​Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on Monday November 18th at the Central YMCA.
 
Treasurer’s Report
 
Marilyn Tait-McClellan reported that membership fees remain at $1.50 per unit.  This year the major expenses were FoSTRA membership fees and donation, website costs, a donation to the 52 Division CPLC donation that went to a children’s program at Beverley School and maintenance and signage for community gardens.  There is a surplus of approximately $20,000 that will be used to develop signage for the Clock Tower Trail.
 
Guest Speakers
 
Councillor Chris Moise, Toronto Centre just attended Dr. De Villa’s last meeting as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, where a progress report on ‘Our Health Our City’ outlined how safe consumption sites saved lives.  The Mayor and Council have worked to increase housing stock to alleviate the housing crisis, but need help from the provincial and federal governments.  500 refugees arrive in Toronto monthly.  The City’s new encampment strategy is to move people only if there is a place to relocate them.  3 of 4 of the largest encampments are in Toronto Centre, with about 24 residents in Trinity Park, 23 in St. James Park and 20 in Moss Park.  The City has few resources to deal with mental health issues.  The province has turned down the city’s request for 1% of the sales tax.  There were 5 cyclist deaths in 2024, highlighting the need for bike lanes.  Councillor Moise recently attended the Healthy Cities Conference in Copenhagen where there is a mindset to put people in the centre of everything.  90% of Copenhagen residents are cyclists.  It will cost $40M to remove bike lanes as proposed in Bill 212.  Bay Cloverhill projects underway include a parking amendment motion passed at the Toronto East York Community Council to accommodate the loading zones on St. Joseph Street, painting of traffic control boxes, bumpouts on St. Joseph Street and street planters on St. Nicholas Street.
 
MPP Jessica Bell, University Rosedale gave updates on 3 issues.  Bill 212 to speed up construction of highways, make is hard to build new bike lanes and remove bike lanes on Yonge Street, Bloor Street and University Avenue.  MPP Bell worked with Families for Safe Streets to highlight the stories of cyclist deaths, how cyclists just want to be safe and have their fair share of the road.  On streets where there are bike lanes, accidents are reduced and cyclist use increases.  The focus should be on investing in transit and reducing traffic congestion caused by construction.  Bill amendments will be introduced.  There is new legislation to close safe consumption sites in March 2025, including one in Kensington Market.  2,000 people die from opioid addictions and health care workers say more people will die without safe consumption sites.  Bill 214 removes power from the Ontario Energy Board and reassigns it to the provincial government.  The result will be more nuclear power plants supplemented by gas power plants without any cost analysis and consideration of alternative energy.  All the above issues are a diversion strategy by the Conservative government to prepare for a snap election in March.  Important issues like the 2.2 million Ontarians without a family doctor, proper staffing for schools and affordable and supportive housing are not being addressed.
 
MPP Kristyn Wong Tam, Toronto Centre lives in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.  They thanked the police for their efforts.  MPP Wong Tam is the official opposition critic for the Ministry of the Attorney General (justice and court), small business and LGBTQ issues.  The provincial government claims to be tough on crime but are not dealing with public safety which only works when court cases are heard in a timely manner.  80% of people on bail are awaiting trial.  Ontario has the worst record for the ‘Jordan principle’ where cases must be decided on within 18 months.  As a result justice is not achieved for many cases like human trafficking, rapes and car jackings.  The Fall economic statement cut half a billion dollars from the provincial budget, a decrease of 9%.  The province is meddling in local planning.  MPP Wong Tam will be introducing a bill to address the 2 to 3 year backlog in the Landlord Tenant Court and 9,500 cases pending in the Human Rights Tribunal to create a special committee to address the outstanding cases, increase legal aid funding and stop unqualified and patronage appointments of adjudicators.  There were 3 Toronto focused motions proposed by the opposition party that were voted down.  They were: making mental health services part of health services; creating a public housing agency to create 250,000 units and clear the backlog; and a new deal for municipalities to reflect the $44m in services downloaded by the province.
 
Guest Speaker Questions and Answers
 
The vacant buildings at on the north side of St. Mary Street and Yonge Street are part of the 10 St. Mary Street redevelopment.  The Church of Scientology building on the south side of the intersection has been vacant for many years and is in compliance with city bylaws.  The owners are current with property taxes and are not interested in selling as they still plan to renovate the building.
 
When asked if affordable housing can be a requirement of all new developments, it was explained that the province has not approved the City’s inclusionary zoning policy with the requirement that all developments include affordable housing.
 
The removal of bike lanes in Toronto should be a concern for all Ontario residents, but it is being ignored by the media outside Toronto.  It is a wedge issue for the probable Spring election.  Congestion in Toronto is caused by 100,000 Uber drivers, CafeTO installations and lane closures from construction, telecommunications work and Metrolinx.  It was pointed out that congestion on the highways is not caused by bike lanes.
 
