DIG IN: Community News

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Community Meetings and Events: please check under Welcome. On-going DIG IN: Dupont Improvement Group MeetingS - we invite you to participate, check for the next meeting under WELCOME

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For the Record

1 • DIG IN news bulletin delivered to your door

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1 - DIG IN news bulletin delivered to your door:

December 2003, DIG IN New Bulletin # 8:
Walk Here, Walkway Plan and invitation to elect a exective group for Dupont Improvement Group, 4,300 copies distributed

November 2003, DIG IN New Bulletin # 7:
About Here, distributed locally

June - July 2003, DIG IN New Bulletin # 6:
Community Ideas Masterplan, Community Photography Project, new development along Dupont Street, 4,500 copies distributed

April 2003, DIG IN New Bulletin # 5:
Safety Audits for local parks as a first link for a green path system, distributed in the areas of the Parks

March 2003, DIG IN News Bulletin # 4:
Community Ideas Masterplan, 4,500 copies distributed

October 2002, DIG IN News Bulletin # 3:
Preventing Crime, Importance of Trees, Garbage, Traffic

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2 - Recent DIG IN community-wide public meetings:

October 10, 2002 - Wallace Emerson Community Centre
March 3, 2003 - Wallace Emerson Community Centre
March 24, 2003 - Wallace Emerson Community Centre
June 18th, 2003, - 1650 Dupont Street at Sporting Club Portuguese De Toronto.
Dec 8th, 2003 - Wallace Emerson Community Centre

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4 Dupont Improvement Group: Improving the neighbourhood
Minutes and notes from DIG IN X monthly meetings

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Dig In Meeting January 16 2007
Frank from the community and police committee reports on issues around membership on the committee – Mike and Joe are going to be attending. Teresa cannot attend any longer.

Fine – they should contact the secretary so that they will be on the email list for notification of meetings

Talks about CCTV – there is an anonymous survey that has been created – members present tonight will be asked to fill it out – also presented to BIA's. Mailed out? to residents asking about the
acceptability of this technology in the Bloor and Lansdowne area - Understood that there will be different views about CCTV how
will the survey be analyzed – tally the yeas and nays? Not clear? (It is even less clear to me after filling it out – not clear how one
would interpret the very mixed feelings expressed in my responses Just an exercise?)
- Extensive comments are made about privacy rights
- Cameras will be used in a reactive capacity only. No one is watching in real time. Only have access to the cameras after the fact - The court does assume that your right to privacy is not total
when you are in the public
- The installation would begin with an assessment of the area vis a vis best location of cameras – exact locations would be determined at that point
- The installation of the cameras would be accompanied by and
increased presence of officers
- Time limited project – on Yonge street the project lasted six
months
- Frank is responsible for the officers on bikes
- They are dealing with the privacy commissioner on this – itis a criminal offense to use surveillance techniques inappropriately
- Would fake cameras work just as well? People wise up quickly to fakes.
- The video files are kept for a certain time
- Comment from colleague of Spiro - that they have provided video footage to the police and it does not seem to have been used
effectively
- Dyan asks about the revolving door – are the partners involved in the project focused on treatment as well
- Everyone that is convicted for trafficking – average of 13 prior convictions
- Senior command is negotiating with the courts and prosecutors
- Some people have set up their own cameras – one member
present has a camera and is asking for guidance – you can get someone
from vice or major crimes to look at the camera – make sure that it
is not violating privacy rights
- Has footage of criminal activities

Adam Giambrone is asked about his perspective on the CCTV issue – quality of camera is crucial – about $1000 per camera
Complicated – much of the footage that is turned over from the TTC
turns out not to be useful
Evidence does show that fake cameras do not work – Dyan – do you
think it is a good thing – says he does not have an objection within
the context of the privacy commissioners guidelines
He does have a concern when the systems are set up for profiling –
programmed to zoom in a people fitting a certain description
Comment – the cameras themselves would be a stigma in the area
Countered by another view that publicizing the cameras will be a positive indicator
Reply – no addressing the core problem in the installation of cameras
Uda does not like the cameras
Lynn Daly does use cameras – in relation to the problems near their
shelters – for extraordinary circumstances – thinks that they are
working
Spiro – use court orders to ban offenders from the neighbourhood –
both bail conditions and probation orders – temporary solution at least
Bail conditions will include not returning – the judge has to make a
point of imposing

Report from Adam
Police down at 14 division – Board will be considering this in April –
moving to a school board process
Alternate side parking is going to be rolled out in the area
TTC barns – remediation has begun – injecting potassium manganate –
18 million dollars
The court case is ongoing – and GE has admitted culpability – it will
take a while
The TTC has the money to start the project with money up front
1011 Lansdowne – the most effective actions have been fire department
The new city of Toronto act allows the city to license landlords and
Howard Moscoe is moving forward on the issue with the blessing of the
mayor
Lansdowne will shortly under construction
IN terms of the bicycles the Lansdowne area will have bike friendly
four metre wide lanes.
Questions about coordination of various city departments so that the
streets are not constantly ripped up and repaired
Questions about lighting – Toronto hydro is getting up to speed in
the pole ownership business – Teresa – is there someone at hydro that
we should be getting onto – Chris will look into it and get back to dig in with contact information
Sale of land – cost of cleanup at 640 Lansdowne exceeds possible value of the land – after a number of years – it will go though a process after it is closer to being ready for use – being offered to
other agencies – and if no one wants it – it will eventually be offered for private sale- profits to the TTC
Bloor Street rebuild – coming up – has been on the books for a while
Chris will get back to Dig In for a projected time Murals will be painted on the eight underpasses
Comments from the dig in bunch that most underpass murals are very
underwhelming
(Anne) There were some proposals presented in the Avenue study for
metal art combined with vines that would be much more attractive than
murals.
Pep talk from Dyan well spoken

