May 2015 Newsletter
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bring Your Own Fireworks’ Night
Sunday May 17, 2015 at 8:30 pm (weather permitting); rain date Monday May 18, 2015
Fireworks donations needed.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday June 6, 2015. 9 am – 4 pm
Please call (416) 227-2218 to register
BBQ
Sunday September 13, 2015. 4 to 6 pm.
Please bring dessert or munchies.
Halloween Party
Friday October 30, 2015 (Tentative)
Volunteers appreciated. Please bring dessert or munchies.
The BPHA has extended invitations to Councillor Shelley Caroll and TDSB Trustee Ken Lister to attend our annual BBQ. If there are any specific issues or questions you would like addressed, please let us know.
BOULEVARD UPDATE
The BPHA is working with the office of Councillor Shelley Carroll to have the City help maintain or redesign the centre median on Alamosa Drive. Weeds growing up through the interlock are an ongoing problem, the curb around the median is starting to crumble, and some of the cedar shrubs in the concrete planters are dying. The City is seeking community feedback on how we would like to redesign the site and will schedule a community in mid-June. Please do not hesitate to forward any design ideas to the BPHA e-mail address so that we can compile them for the City. In the meantime, the BPHA will continue to use money from our flower fund to purchase flowers for the eight concrete planters and mulch to apply around trees on the median to keep the weeds down. Help removing weeds from the median is always welcomed.
ALAMOSA PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Last October, in response to residents’ concerns regarding the lack of green space in the community the City installed a new playscape at the top of the ravine. The City also installed signage to direct cars to park at the bottom of the ravine entrance at Leslie and Sheppard in order to address traffic concerns from a number of Gatehead and Alamosa residents.
APPIAN P.S. UPDATE
In December 2013, Appian P.S. was purchased by the French Public School Board (“Conseil Scolaires Viamonde”, or, “Viamonde”). Viamonde intends to use the site for an elementary school (JK to Gr. 6), although the scheduled date for school opening has not been publicly announced yet.
WARD BOUNDARY REVIEW
The City of Toronto is currently reviewing the ward boundaries with the intent of revising them to ensure that each person in Toronto is fairly represented by City Council. Any changes that occur as a result of the review will come into effect for the municipal election that takes place in 2018. Last year the City held 12 public consultation meetings on this issue to obtain community output. The Toronto Ward Boundary Review Report Round 1 is now available at http://www.drawthelines.ca/reports.
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING REVIEW
City Council recently approved a Participatory Budgeting (PB) pilot process in three areas across the City, including Ward 33. Councillor Shelley Carroll will be running 3 identical Town Hall meetings to get the word out about the pilot process, explain what participatory budgeting is in a little more detail, and answer any questions residents may have:
Tuesday, May 12
Seneca Hill Public School (625 Seneca Hill Drive)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
Fairview Library (35 Fairview Mall Drive)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 16
Pleasantview Community Centre (545 Van Horne Ave)
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA
Bessarion Community Centre Design (at Leslie & Bessarion)
In January, a community meeting was held to review the City’s Community Centre design and receive feedback from residents. For further details, please go to http://www.concordpark.ca/news/concord-park-design-january-2015/
1200 Sheppard Avenue East Development Proposal
The City has amended its Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit this development of 3 condo towers, but the owner (Amexon) has not yet received Subdivision and Site Plan approval. The 5% portion of the Section 42 cash-in-lieu of parkland payment owed for this development will be directed to a new reserve fund called the Sheppard East Corridor Parkland Acquisition Reserve Fund (the "Reserve Fund"). The purpose of this Reserve Fund will be to accumulate funds to purchase lands for parks and recreation purposes along the Sheppard East Corridor, which is defined as the area within Ward 24 between Hawkesbury Drive to the West, Leslie Street to the East, Highway 401 to the South and a line drawn parallel to and approximately 500 metres to the North of Sheppard Avenue East. For further details, please go to http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-78814.pdf.
Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) Update
Site preparation has begun at 784 Sheppard Ave to make way for the new MEC store (42,000 sq. ft.) and townhouse complex comprised of 50 units. 217 underground parking spaces are under construction and the store is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. Please contact the MEC’s Public Affairs Manager: Tim Southam at [email protected] or (604) 561-4528 for further information.
Bring Your Own Fireworks’ Night
Sunday May 17, 2015 at 8:30 pm (weather permitting); rain date Monday May 18, 2015
Fireworks donations needed.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday June 6, 2015. 9 am – 4 pm
Please call (416) 227-2218 to register
BBQ
Sunday September 13, 2015. 4 to 6 pm.
