Public Commons

• The City's list of "stakeholders" who were contacted to give their opinions about the Recreation Service Plan in May and June, 2011 (and the Parks Plan in September 2011).

Part of Community Advisory Stakeholders Lists

Task Force to Bring Back the Don

55 John Street, Metro Hall, 23rd floor, Toronto, ON  M5V 3C6 416-392-0401

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Task_Force_to_Bring_Back_the_Don

The Task Force to Bring Back the Don is a citizen advisory committee that advises Toronto city council on issues concerning the Don River and its watershed. It consists of 20 citizen members and 3 council members.

In addition to the advisory committee, the Task Force sponsors restoration projects. These include tree plantings and wetland restoration. In 1996 the Task Force initiated a major wetland restoration project. Initially called the Demonstration Wetland, it was later renamed as Chester Springs Marsh. Two basins were excavated adjacent to the river and these periodically flood with river water.

Since 1996, the Task Force has either created or enhanced four more wetlands in the Don Valley and another three in nearby tributary ravines. The Task Force has advised the city on several environment related issues including the sewer use bylaw, road salt reduction, snow dump sites, the Wet Weather Flow Master Plan, and flood protection of the lower Don.

Currently the main focus is the creation of a naturalized mouth for the Don River. It currently empties into a concrete lined harbour waterway called the Keating Channel.

The Don Watcher twitter page is pretty active. Check it out on the link below.

http://twitter.com/#!/donwatcher

Read the Spring 2010 brochure for more on the history of the Don, and an update on some of its current issues.

http://www.toronto.ca/don/pdf/spring_2010.pdf

The Bloor-Dufferin Residents' Committee Ltd. (BDRC).

http://web.me.com/bonnieburgess/Site/Blank_2.html

The Bloor-Dufferin Residents’ Committee Ltd. is a residents’ association that strives to keep citizens informed about development projects that we believe will have a big impact in our neighbourhood.

The Dufferin Grove Residents’ Association

(Is this the same as the Bloor-Duffferin Residents Association?) 416-535-4985

http://www.geocities.ws/thedgra/Content/DGRA_MembershipLetter_30Oct06.pdf

The Dufferin Grove Residents’ Association was formed in the fall of 2004, in response to the Doversquare Development. A few very concerned individuals, trying to get answers about this development, decided they might have more strength if they worked together. To attain party status at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Hearing for the Doversquare Project, this group of individuals incorporated as the DGRA.

Since that time, the DGRA has:

1. established a Board of Directors and a constitution
2. defined its community (the area bounded Bloor, Ossington, College and Dufferin Streets)
3. expanded membership
4. broadened its activities to include a wide range of initiatives intended to protect and advance the community’s interests and foster a sense of neighbourhood.

The DGRA has also become a member of The Confederation of Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Associations (CORRA), an umbrella group of Toronto neighbourhood associations that has been successful in lobbying all levels of government on behalf of the residents of the city. This newsletter is intended to inform residents in the area of the achievements, current activities and goals of the DGRA and to encourage everyone become a member.

The Danforth BIA

253 Danforth Ave., Suite 302, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2 CANADA
416-429-4479
bia@thedanforth.ca

http://thedanforth.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=165&Itemid=174

About the Danforth

The Danforth BIA composed of 350+ shops, restaurants and services along Danforth Ave. from Broadview Ave. to Hampton Ave. and along Broadview Ave. north to Pretoria Ave., and south to Dearborne Ave. works to promote and provide an urban destination neighbourhood for delicious food, entertaining theatre, lively pubs, romantic cafés and distinctive shops and services.

Some of the current issues and initiatives the Danforth BIA is working include attracting greater business development, providing a safe and secure area in which to shop, entertain and conduct business and increasing the number of parking options for visitors.

