hey folks, there is still space available at the upcoming homestyle craft and gift show at perth avenue public school. if you're crafty or sell gift items and are interested in renting a table, please contact sharon colwell, paula ethier, benda heyer or erin whitehead. it is shaping up to be a great event!
The organizers of the Thursday meeting in particular seem to be a little over the top. But that doesn't mean that GE shouldn't be held accountable. I have a big problem with the secrecy alone. Secrecy destroys the role of the regulator. The regulators have real human relationships with company management, and do not have an open relationship with the public who are pawns or suckers. Over time decisions that are edge cases tend to start to fall in one direction. This was a major factor in the Deepwater Horizon incident. Why on earth would you renew the operating licence of this facility without demanding GE pay the bill for the contamination at Wallace and Lansdowne? As for what risks there are we don't know and I for one do not trust the regulator. Uranium is twice as heavy as lead so I'm not too worried about airborne contamination. All mechanical systems leak to some degree, so it is likely that something is getting out. The sewer system and therefore the water table is something I am a little more concerned about. Radio activity may not even be the biggest risk - some of the chemicals involved might also be very dangerous. Given the lack of public knowledge, I think the recent licence renewal should be considered invalid. I think there should be an extensive public safety review of the facility. If any contamination is found the management and regulators should face criminal negligence charges on both personal and organizational levels potential culpability should be compounded by the contempt they have shown the public. I think GE should pay the city twice the cost of the Lansdowne / Wallace clean up. Then maybe the licence renewal could be considered. In a democracy, this kind of secrecy really needs to have consequences. The fact that the anti nuclear organizers seem to be insane should not change that.
If it is possible, the Wednesday meeting organized by Digin is far more likely to be productive. In the discussion supporting the Thursday meeting people primarily interested in the local plant have been shunned by people who want to tie the issue in with every nuclear accident that has ever happened. These are legitimate issues and topics, but immediate local concerns are far more likely to get drowned out. I would expect the Wednesday meeting to be far more focused on the local plant and concerns of people who live near it.
Good points. I dont think there is anything wrong with clearing the air and getting more info. I would say that there has been some hysteria whipped up by a few individuals who have antinuclear anarchist views (their words not mine).
In terms of Zach Ruiter within a page or two of a Google search or on a Youtube search a picture emerges of his interests and politics very quickly and I leave it to you to draw your own conclusions about his endorsement of G20 rioters among other things. Based on his past I would expect this to be an interesting meeting and I hope that the moderator can keep control and that locals get a fair chance to be heard.
Hi there,
I wouldn't want to sway anyone's decision as ultimately everyone has to do what's in their best interest and more importantly gather the facts(none of which have been presented) and make an educated decision on their own. Having been a resident for the past 3 years of course there are concerns. However, on a personal level, I believe this is fear mongering at its finest. I was particularly displeased with how many realtors weighed in on this debate. You have to wonder why are they so concerned? Sell low(fear to scare current residents out) to then buy high(oh there's nothing wrong and this is an up and coming neighborhood)? Just a thought. If this is part of a larger issue as to why a company is in the middle of a residential area I understand the confusion and concern. If this is also some play at forcing them out(hello developers!) and to knock down what's there and south of this location(the towers which to me are more of a concern at how much the city has neglected its residents and the slum landlord who has gone unaccounted for) and build(hello developers again!) then I can see why it's getting so much attention. The Star article online has some great comments which for the most part echo the sentiment of fear mongering. Where does this all end? We don't know what WIFI does and it's all around us. People have been using cell phones for decades even though there is evidence of the damage it can cause if the device is placed on the side of your head you speak with. This is not to justify if in fact GE is doing anything health wise that is detrimental to the health of the community but until there is evidence to indicate this neighborhood has suffered abnormal health concerns over the last 50 years the plant has operated then I think we should all be concerned. If anything this debate has opened up dialogue. And if the company is in violation we certainly know that the attention will not allow them to operate another 50 years. So unfortunately the damage would have been done to previous long time residents not the ones that are gentrifying the hood now.
