​Following are highlights from the recent SLNA Delegates and Community Meeting on July 31, 2019.

Interim SLNA President, Sharon McMillan opened the meeting. Delegates and other community members were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and the buildings/home associations that they represent.

City Review of Billy Bishop Airport Plan

• Bryan Bowen, Project Manager for the Waterfront Secretariat - City of Toronto, discussed slides that highlighted the City of Toronto's review of the 2018 Billy Bishop Airport Master Plan (download slides)
• The City raised a number of issues related to noise, transportation, public realm and the environment. There was also concern about the impact of pending federal safety regulations that would require changes to the airport - changes that would exceed some of the parameters set forth in the current tripartite agreement between the city, the province and the federal government.
• Given the number of questions and concerns raised and the pending deadline for submissions, members recommended that the SLNA not take a position on the Billy Bishop Airport's current Master Plan.
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Councillors' Reports

Eddy LaRusic for Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam's Office (Ward 13):

• A presentation on the collection and use of Section 37 Funds will be presented to SLNA members at the September Meeting.
• NOTE: Section 37 is a section of the Ontario Planning Act that "enables the City to negotiate contributions towards local community benefits for development applications that exceed a site’s zoned height and density. Unlike other municipal financing tools such as Development Charges and Parkland Contributions, Section 37 benefits are provided primarily in the local community within which the development is located." 
• Construction has begun on the North Market.
• An update was provided on the Downtown East Action Plan which is focused on providing cleanliness, safety, and harm reduction services in vulnerable areas of the downtown area.
  
  

Tom Davidson for Councillor Joe Cressy's Office (Ward 10)

• In response to the SLNA's request for an update on the provision of Traffic Wardens at high traffic locations in the neighbourhood, it was reported that the matter is a priority. At present there are insufficient personnel available to assume the role of Traffic Warden. The current focus is on securing appropriate training and preparation for individuals who can then legally assume the role.
• Gardiner Rehabilitation project priority overnight work  - this work has been approved by the city, however if residents are finding the noise excessive they are to call 311 and make a report. For more information on the Gardiner Rehabilitation Project and Councillor Cressy's response visit: http://www.joecressy.com/gardiner_expressway_rehabilitation_and_overnight_noise

SLNA Board Report

• SLNA Director Jamie Cappelli reported that the board recognized the need for the SLNA to have a formal policy documentation process. All policies should be collected and stored in one place to facilitate easy and timely access.
• A policy committee is to be struck to research and coordinate this effort. Any members interested in being a part of the policy committee should contact the SLNA board - email address: slna@slna.ca.  
  
  

Proceeds from the sale of The Space Unit - Update on Allocations

• S. McMillan reported that of the $15,477.69 received by the SLNA (as proceeds from the sale of the SLNA's interest in The Space unit) $8,150 had been allocated towards proposals received from the SLNA community.
• The balance left is $7,327.69.  SLNA community members are encouraged to submit their proposals to the SLNA board by the deadline: August 9.  Send proposals to: slna@slna.ca.
  
  

Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
 

​BIAs Bard in Berczy Park


The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA’s Bard in Berczy presents: All’s Well That Ends Well.  Dauntless Theatre Productions is back in Berczy Park with a new Shakespearean comedy.  Take centre stage in this immersive theatrical experience that is unique in the downtown core. This performance requires you to move throughout the park. Performances August 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25.

DETAILS
Date: August 2 (see additional dates above)
Location - Berczy Park - 35 Wellington St. East
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.


Seniors Calendar and August 8th Outing

To view and download the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association's summer calendar of activities for seniors click HERE.

Camp Sunshine on Toronto Island for Seniors!
​To learn more about the August 8th summer outing activity at the Toronto Island planned for seniors click HERE.

On July 25th at 9 p.m. bring your family and friends to the park at St. James Cathedral for a free screening of the 2019 Oscar winning animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

The Film will be screened in St James Park (120 King St E.), on the east side of St James Cathedral.This event is sponsored by the your St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association.


Seniors Calendar and August 8th OutingTo view and download the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association's summer calendar of activities for seniors click HERE.
 Camp Sunshine on Toronto Island for Seniors!To learn more about the August 8th summer outing activity at the Toronto Island planned for seniors click HERE.

