Grove Inc. / Neighbourhood
January 2, 2018 In City of Toronto, Neighbourhood, Sport

Saying goodbye to a pioneer in its field

The Community Bike Network was established some 24 years ago to help a then fledgling bicycle community have a voice.  After years of tireless advocacy for the bicycle loving community of Toronto, the organization is closing its doors to make way for the associations who have generated from their humble roots.  The Bike Network has become redundant to the larger associations whose paths where forged by the network’s simple beginnings. Involved in the birth of bike sharing, instrumental in the TTC’s bike racks and strong advocates for extended bike lanes throughout the city, the organization has proven its worth and has thus turned its work over to a new generation of bicycle enthusiasts who will continue to fight for  cyclists’ rights.   If you would like to read more on the story, click here

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December 19, 2017 In City of Toronto, Environment, Neighbourhood

Flying responsibly

Inside Toronto reports that the GTAA released its “Growing Responsibly: the 2018-2022 Noise Management Action Plan”.  The major focus of the plan is to work towards overall quieter operations.  Among some of the commitments studied are night flight restriction plans, quieter aircraft incentives, greater environmental responsibility and noise insulation to area homes.    For more information click HERE

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December 5, 2017 In City, Construction, Development, Neighbourhood

It’s time to get walking

 

Walk 21 (short for Walking in the 21st Century) hosted an international conference in Calgary last week on the unhealthiness of people and the planet, and what needs to be done to fight this epidemic.  It comes down to redesigning cities to be more people friendly and less automotive dependent.  Andre Picard writes a thought provoking article for the Globe and Mail which promotes the move towards cohesive work and residential communities.   It starts with city planners and developers making  commitments to mixed use developments that bring people together and lessen the present day drudgery of commuting between work environment and home.  Spending more time in the community and less time in a vehicle getting to and from, is a step in the right direction.  Click HERE for the story.

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November 14, 2017 In City of Toronto, Neighbourhood, Recreational

The Distillery District’s Big Event

If you haven’t ventured down to take in the city’s amazing Christmas market in past years, put it on your list of “nice” things to do this year.  The Distillery District is worth a visit at any time of year but during this magical season  it comes alive with all the glittering lights, delectable smells and joyful activities that represent all things Christmas.  Of the top 10 Holiday Markets in the world, Toronto ranks fifth, and well worth the accolades.  Yes, the crowds are large but so is the sense of camaraderie and holiday spirit.  Great food, drink, shopping and activities for kids of all ages, it is all part of the fun.  The market runs from November 16th – December 23rd.  For more details, read HERE

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November 2, 2017 In Apartment Complexes, City of Toronto, Neighbourhood

A win for Airbnb in Toronto

Airbnb or Fairbnb?  Critics are crying foul with the recent news that Airbnb has joined forces with a Toronto condo building making it the first to allow airbnb rentals throughout the entire building.  Buildings that were designed to be condos do not have the same zoning by-laws,  design requirements, or tax burdens as hotels and many feel that this new partnership will lead to a further decline in affordable rental units available to city residents.  Whichever side you are on, the reality is that airbnb is not going anywhere.  People like it, just as they like UBER, because they work.  Now  it is time to iron out the kinks in the infrastructure to make it an entity everyone can live with.   Read more on this landmark move HERE

 

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September 25, 2017 In Apartment Complexes, City of Toronto, Development, Neighbourhood, Residential

Rising Above

The Globe and Mail published an interesting article by Marcus Gee on the rise of the “YIMBY” (Yes In My Back Yard), movement as it relates to urban sprawl and the near-critical need for the city of Toronto to allow developers to build upwards in residential communities.   While some residents (“NIMBY’s”, Not In My Back Yard), fight tirelessly to ensure their enclaves are protected from the construction of seemingly obtrusive hi-rise condominium or rental units, others are embracing the vertical footprint for the increased density and ability to affordably house the ever growing population searching for housing in the downtown core.  The YIMBY’s are banding together to support hi-rise construction in residential areas and are  bringing attention to the need to bring more housing into the core.  They recognize the ever growing urban sprawl which has an increasing number of commuters spending grueling hours on a daily commute as a result of unaffordable housing in the downtown neighbourhoods.  There are compelling points of view on both sides of the debate, to read more, click here

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September 21, 2017 In Art, Neighbourhood

Art in the Beach

The 14th Annual Art in the Beach Festival put on by the Beach Guild of Fine Arts begins tomorrow and continues through the weekend wrapping up on Sunday the 24th.  Featuring art works by over 40 local artisans, this annual sale is not to be missed.  Details are on their website, click here for the link.

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July 25, 2017 In City of Toronto, Design, Neighbourhood

Going to the dogs

There has been so much talk about the newly created Berczy Park and its wonderfully whimsical dog fountain.  It is a well designed space that adds fun and functionality to a previously underused and underappreciated piece of downtown real estate.  Read more here and then visit the relaxing space with or without a canine friend.

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July 18, 2017 In City of Toronto, Construction, Development, Neighbourhood

Toronto Port Lands Redevelopment

The much awaited announcement that the Toronto Port Lands development proposal has finally been given the go-ahead to proceed was welcome news  for city planners and private developers alike.  With a much needed flood protection plan in place,  construction of what is promised to be a virtually new downtown community is set to start materializing over the next few years.  Accommodating residential units, parklands and businesses, this $1.25 billion dollar project has been rubber-stamped and the work is moving from the boardroom to the site. Read Edward Keenan’s article from the Toronto Star on this exciting project here

 

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June 27, 2017 In City of Toronto, Design, Development, Neighbourhood, YMCA

West Don Lands Project receives worldwide recognition

Finalists have been named for the Urban Land Institute’s Global Awards for Excellence and Toronto’s own West Don Lands is among this prestigious group.  A mixed-use development, the West Don Lands rejuvenation has a lot to be proud of.   A pedestrian focused community with parks, housing for a diverse demographic, transit, accessibility, and a YMCA community centre are all comfortably integrated into a sustainable environment.   With developers around the globe vying for an opportunity to be recognized for this award, Toronto has much to be proud of for this internationally acclaimed success.

More on ULI’s nomination of this redevelopment can be found by reading here

Click here to learn more about the diversity of this waterfront community of Toronto.