Riverdale Park (in the Danforth BIA)

In 1856 the City of Toronto paid the Scadding family $40,000 for the remaining 119.75 acres of the farm that had been a crown grant to John Scadding in 1793. It originally consisted of 230 acres, running from the waterfront to Danforth Ave between the Don River and today's Broadview Ave. The City considered this a safe location for a jail and industrial farm, that at that time was still outside city limits and unpopulated, except for farmers and market gardeners. The Don Jail opened in 1865. In the early 1960s, Riverdale Park was bisected by the Don Valley Parkway and its area reduced to 104 acres. To compensate, Toronto Parks Department unveiled in 1962 a $1,250,000 plan to improve the parks recreational facilities with soccer and football fields, baseball diamonds, a quarter-mile track, a wading pool, a fifty-foot toboggan slope, a swimming pool, an ice rink, field houses, and tennis courts, that are all still available for recreation today.

The Garden Club of Toronto

777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1P2
416-447-5218 gardencluboftoronto@on.aibn.com

President: Margaret Taylor, Vice President; Janet Kennish, Secretary: Dyann Sheppard

http://www.thegardencluboftoronto.ca/

About

Founded in 1946, the Garden Club of Toronto is a registered charitable organization. It has played a key role in designing and planting gardens that beautify the city and environs as well as providing outreach and educational programming. Since its inception, the Club has directed in excess of $3  million to the beautification of some of the local areas' renowned gardens together with plantings for major public institutions. In 1958, the Club founded and provided ongoing funding for the Civic Garden Centre, known today as the Toronto Botanical Garden. Together with Landscape Ontario, the Club also co-founded Canada Blooms, the highly successful Toronto Spring Flower Show that provides excellence in horticulture and design.

The Amis of the Garden Club Of Toronto are:

•      To stimulate a knowledge and love of gardening amongst amateurs
•      To aid in the protection of native plants, birds, trees and soil
•      To encourage civic planting

The Garden District Residents Association

http://www.gardendistrict.ca/

Our neighbourhood was proclaimed The Garden District on September 30, 2001 by Mayor Lastman, and we have since adopted its new name for our Association. The name draws on the tradition that more than a century ago gave us our first public parks. Flanked by tree-lined streets, Allan Gardens and Moss Park were once the pride and glory of Toronto's urban progress.

Parks/Gardens
Moss Park
Allan Gardens

Here is a brief explanation of a few of the GDRA's initiatives:

Shelter By-law - President's Report The GDRA participated in the preliminary hearing related to the second phase of the original OMB appeal against the exception to the Shelter By-law (101 Ontario Street). The appeal was rejected by the Board on the basis the appellants did not formulate any new issues to be considered despite the fact the original ones were never addressed.We requested devolution of the shelters that do not conform to the protocols of the Shelter By-law, i.e.

• maximum capacity of 80 beds per facility
• 500 beds per Ward
• minimum separation distance of 250 m.

The Gabrielle Roy Parkette We are grateful for the time and energy the Garden District residents expand towards the upkeep of the Parkette. We thank Glen Simourd for his supervision of its maintenance. We acknowledge with gratitude the financial contributions from the majority of George Street residents that allow us to get help when the volunteer effort wanes.

Regent Park Redevelopment We were invited to a number of community group sessions reviewing recommendations for the redevelopment. We opposed the proposed densities (100%increase) for low income and welfare populations, and a totally inadequate mix of rental and ownership.

Moss Park Following our persistent requests for improved lighting of the tennis courts, additional lighting was installed along the west end of the park in March 2005.

For a complete list visit http://www.gardendistrict.ca/initiatives/in_for.html

The Greater Yorkville Residents Association

Manulife P.O. Box 19512 Toronto ON M4W 3T9
info@gyra.ca

President: Gee Chung, Vice-President: Judy Dunn, Treasurer: Ven Sheshadri , Secretary: Stan Griffin

http://www.gyra.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41

GYRA, the Greater Yorkville Residents’ Association, represents the community interests of condominium and cooperative residents in the area. Currently our representation covers 17 buildings, comprising 1300 units and approximately 2000 residents.