Please bring dessert or munchies.
Halloween Party
Friday October 30, 2015 (Tentative)
Volunteers appreciated. Please bring dessert or munchies.
The BPHA has extended invitations to Councillor Shelley Caroll and TDSB Trustee Ken Lister to attend our annual BBQ. If there are any specific issues or questions you would like addressed, please let us know.
BOULEVARD UPDATE
The BPHA is working with the office of Councillor Shelley Carroll to have the City help maintain or redesign the centre median on Alamosa Drive. Weeds growing up through the interlock are an ongoing problem, the curb around the median is starting to crumble, and some of the cedar shrubs in the concrete planters are dying. The City is seeking community feedback on how we would like to redesign the site and will schedule a community in mid-June. Please do not hesitate to forward any design ideas to the BPHA e-mail address so that we can compile them for the City. In the meantime, the BPHA will continue to use money from our flower fund to purchase flowers for the eight concrete planters and mulch to apply around trees on the median to keep the weeds down. Help removing weeds from the median is always welcomed.
ALAMOSA PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Last October, in response to residents’ concerns regarding the lack of green space in the community the City installed a new playscape at the top of the ravine. The City also installed signage to direct cars to park at the bottom of the ravine entrance at Leslie and Sheppard in order to address traffic concerns from a number of Gatehead and Alamosa residents.
APPIAN P.S. UPDATE
In December 2013, Appian P.S. was purchased by the French Public School Board (“Conseil Scolaires Viamonde”, or, “Viamonde”). Viamonde intends to use the site for an elementary school (JK to Gr. 6), although the scheduled date for school opening has not been publicly announced yet.
WARD BOUNDARY REVIEW
The City of Toronto is currently reviewing the ward boundaries with the intent of revising them to ensure that each person in Toronto is fairly represented by City Council. Any changes that occur as a result of the review will come into effect for the municipal election that takes place in 2018. Last year the City held 12 public consultation meetings on this issue to obtain community output. The Toronto Ward Boundary Review Report Round 1 is now available at http://www.drawthelines.ca/reports.
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING REVIEW
City Council recently approved a Participatory Budgeting (PB) pilot process in three areas across the City, including Ward 33. Councillor Shelley Carroll will be running 3 identical Town Hall meetings to get the word out about the pilot process, explain what participatory budgeting is in a little more detail, and answer any questions residents may have:
Tuesday, May 12
Seneca Hill Public School (625 Seneca Hill Drive)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
Fairview Library (35 Fairview Mall Drive)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 16
Pleasantview Community Centre (545 Van Horne Ave)
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA
Bessarion Community Centre Design (at Leslie & Bessarion)
In January, a community meeting was held to review the City’s Community Centre design and receive feedback from residents. For further details, please go to http://www.concordpark.ca/news/concord-park-design-january-2015/
1200 Sheppard Avenue East Development Proposal
The City has amended its Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit this development of 3 condo towers, but the owner (Amexon) has not yet received Subdivision and Site Plan approval. The 5% portion of the Section 42 cash-in-lieu of parkland payment owed for this development will be directed to a new reserve fund called the Sheppard East Corridor Parkland Acquisition Reserve Fund (the "Reserve Fund"). The purpose of this Reserve Fund will be to accumulate funds to purchase lands for parks and recreation purposes along the Sheppard East Corridor, which is defined as the area within Ward 24 between Hawkesbury Drive to the West, Leslie Street to the East, Highway 401 to the South and a line drawn parallel to and approximately 500 metres to the North of Sheppard Avenue East. For further details, please go to http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2015/ex/bgrd/backgroundfile-78814.pdf.
Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) Update
Site preparation has begun at 784 Sheppard Ave to make way for the new MEC store (42,000 sq. ft.) and townhouse complex comprised of 50 units. 217 underground parking spaces are under construction and the store is scheduled to open in Spring 2016. Please contact the MEC’s Public Affairs Manager: Tim Southam at [email protected] or (604) 561-4528 for further information.
October 10, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving!
The BPHA will be hosting the following 2 events this month:
Alamosa Playground Official Opening & All Candidates Meet and Greet
Sunday October 19th - 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Top of the Ravine
Next Sunday we will be serving hot chocolate, coffee and treats in order to celebrate the new playground installation at Alamosa Park. Shelley Carroll, the incumbent Councillor for Ward 33, will be in attendance, along with her fellow candidates for Councillor: Paul Bell and Divya Nayak. Harout Manougian, the incumbent TDSB Trustee for Ward 17, will also be there, along with candidates: Robert Cerjanec, Sonny Yeung and Suwarnamala Buty.