Not really but it sure feels that way. Recently the Globe and Mail had a story about how people and companies are moving back to the city.
"The demographic is expected to grow as Toronto’s downtown intensifies and planners concentrate on creating “live, play, work” communities." (Not ward 18 planners!)
This seems at odds with the recent rejection of Castlepoint's mixed used proposal. In fact the Castlepoint plan seems to exactly mirror what the article says the city needs. Recent reports by Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers International show that mixed use live and work (often without a car) is where the City is heading as it intensifies and matures. This information has been presented to the City and frankly it is old hat.
Junction Triangle went through this before starting in 1980 when factories left and all this land sat unused for decades under the false impression that somehow industry was going to return. The effect on the community was devastating as instead of renewal with mixed use we were stuck with empty fields for 3 decades folks. And it was this same misguided fear of loosing jobs that allowed the City to "grandfather" Solways Metals in 1981, a decision that saved a few jobs but had a harmful impact on the community and is now seen as a huge mistake.
And now we have a proposal that will bring jobs and residents to a part of JT that could really use some new life but it just doesnt seem to register. Social engineering by the Planning Department has a spotty record in this ward and maybe they should give it a rest and listen to what the market and the people are saying. The year is 2012, not 1980.
Hi there,.
My boyfriend and I recently signed a lease for a 2 bdrm townhouse on Foundry (Brownstones On The Park) and are set to move Dec 1st. I saw the Star and NOW article on this Uranium Processing Plant and am now getting a bit worried. On top of everything, I am just over 3 months pregnant with our first child. I'm trying to make sense of this whole thing, but the sheer amount of conflicting information on whether or not this area is safe is quite overwhelming. Curious if the people who currently live in the neighbourhood could weigh in? We are still pretty positive we will proceed with our move, but obviously I am worried about the health of myself, my boyfriend and our unborn child. We plan on attending the meeting on Thursday, but I was wondering what the neighbourhood take on the whole thing is?
Thanks,
Hi,
Can you spare one or two hours on the Saturday of this craft fair to help with the draw table, refreshments or child minding? Please email the address above at perthschoolcouncil@gmail.com.
One thing I'd suggest is perhaps, if possible, ask Kathleen Wynn to attend, she's on record, while campaigning for liberal leadership and talking about the cancelled gas plants in Mississauga / Oakville, she said that "engaging the community earlier is something that should have been done to avoid the current issue" that occured out there and avoid such things from happening again.
I think as the past transport minister, and given her perspective now that she wants the top job, she ought to speak on her role and action (lack there of) that caused this issue on the ARL, and how will this current issue of diesel trains be fixed, considering she has admit the past gov't implementation was seriously faulty and will change / be rectified in her vision as leader
I agree, it's a stupid decision by the committee. If industry wanted to use the land, where are the offers? Does Paula Fletcher know about businesses that have tried to use the land for industry but have not been able to for some reason? I don't think so.
I actually suspect that it's all a rather cynical ploy by the city committee to look like they are doing the right thing, because they know the decision will be overturned at the OMB.
Members of the Junction Triangle Rail Committee are meeting with Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli on Wednesday at Queen's Park. Do you have a message for the Minister? If there is one point you would want to make with Mr. Chiarelli, let us know. This is the first opportunity for area residents to discuss the train issue directly with a member of the provincial government, so we will do our best to pass along neighbourhood concerns.
The timing of the two factory issues, (which are unique and not the same) compounded by the labour unions getting involved, the media feeding frenzy and it get into the hands of some elected officials at city hall, banking constituents for a rainy day while smiling for the camera I might add, scoring points trumps good planning and community building.
This is one of those occasions where appeal to the OMB is the only way to get a truly objective perspective, without the political gaming of our city councillors, and the OMB ought to take a "bigger picture" view which would benefit us, the local residents, our community building and make proper use of that well situated location getting so much taxpayer-funded infrastructure.