In 1990, the Board of 175 Cumberland invited other interested, neighbouring condominiums and cooperatives to discuss specific traffic issues affecting the community. Within a short time, that group formed the Greater Yorkville Residents’ Association.

Because of accelerating residential development in the area, GYRA deliberations now cover environmental concerns, new developments, heritage preservation and a myriad of other issues.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkville,_Toronto

Parks in Yorkville: *Village of Yorkville Park *Frank Stollery Parkette *Jesse Ketchum Park *Town Hall Square

The Toronto Island Residential Community Trust

102 Lakeshore Avenue Toronto M5J 1X9 ON
416-203-6163

http://www.pas.gov.on.ca/scripts/en/boardDetails.asp?boardID=109459

The Trust manages the land described in the schedule of the Act, including the houses and other buildings and structures on the land, for the benefit of the residential community on the islands and the public.

The Trust is managed by a board of directors consisting of not more than 15 members, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. The board appoints a chair and a vice-chair from among its members.

The link below is a source of more detailed info regarding the Toronto Island Park with links to various articles and documents. http://torontoisland.org/ParksFerry/ParksFerryDetailedInfo/tabid/231/Default.aspx

The West Bend Community Association

info@thewestbend.ca

http://www.thewestbend.ca/index.html

Whether you are considering people, trees or architecture, The West Bend is a study in diversity. Community spirit, pride and commitment are evidenced by many activities and meetings including; school events, the Railside Cooperative Garden of Native Species, Art open houses, street parties and more.

The West Bend Community Association (TWBCA) is dedicated to improving the community within our area and the city of Toronto through active participation in neighbourhood projects.

Parks in West Bend

Baird Park is a popular playground and dog-walking spot, as well as home to the West Toronto Lawn Bowling Club. Chelsea Parkette is a small neighbourhood playground in the southern part of the West Bend. Dundas Parkette provides green space for residents in the Junction business district. Lithuania Park lies directly west and High Park, the jewel of Toronto’s park system, sits at the south-west corner of the West Bend.

The Wexford Residence Inc. Elder Person's Centre

1860 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario, M1R 5B1
(416) 752-8877

http://www.thewexford.org/index.asp

The Wexford Residence Inc. is a vibrant seniors residence in Scarborough that combines independent apartments, long-term care and a seniors’ community centre. Established in 1978 and incorporated in 1995, The Wexford is owned and operated by a charitable non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors.

• Wexford Resident Inc. Elder persons centre lies in close proximity to Wexford Park.

Thistletown Community centre

925 Albion Rd M9V 1A6
416 394-8717

http://www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/354/index.htm

The Thistletown Multi- Service centre is a unique facility that combines the programs and services of a community centre with the offices of a number of community agencies. The Thistletown Senior's centre also operates as part of the service collective. The Multi-Service Centre is a converted middle school and as such it has a number of different sized rooms for community rental permits.

Thistletown Seniors

925 Albion Rd M9V 1A6
416 394-8869

http://www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/397/index.htm

This seniors' centre has multiple spaces for concurrent activities. Registered and drop in programs happen throughout the day and into the evenings. The Thistletown Woodchucks offer a unique woodworking shop experience. Both the Seniors' and Woodchucks offer a number of special events and activities throughout the year.

Topham Park Advisory Council

– could not find any info on the advisory council.

Topham Park

181 Westview Blvd M4B 3J3

http://www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/276/index.htm

Topham Park offers creative play for caregiver and tot programs during the mornings for 9:30-11:30 am. Children experience new activities and develop social and physical skills. While interacting with other children, they explore and use their imagination in a fun and safe environment.

Topham Park Minor Softball league

http://www.tophampark.com/
info@tophampark.com

Topham Park Minor Softball League began in 1973, and is a 100% volunteer organization, providing house-league softball for children between the ages of 5 - 18. Our season generally runs from late April, thru until late June. We also have a Select program for those that wish to play in tournaments throughout the summer months.

