New business owner turns trauma into dream fulfilled

By Chantilly Post

Sugary Swirl’s owner Sonia Esteves displays just a very small sample of the rich variety of her baked goods crafted exclusively on site. The shop is located just south of Dupont on the east side of Bathurst Street. Brian Burchell/Gleaner News

Sugary Swirls, at 1087 Bathurst St., is the newest specialty bake shop to open in the Annex. If cotton candy, Ferrero Roche, or ice-cream sundae cupcakes don’t sound inviting then maybe the modern-vintage decor and fresh flowers will invite you inside to order these treats and many more made fresh daily. Owner Sonia Esteves recognized her passion for baking at the age of six when she would spend time baking with her father. In June 2011, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was told it was time to do something that she has never had the chance to do. “I have my family, I have my two kids, I’m good,” Esteves said. But after having a vision of the times spent baking with her father, Esteves knew that opening her own specialty bake shop was what she had to do. Sugary Swirls officially opened on February 11^th. The colour pink throughout the shop represents breast cancer, white represents new life, while the black countertop represents sorrow that was endured. After having a dream of the perfect location for her bake shop, and then finding the location two weeks later, Esteves knew it was perfect. “I couldn’t ask for more,” she said. Growing up just blocks away, she felt the Annex was a prime location for Sugary Swirls, herself, and her family. Sugary Swirls is one of the three newest specialized bake shops in the Annex. Bake Them Pretty and a specialty gluten-free shop will be opening along Habord Street this summer. “Because of the condominiums and these new sort of areas with more people,” said Neil Wright, of Wright Real Estate, “it demands more of these great shops, and in this case it’s bakeries.” Each shop has its own baked specialties that appeal to different customers and that no one else is doing in the area. Sugary Swirls baked goods are freshly made, never frozen, and are always made with passion. The most popular treats are the Tiramisu Tulips a chocolate cup filled with tiramisu, and the Mil Folhas, a vanilla-custard slice. Customized cakes and cupcakes are also one of Sugary Swirls specialties. “Anyone who [has gone] through trauma or a life-altering experience and has a dream that hasn’t been fulfilled follow your dreams, no matter what the obstacles,” Esteves said. The shop is open Tuesdays to Saturdays between the hours of 10am and 5pm.

Community dismayed by lack of dialogue

By: Annemarie Brissenden

A packed standing-room only January 9 meeting on the future of Central Technical School’s (CTS) field laid bare the challenge of balancing student needs and community concerns. Local residents fear the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) plan to install a championship field and seasonal dome at the school will increase traffic and create additional parking woes in an already dense downtown neighbourhood, while CTS staff and students are eager to replace an aging and contaminated playing surface with a state-of-the-art facility. At times resembling a media circus, the meeting was attended by Mayor Rob Ford—greeted by raucous applause from the football and rugby players in the room—councillors Adam Vaughan (Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina) and Mike Layton (Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina), as well as Central Tech staff, students, alumni, community members, a large TDSB contingent, and Matthew Raizenne, CEO of Razor Management Inc. (RMI), the private company set to redevelop the field.Central Tech’s principal Sheryl Freeman explained that the field provides an extraordinary opportunity for the students, who use the school’s three athletics facilities full-time, every period, every day.

“We value this type of conversation,” said Freeman, noting that the school houses well over 2,000 students during the day, and close to that number at night in continuing education. “We are hearing about the impact on the community, [and the] concerns regarding parking and traffic.”

But some local residents said that the TDSB isn’t taking the potential impact of the new field on parking and traffic seriously. “I can’t get to my house now…I’m not quarreling with the concept, but don’t minimize that we’re going to have a huge problem with traffic,” said one speaker, to applause, while another added, “you haven’t put forward a single solution to the traffic problem.”

Tim Grant, speaking at the meeting, characterized Central Tech “as the school that never sleeps” adding, “the danger is that this is a project that’s going to make the neighbourhood unliveable.” The chair of the Harbord Village Residents’ Association (HVRA) said in a follow-up interview that he was disappointed with the tenor of the meeting, which seemed more like a cheerleading sales job than a community consultation or question and answer session. “My understanding is that a deal was signed a year ago, [they’re] just going through the motions,” he said.Or as Susan Dexter, HVRA board member, shouted at the meeting January 9, “We should be able to have a dialogue, rather than something that’s presented to us.”

