Archive for August, 2009

Soil Day With John Slack – At Downsview Park Wednesday September 16th at 5pm

By On August 20, 2009 In High park, Natural Urban Living, Parkdale, Roncesvalles Village, South Junction Triangle, The Junction, Ward 11 (York South-Weston}, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park), Ward 14 – (Parkdale-High Park), West Bend With Comments Off on Soil Day With John Slack – At Downsview Park Wednesday September 16th at 5pm Permanent Link to Soil Day With John Slack – At Downsview Park Wednesday September 16th at 5pmPermalink

Soil Day With John Slack – At Downsview Park

Wednesday September 16th at 5pm

FoodCycles is a non-profit city farm, based in the Downsview Park. It raises worms, produces nutritious, vibrant soil and grows food.

The theme of this presentation will be:
“How and why to nourish your soil”.
Learn how to keep your soil healthy and productive. This presentation is especially important for organic gardeners. It will include a soil test demonstration for the fertility of the soil .
There will be an open discussion of gardening techniques and you will be able to ask John your gardening questions, and concerns.

Location: 70 Canuck Ave. Toronto Map Date: Wednesday September 16th

Time:‘from 5:00 – 6:30pm

We are planning a potluck and invite you to bring bring your favorite dish for your family or to share.
..Please bring bio-degradable, or re-usable plate and cup and cutlery

This lecture and demonstration is free but participants should register.

For more information, and to register, please contact Susan at perth-dupontcg@frogstar.com

about Jack slack

excerpt from

By Rob Wallbridge – Special to The AgriNews

If John Slack had his way, farmers, especially organic farmers, would spend a lot less time worrying about the amount of soluble nutrients in their topsoil. The former mining prospector and current head of the Northern Organic Research and Development Co. (NORDC) spoke at the recent Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario symposium in Dixon’s Corners. According to Slack, the topsoil and its soluble nutrients are only a small, and even relatively unimportant, part of a much larger picture of what’s happening in the planet’s most complex system – the soil.

While he acknowledges the usefulness some soil test measures — cation exchange capacity and organic matter in particular – John Slack calls for a much more holistic approach to soil management. In particular, he wants us to pay attention to the geology and the microbiology of our soils.[link to complete article at agrinewsinteractive]

Junction Arts Festival banners up today

By On August 20, 2009 In The Junction, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Junction Arts Festival banners up todayPermalink

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The Junction BIA went all out and rushed though the banners for the Arts Festival to get them up on the street poles.

Just so everyone knows the Junction BIA office is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays.

Symes Rd separation wall flowers

By On August 19, 2009 In City of Toronto, South Junction Triangle, The Junction, Ward 11 (York South-Weston}, West Bend, Weston With Comments Off on Symes Rd separation wall flowers Permanent Link to Symes Rd separation wall flowersPermalink

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Symes Rd is now closed to traffic about at its mid point, this was accomplished by installing a wall across the  roadway at the intersection of the industrial point of the road and the residental area.

The constructed wall has left with an opening between the two distinct sections of the roadway. Now residents have placed flowers pots at this opening. just wonderful, exhibiting a great community contribution.

for further images see the related posts below.

2141-2137 Bloor Properties Retail life in Bloor West Village

By On August 18, 2009 In The Junction With 3 Comments Permanent Link to 2141-2137 Bloor Properties Retail life in Bloor West VillagePermalink

As retail in the junction is such a concern the blog thought it would posit what life is like in Bloor west Village retail leasing space. One of the most interesting items about this property owners retail offering is it’s just being out of the BIA area – meaning lower rents.

Unique Retail Spaces of approximately 800 sq. ft, 2200 sq. ft,plus. All the benefits of Bloor West Village without Business Improvement Area surtaxes. Located next door to an associate branch office of Manulife Securities, a national financial services business. Suitable for many retail uses, including service businesses and destination locations. Located in one of the most successful and sought after retail locations in the Greater Toronto Area. Located on Bloor Street West, close to Runnymede Road. The Retail has high vehicular and excellent pedestrian traffic with ample area parking that includes rush hour street parking. Starbucks and other National Retailers such as Tabi International, Trade Secrets, No Frills and many more close by is a major plus. Copy and paste web address www.2141-2137bloor.com into browser for more information and photos. 5 Year NET Lease. Brokers protected.