It's ironic that city planning oppose the conversion of this employment land, because they want to hold on to light industry, yet their own reports have proven in or near the city core, when those lands are converted to well planned, denser mixed-uses, they not only replace the jobs once their but far exceed them with in-demand jobs of today.
Times have changed and hopefully the powers that be at OMB recognize this evolution, and support Castle Point proposal, they have my support.
I heard it was turned down - that they will likely appeal - but what does that appeal process look like? How can this happen 3 years into it? Talk about fortuitous timing for Nestle with the Mr. Christie plant closure in the news. I really don't think this would have been turned down if that other plant wasn't in the news, slated for closure. Too bad - that would have been some real, good, community development.
The meeting is scheduled for next Thursday November 15th at 7:00 pm at the Davenport Perth Neighborhood Centre 1900 Davenport Rd. at the corner of Symington and Davenport.
The safety of our streets is clearly a function of our own decision making. Every year the population density of the city is rising. We are not making accommodations to increase the capacity of our transportation system. Pressure is rising
on our streets, we are all in danger. But bike couriers are on the front line. Even when I do ride, it is far easier for me to play it safe if I am not feeling 100%. Even if the cyclist did make a mistake we still need to ask questions about our roads and our safety.
Surprisingly well done story by Marcus Gee in the Globe. Funny that the Star is apoplectic on this issue since it was the Star in 1979 that wanted industry in our area to shut down because of pollution and noise. : )
Having read the comments regarding the Lansdowne bike lanes, hearing/reading about the questionable status of the Dupont bike lanes, and knowing that a portion of Bloor (from Lansdowne to Bathurst) is slated to be resurfaced next spring, this would be a great opportunity to rally Ward 18 cyclists, pro-cycling businesses and residents to push for improved cycling infrastructure in this area. Given that over 65 new ring/posts have been installed, that BIXI has been inquired about and possible new development in Ward 18 - does it not stand to reason to push forward, and not backward as has already happened with the removal of bike lanes on Birchmount, Pharmacy, and soon Jarvis?
Although I don't live in the area, I've learned that Ward 18 has a very high percentage of cyclists so the strength in numbers is already there to pressure you local councillor to support on street cycling infrastructure.
I've asked Ubisoft to comment on whether they think the bike lane would be a beneficial addition to the community. I knonw that may of Ubisoft's employees bike to work everyday. I'll post more information when I get it.
If anyone has any further information regarding the Lansdowne bike lane, please share.
I spoke with Solways staff and they are 100% closing. No reason was given but everybody has been given notice.
Before people get overly excited I believe that Howard could sell the business to somebody else.
As much as we disliked the impact on the community and grew weary of the inability of MLS and Transportation to enforce their own rules we should remember that some locals will be losing their jobs and lets hope they can land on their feet somehow.
By the way Mr. Solway got a license to operate a second hand metal yard in 1950. M & S Waste bought Solways out of receivership in 1983 and MLS unwisely granted them a non-conforming zoning in an attempt to keep jobs even though all the other industry was leaving the area. It was then that the site expanded into what we would call a scrapyard.Prior to 1950 and as far back as 1939 photographs show that there was no scrapyard, just the large building. In 1900 the area featured a Methodist church which moved to Perth and Wallace a few years later.
hey folks, there is still space available at the upcoming homestyle craft and gift show at perth avenue public school. if you're crafty or sell gift items and are interested in renting a table, please contact sharon colwell, paula ethier, benda heyer or erin whitehead. it is shaping up to be a great event!
