PARKS FRIENDS

Jane's Walks 2012 in Ward 32 Green Spaces May 5 & 6

Jane’s Walk is back for a 6th year of extraordinary stories, chance encounters and urban exploration! This amazing community-led walking tour extravaganza began in Toronto and has expanded to over 75 cities worldwide. Last year hundreds of volunteers led over 170 free walking tours, showcasing the city, it's stories, it's people. This year promises great things as well, including atleast six fantastic walks in and around Ward 32. Have a look and lace up and join the conversation. Want to lead a walk yourself - fantastic! You can post your walking tour right now on the Jane's Walk website.

 

Tap to Toilet

 Saturday May 5, 2 – 4:30 pm

Co-guides: John Wilson, Helen Mills, Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon,

Meeting place:  Queen St E and Nursewood Ave(the eastern end of the Queen streetcar)

Tour ends at Coxwell Ave and Lakeshore Boulevard

In 2011 Toronto celebrates a century of safe water supply. It is 100 years since the last major outbreak of waterborne disease due to the shortcomings of the Toronto's tapwater. Prior to 1910 it wasn't safe to drink. Major investments in the decade 1905-1915 brought huge improvements in the quality of the city's drinking water, and some progress in the treatment of its sewage. But it took the appointment of R C Harris as Works Commissioner to truly transform the city's sanitation measures. He presided over massive expansions of sewage and water treatment. He forced both the public and politicians to find the necessary funds. On this walk we will be exploring the remarkable urban life support system created by R C Harris from the R C Harris Water Filtration Plant - Toronto's "Palace of Purification" to the Ashbridges Bay Sewage Treatment Plant. We will be finding out a bit more about efforts to bring sustainable sanitation to the 2.6 billion people worldwide who are still vulnerable to waterborne disease, learning more about water protection in Ontario from the new source protection legislation, to improvements at the Ashbridge's Bay Sewage Treatment Plant, and hearing from local experts about some exciting new ideas for eco-engineering the future of sanitation and toilets.

Be prepared to cover a few km's on the boardwalk on this walk. Dogs welcome.

 

Williamson Ravine Ramble

Saturday May 5, 4 – 6 pm

Co-guides: Jane Farrow, Todd Irvine, Adam Smith

Meeting place: In front of 315 Gainsborough Road, in the cul de sac, near Coxwell Ave and (upper) Gerrard St E.

Take a walk on the wild side through this hidden gem of the east end ravine system. This little known green corridor, serviced by steep stairways and mud paths, makes for a delightful urban getaway, all just footsteps from transit and bustling neighbourhoods. We'll be looking to spot a rare tree species known to be in this ravine – we're keeping it secret till then. This is really just an excuse to showcase the wonders of the Williamson ravine, but along the way we'll discuss the importance of signage and maps in making communities feel connected and inviting.  Adam Smith provides local input on wayfinding. Recently arrived Ward 32 resident Todd Irvine, arborist and legendarily opinionated urbanist, will provide spontaneous narration about ravines, canopies, pests and tree protection. Walkability advocate Jane Farrow advises sturdy footwear, a willingness to get muddy and ramble briskly. Leashed dogs welcome. Tour will end near Little India where you're encouraged to linger, discover and dine out on Toronto's finest dosas, barbequed corn and curries.

Spooky Spirit Ghost Tour of St John's Cemetery

Saturday May 5^th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Meeting place: St John's Norway Church Parking Lot, 470 Woodbine Ave, north of Kingston Rd

Co-guides: Gene Domagala , Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon,

Bring your flashlight and pop over to St John's Norway Church for a Spooky Spirit Ghost Tour of our Ward 32's largest cemetery.  Legendary local historian Gene Domagala will provide narration, Councillor McMahon does colour commentary, and you will marvel at the stories behind the stories of our dearly beloved neighbours.

How Parks Work: An Eastern Beaches Walkabout

Sunday May 6, 4 – 6 pm

Co-guides:  James Dann, Jane Farrow

Balmy Beach Club parking lot, foot of Beech Avenue

Tour ends at Gardeners' cottage in Kew Beach Park

The waterfront beach parks are one of the gems of the city park system. Join waterfront parks manager James Dann and Ward 32  staffer Jane Farrow for a walk on the boardwalk and insights into how parks are designed and maintained. Highlights include exciting tours of the renovated public washrooms! Design details on how boardwalk boards are replaced and footings shored up! And of course, there's an insider tour of the renovated off-leash area with all new fences and gates!  Take part in the conversation and tell us what you love and enjoy most about the waterfront parks. Dogs welcome of course.