2141-2137 Bloor Properties

Mom to Mom sale Sept 19 9:30am in the junction

By On August 18, 2009 In The Junction With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Mom to Mom sale Sept 19 9:30am in the junctionPermalink

m2m option 1

source junction parents blog

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health objects to Metrolinx’s proposed diesel rail expansion in Georgetown South Corridor

By On August 18, 2009 In Carleton Village, City of Toronto, College Street Little Italy, Development, High park, Industrial Heritage, Mount Dennis, Parkdale-High Park-Federa, Railways, South Junction Triangle, The Junction, Transit, Ward 10 (York Centre), Ward 11 (York South-Weston}, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park), Ward 14 – (Parkdale-High Park), Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence, Ward 16 Eglinton-Lawrence, Ward 17 Davenport, Ward 18 – (Davenport), Ward 19 - Trinity-Spadina, Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina, Ward 22 St. Paul's, Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore, West Bend, West Toronto Communites, Weston With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health objects to Metrolinx’s proposed diesel rail expansion in Georgetown South CorridorPermalink

metrolinx-logo

The Medical Officer of Health has posted a Letter of Objection regarding the diesel train expansion.

The letter written to the The Honourable John Gerretsen Minister of the Environment  supports a transit expansion based on electrification, and  requests that, as Minister of the Environment, you permit the project to proceed only under the following conditions:

1. That new train services and service expansions proceed only as electrified services;

2. That Metrolinx be required to conduct ambient air quality monitoring prior to

implementation of new train services or service expansions, in order to establish an air

quality baseline and concentration gradient. The chemicals to be measured are:

• Combustion gases – carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide;

• Particulate matter (ultrafine (PM0.1), respirable (PM2.5) and inhalable (PM10);

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene,

benzene and acrolein;

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – total and benzo(a)pyrene; and,

• Greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide; and

3. That Metrolinx establish a community liaison committee to:

• Deal with issues arising from the proposed construction;

• Provide input on selection of mitigation strategies; and,

• Provide input to the mobility hub planning process.

full letter link here with more city docs link below.

The Honourable John Gerretsen
Minister of the Environment

Junction Arts Festival 2009 site up now

By On August 17, 2009 In The Junction, Ward 11 (York South-Weston}, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park), Ward 14 – (Parkdale-High Park) With Comments Off on Junction Arts Festival 2009 site up now Permanent Link to Junction Arts Festival 2009 site up nowPermalink

junctionartsfestival 2009 late site

www.junctionartsfest.com or click image

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Lovely afternoon in the Park – Clay and Paper bicycle theatre troop in Vine Parkette

By On August 17, 2009 In Vine Ave Parkette, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With 1 Comment Permanent Link to Lovely afternoon in the Park – Clay and Paper bicycle theatre troop in Vine ParkettePermalink

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Today was one of those days that made one feel great about the community in which we live.  Thank you to the “Junk Mommas” who hosted the exuberant Clay and Paper bicycle theatre troop in Vine Parkette.

It was a perfectly sunny day, where a plethora of children splashed in the cool wading pool (which was sorely missed during the recent strike).  Families gathered on picnic blankets, munching on barbecued goods while chatting with their neighbours and watching the entertaining puppet show.

It could have not been a more perfect community building event.

Internet domain squatting in the Junction

By On August 17, 2009 In Development, Junction Retail, South Junction Triangle, The Junction, Ward 11 (York South-Weston}, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park), Ward 14 – (Parkdale-High Park), West Bend With 21 Comments Permanent Link to Internet domain squatting in the JunctionPermalink

Internet domain squatting has arrived in the Junction by reports.

Someone or some people appear to be watching to see what new businesses are coming into the Junction, probably by looking at renovation work being done on  store fronts. These people are then registering the Internet domain names of  new business  in various forms.

Then when the new business owner attempts to register the name – it is unavailable to them unless they purchase it from the domain squatter.

One of the most insidious parts of this, is the registering of different variants of the name, making it even harder for the new business and probably the “fair use” possible register to get something even close to their store name.

Although the CIRA Dispute Resolution Policy (.ca) is available it is very expensive for a small business and probably more so than paying the scam price of the domain squatter

A few businesses in the Junction have reported this occurring.

So if you think you want a Junction related domain register it before your plans are known.

Update: 3:55pm

This post has generated 1 telephone call wondering about the issue and three emails from different Junction web companies all thinking they were being referenced in the post – although the blog posted no names.

Just to let everyone know who posts like this occur.. the blog gets emails from many people about issues and or suggestions for posts, usually the blog starts and drafts (currently there now 83 are such drafts)  and sits on the idea until further information comes in, and if enough interest or surprising info comes in – the item gets posted, the 1st draft for this post came about about 3 mths ago.

Darian of comfusers.com who was not one of the emailers posted a comment which is good reading, we have moved the 1st pargraph up into the post here…

In regards to your internet squatting post above, it is terrific that this is being mentioned. Though your definition source for the term “Cybersquatting” is not the best, the basic idea is correct. Specifically, a company will in BAD FAITH and with the sole intention of profiting from the purchase the name or brand likeness of another company. This most definitely is cybersquatting and on the low side of ethical business practices. Reputable web design companies do not promote this type of behavior.