That frustration, which underpins the reservations of those in the neighbourhood who oppose the installation of the field, seems to come from a critical question: who owns the field, and who, ultimately, is responsible for deciding what should be built there? Gordon E. Petch, a partner with Municipal Law Chambers, which has been retained to represent the TDSB in its application for two minor zoning variations, attempted to “clear up some misconceptions” during his presentation at the meeting.

“School board lands are private lands, not public open space,” said Petch, adding that public access to these lands should only occur under the auspices of a permit, for insurance reasons. Access can happen without a permit, he explained, but that’s only because it’s difficult to police on a regular basis.

Central Tech teacher Suzanne Shebib echoed Petch’s comments when she stood up “to gently remind everybody that CTS is a school and must serve its students first…. It bothers me that we’re putting issues like parking above the needs of our students.” And time and time again, the school’s students spoke up about the critical need to replace their rundown, booby-trapped field, rife with holes and dog leavings. “We are at one of the most used tracks in the city, one of the most used fields in the city,” said Raizenne. “All of you are here, all of you care, and that speaks volumes.” Raizenne, who is passionate about athletics, stressed that his company will be replacing the chain-link fence with an iron one similar to that at Varsity Stadium, and putting it behind the tree line, as recommended by the Bathurst Street Study. The site will be remediated, and the energy-efficient dome (up during the winter months, i.e. mid November to April) will be among the most environmentally friendly around. He added that he’s learned lessons on managing traffic and parking from the Monarch Park stadium, which he plans to implement at Central Tech.“I know there is a way to work together with the community,” he said in a follow-up email adding that “it was a great meeting and it was great to see all our city leaders out.”

College. Spadina, and Sussex potentially home to three new student residences

By Annemarie Brissenden, Brian Burchell, and Neiland Brissenden

In about 500 B.C., the Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus (near modern-day Kusadasi, Turkey) propounded a distinctive theory of universal flux. It is an oversimplification of his views, but he is frequently attributed with the quote “the only thing that is constant is change itself”.

In terms of the large-scale redevelopment plans on the near horizon in the greater Annex area, Heraclitus provides us with an apt descriptor. In this edition of The Annex Gleaner we aim to scope out the development sites where radical change is most likely to occur.

Think of it as the before picture. Some of these sites we have written about extensively already such as the possibility of a big-box-style store on the former Kromer Radio site on Bathurst (see “Will Wal-Mart worm onto Bathurst?” June 2013); others such as the
new high-rise student residential development at Spadina and Sussex have only recently emerged as the University of Toronto has been quietly amassing property on the west side of Spadina avenue south of Bloor Street West.

In the coming months we will aim to keep you appraised of development proposals, applications for major and minor variances to by-laws, and community consultations, and we will aim to reflect your views on the pages of this newspaper. Inevitably, the Ontario
Municipal Board (OMB) will have something to say. Hopefully they will make every effort to consider what the city has to say and what the community itself thinks will work best, and not try to impose something totally alien on our established main streets and neighbourhoods. That said, we should not be afraid of change, we should embrace it as inevitable and “constant”, join the process, and become engaged in it.

By: Beth McKay

Often it is the small touches which make the Annex the welcoming and exceptional neighbourhood that it is today; and neighbours Taya and Jamie Cook of Grace Street certainly understand the importance of inclusivity and sharing. The Cooks have recently installed a little free library in front of their home with the aim of encouraging literacy within this community. Their little free library also aims to build new relationships amongst neighbours.

In a letter to the Gleaner, the Cooks noted that the movement of installing little free libraries began in the United States and has now officially come to Canada. “We invite the community to take a book, return a book, or add a book,” the couple explained in their letter. There are a few little free libraries in the Beaches area and one in Parkdale, but the Cooks believe that their library is the first in the Annex neighbourhood. Perhaps the idea of building these libraries is not so far fetched as it is a common sight in the Annex to see boxes of books scattered on the grass outside homes, often warped and ruined due to weather. Little free libraries would extend the lives of many books while keeping the neighbourhood clean.

“We are hoping to get the word out so that people use it, and hopefully others will start popping up around the area,” explained Taya. Though the current winter weather may deter some from immediately making their own little free libraries, as well as discourage a few from making the trek to Grace Street, perhaps another way to contribute is by finding good quality books within your own home to donate to the small library when you do make a visit. “We have been pleasantly surprised by how much it is getting used. Almost every day the books change and people pick some up and drop some off so it has been a lot of fun,” said Taya.

