Avenue Road Eglinton
Community Association (ARECA) is very pleased to be offered this column by Ken
Shuler of the Town Crier. In conjunction with letting you know what the
association is currently involved in, we will use it to pass on items of
interest as well as advising of upcoming events in the ARECA community.
ARECA is one of the
community associations in North Toronto. Its origins can be traced to the
1970’s over proposed land development changes on Duplex Avenue. High-rise
buildings were being built on several blocks close to Eglinton Avenue and local
residents joined together to fight the development under the umbrella of a
community association. Although one apartment building was built, the second
one was stopped and townhouses went in.
ARECA
works on issues of concern to residents including traffic and parking, police
liaison, development, Eglinton Park, the Community Centre and other
neighbourhood issues. The board of ARECA is made up of 12 volunteers in the
defined area (see below).
ARECA is currently
monitoring the situation with regards to the corner site at Duplex Avenue
and Orchard View Boulevard that is slated for redevelopment. The owner was
unsuccessful in his last attempt to redevelop this corner and the buildings are
now boarded up and empty. The buildings are in disrepair and the neighbours are
concerned that they could be a fire hazard.
Councillor Karen Stintz, Ward 16 has approached both the neighbours and
ARECA to determine what would be the best short-term solution to the problem.
Councillor Stintz proposed a number of different solutions. The community
agrees the buildings should be demolished and an on grade parking lot developed
with proper lighting and landscaping, similar to the parking lot, one block
north at Castlefield and Duplex. This would be for a 2 year period, after which
the owner could renew his application for development.
We are also monitoring what
is proposed for the Crystal Palace development at the northwest corner
of Yonge and Eglinton.
The residents on Latimer
Avenue and Castlewood Road have asked ARECA to assist them in dealing with the
noise levels generated by late night and early morning deliveries at Shoppers
Drug Market on Eglinton Avenue West at Latimer.
ARECA is in touch with the city to determine what By-Laws are in place
to assist the residents.
ARECA is involved in the
Advisory Council of the Community Centre.
The biggest issue at the current time is the upcoming City budget and
whether user fees and management at the Centre will be seriously altered.
ARECA is a volunteer
association that represents the area bounded by Eglinton Avenue West, Yonge
Street, Roselawn Avenue, Avenue Road, St Clements Avenue and Chaplin Road. If you live in the ARECA area please join
your community association. To join send
a cheque for $20 ($10 seniors) for your 2004 membership, along with your name,
address and phone number to Avenue Road Residents Association, c/o Membership
Secretary 23 Elwood Boulevard, Toronto M4R 1B8. Note if you wish to receive fax
or email updates from ARECA please include these with your membership details.
You can also email us at myareca@hotmail.com