After several months of tidying the sidewalks and plant beds, some of our volunteers, who were part of our new RoncyWorks initiative, decided to address a pervasive little litter item that makes a whole lot of trash.

Cigarette butts were being strewn everywhere, particularly in the plant beds, which disappointingly, were being used as giant ashtrays.  Although there were cigarette disposal units built into the new trash cans, many smokers weren’t using them; in fact it seemed that few even knew they existed.  Not surprisingly, we learned that cigarette litter is a pervasive problem all over the world. Besides the eyesore and toxicity, it takes up significant time and expense for municipalities to deal with it. So what could the volunteers do to cut down the time spent sweeping up butts and picking them out from the plants?

A few community members collected  a bunch of coffee tins and tomato cans and got to work. They primed the cans and painted them blue. They stencilled them, filled them with sand and deposited them along the street in a midnight run. Then they monitored their use.

The cans were welcomed by many of the shops, by smokers and others using the street. They are being re-positioned by the people using them, because they are portable. Sometimes they end up in bus shelters or in a planter, which is not where they belong, but they are easy to move back out. Occasionally, however, they are getting trashed by trolls who have nothing better to do. But, overall, they are a hit.

These hand-made ashcans are turning out to be a social experiment. Our volunteers are observing where they are being placed, measuring their use and seeing how much they are helping to reduce the butt problem. They seem so effective, that more are being made to fill requests made directly to our volunteer sweeps and to supply the west side of the street.  What’s more, other communities are now following suit.

Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world, unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history~ Earth Hour.

More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide, switched off their lights for earth hour 2011 alone. Thus sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet.

And we helped. Our last year contribution gained national recognition from WWF Canada and I personally cannot be any prouder to have initiated the now annual, Roncesvalles Candlelight Walk. Not only did we as a community “flick off”, but we also gathered together to walk in solidarity.

On the day of, please consider; RONCY CELEBRATES Lantern Making Workshop at  High Park Baptist Church (Hewitt & Roncesvalles) anytime between 12 – 4:30. Then you can have your very own, hand crafted, Earth Hour Lantern.

Before you leave…. turn your lights off

Earth Hour Revellers are invited to gather in front of the Reveue Cinema at 8:15, then commence the walk at 8:30 with 2012 Earth Hour Walk Marshall;  Sandie Drake.

Everyone is encouraged to bring their own candle, although some will be on hand – courtesy of the RVBIA. Please  consider using a recycled container such as a pre used glass jar or tin, as your carrier.

All are expected to cross the street and walk along the commercial side, toasting fellow participants who will be enjoying reduced lighting in the various, dimly lit bistros, restaurants and bars.

New to our coordination masthead this year  is Fern Avenue Public School Eco Team Master; Joanne Somers. She has been engaged to provide a beautiful visual treat at the conclusion of our community supported walk.

Afterwards, try to frequent one of our many supporting eateries and enjoy a little quality “Do it in the Dark” post walk celebration.

Thanks to Keith Denning from the RVBIA for securing the participation of our local businesses and a bigger thanks to you, for being a part of this fabulous community!

Hope to see you all there!

Yours truly

Karyn Klaire Koski

The Roncy Sweeps gear up to launch the RoncyWorks campaign.

Right now the sun is shining and Roncesvalles is looking extra good. Today our volunteers put up posters and groomed the street as part of  our launch of  the RoncyWorks campaign.

Most of us know that our neighbourhood works best when we all pitch in. Our community seems to have an extraordinary volunteer culture and we hope everyone who lives here or visits our hood will catch the spirit.

Maria Carrusca understood this when she responded to a call for volunteers to help clean up the street last summer. Mary Wiens knew it and helped spread the joy, enlisting new Roncy Sweeps as she swept.  ”It’s a funny thing, but it’s kind of addictive,” Mary says.  Duncan Kennedy and Tony Enns got it when they offered to create a brand for our community volunteer efforts. Now you can see their RoncyWorks posters displayed in some of the shop windows. And, our volunteers can now be spotted wearing the bright blue RoncyWorks bags.

