Our New Community Centre Gets $16 Million, Bombardier Sells Its Land, 31 Division BBQ TOMORROW (Saturday) + more!
5.11.2018 | News, Newsletters
As many of you know, Bombardier has been shopping around its airport lands for some time now. I blew the whistle on this activity in January as it became apparent that they were encouraging the idea that buyers could turn the land into a mass housing complex. The land is not zoned for housing, and I will not zone it for housing, and since January I have been regularly correcting this misinformation.
It was recently announced that Bombardier has sold the land to a Pension Fund; the Public Sector Pension Investment Board which overseas the pension investments of Canada’s Federal employees.
The details of the deal can be read in this Toronto Star article here.
I took the opportunity to issue a press release given the gravity and importance of the land to our community. You can read that here.
New Funding For our Brand New Community Centre
It was a busy week. The same day Bombardier announced its deal with the Public Sector Pension Fund, the Province of Ontario quietly announced it was dedicating $16 million to the creation of our new community centre. This is the estimated 1/3rd cost which means all we need is for the Federal government to come through with its third, and we can get moving on its creation. Though details are broad right now, the new community centre would be located on or near the William Baker lands at Keele and Sheppard. The Downsview Area Secondary plan currently calls for it to be at least 74,000 square feet and feature an aquatics centre and double gym. Exciting! See the Provincial details here.
31 Division BBQ TOMORROW (Saturday)
31 Division is having a community BBQ this Saturday and you’re all invited!
- Free food
- Games
- Live painting
- Meet 31 Division officers
- 4 legged police partners – K9 unit and Horses!
Saturday, May 12
11:00AM-2:00PM
40 Norfinch Drive
See you there!
31 Division Bursary Donation
31 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) will be hosting its Annual Student Leadership Award Bursary.
31 Division is currently seeking your help in financial sponsorship for this initiative. The fundraising goal is $5000 this year and any amount will help and very much appreciated.
If you would like to assist in this initiative, please contact Gerald Mak,
Treasurer & Chair of the Student Bursary Awards – gerald.mak@ryerson.ca.
32 Division Service Battalion Open House Event
32 Division is hosting a great upcoming event on Saturday, May 12th at Denison Armoury at 1 Yukon Lane. This FREE event is open to the public and will feature various equipment and people that our unit has to offer for the public to be able to climb on and look at. There will be activities for kids as well.
32 Division Service Battalion Open House Event
Saturday May 12
1 Yukon Lane
10:00AM – 2:30PM
Downsview’s Environment Day – July 7
Save the date! Join me for environment day in Downsview. Bring your electronic and hazardous waste, get free compost, learn more about how to keep Downsview green!
Saturday, July 7
3100 Keele Street
10:00AM-2:00PM
Learn more about what you can and cant bring to Community Environment Days, here.
New Playground At Downsview Park
At 70 Canuck Ave in Downsview Park I had a chance to check out the new playground there created by our Federal partners.
So much fun! Go check it out by clicking here.
Congrats to Madonna Robotics Team
Madonna’s Robotics team won First Place Robotics Team of Four Skills Canada Winners! Congratulations girls! Going places, keep it up! Image courtesy of @MadonnaCSS
Go To Tenant School
The Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations’ is Toronto’s foremost tenant advocacy group. They are holding ‘Tenant School’ sessions to get you informed on the latest changes to tenants rights and laws and what you can do to more effectively advocate on your behalf. Details are below.
- Workshop will touch on:
- Understanding your Basic Tenant Rights
- Getting Repairs Done
- Learning to Advocate for Yourself
- Learning to work with government
June 2nd & 9th
9:00AM-5:00PM
To register visit torontotenants.org for the online registration form or contact Joeita Gupta at totenantschool@torontotenants.
It’s Tick Season
Ticks can carry diseases that can lead to Lyme disease. While risk is relatively low, it is important that you stay aware. Make sure you check your animals regularly for ticks, and if you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by one, please make sure you remove it with the proper method. Be alert!
Click here for the full details on how to protect yourself against ticks.
Downsview Library Programs
Downsview Library has some amazing programs every month. Check them out here.
Jane-Sheppard Library Programs
Jane-Sheppard library has been beefing up its programming with some amazing offerings. Check them out here.
Downsview Park Programs
Downsview Park is offering a few programs to make your spring and summer exciting.
Check them out:
Jr. Forest Explorers: FREE caregiver and toddler nature program.
A Walk in the Park: Guided stroll through Downsview Park’s greenspaces. This program is geared to adults 60+.
Downsview Does Bocce!
Congratulations to all the participants and winners of 2018′s annual Boccce tournament. Both the men’s and ladies’ grandravine seniors groups put on a show. You can check the photos out here.
Toronto’s new Community Council Boundaries
Not only is Toronto City Council Wards changing its boundaries, our North York Community Council boundaries are changing too. Click here to add input to the changes.
http://www.toronto.ca/
Or attend in person:
Public Open House:
Tuesday, May 15 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Committee Room 2, City Hall,
100 Queen St. W.
Drop by any time during the open house to learn more about Community Councils and the options for new boundaries and to provide their input.
-Maria