Featured News
ABCRA Winter Newsletter
Welcome to ABCRA’s Winter 2023 newsletter. In this edition, we want to share updates and news from the neighbourhood, upcoming events and opportunities to get involved in your City.
What have we been up to? Lots! First off – there’s our new website (you’re looking at it) and and we hope you’ll take it out for a thorough test drive and let us know what you think.
More News
City of shadows
The new buildings were just what Toronto needed. More than 800 new rental apartments, about a third of them permanently affordable. These new homes would rise on the site of an old provincial building. The problem: They were too tall. One tower would rise 50 storeys into the air, and so it would cast shadow on a park half a block away – covering about a quarter of its surface – for up to three hours a day.
Debunking the “Business Case” for relocating the Ontario Science Centre
Scratch below the surface, and there’s clear problems with the province’s math.
This week, Doug Ford’s government struck a deal with the City of Toronto giving the province fuller control over the future of Ontario Place, in exchange for the province taking on responsibility for the DVP and Gardiner Expressway, as well as additional funding for transit and addressing homelessness.
Ontario Place landscape architect quits revamp over tree clearing plans
A prominent landscape architect, known for designing Trillium and Tommy Thompson parks, has walked away from the redevelopment of Ontario Place, citing his opposition to clearing hundreds of trees to make way for a private spa and waterpark on Toronto’s waterfront.
After it became clear he couldn’t influence plans from the inside, Walter Kehm told the Star he could no longer be tied to a project that threatens a decades-old wildlife habitat, likening his professional commitment to protect nature to a doctor’s Hippocratic oath: “Do no harm.”
Cycling network input wanted
The City of Toronto wants to hear from you to help make recommendations on which bikeways to build, upgrade and study in 2025 to 2027. Please fill out the survey and submit it by December 10.
Toronto’s Vital Signs – 2023 Special Report
Raising the alarm bells in this 19th Toronto’s Vital Signs Report is not enough. The problems are persistent but not new. Let’s focus on the problem that underlies them all—restoring the connection between us and our city. It’s time to get involved and reignite our love for Toronto. ~ Toronto Foundation
City survey on micromobility
The City of Toronto is seeking public feedback on the use of micromobility, e.g. bikes, e-bikes and other small vehicles. The results from this survey will be used to develop a city-wide strategy for micromobility, including what new forms might be allowed in future. The survey will be open until December 13, 2023.
Six tax incentives for Canadian homeowners
Owning a home in Canada isn’t cheap, but luckily, there are tax credits and benefits that can help you get some extra cash to maintain your dream home. The country is facing a cost of living crisis, which is made up of soaring food prices and unaffordable housing, to name a few.
How safe is Yorkville?
The alarming surge in break-ins in Toronto this year, up by a staggering 20 per cent, was grimly exemplified by a recent incident where a man unlawfully entered a midtown Toronto home and lingered for hours, only to be confronted by its occupants.
Give the City your input on Avenue Rd. plans
A safer, friendlier, and quieter Avenue Road between Bloor Street and St. Clair Avenue is almost within reach – but we need your help for a final push! Complete the City’s Avenue Road Study by November 2, 2023.
Events & Public Meetings
No More Noise Toronto upcoming events
On January 11, 2024, we all can share our noise stories with the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. There are several online meetings posted on Eventbrite for you to learn more and get ready to make a difference.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Ring in 2024 with fireworks at midnight, visible from anywhere with a view of Toronto’s inner harbour. Some free activities are available leading up to the fireworks at these locations along Toronto’s downtown waterfront:
Cavalcade of Lights
It’s “bright lights, big city” at this annual event that marks the official start to Toronto’s holiday season. The family-friendly Cavalcade of Lights celebration at Nathan Phillips Square features the lighting of Toronto’s 15 m (50 ft) Christmas tree, live musical performances, ice skating and more. – November 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Toronto Noise By-law Review
Many of you will have attended one of more of the City’s September Consultation session on changes to the Noise Bylaw. October 15, 2023 is the deadline for sending your comments to the City.
City of Toronto to host Small Business Forum
The City of Toronto will host a Small Business Forum on Monday, October 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This free, full-day, in-person event supports Toronto small businesses by providing them with access to information, connections and resources to build and grow their enterprises.