After the demonstration at Metrolinx, some of the demonstrators found their way up to the Metrolinx Board of Directors meeting. At first Metrolinx was only going to allow 10 of us in, but I think they gave up, since the meeting was supposed to be open to the public.
The meeting itself was quite bizarre because Metrolinx is supposed to be a public agency, which should be concerned with the full scope of public issues (i.e., creating valuable transit linkages that benefit everyone across a transit region, ensuring public transit does not come at the expense of public health, providing vision and long-term value to the public, etc.), but that didn’t seem to be the case – the Board Members were very corporate in their demeanor and speak and very focused on their narrowly defined goals, including providing better customer service for passengers travelling from bedroom communities to Toronto, and building the air-rail link in time for the PAN AM Games, etc.
We also have confirmation that the 4 million dollar electrification study that is currently being conducted by Metrolinx is a very expensive distraction for the public. The results of the study have not yet been released, and Metrolinx has already demonstrated that it has no plans to do anything immediate with the results of that study -- they are moving ahead with buying diesel trains from Japan (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/rail-link-to-pearso...). Ironically, Japan is building the highest-speed electric train in the world.
Lastly, it might just be me, but is building a diesel air-rail link with taxpayers’ money, in time for the
PAN AM Games – two weeks of sporting events that the vast majority of Torontonians do not care about – one of the dumbest things ever? Add to that, the games will cost us 2.4 billion and will attract only 250,000 tourists (http://www.toronto2015.org/lang/en/about-the-games/faq.html). Did you get those numbers?
There was a good crowd out for the electric train demonstration at Metrolinx offices this morning. The event will certainly get some media coverage. There were several TV crews and a reporter from the Toronto Sun. Nice to see the newly elected Councillor Ana Bailao and her main opponent in the campaign, Kevin Beaulieu out for the event! I didn't see any other politicians there standing with the neighbourhood.
In her personal website (www.anabailao.ca ) Ana Bailão she says “I was born in V. Franca de Xira and raised in a town called Alenquer in Portugal. I spent my childhood surrounded by lush gardens, mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.” Romantic indeed but NOT accurate… Does she mean that Alenquer, or even Vila Franca de Xira, are surrounded by the Mediterranean sea? Well, as “we” all should know Alenquer is not surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea for two main reasons: it is not a coastal town and because Portugal is of course not surrounded by the Mediterranean but rather by the great, vast Atlantic Ocean. The only part of the Portuguese coast that has some Mediterranean Sea is the Algarve and even then that water mass is more like a gateway to the Mediterranean rather than the Mediterranean itself….So European (and Portuguese) geography must be revisited but the degree has been granted so perhaps it is too late…and the city seat has been awarded also…so lets hope the geography of the new dwelling place is well known for the novice councilor... Using one's ethnic card to win (which is of course common in Toronto) should entail at least knowing one's place of birth fairly well...but one does not need to be educated or even well informed to win a political seat...following the advice of 'The Prince' may just suffice...
An evening of live music with the talented Andrew Cole
Saturday, November 13 · 7:00pm - 10:30pm
Location June Harlowe's (we will be open until 2am)
1627 Dupont Street
Toronto, ON
Please come join us for our first evening of live music... this will be a special night as one of Sandy's new favourite singer's will be performing, Andrew Cole! We will be serving our usually Saturday night special - half price appetizers and $5 Sangria's to celebrate live music at June Harlowe's! We can't wait to see you, please feel free to pass this along to friends...
Please join our June Harlowe Facebook Page too!!!
You can find out more about Andrew at www.andrewcolemusic.com
First, let me say that my family has lived here for three generations – since 1930’s. As such we have witnessed many changes- some good, some mediocre. Right now, Angel’s represents an opportunity for constructive community building- the kind that develop organically as the neighbourhood goes through its current growth cycle.
Angel’s café has brought a distinctive “family” owned and operated presence to the four corners of Wallace and Symington. Angel’s café is now reclaiming and reinvigorating this intersection with its airy, open, storefront window and friendly, clean, inside seating. With Angel’s café colourful flower boxes there is now a new air about the place; a new aesthetic. Family and friends can be seen coming and going from this little hub of activity. Already the corner is taking on a softer, gentler feeling. People using the bus stop now stop to glance in, make a mental note, pick up a pastry or stop for an expresso and say hi to someone they know. People have begun to linger here and meet others from their community.
