Development proposals, intensification made 2011 busy for ARECA
[attach]5325[/attach]This was a busy year for the ARECA board, with by far the most significant issues involving development proposals and intensification.
In February, ARECA was surprised by an unannounced item at the North York community council. We knew the St. Margaret’s Church site on Avenue Road north of Eglinton Avenue had been sold, but we were unaware of the buyers or their intentions. These became evident with the arrival of a development application for the corner of Avenue Road and Burnaby. Around the same time, council approved the NEON building proposal for the corner of Orchardview Boulevard and Duplex Avenue. ARECA attended every meeting and joined in every discussion that it was made aware of. We put forward the local community’s points of view and we stood in defence of the Toronto Official Plan.
To combat the worst effects of urban sprawl, and to make use of existing infrastructure, the city devised the official plan in 2001. It set targets for growth and directed where it should take place. ARECA believes the official plan is not being implemented as promised and our councillors and planners have lost their motivation to defend its principals and ideals. For example, in the midtown area, intensification is happening at a fierce rate with the heights and densities first set by the Minto Towers becoming the norm, even outside the officially designated growth centres. However, intensification is slow or negligent in other areas such as along the Danforth subway corridor. It appears residential intensification has become a desire and not a need.
During the year, ARECA provided input with respect to the closing of Orchardview Boulevard at Yonge Street. In our opinion, such an important matter should have had more communication and consultation with the local community most affected. The transportation department was simply told to close it. ARECA, on behalf of the local community, has again requested the long awaited traffic study for that area be done as soon as possible. There is a high proportion of seniors and disabled residents there whose needs should be addressed.
Like many others, ARECA has been watching the council budget debates. We were disappointed to see the Ward 16 councillor voted in favour of eliminating the Environment Days. We believe the majority of Ward 16 residents value the Environment Days and would not be in favour of cutting Toronto services.
ARECA is a volunteer community association representing the views of residents in matters that affect our community in North Toronto. To join send a cheque for $20 ($10 seniors) for your 2012 membership, along with your name, address and phone number and email address to Avenue Road Eglinton Community Association, c/o Membership Secretary 23 Elwood Boulevard, Toronto M4R 1B8. If you wish to receive fax or email updates from ARECA please email us at [email]information@areca.info[/email].