world19News #117
December 2, 2002

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In this issue, a mix of local items, city-wide issues, and some in-between:

1. Front St. extension public forum Dec. 3
2. High Park: dying oaks and other notes
3. Island airport expansion & the waterfront
4. Events:
  - Gerard Kennedy forum Dec 3
  - "If you love this city" Dec 9
  - 4 Villages holiday celebration Dec. 12
  - Swansea Fitness, Health & Vitality Expo Jan 26 looking for volunteers & exhibitors
5. Village Notes: roll up the rim?
6. Other

1. FRONT ST. EXTENSION
We've covered this issue previously. For some background and relevant details, see www.city.world19.com

A public environmental forum on the issue will be held tomorrow: Tuesday, December 3/02 at 6:30 P.M. Masaryk Cowan Community Centre, 220 Cowan Avenue (just south of Queen Street West, between Dunn and Brock)

The project has been described as a $172-million "on ramp for the Gardiner Expressway". This may be one of the last chances for public input. out at this meeting.

2. HIGH PARK: Dying oaks, and a map Two items about High Park on our website: We have a PDF document we received recently that was prepared by the City's Urban Forestry department about the "alarming" mortality rate of High Park's oak trees.

(Also, a note about an award that the Urban Forestry department won recently).

We also have a PDF format map of High Park.

See http://webhome.idirect.com/~jleeson/hpcac.htm

3. ISLAND AIRPORT EXPANSION
An issue that has been all over the news lately. We have links to a number of opinion pieces and other sources of information, plus several items sent to us by one of our subscribers who is active in the CommunityAIR organization trying to stop this. http://webhome.idirect.com/~jleeson/island_airport.htm

How does a busy airport fit in to Toronto's grand "revitalized" waterfront? From Don Wanagas, writing in the National Post Nov. 29: "Twenty-nine councillors drove a spike through the heart of this city's waterfront revitalization plan last night. Snuffed it out without even stopping to th
ink about the long-term consequences of their murderous deed... This city should be in mourning"

4. EVENTS
See www.events.world19.com for more details. Here are some upcoming events:
a) Tue. Dec 3: Front St. extension public forum - see above

b) Gerard Kennedy's Community Council on Provincial Issues Tue. Dec 3, 7-9:00pm
"The Future of Publicly Funded Health Care and Education"
For more information, contact Tim Leary at 763-5630
St. Pius X Catholic School (71 Jane St., just north of Bloor)

c) If You Love This City... Mon. Dec. 9, 7-9:00pm
A workshop for people who care about Toronto. Part of the City of Toronto's civic engagement initiative, chaired by Councillor David Miller.
St. John's Anglican Church 288 Humberside (Humberside & Quebec Ave.)

Come and meet your neighbours for a stimulating multi-media presentation and a lively discussion that will give you a fresh perspective on: - why cities matter - how they really work - what you can do to create the city you want to live in

For more information, call Access Toronto, 416 338-0338

d) Four Villages Holiday celebration Thu. Dec 12, 2-4:00pm
You are cordially invited to celebrate the season of peace & good will with the Four Villages Community Centre at 1700 Bloor St. West (Keele & Bloor) 3rd floor Vilinius Manor

Our annual event will include: Holiday entertainment, Holiday sing-a-long, light refreshments and door prizes

e) Swansea Fitness, Health & Vitality Expo Sun. Jan. 26, 11am - 4pm
NEWS FLASH!!
Make Your 2003 New Year's Resolution early by deciding to attend Swansea Town Hall's first annual health event.

The Swansea Fitness, Health & Vitality Expo is being organised for Sunday January 26th, 2003 from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be great speakers, exhibitors representing complementary, alternative & traditional health approaches, local organisations, snacks, and prizes.

Please watch for more details in the local media and feel free to e-mail Sherry Barton for more details (sherry.barton@sympatico.ca).

THANKS & SEE YOU THERE!! If you're interested in participating as an exhibitor or volunteer, contact Sherry Barton.

5. VILLAGE NOTES
Rumour heard of Wendy's or Tim Horton's taking over the TD Bank location at Runnymede & Bloor. Meanwhile, Roots Kids who got the prime Windermere/Bloor location a few years ago by promising to outpay any other potential tenants may be finding it a bit pricy. They are apparently now "negotiating a new lease", which may explain the "space available" sign outside.

6. OTHER
On our website: the Sgro report is out on urban issues. We have a link to the report, as well as some contrasting views. The Star's Royson James likes it; Don Wanagas and John Sewell give a big thumbs-down.

For world19,
John Leeson

world19:
Supporting citizen involvement in our community and its future.
Phone: 416 766-8605
email: world19@world19.com
web: www.world19.com