We hope you will take this opportunity to enjoy the new playground and discuss any issues or concerns you may have with the various candidates.
Annual BPHA Halloween Party
Friday October 24th - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Elkhorn Public School Gymnasium
10 Elkhorn Drive
$5 per person/$20 per family
This year, our annual Halloween party will be held at Elkhorn Public School in the gymnasium. Unfortunately, we are not able to lease the premises at Appian Public School, since the new owner (Toronto French School Board, i.e. CS Viamonde) is not renting out the facility. Consistent with prior years, there will be a $5 admission fee per person/$20 per family. This fee is used to cover the cost of the rental permit and caretaker for the gym, arts & crafts activities for the kids, as well as the raffle prizes. We operate the party at breakeven or a small loss. Please bring snacks or treats to share with everyone. We are also looking for volunteers to assist in setup, cleanup and overseeing the kids' activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please send us an e-mail.
We hope to see you there!
The BPHA will be hosting the following 2 events this month:
Alamosa Playground Official Opening & All Candidates Meet and Greet
Sunday October 19th - 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Top of the Ravine
Next Sunday we will be serving hot chocolate, coffee and treats in order to celebrate the new playground installation at Alamosa Park. Shelley Carroll, the incumbent Councillor for Ward 33, will be in attendance, along with her fellow candidates for Councillor: Paul Bell and Divya Nayak. Harout Manougian, the incumbent TDSB Trustee for Ward 17, will also be there, along with candidates: Robert Cerjanec, Sonny Yeung and Suwarnamala Buty.
We hope you will take this opportunity to enjoy the new playground and discuss any issues or concerns you may have with the various candidates.
Annual BPHA Halloween Party
Friday October 24th - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Elkhorn Public School Gymnasium
10 Elkhorn Drive
$5 per person/$20 per family
This year, our annual Halloween party will be held at Elkhorn Public School in the gymnasium. Unfortunately, we are not able to lease the premises at Appian Public School, since the new owner (Toronto French School Board, i.e. CS Viamonde) is not renting out the facility. Consistent with prior years, there will be a $5 admission fee per person/$20 per family. This fee is used to cover the cost of the rental permit and caretaker for the gym, arts & crafts activities for the kids, as well as the raffle prizes. We operate the party at breakeven or a small loss. Please bring snacks or treats to share with everyone. We are also looking for volunteers to assist in setup, cleanup and overseeing the kids' activities. If you are interested in volunteering, please send us an e-mail.
We hope to see you there!
August 20, 2014
Dear BPHA Residents,
I hope you are enjoying the summer - it is going by much too quickly! I just wanted to provide you with an update on a few things:
1. Alamosa Park Play Structure
Construction at Alamosa Park is scheduled to commence in early September. The play structure will be installed by mid-October. The installation of the play structure was delayed because the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) required an archaeological review of the site prior to beginning construction.
2. Annual Summer BBQ
The annual summer bbq was initially tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 13 from 4:00 to 6:00. We have decided to hold the bbq in mid-October, after the play structure has been installed, so that all the residents can enjoy the new space. Stay tuned for the specific date!
3. One of our residents, Norm Hahn, has raised the issue of increasing air traffic noise in our neighbourhood. Attached please find information regarding this issue which has been provided by the Toronto Aviation Noise Group (T.A.N.G.). If you require additional information, please contact Margaret Evans, the Chair of T.A.N.G. at [email protected] or go to their website at http://northtoronto.wordpress/com/.
I hope you are enjoying the summer - it is going by much too quickly! I just wanted to provide you with an update on a few things:
1. Alamosa Park Play Structure
Construction at Alamosa Park is scheduled to commence in early September. The play structure will be installed by mid-October. The installation of the play structure was delayed because the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) required an archaeological review of the site prior to beginning construction.
2. Annual Summer BBQ
The annual summer bbq was initially tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 13 from 4:00 to 6:00. We have decided to hold the bbq in mid-October, after the play structure has been installed, so that all the residents can enjoy the new space. Stay tuned for the specific date!
3. One of our residents, Norm Hahn, has raised the issue of increasing air traffic noise in our neighbourhood. Attached please find information regarding this issue which has been provided by the Toronto Aviation Noise Group (T.A.N.G.). If you require additional information, please contact Margaret Evans, the Chair of T.A.N.G. at [email protected] or go to their website at http://northtoronto.wordpress/com/.