Party at Campbell rink on Friday
Issue of replacements of stairs at Wallace Emerson rink
Message from Adams office – it is ongoing – there is funding

Lynn from CONC reports on purchasing portal – trying to get everyone
to redirect their purchasing into the Bloor Corridor
Community safety – grant could be available – street work
We are not a priority neighbourhood so it is very important that
everyone is on the same page
Meeting on February 12 Bob Abate Community Centre – specifically a bout revoking the liquor license for the Westside Bar-b-q
Few times that the place has been closed down it has been like a holiday.
Meeting adjourned

Dig In Meeting January 16 2007

Frank from the community and police committee reports on issues
around membership on the committee – Mike and Joe are going to be
attending. Teresa cannot attend any longer.

Fine – they should contact the secretary so that they will be on the
email list for notification of meetings

Talks about CCTV – there is an anonymous survey that has been
created – members present tonight will be asked to fill it out – also
presented to BIA's. Mailed out? to residents asking about the
acceptability of this technology in the Bloor and Lansdowne area
- Understood that there will be different views about CCTV how
will the survey be analyzed – tally the yeas and nays? Not clear? (It
is even less clear to me after filling it out – not clear how one
would interpret the very mixed feelings expressed in my responses.
Just an exercise?)
- Extensive comments are made about privacy rights
- Cameras will be used in a reactive capacity only. No one is
watching in real time. Only have access to the cameras after the fact
- The court does assume that your right to privacy is not total
when you are in the public
- The installation would begin with an assessment of the area
vis a vis best location of cameras – exact locations would be
determined at that point
- The installation of the cameras would be accompanied by and
increased presence of officers
- Time limited project – on Yonge street the project lasted six
months
- Frank is responsible for the officers on bikes
- They are dealing with the privacy commissioner on this – it
is a criminal offense to use surveillance techniques inappropriately
- Would fake cameras work just as well? People wise up quickly
to fakes.
- The video files are kept for a certain time
- Comment from colleague of Spiro - that they have provided
video footage to the police and it does not seem to have been used
effectively
- Dyan asks about the revolving door – are the partners
involved in the project focused on treatment as well
- Everyone that is convicted for trafficking – average of 13
prior convictions
- Senior command is negotiating with the courts and prosecutors
- Some people have set up their own cameras – one member
present has a camera and is asking for guidance – you can get someone
from vice or major crimes to look at the camera – make sure that it
is not violating privacy rights
- Has footage of criminal activities

Adam Giambrone is asked about his perspective on the CCTV issue –
quality of camera is crucial – about $1000 per camera
Complicated – much of the footage that is turned over from the TTC
turns out not to be useful
Evidence does show that fake cameras do not work – Dyan – do you
think it is a good thing – says he does not have an objection within
the context of the privacy commissioners guidelines
He does have a concern when the systems are set up for profiling –
programmed to zoom in a people fitting a certain description
Comment – the cameras themselves would be a stigma in the area
Countered by another view that publicizing the cameras will be a
positive indicator
Reply – no addressing the core problem in the installation of cameras
Uda does not like the cameras
Lynn Daly does use cameras – in relation to the problems near their
shelters – for extraordinary circumstances – thinks that they are
working
Spiro – use court orders to ban offenders from the neighbourhood –
both bail conditions and probation orders – temporary solution at
least
Bail conditions will include not returning – the judge has to make a
point of imposing

Report from Adam
Police down at 14 division – Board will be considering this in April –
moving to a school board process
Alternate side parking is going to be rolled out in the area
TTC barns – remediation has begun – injecting potassium manganate –
18 million dollars
The court case is ongoing – and GE has admitted culpability – it will
take a while
The TTC has the money to start the project with money up front
1011 Lansdowne – the most effective actions have been fire department
The new city of Toronto act allows the city to license landlords and
Howard Moscoe is moving forward on the issue with the blessing of the
mayor
Lansdowne will shortly under construction
IN terms of the bicycles the Lansdowne area will have bike friendly
four metre wide lanes.
Questions about coordination of various city departments so that the
streets are not constantly ripped up and repaired
Questions about lighting – Toronto hydro is getting up to speed in
the pole ownership business – Teresa – is there someone at hydro that
we should be getting onto – Chris will look into it and get back to
dig in with contact information
Sale of land – cost of cleanup at 640 Lansdowne exceeds possible
value of the land – after a number of years – it will go though a
process after it is closer to being ready for use – being offered to
other agencies – and if no one wants it – it will eventually be
offered for private sale- profits to the TTC
Bloor Street rebuild – coming up – has been on the books for a while
Chris will get back to Dig In for a projected time
Murals will be painted on the eight underpasses
Comments from the dig in bunch that most underpass murals are very
underwhelming
(Anne) There were some proposals presented in the Avenue study for
metal art combined with vines that would be much more attractive than
murals.
Pep talk from Dyan well spoken

Party at Campbell rink on Friday
Issue of replacements of stairs at Wallace Emerson rink
Message from Adams office – it is ongoing – there is funding

Lynn from CONC reports on purchasing portal – trying to get everyone
to redirect their purchasing into the Bloor Corridor
Community safety – grant could be available – street work
We are not a priority neighbourhood so it is very important that
everyone is on the same page
Meeting on February 12 Bob Abate Community Centre – specifically a
bout revoking the liquor license for the Westside Bar-b-q
Few times that the place has been closed down it has been like a
holiday.
Meeting adjourned

MARCH 2, 2006, DIG IN Slide Show & Pot Luck was terrific. Many thanks to Rebecca and Roy for organizing it and to all the wonderful people that helped.