The provincial government is using federal healthcare funding for private healthcare instead of public healthcare, without any repercussions.  The provincial government is blaming socialist mayors.  MPP Bell encouraged residents to support the Ontario Health Coalition, who is against private healthcare, and to share their stories about long waitlists for necessary surgeries with the media.  UHN has apparently cut surgeries by 30%.
 
The province has turned down the federal government’s offer for $250M for matching funds to end encampments.
 
Licensing and regulation for micromobility devices is lacking by the provincial government.  The City is advised by an Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee that declined to participate in an escooter trial. Residents are encouraged to participate in the this Committee to have their voice heard.
 
The recent changes to the brick walls around the 7-11 at Bay Street and St. Joseph prevent them from being used as seats.  Scheduled street furniture installations will provide additional seating in the area.
 
The most effective way for the Bay Cloverhill Community Association and residents to influence changes for issues that are important is to join forces with other associations, like FoSTRA and FoNTRA, and be involved in the election process.
 
Ask Anthony
 
Constable Anthony Lamanna, Community Relations Officer, 52 Division, Toronto Police Service believes the city is safe despite media coverage.  He speaks to people living on the street and with mental health issues.  More police officers are being hired, but it doesn’t make up for the police officers that are retiring or transferring to other jurisdictions outside the city.  It is very challenging to retain and recruit new police officers.  American tourists in town enjoy the ability to walk around the city and find it clean and safe.  Be careful of nefarious individuals during holiday shopping.  Pickpockets use distraction techniques.  Avoid being distracted while using your cell phone.  Organized crime is behind car thefts, where vehicles can be sold for $200k overseas.  Always be aware of your surroundings.
 
Fall 2024 Update
 
The Fall 2024 Update was presented an overview of the activities like meetings, monitoring developments, public realm projects and cooperation with other resident associations.  There is involvement with, and letters of support for, Federation of South Toronto Resident’s Association (FoSTRA), Avenue Road Safety Coalition, No More Noise Toronto, use of Section 37 development funds, sidewalk safety/micromobility and Bill 212 regarding removal of the Yonge/Bloor/University bike lanes.
 
Developments
 
The Immix a 38 storey building at 494 Yonge Street that opened to 425 tenants this spring.  8 Wellesley Residences at Yonge at 8 Wellesley Street West is a 55 storey 599 unit condominium building under construction with completion estimated in March 2025. The facades of the historic townhouses on Wellesley have been restored.  
 
Developments that have been approved with construction pending are: 1075 Bay Street is an existing 13 storey office that will be replaced by a 66 storey 541 condominium building including 8 storey that may be converted from office to rental housing. 2G, 26 Grenville Street and 27 Grosvenor Street consists of a 50 and a 35 storey 700 unit rental building including 30% affordable housing.  73 Queens Park Crescent would demolish the existing 4 storey Northop Frye Hall and construct a new 5 storey institutional building. 510 Yonge Street is a 59 storey project with 500 condominium units with an affordable housing component.  Podium Developments is a new partner in 510 Yonge Street and it will be changed to student rental housing.  95 St. Joseph Street will be a 51 storey building with a 12 storey seniors residence and a 39 storey 502 condominium tower.  25 St. Mary Street is proposed to be 54 and 59 storey towers containing 300 rental replacement units and 800 condominium units.  646 Yonge Street is a new project for a 75 storey 675 unit condominium building.
 
Developments that are proposed but still in the planning process include 10 St. Mary Street, a 63 storey condominium with revised plans pending.  The heritage facades on Yonge Street and St Nicholas Street will be retained. The building at 100 College Street is under demolition, and a new 20 storey educational/research building will be constructed on the site.  The Kelly Library will be demolished and a new light filled library, new event space, about 50 storey student residence tower will be built.  Loretto College at 70 St. Mary Street will be redeveloped into a 40 storey building with institutional, Loretto sisters residence and female student residence on the lower floors and condominiums on the upper floors.  530 Yonge Street is a 67 storey 860 unit residential building that was just submitted to the City.
 
The MacDonald Block reconstruction ongoing since 2018 may be completed in 2025 or 2026.  The approved 7 storey office building at 880 Bay Street (current construction staging site) is being reconsidered by Infrastructure Ontario.
 
