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Councillor Bailao Answers Bloor News Questions

Councillor Ana Bailaio Ward 18’s City Councillor speaks with Bloor News about the current issues in the city along with What’s happening in Ward 18

Q: Ward 18 has 20 TCHC properties that TCHC wants to sell in the next 3-5 years. What’s your take on this plan and what have the tenants of those buildings ?

1. When I first saw the list of TCHC properties for sale, I immediately recognized a couple of addresses of different community organizations. Two organizations doing great work in my area are Sistershare and St. Vincent de Paul’s, and are organizations running out of TCHC buildings that were on the list. These organizations are providing a valuable community service, and their clients are familiar with that location. I felt strongly that to move these people put the programs at risk and I requested that any building providing community service programming be taken off the list.

Fortunately, we were successful, and TCHC removed all the properties from the sale list that had community organizations working within them. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is that the houses in Ward 18 are just like the houses across the City, and the only way to get the best result for Torontonians is to develop a comprehensive plan for how to maintain affordable housing levels in good repair. This is why I moved to have the sale of these properties delayed until a Special Working group could consider opportunities for non-profit, private and public sectors to come together and address and improve Toronto’s housing situation.

Q: If TCHC does go through with this sale do you believe in a portable subsidy so Toronto can better diversify neighbourhoods or do you believe in diversification through projects like Regent Park or Lawrence Heights?

2. I think the conversation about what’s the best strategy for Toronto Housing falls apart when you put portable subsidies against City-managed housing – you need a mix. These are complex issues and no one approach helps everyone. Just as the tenants of TCHC housing are diverse, so must the solutions be to assist them. The approaches that are most effective consider the many contributing causes that would result in the need for housing assistance, and take these into account. Toronto must not expand housing in only one way, but provide a more comprehensive multi-approach plan to assisting our residents.

Q: When you see the map showing the 675 units dispersed throughout the city what comes to mind?

3. What is apparent in the location of TCHC units proposed for sale is that we are dealing with a diverse area. What the map doesn’t represent, however, is we are dealing with a very specific type of housing with the TCHC proposed sale. These properties emphasize mixed-income, and family units, which are in the highest demand. Significantly reducing this stock puts a significant stress on Toronto’s current affordable housing units, and an even greater stress on the families that need them.

Q: Mushy or Mighty?

4. Without question, we are dealing with a mighty middle, but it’s not about a new group at Council. These Councillors are very engaged, follow the issues closely and take seriously the thoughts and concerns of their constituents. They have similar ideas, but most importantly are ready and willing to work with anyone interested in building a better City. This is and has always been about collaboration rather than competition, and keeping residents and information central to these conversations is critical. As for our effectiveness on the recent Budget, Transit and Housing votes, I leave that to Torontonians to decide.

Q: Do you feel stubbornness and or partisanship at city hall has tainted possible deals in the past and why is the middle succeeding now?

5. After every election there is always a “cooling-off” period where you learn what people care about and on what they are knowledgeable. It can take some time for these to get out there, but now the skills of different Councillors are coming together. The big change has been the increase in dialogue. People are more comfortable approaching each other, and that has smudged the lines between different camps for the better. The middle Councillors have always been seeking a balance, it was important to get Toronto into a better financial situation and to do so without hurting the social services that make Toronto special. I think we are very close to that now which has free us up to get into the projects we care most about. The advantage of making your own decisions and considering the facts, is that you always know where you stand.

Q: What are your goals for Ward 18 over the next couple years and how will that play out in the current budget? e.g transit, housing, taxation, services, garbage etc…

6. It’s the bigger issues – like Transit and the City’s Budget that get the attention, and for good reason – but there are a lot of very exiting projects happening locally as well. I plan on keeping up the street festivals and community events that make Ward 18 such a great place to live, and continue working on new ways of getting residents engaged in our neighbourhoods. We are managing a lot of exciting new development for the area, planning a new park on Queen Street, and focussing on a project that would expand the Perth/Dupont library. Something that is coming up soon is our first Ward 18 Parks Summit, where we will be able to bring people together to improve the activities and green spaces in our area.