Call for Nominees – Junction Residents Association

By On August 15, 2009 In The Junction, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With Comments Off on Call for Nominees – Junction Residents Association Permanent Link to Call for Nominees – Junction Residents AssociationPermalink
Junction Residents Association

Junction Residents Association

The JRA will be holding elections at its November 12th meeting for the following positions: 2 x Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Chairs for the following Committees: Urban Development, Parks, Communications, Safety and Green.

A nominating committee will be formed in time for an October event (TBA) at which people can meet those who want to run.  If you are interested in being part of the Nominating Committee, please email info@junctionra.ca.  We are looking for two people.

Thanks,

Tagging in the Junction

By On August 14, 2009 In The Junction, Vine Ave Parkette, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With 11 Comments Permanent Link to Tagging in the JunctionPermalink

Aug 14th 2009 008

Tagging in the Junction is becoming much more prevalent currently. The two guys own this house and rent it out as apartment really have a difficult time keeping graffiti off the side of their garage as it faces an laneway that fronts on to Vine parkette. Do the people on the south side of Vine Ave. see this happening?

Cyclops, Clay and Paper Theatre’s puppet show this weekend at Vine Parkette

By On August 14, 2009 In The Junction With Comments Off on Cyclops, Clay and Paper Theatre’s puppet show this weekend at Vine Parkette Permanent Link to Cyclops, Clay and Paper Theatre’s puppet show this weekend at Vine ParkettePermalink

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Hey Junction families…
Dufferin Grove’s resident theatre troupe is coming to the Junction!

Join your community

Sunday, August 16th from 4-7pm

in Vine Parkette

to enjoy Cyclops, Clay and Paper Theatre’s puppet show on wheels.

Enjoy an afternoon of face painting, bicycle decorating (kids!  bring your bikes!) and more.

Be sure to bring your loonies for our post-show BBQ.

This event is brought to you by the Junk Mommas – if you have any questions, or want to be on our email list for future events simply email junkmommas@gmail.com

Cyclops_logo_for_web

Click here for the Cyclops Poster

Justin Rutledge hosts Saturday concert, with special guests Jason Collett and The Beauties; September 12

By On August 13, 2009 In Streetlevel, The Junction, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With Comments Off on Justin Rutledge hosts Saturday concert, with special guests Jason Collett and The Beauties; September 12 Permanent Link to Justin Rutledge hosts Saturday concert, with special guests Jason Collett and The Beauties; September 12Permalink

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JFAC_logo_2009 JAF2009_Horse_Logo

www.junctionartsfest.com


THE JUNCTION ARTS FESTIVAL:

Justin Rutledge hosts Saturday concert, with special guests Jason Collett and The Beauties; September 12

Toronto, ON, August 13, 2009 – The 17th annual Junction Arts Festival (September 9 – 13, 2009) presents a mosaic of unique visual, dance, literary and musical arts, where internationally renowned singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge plays headliner and host to a special night of rockin’ country music, friends and live collaboration on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m.

The concert will feature specially invited guests Arts & Crafts recording artist Jason Collett and The Beauties, and will take place on the outdoor festival main stage in the Junction City Square (2960 Dundas Street West at Pacific Avenue).

Proud Junction native Justin Rutledge states, “I’ve witnessed the Junction grow over the years into a community teeming with creative businesses and a vibrant cultural core. The Junction Arts Festival is, in my opinion, Toronto’s best street fest. The great spirit of the festival represents the optimism and renewed energy of one of Toronto’s oldest and greatest neighbourhoods. Please come celebrate it with us.”

Juno nominated Rutledge, who has crafted three albums to critical acclaim; No Never Alone (2005), The Devil On A Bench In Stanley Park (2006) and Man Descending (2008), is equally famous for his mesmerizing live performances and will be supported by his band; Bazil Donovan (bass), David Baxter (guitar), Blake Manning (drums) and Burke Carroll (steel).

Jason Collett, whose sentimentality for songwriting and ability to capture daily life with his own classic poetic style, is an artist that Rutledge looks forward to performing with for the first time.

A key figure in Toronto’s indie scene and a member of Broken Social Scene, Jason Collett recently released his newest solo album Here’s To Being Here (2008), as the anticipated follow-up to 2005’s critically acclaimed Idols of Exile.

Collett explains, “I feel this is a Rock ’n Roll music record. Rock ’n Roll music encompasses all sorts of influences – country, blues, gospel… all those things, and I’m just part of that tradition.”