2024 Accomplishments
 
‘No dogs or litter’ signs were installed in the St. Joseph community garden and Bay Street bioswale to discourage dog waste and garbage.  Colourfully decorated waste and recycling bins in Dr. Lillian McGregor Park and Breadalbane Park.  The speed limit on Queen’s Park Crescent from Bloor Street to College Street was reduced to 40 km/h.  The custom made Great White Oak bench was installed in Queen’s Park North.  St. Luke Lane was resurfaced from the north half of Grenville Street to College Street.  The alternate Museum TTC Station exit in Queen’s Park North opened.  The Green Loop was renamed the Clock Tower Trail.  Approval was granted for a commercial loading zone and a passenger drop off area on St. Joseph Street.  A list of local restaurants was created and is available on the website.  The Sidewalk Safety Committee worked with Toronto Police Service on a cyclist education/enforcement campaign and distributed ‘Walk your Wheels’ poster to local buildings and restaurants.  The Historic Yonge Heritage Conservation District study was approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal.  Work on the study started as part of the Official Plan Amendment 183 in 2013.  Many volunteers worked on the study, which was completed in 2015 and approved by the city in 2016.
 
Projects
 
Toronto Centre Projects Participatory Budgeting Planning project to install tree surrounds and expand tree beds on St. Nicholas Street and Irwin Street will happen in late 2024, with installation in Fall 2025.  The conversion of the existing island and right hand turn lane at Dr. Emily Stowe Way (on the south side of Women’s College Hospital) will be converted to an expanded sidewalk with new seat walls, reconfigured bike racks, a new BikeShare station and installation of a 3 oak tree bioswale.  A traffic light will be installed in 2025 on Yonge Street by College Park and Granby, as part of the Clock Tower Trail.  Road resurfacing in 2025 on Breadalbane will create a link between Dr. Lillian MacGregor Park and Opera Place park with installation of seat walls, traffic calming curb extensions, green infrastructure to capture storm water and reduce flooding, as well as new trees and more bike rings.  The temporary green concrete curbs and metal planters on St. Joseph Street at Yonge Street and Bay Street will be replaced by permanent sidewalk extensions in Summer 2025.  The 3 year process to get a plaque for the Primrose statue continues.  The loading zone/passenger drop off zones on St. Joseph Street have been approved by the Toronto East York Community Council, with planning and hopefully installation in 2025.
 
The Toronto Centre Projects 2023 Participatory Budgeting art murals on St. Luke Lane has been cancelled because the landlords won’t cooperate.  The money will be reallocated to other projects.
 
There are 3 priorities for 2025.  Logo design for the Clock Tower, the creation of a community plaque for Dr. Lillian McGregor Park recognizing the work of the community to create the park, and artwork installation for traffic control boxes. 
 
The main projects that are active include replacing the obsolete fountain in Queen’s Park North with a sundial, installation of street furniture, laneway design standards as well as lighting, bumpouts on Grenville Street, the  installation of a traffic light on Wellesley Street West by Century Plaza to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park, St. Luke Lane resurfacing from Grosvenor Street to Grenville Street and Breadalbane Street to Grosvenor Street and south half of Grenville Street to College Street, mail box locations and details of mail boxes that have been removed, and signage for the Breadalbane Off Leash Dog Park.
 
Other Business
Next year marks 30 years since Bay Corridor Community Association started in 1995.  In 2025, there will be acknowledgement of the efforts of the many founding and contributing members as well as stakeholders, recognition of community accomplishments and perhaps promotional giveaways.  Legacy highlights will be featured on the website and be the focus of the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
 
Cathy Carnevali was acclaimed as Secretary and there are 2 vacant board positions available.
 
This week there will be a flu/COVID vaccine clinic at University of St. Michael’s College, as well as a popup CD sale.  An virtual information session on the Loretto College redevelopment will happen on November 28th and the annual Christmas Market will be held in early December.

No one was nominated for the two vacant positions on the Bay Cloverhill Community Association board. Cathy C. was nominated since her director term is ending.

The speed limit on Queen's Park Crescent has been reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.

Bicycles and some ebikes are allowed to use the road or bike lanes.  Motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters are only allowed on the street.  The possibility of extending street parking hours and no left turn lane in the summer is being investigated.

A graphic designer has been selected to develop a logo for the Clock Tower Trail.

Residents are encouraged to vote for the installation of commercial and passenger delivery/drop off loading zones on St. Joseph Street on Toronto Centre Projects at https://torontocentreprojects.ca/en/ideas/st-joseph-street-commercial-loading-zone-passenger-drop-off-and-loading.  The matter will be reviewed at the Toronto and East York Community Council later this week.  A letter of support has been sent for consideration.

The owners of the buildings adjacent to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park are not interested in the outdoor mural art projects selected as Toronto Centre Participatory Budgeting Projects 2023.​

The status of select area developments was reviewed.  8 Wellesley Street West has windows installed up to the 50th floor and estimated occupancy is March 2025. 

There was a Committee of Adjustment hearing for 95 St. Joseph Street which added a storey and some balconies, removed residential parking and increased the number of condo units, with just under half being studio layouts. 

The office portion of the 1075 Bay Street redevelopment will likely be replaced by residential rental apartments. 

Fencing has been installed at 100 College Street, with demolition of the building pending. 