And as such, people are aware that there is a new, friendly set of “eyes on the street” that standing at the bus stop or shopping at the local variety store is now safer. This adds a feeling of security and helps the neighbourhood police itself. It strengthens those fibers that help make the neighbourhood feel like a place to call home.
Rebuilding the community’s sense of trust and confidence is a tenuous process. One that is definitely being help by Angel’s café presence in many different ways.
Imagine walking by Angel’s café and noticing a group of 20 women happily knitting and chatting together over coffe.
Imagine seeing a family of 16 gathered together inside, over a cake, singing “happy birthday” to their 88 year old father.
Now picture Halloween, with Angels providing treats for the neighbourhood kids. Just as they also supported the fund raising activities of a local grade school.
Speak Spanish? Well, Angel’s café is the place to brush-up or get in touch with other members of our Spanish speaking community.
Do you want to go out for dessert nearby with a senior or someone else with “access challenges? Well, Angel’s café has that one covered too. No stairs, no basement washrooms. Angel’s has a first floor washroom- and that makes a big difference to moms with kids or seniors with canes. In fact, our special “accessible-designed” community bus stops right outside Angel’s café.
Want to study somewhere other than your bedroom? Plug yourself in at Angel’s café where you’ll see other young people with their text books and computers.
How about watching a big sports game, a skating finale or a favourite movie? You can bring your kids to watch it on Angel’s large-scale screen and cheer in a family-friendly environment with the aroma of coffee and cookies.
For all the above our neighbourhood has gain a lot with Angel’s café to stay.
Thanks for all the updates on Angel's Cafe. I am really impressed by the support, but also by the people in the neighborhood using this space as a gathering spot for other activities/meetings. We need spaces like this. I've yet to get into Angel's, but I'll be having a coffee there this weekend. Congratulations. Brenda
At the that corner there used to be a gas station which was later converted to 3 stores. The underground gas tank weren't removed until they recently demolished the buildings.
The story-a water main burst. It was located 29 feet down! Contruction was suppose to wrap up (according to the contruction team on site) on Monday Nov 1. Well, it is clear that is not happening. Waiting to hear from Adam's office on what is going on.
While I was on the walk with the students from York University on Wednesday morning someone commented that more of these shops should be brought back to help foster the growth of this area. Way to go Angel and Matilda!!! I wish you all the best!
Angels Cafe won at the Committee of Adjustment on Wednesday overturning the Planning Departments designation of their space as residential only.
The Chair remarked on how sizable the amount of support was for Angel's with 80 letters of support, a letter from Adam Giambrone, the appearance of Kevin Beaulieu, Chris Gallop and two residents. It is very rare for the committee to over rule the planning department but it was very very clear that the inspector Guy Matthew was grossly uninformed and the zoning designation filled with contradictions. It read as if he had never actually visited the cafe.
There were 3 letters opposing Angel's Cafe but the committee saw no merit to their case.
In two years Angels Cafe will report back to the Committee of Adjustment to ensure that they have lived up to their end of the agreement. So drop by for a coffee, congratulate them, and support local business.
Just a word of thanks to the organizers of the pumpkin lighting event last night in Carlton Park. This was the first year my family has attended and we enjoyed it a lot despite the cool weather. Great to see so many people from the Junction Triangle bring their pumpkins out. What a nice way to end Halloween for the kids (big and small). Thank you.
By the 1000 feet mark its clear that JT is in the wrong spot and Silverthorn is in the way wrong spot. Although JT showed up this year its a bit disappointing in where they placed it.
Not sure when the last time you checked Google Maps was, but "Junction Triangle" has been added to the map of the area, and remains one of the listed "neighbourhoods" until the zoom level reaches the "5km legend label" size.
While Silverthorn still appears (to the north, between Wallace and Dupont), Junction Triangle now also appears, at least when I search!
