Stelco Site
Again, we urge area residents to consider the scope of this development and its potential to improve or degrade the community. On our website, we've added extensive notes from a walkabout by some involved in dialogue on the site. It describes some of the challenges, & opportunities of the site and surrounding area. More to come.

Ellis Park
Last issue, we reported a brief update on the development proposal. Below is an email communication we received from the "2 Big for our neighbourhood" group who led oppostion to the development:

For everyone who signed our e-petition last spring, opposing the huge condo/retail development proposed for the Bloor-Ellis lot next to High Park, here is an update on the issue:

In June, as you probably know, the City's Committee of Adjustment turned down Context Development's application for variances; variances that would have allowed it to build a condo 40% larger and 33% taller than the bylaws allow, directly adjacent to the park. The committee ruled that -- contrary to what Context claimed -- the variances were not minor. As one committee member put it, "This isn't development; it's over-development."

As expected, Context has now appealed that decision to the Ontario Municipal Board, and the City has appointed a lawyer to defend the Committee of Adjustment's decision at the OMB. We will let you know once a hearing date has been set. Meanwhile, the City is continuing to look into
the feasibility of acquiring the property.

We continue to benefit greatly from the strong support of our City Councillor, David Miller. He has chaired several public meetings on the issue, spoken on our behalf at the Committee of Adjustment and worked with City staff to examine various acquisition options for the property. We have worked closely with him, both over the past several months and in 1997-98, when another developer tried to build a huge condo on the lot, and we have been impressed by his integrity and hard work. While some other west-end councillors are busy trying to get their names and pictures in the newspapers, David Miller has been busy trying to ensure that our ward, which is currently under a great deal of development and retail pressure, evolves in a way that will benefit the entire community.

We will continue to update our website as the Bloor-Ellis issue unfolds, and we thank you once again for your support.

Our website is at http://www3.sympatico.ca/2BIG/

Federal Budget
Ranging a bit wider geographically, Parkdale-High Park MP Sarmite Bulte has been conducting her annual exercise in collecting public opinion on federal budget direction and priorities. As we have been doing for the past few years, world19 will be meeting with Ms Bulte to give our input and ideas, and as always, we solicit input from our readers. Here is the framework for the dialogue she has sent out:

As I have done in the past three years, I am canvassing my constituents for their suggestions on what the government's financial priorities should be. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance will be preparing a report to the Minister of Finance to address the following objectives:
1. Ensure that Canada remains a major player in the new economy.
2. Provide Canadians with an equal opportunity to succeed; and
3. Create an economic and social environment where Canadians can enjoy the best quality of life and standard of living.

Achievement of these goals will require decisions in a number of areas including the allocation of future surpluses, health care, education, taxation, debt reduction, research and development, physical and technological infrastructure, environmental measures, cultural programs and other key areas. In light of the above, I would like your views on the following:
a) Where should the emphasis lie between debt reduction, tax cuts and new and/or restored social spending and investment programs?
b) How should any tax cuts be targeted (e.g. across the board, low income, corporate, GST etc.)?
c) What areas of social spending and investment are the highest priority?

I am enclosing two charts with budget data. This first gives details on where the government raises its funds and where it spends them. The second provides the recent history of our accumulated debt and the corresponding interest charges. I look forward to your response.

[end of Ms Bulte's letter]

We will be posting this letter on our website later this week - and will also try to have the financial numbers posted soon.

Website
Again, more updates on city election, & community developments. We are making a new effort to make our website & newsletter community resources. We will provide space on our website for community-oriented groups and ideas and opinions. Send us your information and ideas.

New community dialogue
The Save The Village" campaign highlighed the frustration among many in the area that there was no venue to encompass the wide variety of voices and opinions in how their community evolves and develops. This has been one of our focuses since that campaign began. We are hoping to start an ongoing dialogue with the many groups, organizations and voices in the community in late October. More news to come.

For world19
John Leeson