​A community consultation was hosted by St. Mike's on October 3rd.  The Kelly Library will be replaced with a more welcoming design.  The redevelopment will have new student residences, event space and study areas.  The library, print shop, conservation area and Kelly Library Café uses will be be retained.  https://library.stmikes.utoronto.ca/about/rezoning/.  A revitalized campus and landscape plan is under consideration www.stmikes.utoronto.ca/usmc-campus-landscape-plan. 

The City has a Commemorative Tree and Bench Program that offers plaques on new or existing benches and trees.  The University of Toronto program has ended.  There are two commemorative benches currently installed in the neighbourhood.  In Clover Hill Park, a bench is dedicated to Dr. Christine Hone-Buske studied behavioural neuroscience at the University of Toronto, fluent in 9 languages and died of cancer in 2019.  The second is at St. Mary Parkette for preschool teacher Wendy Dyer who succumbed to cancer in 2020.  Applications are open at all Bay Cloverhill parks with costs ranging from $738 to $2,530, which are eligible for tax deductible receipts.  For more details, visit
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/commemorative-items-in-parks/ or https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/find-service-information/article/?kb=kA06g000001cw9aCAA.

The installation of 'no barking' signage at Breadalbane Park is challenging for Bylaw Enforcement because the City's bylaw does not explicitly mention barking as a prohibited noise. Existing “be a good neighbour signage” that is used in other parks may be substituted.

Garbage and debris in private laneways behind St. Joseph Street and St. Nicholas Street have been reported to Bylaw Enforcement.

Water leaks on the sidewalk at the north east corner of Dr. Lillian McGregor Park have been reported to the Parks Department.

Mulch is needed for some of the City trees on the west side of Bay Street.  Since it is difficult for the Gardening Committee to deliver supplies, adjacent condo buildings are asked to help with tree maintenance.

There was an all night unauthorized Nuit Blanche rave held at Queen's Park which resulted in hundreds of partygoers causing damage including graffiti.  The same event has been held the previous two years.  Bylaw Enforcement has been advised and will be proactive to prevent another occurrence at next year's Nuit Blanche.

A parking space on St. Mary Street, west of Bay Street will be replaced with a no stopping zone. Pay and display parking rates on St. Mary Street, west of St. Nicholas Street will be increased from $2.25 per hour to $5.25 per hour.

RSVP to attend the 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee Town Hall on Wednesday November 6th at 6:30 pm, at 52 Division, 255 Dundas Street West.

Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held at Queen's Park and Hart House Circle at the University of Toronto on Friday October 11th. 

The Holly Jolly Fun Run and Santa Claus parade happens on Sunday November 24th.

The St. Mike's Christmas Market on Elmsley Place will be scheduled on the first or second Thursday of December.

The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Central YMCA on Monday November 16th, with a special announcement, as well as speeches by local politicians.

Guest Speaker
Fitzroy Kelow, who is a Special Constable with the TTC gave an interesting presentation, which is available in the Minutes of Meeting section.  The primary duties for TTC Special Constables is crime prevention, customer service, enforcing transit bylaws, emergency response and community engagement.  Residents are warned not to go to track level and ask TTC staff for assistance if something is accidentally dropped on the tracks.  In the event of an emergency, there is an emergency power shut off station with a blue light at either end of the platform.  If residents need assistance on a busy or train, activate the yellow strip on the vehicle.  In subway stations, there are yellow intercom stations that can provide directions or assistance, as well as emergency response.  A Crisis Link button on payphones directly connects an individual in distress to a crisis counsellor.  Designated waiting areas and cameras provide security and residents are reminded to avoid distractions, keep phones/computers out of sight and shout if they feel uncomfortable.  The SafeTTC app provides the opportunity to take a photo and/or report incidents, or text 647-496-1940 to report a safety concern.  In 2023, fare evasion rates cost over $120m which could have funded operating improvements and hiring more staff.  Streetcars have the highest fare evasion rate over buses and stations.  The highest one day ridership happened on June 17, 2019 for the Toronto Raptors NBA World Championship parade with 2,153,600 riders.

Previous Meeting Items
No dogs/litter signs installed in St. Joseph community gardens and Bay Street bioswale have contributed to cleanliness improvements.

The Sidewalk Safety Committee is working with local restaurants and area buildings to display "Walk Your Wheels" informational signage.

The City will not pay for the required traffic flow study to convert St. Joseph from one way to two way.  We are working with the City and Councillor's office to develop a commercial loading zone in front of 11 St. Joseph for Canada Post, UPS and other delivery trucks to stop.  It would require the elimination of 2 street parking spaces.  A passenger pick up/drop off is proposed in front of 5 St. Joseph.