May 2014 Newsletter
BRIDLEBROOK PARK HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (BPHA)
MAY 2014 NEWSLETTER
[email protected]
TheBPHA.weebly.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bridlebrook-park
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bring Your Own Fireworks’ Night
Sunday May 18, 2014 at 8:30 pm (weather permitting); rain date Monday May 19, 2014
Fireworks donations needed.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday June 7, 2014. 9 am – 4 pm
Please call (416) 227-2218 to register
BBQ
Saturday September 13, 2014. 4 to 6 pm.
Please bring dessert or munchies.
Halloween Party
Friday October 25, 2013 (Tentative)
Volunteers appreciated. Please bring dessert or munchies.
APPIAN P.S. UPDATE
In December 2013, Appian P.S. was purchased by the French Public School Board (“Conseil Scolaires Viamonde”, or, “Viamonde”). Viamonde intends to use the site for an elementary school (JK to Gr. 6), although the scheduled date for school opening has not been publicly announced yet. However, Viamonde has confirmed that the school opening will not occur in September 2014 and Prestige School (the private school currently operating at the site) has been provided notice and will move to another location effective July 1, 2014. Viamonde has also confirmed that there are no immediate plans to replace the school play structure, and that any type of future installation will need to be funded by the community. Regardless, Viamonde would have the discretion to dispose of any play structure installed, since it will be installed on their property.
ALAMOSA PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Since 2011, the BPHA has been working closely with Councillor Shelley Carroll and the City to come up with a permanent green space solution for the community. Alamosa Park (at the top of the ravine) was identified as the most suitable location for a play structure and gathering place for residents. On January 21, 2014 a community meeting was held to review the City’s proposal for park improvements. The proposal was approved and the City has just finished the Request for Quotes (RFQ) process with vendors and is reviewing the bids. The park improvements are scheduled for completion by the end of June 2014. A copy of the proposal can be obtained at TheBPHA.weebly.com.
A number of Gatehead and Alamosa residents have expressed concerns of increased traffic arising from the park improvements. The City is investigating putting up signage to direct cars to park at the bottom of the ravine entrance at Leslie and Sheppard. Once the play structure is installed, the City will conduct a traffic review to determine whether further action is required.
ICE STORM STUDY
Please see the links below for presentations made by the City Manager and Toronto Hydro regarding the emergency procedures that were implemented during the December 2013 ice storm. The City has put together a panel to obtain feedback from residents and identify any recommendations for improvement. One of our residents, Norm Hann, a Distribution Electricity Professional, spoke at a meeting and submitted his feedback to the panel in March 2014. Please contact Mr. Hann directly for a copy of his submission.
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2014/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-65711.pdf
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2014/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-65712.pdf
OTHER NEWS
Break-in on Appian Drive
In April, there was a garage break-in on Appian drive and the residents’ car was stolen. Please be on alert for suspicious goings-on or characters.
Sale of Bayview Village Mall for $500 Million
Bayview Village Mall (excluding Loblaws) has been sold to a British Columbia Investment Management Corp. for $500 million. It is rumoured that the existing mall will be expanded and that condominiums will be built in the parking lot.
http://business.financialpost.com/2013/11/13/torontos-bayview-village-sold-for-500-million-in-biggest-property-sale-this-year/?__lsa=1b27-5963
Bessarion Community Centre Proposal (at Leslie & Bessarion)
In March, a community meeting was held to review the City’s Community Centre proposal and receive feedback from residents. Highlights from the meeting:
· Community centre has a budget of $30 million, funded with a contribution from Concord Adex and topped off with funds from development charges.
· Facilities will include: gym(s), meeting rooms, running/walking track, aquatics facilities, library (expanded and relocated from Bayview Village Plaza) and daycare.
· Site will be zoned for 2 schools; it is yet to be determined whether TDSB or any of the other school boards will purchase the school sites.
· Underground parking will be available (first plan calls for 3 levels, operated by Toronto Parking) and on-street parking
· Construction scheduled to start in Spring 2016.
· Construction scheduled to be completed in Spring/Summer 2018
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-48048.pdf
1200 Sheppard Avenue East Development Proposal
Amexon Development Corporation’s condominium development proposal at this site was under review with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). An agreement has been reached between the developer, the City and the Bayview Village Homeowners’ Association. 3 condo towers will be built, but at a lower height and a different shaped roof to minimize the shadowing effect in the neighbourhood.
