The Duthie – Cherry St. Lands

Welcome to Spring and Summer in the Centennial Community and the start of our busiest season!  I would like to take this occasion to announce in The CCRA Newsletter that we have achieved a significant victory in the struggle against unwise development in Ward 44:  The Eden Oaks Partnership, which had submitted a proposal for a four storey high density housing development at the foot of Port Union Rd has sold the land acquired for this purpose to the GO Transit Commission, which will use the land to expand parking facilities for the Rouge Hill GO Station.  The local community benefits through the reduction of parking pressure on local streets and the Waterfront benefits from the first inclusion of new parking near the Trail in many years.  Residents will not have their connection to the Waterfront spoiled by a multi-storey development on their doorstep.

 

Stopping this development did not come easily.  Local residents deserve much credit for organizing and working with my office to oppose a development that was not compatible with our community.  I was also able to present a case to GO Transit that demonstrated the public good and prudent transportation planning would be best served by GO taking an interest in this site.  Ultimately, my office was able to facilitate a favourable outcome by bringing the parties together and showing them how their interests could be aligned to serve the community’s interest.  I believe this is another demonstration of how community participation and strong local representation can combine for the benefit of all.

 

 

Toronto Hydro News

Toronto Hydro is including items of interest to many of us on their website news.  They wish to remind residents that with the prospect of a long hot summer ahead, the utility is launching programs and providing information to encourage hydro users to lower their energy consumption. 

 

One such program that will be running between May 31 and June 15 makes it easy to get rid of old, inefficient air conditioner units at participating Home Depot locations.  In return for your old air conditioner you get a $25.00 Home Depot gift card.  See www.torontohydro.com for details about this and other conservation programs upcoming this summer.

 

June 21 Waterfront Festival

The 1^st Annual Port Union Waterfront Festival is coming together in spectacular fashion.  It will be held at the Port Union Village Common at the foot of Port Union Rd. from 11:00am until 3:00pm.  Port Union Rd will be closed to traffic all day Saturday to accommodate the Event.  The Organizing Committee has brought together diverse activities and entertainments for the entire family:  children’s rides such as the Fireman’s Bouncer and a Ferris Wheel; a Skateboarding demonstration by the Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough; music at the Port Union Waterfront Entertainment Stage featuring a Who’s Who of local talent performing everything from folk music to classic rock and anything in between.  There will be a 5 Km run and walk sponsored by the Running Room and Cardio Core Bootcamp.  If you wish to sign up for the run, check out the Running Room website.  Major sponsors will be on site cooking food – the Enbridge Gas Barbeque will be on hand – serving up genuine ball park hotdogs served on large buns for a great hotdog - with soft drinks and bottled water for the thirsty and all at family friendly prices!

 

Support from our business community has also been strong.  There will be scores of tables displaying the wares and services provided by the businesses serving our Community.  If you are a local retailer and wish to support The Port Union Waterfront Festival get in touch with the Waterfront Organizing Committee without delay through my office at 416.338.5306 or 416.392.1373.  My staff will connect you with the Committee.

 

The Waterfront Organizing Committee is expecting a strong turnout on June 21.  This means that many volunteers are needed to help make the 1^st Port Union Waterfront Festival a success.  Please see the Volunteer Flyer included in this issue for details on how to volunteer your services.  I look forward to seeing you all there.