Ward 18 is interesting as it includes some very different communities, but I don't think the values are that different.
I disagree. There's no consensus on urban values in this neighbourhood. I think that's shown by the disputes over the Lansdowne-narrowing and the community garden at Erwin Kickhahn. It's also shown over different opinions about local crime and what should be done about it. Look at the people who show up for Clean Train events. Can anyone say with a straight face they are a representative cross-section of the people who live here?
I know Jack Fava is not popular with people who post on this site and he brings a lot of that on himself, but like it or not he reflects the thinking of a lot of people in this area.
I don't know if Ford's opponents neglected the inner suburbs in their campaigns, though it's possible. I think, however, many people downtown who think Miller did a good job take it for granted that most people in Toronto share their values. That smugness has a political cost.
There's an old story that is true. Some famous person who lived in Manhattan - I don't remember who - was flabbergasted after Nixon beat McGovern in a rout because all of her friends voted for McGovern. She either didn't realize or forgot that Manhattan isn't the United States. People who live in fly-over country also vote as do people in Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough.
I didn't vote for Ford, because I don't think he'd be a good mayor, but a part of me is glad he won if for no other reason than his victory has shaken things up. I don't think there's much to be gained by bashing Ford, even though on my Twitter feed I said he's not fit to be mayor.
There are a lot of voters in Toronto who sincerely believe the city government is waging a war against cars and they resent it, just like they resent the presence of bicycles on downtown streets. They also resent spending on the arts and grants to community groups. There are small businesses that feel they are being hurt by high taxes. There is anger over the St. Clair streetcar right of way. That resentment and anger is there and it's not going to go away anytime soon.
Peter Ferreira finally got elected to something somewhere so now the NDP can finally choose a great candidate from our area and with the diesel train issue they have a chance to beat Tony "I refuse to make my attendance record public" Ruprecht.
If she is going to reply undecided on all acounts then she might as well have not replied. I actually would have preferred that she did not reply. This is one of the reasons why I did not vote for her.
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support making the TTC an essential service to prevent future strikes? Others = 10 yes; 13 no; 9 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support contracting out residential garbage service? Others = 11 yes;10 no; 11 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support cutting city funding to Gay Pride and other parades such as Caribana? 2 yes; 17 no; 13 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support cutting the size of council from 44 to 22? 7 yes; 17 no; 8 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support eliminating the fair wage policy? 6 yes; 14 no; 12 undecided; 12 won't say
-----
The cagiest councillors who "won't say" are the ones who did not respond to The Star survey:
Mark Grimes, Anthony Perruzza, Josh Colle, Karen Stintz, John Filion, David Shiner, Jaye Robinson, Paula Fletcher, Michael Thompson, Mike Del Grande, Norm Kelly and Ron Moeser.
---
What is Ana's plan? To see what goodies she might get by voting for the Ford team? Or will she wait to see which bandwagon is the most popular at City Hall so she can be on the winning side?
Was Ford the only candidate who understood the significance of amalgamation and the importance of campaigning outside the old city? Personally I think dealing with heavy traffic by getting rid of streetcars is like trying to douse a fire with kerosene. I think the most remarkable feature of the campaign was the communication failures of candidates who had reasonable platforms. Ford campaigned across the whole region, he started early, he talked about real concerns that people had. He had stupid answers, but he showed up. I think inattention from the other candidates may have been interpreted as contempt.
Ward 18 is interesting as it includes some very different communities, but I don't think the values are that different.
Where's Tony Ruprecht?
After the demonstration at Metrolinx, some of the demonstrators found their way up to the Metrolinx Board of Directors meeting. At first Metrolinx was only going to allow 10 of us in, but I think they gave up, since the meeting was supposed to be open to the public.
The meeting itself was quite bizarre because Metrolinx is supposed to be a public agency, which should be concerned with the full scope of public issues (i.e., creating valuable transit linkages that benefit everyone across a transit region, ensuring public transit does not come at the expense of public health, providing vision and long-term value to the public, etc.), but that didn’t seem to be the case – the Board Members were very corporate in their demeanor and speak and very focused on their narrowly defined goals, including providing better customer service for passengers travelling from bedroom communities to Toronto, and building the air-rail link in time for the PAN AM Games, etc.