You don’t have to be an official volunteer to make a difference. And you don’t have to be a clean freak. It’s simply about making an effort because you care about our little corner of the world. It’s about recognizing that it’s not simply up to others to care – the city workers, the BIA, our neighbours — it’s up to all of us.

So, if you spot some litter while you’re walking down the street; it take a just few seconds to pick it up and toss it where it belongs. If you’re at a TTC stop and you like plants, take a moment to tidy one of the plant beds while you are waiting for the streetcar.  Or, if there is something else you feel needs improving, think about how you can be part of the solution.

There are many ways to get involved in making our neighbourhood better. So, please pitch in, however you can. To get in touch with us about volunteer opportunities, visit roncyworks.org

For almost a century, Roncesvalles’s  Silver Maple, located midway up the corridor  slightly NE of High Park Blvd, has stood as a living testament. It has overseen evolving urban growth and settlement. It stood idly by and flourished throughout the decades of change. Historic changes that have modified our sleepy village east of the great High Park.

This tree surveyed modest community beginnings, when waves of Polish immigrants sought refuge in 1914, 1920-1939 and again in 1941. It heard tales of World Wars and the Great Depression.  It was young then and had a nearby companion, sadly lost in this last, past decade. But no one mourned as we do with many of our resident elders,  elders whom we respect and honor, for the lives they have lived.

And lived it had, despite concrete sidewalks and heavy pedestrian traffic, it has faithfully  served as the lungs of our neighbourhood,  neutralizing the carbon emissions escaping the parade of motorized vehicles that have drove past it everyday, throughout the decades.

It is quite unique, for it is believed to be one of Toronto’s oldest trees in a commercial district, how did it manage to survive?  If each beautiful gnarled wart could tell a story, I’m sure there will be narratives of seasons passing, families strolling and businesses coming and going and many an anecdote of lives… well, lived.

It is time to respect our elder, our stately Sliver Maple who “we” and City Officials safequarded during the reconstruction of our street.  This tree has been recently nominated, via video submission, to the Heritage Trees Ontario Program and I am proud to have spearheaded that endeavour.

As a volunteered environmental advocate, I personally hope to celebrate with you, when our moniker of Resilience can be commemorated for being the Grand Dame, that she is!

Read Inside Toronto article about designation

Site for the proposed Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden

Cross-posted with the Roncesvalles Village BIA website

The Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden group has launched a website to  promote its proposal for a new peace garden at Roncesvalles and Dundas. The garden would green and beautify the triangular space at Dundas and Roncesvalles, and  commemorate the area’s role in the War of 1812 and the resistance of local aboriginal warriors to the landing of the American fleet in Humber Bay. The website includes project information and updates, as well as a newsletter sign-up, donation form, and other resources.

The DRPG group is an organization of local residents, formed as a committee of the Roncesvalles-Macdonnel Residents’ Association, in partnership with the Roncesvalles Village BIA and the City of Toronto. Other community partners include the Roncesvalles Village Historical Society, Roncesvalles Renewed, and the Horticultural Societies of Parkdale & Toronto.

Previously: Meeting to discuss Peace Garden at Dundas/Roncesvalles Feb. 28

In 201o, the inaugural Candlelight Walk, had a gathering of local acoustic performers at Grafton Park. Then MC Talent/Local resident; Bob Mackowycz Jr, helped me, usher the crowd past the many participating restaurants, bistros, bars and retail establishments.

I must respectfully acknowledge GREEN 13, for nurturing and encouraging me to bring this wonderful, global, symbolic tradition into my neighbourhood.   A new tradition that could not have been executed, without the help of the RVBIA and the   supporting local residents. Earth Hour is a celebration of not only Mother Earth but also the efforts of all the volunteered hours put in by dedicated community members.