Neighbourhood
A bounty of new restaurants have opened up in the area.  Republique is a French brunch place on Irwin.  Vava offers gourmet cakes on Yonge at St. Joseph.  Petit Potato just opened on Bay, at Polo 2 Condos.  Beach Hill Smokehouse opened on St. Joseph, just west of Yonge.  Dopamina is a fine dining that offers Asian Mediterranean cuisine at Burano Condos, Bay and Grenville.  Nabulu Coffee has Persian style coffee and an upstairs music lounge on St. Joseph.

There is an opening for 2 directors on the board.  Eligible candidates must be nominated by the October meeting, be a building representative or individual member who lives in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.

There are two proposals on Toronto Centre Projects.  In Breadalbane Park, no barking signs are being considered by the Parks Department, but pedestrian crosswalks can only be installed by the adjacent condominium buildings that own the driveway.  Residents are encouraged to vote for a commemorative plaque in Dr. Lillian McGregor Park to recognize the efforts of the community and local politicians to create the park. 

The three pedestrian crosswalks submitted to Toronto Centre Projects Traffic Review are under review, with traffic lights being installed on Yonge near Granby negating the need for a crosswalk at that location.

The St. Luke Lane murals selected in the Toronto Centre Projects Participatory Budgeting 2023 are in process with maintenance documentation being negotiated with the building owners.  Once that is complete, StreetARToronto will survey residents about the type and style of art preferred before installing the art.  The other project in the works is the curb extensions on St. Joseph, west of Yonge and east of Bay.

St. Mike's has relaunched their Continuing Education program and is offering courses this fall on Contemporary Issues Through Children's Literature, Irish Studies, Poetry and Prayer and Letterpress Printing.

Developments
A development is proposed for Loretto College at 70 St. Mary.  The original application was in 2016.  The University of St. Michael's College and a private developer will build a 40 storey structure with educational uses on the lower floors, then a residence for the Loretto Sisters, female university student residences and condominiums.  A meeting with the developers is being set up for next month.

Community Meetings
At the Community Police Liaison Committee on Wednesday June 5th, it was noted that the police force is understaffed and assigned to increasing protests.  As a result, police patrolling is limited to crime areas.  Residents are encouraged to report any criminal activity to police to get the required attention/patrolling.

FoSTRA's Advocacy and Activism Committee met on Thursday June 13th.  Key items were a letter sent to City Council on the impact of the Billy Bishop Airport impact.  A second City submission related to micromobility, including scooters.  The Community Consultation process as part of Development approval was discussed. A letter from the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario was  endorsed.  New litter/recycling bins are being tried out.  There will be changes to the blue bin program when manufacturers take over responsibility for recycling next year.

MPP Bell hosted a Town Hall on Thursday July 11th.  Key issues are the shortage of family doctors, a need for affordable housing to be built as well as a downtown seniors’ community centre.  The court system is overloaded and there is a lack of concern for environmental issues with the current provincial government.  Residents are concerned with the noise/swearing from long running anti-government protests, cyclist safety with bike lane blockage and micromobility devices.  There is a huge backlog in the Landlord Tenant Board, with the biggest issue being excessive rent increases.

Community Concerns
The speed limit on Queen's Park Crescent will be lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h, to be in line with existing speed limits north of Bloor and south of Gerrard.  Signage replacement is pending.

A letter in support of the Avenue Road Study was sent to the Toronto East York Community Council.  A letter expressing resident concerns about noise was sent to the Board of Health.

Joseph said he thinks any micromobility device with an engine should not be allowed in bike lanes, and required to use the street.  He also asked if parking and no left turn hours could be adjusted seasonally to facilitate traffic flow in the summer.

Al noted that the development at 95 St. Joseph has received approval for an additional floor and increased the number of suites by 100 at a recent Committee of Adjustment hearing.  He asked if there were any additional 45/9 community benefits that could be used to transform St. Joseph into a gateway into the university grounds.  Al has noticed that two trees on Irwin were broken, either by a vehicle hitting them or people maliciously breaking the tree trunks.  Plants have also gone missing from the Irwin community garden.

Beth noted damage on the skirting wall of Clover Hill Park.  

Upcoming holidays and special events were reviewed.  The next meeting will be on Monday October 21st.

The meeting and speaker's presentations are available in the Minutes of Meetings section.

The only off leash dog park in the Bay Cloverhill area is causing some discomfort for some residents, who hear barking at all hours.  Breadalbane Park is surrounded by thousands of residents who live in adjacent to the off leash dog park. In addition there have been some close calls with cars/trucks driving on the circular driveway that surrounds the off leash dog park conflicting with pedestrians accessing the park.

There are some straightforward improvements that could improve the situation and a proposal has been submitted to Toronto Centre Projects at https://torontocentreprojects.ca/en/initiatives/breadalbane-park-off-leash-dog-area-improvements.  Please vote in favour of the proposal, so that Councillor Moise's office can pursue these modifications to make the situation better for residents.