Heritage Toronto Tour - June 6Did you know that our Flatiron building (the one in our neighbourhood!), was built 10 years before NYC’s and was the HQ of the biggest distillery in the British Empire. Its spirited traditions continue as it is now home to a Firkin Pub. 

This is just some of the information to be shared during Heritage Toronto's "Creating Toronto" tour sponsored by the SLNA and happening this Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. starting at the meeting point - Market Lane Park (149 King St. East). The Tour is free but donations are welcomed.

To learn more and RSVP visit: http://ow.ly/TqlX50uvEQ1


Toronto Centre Cyclists Event - June 9

All are invited to join Toronto Centre Cyclists this Bike Month as they ride up the Don Valley Trail to Taylor Creek Park and then back to meet at C’est What on Front Street. The route was chosen because it was a favourite of some of Toronto's cycling icons. Following the ride and refreshments at C'est What there will be featured presenters discussing biking in Toronto through the generations.

Starting Point
Sunday, June 09, 2019 at 1 PM
Corktown Common
(Mill Street & Bayview)

Turn Around Point
If you're in the east end and want to join the ride at the halfway point, come to Taylor Creek Trail, near Dawes Road, in the parking lot (we will break at the public WC) at approximately 2 PM.

Meet at C'est What at 3 PM
After the ride the group will head to C'est What, 67 Front St E, 3 PM. If you can't join the ride then meet the group at C'est What for the planned presentations.

Speakers
MC, Adrian Currie - Stand-up Comedian, Actor & Cycling Advocate
Presenters:
Asmita Pal - Introductory Remarks at Corktown Common: Land Acknowledgement & Cyclists' Tributes
Lorne Shields - Important Historic Cycling Photography
Julia Morgan - Nora Young: Cycling Pioneer at 17 and 70
Joey Schwartz - History of the Randonneurs
Albert Kohl - Bicycle Paths in the days of the Bicycle Craze
Laura Robinson - Once More with Feeling: A women’s history of cycling

Bike Parking
There are plenty of ring and posts in the area on Church Street, Front Street, as well as a bike rack in front of the LCBO at Front and Market Streets, and there is even more bike parking across from C'est What at Berczy Park.

The event is free but you'd be helping Toronto Centre Cyclists estimate how many riders they can expect if you register for the event at Eventbrite.

Thanks

Toronto Centre Cyclists


SLNA Waste Reduction Group 

​Invitation to a 3Rs Ambassador Training Session at  65 Scadding Avenue

(St Lawrence on the Park, Party Room)

June 10,  5PM-8PM

RSVP:  edwinjanzen@gmail.com

Your SLNA Waste Reduction Group encourages all our member buildings to join the City’s 3Rs Ambassador Program. It is free.  Reduce, Reuse and Recycle : 

-Help the environment , conserve energy, save landfill space, reduce greehouse gases
-Help build a sustainable community 
-Benefit people in need
-Reduce your building’s garbage costs

Within walking distance, 65 Scadding is hosting this City led training session and welcomes it neighbours who would also like to attend.

 Just email Edwin Janzen to let him know of your interest:  edwinjanzen@gmail.com
 
Community Environment Day in Crombie Park

(South of the Esplanade, just east of Frederick St)

June 15,   10AM-2PM 

It is that time of the year.  Within walking distance easily dispose of some unwanted items :

- Bring your electronic waste, household hazardous waste and healthcare waste for safe disposal. 
-Donate your no longer used clothes, books, non-perishable food and household items to charity.
-Pick up free compost for your garden.
-Be an active participant in  creating a cleaner city and healthier environment;  come and talk with your  SLNA Waste Reduction Group about  what else we can all be doing to reduce waste.


51 Division Open House

All are invited to the Toronto Police 51 Division Open House and BBQ on June 15 - download flyer to see details.



Housing TO 2020-2030 Action Plan

Expert Panel - Discussion - June 5, St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King St. E.Download Flyer for details.
 

Friends of St. James Park Children's Playground Opening

All are invited to attend the opening ceremony of the St. James Park Children's Playground on Saturday June 8th at 10 a.m. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and the Friends of St. James Park will bring greetings and there will be children's activities and refreshments for guests.