I hereby announce the new launch of Earth Hour 2012 as a coordination under the wing of Roncesvalles Renewed.   Due to some television production scheduling conflicts (in my Day Job!) and because I would like to encourage more local participation,  I am reaching out for new contributors and willing participants.    

Who wishes to help marshal the 2012 Candlelight Walk for Roncesvalles-Parkdale?

Sharing the experience with a new masthead of Earth Hour stewards

Roncesvalles’ annual participation has provided many TDSB students volunteer hours, celebratory “end of winter” events for local business, and has helped our Community become recognized as a Green Forward Neighbourhood that has allowed local talent an opportunity and outlet to showcase their voices.

Every year, media outlets gather to report on our efforts and truly it is a lot of fun.  There is always room for new direction, and I would be proud to help any new contributors, experience the joy of creating a little bit of environmental magic!  Please consider being part of my team!

]]> http://roncesvallesrenewed.org/2012/02/18/earth-hour-2012-stewards-wanted/feed/ 3 kkkoski http://roncesvallesrenewed.org/2012/02/10/meeting-to-discuss-peace-garden-at-dundasroncesvalles-feb-28/ http://roncesvallesrenewed.org/2012/02/10/meeting-to-discuss-peace-garden-at-dundasroncesvalles-feb-28/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:40:03 +0000 John Bowker http://roncesvallesrenewed.org/?p=2748 ]]> Cross-posted from the Roncesvalles Village BIA website:

Please join the Roncesvalles-Macdonell Residents’ Association on Tuesday February 28th for a presentation and community discussion about the Dundas-Roncesvalles Peace Garden. This initiative aims to green and beautify the triangular space at Dundas and Roncesvalles, and to commemorate its role in the War of 1812 and the resistance of local aboriginal warriors to the landing of the American fleet in Humber Bay.

The BIA is very excited by this proposal. The beautification of this space was identified as a major streetscape priority under the BIA’s 2003 Streetscape Strategy, which considers this intersection be the northern gateway to Roncesvalles Village. The BIA is also excited at this opportunity to take part in the War of 1812 Bicentennial, which will take place over the next 2 1/2 years.

The Battle of York started just south of the foot of Roncesvalles, about where the Boulevard Club stands today. In 1813, Americans landed there and marched east. In preparation for the expected battle, Canadian/British engineers needed a road that connected Fort York to the west, near to the likely American landing point. As a result, plans showing a road running straight across what is now High Park had to be scrapped in favour of a road that could be built more quickly. In order to avoid all the creeks and marshes of the Humber/High Park system, the road took a sharp turn and then circled around the park. And that is why Dundas suddenly turns north at Roncesvalles. The entire layout of Toronto’s west end was determined by the expediencies of war.

Also, Canada would not have existed after the War of 1812 without the help of First Nations allies, whose local presence is remembered in street names such as Indian Road and Algonquin Avenue.

The Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden Group is a committee of the RMRA, in partnership with the Roncesvalles Village BIA and the City of Toronto. Other community partners include the Roncesvalles Village Historical Society, Roncesvalles Renewed, and the Horticultural Societies of Parkdale & Toronto.

The meeting will be held on February 28 at 7 pm at Fern Avenue Public School, 128 Fern Avenue.

The17 blocks along Roncesvalles are split up into 8 sections. The lead volunteer for each section coordinates their efforts with the other volunteers on their team. The team takes care of both sides of the street, aiming to get out maybe once a week on a day between City cleanings, like on Tuesdays, Thursdays or on the weekend.

On the business sides of the street volunteers focus on cleaning the plant beds while business owners aim to keep the sidewalks looking good in front of their premises. On the residential side volunteers tidy up planting beds, pick up and dispose of some litter and recylables, and sweep up the sidewalks.