The first suggestion in the proposal is to paint pedestrian crosswalk lines from the lowered sidewalk curbs at the entrances to the dog park. There should be two crosswalks: one on the northwest corner of the dog park, and another on the east side that leads to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park. It would give vehicles a visual warning that people and pets are crossing, making for a safer pedestrian experience.

The second suggestion is to enhance signage. The Code of Conduct sign posted at both the north and south entrances does mention "Be respectful of the neighbours and deter your dog's barking", but it is rule #11 at the bottom of the sign and doesn't stand out.  If "no excessive barking" signs were installed midway on the east and west fences of the park. 

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our virtual General Members' Meeting on Monday May 17th.

There was an informative presentation by Scott Mckean, Associate Director, Violence Prevention and SafeTO.  SafeTO is a ten year plan with the intent is to focus on well being, as crime is an inequity.  There are in the first phase of implementation.  The Toronto Community Crisis Service is free, confidential, in-person mental health support for people at least 16 years old by mobile crisis teams.  This program diverts calls from Toronto Police Services and is available in Bay Cloverhill on a 24/7 basis.  It will be expanded citywide by the end of the year.  Preventative community work is provided through the Community Crisis Response Program.  FOCUS Toronto works with multiple service providers for escalated and complicated situations and connects locally with the Downtown East Focus Table.  They also work with local Business Improvement Areas with the SafeTObia progam.  The SafeTO Collaborative Analytics and Learning Environment uses data/analytics in an accountable manner to build evidence to innovate services.  In the event of a mental health crisis, residents are encouraged to call 211 for access to city services, 311 for general information and to request the assistance of Streets to Homes and 911 for urgent situations like trespassing.

The signage that was used to discourage dog urine and excrement in the community gardens was not found to be effective and more permanent signage is being sourced.

The dedicated volunteers who participated in the Mayor's Clean Up Day on Saturday April 20th were acknowledged.  About 30 participants enjoyed the 3 hour 'Clock Tower Trail in Downtown Toronto' tour of the pedestrian walking route as part of Jane's Walk on Sunday May 5th.  The 'Clock Tower Trail' name is the former 'Green Loop' that goes through the Bay Cloverhill, Church Wellesley and McGill Granby neighbourhoods, as selected by individuals who voted in the City of Toronto's survey.  It is still in the planning stages, and work on signage and wayfinding is underway.  The Great White Oak bench was installed in Queen's Park on May 1st.  Toronto Star is writing an article about it, and a plaque and/or official opening ceremony is planned.

Two new traffic lights will be installed as part of Toronto Centre Projects Traffic Review 2023 at Breadalbane/Maitland and Yonge, and Grenville/Wood and Yonge.  Submissions for Traffic Review 2024 include crosswalks midblock on Wellesley between Yonge and Bay to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park; Yonge from St. Joseph to Dundonald, where the TTC station entrance is; and Yonge between College Park and Aura to Granby.  Residents are encouraged to submit any proposals that would contribute towards Vision Zero goals.

Three projects were chosen in Toronto Centre Projects Participatory Budgeting process for 2023.  Murals will be installed this year on the west facades of two buildings on St. Luke Lane with frontages at 530 Yonge and 556 Yonge.  Tree wells will be expanded and metal planter surrounds installed in front of the cottages on St. Nicholas and the townhouses on St. Nicholas and Irwin next year.  Bumpouts will be installed next year on St. Joseph, perhaps combined with traffic flow changes.  The right turn lane at Dr. Emily Stowe Way and Grenville is being removed as part of road resurfacing that will start this fall.  The improvements include seating, a new Bike Share station and a 3 oak tree bioswale with permeable pavers.

The status of area developments at 1075 Bay Street, 25 St. Mary Street, 646 Yonge Street, 95 St. Joseph Street, 510 Yonge Street, 8 Wellesley Street West and 10 St. Mary Street were reviewed.

Highlights from the April and May meetings of the Federation of South Toronto Residents' Associations, Councillor Dianne Saxe. 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee and Sidewalk Safety Committee were discussed.  The preferred information sign for restaurants including the pictures of a bicycle, escooter and ebike was selected.  The idea of converting St. Joseph Street between Yonge and St. Nicholas from one way to two way to facilitate vehicle traffic from Five Condos was discussed.

Letters of Support/Opinion regarding the funding of renaming Sankofa Square, the City's Micromobility Strategy and Avenue Road Study were presented.

A police complaint was made about the weekly Saturday anti-government protests on Yonge Street, as southbound vehicles were observed driving into northbound lanes to drive around the obstruction caused by the small group of protestors walking on the road.

An animated discussion about excessive barking and dogs using the park that do not meet city requirements ensued. The City advised that all parks have standard operating hours of 5:30 am to 12 midnight.  The Ramsden dog park is open from 7:30 am to 11 pm and it is located in a densely residential neighbourhood similar to Breadalbane dog park.  Councillor Moise's office will coordinate bylaw enforcement including confirming dog licences and will review operating hours with Parks staff.

