On January 23 and 24, the TTC will host public information meetings, presenting route options for the proposed Western Waterfront Streetcar. This new streetcar route will connect Union Station to the foot of Roncesvalles, via the waterfront. This project will no doubt have a large impact on the Parkdale, Liberty Village and Roncesvalles neighbourhoods. The public is invited to attend … Read More
Getting ready for the reconstruction
While the 2008 or 2009 reconstruction of Roncesvalles promises exciting changes, the BIA understands that businesses are very concerned about construction logistics and disruptions. There are still many questions that need to be settled soon so that businesses can make their plans and adjustments. We hope to have these answers for you soon. In the meantime, a few of us … Read More
Last day at Karl’s, as Province forces Roncesvalles business to close
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
City Seeks Our Street Furniture Wish List
On September 1 2007, the City entered into a 20-year contract with Astral Media to provide garbage bins, bus shelters and other items under the Coordinated Street Furniture Program. In exchange for providing, installing and maintaining these items, Astral will be given exclusive rights to sell advertising on bus shelters and information pillars. There is to be no advertising on … Read More
The BIA is Hiring, Seeks New Coordinator
Last Friday, our coordinator, Leah Dimitrakopoulos, worked her last day for the Roncesvalles Village BIA. She is leaving to pursue other opportunities at other BIAs. We would like to thank Leah for her service to the BIA and the community. The Roncesvalles Village BIA is now seeking a new administrative coordinator. The position is part-time (20-25 hours per week), and … Read More
Santa to Visit Roncesvalles
Everyone is invitied to greet Santa Claus and Swiety Mikolaj, who will be visiting Roncesvalles on Saturday, December 1 at 1:30 pm. They’ll be arriving on a Station #15 fire truck at 1:30 pm in front of the St. Stanislaus & St. Casimirs Polish Parishes Credit Union (220 Roncesvalles Ave). There will be free hot chocolate and candy canes! Later, … Read More
Polish Festival Attracts Over 100,000 Visitors
The 2007 Roncesvalles Village Polish Festival, held on Sept. 15 and 16, was a tremendous success, attracting over 100,000 visitors. Here are some images from the 2007 festival, courtesy of Peter Bacler.
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