Thank you to Alfred Holden for the presentation about Dupont Street and providing a interesting opportunity to bring people together - learning about the past while we enjoyed the evening and worked for the future.

We had a number of other helpful speakers:

Officer David Hammill from the 14th Division (416 808.1529) talked about opportunities for someone from the neighbourhood to bring attention to local concerns at their police /community program - Theresa has volunteered - Thank you Theresa. David also mentioned that everyone in the area should feel free to contact him with concerns, organizing safety audits....

Lynn Daly- director of The Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, reminded us of the good work they do and welcomed us to visit the attractive courtyard of the assisted housing facility at Lansdowne and Dupont - residents there will be working on gardening efforts this spring.

Al Rezoski from the City of Toronto Clean and Beautiful program, presented related project samples and detailed the project that DIG IN is sponsoring for the Rankin Crescent. 

Elise Hug - our City Planner for the area had great information regarding development in the area and made one feel that we were in good hands - she could have answered questions all night if there had been time. 

Wonderful Kevin Beaulieu from Councillor Adam Giambrone’s office continues to be our main man of action - and let us know that he continues to work for us and that his door is always open. 

Carol Golanch, who works with Tony Ruprecht our MPP was back for the first time in a while, great to see her again - she let us know Tony is out there working for the area. 

DIG IN encourages everyone will get involved with the up-coming Spring Festival and last night gave us an opportunity to strong-arm, with encouragement, a few people including much appreciated Helen from Pet Value (pet show or event would be great) and David Anderson creator of the famous Night of Dread.

Parks and Recreation, Brian Green managed to come by after a long day helping to set up Canada Blooms. He assured us that he could be counted on again for this year's  festival. He has found us some new benches for Wallace Emerson Park and is on the look- out for materials to use that will help our local Parks. Al Rezoski thought he may also be able to help.

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February 1 2006

Anne, Roy, Fred, Rebecca, Jason - rep from Adams office, Teresa, Bruce Ward, Andrea

Dyan has indicated in an email that she is dropping back for a while

Discussion on Dyan’s central role in the organization

Need to talk about structure - documented and effective executive positions and job responsiblilities - required for grant applications and generally for effective operation

Present structure for the organization to carry forward until the meeting in April - next meeting focused on the potluck and presentation

-Discussion of what constitutes the current structure

Roy has a template for roles and responsiblilities in an organization that he will bring to the meeting in April

-Question of treasurer - Bank manager (?) has been willing to play the role - does not live in the community and has young kids - probably would have difficulty coming to meeting

-Not a problem for someone who works in the area to play an executive role and not necessarily critical that someone acting as treasurer come to meetings regularly if they are fulfilling the job desciption - would he be interested?

Meeting on Sunday to discuss improvements to Wallace Emerson – some interesting new energy coming into the area - discussion of what that gathering is about

In the near term the Festival is key to community building and involvement and hopefully the potluck will also draw in others

Post a flyer at Wallace Emerson as soon as possible about the potluck

Glen de Freites has prepared financial statements for Dig In and needs to meet with Dyan to finalize details. He has less than two hours work left to finish. This needs to be done before next next Thursday - very important

Andrea will follow up.

Safety

Jason under the impression that the crime issue would be a major item

Discussion of crime issue – Teresa who wrote the original email that started yahoo group discussion is present and recaps what happened

Tendency - even though the police comments to potential tenant about this being a very bad neighbourhood were unfortunate, there is a reality behind the perception

Jason – there is a difference between media savvy mangers working for the division and  the beat cops who are saturated with involvement with individual incidents

Question - Is there a policy at the division about how the neighbourhood is portrayed? Communication in question was more of a one on one situation.

Cops don’t tend to live in the neighbourhood and they see the worst aspects of the neighbourhood

Criminal justice system

Jason - Adam has had to sit on both sides of the table – police arrest people and they are back out on the street the next day.

But do you saddle young crack addicts with a criminal record?

There is a distinction that can be made re crime that does not impact on residents (harm limited to those involved) but at the same time, drug trade is often associated with breakins and innocents can get hurt in conflicts

The point is to have a presence of police – some actions tend to just move the problem around - the problem moves up and down Bloor from Landsdowne to Christie

Short term solution is discussions like this one

When is the police station going to be built – environmental issues and who is responsible for remediation are causing a delay at this time

The buildings at 1011 Landsdowne are an issue - some of the people involved in criminal activities may live there - there is an example of a buiding elsewhere that was taken over by the city.

Strip bar at the corner of Margueretta and Bloor is mentioned - not clear that this is a significant part of the problem. The owner has been proactive in trying to ameliorate concerns in the neighbourhood. He is actually the head of the BIA. Hands out free turkeys every year at Christmas 

David Hamill who is the crime prevention  - 14 division is happy to come and meet people 808-1529

The area is on the border of 11 14 and 13 divisions and this can be an issue in certain cases

Traffic

- segway to traffic issues – problem is drivers too fast down residential streets - this is actually the subject of many of the complaints to the division

- police do respond more to neighbourhoods that are actively communicating their concerns

invite the police to the pot luck

Defeatist attitiude is to be avoided – even though change is slow it important to keep talking and digging in

Comments about the gradual changes to the neighbourhood - new developments and the gradual gentrification effects having a sustained effect in the long run

Pot Luck

For the March meeting – how big should we think about it – don’t worry too much about too many people put a yahoo – phone tree Andrea and Roy

Jason – Adams office has a photocopier that produces PDF files

Rebecca will email Tino about  what might be available in terms of supplies at Wallace Emerson

Important point of business - Dig In must agree that the organization will adhere to all aspects of the City of Toronto policy/declaration of Non- Discrimination.

