LOCAL EVENTS

 
Free Family Swim at Malvern CI

Saturdays   May 5, 12, 19, 26        

3:30-5:00pm

With thanks to Mark Richards, RE/MAX Hallmark Realty, who has generously sponsored this free community activity.  

 

Doors Open Toronto explores Toronto's history of communities

Over the last 200 years, Toronto has grown from a town of 700 to a metropolis of 2.7 million residents. Toronto is one of the world's most diverse cities - with 140 distinct neighbourhoods.

On May 26 and 27, the 13th annual Doors Open Toronto will give the public a rare opportunity to explore Toronto's historic and modern development. Doors Open will provide access to many of the city's most interesting spaces and reveal the communities that helped create Toronto. More than 135 locations, including 51 new ones, are included in this year's Doors Open weekend.

Many of this year's locations have been grouped into themes and neighbourhoods. A news release highlighted the themes. Highlights of the neighbourhood groupings include the following locations:

The Beaches: There will be two walking tours on May 26 starting at the Beaches Branch Public Library, which will include a presentation about the library's history, followed by a historical introduction to the Beach community and a walking tour of the neighbourhood. Area highlights include the Corpus Christi Parish and Fire Station 227. Nearby is the largest ensemble of buildings in Toronto - at the R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant.

Waterfront: This new neighbourhood will have many buildings and activities to discover. Doors Open on Toronto's Waterfront, presented by Queen's Quay Terminal in association with the Waterfront Business Improvement Association (BIA), will feature 15 ships and two historic buildings. The Toronto Harbour Commission building will be open to the public on Saturday and Queen's Quay Terminal will feature archival photographs showcasing the history of Toronto's waterfront. The photographs are available courtesy of Toronto Star Archives, the Toronto Port Authority, City of Toronto Archives and Queen’s Quay Terminal. Corus Quay, Redpath Sugar and the John St. Roundhouse will also have their doors open in this area.

Many other neighbourhoods are featured, for more information please visit:  http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

Fourth Annual Danforth East Fall Arts Fair

This highly successful outdoor arts and crafts fair is held in East Lynn Park, a beautiful and bustling community hub located on the Danforth between Coxwell and Woodbine. The show provides artists with a unique opportunity to showcase and sell their work. The vibrant community is filled with new families, established homeowners and creative folks who are eager to support local artists.  The Arts Fair is expanding this year. The jury expects to select approximately 60 artisans. The fair will also feature live music, children's activities, artist awards, food sales and more! It's always a great time.The early deadline is May 18, 2012. Given the high number of applications received in previous years, it is strongly encouraged that artisans apply early. Questions? Visit www.deca-arts.ca or email us: deca.arts@gmail.com

 

Spring Bird Festival at Tommy Thompson Park
Saturday May 12, 7am - 4pm
Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto (at the foot of Leslie St, south of Lake Shore Blvd E).

Join us at the Spring Bird Festival to learn about the amazing phenomenon of migration and the importance of bird conservation. A variety of activities will be offered for people of all ages and all birding abilities!
For more information visit www.springbirdfestival.ca

SaveONenergy SPRING COUPON EVENT

 

Through April 29th, the saveONenergy SPRING COUPON EVENT program will be taking place at participating retailers for customer discounts on eligible energy-efficient products for the home. The saveONenergy SPRING COUPON EVENT is funded by the Ontario Power Authority and offered by Toronto Hydro.

More details and a list of participating retailers and eligible products/discounts can be found at torontohydro.com/coupons

Toronto Hydro will be at all The Home Depot stores across the city on April 14th and 15th, providing product and program education to customers. 

 

JUST ANNOUNCED:  The saveONenergy EXCHANGE EVENT will be held at all Canadian Tire stores on June 16 & 17, 2012 only.  Customers can swap their old, inefficient window/room air conditioners and dehumidifiers for a $50 coupon to redeem against a new, efficient model. More information will be available at torontohydro.com/exchange in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

In other news:

Artists / Artisans: the  early-bird deadline for the Danforth East Arts Fair is May 18.  Apply now and save some cash!  http://www.deca-arts.ca/

The Glen Stewart Ravine Improvements

The Glen Stewart Ravine capital infrastructure replacement project will be complete by the end of April.  At this point a staircase and two bridges have been completely rebuilt. A boardwalk has also been added to make the ravine features more accessible.  Mark your calendars for the grand opening  scheduled for Saturday May 26 at 11 am, meeting at the Glen Manor drive entrance. Come join the fun and explore this precious strip of woods and ravine at our doorsteps.

 Here's a few frequently asked questions about the ravine improvement projects and the rationale behind it.

1. Why close the secondary trail?

The secondary trails run across steep ravine slopes and are contributing to forest decline.  Tree roots are being damaged by soil compaction and exposed by soil erosion.  Trees and other plants protect the soils from erosion to reduce the risk landslides and other types of erosion failure. Trees also benefit wildlife and people who use the ravine and they require more protection if they are to remain healthy and regenerate seedlings to sustain the forest in the long term. Currently there is no regeneration and the trees are declining, with many that have become hazardous as a result of the lack of protection. The main trail has been improved to benefit people and dog walkers who wish to enjoy travelling through the ravine. By keeping traffic on the main trail the negative impacts to the forest are minimized. 

2. Why build a boardwalk?

This boardwalk has been constructed to enable the path to be lifted above the ground and allow the natural water seepage coming from the base of the ravine slopes to flow under the boardwalk to the creek. Previously the granular materials used to support the pathway were being washed into the creek, leaving the trail wet and muddy.