There are many websites which define the goals of little free libraries, and some sites even contain building instructions. Please visit http://littlefreelibrary.org/ for more information. “It would be great to have more in the neighbourhood!” Taya further explained, so perhaps build one as a spring project for yourself and for the neighbourhood.

Stats Confirm slide in crime reports
By: Brian Burchell

Feeling that your neighbourhood is a little safer these days? There is empirical evidence to support that view. At a recent meeting of the Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) for 14 Division, a consultative body the police use to keep connected with local stakeholder groups such as residents’ associations and business groups, the year-to-date crime numbers were reported and discussed. The short story is that in 2013 crime is down again, and this is not just compared with last year, it’s reflective of a years-long slide in the numbers.

Here is a summary:

Offense                      2012                   2013          Change%

• Assaults                    1056                    881              -17%
• Commercial B & E   204                    185              -9%
• Residential B & E    269                     276               3%
• Robberies                 237                     226              -5%
• Theft from Auto     1096                   899             -18%
• Stolen Vehicles        137                     143                4%

Source: Detective Constable Laurie McCann, Toronto Police 14 Division

Detective Constable Laurie McCann compiles the statistics each month and is able to discern trends and help focus police resources where problem areas exist. 14 Division covers all of the Annex and Liberty areas from Spadina to the east to Dufferin in the west and from the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks at Dupont all the way south to the lake. Notably this police division includes much of Parkdale. The geographical scope of responsibility for this division is something to bear in mind when looking at the numbers.

Detective Sergeant Brian Kelly advised that “although the residential break and enter (B & Es) numbers appear to be up year-to-year, this is misleading. When there is a break-in of multiple condo lockers, each locker is counted as separate incident.” In fact, residential B & Es are down as are commercial B & Es and notably assaults and robberies. Even stolen vehicles which appear to be on an upward trend represent a specific crime trend relating to a series of targeted motorcycle thefts, according to Kelly.

Superintendent Mario DiTommaso addressed the “theft from auto” numbers. Though they appear to be down, he explained that “many of these offences are committed by repeat offenders. Many commit these crimes of opportunity to feed a drug addiction.

They go through the court system and are back out in the community in a revolving door effect.” DiTommaso suggested that he felt that “often times when the judicial process is referring the convicted to a drug treatment program the sentencing is too lenient.”

On Nov. 24, 2013, officers attended 294 College St. with a search warrant which was a result of an ongoing investigation into a suspected booze can. Uniformed and plain clothes officers entered the premises and arrested several parties who worked there. Large amounts of alcohol and cash were seized and charges were laid.

Staff Sergeant James Hogan reported on numerous drug enforcement initiatives in the vicinity of Bellevue Square Park in Kensington Market.The statistics give a glimpse of a safer city and specifically our slice of it.

By: Brian Burchell

Two hundred and thirteen lost cats were rescued by the Annex Cat Rescue from the streets and back alleys in 2012 and adopted into loving local homes (statistics for 2013 are yet to be published). That’s a record year for the entirely volunteer-run organization.

Continuing this year, with the support of Global Pet Foods (171 Dupont St., at St. George) and teaming up with hockey commentator Don Cherry, the Show Us Your Heart fundraising campaign takes place Feb. 1–15 when cat lovers can visit the store and make a donation of as little as $1. The national chain has raised $570,000 since 2006 for the benefit of local animal shelters.

Few people realize the extent to which Annex Cat Rescue has aided homeless cats. Some cats are too wild to be adopted and reside in feral cat communities. Volunteers from the organization trap these cats and bring them to a vet for a check up and to be spayed or neutered, after which they are returned to their communities. In part, the fundraising efforts offset the expense of this important program.

“When you donate to Show Us Your Heart you’re supporting smaller, community-based organizations’ – the local shelters and groups that don’t receive government funding or have their own fundraising departments,” said Jim Walker, president of Global Pet Foods. “These shelters do all the work, often on their own dime and through the blood, sweat, and tears of volunteers. This is our way of giving back to them.”