Brooms and gloves will be stored at 7 or 8 locations along Roncesvalles, to start with, so that volunteers can easily use these when it’s opportune for them to do a little sweeping. The lead volunteer for your section will tell you where the broom is stored.

We’re looking for additional volunteers to build up each team. There’s no set schedule. Each one does what they can, when they can. Just let us know which section you’d like to work on and we’ll connect you with the lead for that section. Our current lead volunteers by section include:

1. Boustead to Howard: Ann
2. Howard to Constance: Ed
3. Constance to Geoffrey: Mary
4. Geoffrey to Fermanagh: Maria
5. Fermanagh to Fern: Tereza
6. Fern to Galley: Dorothée
7. Galley to Marion: Kirsten
8. Marion to Queen: Jane

Learn more about Roncy Sweeps from these posts:

• Clean Street: The mind, body and soul of how Roncesvalles is maintained
• Roncy Sweeps in The Star
• Trash Talk

Temporary fix for pedestrian safety

A couple of days ago workers came to parts of Roncesvalles — primarily between Fermanagh and Fern — to remove loose sidewalk pavers that the City deemed a tripping hazard.

These loose pavers were removed and replaced with an asphalt patch for the remainder of winter.

The City informed the BIA that this is a temporary fix for now and that the problem areas will be fixed permanently and to the BIA’s satisfaction when warmer weather arrives.

How the pavers came loose in the first place is another question. Perhaps as the grounds settles and shifts, particularly when water gets under the tiles and then freezes, it can cause some tiles to shift.

While we’re all disappointed by the appearance of black patches on our sidewalks, it’s clear that the safety of pedestrians has to come first.

Information from our Councillor Gord Perk’s office,  states that;  Ron Nash from the City BIA, tells them that “the current status of Roncesvalles’ maintenance is much, much better than it was 10 years ago, but that, of course, doesn’t mean that it’s perfect.”

For 5 days a week from April 1st to November 1st:

• Littervac operators clear the sidewalks and curbs of debris.
• Street Sweepers (trucks) operate 4 to 5 times a week.
• The fly squad surveys daily for manual pickup of bulky items and a manual walk about is provided every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the purpose of sweeping and litter collection.

During off season, the littervac and manual pickup is reduced and this service also fluctuates with weather conditions throughout the entire year.

In all fairness, The City of Toronto, as the governing brain with 44 municipal wards, 72 BIA’s, and about 2.5 million residents, is providing an adequate job. But, who knows the future of budget cutbacks?

The Body overseeing Roncesvalles’ commercial district is the local BIA.  An outstanding committee of business owners who rally together to promote the area, initiate events and encourage the local business members to participate in a collective. The BIA encourages owners to additionally tidy the street in front of their storefronts.  Unfortunately, group endeavors rely on equal contribution, and you’ll find that some businesses are very pro supportive, and others are less so.

Concluding the unity and without any doubt, it’s the soul of the people who motivate any action. It is the residents of Roncy who are saying loud and clear, “We’re proud of  our neighbourhood and we love living here!”   This collective pride has enticed the goodwill of the people who volunteer to be the change they want to see in the world… at least, our little part of the World!

Our increase in popularity brings many out to frequent our eateries and there may be a corresponding increase of on-the-street cigarette smoking. Cigarette butts are the number one offenders of our litter cast off.  Many a smoker’s impulse is to stomp out their butt on the ground or bury it into a planter. It’s a problem in cities everywhere. Fortunately the new trash cans have a cigarette disposal unit built in, but most smokers don’t know it’s there. Since this is not enough to curb the problem, there are talks about requesting City involvement that can also have community programs pitch in.

Right now what Roncesvalles needs is a coordinated cleaning program that supplements and supports the generous work of the Roncy Sweeps Team and what the City provides.  Awareness should be brought to issues such as proper cigarette butt disposal and on-street maintenance. With a little ingenuity and “pitching in,” Roncesvalles will continue to be the most perfect corner of Toronto!