thanks
The organizers of the Thursday meeting in particular seem to be a little over the top. But that doesn't mean that GE shouldn't be held accountable. I have a big problem with the secrecy alone. Secrecy destroys the role of the regulator. The regulators have real human relationships with company management, and do not have an open relationship with the public who are pawns or suckers. Over time decisions that are edge cases tend to start to fall in one direction. This was a major factor in the Deepwater Horizon incident. Why on earth would you renew the operating licence of this facility without demanding GE pay the bill for the contamination at Wallace and Lansdowne? As for what risks there are we don't know and I for one do not trust the regulator. Uranium is twice as heavy as lead so I'm not too worried about airborne contamination. All mechanical systems leak to some degree, so it is likely that something is getting out. The sewer system and therefore the water table is something I am a little more concerned about. Radio activity may not even be the biggest risk - some of the chemicals involved might also be very dangerous. Given the lack of public knowledge, I think the recent licence renewal should be considered invalid. I think there should be an extensive public safety review of the facility. If any contamination is found the management and regulators should face criminal negligence charges on both personal and organizational levels potential culpability should be compounded by the contempt they have shown the public. I think GE should pay the city twice the cost of the Lansdowne / Wallace clean up. Then maybe the licence renewal could be considered. In a democracy, this kind of secrecy really needs to have consequences. The fact that the anti nuclear organizers seem to be insane should not change that.
If it is possible, the Wednesday meeting organized by Digin is far more likely to be productive. In the discussion supporting the Thursday meeting people primarily interested in the local plant have been shunned by people who want to tie the issue in with every nuclear accident that has ever happened. These are legitimate issues and topics, but immediate local concerns are far more likely to get drowned out. I would expect the Wednesday meeting to be far more focused on the local plant and concerns of people who live near it.
Your right Scott...i should have said renewal...i wanted to say renaissance but I'm biased as I have lived in and around the area most of my life...
Good points. I dont think there is anything wrong with clearing the air and getting more info. I would say that there has been some hysteria whipped up by a few individuals who have antinuclear anarchist views (their words not mine).
In terms of Zach Ruiter within a page or two of a Google search or on a Youtube search a picture emerges of his interests and politics very quickly and I leave it to you to draw your own conclusions about his endorsement of G20 rioters among other things. Based on his past I would expect this to be an interesting meeting and I hope that the moderator can keep control and that locals get a fair chance to be heard.
By the way, its not gentrification, it's renewal.
Hi there,
I wouldn't want to sway anyone's decision as ultimately everyone has to do what's in their best interest and more importantly gather the facts(none of which have been presented) and make an educated decision on their own. Having been a resident for the past 3 years of course there are concerns. However, on a personal level, I believe this is fear mongering at its finest. I was particularly displeased with how many realtors weighed in on this debate. You have to wonder why are they so concerned? Sell low(fear to scare current residents out) to then buy high(oh there's nothing wrong and this is an up and coming neighborhood)? Just a thought. If this is part of a larger issue as to why a company is in the middle of a residential area I understand the confusion and concern. If this is also some play at forcing them out(hello developers!) and to knock down what's there and south of this location(the towers which to me are more of a concern at how much the city has neglected its residents and the slum landlord who has gone unaccounted for) and build(hello developers again!) then I can see why it's getting so much attention. The Star article online has some great comments which for the most part echo the sentiment of fear mongering. Where does this all end? We don't know what WIFI does and it's all around us. People have been using cell phones for decades even though there is evidence of the damage it can cause if the device is placed on the side of your head you speak with. This is not to justify if in fact GE is doing anything health wise that is detrimental to the health of the community but until there is evidence to indicate this neighborhood has suffered abnormal health concerns over the last 50 years the plant has operated then I think we should all be concerned. If anything this debate has opened up dialogue. And if the company is in violation we certainly know that the attention will not allow them to operate another 50 years. So unfortunately the damage would have been done to previous long time residents not the ones that are gentrifying the hood now.
Not really but it sure feels that way. Recently the Globe and Mail had a story about how people and companies are moving back to the city.
"The demographic is expected to grow as Toronto’s downtown intensifies and planners concentrate on creating “live, play, work” communities." (Not ward 18 planners!)