“There is nothing more heartbreaking than a homeless pet wanting to be loved,” said Cherry. “Show Us Your Heart is an easy way to give back and make a real difference to pets in need.”

Keeping tabs on the urban landscape

By: Beth McKay

Bobbie Rosenfeld Park and Salmon Run Fountain

Between the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre

Time: 1:15 pm

Grade: B (Last year: B+)

Reason: Nestled in between the CN tower and the Rogers Centre, this park pays tribute to Toronto’s waterfront through artist Susan Schelle’s salmon water fountain. In spite of the nearby two iconic skyline landmarks, the park is a reminder that Toronto is so much
more than just a bustling city, as it also has a magnificent waterfront. This park is a nice break from the loud traffic and offers a serene space to relax.

What’s there: Sixty bronze salmon can be seen vaulting up over a large piece of glass, and are accompanied by 4,000 gallons of water. Adults and children alike have thrown pennies into the fountain, and there are many benches which invite walkers to sit and take a break. There is very little garbage.

Suggestions for improvement: Introducing some greenery into this park would make the area more appealing and natural looking.

Fun Fact: The Salmon Run Fountain was installed in 1991 when the park was renamed Bobbie Rosenfeld Park in honour of one of Canada’s most famous female athletes.

Olympic Park

Bremner Boulevard, near Metro Convention Centre South Building

Time: 2:00 pm

Grade: B (Last Year: A-)

Reason: This park is very loud and very exposed. There is construction happening directly across the street which makes it difficult to hear. Though the park backs onto the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, it is on a corner and therefore open to traffic noise and the hustle and bustle of Toronto life. However, it is a nice green space in a very industrialized area.

What’s there: There is a large circle of green grass surrounded by a paved path. There are well maintained hanging baskets around the perimeter of the park, and a few trees and vegetation.

Suggestions for improvement: Perhaps a fresh fence could be installed between the park and the road. Or, a tree line could act as a fence which would make the park more secluded and much less noisy.

Stanley Park

King Street, between Stafford and Walnut streets

Time: 12:00 pm

Grade: A (Last year: A)

Reason: This park is clean and well maintained. University-aged students laugh while jogging around the area which creates a welcoming and vivacious atmosphere. A baseball game was being played during my visit, and a family was attempting to have a
picnic, but the bugs were being relentless, so bring bug spray!

What’s there: A baseball diamond is located near the well used, yet well maintained playground. There is a shallow wading pool that has aesthetically pleasing safety barriers protecting it from run-away basketballs.

Suggestions for improvement: More grass and more trees which would provide privacy.

Victoria Memorial Square Park

Bathurst and Wellington streets

Time: 11:30 am

Grade: A (Last year: C)

Reason: This shaded square was once a military cemetery created in the late eighteenth century. There are hundreds of soldiers still buried in the ground and a few gravestone markers remain. The park is blanketed by shade and a sombre vibe, which makes it a great reading or contemplation destination.

What’s there: The focal point of this park is a large bust atop a monument. The bust is unnamed but appears to be of an older soldier. A wide paved walkway peacefully meanders through the park and, in some areas, is lined by lampposts. There are a number of original gravestones off to the side which have been preserved and arranged for viewing. This park is great for walking your dog, taking a nap, or playing guitar. A man was doing some tricks on his skateboard for a small gathering of his peers, but respectfully stopped performing the tricks as I walked by, which was very courteous.

Suggestions for improvement: It depends on one’s opinion of what constitutes a park. This space could easily hold a playground or swings although the introduction of these elements would hinder the reverie the park provides.

St. Andrew’s Playground

Corner of Adelaide and Brant Streets

Time: 11:15 am

Grade: B+ (Last year: N/A)

Reason: During my visit, this park had uncountable children in it belonging to many different daytime camp groups. It is a wonderfully shaded area; however, with so many people present it was hard even to walk in a straight line.

What’s there: The park is fenced, clean, and very breezy; a nice relief on a hot summer day. The playground has multiple slides and appeared to be very modern. There is a paved pavilion, and benches are scattered throughout. This would be a great park to enjoy a picnic and play a game of frisbee or tag. There is a nice large dog run in the far corner.

Suggestions for improvement: Try to avoid the area at times when so many children are there because of day camps. The park is probably very serene and enjoyable, but when it is blanketed with kids, it is not very calming. Fewer pigeons would also be a benefit.

