For one long-time resident of South Rosedale and Crescent Road, the “Gates to South Rosedale” project has become a reality.
In 1993, retired businessman and philanthropist Raymond Cowling proposed to then Councillor John Adams, an idea of “Gates” or ornamental pillars on Crescent Road which would demarcate the entrance to South Rosedale on one of its main streets. The “Gates” would be located on either side of the boulevard on Crescent Road to the immediate east end of the bridge over the subway tracks at the Rosedale Subway Station. Not only was Mr. Cowling the initiator of the proposal, he also indicated his willingness at the time to personally underwrite the capital costs associated with their construction.
As many issues like this go, City Staff at the time found a variety of reasons as to why the project could not, or should not proceed and the concept of pillars slipped into a bureaucratic slumber which would exist until this year.
In late 2011 Mr. Cowling approached the SRRA as to the renewed feasibility of the “Gates” and his continued interest in financially supporting the project if it could ever become a reality.
With the strong support of Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, the SRRA has spent the better part of a year working closely with a variety of City Departments and their very cooperative Staff to make Mr. Cowling’s vision come true. As an indication of the overall complexity of the project, Toronto City Council approval was required last month for the road alterations and pillar construction to move forward.
In early November with weather permitting, a City contractor will commence the Crescent Road narrowing and associated boulevard and curb work to accommodate the pillars (also paid for by Mr. Cowling as part of the project’s cost). Immediately following that, a private contractor will begin construction of the decorative pillars which will be built of stone and will be approximately eight and one half (8.5) feet high and three (3) feet square on either side.
While this project will beautify one of the major street entrances of historically designated South Rosedale, it is also rare that one experiences the passion and generosity that a man such as Mr. Cowling has for his neighbourhood.
To view the Gates click here
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Toronto Parks Plan Consultation
In 2010, City Council approved the development of a City-wide Parks Plan based on seven guiding principles: parks and trails as city infrastructure, equitable access for all residents, supporting a diversity of uses, nature in the city, environmental stewardship, place making and community engagement. The Parks Plan will guide acquisition, development, management and operation of the system of public parkland in the City of Toronto over a five-year period.
Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation invites your input to thestrategic plan. SRRA encourages you to participate by completing the online survey at:http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/pfr/parksplan.nsf/survey?openform. The survey takes no more than 15 minutes to complete.
For general information on the Parks Plan and consultation, go to: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/engagement/parksplan/index.htm
SRRA will also represent the neighbourhood at an upcoming public meeting.
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Milkman's Lane Restoration
The Milkman's Lane
reconstruction is now complete.
Starting this winter, the City
will undertake restoration work on
the Craigleigh Gardens Ravine slope including invasive plant removal, slope rehabilitation and
informal trail closures.
Plant a Tree This Fall
Fall is a great time for planting trees. SRRA encourages you to plant a canopy tree in your front or back yard - wherever there is open space. Trees add enormously to landscaping and property beautification, provide cooling shade in summer, and can add value to your home.
For private properties, the community organization LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) offers a subsidized tree planting program with low cost consultation and tree planting. Visit http://www.yourleaf.org/ for more information.
You may also have open space on the boulevard in front of your home, where a tree would look great, provide shade and even add to your privacy. If it's on City-owned land near the roadway, you can get a
tree planted FOR FREE. Visit http://www.toronto.ca/trees/tree_planting.htm for more information.
Evergreen Brick Works
To see the latest at Evergreen Brick Works, click on the following link to Evergreen's Summer 2011 newsletter: http://www.evergreen.ca/newsletters/egnews/2011-08/
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