URBAN AGRICULTURE BLOSSOMING IN TORONTO NEIGHBOURHOODS

Torontonians are literally returning to their roots with the sudden popularity of urban agricultural pursuits. Simply put little farm plots are sprouting up all across the city. This phenomenon started with the community gardens program initiated by the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation. This initiative benefits everyone by creating a safe, healthy and affordable recreational activity on city-owned lands.
The largest community garden in Toronto is located at Black Creek Pioneer Village near the southwest corner of Jane Street and Steeles Avenue on 8 acres of land owned and managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation. This farm is operated through a collaboration of organizations from the surrounding neighbourhood. Social agencies, schools, faith groups and businesses all contribute
Toronto’s many community gardens are situated in city-owned: parks, community centres, seniors centres, co-operative housing, churches and schools Some of the neighbourhoods that have a community garden include: Alexandra Park, Earlscourt, Elia, Junction Triangle, Cedarvale, Willowdale, Christie Pitts, Dufferin Grove, Cabbagetown, Fort York, North Toronto, Hillcrest, Regent Park, Thorncliffe, Danforth Village, Don Valley Village, High Park and Riverdale.

Neighbourhood Maverick at Toronto Harbourfront Centre

Toronto neighbourhoods are defined in part by the architectural style of their housing stock. For example Cabbagetown and Yorkville are known for their Victorian architecture, Allenby and Leaside feature a lot of Tudor-style houses while Forest Hill and Lytton Park have many Georgian-style homes.
So what happens when a neighbourhood maverick comes along in an established older neighbourhood and decides to build a modern contemporary house that is unique and different. The answer to the above question can be found at the Harbourfront Centre Architecture Gallery which is hosting the Neighbourhood Maverick show until June 12, 2011.
Neighbourhood Maverick asks the questions: Why should the existing streetscape be maintained ? What considerations do architects consider when designing a home in an established neighbourhood ? and what effect does the intervention of maverick architecture have on the neighbourhood ?
In recent years Toronto has become an international city. An infusion of many people from different cultures with a myriad of tastes has resulted in some architects taking a bolder more international approach to designing homes in established neighbourhoods. The result is the emergence of contemporary style architecture in many of Toronto’s older neighbourhoods.
Building homes that are eclectic and cutting edge is not an entirely new phenomenon in this city. Pockets of houses in the Bridal Path, Thorncrest Village, York Mills and Don Mills neighbourhoods were considered maverick when they were first built in the 1950s and 60s.
The first true architecture maverick and the inspiration for many of today’s cutting edge architects was the legendary and iconic Frank Lloyd Wright whose influence can be seen in cities throughout North America. Wright’s Prairie-style architecture bridged the gap between the traditional architectural styles common in North America and the contemporary school of architecture.
Wright believed in thinking outside the box when designing houses but he also believed a house should fit in with its surroundings. Wright referred to his work as organic architecture. For Wright balance was the key. Today’s neighbourhood mavericks will hopefully take their cue from Wright.
Proper respect should be paid to the existing neighbourhood streetscapes. A contemporary infill house on a suitable lot, with the right scale, design and materials can compliment the existing streetscape and need not bastardize the street or be a flash point for disgruntled neighbours.
The Neighbourhood Maverick show at the Harbourfront Centre Architecture Gallery is thought provoking. This show helps us to understand what the possible benefits and negatives may be to neighbourhoods that are facing the challenges of those seeking to satisfy their creative expression.

