Summer Ward 4 Updates

Taste of Junction

The vibrant neighbourhood of the Junction is thrilled to announce the return of Taste of the Junction, an extraordinary event uniting 21 exceptional local businesses. Guests are invited to explore and indulge in delicious culinary delights, refreshing beverages and browse unique products from various retail vendors. Presented by The Junction BIA, in partnership with Stu Sells Realty, the second annual event will take place on Saturday, September 7th, from 12 PM to 9 PM at a new location off Jackson Place (51 Vine Ave). This year, Taste of the Junction will soar to new heights by integrating the beloved event with the official launch of The AR Laneway Project. In addition to enjoying mouthwatering delights offered by local restaurants and shopping an array of retail vendors, attendees are invited to the unveiling of the vibrant new animated mural, “Rhapsody in Gold,” located in the rear laneway of 2896 Dundas St W. This captivating 765-square-foot animated mural can be experienced through the FREE Artivive app, which uses augmented reality (AR) to bring the artwork to life. Guests can simply point their smartphone at this NEW mural, and five existing murals in the laneway and witness the art in a new and magical way!

More information here!

Don't miss out—subscribe to our mailing list HERE to stay in the loop on all the Junction's upcoming events, promotions, and contests!

Drop-In Sports for Youth in Parkdale

Beginning the week of August 6th, Community Recreation in partnership with TDSB/TCDSB will be offering free drop-in sports programming for youth at the following locations:

• Parkdale Community Recreation Centre
• Parkdale Jr Sr Public School (78 Seaforth Ave)

This programming will be led by Community Recreation staff and informed by local youth to ensure the best experience for each individual community.

Get hired: City of Toronto winter jobs heating up with cool opportunities

It may be summer outside, but Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Alejandra Bravo (Davenport), Chair, Economic & Community Development Committee both had winter on their minds as they reminded residents that the City of Toronto is actively hiring students and adults for part-time winter recreation positions.

The City is looking to fill employment opportunities in ski, skate, snowboard, indoor swim, fitness, sports, arts and after-school programs this winter.

Part-time winter recreation jobs help local students, adults and seniors build leadership skills, gain experience and prepare for future job skills and training.

As a pathway to youth employment, the City also offers employment readiness programs for youth through the Building Skills Through Recreation Program. These programs will prepare candidates for both leadership and employment opportunities. This program will allow youth to gain the resources they need to make positive life choices, gain the confidence and skills to obtain employment and become leaders in their communities. For more information, visit: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/leadership-employment-readiness/leadership-coaching-programs/

The City is the largest employer of students in the city, with thousands of good jobs at fair wages available for anyone seeking part-time employment. Each year, as Toronto’s largest recreation program provider, the City employs approximately 9,000 recreation workers. Approximately 5,000 employees were needed during the Winter 2024 season to support community recreation programs.

The City of Toronto is consistently one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, as well as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. Learn more by visiting the City’s Jobs webpage: https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/content/Why-Work-with-Us/?locale=en_US

To learn about available winter recreation positions and other after-school programs, visit the City’s Recreation Jobs webpage https://jobs.toronto.ca/recreation.

Additional job postings for winter recreation will continue to be added in the coming weeks.

For tips on how to apply and get hired, visit the City’s Recreation Jobs webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/home/jobs/information-for-applicants/recruitment-initiatives/recreation-jobs/new-applicants/how-to-get-hired-in-recreation/

11 Brock Ave.

Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) has been selected as the community housing provider for the development at 11 Brock Ave. PARC operates supportive homes in Toronto for adults experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, many with a history of homelessness.

PARC is working with the City throughout the design and construction process and will lease and operate the building once construction is completed in 2025. This development will create approximately 42 new rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Construction at 11 Brock Ave. is anticipated to start at the end of 2024, with residents moving into their new homes by the end of 2025.

The City has requested funding from the Province of Ontario to support the operating costs for support services at both sites. In total, the City requires an additional investment of $12 million annually beginning in 2025 for new supportive housing projects expected to complete construction in 2025 and 2026. The City has also requested the Province renew its current annual investment of $48 million for another three years to ensure the ongoing stability of support services in over 3,000 existing supportive homes in Toronto.

More information on 11 Brock Ave. can be found on the City’s website at: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/affordable-housing-developments/map-of-affordable-housing-locations/11-brock-ave/.

These new rental housing projects are being delivered under the City’s new Public Developer Delivery model, which will provide much-needed affordable and supportive homes. Under the Public Developer model, the City will take a greater role in the development process while accelerating the creation of non-market affordable rental homes for low- and moderate-income residents.

Learn4Life Registration Open

Looking for something fun to do this fall? The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program. These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community. Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more! Registration now open. Visit learn4life.ca to learn more.

