The HVRA has taken a lead role in a range of initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. This section contains a number of substantial reports and many photographs illustrating recent projects.
Net Zero Carbon Project
The Net Zero Carbon Project is based on the idea that the Harbord Village can be a leader in meeting the climate crisis. We will offer incentives to switch to electric bikes and cars, and to retrofit our homes in various ways, so that we can all use less fossil fuel.
Greening the Village
Read the Green Plan and follow its implementation. See ways the Harbord Village Gardeners are creating green spaces. Admire reports from the 2007-8 and the 2017-18 Tree Inventories—and notice the differences. Photos galore for all these projects.
Development Issues
The HVRA helps residents deal with zoning issues, participates in City Planning studies and responds to major proposals like the ones for the Honest Ed’s site, the Spadina-Sussex residence, and the Central Tech dome. Documentation for both current and past projects is available.
Heritage Conservation
Several blocks in Harbord Village are designated Heritage Conservation Areas. Read what that means, and enjoy the photos and descriptions. Learn about City grants, and download a free Handbook about preservation and renovation. Also take yourself on a Historic Walk using another free guide.
Harbord Village History
Read about ways we represent local history. See a description of our prize-winning Oral History project and follow a link to its separate website: over 80 interviews with people who lived here before 1975 and many intriguing old photos.
Urban Issues
Besides advising residents on dealing with graffiti, noise, and traffic, HVRA has sponsored initiatives for park development, fire safety, laneway naming, and energy conservation. This section shows how they worked and what they achieved.