Grove Inc. / Neighbourhood
August 9, 2018 In Environment, Neighbourhood

The greening of a neighbourhood

A few Montreal neighbourhoods have taken the initiative in establishing “ruelles Verte” or Green Laneways where once only run-down and ill-maintained laneways existed.  The results are proving to be not only environmentally beneficial but an example of social enhancement within the neighbourhood.  Bertrand Marotte writes a great article for the Globe and Mail which gives insight into the pros (many) and the cons (few) of these beautifully community transformations.  Check out the article here.

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August 2, 2018 In Neighbourhood, The Beach

Will the tide turn at the Beach?

As one of Toronto’s most desirable areas to live in, one would think that the retail & gastronomic offerings in the Beach would be abundant and thriving.  Such is not the case for the flailing Queen St. East.  Storefront after storefront remain empty and decrepit despite it’s booming residential population and it’s summer tourist traffic of beach lovers and volleyball players.

On July 1st, City Council removed a tax rebate program which gave landlords a tax break on unoccupied storefronts, giving the owners plenty of incentive to leave the units vacant.  With the tax rebate gone, it remains to be seen if local business owners are willing and/or able to afford the exorbitant rents that many landlords are demanding for the available spaces.  Find out more here

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July 17, 2018 In City of Toronto, Neighbourhood, Recreational

A walk through time

If you are looking for a fun way to learn more about our great city, check out Heritage Toronto’s walking tours.   Some of the upcoming tours include George Brown Downtown, Campus and Cosmos, Gravestones and Greenery as well as a diverse selection of neighbourhoods.  For a full list, check out their site here

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July 12, 2018 In City of Toronto, Neighbourhood

Heritage plaque district

June 17th saw the launch of the first Toronto Heritage Plaque District.  The Dundas + Carlaw Heritage District is the first community to officially tell the story of the people, industry and landscape that shaped this area by recognizing each achievement, through a series of 10 plaques. Revealing the history of the area, each plaque describes the achievements and timelines of the people who lived and worked in this community.  The plaques can be viewed on a self guided tour at any time.   To read more on this click here.

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June 26, 2018 In City of Toronto, Construction, Development, Neighbourhood

Within Striking Distance

Certain topics re-appear in this blog as their importance and significance to the city ebbs and flows.  One such subject matter is City Council’s debate over the issue of allowing Laneway Housing to proceed from wishful thinking to rubber-stamping.  As Edward Keenan of the Toronto Star reported on June 6, 2018, it would appear that the city is within striking distance of council approval and, as the motion has been put forward the anticipation is building.

While not a cure-all for the rental crisis, it is a step in the right direction allowing homeowners to renovate and re-purpose dilapidated and unused sheds and garages into viable rental units.    Not only does this benefit the owners in gaining income to help pay their own living expenses, but offers diverse options to mid-income renters in search of a neighborhood dynamic.  Breathing new life into often times run-down garages and out-buildings, seems to be a win-win situation for owners and prospective tenants alike.  And thankfully, City Council appears poised to push the button. Read more here

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May 2, 2018 In Art, Neighbourhood, The Beach

Art in the Beach

If you are looking to get out and about this weekend, why not check out the annual Beach Studio Tour.  For over 20 years, local artists have collectively opened their homes and their studios to showcase their art and give visitors a chance to peruse and purchase unique works.   The Tour runs May 4 through May 7 and all are welcome.  For a list of artists and locations,  check here.

Note: The artwork featured above is by Fine Artist, Lisa Bennett, just one of the many artists showcasing their work this weekend. 

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April 7, 2018 In City of Toronto, Construction, Neighbourhood

Bridging the Gap

It appears the long-awaited pedestrian/bike bridge linking Liberty Village and King is on track to commence construction this summer, with completion slated for summer 2019.  The pedestrian/bicycle friendly bridge is the long-awaited dream of residents who currently have to walk a significant distance to connect up with King.  The bridge will cut a current 20-minute trek down to about 3 minutes.  Assuming that no further red tape gets in the way, residents and businesses alike can look forward to a more reasonable access route coming and going from the Liberty Village neighbourhood.  For more on the bridge, click here

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March 20, 2018 In City of Toronto, Design, Neighbourhood

Public Space Incubator

Despite great strides being made in developing unused outdoor urban spaces into entertaining and useful entities (the Bentway, Sugar Beach, the revitalization of Ontario Place to name a few), there are still copious amounts of neglected public spaces itching for a facelift.  Every neighbourhood in every part of the city has a park, lane-way, vacant yard or other urban space in need of  a creative solution to draw the neighbourhood in and breathe life into the area.

Public Space Incubator, (administered by the Park People Organization) are offering the chance for anyone with an innovative and creative plan to apply for funding and the chance to transform an under-utilized, outdoor urban space into a vibrant, creative public space.

There are 2 separate funding rounds, one in 2018 and one in 2019 with up to a maximum of $50,000 funding per awarded project (5 projects will be awarded in each year).  Stage one  requires a letter of intent and must be submitted no later than March 29, 2018 for consideration.  For more information on this ambitious and insightful initiative, read more here

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February 13, 2018 In Neighbourhood

And the winner is…

The 5th Annual “Ladle-it-up” contest which benefits Community Centre 55 on Main Street in the Upper Beach is taking place on February 15th.  Local restaurants will  compete for the coveted bragging rights on who makes the tastiest soup in the neighbourhood.  Warm up with some delicious soup offerings, while supporting a terrific community fund raiser.   Check out the times and location details here.

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January 16, 2018 In Development, Neighbourhood, Post Lofts

Introducing…Post Lofts!

Grove is pleased to be part of an exciting new project coming this fall.  Located in Leslieville at 1249 Queen Street East, the 6 storey, 29 unit Post Lofts  is scheduled to break ground in late autumn.  Units are going fast and the building is already 65% sold and is expected to sell out before the start of construction.

Grove will be providing both Project and Construction Management services for the project.  We look forward to working with the owners, Condoman Developments Inc. as well as ICON Architects, in bringing another great residential/retail building into the community.

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