Unlike most development sagas in the neighbourhood, this one has a happy ending

February 27, 2016

Eric Emin Wood

Town Crier

MORE GREEN: Building additional towers on this Dunfield Avenue property will actually result in more greenspace, plus daycare and other local benefits, after a successful consultation process, say residents and councillor. Photo: Google Maps

What could have been another controversial development application for the Yonge-Eglinton neighbourhood turned out to be anything but, as the developer behind a pair of towers proposed for 45 and 77 Dunfield Ave. collaborated with city planners and residents.

The results are a new 6,060-square-metre green space, a subsidized daycare to accommodate at least 52 children, and what Ward 22 councillor Josh Matlow called “arguably the most successful agreement in history” for the hundreds of tenants, many of them seniors, who live in the two apartment buildings next door.

‘Bold change’ needed, agency boss concedes — but effect on bottom line is unknown.

February 23, 2016

Tess Kalinowski

Toronto Star

A passenger exits the UPX terminal towards Union Station. Photo: STEVE RUSSELL / TORONTO STAR

The province has slashed the fares on the struggling Union Pearson Express, conceding — nearly nine months after its launch — that there were too few riders to meet the train’s targets.

“We should have started with a lower price to introduce more people to (UPX). We had to build more awareness faster,” said Metrolinx chair Robert Prichard after a special Tuesday board meeting where the dramatic price reductions were unanimously approved.

It remains unclear, however, what the implications of lower prices will be on the UPX’s break-even prospects, the amount of provincial subsidy it will require, or even how the new fares — about half the original ticket costs — were arrived at.

February 16, 2016
South Bayview Bulldog

A meeting was held at Greenwood College School at Davisville and Mt. Pleasant Tuesday night to discuss possible concepts and challenges related to a proposed construction of a Midtown Hub on the property of Davisville Public School. The meeting was organized by Josh Matlow (Ward 22) and members of the Midtown Hub Advocacy Group. There were about 50 members of the public present including South Eglinton Ratepayers and Residents Association (SERRA).

SCHOOL PROPERTY

The meeting heard that negotiations for the purchase of about three-quarters of a hectare (or nearly two acres) of the present school site are ongoing. Although snug, it a valuable piece of Midtown property which might fetch $7 to 8 million. It is money that must be found through the auspices of City Hall and public subscription. The land is now occupied by the sprawling footprint of the old Davisville School. The meeting heard that the Toronto and District School Board might break ground for the school in 2020. The intent of the City’s Forestry, Parks and Recreation Department is a Midtown Hub which complements the school and is used by students, but also provides recreational facilities for the public, both youthful and senior.

February 12, 2016
The Mississauga News, Metroland Media

On paper, the Union Pearson Express (UPX) linking downtown Toronto to Pearson Airport looked like a win-win for taxpayers.

All world-class cities have a direct link between their downtowns and major airports.

Besides, UPX would help alleviate some of the congestion that makes getting to and from Pearson such a huge hassle for everyone.

But six months after the launch of the $456 million project, it has been a bust.

From potholes to different subway lines, city council can't agree what to spend federal infrastructure dollars on.

February 7, 2016
Jessica Smith Cross
Metro News Toronto

Toronto's over-burdened transit system could be a potential recipient of federal infrastructure funding.