This seems at odds with the recent rejection of Castlepoint's mixed used proposal. In fact the Castlepoint plan seems to exactly mirror what the article says the city needs. Recent reports by Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers International show that mixed use live and work (often without a car) is where the City is heading as it intensifies and matures. This information has been presented to the City and frankly it is old hat.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/why-corporations-are-flockin...
Junction Triangle went through this before starting in 1980 when factories left and all this land sat unused for decades under the false impression that somehow industry was going to return. The effect on the community was devastating as instead of renewal with mixed use we were stuck with empty fields for 3 decades folks. And it was this same misguided fear of loosing jobs that allowed the City to "grandfather" Solways Metals in 1981, a decision that saved a few jobs but had a harmful impact on the community and is now seen as a huge mistake.
And now we have a proposal that will bring jobs and residents to a part of JT that could really use some new life but it just doesnt seem to register. Social engineering by the Planning Department has a spotty record in this ward and maybe they should give it a rest and listen to what the market and the people are saying. The year is 2012, not 1980.
Hi there,.
My boyfriend and I recently signed a lease for a 2 bdrm townhouse on Foundry (Brownstones On The Park) and are set to move Dec 1st. I saw the Star and NOW article on this Uranium Processing Plant and am now getting a bit worried. On top of everything, I am just over 3 months pregnant with our first child. I'm trying to make sense of this whole thing, but the sheer amount of conflicting information on whether or not this area is safe is quite overwhelming. Curious if the people who currently live in the neighbourhood could weigh in? We are still pretty positive we will proceed with our move, but obviously I am worried about the health of myself, my boyfriend and our unborn child. We plan on attending the meeting on Thursday, but I was wondering what the neighbourhood take on the whole thing is?
Thanks,
Hi,
Can you spare one or two hours on the Saturday of this craft fair to help with the draw table, refreshments or child minding? Please email the address above at perthschoolcouncil@gmail.com.
Thank you very much in advance!
This is good news,
One thing I'd suggest is perhaps, if possible, ask Kathleen Wynn to attend, she's on record, while campaigning for liberal leadership and talking about the cancelled gas plants in Mississauga / Oakville, she said that "engaging the community earlier is something that should have been done to avoid the current issue" that occured out there and avoid such things from happening again.
I think as the past transport minister, and given her perspective now that she wants the top job, she ought to speak on her role and action (lack there of) that caused this issue on the ARL, and how will this current issue of diesel trains be fixed, considering she has admit the past gov't implementation was seriously faulty and will change / be rectified in her vision as leader
Great work!
I agree, it's a stupid decision by the committee. If industry wanted to use the land, where are the offers? Does Paula Fletcher know about businesses that have tried to use the land for industry but have not been able to for some reason? I don't think so.
I actually suspect that it's all a rather cynical ploy by the city committee to look like they are doing the right thing, because they know the decision will be overturned at the OMB.
Members of the Junction Triangle Rail Committee are meeting with Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli on Wednesday at Queen's Park. Do you have a message for the Minister? If there is one point you would want to make with Mr. Chiarelli, let us know. This is the first opportunity for area residents to discuss the train issue directly with a member of the provincial government, so we will do our best to pass along neighbourhood concerns.
I agree fully,
The timing of the two factory issues, (which are unique and not the same) compounded by the labour unions getting involved, the media feeding frenzy and it get into the hands of some elected officials at city hall, banking constituents for a rainy day while smiling for the camera I might add, scoring points trumps good planning and community building.
This is one of those occasions where appeal to the OMB is the only way to get a truly objective perspective, without the political gaming of our city councillors, and the OMB ought to take a "bigger picture" view which would benefit us, the local residents, our community building and make proper use of that well situated location getting so much taxpayer-funded infrastructure.
It's ironic that city planning oppose the conversion of this employment land, because they want to hold on to light industry, yet their own reports have proven in or near the city core, when those lands are converted to well planned, denser mixed-uses, they not only replace the jobs once their but far exceed them with in-demand jobs of today.
Times have changed and hopefully the powers that be at OMB recognize this evolution, and support Castle Point proposal, they have my support.
