Stories from the Winter 2011 Newsletter

Triangle Policing Update
Top of the news: 55 Division has renewed energy and a newly avowed interest in community-based policing, this thanks to our new Unit Chief, Superintendent Frank Bergen, and Second in Charge, Inspector Greg Cole. After several recent interactions with the new team we look forward ... [More]

"Condo Creep"
When the city of Toronto committed in its City Official Plan to increase population density along main transportation corridors like Queen Street, many of us applauded and considered it to be a good trade-off against urban sprawl.... [More]

BTRA Chairperson's Report
Season's greetings to all. In my first year as president I have been very busy. When I joined the executive 14 years ago during the racetrack redevelopment days, I stayed in the background. Now that I am retired, I thought I would have a lot more time on my hands... [More]

Home History: 13 Dixon Avenue – A Difficult Search
"This one should take no time at all", I optimistically thought as I began my search through the Toronto Archives files. I expected the home to have been built in the 1911-1914 period typical of most homes in the Triangle and therefore reviewed every Assessment Role ... [More]

4th Annual "Fun Fest" a Huge Success!
A sunny Saturday in September on Lockwood at Corpus Christi Church and neighbours of all ages gathered for games, bouncy castles, BBQ lunch, entertainment, and prizes! The 4th annual Triangle Fun Fest had hundreds of participants and raised over $1500 for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation ... [More]

The 8th Annual Triangle Brass Christmas Carol Event on December 19th
Over much of the past decade several members from various local community bands and orchestras have come together to perform what is now a Christmas tradition in the Beach Triangle: carol singing with brass accompaniment.... [More]

Ontario Genealogical Society Transcribes St. John's Norway Cemetery Headstones
This cemetery has been our neighbour since 1853. It is a nondenominational burial ground. Bishop John Strachan granted three acres of land to Charles Coxwell Small for a church and a small cemetery in 1853. The rest of the funds to increase it to its current thirty five acres were collected from ... [More]

Stories from the Spring 2011 Newsletter

Free Trees for the Asking
When the first houses in the Triangle were being built about a century ago, Norway Maple trees were planted in front of the new homes. They were imported from Scandinavia to what was then the Town of Norway on Kingston Road at Woodbine to replace the native species ... [More]

Adieu, John and Minnie
Brookmount residents for 56 years, John and Minnie McKay have sold their home and moved to a care home. John was formerly active with the Ted Reeve Arena, the Legion, a hockey association, and was a director of the BTRA for several years. Adieu with best wishes... [More]

News from the Policing Chair
The 55 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (55 CPLC) has had an active winter. Among the most recent developments... [More]

"Love Thy Neighbour" 2011 An Outstanding Success!
On the evening of February 12th, 2011, the Beach Triangle was one of the most romantic destinations in our fair city. More than 150 of our neighbours gathered in the social hall of Corpus Christi, which was elegantly appointed with twinkling white lights and... [More]

Toronto Graffiti Abatement Program
The Graffiti Abatement Program is an aggressive integrated enforcement plan to wipe out graffiti, coordinating the actions of municipal divisions, agencies, boards and commissions along with the community at large. City staff will remove graffiti on... [More]

Home History: 15 Brookmount Road
15 Brookmount, a credit to the streetscape of attractive homes on the street, is owned by Keith and Erika Schengili-Roberts with their children, Vanessa and Annie, who have lived there for over 10 years. In addition to his busy career as a Manager at computer chip... [More]

Waterfront News
The past thirty years of waterfront rejuvenation has focused primarily on downtown. Now the focus is expanding. The Beach will see many changes over the next 20 years as a result. Not the least of these plans includes Lake Ontario Park: A huge development... [More]

High Fives to Mike and Laura
After considerable upgrades, Mike and Laura sold 51 Rainsford and bought the old Collins house at 57 Rainsford, and totally gutted, enlarged, and rebuilt it inside and out with the latest in home systems and fixtures. Although there were major changes to the... [More]

TV Series Focuses on House Renovation in the Triangle
Building Bryks on the W Network on Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. is a twelve-part series which looks at the advances and setbacks... [More]

Chemical Substances Can Affect Your Healt
Some chemical substances used or released from business and individual activities can have a harmful effect on our health and our environment. Toronto Public Health has identified 25 priority substances... [More]

Stories from the Winter 2010 Newsletter

Recognition for our Triangle Heroes
Considering the chill breeze, a sizable crowd gathered in Woodbine Park on the late afternoon of October 1st to witness the investiture of Patricia Silver as Beach Citizen of the Year. She has lived in the Beach area for 34 years, and when she moved to the Triangle region... [More]

Third Annual Beach Triangle Funfest a Success
On Saturday, September 11th, the Triangle Community Group (TCG) hosted its 3rd Annual Beach Triangle Charity Funfest. It was a beautiful day, and close to 300 neighbors/friends gathered to enjoy the festivities! From a bouncy castle and face painting to a BBQ, local artisans' market... [More]

