motorists will be activated by Oct. 25.”
Furthermore, the statement read: “The City remains committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of the newly reconstructed intersection. Staff will continue to monitor the site and make any necessary adjustments.”
Koehl said the city has “done all the right things” in terms of cyclist friendliness, but wants to see more urgency, saying that oversight wasn’t undertaken, and criticism was only addressed once the intersection caused injuries. Koehl also wants more bike lanes to be built more quickly, stressing the necessity of Toronto to meet its climate goals for the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan which means building at least 40 kilometres of bike lanes yearly.
Despite the original error in design at the intersection, Koehl did express understanding for the design flaws. “This was a novel intersection design for the city, so it’s no surprise that there would be some growing pains and lessons learned.”
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November 8th, 2024 · Comments Off on NEWS: An attempt to stem renovictions (Oct./Nov. 2024)
City council works to develop a new bylaw
By Meredith Poirier
In response to repeated outcries from tenants the city is developing a legislative framework to help protect them.
Many tenants fear being forced out of their homes, regardless of how good a tenant they are or how long they’ve lived in the building. There are very few protections in place for renters. Right now, a major issue affecting renters in the city is renovictions. Renovictions are evictions of tenants under the guise that renovations or repairs are needed for the unit. They may also include not allowing a tenant to come back to their unit post-renovation, raising the rent after repairs, or not actually completing any renovations.
Currently the City of Toronto is developing a new bylaw that is aimed at supporting tenants and stopping renovictions from happening. The bylaw is being modelled after successful initiatives in other cities, particularly Hamilton. Ontario’s bylaw will take effect on Jan.1, 2025. Presently, the city is seeking feedback, via an online survey, from tenants and landlords, as well the general public and organizations that support and work with landlords. The insights and opinions garnered from the survey as well as from the public drop-in sessions will inform the development of the bylaw and the city will report back with the proposed bylaw by Oct. 30. While the input from renters and landlords is important, the “proposal would have to receive the support of the majority of council, ” explained Dianne Saxe, city councillor, University-Rosedale.
A few components of the bylaw include requiring landlords to apply for a renovation licence within seven days of issuing an N13 notice. An N13 notice is legal notice to end a tenancy due to renovations or repairs. N13 requests have increased during the past few years by 300 per cent; however, it is not clear which of these N13s were under bad faith and led to renovictions. Under this proposed bylaw landlords would also be required to submit more sufficient documentation and would be prohibited from beginning renovations until a licence has been obtained. . Bylaws like this are crucial in supporting tenants given the precariousness of being a renter. Rebecca Gimmi, a renter herself in the City of Toronto and a tenant advocate, is cautiously optimistic about this proposed bylaw. “It shows a growing understanding of the complex solutions needed to address our housing crisis. One crucial component is to maintain and protect existing units with rent control and support tenants’ rights to return to their units. The proposal does seem to move towards exploring these goals,” said Gimmi. However, some concerns she has are how this bylaw will support tenants facing demoviction and how it will be enforced. She says that currently “it is very difficult for tenants to report bad faith evictions or track multiple-offending landlords.”
Tenants aren’t the only ones with concerns about the efficacy of this potential bylaw. Some city councillors believe that any issues related to housing should remain under the realm of provincial responsibilities and that complications could arise if renovictions and the consequences of them are now a municipal responsibility. However, others argue that renovictions are already a municipal issue. Renovictions often lead to homelessness, and in Toronto over 7000 individuals are homeless. This is already a major issue in Toronto, with a lack of housing and support available for these individuals. An increase in unhoused people adds stress to an already buckling system.
While many landlords may have concerns about this new bylaw as well, their concerns don’t quite line up with those of renters and local politicians. Katherine Wauthier, a community legal worker and representative of Landlord’s Self-Help Centre, is concerned that the bylaw will add pressure and financial constraints to the “already cash-strapped landlords who are just trying to make ends meet.” The Landlords Self-Help Centre works with clients, many of whom are “seniors, newcomers [to Canada], and people with disabilities,” explained Wauthier. The centre is a clinic, funded by Legal Aid Ontario, that only works with the small landlord community, which essentially means landlords who own houses, duplexes, and other residences of that nature. Wauthier also explained that there is already an act in place, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, which aims to protect tenants from bad faith renovictions.
Regardless, tenants in Toronto need help. “Tenants are half the population of Toronto and we’re living in too precarious a position to not be a part of the discussion [on] how to fix the housing crisis,” said Gimmi.
City staff will present final recommendations regarding the proposed by-law on October 30 to the city’s planning and housing committee.
November 8th, 2024 · Comments Off on NEWS: Hot Docs/Bloor Cinema to reopen (Oct./Nov. 2024)
A soft reopening is planned for third-party rentals
The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Hot Docs this Halloween. NEILAND BRISSENDEN/GLEANER NEWS
By Rose Haberer
Since its closing in the heat of mid-June, questions about the fate of the Toronto gem and documentary film-scene staple, Hot Docs, have been left open-ended, until now.