Clarence Square

Spadina Avenue and Wellington Street

Time: 11:45 am

Grade: B (Last year: N/A)

Reason: Clarence Square is located in a tight niche. It is quite noisy on the side closest to Spadina, and there is quite a bit of litter. Yet one must applaud Toronto for preserving such a large green space in a considerably busy area.

What’s there: There is a never-ending supply of shade in this park as large trees grow abundantly throughout. Though there is litter, it is not because the city has not supplied enough garbage cans as they are all over the park, silently encouraging pedestrians to use them. Long benches can be found towards the centre of the park, and people of all ages occupy them.

Overheard: “I wish he’d just hurry up and pop the question already!” one woman exclaimed to what appeared to be her close friend.

Suggestions for improvement: Perhaps the city could hire someone to help better maintain this park. It has so much potential, but because of its hectic location, it is subject to lots of garbage which limits its usage. I do not recommend having a picnic on the grass in this park!

Roundhouse Park

Corner of Lower Simcoe Street and Bremner Boulevard, near the Gardiner Expressway

Time: 2:15 pm

Grade: A (Last year: N/A)

Reason: This is such a fantastic area. Though Roundhouse Park is right across the street from Olympic Park, this green area trumps its neighbour on so many levels, particularly in the noise department. It is above street level which decreases car noise and is extremely spacious.

What’s there: Roundhouse Park was created in 1997 and is home to a live steam miniature railway. There is also a fully operational 120-foot-long locomotive turntable, and a collection of full-sized railroad equipment. Old railroad tracks lead through the park, which are remnants of Toronto’s early industrialization. Trees surround the
perimeter creating a sound barrier, and there are a few benches as well. There is a nice paved walkway throughout.

Suggestion for improvement: More people! This park is a great place to learn about Toronto’s history, but it is also quiet enough to read or even take a nap.

Isabella Valancy Crawford Park

The corner of Front and John streets

Time: 12:55 pm

Grade: C (Last year: N/A)

Reason: It is a far stretch to call this small slab of concrete a park. In its defence, it is a nice oasis away from busy Front Street, but there are so many businessmen and businesswomen rushing to meetings or grabbing lunch at the hotdog vendor, that it is far from relaxing.

What’s there: There is a large concrete staircase leading up to different buildings as this park is nestled between two office buildings. Seating consists of concrete sidings that double as planters. There are gardens of ivy at the base of a few young trees which appear to be growing out of the concrete. The park does have a nice entrance as it is directly below the CN tower.

Suggestions for improvement: There is not much to do with this small amount of space. It might be nice to remove some of the concrete and plant grass; however, it would likely be trampled by the busy foot traffic. Perhaps some benches.

Osler Playground

Argyle Street, just west of Ossington Avenue

Time: 3:30 pm

Grade: A (Last year: A-)

Reason: This playground is nicely fenced in, so if your kids or dogs make a run for it, they will not get to the street! The park is a child’s playground dream.

What’s there: There is a large playground set complete with swings and a teeter-totter, and even a wading pool; so bring your bathing suit! Shade blankets some areas due to mature trees and there are benches so parents can watch their kids play.

Suggestions for improvement: Not much has changed since last summer, as this park still needs better bike parking. Bikes have been locked to the fence which is noticeably an inconvenience as people’s bikes are tangled together.

Overheard: “Weeeeeeeeeee” a young boy squealed as he played on the teeter-totter.

Trinity Bellwoods Park

West of Ossington, between Dundas and Queen streets

Time: 5:15 pm

Grade: A (Last year: A+)

Reason: This park promises hours of endless fun, and you can literally get lost in its tall trees, rolling hills, and shaded grass.

What’s there: Trinity Bellwoods, if you haven’t already heard, is the envy of all other parks in the area. There is a beach volleyball court, outdoor hockey rinks, a playground, greenhouses, an off-leash dog park, a fire pit, and so much more. Oh, and did I mention countless trails? There is also plenty of shade to rest and read, or sunny patches to work on your tan.

Interesting fact: This park has been in the media lately due to excessive noise and the distribution of police tickets in response to drunken behaviour. Though it is common for people to bring a bottle of wine to a picnic in the park, currently the police presence has been stronger and you may get a ticket for having a casual alcoholic beverage.