Chairperson’s Report 2010
As my Chairperson responsibilities are handed over to Hans Looije (pronounced “loya”, by the way!), I’m pleased to once again report on the BTRA activities during the year from July 2009 to the end of June 2010.... [More]

Treeing our Neighbourhood
The BTRA has been discussing the importance and health of trees our community. At our June AGM we invited Mr. Dean Hart from the City of Toronto Urban Forestry Department. Mr. Hart presented information about the City strategies to maintain tree health and preserve and expand... [More]

Home History: 37 Dixon Road
Now the proud residence of Clive and Dr. Natasha Kessel for almost ten years, 37 Dixon Road is a gem, built in 1914 by a quality builder. The first owner was Eugene Hector Lyon, 40 years of age, a New Year's baby born in Toronto in 1874 to Eugene Lyon and Mary Ellen Eleanor Church. He and his family moved in to 37 Dixon in 1915.... [More]

A Note from Mary-Margaret McMahon, City Councillor-Elect, Ward 32
We have been swamped with calls and emails wishing us well and we will invite you all to regular Town Hall meetings at the local libraries in January so we can take your concerns to city hall... [More]

The 7th Annual Triangle Brass Christmas Carol Event
Over the previous several years a few members from various local community bands have come together to perform an old Christmas tradition in the Beach Triangle: carol singing with brass accompaniment... [More]

Special: Beach Triangle Residents Association: 25 Years of Service to the Neighbourhood

In 1984 Tom Jakobek wanted another weapon in his arsenal in tackling neighbourhood problems. Residents of the area bounded by Queen Street East, Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue (known as the Triangle) were complaining about problems with Greenwood Race Track... [More]

Stories from the Spring 2010 Newsletter

Incineration Stops at ABTP!
In last Spring's issue of Triangle Topics, Karen Buck -- long-time Beaches resident and point-person for Citizens for a Safe Environment (CSE) -- provided readers an overview of a long-running community issue: On-site thermal reduction (commonly known as waste incineration)... [More]

"Love Thy Neighbour" was Lovely
Hey neighbors, this is a follow-up on our Feb 13th "Love Thy Neighbor" event. What better way to celebrate Valentines Day but to share the love... [More]

55 Division CPLC Police Week Community Fair and BBQ
A family-friendly festivity for all ages will happen Wednesday, May 26 from 4 - 8 pm at Woodbine Park on Queen St. E. at Winners' Circle... [More]

Capture the Sun
The concept of solar energy has been around for more than a century, but the rising cost of energy, advancements in technology resulting in improved efficiency and the lower cost of an installed system makes solar energy a wise investment... [More]

Neighbourhood Watch Launched
The Beach Triangle Residents Association is implementing a Neighbourhood Watch program for the area, something that existed years ago and is being resurrected, driven by recent minor thefts... [More]

Report Graffiti: Often a Symptom of Greater Problems
Reporting graffiti is more important than you may realize. It is not 'just' property damage. It may even look pleasant and well thought-out. But graffiti often signals far more serious... [More]

Right to Know By-Law
In the Fall, 2009 issue of the BTRA News I reported that City Council had adopted an Environmental Reporting, Disclosure and Innovation Program. The program includes a new bylaw, which will require businesses... [More]

TPS Links: Neighbourhood Alerts Direct to Your Phone!
There's a new way to receive local crime updates and emergency alerts! You may have once received neighbourhood criminal activity alerts from Toronto Police Services... [More]

Off Shore Wind Generation Proposal: Present Situation
By now you will already know that the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is seeking new sources of electricity. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is encouraging the development of renewable energy generation from wind and water sources through the leasing... [More]

Stories from the Fall 2009 Newsletter

New Triangle Condominium Approved
At City Council meetings on September 30 and October 1, the City approved the development of a six-storey, mixed-use, condominium to replace existing buildings at 1864 - 1876 Queen St. East - at the north-east corner of Queen and Rainsford Rd. This decision... [More]

Local Residents Get Outdated Parking Regulations Changed
The Beach Triangle is unique in many ways. We are a community within a community. We have our own resident’s association. We are rich with history and community pride. We also, until recently, were almost the only community in Ontario... [More]

Beach Triangle Residents Association AGM: Soon 25 Years Old and Still Going Strong
The Beach Triangle Residents Association (BTRA) enjoyed a good turnout for their Annual General Meeting held in the Corpus Christi Church Meeting Room on Wednesday, June 3rd. President Ingrid Furtado, supported by Committee Chairs, reported a busy year highlighted by the following activities... [More]

"Beach Solar" Formed
A group of Beach neighbourhood residents have formed Beach Solar, an initiative to aid Beach residents and businesses to cost effectively adopt environmentally sensitive methods for improving energy efficiency. The BTRA has been participating... [More]

