world19News #96 - December 20, 2001

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In this issue:
Various notes, some of which apply to the "season", including:
1. Welcome to new subscribers
2. Winter Solstice celebration in High Park
3. News from Afghanistan
4. Eco-Village & Electricty choices workshop
5. Ellis Park/1947 Bloor update
6. Toxins in the Humber

1. WELCOME TO NEW SUBSCRIBERS
We've added a number of new subscribers recently -- even some from Manitoba & BC! We usually try to send a note back when we get a subscription request, but haven't been able to do that with everyone, so for now, this will be a welcome to all our new readers.

For new readers -- and old -- we're always looking for ideas, information, news, suggestions, questions and rumours that might be of interest to others. Our newsletter & website over the past few years has developed into a unique on-line resource, one which we hope can help promote communication, involvement and linkage among interested members of our community.

2. WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION IN HIGH PARK - Friday evening, Dec 21
We recently received the following note & invitation:

Greetings as we approach the shortest day and longest night. In its honour we will be having a Winter Solstice celebration at the High Park labyrinth on Friday, Dec. 21st beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Please bring a candle and your friends and any songs or words of wisdom you would like to share.

3. NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN
As usual at this time of year, most people's focus here is on celebrations -- Christmas, Hannukah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, the coming of winter (celebration for some...). However, this year, many of us are more aware than normal of the terrible contrasts of war, terrorism, desparate refugees, and hunger.

We recently received news from one of our subscribers at Morningside-High Park Presbyterian Church about one of their members who is working with a French relief organization in Afghanistan. We thought readers would find interest in what one member of this community is doing in the world.

Some of his emails and photographs can be found on the church's website: http://www.morningsidehighpark.com/. Click on "Pictures from Afghanistan".

We'd be interested to hear of others in the area acitve elsewhere in Canada or the world.

4. ECO-VILLAGE & HYDRO DEREGULATION
Last fall, with so much attention paid to Genetically modified foods, the Bloor West Eco-Village presented a well-attended workshop on organic foods. Some information from that can be found on our website at http://www.bwev.world19.com.

Now, with the recent announcement of hydro dergulation, and impending privatization of Hydro One, they are presenting another timely workshop. Here is their announcement:

Free Workshop - Making Wise Electricity Choices
Jack Gibbons Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance

Monday, January 14, 2002, 7.30 p.m. Swansea Town Hall Council Chambers 95 Lavinia Avenue (near Runnymede and Bloor)

Deregulation of the electricity market is scheduled for spring 2002. Have you thought about buying "Green Power"? Confused about fixed price contracts? This timely workshop will explain the changes and choices in the electricity market and how it affects our energy bills and the air we breathe. Learn the key questions to ask before you switch to a new electricity supplier.

Bloor West Eco-Village c/o Swansea Town Hall, Box 107 95 Lavinia Ave., Toronto, ON M6S 3H9 email: bwevmail@lycos.com

5. 1947 BLOOR CONDO
On Dec. 6, City Council approved the site plan for this controversial development. In total, there are 43 conditions that must be met, addressing issues such as traffic on Ellis Park, environmental concerns, including slope stability, possible Ministry of the Environment involvment, soil & groundwater testing, monitoring for sedimentation in Wendigo Creek, etc.

We will post more details on this on our website within a day or so.

We've also received word that Context still has not taken possession of the property. However, they are closing their sales office, and claim that the opportunity to buy at lower, pre-construction prices will pass soon. While "substantially sold out", units still remain priced between $300,000 and $1.3 million. Get 'em while you can!

6. TOXINS IN THE HUMBER Our website has a recent Toronto Star article on the toxins found near King's Mill Park. (http://www.community.world19.com) The Village Gleaner article is also available on this website: http://www.lakeontariokeeper.org/lok/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=2938

7. FINALLY
But certainly not last, we wish the best of the season -- however you enjoy it -- to all our readers, and hope the new year for all of us is happy, healthy and peaceful.

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