Suggestions for improvement: A tree line on Crawford Street would help to buffer the late-night noise.

George Ben Park

Ossington Avenue, just north of Dundas Street West

Time: 4:00 pm

Grade: C (Last year: C-)

Reason: This park is located directly beside St. Luke’s elementary school and because of its small size, it looks as though it is the school’s personal playground. Though it is an open area, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as most parks in the area.

What’s there: There is a pathway through the park which connects Ossington to Roxton, and it is accentuated by a few benches which have seen better days. There is a field that could be used for soccer or a game of tag, and there is also a baseball diamond.

Suggestions for improvement: This area has the ingredients to become a great park, it just currently lacks charisma. With a few trees, a garden, and maybe a couple of new updates to the benches and baseball diamond, this could be an inviting space. It needs more people!

Linear Park North and South

Blue Jays Way and Spadina Avenue

Time: 10:00 am

Grade: C+ (Last year: D+)

Reason: Train tracks run parallel to this odd but amusing park, which demonstrates that it was once a functional place that has fallen into a bit of disarray. There is very little green space, and people seem to flock to it.

What’s there: The first item to catch my eye was the monument commemorating Chinese railroad workers. To take in this monument while watching trains chug along was somewhat of a fascinating moment. There are two large rocks at the entrance to Blue Jays Way that add landscaping to a somewhat drab area. Though this park may not have the colourful qualities of others, it holds railroad history and naturally displays it in a grey, concrete, and industrialized way.

Suggestions for improvement: More people. Also, the park would benefit from greenery simply to please the eye, and also to give visitors a place to sit down and rest.

Consensus emerges for a better Ontario Police Complaints System
By: Brian Burchell

“More transparency, timeliness, independence, and accountability are what’s needed,” says Dr. Alok Mukherjee, chair of the Toronto Police Services Board; these are just some of the recommendations that have emerged from a report on the Future Directions for
the Ontario Police Complaints System. “Our current system is too aloof and makes no effort to be proactive,” said Mukherjee at a day-long expert panel discussion hosted by Scadding Court Community Centre (SCCC) in September.

Also on the panel were Barbara Hall, chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Professor Jennifer L. Schulenburg, a crime specialist from the University of Waterloo, and Tam Gossen, vice-president of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations.
The panel was convened to discuss the recommendations that emerged from a forum co-chaired by SCCC in November of 2012, where one hundred and fifty delegates from sixty organizations and nine police services from across Ontario discussed the current
state of the police complaints system. Kevin Lee, the executive director of SCCC, introduced the panel and reminded the panelists and the approximately fifty attendees that SCCC has been a leader in seeking to create a better police complaints system and that “any successful complaints process must be more than just punishing misdeeds and weeding out bad apples, it must be more proactive”.

The Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) is distinct from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The SIU conducts an independent investigation where a person is injured or killed while in police custody or while interacting with police. The OIPRD, according to the Police Services Act as amended in 2009, “provides an objective impartial office to receive, manage, and oversee the investigation of public complaints against Ontario police.”

Gossen commented that the forum was happening just blocks from a fatal shooting in July of a teen on a TTC streetcar by police a few weeks before, and said that any meaningful review “must address issues of race in policing, unnecessary use of lethal force, and improved training in crisis intervention starting at police college”. Hall commented that she sees this process as a confirmation that there is “a palpable shift away from complaints-driven systems towards trying to address all prohibited forms of discrimination from policing”, and cautioned against seeing more training as a panacea;
“culture trumps training,” she said.

Schulenburg reported that in her research she spent fifteen hundred hours travelling in patrol cars and that she was surprised to see first-hand “that fifty per cent of calls were not at all black and white, many complicated situations present themselves at once, and making the ‘right’ decision is not always obvious”.

Recommendations from the forum were numerous. They addressed the legal structure of the OIPRD and a need to increase outreach initiatives, especially with regard to awareness of multiple languages and cultures, and vulnerable and marginalized populations, and the need to amend their Rules of Procedure and the Police Services Act to allow for advocating use of the OIPRD in media outlets (this is presently prohibited). Changes were also proposed to the procedures of the OIPRD to allow complainants to understand what to expect. People with complaints about the police can bring those complaints to the police themselves, where they are investigated by the
Professional Standards branch of the police force in question, or to the OIPRD. The forum recommended reducing the number of police-managed investigations but not necessarily with a view to adding to OIPRD investigations. It was advocated that there should be increased opportunities for certified mediators to play a role to bring complaint matters to a more expeditious resolution.