The boardwalk also provides accessible access for park users with wheelchairs, mobility devices or strollers.  The vista point created at the north end of the boardwalk creates a destination point and a potential turn around area for those park users that choose not to proceed over the steeper gradients associated with the rest of the ravine trail.

3. Why build fences adjacent to the trail?

Fences  contain the trails to a limited area, reducing the damage to the forest caused by soil compaction, erosion and trampling of vegetation.  Fences have been installed to prevent access to secondary trails. Reduced traffic on the slopes will allow newly planted and naturally regenerating vegetation to grow without disturbance With fewer trails to maintain, tree pruning and removal required to manage risk to park users can also be reduced .

4. What are the environmental features  that are being protected?

• The plant community dominated by red oak and red maple trees, witch hazel and maple leaf viburnum shrubs,  is a rare forest type in the Toronto area. 
• This ravine provides important shelter for migratory birds
• The active ground water seepage coming from the base of the slopes provides for clean water to sustain flow in Ames creek. Specialized plant communities grow in the wet soils at the base of the slopes.

 

5. What are the black bags in the ravine?

The black bags in the ravine are a low-impact retaining wall system that has been used to replace old wooden retaining walls  that were collapsing and  decomposing.  These new retaining walls will support the growth of vegetation on top  or between the bags,  creating a living structure that is more durable over time and more aesthetically and environmentally suited to the natural  ravine setting.

6. How can we enjoy nature if we cannot use the trail that has been closed?

The main trail will remain open and gives similar experiences of the forest and nature. It is simply not possible to protect the forest in Glen Stewart ravine if we continue to allow all the current pathways to remain.   There are many other natural areas in Toronto that may provide for alternative, enjoyable nature experiences.  Call 311 to request a free Parks and Trails Map.

7. What will be done to restore the forest once the trails are closed?

Many sections will be actively planted while others will be left undisturbed to allow for natural regeneration.  It will take time and continued protection for the forest to return to health.   When the  fencing is installed and trail users stay to the main trail, the forest can to a degree restore itself.   Forest soils will recover and seeds can germinate, allowing saplings to grow without trampling.

8. Will the east slope trail ever be re-opened?

No. The closure is permanent in order to restore and preserve this valuable natural area.

9. I have been coming to this ravine for years with my pet, and have been allowed to run my dog off leash. The signs posted say this is no longer allowed.  Why?

While there has been much dog-off leash use at the site, Glen Stewart Ravine has never been an authorized dog-off leash area.  The ravine has been progressively degraded by multiple types of use that disturb the sensitive slopes, one of these uses is off-leash dog use.  This natural ravine forest is not compatible with concentrated off-leash dog use.  The City has invested significantly to improve access on the main trail, and propose to begin significant restoration through planting.  To support these improvements regulating dog off-leash use will be increasingly important to protecting the slopes, plants and the safety of other users, such as those using the accessible entrance.  

10. What can I do to support the work that the City is doing to protect the ravine?

Contact Cheryl Post at 416-392-1948 or cpost@toronto.ca if you are interested in supporting work that protects the ravine, such as planting initiatives or pulling invasive weeds that grow in the ravine.  If there is significant interest an event can be scheduled for the community.

Contact Mari Caravaggio at 416-338-5059 or mcarava@toronto.ca  if you are interested in donating funds to future improvements in Glen Stewart Ravine. 

The stairs and boardwalk at the north end of the ravine is getting old. Will these be replaced soon?

A capital funding request has been submitted for replacing the staircases at Kingston Road and at Beech Avenue.  At this time, this funding has not yet been approved.  There are many financial issues facing the City, and many projects competing for funding.  The good news is both of these staircases are in better shape than the previous Balsam staircase was before replacement.    Additionally, there are options for removing rather than reconstructing the Kingston Road Staircase that can be explored.

11. How can I get more information about this special ravine forest?

Please visit the link below which provides detailed information on the Glen Stewart Ravine Management Plan, http://www.schollenandcompany.com/glenstewart.zip/

Wanted: Backyards. Will Provide Gardens

TORONTO – Imagine a world where everyone has access to healthy, local, organic food. Sharing Backyards wants to make that goal a reality. In fact, they’re willing to give anyone who wants to grow food, the space to do it.
The premise of this unique urban gardening program is simple: Sharing Backyards connects those who have garden space with those who don’t. Now would-be gardeners, non-gardeners and neighbours of all kinds can come together in an atmosphere of trust – where the end product not only beautifies a homeowner’s yard but also provides fresh food for all. Homeowners are paired with a gardening partner and split the cost of supplies. Later once they reap the harvest, both parties share the abundance of the crops.
For more information on this exciting program, visit www.sharingbackyardstoronto.ca and click on the map to browse through listings – post your own or look for others already offering yard space or gardening skills. Your address and e-mail remain hidden, and messages come directly through the website to you. You can also sign up to receive free gardening advice. Sharing Backyards Toronto is brought to you by the LifeCycles Project Society (www.lifecyclesproject.ca ) together with local partner Growing for Green, founder of Toronto’s first community orchard in a public park. Growing for Green also runs annual fruit tree care and gardening workshops. (www.communityorchard.ca ).

About Growing for Green
Growing for Green, founders of Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard, is a volunteer eco-gardening group based in Toronto’s Ward 21. The group is responsible for the planting and maintenance of Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard. Volunteers have donated hundreds of hours of their time to transform the park, and to create educational programming and activities including regular stewardship days to take care of the Orchard and Pollinator Garden.

For information on orchard events, contact Suzanne Hartmann at shartmann@sympatico.ca  or visit the website at www.communityorchard.ca