2010 in Review.

Cabbagetown South Residents' Association has 4 organizational objectives.  Here is what we have done over the course of 2010 to further those objectives.

1.  To promote the beauty, safety, environmental quality & economic vitality of this historic community.

Environmental Quality:  Sponsored the 2nd annual Earth Hour Candle Light Walk through Cabbagetown South guided by historian Robin Burgoyne of Caerwent House Stories.  Represented CTS at the information session sponsored by LEAF and Live Green Toronto on the Neighbourwoods Tree Training and Preservation Program.  Cabbagetown South has many aging trees and this initiative will help manage the preservation and replacement of these vital resources.  Represented CTS on the Riverdale Park West Improvement Planning Committee, an initiative looking at how the park is used and what is needed to address its problems.  Provided information and tips on our website on how to conserve and save the environment.  Worked to reduce the number of flyers and newsletters we send out by growing our email lists.

Safety:  Provided a wide variety of information on our website about safety within our neighbourhood as well as personal safety tips.  Represented CTS on the Community Police Liaison Committee, ensuring that CSA issues were represented to the police.  For 2010 we requested that special emphasis be placed on the prostitution issue on Shuter Street.  Neighbours report a visible reduction in ‘girls’ in the area throughout the summer and fall.  Hosted members of the Toronto Police Community Policing Unit at one of our monthly meetings.  Reinforced the importance of reporting crimes (sexual activity, drug consumption and drug sales etc) by publicizing the Police Non Emergency Number: 416.808.2222.

Economic Vitality:  Through individual solicitation and a direct mail drop, invited businesses within the boundaries of Cabbagetown South to attend our meetings and become members.  A blog on our website, Mark Caven’s Featured Businesses, highlights a different CTS business every month.  Our Development Committee worked with local developers and city planning on a number of development projects within the area.  Obtained a detailed map of the area from city hall from which we can identify social services within the area.

Beauty:  Sponsored a very successful 3rd annual Community Clean-up where members picked-up litter in streets and laneways.  Created a beautiful front garden and rear herb and vegetable garden at the Toronto Community Housing at 297 Ontario Street.  Teamed with the Ward 28 Greenspace Committee to create a beautiful perennial and annual garden at the front of the Parliament Street Library.  Guerrilla Gardeners cleared 3 sad neglected spots on Poulett Street, planting bulbs in fresh soil and mulch and a fence verge was transformed on Milan Street.  Dumping incidents have been promptly cleaned up because members have diligently called the City at 311, describing the material and advising if it is on city or residential property (a digital picture helps).  

2.  To promote the quality of residential and business life in and around the area.

Continued the Good Neighbour Program, implemented in 2009, which has resulted in improvements at All Saint’s Church and Friendship Centre - gardens are being tended & improved, new garbage enclosure keeps bins off the street, patrons are inside the Friendship Centre, food is not allowed outside the facility, reducing food litter on the streets.  Represented CSA as the community liaison with Lord Dufferin School.  Successfully applied to City of Toronto for a small grant ($2000) to go towards improvements at Ontario Street Parkette.  Photographed graffiti art in the neighbourhood.  Offered volunteer opportunities to students at Jarvis Collegiate to apply to their required 40 hours of community service.   

3.  To promote a shared sense of community that respects the diversity of all residents.

Continued to update our new website and utilize it to reach our members and contacts via email;  the Discussion Forums were used by members to talk about everything from laneways to graffiti.  Provided a wide variety of information to the community about the possibility of our neighbourhood being designated a Heritage Conservation District.  Hosted several meetings where we invited guest speakers on this topic.  Worked together with Aberdeen Avenue Residents’ Association, Cabbagetown Donvale Residents’ Association and the BIA to bring the community Meet the Candidates evenings for both the Provincial and Municipal elections.  Many of our events are provided ‘free of charge’ so that everyone who wants to participate is welcome.

4.  To organize projects and activities throughout the year that bring people together and help make this a vibrant place to live. 

We sponsored a wide variety of events in 2010 with a specific focus on bringing together people from all walks of life and interests.  In particular we tried to have activities for families as well as singles and couples. 

Sincere thanks to all those members of the Association, and the Board, and members of the community who worked so hard, making 2010 such a successful year