HVRA News

City Announces New Local Appeal Body for Land-Use Issues

2017/05/01Margaret Procter

A news release issued by the City of Toronto on May 1, 2017 responds to years of criticism of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by Toronto residents, neighbourhood associations like HVRA, and councillors. It announces that the City of Toronto has established an independent local appeal body to provide quick and efficient hearings on appeals of land use decisions made by the Committee of Adjustment.

City Council Passes Revised Proposal for Honest Ed’s Site

2017/04/30Margaret Procter

On April 28, 2017, Toronto City Council unanimously approved Westbank’s proposal to develop the former site of the Honest Ed’s store and adjacent properties in Mirvish Village. This follows years of presentations, meetings, and revisions. After helping secure more green space,

Brunswick House Becomes Retail Store

2017/03/26Margaret Procter

The Brunswick House is now a Rexall Pharmacy instead of a lively but raucous neighbourhood pub. An article in the online magazine, Retail Insider, indicates how it looks now. Images show historical features that have been preserved,

In-Street Planters: Planning Meeting 7-9pm, Thurs. Mar. 9, 25 Brunswick

2017/03/02Margaret Procter

In-street planters are coming to our neighbourhood! Hear more about the City’s plans to replace some of the concrete boxes at our street corners with in-ground plantings. Robert Mays (Toronto Transportation Department) will present innovative design concepts under consideration and outline the type of help local residents can give.

Bike Lanes on Bloor: New Figures, Adjustments Coming

2017/02/24Margaret Procter

Read different takes about the Bloor Bike Lanes from the Toronto Star and the city Transportation Department, then respond to a city survey:

The Toronto Star reports that the pilot project for separated bike lanes on Bloor has greatly increased the number of cyclists and made most motorists feel more comfortable driving alongside them.

Heritage Decision for 698 Spadina

2017/01/28Margaret Procter

On Jan. 26, 2017, the Ten Editions Bookstore building at the corner of Sussex and Spadina received unanimous approval for heritage designation from the Toronto Heritage Preservation Board (HPB). This designation will be considered next by Toronto and East York Community Council,

Classic Restaurants Nearby

2017/01/23Margaret Procter

Now Magazine of Jan. 19-25 reports on how 19 “iconic” Toronto restaurants have managed to stay in business for over 20 years. Three are located in our area: Country Style Hungarian on Bloor (at left, mother and daughter owners),

… Read more Classic Restaurants Nearby

Toronto’s Tree Canopy: World Class, but Under Stress

2017/01/13Margaret Procter

Metro News reports on a project from MIT and the World Economic Forum that maps urban tree canopies around the world using new software called “Treepedia.” By counting trees using Google Street View the researchers measured the percentage of each city’s area covered by canopy.