THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR TORONTO’S MOST LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD THE ANNEX VOL. 13, NO. 2 ❖ JUNE 2007 SERVING THE ANNEX, SEATON VILLAGE, PALMERSTON, HARBORD VILLAGE, HURON-SUSSEX, LITTLE ITALY, AND U OF T BY PETER ARMSTRONG A group of frustrated residents from across the city united to brainstorm ways to improve the municipal planning process and build a united support network to aid residents’ as- sociations from all of Toronto’s wards. The People Plan Toronto’s (PPT) first summit, on May 26, at the University of Toronto Faculty of Ar- chitecture, Landscape, and Design included panel speakers, question and answer sessions, and small breakout groups to address specific aspects of city planning. The event attracted over 100 residents and representatives from the planning and development industries. “Crisis creates change,” said Judy Matthews from the Save Yorkville Heritage Association. Matthews was involved in the battle over the construction of the Spadina Expressway during the late 1960s and she said residents, espe- cially in the Annex, are more edu- cated about planning now because they’ve been participating in these issues for so many years. Summit participants wore nametags designating the respective community group they take part in and many used recess and lunch in- termissions to exchange ideas and contact information with members of different organizations. “Today’s the day we all get on the same page,” said Sheila Pin, presi- dent of the Dufferin Grove Resi- dents’ Association, during the summit’s introduction. Part of getting people on the same page is clear communication, which was an evident problem early in the day. During a discussion about what Section 37 funds should be used for, a brave attendee raised his hand and admitted he didn’t know what that term meant. Ted Tyndorf, chief planner and execu- tive director of the city’s planning division, explained the reference and spoke about Councillor Adam Vaughan ‘s (Ward 20, Trinity-Spad- ina) recent stance on heritage fund- ing. “There’s a provision within the [Planning] Act which allows the city to exchange benefits with a propo- nent in exchange for an increase of height or density of a development. Those benefits can range anywhere from capital facilities within parks to streetscape.” Tyndorf said. “Councillor Vaughan has moved a motion to amend our current policy within the division of planning to include the funding for heritage conservation sites.” In the past Tyndorf said Section People’s plan for city planning Neighbourhood summit launches support network for community groups BY MELANIA DANIEL A parade through the neighbour- hood, a stroll down memory lane, and a celebration of school and com- munity history marked 175 years of public education in the Annex for Jesse Ketchum Public School (JKPS) (61 Davenport Rd.). On May 5, a colourful gathering of local politicians, school staff, Toronto District School Board (TDSB) representatives, students, parents, and alumni participated in the festivities held on the school grounds and the adjacent public park. “The major accomplishment of Jesse Ketchum school is that throughout its 175 years, it has con- sistently provided excellent educa- tional opportunities for students of all backgrounds,” said Baila Gold- farb, principal of JKPS since Sep- tember of 2006. “The school has a long, proud history of raising good citizens, and that is reflected in our motto which is ‘be respectful, be re- sponsible, be successful.’” Peg Neddery, a 92-year-old teacher who taught in the 1940s, led the parade that kicked off the day’s events. Other participants included parent Karen Bolton, MPP George Smitherman (Toronto Centre- Rosedale), the Toronto Fire Services fire dog Sparky, and a mounted po- lice horse. “It was a beautiful day, great turnout,” said Councillor Kyle Rae (Ward 27, Toronto Centre- Rosedale). “It was good to see grad- uates from the 1920s and 1930s there. JKPS is a very important com- munity service. I hope it continues to grow and improve.” The celebration also included mu- sical performances by the school’s band, string group, steel band, and choir. The vendors’ fair allowed local residents to sell various goods such as children’s books, toys, and T-shirts. JKPS commemorative gifts were also available for purchase. About 2,000 visitors attended the celebration throughout the day, according to Goldfarb. Students prepared a historical fair of decades rooms, which exhibited memorabilia from past eras and dis- plays showing their research about the dominant themes and issues in the community and society as a whole. A staff room was also set up where former staff could assemble to find past colleagues and students. A popular attraction was the alumni room, which had pictures of past students and staff, old sports team memorabilia, and a list of for- mer principals dating back to the early 1900s. One photo of a class- room with girls learning how to wash clothes on an old style wash- board demonstrated just how much the school has evolved, according to Annex school celebrates 175 years The evolution of a school and its community See PLAN, page 18 See 175 YEARS, page 11 Gleaner photographer Carlos Lara was provided with exclusive access to the roof of the Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park) on June 5 to show how the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal complements the Annex neighbourhood. One of celebrated architect Uno Prii's signature Annex apartment buildings, at 20 Prince Arthur Ave., peeks behind the Daniel Libeskind-designed crystal. See page 5 for more photographs. CARLOS LARA/GLEANER NEWS INSIDE A VOICE TO REMEMBER Profiling the life of Bruce Cattle. Page 10 SUMMER READING A review of Scott Gardiner’s King John of Canada. Page 14 MAKING THE MOST Helpful tips for planting with containers. Page 19 ❖ WRIGHT REAL ESTATE LTD. BROKERAGE 416-961-1698 YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD SPECIALISTS WELCOME HOME www.wrightrealestate.ca EST. 1979 Allan Ward Broker, MBA, CCIM Justine Monaco-Pajkovic Sales Representative Donnie Shannon Sales Representative Realtors in the Annex for over 25 years! 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