Davenport Diamond

Here's another update on Davenport Diamond grade separation project. What is this project about? In short, this project proposes to grade-separate the railway tracks that run along the east side of our neighbourhood (between Campbell Ave. and Lansdowne) and the CN Tracks on the north side of our neighbourhood (between Dupont and Davenport). This would involve creating a huge wall/overpass or trench east of Campbell Ave., with the possibility closing Wallace Ave. Whatever the outcome of this project is, it will have a major impact on our neighbourhood.

It seems that not too much has changed since the last update from GO/Metrolinx on November 10 2009, except that:

• GO/Metrolinx have purchased the entire Newmarket/Barrie railway corridor (as reported here on December 15th)
• The environmental assessment has been pushed back to 2012.

Read below for the email sent from Gary McNeil of GO/Metrolinx:

Castlepoint's Properties

Here are my notes from the January 18 2010 meeting about the ongoing developments at the former Tower Automotive properties. Hosted by Castlepoint Realty Partners (the property owners / developers) and the South Perth and Sterling Rd. Residents Association at the Church of the First Born, the meeting was certainly informative and interesting. It attracted about 40 people from all around this community (guessing, I didn't count).

My notes are just quick points that I jotted down at the meeting. If you have any of your own comments or corrections, please feel free to reply below.

Note: You can view the huge versions of the images by clicking on them. The fine details may still be hard to read.

Graphic by Castlepoint Realty Partners, photo by Vic Gedris, 2010-01-18.

Graphic by Castlepoint Realty Partners, photo by Vic Gedris, 2010-01-18.

Graphic by Castlepoint Realty Partners, photo by Vic Gedris, 2010-01-18.

Graphic by Castlepoint Realty Partners, photo by Vic Gedris, 2010-01-18.

Bloor Dundas Avenue Study: Map from the City of Toronto.
The following email comes from Corwin Cambray, City of Toronto planner:

The Consultants' Final Report on the Bloor Dundas 'Avenue' Study and supporting material are now posted on the study's web site: www.toronto.ca/planning/bloordundas.htm

Feedback on the Final Report can be submitted by completing the Comments Form also posted or submitting comments directly to the City by September 18, 2009.

An email update was sent out today from the Clean Train Coalition. For more information about the CTC, please visit their website.

An Update from the Clean Train Coalition!

A number of important actions have taken place in the past week that you should know of. Last week the Toronto District School Board created a motion expressing concern about the health and noise effects of the Georgetown rail expansion, particularly as it affects the health of children. The Board will vote on this motion in two parts: tonight and at the full Board meeting in June. Contact me for a copy of the motion if you’re interested (outreach@cleantrain.ca)

We had a Press Conference at Queen’s Park today that was well attended by the Press and some MPPs. This gave us the opportunity to discuss our concerns about Metrolinx’s plans and to call on the Premier to explain why he’s not showing more concern about the negative health consequences of using diesel trains to power his “Green” revolution.

Toronto City Council has again voted to demand electrification of all rail lines within the City. They are considering a bylaw that would prohibit the introduction of new sources of air pollution, in this case diesel trains, into the City.

In the near future, we will be making deputations before the City of Toronto Board of Health.

News stories about the rail expansion and electrification have been recently published in all four Toronto dailies.

The Strachan Ave Superbridge proposed by Metrolinx will not proceed. A less intrusive model replaces the original highly offensive proposal.

We hope to keep you informed of what’s happening on a weekly basis. If you have any questions or comments, please write to me (Peter Morgan) at the above address. Check our website for more info: www.cleantrain.ca.

The following meeting announcement was sent to us from the City of Toronto's Planning Department, regarding the ongoing Bloor Dundas Avenue Study.

Bloor Dundas Avenue Study

Community Meeting
Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study

Monday, January 26, 2009
6:30 p.m. - Open House
7:15 p.m. - Presentation

High Park Baptist Church – Lower Auditorium
9 Hewitt Avenue (at Roncesvalles Avenue) (map)

City staff and the City’s consultants have been working with the community to create a framework for new development and to identify needed service, transportation and streetscape improvements for the Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study area (see map).

In response to feedback at the November 18, 2008 community meeting, this meeting will provide additional information on land uses and related matters, and examples of built form scenarios for sites and sub-areas.

The meeting will start with an open house at 6:30 p.m. providing an opportunity to review display boards, ask questions and provide feedback. A presentation will follow at 7:15 p.m. To facilitate community feedback, material will be available on the Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study’s web page - www.toronto.ca/planning/bloordundas.htm - on Wednesday, January 21.

Please join us on Monday, January 26. Your input will help to improve and refine the draft
framework for the study area. The draft framework will result in a final study report, and subsequent new urban design and zoning by-law provisions for the Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study area.

If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still make your views known by emailing ccambra@toronto.ca or by sending a fax to 416-397-4080 or by writing Corwin Cambray, Senior Planner, Policy and Research, 55 John Street, 23rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3C6.

You may also contact Councillor Gord Perks, Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park, at 416-392-7919 or by emailing councillor_perks@toronto.ca

The following notice was sent from the City of Toronto's Planning Department, regarding the Bloor Dundas Avenue Study. You can view the original PDF version of this announcement here.

Bloor Dundas Avenue Study

Community Meeting
Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Saint Joan of Arc - Gymnasium
1701 Bloor Street West

City staff and the City’s consultants have been working with the community to create a framework for new development and to identify needed service, transportation and streetscape improvements for the Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study area (see map).

The consultants have prepared a draft framework for the Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study, which builds on the Bloor Street Visioning Initiative and incorporates what we have heard to date from the community in terms of land use, building form, bicycle lanes, streetscape etc. This draft framework is the beginning of what will conclude with a final study report, and subsequent new urban design and zoning by-law provisions for this area.

To improve and refine the draft framework, your input is needed. Please join us on Tuesday, November 18.

If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still make your views known by emailing ccambra@toronto.ca or by sending a fax to 416-397-4080 or by writing Corwin Cambray, Senior Planner, Policy and Research, 55 John Street, 23rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3C6.

You may also contact Councillor Gord Perks, Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park, at 416-392-7919 or email at councillor_perks@toronto.ca

Looking for more information? Please call Corwin Cambray at 416-397-0244 or visit www.toronto.ca/planning/bloordundas.htm to learn more about the Bloor Dundas ‘Avenue’ Study.