There is an inventory of existing trees that scored the neighbourhood with tree equity scores from 93 for the Queen's Park with low priority for improvements, south Bay Street corridor score of 82 with moderate priority, and 88 score with moderate priorit for the north Bay Street corridor.  There is also an interactive tool to increase tree coverage for specific areas. More information is available at  www.treeequityscore.org/analyzer/toronto.

Participants were asked if they wanted to participate in a Neighbourhood Streets Plan project to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.

We are looking for volunteers interested in participating in a Yonge Street tour for Councillor Moise organized by the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association and Bay Cloverhill Community Association.  Buildings that are part of the Yonge Street Character Area, Historic Yonge Heritage Conservation District, owned by KingSett and approved/pending rezoning applications would be highlighted.
 
Community and special events for the next 3 months were summarized, with details available on the Special Events page on the website.  Councillor Dianne Saxe is holding a virtual Town Hall on Thursday May 30th where parking issues with Toronto Police Services and City staff.  A webinar on non-profit home opportunities is being hosted by FoSTRA on Thursday June 6th.  The 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee is hosting a community event featuring various police divisions and sale of barbecued hot dogs/hamburgers, fundraising for Beverley House.  Pride parades will be happening on the last weekend of June.

The speaker's and meeting presentations are available on the Minutes of Meeting page.

Thanks to everyone who participated in selecting a new name for the pedestrian walk in the Bay Cloverhill, Church Wellesley and McGill Granby Village neighbourhoods.
​
The most popular name was "The Clock Tower Trail". It was inspired by the historic St. Charles Clock Tower at 484-488 Yonge Street that was restored as part of the Immix apartment building construction. Located near the centre of the pedestrian walk, as part of the St. Charles Tavern, it was a landmark in Toronto’s gay community.  It was a witness to much history and lgbtq discrimination over the years.

Toronto Fire Hall Number 3 was built in 1871 by architects James Grand and William Irving.  The clock tower provided a space for firefighters in horse drawn fire trucks to hang their rubber lined cotton fire hoses to dry.  It took a few days for the hoses hoisted by block and pulley to dry out, preventing rotting of the hoses.
 
The fire hall was closed in 1929 when a new fire station opened at 12 Grosvenor.  Ironically the lower part of the building burned in 1939.  In 1951, the St. Charles Tavern opened after some of the original building was demolished.  The Victorian style clock tower was relocated in 2018 as part of the redevelopment of the site, a short distance north and east of the original location.

Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual meeting.

Toronto Centre Councillor Chris Moise confirmed that three projects selected as part of 2023 Participatory Budgeting would be presented at City Council on March 20th for approval.  The projects are the curbside bump outs on St. Joseph Street at Bay Street and Yonge Street scheduled for installation Summer 2024 and two murals on St. Luke Lane that will be complete by September 2024.  The motion for up to 10 new tree planters on St. Nicholas Street at a cost of $10k each will be deferred to the April 17th to 19th City Council meeting.  Timeline and details will be posted on www.torontocentreprojects.ca.  The adjacent Norman Jewison Park and George Hislop Park will be closed during construction from March to August 2024.  The TPA lot at 13 Isabella will not be converted to parkland, but the TPA lot at 15 Wellesley Street East will become a new park.  Laneway lighting improvements requested for St. Vincent Lane, St. Luke Lane, Cottage Lane, Bistro Lane, Inkerman Street and Phipps Street will be investigated with Toronto Hydro.  It costs about $15k for each freestanding light pole and $20k to $30k for a new light pole.  Section 37 development funds working with private property owners.  There will be two Community Environment Days: Allan Gardens on Saturday May 18th from 10 am to 2 pm with free loose compost; Regent Park on Saturday July 13th from 10 a to 2 pm with free bagged compost.  Councillor Moise encouraged residents to complete the survey by March 25th for the renaming of the Green Loop.  The names under consideration are Clock Tower Trail, Clock Tower Green Loop, Historic Yonge Green Loop and Historic Yonge Parks Trail. Request for traffic control box artwork of $1,600 each (half going to the artist) has to be submitted as proposals on Toronto Centre Projects.  Section 37 development funds negotiated by Kyle Rae in 2003 and 2004 for almost $550k will be used to improve Yonge Dundas Square and renaming costs for Sankofa Square.  In response to a complaint about noise at Yonge and Dundas, Councillor Moise confirmed that new signage banning amplified noise was installed in the area and MLS bylaw enforcement was monitoring noise levels.  Construction for the first phase of YongeTOMorrow should start next year, and is complicated by the Metrolinx construction at Yonge and Queen.  Design and planning for the second phase is scheduled in two to three years.