Go Wild, Go Birding at Tommy Thompson Park

The Spring Bird Festival held on Saturday May 14th at Tommy Thompson Park took place with a heavy mist in the air and a sprinkle of rain. However the lousy weather did not deter a large turnout of people of all ages who were excited to take part in a variety of events hosted by the Toronto and Region Conservation.
As I entered the “Baselands” of the park at the foot of Leslie Street I knew I was in the right place as the birds were out chirping in full force. I learned these vociferous greeters were mostly warblers and red-winged blackbirds. Educational Displays were set up near the entrance where curious onlookers got a chance to get up close to a Red -tailed Hawk and a Great Horned Owl..
Located on the Toronto Waterfront, Tommy Thompson Park is Toronto’s largest greenspace and has become a preferred stopover for migrating birds in the spring and the fall. Over 300 bird species have been known to inhabit this wetland on the shores of Lake Ontario. Birds and people are not the only ones enjoying this park. Coyotes, fox, rabbits, beavers, mink, raccoon, and a plethora of snakes are also part of this habitat.
Tommy Thompson Park (formerly known as the Leslie Street Spit) is open to the public on weekends. People of all ages enjoy coming here for the birding opportunities but also to enjoy nature and exercise. The 5 kilometers of paved pathways in this park are filled with bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and those just out for a leisurely stroll.
The Lighthouse Point at the tip of the park has spectacular 360 degree views of the Toronto skyline so bring your camera but pack some water as this hike can take a few hours to get there and back. If your not up for a big hike you can always give yourself a head start and take the free park shuttle bus from the entrance out to the pedestrian bridge which gets you to lookout points alot faster.
During the weekday Tommy Thompson Park is closed to the public as it is an active landfill site. The “Brake for Snakes” sign is a cute reminder to those delivering the fill. This ecosystem originated as a fill site and that evolution is ongoing.
Tommy Thompson Park is open to the public on weekends between 9 am – 4:30 pm from November through March, and between 9 am to 6 pm from April through November. Tommy Thompson Park is located at the foot of Leslie Street at Unwin Avenue south of Lake Shore Boulevard East. It is easily accessible by TTC and there is limited free parking next to the park entrance.

JANE’S WALK: THE TALK OF THE TOWN

Jane’s Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who resided in the Annex neighbourhood in Toronto for much of her adult life. Jane's Walk began in Toronto five years ago and has expanded to 36 cities in Canada, 18 cities in the United States and 15 countries in total around the world.
Jane’s Walk is a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with where they live, work and play by exploring the subtle nuances past, present, and future that make each neighbourhood unique and special.
This year there were 170 walks held in neighbourhoods across Toronto on the weekend of May 7th and 8th. Some of these walks included: exploring the Rosedale Valley, discovering the Toronto Islands, a look back at the rural history of Willowdale, a retrospective on Downsview Park, the proposed revitalization of Lawrence Heights and an interpretive look at the rare oak savannah forest in High Park.
With so many walks to choose from, and they all sounded great, I ultimately chose to go on the Aggie’s Wildflowers Heritage Nature Walk along the Humber River. This walk started at the historic Lambton House. Our guide was Madeleine McDowell a legendary historian in Toronto’s west end.
This 2-hour walk along the banks of the Humber River – a Canadian Heritage River – was based on the book “Canadian Wildflowers” published in 1867. A highlight was the pathway in the Magwood Sanctuary a small remnant Old Growth Forest and rare woodland marsh where we stopped to admire the proliferation of trilliums on the forest floor next to the river.
A complimentary tea at the Lambton House capped off the walk in a nice fashion. This was my second Jane’s Walk. I encourage all residents to get out and enjoy this event next year. For more information see the website www.janeswalk.net