The  Friends of St. James Park have organized this event and the SLNA is pleased to be a sponsor. Please download, print and share the promotional flyer with your neighbours and friends.

 Movies & Music in the
St. Lawrence Neighbourhood

The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is pleased to be one of the sponsors of the St. Lawrence Market BIA's annual summer Music and Movies Program held each Thursday throughout June, July and August.
  
FREE Thursdays in Old Town Toronto:

June 13, 6-10 p.m. - ELECTRO SWING
At St. Lawrence Market - Temporary Tent
*Free Swing Dance Lesson at 6:30 p.m.

June 20, 7 - 9 p.m. - MOSKITTO BAR
In Berczy Park

June 27, 8:30 - 9 pm - BUSTER KEATON FILM

With live piano @ St. James Cathedral

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Full details at www.oldtowntoronto.ca.


June Seniors' Activities

There are many great activities planned for seniors in the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood. SLNA Director, Toby Tenenbaum has listed these activities in a convenient monthly calendar. Download the SLNA  June Seniors' Activities Calendar flyer and please post locally.


Ontario Place For All 

An Important Announcement from "Ontario Place For All":
Dear Friends:
 
This week, the Province announced plans that could transform Ontario Place into a privatized sports, entertainment, and retail complex, with no access to the ordinary public.
 
If you share our belief that Ontario Place must be kept, not as a commercial operation, but as a civic destination that is accessible to all, we hope you will join us for an evening with John H. Alschuler, an internationally respected expert on parks with New York-based HR&A Advisors.
 
John will talk about why such civic assets as Ontario Place must be kept public. Ontario Place for All hopes to engage HR&A Advisors to produce a full report that shows Ontario Place produces more generalized economic benefit if it is left as a park.
 
The fundraiser for Ontario Place for All will be:
 
Place: The Roof Top of 401 Richmond Street West
Date:   Monday, July 8th
Time:   5:30 – 8:00 PM
 
You can purchase tickets for the event here. Park People will issue a tax receipt for the charitable eligible gift amount.  If you cannot attend, Ontario Place for All would gratefully accept your tax deductible contributions here. You can also learn more about their work to save Ontario Place. 

Housing TO 2020-2030 Action Plan

Expert Panel and Roundtable Discussion
When: June 5, 2019 - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: St. Lawrence Hal, 157 King St. E.

DOWNLOAD FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS. 


 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Ambassador Program

The SLNA Waste Reduction Committee invites you to learn how your building can help meet Toronto's 70% waste diversion target through Toronto's 3Rs presentation taking place:

Monday, June 10, 5 - 8 p.m.
St. Lawrence on the Park, 65 Scadding Ave.
Party Room

Learn more by visiting the website or calling 416-388-1882.


 Underpass Park Farmers Market

The Corktown Residents and Business Association invites all to attend their weekly Farmers Market held every Thursday from 3-7 in Underpass Park - 29 Lower River St. Enjoy pizza courtesy of Gusto 501 - delicious and freshly baked! 

 Friends of St. James Park

Children's Playground OpeningAll are invited to attend the opening ceremony of the St. James Park Children's Playground on Saturday June 8th at 10 a.m. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and the Friends of St. James Park will bring greetings and there will be children's activities and refreshments for guests.

The  Friends of St. James Park have organized this event and the SLNA is pleased to be a sponsor. Please download, print and share the promotional flyer with your neighbours and friends.

The agenda for the May 29th, 2019 SLNA Delegate and Community Meeting is now available.

​Click HERE to download.

​SLNA Welcomes West Don Lands
Committee to Next Community Meeting

The next SLNA Community and Delegates Meeting will happen on Wednesday, May 29 at 115 The Esplanade, from 7 - 9 p.m. (registration begins at 6:30 p.m.). We will be welcoming to this meeting, members of the West Don Lands Committee who will join us for the Waterfront Toronto presentation.

The SLNA has invited Waterfront Toronto to the May 29th meeting to discuss the Quayside development. Leslie Gash, Senior Vice President, Development will be talking about Waterfront Toronto's Quayside public engagement plan once the Master Innovation and Development Plan is received from Sidewalk Labs.