Despite support from film enthusiasts and the success of their 31st annual film festival, Hot Docs could not withstand the financial repercussions of COVID-19 that still loom as a heavy miasma over the city. Other complications affecting the organization’s stability included a missed grant opportunity and complaints by former staff about the company’s inner turmoil. All these factors contributed to the closing of the Hot Docs curtains. As well, one month after the closure, Hot Docs released a public announcement saying that Marie Nelson, Hot Docs’ president, had taken her leave.
The statement said that as “Hot Docs navigates its next chapter, we are fortunate to have the continued stewardship of Interim Executive Director Janice Dawe and Managing Director Heidi Tao Yang. The Board has full confidence in them to capably steer the organization through this period.”
Finally, three months after their catastrophic storm of complications, an official statement has been released to the public, providing new information about the corporation’s future and its desire to achieve sustainable operations.
“Significant work has been done to stabilize Hot Docs and establish a solid foundation for a sustainable path forward,” stated the organization.
A new three-person board, formed at the beginning of the closure, has been entrusted with working towards stability. This fall, their focus is on finding new directors, as well as a new executive director. Additionally, the team is on the path to improving the company’s financial governance.
Hot Docs reports recent engagements with major sponsors, partners, and funders, highlighting a desire for the organization to survive.
As a result of successful attempts at financial damage control, Hot Docs has officially announced a temporary reopening for “third-party rentals and select partner screening events.”
Upcoming films include:
For Viola: We Will Be Brave: Free Screening
A documentary written and directed by Chrisann Hessing focusing on the intricate tapestry of mental health in Black and POC males. Their experiences and emotions are conveyed through various art forms.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Toronto Shadowcast
Directed by Jim Sharman, the quirky, classic Rocky Horror Picture Show is performed by Toronto’s shadowcast, Excited Mental State. They implore you to wear your favorite costume and join them for some spooky fun.
Stop Making Sense
Experience Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense, in collaboration with A24. Every Saturday, Hot Docs celebrates the irresistible rhythms of Talking Heads by inviting you to groove to the band’s classic songs.
Hot Docs’ statement said that they hope to share further plans on the resurrection of routine Hot Docs programming but no other details were given. In terms of their 2025 film festival, which is usually held every year in May, no additional information was provided other than the prospect of updates in October. With minuscule amounts of information about these events, documentary, and Hot Docs devotees are left at a cinematic crossroad with many questions still left unanswered.
November 8th, 2024 · Comments Off on GRADING OUR GREENSPACE: Annex parks report card (Oct./Nov. 2024)
Third instalment of the Gleaner’s review of area parks for 2024
Each year the Annex Gleaner reviews the many parks and parkettes 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. This is the third instalment of reviews for 2024.
By Ammara Khan
Huron Street Playground
Huron Street Playground “provides a sort of stillness that is uncommon to come across in the busy city.” AMMARA KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
495 Huron St. Grade: A-(Last year’s B-) Time: 1:23 p.m. Overheard: Wind blowing through the leaves. Airplanes flying overhead. This young couple has a speaker and they’re playing rap music. The girl is filming a TikTok dance. Reasons to go: I (birkenstock-clad) was extremely grateful to see woodchips for the playground covering. I was able to comfortably make my way to the very interestingly shaped swings and reconnect with my childlike whimsy. Bring yourself, bring your kids, bring your dogs. This park is ideal for a variety of people. The playground is equipped for children but it’s not childish to the point of deterring people who no longer identify as children. Curious children might enjoy the toy rock conveniently placed at the center of the park. Even I could not resist the urge to take a closer look. The benches are comfortable; a great place to read, write, or just sit. You can sit for a long time because the park has the perfect number of trees, and a tall enough building to provide much needed shade. There are also picnic tables—a great place to enjoy lunch outside. Dogs can also appreciate the dog enclosure (and the dog-friendly watering station). The watering station is people friendly too. There is also a rack where you can keep your bicycles. The trees and the architecture are the main actors in this park. They create an energy that is calm and peaceful. The park provides a sort of stillness that is uncommon to come across in the busy city. Did you know: The tall apartment building, Brazil Towers, which provided much of the shade I was sitting in, was designed by architect Uno Prii.