We also have confirmation that the 4 million dollar electrification study that is currently being conducted by Metrolinx is a very expensive distraction for the public. The results of the study have not yet been released, and Metrolinx has already demonstrated that it has no plans to do anything immediate with the results of that study -- they are moving ahead with buying diesel trains from Japan (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/rail-link-to-pearso...). Ironically, Japan is building the highest-speed electric train in the world.
Lastly, it might just be me, but is building a diesel air-rail link with taxpayers’ money, in time for the
PAN AM Games – two weeks of sporting events that the vast majority of Torontonians do not care about – one of the dumbest things ever? Add to that, the games will cost us 2.4 billion and will attract only 250,000 tourists (http://www.toronto2015.org/lang/en/about-the-games/faq.html). Did you get those numbers?
Or in front of his office!
Where's Tony Ruprecht? (Please place this phrase in front of any particular Davenport issue.)
There was a good crowd out for the electric train demonstration at Metrolinx offices this morning. The event will certainly get some media coverage. There were several TV crews and a reporter from the Toronto Sun. Nice to see the newly elected Councillor Ana Bailao and her main opponent in the campaign, Kevin Beaulieu out for the event! I didn't see any other politicians there standing with the neighbourhood.
I captured this short clip of the rally on my phone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfT2eZ15nsI
Amusing....
In her personal website (www.anabailao.ca ) Ana Bailão she says “I was born in V. Franca de Xira and raised in a town called Alenquer in Portugal. I spent my childhood surrounded by lush gardens, mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.” Romantic indeed but NOT accurate… Does she mean that Alenquer, or even Vila Franca de Xira, are surrounded by the Mediterranean sea? Well, as “we” all should know Alenquer is not surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea for two main reasons: it is not a coastal town and because Portugal is of course not surrounded by the Mediterranean but rather by the great, vast Atlantic Ocean. The only part of the Portuguese coast that has some Mediterranean Sea is the Algarve and even then that water mass is more like a gateway to the Mediterranean rather than the Mediterranean itself….So European (and Portuguese) geography must be revisited but the degree has been granted so perhaps it is too late…and the city seat has been awarded also…so lets hope the geography of the new dwelling place is well known for the novice councilor... Using one's ethnic card to win (which is of course common in Toronto) should entail at least knowing one's place of birth fairly well...but one does not need to be educated or even well informed to win a political seat...following the advice of 'The Prince' may just suffice...
An evening of live music with the talented Andrew Cole
Saturday, November 13 · 7:00pm - 10:30pm
Location June Harlowe's (we will be open until 2am)
1627 Dupont Street
Toronto, ON
Please come join us for our first evening of live music... this will be a special night as one of Sandy's new favourite singer's will be performing, Andrew Cole! We will be serving our usually Saturday night special - half price appetizers and $5 Sangria's to celebrate live music at June Harlowe's! We can't wait to see you, please feel free to pass this along to friends...
Please join our June Harlowe Facebook Page too!!!
You can find out more about Andrew at www.andrewcolemusic.com
There's an open house at Junction Triangle Lofts tomorrow, Thurs. Nov 11, 2:30-5:30PM. Details on their website:
http://229wallace.blogspot.com/2010/11/open-house-tomorrow.html
First, let me say that my family has lived here for three generations – since 1930’s. As such we have witnessed many changes- some good, some mediocre. Right now, Angel’s represents an opportunity for constructive community building- the kind that develop organically as the neighbourhood goes through its current growth cycle.
Angel’s café has brought a distinctive “family” owned and operated presence to the four corners of Wallace and Symington. Angel’s café is now reclaiming and reinvigorating this intersection with its airy, open, storefront window and friendly, clean, inside seating. With Angel’s café colourful flower boxes there is now a new air about the place; a new aesthetic. Family and friends can be seen coming and going from this little hub of activity. Already the corner is taking on a softer, gentler feeling. People using the bus stop now stop to glance in, make a mental note, pick up a pastry or stop for an expresso and say hi to someone they know. People have begun to linger here and meet others from their community.