 

The Other Danforth: The Life and Death of Upper Midway

Saturday May 5, 10 am – noon

Tour Guide: Stephen Wickens

Meeting place: Wise Guys nightclub, 2301 Danforth at Oak Park.

For many Torontonians, the Danforth is the main street of Riverdale or a place to eat Greek food. But that image covers just a small strip of this storied street, formerly known as the Second Concession, the Danforth Plank Road and The King’s Highway No. 5. Danforth east of Pape, often referred to as the “Other Danforth,” wasn’t really developed until the 1920s, after the Bloor viaduct opened. The Other Danforth has always tended to be blue collar and gritty.  And while it has seen hard times, especially in the past four decades, the area is almost certainly about to see a wave of gentrification, investment and development. Join the conversation about local history, development and neighbourhood revitalization. The walk is led by Stephen Wickens, a freelance writer and editor who spent more than 35 years at four Toronto newspapers. Stephen was raised in the east end and is a lifelong amateur urbanist.

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/

 

Skating Path Plan and Historical Society Working Groups

Ward 32 Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon is looking to round up some skating enthusiasts and history buffs to join working groups in support of a couple new local ventures.  A Skating Path Work Group is being set up to gauge the interest and feasibility for a skating path along the waterfront. The path would be similar to one in Etobicoke and would has the potential to enliven the waterfront parks in winter. You don't have to be a skater to join, but you do have to be enthusiastic about a process that would undoubtedly take some time and fundraising skills to bring to fruition.

Councillor McMahon is also hoping to establish a Ward 32 Historical Society. This group would be a valuable resource for the community and would potentially be active organizing walking tours, exhibits, creating an inventory of heritage buildings in the neighbourhood, collecting orals history and so on. Contact us at councillor_mcmahon@toronto.ca or phone 416-392-1376.

 

Boardwalk Cafe and Woodbine/Ashbridges Bay Park Update

Councillor McMahon hosted a community drop-in at the Boardwalk Café  on Saturday December 3. Over 50 local residents attended, saw the site plan drawings, walked the perimeter and spoke with city staff and cafe owner George Foulidis. People said that they appreciated the opportunity to learn more first hand and have their questions answered directly by the city staff responsible for the park and the cafe owner.

Councillor McMahon noted that this drop-in was an important step towards establishing more open and transparent lines of communication with the community. She thanks everyone for coming out and states that will be more events like this in the coming months. "These parks are valuable and cherished by local residents and people from across the city. Keeping everyone in the loop about how they're managed and maintained is critical for good community relations."

Councillor McMahon is also in the process of forming a 'Friends of Food' group of local residents who want to help think through and promote great food policies and practices in the ward. For more information on Friends of Food, get in touch at Councillor_McMahon@toronto.ca

A number of important questions are being made available here that explain how the building permit process works and what exactly is being built by the Boardwalk Cafe. Please let us know if you have other questions and we will do our best to get questions answered promptly.

 

 

Who issued the building permits for the renovation and addition at the Boardwalk Café? Toronto Building department's role in this building approval process is one of ensuring the proposed renovations comply with the Ontario Building Code and all applicable law, including the zoning by-law, Toronto Region and Conservation Authority as well as Site Plan Approval.

 

Toronto Building department does not control nor can they authorize the construction in parks - that task falls under the responsibility of City Council and Parks Division who entered into an agreement set out in PE1.3 adopted by Council at its meeting held on February  5, 6, 7 and  8 2007 as amended by GM30.20 and adopted by Council at its meeting held on May 11 and 12, 2010. At that time Sandra Bussin was the councillor for Ward 32.

 

Does the building renovation at Boardwalk Café require a new zoning classification or are the renovations permitted within the existing zoning and footprint?

The renovations / addition comply with all the zoning by-law requirements.

 

The construction authorized under the building permit issued by Toronto Building on Sept 15, 2011 would see the existing building expand to a size of approximately 10,000 sq.ft. The proposal complies fully with all of the zoning provisions and no minor variance or amendment to the zoning by-law was required. Total new floor area of 596 sq. m. NOTE 28 sq. m. of existing being demolished . A partial second floor addition is being constructed, which complies with the zoning by-law.