Taddle Creek Park
Sir Frederick Banting lived right by Taddle Creek park at 46 Bedford Rd. AMMARA KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
40 Bedford Rd. Grade: A (Last year A) Time: 1:40 p.m. Overheard: A group of friends laughing. Raindrops consistently hitting the ground at the foot of the giant fountain which is a sculpture of a pitcher. Reasons to go: Upon entering the park, I was greeted by a squirrel sprawled out on its belly, arms stretched fully out by its sides. I needed to walk past it to enter the park, which deeply disturbed it. It got up, its back to me, threw an unhappy (I assume) glance my way and bolted away. I did not let this altercation deter me, and I moved on. On one side of the park there’s a playground for kids, and on the other side of the park there’s a sitting area surrounding a large sculpture of a pitcher with water dripping down the edges. I sat at the benches surrounding this fountain. Water falls from the top and hits the bottom forming little puddles. Little birds, (I counted six of them) use this puddle to cool down and take baths. They fly back and forth between the puddle and a bush, and it seems like such a great time. There is a Bike Share rack here too. There is a lot of foot traffic. People use this park to cut across the corner of the street. Some choose to sit for a little bit and enjoy the sounds of the birds having a blast and the water droplets hitting the ground. Did you know: Sir Fredrick Banting’s Home was at 46 Bedford Rd.
Philosopher’s Walk
Philosoher’s Walk offers a nice stroll off busy Bloor Street. AMMARA KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
78 Queen’s Park Cres Grade: A+ (Last year A+) Time: 2:11 Overheard: So many different languages (both human and bird)! Also, “Beagle!…nice.” Reasons to go: I sat on a bench that commemorates the celebration of Rachel’s graduation from Trinity College in 2018. It is dedicated to “her future filled with success! With love, from Peter, Mai, and Bella.” If you walk along the length of Philosopher’s Walk, you’ll see that most of the benches are dedicated to various people. It was by chance that I got to enjoy the company of Rachel, Peter, Mai, and Bella. There are so many trees here providing a lot of shade. This park feels secluded; I enjoy the fact that I cannot see any cars when I am in the centre of the park. If you enjoy listening to the sounds of birds, this is the place to be. I heard so many different types of birds. Short chirps and longer tweets blended into very beautiful melodies. Similarly, you can hear a lot of different human sounds. I overheard so many snippets of conversations in languages I could not understand. This park attracts a variety of people: alone; in groups; old and young; cycling or walking; pets or no pets; babies or no babies. No one really seems rushed to me. The calm feeling of leisure came over me too, and I found myself not wanting to leave. Did you know: In the city of Toronto, installing a new bench with an engraved metal plaque costs $2,530 and engraving a metal plaque onto an existing bench costs $1,753.
Queen’s Park North
A statue of King Edward VII watches over Queen’s Park North. AMMARA KHAN/GLEANER NEWS
47 Queen’s Park Cres. Grade: A (Last year A) Time: 2:42 p.m. Overheard: Someone is playing a ukulele. He taps his feet along with the beat of the music. He’s singing too. And he’s actually really good. Reasons to go: There are benches encircling an equestrian statue of King Edward VII. It looks like the type of place that tourists would visit, not just to gaze upon the statue, but to observe what the Toronto public looks like. I am sitting on the benches among many people and none of them seem to be paying any mind to the sculpture; to each their own. Some wait for friends, read books, play games in the grassy area, or eat picnics. One notable man plays the ukulele. He sits on one of the benches around the statue. I think this park perfectly encapsulates the unpredictability of Toronto. It’s beautiful and crowded and confusing. I witnessed two boys attempting to co-ride a bicycle. One of them is wearing rollerblades, and his legs straddle the front wheel. They attempt one full circle around the king. In a mess of wheels and limbs, they crash to the ground after making impact with another unsuspecting boy on a skateboard. They fall directly in front of the man with the ukulele, who responds to the crash with an understandable “weeeheeeee!” He finished his tune and set the ukulele aside. He then pulls out a notebook. The boys are still on the ground, now with their water bottles, where I guess they decided to take an impromptu water break. Toronto is a fun city. Queen’s Park is a fun park. Did you know: The name of King Edward VII’s horse depicted in the statue is Kildare.
Queen’s Park
110 Wellesley St. W. Grade: A (Last year n/a) Time: 2:57 Overheard: The siren from a fire truck driving past. Reasons to go: If you want to go to Ottawa to look at the parliament buildings but you do not want to drive for four hours, then I have some great news for you. When you are looking at the legislative building at Queen’s Park, it does not look like it belongs in Toronto. Opposite to the legislative building is a view of the city. The legislative building is grand with its beautiful romanesque architecture. Those who appreciate architecture could spend significant time here simply looking at this building. There is so much detail. At the foot of the building, towards the left side if you look at it from the front, there is a statue of Queen Elizabeth II. There is a long path that goes right down the middle of the park, from the legislative building to the street. I found it very entertaining to stand in that path and consistently look back and forth because I love juxtaposition. I would say that there is not enough shade around the path, which makes it difficult to enjoy for long under the sun. But the gardens surrounding the path are worth spending some time admiring. The bushes are trimmed to perfection. Did you know: The legislative building has a variety of guided tours which you can book on their website.