For further details, please go to http://www.bayviewvillage.org/1200SheppardDevelopment.html.
MAY 2014 NEWSLETTER
[email protected]
TheBPHA.weebly.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bridlebrook-park
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bring Your Own Fireworks’ Night
Sunday May 18, 2014 at 8:30 pm (weather permitting); rain date Monday May 19, 2014
Fireworks donations needed.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday June 7, 2014. 9 am – 4 pm
Please call (416) 227-2218 to register
BBQ
Saturday September 13, 2014. 4 to 6 pm.
Please bring dessert or munchies.
Halloween Party
Friday October 25, 2013 (Tentative)
Volunteers appreciated. Please bring dessert or munchies.
APPIAN P.S. UPDATE
In December 2013, Appian P.S. was purchased by the French Public School Board (“Conseil Scolaires Viamonde”, or, “Viamonde”). Viamonde intends to use the site for an elementary school (JK to Gr. 6), although the scheduled date for school opening has not been publicly announced yet. However, Viamonde has confirmed that the school opening will not occur in September 2014 and Prestige School (the private school currently operating at the site) has been provided notice and will move to another location effective July 1, 2014. Viamonde has also confirmed that there are no immediate plans to replace the school play structure, and that any type of future installation will need to be funded by the community. Regardless, Viamonde would have the discretion to dispose of any play structure installed, since it will be installed on their property.
ALAMOSA PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Since 2011, the BPHA has been working closely with Councillor Shelley Carroll and the City to come up with a permanent green space solution for the community. Alamosa Park (at the top of the ravine) was identified as the most suitable location for a play structure and gathering place for residents. On January 21, 2014 a community meeting was held to review the City’s proposal for park improvements. The proposal was approved and the City has just finished the Request for Quotes (RFQ) process with vendors and is reviewing the bids. The park improvements are scheduled for completion by the end of June 2014. A copy of the proposal can be obtained at TheBPHA.weebly.com.
A number of Gatehead and Alamosa residents have expressed concerns of increased traffic arising from the park improvements. The City is investigating putting up signage to direct cars to park at the bottom of the ravine entrance at Leslie and Sheppard. Once the play structure is installed, the City will conduct a traffic review to determine whether further action is required.
ICE STORM STUDY
Please see the links below for presentations made by the City Manager and Toronto Hydro regarding the emergency procedures that were implemented during the December 2013 ice storm. The City has put together a panel to obtain feedback from residents and identify any recommendations for improvement. One of our residents, Norm Hann, a Distribution Electricity Professional, spoke at a meeting and submitted his feedback to the panel in March 2014. Please contact Mr. Hann directly for a copy of his submission.
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2014/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-65711.pdf
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2014/cc/bgrd/backgroundfile-65712.pdf
OTHER NEWS
Break-in on Appian Drive
In April, there was a garage break-in on Appian drive and the residents’ car was stolen. Please be on alert for suspicious goings-on or characters.
Sale of Bayview Village Mall for $500 Million
Bayview Village Mall (excluding Loblaws) has been sold to a British Columbia Investment Management Corp. for $500 million. It is rumoured that the existing mall will be expanded and that condominiums will be built in the parking lot.
http://business.financialpost.com/2013/11/13/torontos-bayview-village-sold-for-500-million-in-biggest-property-sale-this-year/?__lsa=1b27-5963
Bessarion Community Centre Proposal (at Leslie & Bessarion)
In March, a community meeting was held to review the City’s Community Centre proposal and receive feedback from residents. Highlights from the meeting:
· Community centre has a budget of $30 million, funded with a contribution from Concord Adex and topped off with funds from development charges.
· Facilities will include: gym(s), meeting rooms, running/walking track, aquatics facilities, library (expanded and relocated from Bayview Village Plaza) and daycare.
· Site will be zoned for 2 schools; it is yet to be determined whether TDSB or any of the other school boards will purchase the school sites.
· Underground parking will be available (first plan calls for 3 levels, operated by Toronto Parking) and on-street parking
· Construction scheduled to start in Spring 2016.
· Construction scheduled to be completed in Spring/Summer 2018
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-48048.pdf
1200 Sheppard Avenue East Development Proposal
Amexon Development Corporation’s condominium development proposal at this site was under review with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). An agreement has been reached between the developer, the City and the Bayview Village Homeowners’ Association. 3 condo towers will be built, but at a lower height and a different shaped roof to minimize the shadowing effect in the neighbourhood.
For further details, please go to http://www.bayviewvillage.org/1200SheppardDevelopment.html.