Average Sale Price of a Home in Toronto Suburbs now $444,865

The average price of a home in the Suburbs of Toronto "905" area code for April 2011 was $444,865 based on 5,572 MLS sales reported by the Toronto Real Estate Board. So what exactly will you get for your money in Toronto's suburbs based on this average sale price. The following houses represent some examples of houses that have sold so far in 2011 that are within $10,000 of the average sale price of a home in Toronto suburbs.
Starting in York Region with the suburbs north of Toronto: In the City of Vaughan a brick detached 3 bedroom newer home with a built-in garage situated close to Canada's Wonderland and the 400 series of commuter highways sold for $445,000. In Markham a small 2-storey, 3 bedroom detached home, with an attached garage situated within walking distance of the Pacific Mall sold for $445,000. In Richmond Hill a newer semi-detached home with a finished basement, a nice front porch and built-in garage situated in the prestigious Bayview Glen area sold for $440,000. In Stouffville a newer semi-detached home with over 40k in upgrades situated in a new home subdivision sold for $445,000. In Aurora a 4 bedroom detached sidesplit level home backing onto greenspace and close to Yonge Street sold for $444,000. In East Gwillimbury an executive 4 bedroom home situated in Mount Albert with an attached double car garage sold for $440,000. In Newmarket a 4 bedroom detached home with a master ensuite and a fenced in yard sold for $441,000
Moving to the suburbs east of Toronto in Durham Region: In PIckering a 4 bedroom all brick detached house with gas fireplace and a jacuzzi tub situated in a family friendly subdivision sold for $440,000. In Ajax a 2300 sq. ft., 4 bedroom detached house backing onto a ravine and pond sold for $450,000. In Whitby a newer detached 4 bedroom that featured a spiral staircase and a walkout to a covered terrace off the second floor, situated close to Lake Ontario, parks and trails sold for $440,000. In Bowmanville within the Municipality of Clarington a 2400 square foot brick and stone custom built bungalow sold for $449,000. In Port Perry located within Scugog Township a well maintained 3 bedroom waterfront property with a sandy beach and gorgeous views of Lake Scugog sold for $440,000. In Oshawa a 4 bedroom ranch-style home situated on a half acre lot with tons of privacy sold for $447,000.
Moving to the suburbs west of Toronto in Peel Region: In Mississauga a new 1775 sq.ft. semi-detached home with a master ensuite and basement apartment close to commuter highways sold for $440,000. In Brampton a 3 bedroom bungalow with 9 foot ceilings in a new home subdivision backing onto a ravine, sold for $440,000. In Bolton within the Town of Caledon a 3 bedroom detached house with hardwood floors throughout and a nice backyard sold for $445.000. Further west in Halton Region here are some more examples of homes that sold at or near the Toronto suburb average. In Oakville a 3 bedroom detached all brick house in the Westmount area with a fully finished basement and fenced yard sold for $443,000. In Burlington a detached neo-colonial style 4 bedroom detached home from the 1990s with many updates on a premium size lot sold for $445,000. In Milton a 3 bedroom detached newer home that showed like a model home with stainless steel appliances, situated close to parks, shops and schools sold for $444,000.
If you are looking for a home in any price range in the Toronto Suburbs, be sure to check out the Realtor Sponsors on www.TorontoNeighbourhoodGuide.com