Vance Lockton, Digital Governance Manager with Waterfront Toronto, will also be attending this meeting. 

Additional agenda details will be released in the coming days.

May 22 Public Meeting - Waterfront Toronto




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​Reminder 
 
Public Meeting on Digital Neighbourhoods and Digital Literacy: 
May 22, 2019

Waterfront Toronto and the Toronto Public Library are co-hosting a public meeting on Digital Neighbourhoods and Digital Literacy. We will be joined by Digital Justice Lab, Tech Reset Canada, and other groups involved in digital issues in cities. The purpose of this meeting is to share and discuss information on how digital technologies are influencing (and will continue to influence) how cities work.

Both Waterfront Toronto and Toronto Public Library are presenting and seeking feedback on ideas related to the role of digital technologies in cities.

Meeting Details
 
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. 
Location: Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre (11 Bay Street), Metropolitan East room. Entrance to event space is located on the north side of Queens Quay West just east of Bay Street
Accessibility: Waterfront Toronto and the Toronto Public Library are committed to ensuring accessibility, including providing sign language support, and large format meeting materials. Please notify us no less than 3 days in advance of the event if you require accommodation by contacting Waterfront Toronto, info@waterfrontoronto.ca or 416-214-1344.
 
Please head over to the Eventbrite page for more details including the agenda for the event. Registration is not required to attend the meeting but does help organizers anticipate attendance and prepare.

Friends of St. James Park
Children's Playground Opening

All are invited to attend the opening ceremony of the St. James Park Children's Playground on Saturday June 8th at 10 a.m. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and the Friends of St. James Park will bring greetings and there will be children's activities and refreshments for guests.

The  Friends of St. James Park have organized this event and the SLNA is pleased to be a sponsor. Please download, print and share the promotional flyer with your neighbours and friends.

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The 2019 Annual General Meeting for the SLNA


The SLNA would like to thank all delegates and community members who attended the March 27th Annual General Meeting where we elected four  representatives from the community to fill the four available seats on the SLNA Board of Directors. We also welcomed and discussed issues with our political representatives - Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Tom Davidson from Councillor Joe Cressy's office and our Ward 10 MPP Suze Morrison. (Picture above courtesy of Kristine Morris, SLNA Delegate.)

SLNA's newly elected directors:

Toby Tennenbaum (3 year term)
Donna Campbell (3 year term)
Brian McElwain (3 year term)
Jamie Cappelli (1 year term)

Congratulations to our new directors!

 
SLNA Annual Report

This year's AGM also included a detailed overview of the work of your Association over the past year. That report can be downloaded here.  
 

Talk About the King St. Pilot

The SLNA was on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee that established the King Street Pilot. Our SLNA membership supported the effort and now your feedback on the pilot is needed.

A final report from the City about the King Street pilot is set to come out next week and will include an evaluation of the project's success and recommendations on how to move forward. The report will be presented to City Council's Executive Committee and the TTC Board before going to City Council for a vote.

This means that the future of King Street, and the fate of the transit priority measures put in place through the King Street Pilot, will be decided over the next three weeks by City Council.

Before the King Street Pilot was introduced, taking transit on the busiest surface route in the city was unpredictable. It was often faster to walk.

The year-long pilot has provided faster, more reliable transit that makes the street work better for everyone. It has also boosted transit ridership by over 10,000 passengers.

The King Street Pilot has been transformational for people & businesses on King Street[1]:

89% of people who take transit regularly say service is faster and more reliable
87% of people who walk regularly on King say it is more pedestrian-friendly
91% of people who cycle regularly on King say that it is more bicycle-friendly
76% of people said they’ve visited local retailers either more often or as often as they had before the pilot project

We hope you will share your feedback

The TTCRiders group is sponsoring a workshop on April 4th, 6 p.m., at 401 Richmond St. W., Room 372.  The venue is accessible, snacks and refreshments will be provided and tokens are available.

RSVP: kingstreetpilot.eventbrite.ca
 

New Community Centre at East Bayfront

The City is in the process of designing a new 25,000 sq. ft. community centre at 261 Queens Quay East to be located at the base of a mixed-use building within the future Hines/Tridel development site.