CNE Traffic Management Plan *UPDATE*

• Traffic control at key intersection throughout the event to help manage traffic and mitigate neighborhood infiltration (some locations started this Monday)
• Static signage installation advising of the closure of Dufferin St (expected to be completed this Thursday)
• Use of portable and variable message signs (P/VMS) along Lake Shore and Gardiner to message the Dufferin St closure (Starting Friday)
• Active traffic management – coverage in the Traffic Operations Centre monitoring cameras and making real-time signal timing adjustments (starting this Friday)
• New camera installation at Dufferin/East Liberty (expected to be installed by this Friday)

Public Survey – Toronto Renovictions By-law

The City of Toronto is developing a new by-law to protect renters from being unfairly evicted for renovations (“renovictions”). As part of developing this by-law, the City has launched a public survey to gather input from tenants, landlords, and other Toronto residents. To complete the survey, visit www.toronto.ca/renovictions, before September 30. City staff will report to the City’s Planning and Housing Committee on October 30, 2024, with a proposed renovictions by-law.

Fall into Fun: City of Toronto releases fall recreational program listings

Get ready for autumn with an exciting lineup of fall recreational programs. The City of Toronto’s fall recreation program listings are now available online to help residents prepare for registration next month. From swimming lessons and fitness classes to art workshops and cooking classes, there is something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on the chance to stay active, make new friends and enjoy the season to the fullest. Registration for fall recreation programs – that begin on Saturday, September 28 – opens on:

• Tuesday, September 10, 7 a.m. (Etobicoke York, Toronto and East York)
• Wednesday, September 11, 7 a.m. (North York and Scarborough

Residents can visit the City’s Fall Recreation webpage to learn more about fall programs and registration information and dates for their local facility: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/fall-recreation-programs/.

The City is proud to offer thousands of recreation programs for all ages, skill levels and interests. Approximately 16,000 registered courses with nearly 157,000 spaces will be offered in arts, fitness, sports, skating and swimming programs.

The quickest and easiest way to register for recreation programs is online. Registration by phone will also be available by calling 416-396-7378 from 7 a.m. on registration dates. For in-person registration support, five community centre locations will be open on the following dates, from 7 a.m. to noon:

In-person registration on Tuesday, September 10

• Driftwood Community Recreation Centre, 4401 Jane St.
• Masaryk-Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave.
• Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne St.

In-person registration on Wednesday, September 11

• Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd.
• Dennis R. Timbrell Resource Centre, 29 St. Dennis Dr.

Residents who require help preparing for registration can call 416-396-7378, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, the City will offer extended hours on Monday, September 9 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The call centre will be open for extended hours on registration days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The City’s recreation programs are popular, and many have waitlists. If registrants are unable to attend their program, they are asked to contact their local community centre or call the customer service line at 416-396-7378 to cancel their registration so that a spot can be offered to someone else.

Discounts and free recreation programs

Many community centres offer free recreation programs including leisure swimming and drop-in programs for children, youth and older adults. Participants 60 years and older receive a 50 per cent discount on the regular price of adult recreation programs excluding private, semi-private and small group lessons.

More information about free programs and other subsidies for recreation programs is available on the City’s Free & Lower-Cost Recreation Options webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/how-to-use-our-services/how-to-register-for-recreation-programs/free-lower-cost-recreation-options/.

Welcome Policy annual credit

The Welcome Policy credit can be used to register for City recreation programs including fall recreation. Those receiving social assistance (Ontario Works) and living in Toronto are pre-approved to receive this credit and should speak to their caseworker or apply online. Toronto residents with family income that meets the criteria may also apply.

More information on the criteria and how to apply can be found on the Welcome Policy webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/child-family-support/welcome-policy-recreation-fee-subsidy/

Reminder: Recruitment for Parkdale Hub - Community Space Advisory Committee

The City of Toronto is developing a new collaborative model for City-owned and community-operated Hubs and is recruiting individuals/organizations to participate on a Community Space Advisory Committee (CSAC).

The work of the Committee will support the Community Space development in the West Block of the Parkdale Hub. There will be 15 seats on the CSAC with 4 seats designated for residents of Parkdale community.

The CSAC will strengthen the community-building processes by bringing in perspectives that reflect the geographic proximity, interests, and diversity of the Parkdale community. The draft Terms of Reference is included in the application form for your reference.

Mandate of the Community Space Advisory Committee

• Provide equity-focused insights for designing the City-led REOI process to select future agency operators in the West Block Community Space.
• Offer input on design components of the community space to meet Parkdale area needs and services.
• Advise on governance, operational, and financial models for the Community Space, including Public Appointment criteria for the Parkdale Hub Community Space Board of Operations.
• Inform the development of a Relationship Framework between the City of Toronto and agency partners at the Community Space.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive environment and advocate for a Parkdale-centric approach to the West Block Community Space within the Parkdale Hub.