Al R. reported that he had installed some plastic signs discouraging dogs from using the community gardens as a toilet, but metal signs seem to be more durable and visible.  Residents were encouraged to look out for suitable signs in local stores.

Christine D. introduced the Membership Guide which details responsibilities for building representatives.  All are encouraged to participate regularly in meetings and share information with fellow residents and their building board directors.  The opportunity to volunteer to help out on projects or committees, or serve on the BCCA board was emphasized.

The history of the Great White Oak Bench was given by Katherine H.  The location is close to where the original tree was, near the walkway to Victoria College.  The Parks Department installed a concrete pad base in February.  Installation will happen later this Spring.  We will look into a plaque or QR code to document the history of the tree and the community's efforts to reclaim parts of the tree for a bench.

Cathy C. summarized the February 7th CPLC meeting.  A member of the Sidewalk Safety Committee sent an email expressing concerns about bicycles riding on sidewalks to Mayor Chow, as well as Councillors Saxe and Moise.  There was a break and entry at Five Condos involving theft.  Local stores Rabba and Shoppers Drug Mart requested periodic police patrols in the Phipps Street and St. Nicholas Street area.
 
There will be a hearing on April 3rd related to the proposed development at 646 to 664 Yonge Street and 2 to 4 Irwin Avenue.  The Official Plan and Zoning Amendment will be presented, as well as Rental Replacement matters.
The plaque for 'Primrose' the donkey sculpture in Clover Hill Park is still in the procurement process by Toronto Parks.

The Federation of South Toronto Residents' Associations (FoSTRA) holds monthly meetings where issues of interest are discussed.  Regent Park operates a successful Social Development Plan that builds community.  Most residents' association were in favour of keeping Billy Bishop Airport on the islands rather than converting to parkland. The province overruled an Ontario Energy Board decision to have developers pay the cost of new connections, instead the charges will be allocated to all gas customers as outlined in Bill 165.  FoSTRA is in need of a webmaster if anyone is interested.  The frequency of MPAC property tax assessments are being reviewed, as are individual classifications such as Toronto Island homes that are on land leased from the City.

On February 22nd, Cathy C. attending a meeting regarding the city's approach to responding to encampments.  Third Party Public visited encampments and interviewed encampment residents, city staff and Toronto Police Services.  The main concerns were safety, waste management and loss of the use of green spaces.  Encampment residents have no other housing options and feel a sense of community in the tenter's group.  Solutions include swift response time for investigations and providing housing options.  A new City policy will be released in mid-March.

Michael noted that Canada Post is responsible for mailbox maintenance and issues can be reported through 311, who will connect complaints with Canada Post.

Al R. introduced the Neighbourhood Streets Plan introduced last year by City Councillors to encourage a holistic neighbourhood safety approach.  Any interested individuals can attend a session on March 20th and submit desired projects by June 30th. 

The Sidewalk Safety Committee noted that Sergeant Gall has been replaced by Office Kelly Munroe.  A meeting will likely be convened to review neighbourhood concerns.

Al R. talked about microgrants available for programming in City parks.  He also suggested that someone may want to organize a 1 to 1 1/2 hour neighbourhood tour for Jane's Walk on May 3rd to 5th.

Upcoming events and seminars were reviewed.  The next meeting will be held virtually on Monday May 27th at 7 pm.

The City of Toronto wants your input on a proper name for the Green Loop.  This is a quick and easy survey.  Choose your favourite name from the following list:

Clock Tower Trail
This name comes from The St. Charles Clock Tower at 484-488 Yonge St. This tower has been declared a heritage tower and is a landmark in Toronto’s gay community when it was part of the St. Charles Tavern. It was a witness to much history and 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination over the years. It is also located within the green loop not far from its centre. 

Clock Tower Green Loop
This name connects the original green loop name along with the Clock Tower heritage clock location identifier to make an all-inclusive name including both a local landmark centered within it and the original green loop name thus gaining the advantages of both.

Historic Yonge Green Loop
This name references the Historic Yonge Street HCD Study. It acknowledges the early settlement patterns in the area, which are linked to the establishment and subdivision of Park lots on either side of Yonge Street . It maintains the green loop name adding Historic Yonge as the location spine of the walk.

Historic Yonge Parks Trail
The name keeps the Historic Yonge designation feature from the Yonge Street HCD Study and indicates this is a walking trail between local parks centred around the Historic Yonge Street spine. HISTORIC YONGE acknowledges the age and importance of Yonge Street – PARKS references the division of the land into lots – TRAIL evokes Indigenous Peoples who inhabited this area.

Click on this link to complete the survey:
https://s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=371222&d=l&h=B62120FD04B0791&l=en&fbclid=IwAR30oklmLmmBqnVecRBf01IcxJiYtyE1jRPI8u4I83m05CJsT-PXFGPX8eo