Kori
If you pull out on the map - Toronto is a sea of red poppies...
I heard it was turned down - that they will likely appeal - but what does that appeal process look like? How can this happen 3 years into it? Talk about fortuitous timing for Nestle with the Mr. Christie plant closure in the news. I really don't think this would have been turned down if that other plant wasn't in the news, slated for closure. Too bad - that would have been some real, good, community development.
Got this notice from the Dupont Improvement Group (DigIn) about a meeting next Wednesday regarding the facility:
Wednesday 14 November 2012
@ 7pm - 8:15pm
NEW LOCATION!
Bloor Gladstone Library
1101 Bloor Street West
DIG IN Meeting Agenda
1. GE Plant at Dupont/Lansdowne - Nuclear manufacturing in our neighbourhood. What are the risks?
Guests will include:
MP Andrew Cash
MPP Jonah Schein
Activist Zach Ruiter
GE representatives – Communications and Plant Manager
*Councillor Cesar Palacio was invited but as of Thursday November 8th has not confirmed his attendance.
2. Doors Open Davenport - brief update
See you there!
Donna
The meeting is scheduled for next Thursday November 15th at 7:00 pm at the Davenport Perth Neighborhood Centre 1900 Davenport Rd. at the corner of Symington and Davenport.
Cyclist struck by taxi dies
The safety of our streets is clearly a function of our own decision making. Every year the population density of the city is rising. We are not making accommodations to increase the capacity of our transportation system. Pressure is rising
on our streets, we are all in danger. But bike couriers are on the front line. Even when I do ride, it is far easier for me to play it safe if I am not feeling 100%. Even if the cyclist did make a mistake we still need to ask questions about our roads and our safety.
Surprisingly well done story by Marcus Gee in the Globe. Funny that the Star is apoplectic on this issue since it was the Star in 1979 that wanted industry in our area to shut down because of pollution and noise. : )
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/cities-change-governments-jo...
(Wonder why he wont do the same kind of research on Metrolinx?)
Hi,
Having read the comments regarding the Lansdowne bike lanes, hearing/reading about the questionable status of the Dupont bike lanes, and knowing that a portion of Bloor (from Lansdowne to Bathurst) is slated to be resurfaced next spring, this would be a great opportunity to rally Ward 18 cyclists, pro-cycling businesses and residents to push for improved cycling infrastructure in this area. Given that over 65 new ring/posts have been installed, that BIXI has been inquired about and possible new development in Ward 18 - does it not stand to reason to push forward, and not backward as has already happened with the removal of bike lanes on Birchmount, Pharmacy, and soon Jarvis?
Although I don't live in the area, I've learned that Ward 18 has a very high percentage of cyclists so the strength in numbers is already there to pressure you local councillor to support on street cycling infrastructure.
Peter
I've asked Ubisoft to comment on whether they think the bike lane would be a beneficial addition to the community. I knonw that may of Ubisoft's employees bike to work everyday. I'll post more information when I get it.
If anyone has any further information regarding the Lansdowne bike lane, please share.
I spoke with Solways staff and they are 100% closing. No reason was given but everybody has been given notice.
Before people get overly excited I believe that Howard could sell the business to somebody else.
As much as we disliked the impact on the community and grew weary of the inability of MLS and Transportation to enforce their own rules we should remember that some locals will be losing their jobs and lets hope they can land on their feet somehow.
By the way Mr. Solway got a license to operate a second hand metal yard in 1950. M & S Waste bought Solways out of receivership in 1983 and MLS unwisely granted them a non-conforming zoning in an attempt to keep jobs even though all the other industry was leaving the area. It was then that the site expanded into what we would call a scrapyard.Prior to 1950 and as far back as 1939 photographs show that there was no scrapyard, just the large building. In 1900 the area featured a Methodist church which moved to Perth and Wallace a few years later.
They are still selling new structural metal today.
Seriously? Any more information about this?