 

The development of the property falls into an exempt form of development in the Site Plan Approval By-law (Chapter 165 of the Toronto Municipal Code) and as such site plan approval was not required for the proposed expansion.

 

A PDF of the relevant clause in the Municipal Code [165-36 - Exempt Mixed-use and non-residential development Clause A. (2) (a) is available by requesting it from Armando Barbini at abarbini@toronto.ca.  As noted in this document, additions of less than 600 sq.m. do not require site plan approval. In the case of the Boardwalk Café, the addition proposed by the owner increased the size of the existing building by 596 sq. m. and thus is exempt from the site plan approval process.

 

Will there be outdoor seating on patios in the new renovation?  Yes, a second floor patio is proposed and a ground floor patio is being maintained, all in compliance with the zoning by-law.

 

Who is paying for the renovations at the Boardwalk Cafe?

The owner of the Boardwalk Café. No public monies are being spent on the renovation at the café.

 

 

Tree Removals 

The removal of the four healthy trees was approved by parks and forestry to accommodate the turning circle.  The turning circle was vetted through the previous GM and parks staff months ago.  There are ten times the number of necessary number of trees being planted.  40 trees will be planted in the spring with the approval of forestry.

 

What is the Parks Department planning to do in the parking lot area with a turn around?

This has been a major pinch point for vehicles, TTC buses and our parks operations.  In the peak season we try to limit vehicles on the trail as much as possible and this is one of our major entry points into the park.  This area is frequently backed up over the summer and the planning was put in to alleviate this concern.

 

Winter sightings of coyotes are normal in the city

Residents in the city of Toronto who live on or near ravines and forests (typical coyote habitat) should expect to have more coyote sightings during winter months. Coyotes have become a natural part of the urban landscape in Toronto. They can thrive in urban areas because of the abundance of food and shelter available to them.

Residents can expect to see coyotes more often in winter for the following reasons:
• It is easier to spot coyotes in parks and ravines in the winter because they are not hidden by foliage.
• Coyotes are wary by nature and are more comfortable roaming in residential neighbourhoods when fewer people are outside.
• The months of January and February are mating season for coyotes, which means coyotes are more active during this time, making them more visible.

Coyotes may approach pets that are not supervised, especially cats and small dogs. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pet while they are outside. It is very unlikely that a coyote will be attracted to a child; however, close supervision of children is also important.

Residents are advised to follow these practical steps that will help to minimize negative encounters with coyotes:
• Never feed a coyote or any wild animal. Feeding wild animals is detrimental to the community and to the animals themselves.
• Do not feed domestic pets outside.
• Ensure all household garbage is inaccessible to animals.
• Place garbage at the curb the morning of the scheduled pick-up.
• Consider using green bins instead of composters for food waste.
• Always supervise pets - keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors or supervised while outside.
• Remove dense brush and weeds around property to minimize hiding spots for coyotes.
• If you encounter a coyote, wave your arms aggressively, make loud noises, and throw objects in its direction (but not at it) to scare it away. These actions teach coyotes to be afraid of humans and this will minimize conflicts. If these actions do not scare a coyote, back away slowly from the animal. Do not turn your back or attempt to run away.

In this last scenario, if the coyote is not scared away, please call Toronto Animal Services, through 311. There is no need to call if you simply spot a coyote exhibiting its normal behaviour.

If every member of the community commits to following these steps, we will experience fewer negative encounters with coyotes in Toronto.

For more information, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/animal_services/coyote.htm

 

Share your thoughts about Toronto's parks

 The City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division is developing a 5-year plan for the City's parks. The Parks Plan will guide decision-making and investment in City parks in order to meet the diverse needs of Toronto residents, including:

• designing beautiful, unique, and sustainable park spaces
• protecting and expanding natural areas
• balancing park uses to include play spaces, natural areas, sports activities, urban agriculture and cultural expression
• engaging the community through stewardship, volunteering, and partnerships
• ensuring the City's parks and trails are available and accessible to all residents

 We urge you to give your input into the City's new 5-year Parks Plan. The public consultation meetings are now over, but you can still contribute your thoughts by filling out the online survey at www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan

For more information about the plan, visit www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan or contact 311.