Who can Apply:

• Parkdale Residents, as individuals who live in Parkdale and who are involved in community and can reflect the diverse voices of the neighbourhood.
• Parkdale Residents’ Associations, representing residents that live in proximity to the site (e.g., resident groups, grassroots groups, tenant associations)
• Parkdale Businesses, as organizations with an economic or business interest(s) (such as the local BIA) to speak from the perspective of local livelihoods.
• Parkdale Service Providers, as organizations that serve / provide services to the local community, not specifically focused on residential or business interests (e.g. arts and culture, education, health & well-being, recreation, etc.)
• Other affected organizations, as organizations that advocate on behalf of other interests that might be directly affected by project decision making.

Member Commitment

• Monthly meetings
• 21 months (approximately)

Honourarium

• Provided to members who experience barriers to participation because of lived and/or living experience of poverty and intersecting issues.

Click this link to apply or scan the QR code below

Please share this opportunity widely within Parkdale

For more information on the project, please feel free to connect with me directly at [email protected] or by phone at 437-213-5069.

Wabash Community Recreation Centre – Public Art Announcement

The City of Toronto is pleased to announce that artist Shellie Zhang has been commissioned for the Wabash Community Recreation Centre public art project! Her proposal ‘Part of the Whole’ was selected through a competitive public art process and was favoured by the community. Inspired by stories of the surrounding neighbourhood rallying together to create public greenspace, the artwork is a large hanging beaded curtain sculpture featuring the image of a sunset against a green landscape with wildflowers. The sculpture will be suspended in the multi-story lobby of the new Wabash CRC. This will be her first permanent public art commission.

The Wabash CRC will be a four-story community space located at the southeast corner of Sorauren Park, adaptively reusing the existing former Canadian Linseed Oil Mills Ltd. building. Learn more about Wabash Community Recreation Centre.

City of Toronto releases fall recreational program listings

Get ready for autumn with an exciting lineup of fall recreational programs. The City of Toronto’s fall recreation program listings are now available online to help residents prepare for registration next month. From swimming lessons and fitness classes to art workshops and cooking classes, there is something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on the chance to stay active, make new friends and enjoy the season to the fullest. Registration for fall recreation programs – that begin on Saturday, September 28 – opens on:

• Tuesday, September 10, 7 a.m. (Etobicoke York, Toronto and East York)
• Wednesday, September 11, 7 a.m. (North York and Scarborough)

Residents can visit the City’s Fall Recreation webpage to learn more about fall programs and registration information and dates for their local facility: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/fall-recreation-programs/.

Part-time winter jobs available ❄️ 

The City of Toronto is looking for part-time winter recreation workers to fill positions for skate, ski, snowboard, afterschool recreation programs and more.    

Individuals of all ages, including adults, seniors and newcomers are welcome to apply for good jobs that build leadership skills, provide work experience and develop future job skills and training.   

Discover winter recreation and after-school program opportunities at https://jobs.toronto.ca/recreation/ Apply early - deadlines vary by position. 

Share your feedback: Action Plan for Toronto's Culture Sector 🎬 

The City of Toronto is creating a 10-year Action Plan for Toronto's Culture Sector, aiming to enhance cultural engagement and development across the city. Residents can help shape the final recommendations for the Action Plan by providing their inputs in an online survey: https://cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=403515&d=l&h=F31FF18DD77AFA3&l=en  

The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, September 12. More information is available on the City’s Action Plan for Toronto's Culture Sector webpage. 

Low Carbon Home Improvements 🏠 

Homes and buildings that use fossil fuels for heating are the largest source of emissions in Toronto. Switching to cleaner energy sources is key to reducing carbon emissions. As part of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, the City offers homeowners a variety of supports that help them access financing, create energy-efficient homes and reduce emissions. Find more information and supports for homeowners on the City’s Net Zero Homes & Buildings webpage. 

2461-2475 Dundas St W - Zoning By-law Amendment Applications

On July 30^th 2024, an application was submitted for 2461-2475 Dundas St W which proposes a 29-storey mixed use building. The application proposes 360 square metres of ground floor retail and 288 dwelling units (including 9 rental replacement units), with 260 bike parking spaces and 38 vehicle parking spaces.

This application is still being considered by City Planning staff.

A Community Consultation Meeting is currently being scheduled for September. Details for this meeting will be shared with the community when available.

More information on the application can be found on the City’s Application Information Centre website here: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-details/?id=5482273&pid=148578.

2112 Dundas St W - Zoning By-law Amendment Applications

On August 20^th 2024, a complete application was submitted for 2112 Dundas St W which proposes a 10-storey mixed use building. The application proposes 3 ground floor commercial units and 52 residential units intended for rental tenure, with 47 bike parking spaces and 3 visitor vehicle parking spaces.

This application is still being considered by City Planning staff.

A Community Consultation Meeting is currently being scheduled for September. Details for this meeting will be shared with the community when available.

More information on the application can be found on the City’s Application Information Centre website here: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-details/?id=5481364&pid=161633.

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