Thanks to everyone who attended the open house on March 23. The meeting was part of the provincially-mandated Environmental Assessment process, whose main purpose is to report on the environmental impact of permanently keeping Roncesvalles a two-lane road. This is how Roncesvalles presently functions, except for weekday mornings, when west-side parking is prohibited and Roncesvalles becomes a three-lane road. Likely … Read More
What stormwater management is really about (Hint: rhymes with “spit”)
Cities across the world have made stormwater management a top priority, encouraging green roofs, downspout disconnections and innovative drainage systems. In Toronto, the annual budget for stormwater management is $40 million. To a non-expert, this may all seem fine, but we often remain unclear on why stormwater management is so important. The fact is, we can’t name the real problem … Read More
Open House to present Roncesvalles streetscape improvements – March 23
The City of Toronto has scheduled a second Open House to present its proposals for Roncesvalles streetscape improvements: Monday March 23, 2009 6:00pm – 9:00pm (presentation at 7:00 pm) Howard Jr Public School, 30 Marmaduke St. Via Councillor Gord Perks: Thank you to everyone who continues to stay engaged in this project. I know that it has been a while … Read More
BIA calls for greater local control over new federal infrastructure funding
The Roncesvalles Living Sidewalk Project has received strong support from all three Residents’ Associations and the Roncesvalles Village BIA, and yet a substantial funding gap remains. The federal government has proposed to release new funds for infrastructure projects, of which our project certainly deserves priority: Our project would integrate Roncesvalles’ stormwater sewer with an innovative new tree planting system that would finally allow urban trees to … Read More
Messages From MP Gerard Kennedy and RVBIA Chair Tony Cauch
From Gerard Kennedy’s press release: Today parliament will be debating an urgent opposition motion to release half of any new federal infrastructure funding from cost-sharing in order to create jobs in the most effective, fair and efficient fashion. Over the past three weeks, government reports and opposition research have confirmed that parliamentary direction is needed or new infrastructure funds will … Read More
Do you have lead water pipes? Replace them now!
Many Roncesvalles property owners may unknowingly have lead water service pipes. These pipes are usually undersized, resulting in low water pressure. More importantly, lead exposure is harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. Likely beginning in July, the City will be replacing its lead water service mains during the reconstruction of Roncesvalles. The City says this water main replacement period … Read More
Roncesvalles reconstruction now extended to 15 months +
Councillor Gord Perks has informed us that City staff now plan to repair the sanitary sewers during the 2009-10 reconstruction of Roncesvalles. For those keeping track, that now makes four major projects that will be part of the repair: 1) the sewers, 2) the lead water main replacements, 3) the sidewalks and 4) the TTC streetcar tracks. Obviously, it is … Read More
Walk and Bike for Life Community Meeting
We know a lot of our neighbours along Roncesvalles are cyclists. We’d like to invite you to a discussion in mid-January about better integrating cycling into the neighbourhood. We’ll also talk about enhancing the experience of pedestrians and making Roncesvalles a true “slow” street, in the best sense of that word. At the meeting, we’d like to hear your ideas. … Read More
Western Waterfront Master Plan public meeting and open house – December 9
From the City of Toronto’s Waterfront website: The Western Waterfront Master Plan Team would like to invite you to attend the 3rd Public Meeting and Open House for the Master Plan to be held on December 9th at St. Joseph’s Health Centre (30 The Queensway, Toronto), at 7:00 p.m. Meeting Notice City of Toronto: Western Waterfront Public Consultation
Bloor Dundas Avenue Study information boards now available online
The City is conducting an “Avenue Study,” which will make recommendations on how best to implement the City’s Official Plan along Bloor Street, between Keele and Dundas West, and along Dundas West from Bloor to Roncesvalles. These recommendations will determine zoning, development and planning policies for the area. The Roncesvalles Village BIA is taking part in the study’s community consultation … Read More