Brief version of the text is read from City documents

Motion to agree adopt and align activities of Dig in with City ofToronto Declaration on Non discrimination

Moved by Anne seconded by Andrea

All; in favour – unanimous - carried

Mentions of another local group “Style in Progress” represents artists in the area (Junction?) We should make contact to see about goals in common - it is important as well for grant applications that there should be awaremess and cross cooperation between groups

Rebecca - report on preparations for the Festival - date will be fixed within the next couple of weeks - waiting to here back from announcements to Councillors offices and other groups about scheduling of other events

Budget presented to the meeting - copies passed around - she will need more help as the date approaches

Meeting adjourns

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DEC 7, 2005

Dyan presents DIG IN flyer that lists projects, goals and opportunities to participate including:

DIGINTO local initiatives

WALKHERE
An art-embedded walking system throughout the community that works to revitalize, green, connect and make safer the Dupont / Bloor West neighbourhoods. The walkway creates new public art, public space, green space and encourages walking. Phase one at Wallace Emerson was installed July 2005 and new projects are now in progress for 2006.

SPRINGFestival
Plan for a local spring festival at Wallace Emerson Park in Sp 2006, Arts, Sports, Entertainment, Family Events

GREENHERE Campaign
Network of local school food gardens. Youth employment reforestation program. Increase local tree canopy 25%. Plant 1000 trees.

IntegrateNEW DEVELOPMENT
Ensure that new development improves and relates positively to the neighbourhood.

ImproveLOCAL PARKS
Work toward making local parks engaged, vital civil places for everyone. Ensure they are important focal points of community activity.

BikePATHS
Support the West End Rail Path project in progress along the rail corridor west of Osler that will connect to Walk Here.

OUTREACHCommunityBuilding
Communication, safety & sustainablity development.

CALMTraffic
Calm and improve street and laneway traffic. Provide encouragement to walk, bike and use the TTC.

TILEProject
International Tile Project, 40 Countries, 20 International Artist and our local chapter. Wallace Emerson, Spring 2006

POLLUTIONControl
BREATH HERE / Cross Junction Pollution Watch, information gathering, education and action. NRI watch.

Street-scapeREVITALIZATION
Bloor / Lansdowne sidewalk, roadway, trees.

Minutes to be up-loaded

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DIGIN

Monthly Meeting Minutes

November 2, 2005

Meeting chair: Roy Mitchell with Dyan Marie

DIG IN green  clean  safe  civil

• Won the Clean and Beautiful City Award for Walk Here

Introductions: attendance; getting to know each other

• What we like about the neighbourhood
• Where we live
• Why we’re involved
• Wildlife at Osler tracks is mentioned: rabbits and doves
• Diversity came up repeatedly in terms of DIGIN’s make-up. Desire and need for intercultural community involvement.

Sub-Committees:  Formed and a chair decided, as noted by their first name below.

• Green Here: Gabrielle; see hand out; public space; forward site suggestions to her; food gardens in schools; to be used as a model for future
• Funding:  Ann; Roy and Ann met three Sundays ago; they are taking over grant writing; Dyan has been doing it on her own until now; Roy has lots of experience writing grant applications in the arts, while Ann has parallel experience in the business community (architectural). *Note: granting discussion continued below.
• Walk Here: Dyan with Abi Tile Project: (information see below)

• Rubber Factory (Odour Issue): Bruno

• Spring Festival: Rebecca

• Rail Path: Bruce

Granting Discussion Continued

Dyan has given them past granting information.  The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) deadline is November 15. We decided that we need to understand our projects before we apply for them.  We need to prioritize what we want to do and go out, find, and apply for appropriate grants ASAP.

Gabrielle: Starbucks has money; deadlines are March 1 and September 1.

Roy: email info to granting committee.

Abi: Need to have a meeting with Dyan, Roy and Ann.

• A staffing person for grant compiling would be helpful. It is mentioned that it is possible to get funding for such a position, for example from HRDC. For example through an arts grant it is sometimes possible to get a designated position within an arts project for somebody to deal with administration such as minutes, information, postings, publicity etc.

DIGIN: A not-for-profit corporation. We have people who will pair up with us so we can have charitable status.

• All information to be posted on listserv
• ‘Special’ DIGIN list for ‘executives’ (i.e. those that attend DIGIN meetings)
• The goal is to keep things as transparent as possible
• We don’t want to make people feel as though they’re not ‘in’ on something

Walk Here

• New cement path laid without any art; it was supposed to be gravel but they suddenly paved it without consulting anybody
• We haven’t touched base with WE planning
• Plaque supposed to go there (to commemorate Walk Here)
• Maybe a vertical plaque would be best
• Dyan & Abi: Keep Walk Here going in the park
• Possible dampers on bridge proposal
• Lots to do especially with the Tile Project
• Festival coming up
• lots of flexibility; it would be great to do something with the overpass bridge
• wherever Walk Here goes, we want to install art and green the area (gardens etc.)

