After almost 46 years of service, Karl’s Butcher and Grocery (105 Roncesvalles) is closing today. On a street famous for its sausages, the closing is a major blow for Roncesvalles Village. Karl’s is among the first of several neighborhood meat shops that may face closure following a recent decision by the provincial government to impose a strict interpretation of the … Read More
DiNovo demands changes to rules ‘butchering’ Roncesvalles meat shop
The BIA just received this press release from Parkdale-High Park MPP Cheri DiNovo’s office: DECEMBER 12, 2007: Today MPP of Parkdale-High Park and NDP Small Business Critic, Cheri DiNovo, asked the Minister of Food and Agriculture to amend the 2001 Food and Safety Quality Act to keep hundreds of small businesses like Karl’s Butcher & Grocery in the market. In … Read More
Province Forces Popular Local Butcher Out of Business After 46 Years
Today, the Toronto Star spent hours interviewing staff and customers at Karl’s Butchers and Grocery (105 Roncesvalles), which has sold fresh sausages on our street for 46 years. Karl’s has been forced out of business by the province. In October, the provincial government decided to enforce a harsh, literal interpretation of the 2001 Food and Safety Quality Act. The Province … Read More
Exchange Your Lights – Save Money, Save Energy
Councillor Gord Perks, along with the Roncesvalles Village BIA, will be hosting a light exchange. This very special opportunity will take place on Saturday, November 24th between 2-4 pm in front of the Polish Credit Union, 220 Roncesvalles Avenue. All residents of the City of Toronto can participate in this great event by bringing two old strings of incandescent (traditional) … Read More
Grafton Parkette Transformed
Over the summer and fall, a remarkable transformation occurred at the Grafton Parkette. This parkette, located just north of Queen Street, had been a neglected scrap of land. Today it is a beautiful focal point for the community. How did this happen? Grafton tranformed: The parkette had been a neglected patch of space (below), but over the summer it was … Read More
Dundas West BIA To Get Rush Hour Parking
Today’s Globe and Mail has a story about how the Dundas West BIA faced off against the TTC in order to introduce rush hour parking along its street. Interestingly, the BIA seems less concerned about parking availability than the fact that two lanes of rush-hour traffic turns Dundas into an unappealing “highway”: From the Globe and Mail (link – might … Read More
Revue Cinema to Reopen on October 4
After 16 months of hard work and heroic fundraising efforts, the Revue Cinema will repoen its doors on October 4. The historic theatre, built in 1912, had been one of the oldest, continuously operating movie houses in Canada until its closure in June 2006. A group of community activists and film-lovers worked tirelessly to save the Revue, which was purchased … Read More
29-Storey Tower Proposed for Dundas and Bloor – Your Input Sought
A 29-story condominium tower has been proposed for Dundas and Bloor, on the site of Joe Mercury’s. This project may set an example for new buildings along Roncesvalles, which has been designated for denser development under the City’s Official Plan. A public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20, to gather public input on this important project. The meeting … Read More
2007 Polish Festival Schedule Now Available
The 2007 Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival schedule is now available. Once again, the BIA is proud to present “Dance Under the Stars,” our signature event. Enjoy the festival! Dance Under the Stars ST. STANISLAUS-ST.CASIMIRS CREDIT UNION STAGE EUROPEAN FINE FOODS DANCE STAGE (220 Roncesvalles Ave.) SATURDAY Noon-12:45 MR. SYSTEM Trio group playing contemporary Polish dance music featuring latest … Read More
The Legacy of Col. Walter O’Hara
Today’s Toronto Star features an interesting article about Col. Walter O’Hara, whose legacy lives on in the names of several Roncesvalles area streets. Read “Soldier’s story forever etched in city streets” IMAGE (right): Col. O’Hara’s beloved West Lodge