And as such, people are aware that there is a new, friendly set of “eyes on the street” that standing at the bus stop or shopping at the local variety store is now safer. This adds a feeling of security and helps the neighbourhood police itself. It strengthens those fibers that help make the neighbourhood feel like a place to call home.
Rebuilding the community’s sense of trust and confidence is a tenuous process. One that is definitely being help by Angel’s café presence in many different ways.
Imagine walking by Angel’s café and noticing a group of 20 women happily knitting and chatting together over coffe.
Imagine seeing a family of 16 gathered together inside, over a cake, singing “happy birthday” to their 88 year old father.
Now picture Halloween, with Angels providing treats for the neighbourhood kids. Just as they also supported the fund raising activities of a local grade school.
Speak Spanish? Well, Angel’s café is the place to brush-up or get in touch with other members of our Spanish speaking community.
Do you want to go out for dessert nearby with a senior or someone else with “access challenges? Well, Angel’s café has that one covered too. No stairs, no basement washrooms. Angel’s has a first floor washroom- and that makes a big difference to moms with kids or seniors with canes. In fact, our special “accessible-designed” community bus stops right outside Angel’s café.
Want to study somewhere other than your bedroom? Plug yourself in at Angel’s café where you’ll see other young people with their text books and computers.
How about watching a big sports game, a skating finale or a favourite movie? You can bring your kids to watch it on Angel’s large-scale screen and cheer in a family-friendly environment with the aroma of coffee and cookies.
For all the above our neighbourhood has gain a lot with Angel’s café to stay.
Congratulations ANGEL’S CAFÉ
Thanks for all the updates on Angel's Cafe. I am really impressed by the support, but also by the people in the neighborhood using this space as a gathering spot for other activities/meetings. We need spaces like this. I've yet to get into Angel's, but I'll be having a coffee there this weekend. Congratulations. Brenda
At the that corner there used to be a gas station which was later converted to 3 stores. The underground gas tank weren't removed until they recently demolished the buildings.
The story-a water main burst. It was located 29 feet down! Contruction was suppose to wrap up (according to the contruction team on site) on Monday Nov 1. Well, it is clear that is not happening. Waiting to hear from Adam's office on what is going on.
While I was on the walk with the students from York University on Wednesday morning someone commented that more of these shops should be brought back to help foster the growth of this area. Way to go Angel and Matilda!!! I wish you all the best!
Yeaaaaa!!!! JT Stitch 'n Bitch still has a place to meet and chat. :-D
Angels Cafe won at the Committee of Adjustment on Wednesday overturning the Planning Departments designation of their space as residential only.
The Chair remarked on how sizable the amount of support was for Angel's with 80 letters of support, a letter from Adam Giambrone, the appearance of Kevin Beaulieu, Chris Gallop and two residents. It is very rare for the committee to over rule the planning department but it was very very clear that the inspector Guy Matthew was grossly uninformed and the zoning designation filled with contradictions. It read as if he had never actually visited the cafe.
There were 3 letters opposing Angel's Cafe but the committee saw no merit to their case.
In two years Angels Cafe will report back to the Committee of Adjustment to ensure that they have lived up to their end of the agreement. So drop by for a coffee, congratulate them, and support local business.
Thanks for the photo, Warren. And for adding it to the Junction Triangle group on Flickr. :)
There are a bunch of photos of The Great Osler Sinkhole of 2010 poster via Twitter:
http://twitpic.com/32d4ps
http://twitpic.com/32bm1z
http://yfrog.com/5lagclj
http://yfrog.com/e9myyoqj
http://yfrog.com/5rtk2bj
Just a word of thanks to the organizers of the pumpkin lighting event last night in Carlton Park. This was the first year my family has attended and we enjoyed it a lot despite the cool weather. Great to see so many people from the Junction Triangle bring their pumpkins out. What a nice way to end Halloween for the kids (big and small). Thank you.
By the 1000 feet mark its clear that JT is in the wrong spot and Silverthorn is in the way wrong spot. Although JT showed up this year its a bit disappointing in where they placed it.