All fifty-seven recommendations have been submitted to the Attorney General’s office for consideration of changes to the legislation and the adjoining regulations. The Toronto
Police Services Board will also consider the recommendations at its November meeting.

A full text of the proposal is available at: http://www.scaddingcourt.org/pdflibrary/2013police-forum-report.pdf

 Those of us who live in the city all know the aggravation that can come with unreliable public transit and gridlock.  Being squeezed into an overflowing subway. Watching packed streetcars pass you by as you wait in the cold, already late for work. Sitting in a car in traffic and fighting that temptation to scream.  The reality, for far too many, of not having a fast and reliable source of public transit within walking distance of your home or work.

 Let’s face it, while we may like public transit, at times it can be tough. Commuters are increasingly frustrated and business leaders are feeling the negative impact on productivity and competitiveness.

Part of this frustration arises from the fact that travel time directly affects our quality of life. Take for example, commute times. Last year the average commute time in the GTA was over 80 minutes.  Think about how much more time you could spend with your family, enjoy your hobbies, or lead a healthy and active life if it was reduced.

But transit impacts more than just the quality of our lives, it hits us in our pocket books. Gridlock in the GTA last year cost our economy $6 billion. And that’s to say nothing of the negative impacts on our long-term economic prospects.

So, what’s to be done? How can we get our city and country moving again?  In the last year individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and governments have taken the issue on.  Organizations and alliances like the Toronto Region Board of Trade and CivicAction have convened some of the best and brightest to work on solutions. Local campaigns, like our own I HEART Public Transit initiative of the Trinity-Spadina NDP, have sought to build awareness and advocate for change.  Individuals from across our city have spent their evenings in consultations hosted by the City of Toronto and Metrolinx.

This is a good development. There is now an urgent discussion taking place about how to pay for existing and new transit and how to cut commute times. At the municipal and provincial level, debates about the best form of dedicated, transparent, progressive, and fair revenue sources are being held. The search for that elusive consensus on transit funding is on.

All of us who engaged in these discussions know a few simple truths: If we don’t invest in and fix our existing transit infrastructure, gridlock will get worse and commute times will increase.  Our ridership is growing. Simply put, more people are using public transit and more cars are on the roads. And, if we don’t invest in building the next generation of transit, everyone in our city will be worse off.

However, in all of these discussions, one important piece of the puzzle has been missing: the federal government. For years the federal government has been missing in action on public transit.

A couple of simple facts help to make this clear.  Fact–Canada is the only G8 nation without a national transit strategy. Fact – nationally, our public transit system faces an $18 billion gap in the next five years without any commitment from the federal government to fix it. Fact – the economic benefits directly resulting from public transit in Canada are over $10 billion annually.

This needs to change.

Across Canada cities are struggling. They receive only eight cents of every tax dollar and their property taxes have to pay for a wide range of local services, from parks to police to libraries. Recent promised improvements with the gas tax transfer to cities have been an important step, but our cities remain cash-strapped. On transit, they can’t manage alone.

What Canadian cities need is permanent, long-term, and predictable investments in transit. Building and operating transit can’t be done overnight. It requires vision and planning. And it certainly can’t be effectively funded with one-time commitments from the federal government.

On the very weekend we sat down to write this op-ed the news arrived that the federal government would provide $660 million for a subway in Scarborough. Let’s be clear, we need the federal government at the table and the news that they would be funding transit is a step in the right direction. But, they can and must do better.

Municipal and provincial officials in Toronto and across Canada are looking to improve transit and we can’t do that with just ad hoc and one-off commitments from the federal government. We need long-term and predictable funding to make transit investments work.

For years, Torontonians and residents of cities across Canada have needed to get to work and school faster. They’ve been let down. But the recent focus and attention on transit should give us all hope. The time is coming for discussions to make way for action. It’s time to get Canadians moving again.

– Olivia Chow is the member of parliament for Trinity-Spadina, the NDP transport and infrastructure spokesperson, and the vice-chair of parliament’s transport committee.

-Joe Cressy is the president of the Trinity-Spadina federal NDP and one of the co-founders of the I HEART Public Transit campaign.