Walk Here: Tile Project with Transcultural Exchange and Walk Here/DIG IN Community

The intention is to work with the Transcultural Exchange group of international artist that have established "The Tile Project" in 40 countries. This project will involve the installation of 100 contributed tiles by 20 professional international artists. Along with this installation event, DIG IN and DIG IN Arts will develop a local connecting projects lead by local professional artists and involving the participation of the community in general including DIG IN members, local schools, Wallace Emerson Community Center and other in the community. Our out-reach method will include an open invitation for local residents to participate via flyers, newsletter, website, word-of-mouth, our councillors office, the DIG IN brochure and The DIG IN email discussion group. The DIG IN festival will host a participation event, as well; inclusive workshop events will be located at Dupont Projects. The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic arts is an advising group to Walk Here and have agreed to be a resource partner in firing community developed ceramic tiles if needed. (depends on grant)

·      Have $125, 000 so far for Walk Here bridge; for info on sponsors/donors, ask Dyan

·    We need publicity and installation $$

·      Wherever it goes, local artists contribute something

·      For example, it might be great to have another 20 artists to do bronze pieces

·      We would install these in multiple locations: the sidewalk, the wall, at Wallace Emerson generally, at city hall

·      The site where the tiles are coming from was a temporary site in New York (at Mercer Park)

·      The site here is permanent

·      We could do local tiles

·      WEàsubtle installation

·      We could install locally made tiles elsewhere

·      Trying to get the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Arts onboard: advisor, supporterà we could propose something to them

·      Artists producing ceramics in the building at the corner of Dupont and Lansdowne

·      There are lots of artists in the neighbourhoodàgive them opportunities

7. Annual Spring Festival

·      Rebecca: talked about last year’s festival, held July 1^st

·      It would be helpful to have staff (admin)àpaid, externalàto organize, do outreach (flyers, publicity)

·      The festival has been done twice

·      We need more people and businesses involved

·      Ongoing help and grants to be applied to the festival

·      Doing it earlier this year because we want schools involvedàMay 20, 2006

·      Look into festival grants, to with the arts

·      Have a template, but it can change & evolve

8. Rail Path
   • Bruce
   • Rail path to Dundas
   • 2^nd to Stron Avenueàmeant to be a commuter bike path
   • It is also a recreational trail and walkway
   • Try to incorporate event venues into it, such as a band shell
   • CN owned the land and the city bought it
   • Bruce: member of Friends of West Toronto Rail Pathàmoving to design the building that is going to be on part of the property (police building?); if community wants input, they should come forward ASAP
   • Westtorontorailpath.ca
   • Tony: Provincial rep. à not too involved
   • Mario DaSilva: Federal rep.
   • 2^nd half of the property not owned yetà it is held by the rail link to the airport (federal)
   • The hope is that if they do build a rail link to the airport, that the one below it will be built at the same time which would be nice even if the city owns it
   • Walk Here goes into that path
   • Locate Constellation (bronzes) within that
   • From Osler, under bridge (junction with Walk Here), across Dupont, around Dundas to No Frillsà numerous access points
   • Problem is the Dundas endàstairs have been suggested but they would be hard to navigate with a bike
   • Maps and photos on website
   • Bruce: has a map
9. Rubber Odour

·      Bruno

·      Factoryà NRI

·      Rubber recycling plant

·      The smell can reach all the way to Dufferin and St. Clair

·      See emailed letter

·      NRI has email and a mandatory, open telephone line for public complaintsàthey have to log a phoned complaint, and they log the weather at the time of complaint

·      The plant is West Toronto’s biggest environmental problem (city says so)

·      This is a quality of life issue

·      If you smell rubber, complain

·      There is a new operations manager at the plant

·      The problem seems to be resurfacing

·      The area is fragmented by the train tracks, which puts people into different wards

·      This means they have different police units and administration so it can be hard to coordinate things such as environmental efforts

·      Rebecca: Allison complained of the same problem; she will try to get a hold of her

·      Maybe there needs to be a collective campaign

·      Some people just don’t notice it

·      Because it’s a recycling plant, NRI often gets positive feedback

·      Maybe DIGIN should come together and make signs e.g. “if it smells call this number”

·      Public awareness of smell and what it means are important first steps

·      Related issue: big truck traffic

·      NRI: runs 24/7

·      There is another bigger factory at Keele (its smell is worse)

·      There is a 3^rd one at Leslie, and a 4^th somewhere else

·      NRI is the biggest rubber recycler in the provinceàmakes it a bit of a catch 22 for residents unhappy with the smell

·      Roy: Environment committee to report back to DIGIN

·      Bruno to lead committeeàact as a watchdog group

·      Long-term, there are technological solutions (e.g. electrostatic scrubber) but many factories haven’t implemented them because they are relatively expensive in the short terms but with pressure maybe they will be forced to implement longer term, environmentally sustainable solutions

·      Dan Joyce: the point man at the ministry

 Any Other Business

• Spring Fest: very important; celebration for what we accomplish

Executive Positions:

Chairperson:
Roy Mitchell

Co-chair:
Dyan Marie

Secretary:
Abigail Godfrey

Tresurer:
Jose Simao

Festival
Co-ordinator
Rebecca Peirson

Bike Path:
Bruce Ward

Funding:
Ann Homan

Librarian:
Carmen Martino

Community outreach:
Roy Mitchell,
Fred Knittel

Local Development:
Kevin Beaulieu

Green Here:
Andrea Dawber

Breath Here:
Allison & Bruno

Founder/Director:
Dyan Marie

Advisors (DIG IN and/or Walk Here) :
Ecotecture
Adam Giambrone
Brian Green
Noel Harding
Jim Melvin
Public Nature
Richard Rhodes
Don Schmitt
Eva-Marie Stern
Guy Walter
The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art

Email Monitor:
Janice Andrews

DIG IN Website:
Stephen Marie-Rhodes & Dyan Marie

• Outreach and setting next meeting
• Set next meeting: Wed. Dec. 7 @ 7PM
• Next meeting: committee reports; mission statement from each committee about their goals for the year; reports from environment and fundraising committees
• Need: an outreach committee to put up posters
• Each person to print 5 flyers
• Need someone to make a flyer: who, what, when, where
• Meetings to be held the first Wednesday of every month

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Notes from the DIG IN meeting: Sept 1st, 2004

[The actual minutes of this meeting will be submitted by the recording secretary prior to the next meeting; these notes a re a brief synopsis from memory] Wednesday, 1st. September, 2004; 18:30; Dupont/Perth Library.