Yes, "Junction Triangle" started showing up earlier this year, at least since June (see post here).
Now if only they could get of the Silverthorn mis-label. People are starting to believe it. heh.
Not sure when the last time you checked Google Maps was, but "Junction Triangle" has been added to the map of the area, and remains one of the listed "neighbourhoods" until the zoom level reaches the "5km legend label" size.
While Silverthorn still appears (to the north, between Wallace and Dupont), Junction Triangle now also appears, at least when I search!
Warren wrote:
I disagree. There's no consensus on urban values in this neighbourhood. I think that's shown by the disputes over the Lansdowne-narrowing and the community garden at Erwin Kickhahn. It's also shown over different opinions about local crime and what should be done about it. Look at the people who show up for Clean Train events. Can anyone say with a straight face they are a representative cross-section of the people who live here?
I know Jack Fava is not popular with people who post on this site and he brings a lot of that on himself, but like it or not he reflects the thinking of a lot of people in this area.
I don't know if Ford's opponents neglected the inner suburbs in their campaigns, though it's possible. I think, however, many people downtown who think Miller did a good job take it for granted that most people in Toronto share their values. That smugness has a political cost.
There's an old story that is true. Some famous person who lived in Manhattan - I don't remember who - was flabbergasted after Nixon beat McGovern in a rout because all of her friends voted for McGovern. She either didn't realize or forgot that Manhattan isn't the United States. People who live in fly-over country also vote as do people in Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough.
I didn't vote for Ford, because I don't think he'd be a good mayor, but a part of me is glad he won if for no other reason than his victory has shaken things up. I don't think there's much to be gained by bashing Ford, even though on my Twitter feed I said he's not fit to be mayor.
There are a lot of voters in Toronto who sincerely believe the city government is waging a war against cars and they resent it, just like they resent the presence of bicycles on downtown streets. They also resent spending on the arts and grants to community groups. There are small businesses that feel they are being hurt by high taxes. There is anger over the St. Clair streetcar right of way. That resentment and anger is there and it's not going to go away anytime soon.
Peter Ferreira finally got elected to something somewhere so now the NDP can finally choose a great candidate from our area and with the diesel train issue they have a chance to beat Tony "I refuse to make my attendance record public" Ruprecht.
http://peterferreira.ca/about/about.htm
If she is going to reply undecided on all acounts then she might as well have not replied. I actually would have preferred that she did not reply. This is one of the reasons why I did not vote for her.
What Does Ana Bailo Stand For
Which Way Will She Vote? undecided...undecided...undecided ?
http://www.thestar.com/staticcontent/883047
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support making the TTC an essential service to prevent future strikes? Others = 10 yes; 13 no; 9 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support contracting out residential garbage service? Others = 11 yes;10 no; 11 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support cutting city funding to Gay Pride and other parades such as Caribana? 2 yes; 17 no; 13 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support cutting the size of council from 44 to 22? 7 yes; 17 no; 8 undecided; 12 won't say
* UNDECIDED on... Do you support eliminating the fair wage policy? 6 yes; 14 no; 12 undecided; 12 won't say
-----
The cagiest councillors who "won't say" are the ones who did not respond to The Star survey:
Mark Grimes, Anthony Perruzza, Josh Colle, Karen Stintz, John Filion, David Shiner, Jaye Robinson, Paula Fletcher, Michael Thompson, Mike Del Grande, Norm Kelly and Ron Moeser.
---
What is Ana's plan? To see what goodies she might get by voting for the Ford team? Or will she wait to see which bandwagon is the most popular at City Hall so she can be on the winning side?
Very strange....
Was Ford the only candidate who understood the significance of amalgamation and the importance of campaigning outside the old city? Personally I think dealing with heavy traffic by getting rid of streetcars is like trying to douse a fire with kerosene. I think the most remarkable feature of the campaign was the communication failures of candidates who had reasonable platforms. Ford campaigned across the whole region, he started early, he talked about real concerns that people had. He had stupid answers, but he showed up. I think inattention from the other candidates may have been interpreted as contempt.
Ward 18 is interesting as it includes some very different communities, but I don't think the values are that different.