The Beauties are a group of prolific musicians made up of Darin McConnell, Jud Ruhl, Shawn Creamer, Paul Pfisterer, Derek Downham and The Bogoo, who, every Sunday night are the house band at Toronto’s Dakota Tavern (a favourite hangout of Justin Rutledge) for a night of tar-kickin’, twang-rockin’, spirits and barn-dancin’.

Please Note: Further festival details and more artist announcements are coming soon. For schedule updates please visit regularly at www.junctionartsfest.com.

Attracting 200,000 visitors in 2008, the Junction Arts Festival, produced by the Junction Forum for Art and Culture, takes place along one kilometre of Dundas Street West between Keele Street and Quebec Avenue, and features five free days of artistry and innovation; Visual Art Exhibits (September 9 to 13), Live Music Concerts (September 11 and 12), and the Street Performance Artists, Literary Artists, KidZone, Green Village and Artisan/Vendor Market (during weekend street closure, September 12 and 13).

The 2009 Junction Arts Festival is generously supported by title sponsor the Junction Business Improvement Area and the active involvement from Junction area businesses and residents.

The Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC) is a non-profit arts presenting organization and its main project is the annual Junction Arts Festival. The hands-on JFAC Board of Directors, chaired by Councillor Bill Saundercook, consists of dedicated cultural producers, artists, residents, business owners and politicians, all of whom are based in the Junction.

By On August 13, 2009 In buildings, Heritage, The Junction, Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With Comments Off on Permanent Link to Permalink

aug 13 2009 Maria street 004

Maria Street is a west east running street paralleling Dundas St West in west Toronto, situated  in an former industrial area centered around the CPR operations in the area the street still has a small number buildings of an industrial character that may have been used for small enterprises during the  begin of the last century. Now the lots of these buildings are a mix of a house and out buildings created and modified as needed.

Maria Street has some sections that are very well cared for – such as the area pictured above in the top image. Well kept gardens and lawns, tidy garbage storage, all in well lived homes as can be seen by the full yet neatly arranged strollers and kids toys on the verandas.  In this section many have chairs for sitting and viewing the evening and quick chats with passersby.

The larger industrial development passed Maria Street by. The street never attracted the large plants such as Vine Ave and Mulock Ave did.  The plants jumped over to the west side of Runnymede Rd.

Toronto West End Web – Raising An Online Community Wednesday August 19th from 10am-noon

By On August 12, 2009 In Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) With Comments Off on Toronto West End Web – Raising An Online Community Wednesday August 19th from 10am-noon Permanent Link to Toronto West End Web – Raising An Online Community Wednesday August 19th from 10am-noonPermalink
Text by Paul Reynolds


august posterFor the last two months, Junction-based design and marketing company Totally Spun has hosted networking events in the neighbourhood. In June a general meet-up of web savvy and web curious residents alike was held at Crema Coffee Co., and in July a meet-up of local artists interested in online organizing happened at Wise Daughters Craft Market. (Links to the recaps for each of these events are below)

On Wednesday August 19th from 10am-noon, the third monthly meet-up will happen at Gingerbread House Family Cafe (2790 Dundas Street West). This month’s meet-up is geared toward the established online community of parents and family in the Junction. Breaking the tradition of evening meetings, this 10am-noon meet-up will give local parents and their kids – who aren’t always available after the dinner hour – an opportunity to come out to a family friendly environment and talk about online organizing, web and social media.

Co-organizer of this month’s event Irina from The Junction Parents Blog will share some of the successful efforts the established online parent community has used in the past to get it where it is today, leading to an open discussion of ideas for carrying forward that momentum. Totally Spun owner Paul Reynolds will be on hand to advise on specific technologies and services and to facilitate the event.

Parents and their kids from around the Junction and surrounding neighbourhoods are welcome, as well as non-parents interested in organizing families on our corner of the net or anyone wanting to learn from this community’s successes so-far.

WHAT: West End Web: Junction Parents
WHEN: Wednesday, August 19th 10am – noon
WHERE: Gingerbread House Family Cafe (2790 Dundas Street West at Indian Grove)

Totally Spun is a Junction-based business specializing in web design, development, online promotion and social media. Totally spun is the host of the monthly West End Web events.http://totallyspun.com

Junction Parents Blog is a local family oriented blog at the heart of the neighbourhood’s online community and co-organizer of this month’s event. http://junction-parents.blogspot.com

Gingerbread House Cafe is a new restaurant in the neighbourhood providing a family-friendly atmosphere and home style cooking. They graciously donated the use of their space for this month’s event. http://gingerbreadcafe.ca

Recap of July’s event: http://totallyspun.com/2009/08/10/west-end-web-arts/
Recap of June’s event: http://totallyspun.com/2009/06/18/west-end-web-recap/

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