The DigIn meeting initiating the new season of activities in the Dupont West Neighbourhood area was co-chaired by Ana Bailao, and Frank Margani.

 

There was a strong attendance at this meeting, including a number of new residents.

 

Due to family size pressures Patrick Jenkins announced that he was resigning as co-chair as he was possibly going to be moving out of the City. He nominated Frank Margani, the Community Relations officer, as his replacement, and suggested that Bruce Ward take over Frank’s previous post. These changes were adopted, and a lively and informative meeting followed.

 

The primary topic of the discussion was an extensive overview of the many current, and potential developments planned for the area, the initiators, popular, and ‘un’, and by what means (City Planning documents; local notices) we might be able to keep our collective hand on the pulse of all these initiatives.

The question of how to go about controlling the fate of currently vacant property (Glidden Paint Site, etc.) was discussed. There was a concern that sufficient park land would result from any development, and suitable treatment would occur prior to future usage.

 

The other ‘hot’ current concern involved the alarming rise in the visibility of drug/crime related activities eastward from Bloor and Lansdown, and in the small mall strip on the south side of Dupont, west of Perth Ave. The Group looked at the community policing, and safety issues relating to this spread, and considered the effectiveness of neighbourhood ‘walks’ to demonstrate ‘awareness’.

 

Frank who is active in the ‘planning’ profession, and attends meetings with community Police groups, offered to report on current activities, and suggest potential speakers to attend future meetings and offer an informed view on both these topics.

 

It has subsequently been decided that the next meeting (6th.October) will centre exclusively on development, and the new local City Planner will be invited to speak at that time.

 

 

1.     INCORPORATION:

·      Joe did name search; “Dupont Improvement Group: Improving the Neighbourhood”

·      Requires 3 signatures: Kevin, Ana, Dyan

·      Library address should be used

·      Donation from Toronto Eagles

MOTION: To open position of treasurer for election, advertise it on DIG-IN’s listserv for election to be held at the end of the next meeting.
            MOVED: Dyan               SECONDED: Shelley             CARRIED

MOTION: To authorize Joe to submit DIG-IN’s non-profit incorporation papers and establish DIG-IN as a non-profit corporation.
            MOVED: Dyan               SECONDED: Shelley             CARRIED

MOTION: To direct Dyan to send correspondence:
                        1. To Maria with thanks & best wishes on behalf of DIG-IN
                        2. To the Toronto Eagles thanking them for their donation
            MOVED: Dyan               SECONDED: Shelley             CARRIED

 

2.     DIG-IN WORKSHOPS:

 

·      Dyan has cement work samples to display, 13 March 2-5 p.m. or by appointment @ 1444 Dupont Street

·      Dyan proposes building @ Campbell Avenue Playground for workshop space

·      Brian and Tino have not yet responded

 

3.     OMB HEARING

 

·      Participants need to register to participate in OMB hearing

·      Patrick will re-contact list

·      Presentations will include needs for public space, green space, and community integration

·      Kevin distributed and explained Adam’s motion to South Community Council/City Council

 

MOTION:  To send thanks to Adam’s office for their work on the Standard motion (and request name change to “Dupont Improvement Group: Improving Neighbourhoods”

      MOVED:  Dyan         SECONDED:  Patrick                   CARRIED

 

4.  ADOPTION OF OFFICIAL NAME

 

MOTION:  That this group be formally known as “Dupont Improvement Group: Improving Neighbourhoods Incorporated” and known informally as “DIG-IN”

            MOVED:  Patrick                   SECONDED:  Ian                             CARRIED

 

5.     JTAC SPRING FESTIVAL

·      Patrick attended on behalf of DIG-IN

·      JTAC is looking for partnership in Spring Festival

·      Next meeting is Tuesday, March 9

·      Spring Festival will centre on Campbell Playground

 

MOTION:  That DIG-IN become a partner with JTAC in Spring Festival by:

1.     contributing cement workshop

2.     providing walkway, OMB presentations

3.     advertising to DIG-IN membership

4.     providing landscape architecture display

 

·      this will require a call to membership and to craftspeople to participate

·      getting indoor space and supplies is a prerequisite

·      Bruce Ward has materials; for space, ask Brian Green and JTAC

 

MOVED:  Shelley             SECONDED: BRUCE                      CARRIED

 

6.  POSTERING

 

·      A list of postering locations should include:

·      Wallace/Emerson Community Centre

·      Galleria Mall

·      Dufferin Mall

·      Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club (2 locations)

·      Dufferin Grove Park

·      Bloor/Gladstone & Perth/Dupont Libraries

·      120 Perth Avenue

·      Tamil Co-op @ Lansdowne/Wade

·      1011 Lansdowne Avenue

·      Doversquare Apartments (Dovercourt/Bloor)

 

·      Patrick will talk to Bloor/Gladstone Library about printing

 

7.  GALLERIA REDEVELOPMENT

 

·      Dyan was asked today for a proposal for Section 37 money

·      Dyan presented Walk Here details and proposal (Appendix A)

·      Should maybe have storefront space that looks into park for daycare, community space, etc.