Toronto Artscape

171 East Liberty Street, Suit 224, Toronto, Ont. M6K 3P6
416-392-1038
info@torontoartscape.on.ca

President and COE: Tim Jones 416-392-1038 x 24 tim@torontoartscape.on.ca
Executive Vice President: Celia Smith 416-392-1038 x 37 celia@torontoartscape.on.ca Executive Assistant to the President & CEO: Leslie Najgebauer 416-392-1038 x 36 e: leslie@torontoartscape.on.ca 

http://www.torontoartscape.on.ca/

Over the last 24 years, Artscape has developed a reputation as Canada's leading practitioner in multi-tenant space development for the arts and culture sector, successfully transforming a portfolio of underutilized buildings across Toronto into dynamic community assets. Artscape projects are designed to build and leverage the local community's cultural assets and creative resources while serving as catalysts for neighborhood growth and transformation. Artscape has earned a reputation as an international leader in the fields of culture-led regeneration and city-building through the arts. Artscape projects have been catalysts for regeneration and have helped stimulate some of Toronto's most vibrant and creative neighbourhoods including; including the award-winning Artscape Wychwood Barns and multi-tenant arts facilities in the Queen Street West, Distillery Historic District, Toronto Island and %l newwin%[[http:www.torontoartscape.org/places-spaces/artscape-liberty-village|Liberty Village neighbourhoods.

Here is a map of Artscape properties in Toronto: here

Toronto Community Garden Network

Contact: mail@tcgn.ca

Link: http://www.tcgn.ca/wiki/wiki.php

In 1999, Toronto City Council voted to approve an action plan to ensure every ward had a community garden.

Many City Councillors and community groups took up the challenge, and now there are well over one hundred community gardens across Toronto, and many of these are located in City Parks - parks that are managed by Parks, Forestry, and Recreation.

Once considered "recreational gardening", these gardens have become mini, multicultural - centers of urban agriculture. They not only provide a meaningful activity that the whole family can take part in, these gardens provide fresh organic - very local produce, food that is part of the family food budget, and shared with local food banks and soup kitchens.

CELOS Survey:

Q: Could you tell us about the nature of your involvement with city parks?

A: The TCGN, is a non-profit, Grass Roots organization, run by volunteers. The TCGN itself, doesn't own any land. All the community gardens that you see listed on our website, are run by individual community groups.. some have parent organizations, and some are stand-alone groups.

Q: Has the Toronto Community Garden Network collaborated with park staff on community events or making park improvements?

A: Some of the community gardens are on park land, and each group would have their own relationship with their park Supervisor.

I think that Parks Forestry and Recreation may have acknowledged us as a stakeholder, because of the work that we do to start community gardens, and support the existing ones that are in city parks.

Q: Does the Toronto Community Garden Network use a park/parks for events or gatherings? It sounds like you probably do - but could you tell us about it? (Have permit fees limited your use of the park?)

A: We haven't had summer events for a while, however, we do have events in the winter in community centres, and we are hoping to hold all five of our seedy events in early 2012 - in community centres. The cost of permits has been a challenge, however, we would have to ask the Seedy Events Planning committee, for the details for that.

Information provided by Susan Berman, Garden programmer - Perth-Dupont Community Garden perth-dupontcg@frogstar.com

Toronto Entertainment District BIA

100 Simcoe St., Suite 110, Toronto, ON M5H 3G2
Janice Solomon, Executive Director:
416 926 1337

http://www.torontoed.com/

The Entertainment District BIA is a community driven non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of the Toronto Entertainment District. 

It is an area with layers of history and experience. In addition to being a centre for nightlife, dining, live entertainment, comedy, film and professional sports the Entertainment District is a workplace and neighbourhood.

