Junction Triangle

Hello All,

Firstly, I'd like to commend everyone who writes here on the polite tone that they use. A good discussion can be had only when we are all willing to listen to each-other. We may not agree with other view points, but willingness to listen certainly makes a debate more pleasant.

Secondly, I think it's remarkable how committed most people who post here are to the rejuvenation of this neighbourhood. I moved here in March 2007 and I am delighted at hoe creepingly but slowly, the area is undergoing change.

I made a mistake in not buying a condo unit at Giraffe. I think the design was good, the influx of younger people with higher disposable income would have juiced up the hood, brought some more life to the corner, and given our area a higher profile.

I have lived across the globe (4 continents and counting), and I don't mean travel, but living for a number of years in each location. And in each country that I have lived in, the same basic principles of city living apply. Design good buildings, put them in a local area context that reviatlises the area, and balance the development between manufacturing/services/living spaces/green areas/transit. We are lucky to be located at the intersection of GO/Streetcar/Subway, next to High Park, close yet far enough from Roncesvalles Avenue and Parkdale areas, and crucially - relatively lower property prices (than other areas in Toronto), and many factory buildings/lands that can be redeveloped.

The number of abandoned factories themselves are surprising - whether the factory just north of price shopper, the ones on Sterling, Feather lofts (which just got converted to residential lofts) and a prime source of lofts which attract a more artistic crowd. Combined with lower property prices and other newer buildings, there is a tremendous potential in this area.

The key issue is - how to redevelop so that it eases people's lives in this neighbourhood and attracts more people to visit/live? Linking Dundas west subway station to crossways and the GO station is one such issue - it'll divert foot traffic safely, integrate transportation systems, attract more travellers, and increase commercial possibilities.

I am sure there are other issues like these and all these need to be brought up by us, the residents of this hood and address how these issues/opportunities can be developed so that our neighbourhood becomes more liveable, for now and the future.

So I'd like to know if there is a local group that is looking into the overall development of our area, and what idea do they have. Do we as residents make our voice heard at these groups/fora? How do we create an advocacy group? I admire how the metrolinx coalition group has been able to force their point of view to be taken into consideration. And of course, posting notes hers is fine - but how about meeting up in person? There's nothing like meeting ones neighbours to forge a sense of community . . . so anyone up to meet?

Navjit