 

8.     SAFETY AUDITS

 

·      Kevin will organize

 

9.     WALKING PATH

 

·      City has okayed transfer of funds to operating budget to save money

·      Will probably be pea-gravel or limestone screenings, at least to start

 

10.  FUTURE BUSINESS

 

·      Use of TTC Barns

 

11.  MOTION TO ADJOURN

MOVED:  Patrick                         SECONDED:  Ian                            CARRIED

 

APPENDIX A

 

> From: Dyan Marie <dyan@dyanmarie.com>
> Date: March 3, 2004 12:20:24 PM EST
> To: Laurie McPherson <lmcpherson@bousfields.ca>
> Subject: Re: Section 37 funding from Galleria Redevelopment
>
> Attention to Laurie McPherson
> As requested - Hope this will serve - fast and furiously produced so
> please check
>
> Re: Section 37 funding from Galleria Redevelopment
>
> Walk Here
> Most of the well-represented community discussion and action to date
> has focused on the Walk Here Project and we hope most importantly that
> the section 37 funds with apply toward this community and public
> artwork that helps revitalize, green and connect Dupont West
> neighbourhoods by creating an art-embedded walking system throughout
> the at-risk community that pulls it together as a place and reconnects
> the area to the city at large. The walk will help to accommodate the
> many new neighbours from the Galleria Development ensuring that they
> are encouraged to become integrated into the community. The walk will
> expand the sense of neighbourhood, visually and culturally enrich the
> area, create destinations for walks, encourage exercise. The project
> will create new public space and public art, help foster
> relationships, keep more eyes on the streets helping to make the area
> safer, engaged and vibrant. It will be an engine for revitalizing the
> Wallace Emerson Park and the community at large. See www.walkhere.org
>
> In regards to space in the new Galleria Development discussed at a
> meeting please consider -
>
> Project Space at the Galleria Development
> The community has considered opportunities to use a space provided in
> the Galleria Building for local initiatives that function to engage
> and vitalize the area. This intention is that the space would offer
> the local community a project place to responds to the interests of
> the area with community and cultural projects that will help
> contribute to sustaining a neighbourhood that is GREEN • CLEAN • SAFE
> • CIVIL by fostering improvements in the areas of its social,
> environment, cultural, economic and physical make up.
>
> This community space would be developed and operated by local
> participates and projects could include opportunities to develop
> initiatives such as the following:
> - Environment workshop for local green initiatives
> - Small business incubator for: local crafts, artists... with a
> supporting coffee shop
> - Organic market
> - Cement design and production workshop for the Walk Here project and
> place to produce public art details for local parks and garden
> - Exhibitions of arts, crafts, urban plans… that relate to the
> community
> - Home for a much discussed community newspaper
>
> Dyan Marie

 

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Minutes DIG IN Dec 8, 2003

Community-wide Meeting

Councillor ADAM GIAMBRONE will address DIG IN’s Dec. 8th community meeting, 6:30 at Wallace Emerson Community Centre. Adam is Ward 18’s newly elected councillor. He and his office have offered to be active in supporting DIG IN’s efforts to improve the neighbourhood.

Councillor Adam Giambrone will be joined by
Patrick Jenkins will provide information about the up-coming OMB meeting for ?The Standard Development?
Brian Green from parks and recreation, will discuss opportunities to improve local parks
Dyan Marie will introduce Walk Here, an initiative to develop a local green walking system.

We will also elect the DIG IN, Dupont Improvement Group: Improving the neighbourhood’s first executive committee

DIG IN
Please join us
Monday at 6:30 p.m. December 8
Wallace Emerson Community Centre
1260 Dufferin Street (Dufferin Street south of Dupont)

Notes from Dupont Improvement Group Dec 8th 2003 MEETING
WALLACE EMERSON REC. CENTRE
collected by Kevin < kevin.beaulieu@utoronto.ca>

1. DYAN-

-overview and history of DIG IN:Dupont Improvement Group
-started 1 1/2 yrs ago with neighborhood needing improvement
-DIG IN: Diversified Initiative Guide an artist project
-together as a group we can bring this neighborhood forward.
-move certain issues forward.-development, parks - green, clean, safe and civil etc.
-more information is on web site.

2. ADAM-

-development in our area and important dates:
-a)Dupont/Lansdowne Development-currently converting 2 other buildings.
-two towers on the site-16 stories-going to OMB-Jan.5
-may be asking for public meeting in the ward during the week of Jan.5-9-this is
what we are pressing for.
-dispute around the density of the building.
-Adam in support of city planners-reduce height of buildings.
-hearing determines if developers allowed to build and also if building is going to go
to section 37-where the developer pays compensation to city for increased density.
-in this area-new towers are 7 million dollars-looking for 2 million from section 37
-this money can go to the community for projects we want.
-on the other hand the OMB could decide to give nothing-therefore need our input and
guidance on this.
-other issue on this site-no public access to it-1000-1500 units with no public access.
-this creates a safety problem and integration into the neighborhood.
-city wanted to put public roads in there
-trying to get public access freed up-to integrate this site into the community.
-also negotiations with owners on Ward Ave.-they want no traffic in or out off Lappin
Ave
-looking to overturn this-at least for access by people and bikes.
-looking at all options to open up access.
b) North of Dupont-
-same developer-may be commercial property right up to Davenport-townhouses.
-issues of pollution and cleanup on this site.