Public Realm Framework

The Public Realm Framework provides the long-term vision and guidance for the elements of the Toronto Entertainment District that are in public ownership. Accordingly the primary focus is on the quality of streets and open spaces. The Public Realm Framework is the most important section in the Master Plan as it fundamentally shapes the most prominent and visible aspects of the physical environment. Therefore, it can make the greatest impact on the image and potential sustained success of the District. The public realm is also where the BIA can make the greatest investments in improving the Toronto Entertainment District.

The components that comprise the Public Realm Framework are:

• Streetscapes
• Open Spaces
• Gateways & Public Art
• Wayfinding

Components of the public ream in Toronto Entertainment District BIA:

• John Street Promenade
• Bremner Boulevard/Front Street Gateway
• Festival Plaza
• Metro Square
• Simcoe Square & Front Street Boulevard
• Clarence Square
• Front Street and Union Plazas
• Richmond & Adelaide Street Transformations
• The Mews
• Adelaide Promenade

Toronto Finnish-Canadian Seniors Centre

795 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto ON, M4G 4E4
Juha Mynttinen, Administrator
425-4134, Ext. 243

http://www.suomikoti.ca/

Suomi-Koti Toronto is a seniors' residential and long term care facility in the heart of Toronto's Leaside district. It is a modern, state of the art building designed with the needs of active and frail seniors in mind. Services and activities are provided in a caring environment that is culturally and linguistically sensitive. Suomi-Koti is a non-profit charitable organization.

• The Toronto Finnish-Canadian Seniors Centre is located about 1.5 kilometers from Serena Gundy Park , and 700 meters from Howard Talbot Park.

Toronto Sculpture Garden

115 King Street East
info@torontosculpturegarden.com
416 515.9658
Founder: Louis L. Odette, Director: Rina Greer

http://www.torontosculpturegarden.com/currentexhibit.htm

About

The Toronto Sculpture Garden has been the site of innovative contemporary sculpture installations since 1981. This small, urban park in the downtown core serves as a testing ground for visual artists to experiment with public space and to address issues of architectural scale, materials and context. It has given some artists their first opportunity to work out-of-doors, to experiment with the challenges of siting work within an urban environment and it has provided them with critical experience for future public art projects.

Located at 115 King Street East, near Church Street and opposite St. James' Cathedral, the Garden is both a civic and a private initiative. It is a unique partnership between the City of Toronto, which owns and operates it as a city park, and the Louis L. Odette family, who created a non-profit foundation to fund the exhibitions. The City of Toronto has been an active participant in this partnership with Mayors David Crombie and John Sewell having played a significant role in the development of this special city park with privately funded art exhibitions.

Site Design

The Garden was designed by what was then the City of Toronto's Civic Design Group, a Division of the Department of Planning and Development. A waterfall provides ambient sound and muffles vehicular noise in summer, benches and a low brick retaining wall provide casual seating, and night lighting provides for nearly eighteen hours of public viewing. A wrought iron fence designed by Angelo Garro defines the space and provides security for the works. Once the Garden was designed, the former parking lot became a city park and jurisdiction for its maintenance was transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation under the leadership of Herb Pirk, Commissioner from 1983 to 1996. His interest and enthusiasm for the program ensured its smooth operation and provided for full cooperation from his staff. The department continues to provide essential support under the guidance of Don Bennett, Director of Maintenance and long time Art Advisory Board member.

Toronto Tamil Seniors Association

275 Bleecker St Basement, Toronto, Ontario, M4X 1M1
416-323-9086

http://www.nipost.org/ttsa

Area served: St James Town -- Bloor St E (north) to Wellesley St E (south), Sherbourne St (west) to Parliament St (east)

About
We offer a wide range of services including settlement services, information and referral, assistance with filling out forms, health information, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. We also offer advocacy, outreach, friendly visiting, security checks, educational and exercise programs, recreation, and support groups.

Food bank -- every other Thursday 11-1

Member of Daily Bread Food Bank

• This facility is located about 1.5 kilometers away from Riverdale Park West.