Ristorante Roma 1090 Bloor West Toronto

It was pure pleasure to return last month to one of my favourite spots for dining in the late 80’s and 90’s! It had become a tradition for a group of us to either eat there at lunchtime or unwind with good conversation and good snacks after work. A that time it was known as Pizza Roma, and I’m sure many still affectionately call Roma Ristorante by that name. For lunch most of us had the tasty veal sandwich, or a soup of the day and a Caesar salad, but at our after work limes (social gatherings) it was their famous pizza often accompanied by some Moretti beer or a few glasses of red wine. Sometimes, especially if the conversation was good or we were on the patio on a warm sun shining day, we would have more than a few drinks. Mind you, most of us lived in the area or just hopped on the train at the Dufferin subway to go home!

I don’t want to lose you in my reminiscences but I had to share with you some of the early days of what one could almost call a venerable institution. I say this simply because Ristorante Roma is still managed by the owners from over 25 years ago, and with its beautiful more contemporary makeover it still retains its early warm atmosphere. One of its most pleasant waiters is still his cheerful youthful self! And the owners are still inviting and unrushed when they greet you by the bar or on the patio.

And on the patio was where I tried the veal sandwich again after returning from my winter sojourn in Barbados, and it did not disappoint! But there was a twist – the bun was tastier. Again a few weeks later when I returned to the patio with a few friends for dinner I noticed the bread was different, so I asked the waiter the reason. She said, “We bake our bread daily”. This time I had the bread with a Greek salad and a Fettuccine Seafood Primavera, while someone had a Linguine Veneziana, and another the Penne Salmone. We were certainly in a seafood mood. The portions were ample and whether it was the salmon, mussels, squid or shrimp each was flavourful indeed.

In early June I decided to take my good friend Stedson Wiltshire (stage name is Red Plastic Bag and 8 times Calypso Monarch of Barbados) who was in Toronto to perform at the 6th annual Barbados Charity Ball for a relaxing supper at Roma. Both of us decided to have one of the special features of the night, the Veal Picata in a lemon sauce. Wow wow, we were both delighted with the presentation and the flavour of the veal with the mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans. Mouth wateringly superb! Although I offered my friend to have one of their assorted cheesecakes (an item I shared regularly with another special friend in the “old days”) or some tiramisu or carrot cake, he was too satiated to do so. Actually I was glad he did, so I could decline too in order to give me another reason to return before this month is over.

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Zembaba Restaurant: 838 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Zembaba Restaurant: 838 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Anyone who dines at an Ethiopian Restaurant will likely see an item of the menu- Cha Cha Tibbs, a sizzling lamb dish marinated with onions and peppers. At Zembaba Restaurant, we met Roman, the creator of this dish, which has gained popularity, appearing in Ethiopian eateries worldwide. Roman’s Grandparents personally cooked for the King of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, so she comes by her talents in the kitchen honestly. My friend and I shared the tasty signature dish, surrounded by a flavorful array of vegetarian sides and dips. The meal was served in Naan, a moist, crepe-like Ethiopian bread, used to grab the food with ones hands. We washed it down with one of the four available Ethiopian beers, which was light, crisp and less than four bucks. Zembaba also offers “Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Service”, a ritual using a specially designed urn and pasteries on the side for sharing. Tasteful and traditional artwork adroned the walls and the spicy aroma added to the warm feeling of the small room. The service was excellent. We were taken care of by Roman herself, who was helpful, informative, friendly and very welcoming. The twenty dollars worth of tasty food, every bite a new experience, was more than enough for two people. 12pm-2am’

Review by Melissa Peters

Queen of Sheba Traditional Ethiopian Cuisine: 1051 Bloor St W Toronto

We hope you will find this truly different and exciting dinning experience, breaking the same bread and eating from the same plate has social significance in the Ethiopian culture as they say it strengthens the bonds of friendship and personal loyalty. It is said that people who eat from the same plate will never betray one another. The cuisine of Ethiopia is based on an exotic blend of spices both robust and subtle. To help you make a choice, we offer these descriptions.

A part of every entree is the traditional bread of Ethiopia, injera, this large, flat slightly tangy pancake is both the serving plater and your utensil when eating Ethiopian style. Break a small piece and place it on the stew of your choice while simultaneously pinching with your fingers to pick up the amount you desire. The bread can also be used to soak up the savory sauce that is essential to every dish. What literally means stew. These hearty dishes are distinctive for their use of berbere, a favorite Ethiopia seasoning based on red peppers. Berbere is combined with niter Kibbeh (spiced up butter the Ethiopian way), and onions and numerous other spices to give the dishes an unforgettable flavor.

Alecha is the more delicately seasoned dish. alt does not contain berbere but is flavored mainly with niter Kibbeh and other more sutel spices.