-when planning dept issues report ,hen we can come with recommendations.
-opportunity to beautify the community and benefit from these

c)TTC Barns-
-asking TTC to put holds on TTC barn sites
-taken off the market for 6 months-to see what we want to do with this site.
-contamination on this site also.
-need to come forward with proposal.
-11 Division had its eyes on this site-problems with this-city to city budge,ie.TTC-Police
not enough money allocated to this from police budget.

c)North of Lansdowne and Dupont
-toxic plume –underground-capped by concrete slab.
-proposing to keep present building-convert it to a Shoppers Drugmart-need a
supermarket.

d)Galleria Mall
-more consultations in the new year.
-new proposal-improvement but still a long way to go.
-all condominiums-all sold-no rentals
Question-Solway Scrap Metal Yard-residential next to industrial
-owner interested in moving this operation-can the city offer him help in
relocating?
Question-Was a traffic impact study done?
-Galleria-less traffic when mall is gone
-The Standard-leads to increased traffic
-no question that there will be more traffic in the residential streets.
-dealing with “done deals”-if this was all at a starting stage then it would be different.

e)Chelsea Lofts-100 units-access onto Lansdowne.
f)The Standard-condominiums-rental right now-in theory it could be sold as ownership
condos.
Question-Dupont Lansdowne-problem with drugs,prostituition,etc.
-Jan.10 –newsletter comes out-series of police meetings to deal with issues
in this area.

3. PATRICK- OMB meetings- 655 Bay St.-decide who will talk and when.
- if you want to talk or be represented-need to contact OMB by Dec.15
-public consultation meeting
-need someone from the business community to go infront of the board.
-talk to Patrick after the meeting.

-cannot go as DIG IN to these meetings because we are not incorporated.


4. DYAN- develop a community identity-parks to walk in-one idea was to try and link
parks through green waling system.
-walkway would be public space, art works, and community voice
-plenty of art as you walk along this pathway.
-$50,000 was approved to start this walkway from Wallace/Emerson to link
within our neighborhood and then into the city.
-section 37 money to develop this walkway-artists,architects,parks and rec. all
working together.
5. FRANK—want to use diversified methods at the community at large-beautify the
Neighborhood
-encourage all of you to go onto the net to the DIG IN site.

Question-Bike path?-plan for it but not sure-sit down with the planners to make sure
all components are there.

6. BRIAN GREEN-Parks and Recreation dept.
-works out of Earlscourt Park.
-safety element of parks-like to see parks improved.
-discussion of basketball hoops-taken down a night,etc.
Question-Dog-off-the-leash-parks?-no new areas approved in the last 10 years.
-Symington Park questioned as a possibility-look
for support from neighborhood.
-Dovercourt Park-new entrance features as a result of street
construction.

7. DYAN-asked if we could start the process of electing our executive committee.
-Adam- would oversee the process.

Chairperson-nominations opened- Patrick-co-chair
Anna-co-chair
-accepted.
-nominations closed.
-both declared.

Secretary- Carmen-nominated-declined.
Kevin-nominated-accepted-declared.

Treasurer-Maria-nominated
Fred-nominated
-voted-Maria-declared.

Fundraiser-Rebecca-nominated-accepted-declared.

Communications Officer-Shelley and Ian-nominated-accepted-declared.

8.FRANK- thanked Dyan for all her efforts.

9. NEXT MEETING- first Wed. of the month.
-at the Perth Dupont Library.
-set for Wed. Jan.7-6:30pm

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5. Other: past events

Dupont Projects A new gallery and project space at 1444 Dupont Street, Unit 31

Opening exhibition ABOUT HERE
Art, Architecture, Landscape: for and about the Dupont West Neighbourhood

Opening Oct 4th, 2003, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Oct 4th to November 16, 2003
Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 12:00 to 5:00 or by appointment
1444 Dupont Street, Unit 31

Dupont Projects is a new art gallery and project space devoted to urban space and issues. It launches Saturday, October 4 with an inaugural exhibition that focuses on the troubled Dupont West Neighbourhood of Toronto, an area that is the setting for several major development projects that raise complex urban issues. Teaming architects, landscape architects, and artists, the gallery offers a series of works that outline responses to the changing nature of the site.


Attila Burka: Burka, Varacalli Architects
- Concept Plans for the General Electric site at Lansdowne and Dupont

Guy Walter: Urban Surface, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Design with DIG IN
- Concept drawings for Community Green Walking System “WALK HERE”— a community and public art plan connecting internal neighborhood sites to the city at large

Sheldon Levitt, Les Klein: Quadrangle Architects
- Concept Plans for the redevelopment of the Galleria Mall site at Dupont
and Dufferin

Jim Melvin, Fung Lee, Alissa North, Sam Bietenholz: PMA Landscape Architects
- Ideas for improving local parks: concepts for play, communication and
landscape interventions

Dyan Marie: artist and direction for DIG IN: Dupont Improvement Group
- Photographic work documents: accidental gardens and cuts made into CN /CP rail lines fences to gain access to green space and reconnect neighbourhoods

Richard Rhodes: artist, writer and editor of Canadian Art magazine
- Photographs of sky formations above the horizon line of the Galleria Mall and Wallace Emerson Park

And official launch of the Galleria Development Information to the Community website www.GalleriaDevelopment.com

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HELP DEVELOP A COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL IDEAS PLAN
A PLAN TO ADVANCE AND ENACT INITIATIVES THAT SUPPORT A HEALTHY NEIGHBOURHOOD

DIG IN has initiated an inclusive community ideas plan for the improvement of the Neighbourhood. The intention is to get everyone involved in contributing information, suggestions and improvement ideas that will better the area’s social, environmental, cultural, economic and physical make up.