Average Sale Price of Home in Toronto Now $528,472

The average price of a home in the City of Toronto "416" area code for April 2011 was $528,000 based on 3519 MLS sales reported by the Toronto Real Estate Board. So what exactly will you get for your money based on this average sale price. The following houses represent some examples of houses that have sold so far in 2011 that are within $15,000 of the average sale price of a home in Toronto.
Starting in the central part of the city both downtown and uptown: In the Humewood neighbourhood a small detached house with 3 bedrooms on a narrow lot sold for $520,000. This house has front pad parking and a nice garden and is walking distance to St. Clair streetcar, shops and restaurants. In Willowdale a 4+2 bedroom semi-detached bungalow with some renos on a quiet street within walking distance of the Yonge subway sold for $525,000. In Don Valley Village a 4 bedroom detached backsplit with private drive and built-in garage situated close to major highways and transit sold for $515,000. In Dublin Heights a charming brick 3+1 bedroom detached bungalow with a private drive and attached garage sold for $517,000. In Davenport Village a 3 bedroom semi-detached in original condition with a garage off laneway at the rear and a pretty front porch sold for $520,000. In Victoria Park Village a detached brick bungalow on a premium size lot with a high finished basement, a private drive and attached garage sold for $530,000. In Seaton Village a small semi-detached 2 bedroom bungalow, close to the subway, and shops sold for $517,000. In Trinity Bellwoods a pretty semi-detached with three small units, within walking distance of Queen Street sold for $525,000. In Don Mills a 3 bedroom bungalow in original condition on a premium lot with a private drive and carport, close to excellent, schools, parks and shops sold for $520,000. In Cabbagetown a large 3-storey Victorian row house in need of some repair, with large rooms and 2 car parking off laneway, sold for $515,000.
Moving to the east end of Toronto: In the Parkview Hills neighbourhood a charming 2+1 bedroom bungalow on a family street with a finished basement and separate side entrance, and a private drive and large backyard sold for $521,000. In East York an arts and crafts style 3 bedroom semi-detached home with parking and a nice garden on a family street close to the Danforth and the subway sold for $526,000. In Agincourt a well-maintained 3 bedroom Colonial revival house with attached garage and a large backyard with mature trees sold for $528,000. In the “Upper Beach” neighbourhood a 3 bedroom renovated semi with an open concept, a pretty front porch and parking off laneway sold for $530,000. In trendy Leslieville a 3 bedroom stylish reno with a new kitchen and walk out to deck sold for $521,000.
Over in the west-end of Toronto: In the Eatonville neighbourhood a 3 bedroom brick bungalow in move-in condition with a detached garage on a premium lot sold for $525,000. In Long Branch a cute 3 bedroom bungalow with renos on large mature treed lot sold for $515,000. In Mimico a newer style 3 bedroom townhouse with a built-in garage sold for $519,000. In High Park a small 3 bedroom semi with many original details, within walking distance of Bloor Street subway and shops sold for $519,000. In the Runnymede neighbourhood a 2 bedroom brick bungalow with a front porch and a huge backyard, close to schools and shops sold for $519,000. In Islington Village a newer 3 bedroom townhome with many fine interior and exterior architectural details and a built-in garage sold for $518,000. In West Toronto Junction a charming bungalow circa 1920s, with a fireplace and lovely wood trim sold for $522,000. In Humber Heights a 4 bedroom detached home with loft style features on a premium lot sod for $525,000.
If you are looking for a home in any price range in Toronto, in any neighbourhood, be sure to check out the Realtor Sponsors on www.TorontoNeighbourhoodGuide.com

18th Annual Manulife Paddle the Don: A Huge Success

Now in its 18th year, Paddle the Don has become a signature Toronto event and a prime fundraising opportunity for Toronto and Region Conservation.
On a slightly overcast Sunday morning the conditions were almost perfect for the more than 600 registered paddlers who took part in this event. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of healthy rivers in Toronto and raises funds to support regeneration projects on the Don Watershed.
On May 1st, 2011, I had the privilege of taking part in this once-a-year opportunity to paddle down the Don River. The paddle covers 10.5 kilometers and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. There are some small rapids to negotiate and three small portages. Volunteers are stationed throughout the course to make sure everyone makes it down the river safely.
My canoe launch was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. The launch site was Ernest Thompson Seton Park at Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue. The participants were all eager to go with canoes and kayaks waiting to get in the water. I was joined in my canoe by Dan Brohman a teacher at Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School and Kate our excellent guide from the Toronto and Region Conservation.
The first part of the paddle there were some rocky sections that needed to be negotiated. This was a challenge as the river rocks were not easily detected due to the brown choppy water. A strong current and rock hazards led some of our fellow participants to test the water which I understand was quite chilly. Fortunately we remained dry.
As we navigated downstream the river widened and the current was not as strong. It was along this stretch that we noticed a plethora of native birds including: a Kingfisher, a Red-winged Blackbird, a Cormorant, and plenty of Mallard ducks and Canada Geese. The sandy shoreline was filled with lush vegetation and the occasional wonderment of a small pristine beach.
When we canoed under the Bloor Street viaduct it was hard not to marvel at this massive and amazing feat of engineering above us. The juxtaposition of a bridge ushering cars and subway trains overhead while paddling in a canoe on the Don River was a poignant moment. It did make me reflect on the history of the Don River which hundreds of years ago would have served as a transportation route for First Nations People who used the rivers in Toronto as part of their elaborate trading routes.
The river began to widen as we neared the end of our journey. Suddenly the sounds of birds chirping was replaced by the roar of traffic from the cars zooming down the Don Valley Parkway next to us. Exhilarated we arrived at the Keating Channel, our take-out site at the mouth of Lake Ontario. A curious Canada Goose was perched on the rocky shoreline to greet us as organizers clapped us in. The Gardiner Expressway hovered above. This was a surreal experience I will never forget.