Some entrees may be ordered fitfit-style which means that the the lnjera is delicately pre mixed in the stew served with additional lnjera for handling.

Hanky Panky At The Riverdale ZOO

As a lifelong resident of ward 28, I’ve always felt that the Riverdale Farm was one of the true jewels of Cabbagetown. It is still a very important part of my life so I was genuinely disturbed when I learned that the farm was under threat of being closed down. The debate over the farm’s future took on a life of its own this past summer, and with tax-payers footing the bill for an army of volunteer staff providing free labour, they must have raised tens of thousands of dollars in the interim. The Riverdale Farm Advisory Committee need only point to the vast sums donated by Friends of Riverdale Farm (FRF) over the years as proof positive that the community has its full support behind them. Unlike most accredited charities who are only too willing to proudly point to their achievements, the FRF seems to prefer a more vague method of accounting. Although there are a handful of nebulous posts regarding unnamed programs funded and the “reinvesting of funds into existing facilities”, there is no mention whatsoever of verifiable contributions to the farm. In regards to the farm itself, after failing to find any visible proof of their generosity, I asked several of the city employees on site if they could point to any of FRF’s contributions. Unfortunately, none seemed willing to risk the wrath of their superiors. I contacted both Friends of Riverdale Farm and the Riverdale Farm Advisory Committee to ask whether they could provide any proof that FRF had donated anything more tangible than “community spirit” as that had been the public line these past several years. Neither group responded. Many of the Farmer’s Market vendors happily spoke anonymously about having been forced to join FRF, but, none were willing to risk their spot on Tuesday afternoons by publicly talking about the Manager’s behaviour. There are several instances that indicate former FRF Director, Elizabeth Harris has a long standing relationship with Ward 28 Councillor Pam McConnell. Now I am in no position to cast doubt on their relationship. However, Councillor McConnell’s membership this year on the FRF Steering Group and her subsequent failure to open FRF’s books to public scrutiny only adds to the actions of the city.

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Walk Bloordale – Enjoy the Light, Art – Food Event

Walk Bloordale – Enjoy the Light,
Art – Food Event

LAF is a light, art, food event with artists, store and restaurant owners collaborating to turn Bloor Street from Lansdowne to Dufferin, into a late-fall walking destination on cold, dark November 21, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Everyone is invited. Over 20 restaurants are opening their kitchens, many with taster menus at marginal cost. There couldn’t be a better time to restaurant hop and try everything.

Retail stores are also transforming their shop windows with light and art projects. Artist Orest Tataryn is making a light sculpture for the corner of Bloor St. and St Clarens Ave. Artist Dyan Marie is having a nightlight creation party at 1211 Bloor. Galleries are staying open. Cafes are providing music. For a complete list of activities see www.bloordale-bia.com.

LAF is an initiative of the Bloordale BIA and artist Dyan Marie. Spiro Koumoudouros the BIA chair says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to walk out, explore and support local business while making new discoveries”. Musician and LAF co-ordinator Dougal Bichan says, “After producing the BIG on Bloor festival this summer, it is very important to continue sharing the attractions of this interesting neighbourhood. “

LAF is a DMP / Bloordale BIA initiative, a Cavalcade of Light, City of Toronto BIA Participant and a Transcultural Exchange proposal for The Art Of Collaboration

371 Wallace Ave: An Update

More information with images is available now that there has been a meeting between the community and developers:

Junction Triangle has an article and forum on the development here

aerial view of 362-371 Wallace developement — credit to Junction Triangle

370 Wallace Ave

Formerly an environmental issue with industrial pollutants, the site of Glidden Paints and Varnishes may get a make-over. The owner of the property, located at 362 – 370 Wallace Ave., Somerset Homes is looking to develop the location with residential and light industry units. The bio-remediation was completed in 2009 and with the land back at residential standards, Homes has begun the process to develop the location.