Come to a community meeting to collaborate with the project team on developing th future community centre design.

When: April 10, 2019
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Place: St. Lawrence Temporary Market, 125 The Esplanade

See more details on the attached Notice from the City of Toronto.

 
April Seniors' Activities, Workshop & Concert


Please download, print and share the SLNA April Seniors' Activities Calendar with your neighbours.  Delegates please print and post where possible. 

The Creative Aging Circle in collaboration with the Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) presents a Music and Movement for Health FREE workshop for Seniors on Wednesday, April 10 from 2 - 4 pm at the Performing Arts Lodge, 110 The Esplanade.

For details, download flyer.

The Seniors' Committee has also arranged for reserved seating for another FREE noon time concert at Roy Thomson Hall on Wednesday, April 17. 

Download the Roy Thomson Hall Concert Flyer for details.


St. Lawrence BIA Panc-Rake Breakfast

Join the St. Lawrence Building Improvement Area (BIA), the SLNA and your neighbours in cleaning up Crombie Park on Community Clean Up Day and enjoy a FREE pancake breakfast (while supplies last) for all participants courtesy of the BIA.

When: April 27, 2019, 9 AM - 12 PM
Where: Crombie Park

Download and share the Panc-Rake Breakfast Flyer.


April 1st - 1 Front St. W. Consultation:


The City of Toronto is hosting a Community Consultation Meeting for the proposed development at 1 Front St. W on Monday, April 1, 7 - 9 pm a tthe Novotel Hotel, 45 The Esplanade, Champagne West Room.

Download the Consultation flyer for details.

 

A Local Gem - East Thirty-Six



Toronto Life magazine describes our neighbourhood's very own East Thirty-Six restaurant as one of the city's favourite cocktail bars "with a serious kitchen." If this sounds like your ideal location for brunch, read on.
 
Special Promotion for SLNA Residents
As one of our newest SLNA 2019 Canada Day Parade and Picnic sponsors, East Thirty-Six is pleased to offer one complimentary mimosa or caesar to patrons who mention the "SLNA Newsletter" upon arrival for the restaurant's Saturday or Sunday Brunch (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

NOTE: the promotion is limited to 1 complimentary mimosa or caesar per person, no limit on the number of people at a table. 

To learn more, view the East Thirty-Six menu.

East Thirty-Six is located at 36 Wellington St. East. 647-350-3636.
SLNA Canada Day Sponsorship Program


This year we invite local businesses to become official sponsors of the SLNAs new Canada Day Sponsorship program. The SLNA Canada Day Parade and Picnic is the SLNA's premier event of the year and includes a parade and picnic hosted on the grounds of the historic St. James Cathedral. To get more information about the sponsorship program, please click here. 
St. James Cathedral: Celebrating Three Years of Welcoming Refugees

(From the St. James Cathedral Refugee Committee)

In November 2015, a groujp of St. Lawrence community members and St. James Cathedral parishoners, gathered to respond to the Syrian refugee crisis.  It has been a fruitful alliance!  To date we have sponsored a Syrian family of five and a father and daughter from Iran.

Through Canada's unique blended visa program, we support these newcomers financially, practically, socially, and emotionally during their first year of resettlement.  As we look to sponsor a family this year, we seek volunteers and committee members from the St. Lawrence community. 

If you are interested, visit the St. James Cathedral website to find out how you can get involved.

The SLNA looks forward to welcoming Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk Labs at our next Delegates and Community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Februray 27, from 7 - 9 pm (meeting registration at 6:30 p.m.) at 115 The Esplanade (enter code 246 to gain access). Our key presenters will be discussing the proposed Quayside development and questions from our SLNA members.

To view the full agenda click here or view the calendar on the home page of this website (scroll to the bottom).

In response to the recent Auditor General report on Waterfront Toronto, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association as an association that has worked closely with Waterfront Toronto for many years and is a founding member of Waterfront for All, commends the leadership of Waterfront Toronto. The organization is aligned to the values and priorities of the SLNA and we support the recent statement and position released by Waterfront for All. See below.

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