Harbord Village residents work together in many inventive ways to improve the neighbourhood. The notes below describe recreational and other opportunities provided by groups other than the HVRA. Links for more information are given where available; they will take you outside the HVRA website.
Central Tech Community Swim
The Central Tech pool is open to the public every Saturday from 2 to 4 from late September to the May long weekend. Donations at the door of $2 per person pay the lifeguards. Sections for lap swim, family fun, and diving. Everyone welcome! Inquire about booking kids’ parties. Where: Lennox and Lippincott, southeast of Bathurst, door 16. Contact: centraltechpool@gmail.com.
Dragon Boat Team (Rusty Dragons)
From 2012, this team has won medals in the B Division of the Canada Day Regatta, and has given dozens of people lots of enjoyment. In weekly practices in May and June, you can go from never having sat in a dragon boat to racing on Canada Day. All are welcome: men and women of any age or ability, and young adults aged 14 and up. For current information and to sign up, go to the Rusty Dragons website and click on Harbord Village in the left sidebar.
English Country Dancing
This non-profit social dance group welcomes everybody to share the joy of traditional live music and dancing. Informal dances are held at Trinity/St. Paul’s or St. Stephen’s-in-the-Fields church on the second and fourth Fridays each month in the winter, and in High Park in the summer. No partner or dance experience is required, and fees are modest. Visit the Toronto English Country Dancers website to find out more.
Farmers’ Market
From early June until late October, Wednesdays 3-7 pm, in the Green P parking lot between Borden and Lippincott just south of Bloor; a Verified Local Farmers market. Buy real farm produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, honey and baked goods. Meet your neighbours, enjoy musicians and kids’ games, and revel in the abundance of healthy food.
Friends of Harbord Village
This Facebook page is a place to communicate about neighbourhood events and local issues. You can put the word out about your yard sale, accommodation offers, lost or found pets, or that bookshelf or couch you’re leaving on the curb. To join, log into Facebook, type “Friends of Harbord Village” into the search bar, click on “Join” and wait for confirmation.
Friends of Margaret Fairley Park
Several dozen parents have guided the renewal of our one local park, at Ulster and Brunswick, to make it an even better playground, green space, and location for community events. Read their blog about how they designed what they wanted, and see how they used their Facebook group page to support each other. The renovated park was in full use by Summer 2017.
Harbord Village Parents Association
This Facebook group generates a sense of community for kids and adults by forming connections among Harbord Village residents who want their children to grow and flourish in the heart of downtown Toronto. They plan informal playdates, swap info on daycares and schools, and keep each other informed of great activities and camps, just to name a few topics. Sign up on Facebook to join.
Nags Players
This community theatre group meets at the Tranzac Club at 292 Brunswick. They put on three shows a year, including a child-friendly pantomime in December, and they keep us amused at the Fall Fair too. Follow what they’re up to on their website or their Facebook page. They have a lot of fun preparing shows and are always glad of new members.