Images from The 1st annual Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Street Fair on Saturday August 13, 2011

Bloor Court Arts and Crafts Fair Guide

Broken Arrow rock it out at the The 1st annual Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Street Fair on Saturday August 13, 2011

Rauch From Long & McQuade

The 15th Annual Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival has a dancer from The DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company pose for a picture

2011 Roncesvalles Polish Festival North America’s Largest
annual fall celebration of Polish art.

Pets From Earth Echoes

2011 BIG On Bloor Fest. July 23/24, Dufferin – Landowne

Big on Bloor July 23-24 2011

BIG On Bloor Fest. July 23/24, Dufferin – Landowne

Bloordale, from Dufferin to Lansdowne celebrates business, community, arts and culture with a unique community and city-building festival featuring hundreds of events, activities and exhibitions. Three stages will fill with performers, musicians, singers, dancers, theatre, and karate. More than 300 participants feature table exhibitions that line the street and present their projects, products, consumer goods, information or events. Community awards are presented to honour exceptional citizens and there are interactive games

craft tables and attractions for families and children. BAAF: Bloor Alternative Art Fair brings art institutions, collectives, galleries and artists to our street. Crafts, story-telling, face painting, green and social information, dog shows and much more will take place. Strolling buskers and parades weave through the crowds. Our famously diverse restaurants – East African, South Asian, Somali, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and Canadian host food, music and dance, some with outdoor extended licensed patios. The Responding Festival culminates its month-long activities of art, architecture, poetry and performance at the Kent school-grounds.

The Responding Festival

Kent School playground directly edges Bloor Street but is separated by a 12 foot high chain-link barrier fence. This summer we open the playground area of the school and offer it as a Bloor Street public space. We will transform the empty space into a public art environment, a collision of art and architecture, performance, poetry, landscape, discussions and playgrounds made by artists and architects, cultural collectives and community participants. The intention is to make a non-stop swirl of activity, a site for evolving experimental forms and new ways of creating in a shared place that responds to the city, the community, each other and being here now.

You can download the Big on Bloor guide here!

5th Annual Luminato Festival

LUMINATO and YVES SAINT LAURENT present
THE BLACK CARPET OPENING NIGHT PARTY
AT ROY THOMSON HALL
FOR THE 5th ANNUAL LUMINATO FESTIVAL

LUMINATO CHAIR TONY GAGLIANO and WIFE

50 CANADIAN WOMEN ARTISTS, from the production TOUT COMME ELLE at LUMINATO THE BLACK CARPET OPENING NIGHT PARTY

Opening Concert FOR THE 5th ANNUAL LUMINATO FESTIVAL “They Might Be Giants”

Schools facing possible closure: Brock, Dovercourt and Kent: An Update

Update: Here’s what TDSB has said on their website:

Kent Sr. PS, ALPHA II Alternative School, Dovercourt Jr. PS, Pauline Jr. PS, and Brock Jr. PS

Brock Jr. PS and Dovercourt Jr. PS will convert to JK to Gr.8 with phased in implementation beginning in September 2011.

The location of ALPHA II Alternative will be referred to staff for recommendation to the Board within in 6 months.

Following the relocation of regular day school students from Kent Sr. PS and Alpha II Alternative School, the Kent/Alpha II school building located at 980 Dufferin Street will be closed.

Shutting Some Door Opens Others

Brock Jr. P.S, Dovercourt Jr. P.S and Kent Sr. P.S. are just a few Toronto schools facing possible closure in coming years.

The TCDSB states on its website that “…reviews [of] ten areas [including Dovercourt],. ..prioritized.. .based on input from Superintendents of Education, Trustees,…. [factoring in] the programs delivered by schools; the use of school buildings; current and projected enrolments; grade ranges; and the distribution of… sites.”

According to Etobicoke trustee John Campbell, 92 of 533 Toronto public schools have enrollments of less than 60%. The board has approved a plan setting a target size of 450 students in consolidated elementary schools, 1,200 at the high school level, and a phasing out of middle schools. The TDSB loses approximately 4,000 students every year.

“What parents have to understand is that… we’re trying to.. enable schools that have larger student populations and more programming options,… cut[ting] down on costs,… reinvest[ing] in better schools,… new libraries,… gymnasiums and additions,” Mr. Campbell said in an interview. “The under enrolled secondary schools… can hardly offer a variety of programs,… many don’t have basketball teams,… music… or Latin.”

Small town or big city, there will forever be two “schools of thought” when it comes to shutting down schools. My daughter is in JK this year. I can walk her to school in less than twenty minutes, and can get home in less than ten with my grown-up legs. Her neighbor is in the class right next door to hers. I admit I wouldn’t be happy if the walk was much longer at her age. A neighborhood school is a special part of the community, and is filled with cherished history and memories for thousands of people. Splitting up groups of friends and uprooting established students is quite the adjustment for young people who are already facing a big, scary world. But my daughter is lucky; she has a music teacher, a gym teacher, access to team sports, and class trips. If the fun stuff that keeps kids IN SCHOOL is in jeopardy, a school a little further away would be a small price to pay for a well-rounded education.