A Friendly Reminder
When is it illegal to wash your car? Well, when you're a Toronto resident and you're in your driveway, but there are options... [More]

Farewell and Hello, Hello Again!
The Collins family moved from their home at 57 Rainsford Road after about 40 years of living there. David and Grace Chan left their home at 50 Rainsford several years ago... [More]

2nd Annual Beach Triangle Funfest was a Great Success!
We held our 2nd annual Beach Triangle Funfest on Saturday, September 12th in the Corpus Christi church parking lot and it was a fantastic success! Funds raised at the event supported the Tourettes foundation. Our resident DJ - Mad Dog from 99.9 was our MC for the event and we had amazing Silent Auction items generously donated by... [More]

Home History: The 'Queen' of the Triangle's Grand Old Ladies
The Triangle boasts several grand old houses on the corners of its intersections but, in my opinion, the 'Queen' is 82 Dixon on the northwest corner of Dixon and Rainsford. Current owner, Kate Langford, asked for a look into the history of her home. 82 Dixon has several features... [More]

Save the Date – Saturday, February 13th, 2010, Love Your Neighbour Wine & Cheese Night
We will be hosting an evening of fun, mingling and dancing with your neighbours on the above date in the Corpus Christi Hall (Lower Level). Mad Dog from 99.9 will be volunteering his DJ services... [More]

Right to Know Bylaw
On December 1, 2008 Toronto City Council adopted an Environmental Reporting, Disclosure and Innovation Program. The program includes a new bylaw that will require businesses and City operations to publicly report their use and release of 25 hazardous chemicals. The reporting bylaw will come into effect on... [More]

Neighbourhood Watch for the Triangle?
Recently in our little community there have been a few break-ins, vandalized properties and front porch theft. We are trying to put together a "Neighbourhood Watch Program" in the Triangle. What we are looking for is a "Captain" on each street. We need someone to volunteer... [More]

BTRA's Archives Now Online!
One of the items of interest that appeared at the FunFest over the summer was a scrapbook containing old newsletters, yard sale signs, dance(!) posters and other newsy items from almost 25 years of the BTRA’s existence. If you are interested in... [More]

Stories from the Spring 2009 Newsletter

Enthusiastic Residents Conduct Parking Poll
A committee of Triangle residents was brought together in April to conduct a poll on all interior streets in the Triangle to test resident interest in changing the one-hour parking limit, dating back to problems... [More]

TTC Rush Hour Extension Proposal... Your Opinion is Requested
The BTRA Board has joined with other area residents associations (RA) in meeting monthly with the Beach Business Improvement Association (BBIA). An important item at the April 21 BBIA/RA meeting was a proposal from the TTC to increase the rush hour by... [More]

Volunteers Needed for 2nd Annual Beach Triangle Funfest: September 12, 2009
Due to the success of our 2008 Triangle Funfest, we will once again be holding the event in coordination with our local Beach partners. Keep an eye open for our flyer in your mailbox... [More]

Queen Condo - Community Consultation Meeting
The Community Consultation Meeting at the Beaches Library on March 23 was specifically with regard to "Application to Demolish Rental Housing", related to the proposed condo development at 1862 to 1876 Queen East. Facilitators were... [More]

Emerald Ash Borer Still Devastating Trees in Toronto
The Emerald Ash borer is still devastating trees within the Toronto area and was recently (February 2009) detected in Hamilton, ON. The best way to keep our Ash trees safe from this insect is to limit transportation and use of Ash species from wood packaging, nursery stock, firewood and... [More]

Live Green Toronto Meeting a Great Success!
What is a Community Animator?", I wondered as I joined about 50 people representing a wide variety of community groups in registering at the Information Session sponsored by Councillors Sandra Bussin and Janet Davis at W.S. Stewart Library on May 4th. Martina Rowley, Community Animator for Live Green Toronto, took us through a review... [More]

No More Breathing Room: Speak Up or Hold Your Breath
In 2004, 250 local residents filled the auditorium at the Fire Academy for presentation of the conclusions of the Biosolids Master Plan. The six community members who had dedicated fourteen years to the Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant Environmental Assessment couldn't believe their ears when they heard Lou Di Gironimo, Manager of Toronto Water, conclude that incineration was back on... [More]

Home History: The Hidden Twins... 1878 and 1880 Queen Street East
Two of the oldest houses on Queen Street in the Triangle, 1878 and 1880, are now almost totally hidden by urban growth. These houses show up clearly in the photo taken in about 1906 from the fire hall tower but now barely discernible. The c.1906 photo reveals only four buildings on the north side of Queen... [More]

Police Liaison Report
The 55 Division Community Police Liaison Committee is made up of community volunteers and police service representatives who work together in identifying, prioritizing, and problem-solving local policing issues. Your BTRA Executive has actively monitored committee developments for many years. Among topics reported at recent meetings... [More]

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