The 150 Stories Project began as Brick and Mortar Toronto’s response to the current disconnect between Toronto audiences and artists.
15 groups were given the task of picking a Toronto community that does not often see itself in today’s storytelling.
Each participant interviewed one person from their group’s chosen community and each group then created a performance piece based on the stories heard in the interviews.
The result: 15 communities, 150 storytellers, 150 stories.

This group is, lead by Luis Fernandes, is focused on the Parkdale community
For the past 10 years, and until 2016, Luis Fernandes and the Unit 102 Actor’s company owned and operated the successful Unit 102 Theatre in Parkdale. That is, until they were forced out several months ago by development in the very neighbourhood they helped to grow. While they search for a new location for their company, Luis chose to focus on the community and find out just exactly what stories are hidden within.

Order tickets here and use discount code “PARKDALE” to get $15 OFF

Date: Friday, February 3^rs
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Place: 1402 Queen Street East, #c3 (The Attic Arts Hub)

Community Consultation Meeting for  57-65 Brock Avenue – The Beer Store location.

The developer of 57-65 Brock Avenue, Brock Seaforth Developments Inc., is proposing to amend both the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law to allow for a seven-storey residential building with two levels of above-ground parking located at the rear. You can view a copy of the Preliminary Report providing background information at: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-97839.pdf. Details will be available at the community meeting.

If you are unable to attend the meeting and are interested in providing comment and/or receiving more detailed information speak to the planner directly, contact Kirk Hatcher, at (416) 392-0481 or Kirk.Hatcher@toronto.ca or email Councillor Gord Perks office at councillor_perks@toronto.ca.

Date: Wednesday, February 8^th
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: 1303 Queen St W. – Parkdale Library (basement auditorium)

We encourage you to give back to the community in any way that you can – whether it is donating non perishable goods, volunteering in the community, or doing a good deed.

Very best wishes to ALL Parkdalians!!

We are all proud that Queen Street West is world-famous for its continuous, unbroken heritage character.

But developers are eyeing it for: high-rise, big box and chain retail. And today, Bathurst to Roncesvalles has no protection.

Fortunately, city planners are designing a “heritage conservation district” (HCD)- the strongest law to protect from over-development. But their first draft has big carve-outs. They exclude Jameson-to-Roncesvalles, and Dufferin-to-Shaw. True Queen Street West heritage: 200– Victorians – CAMH park – buildings like the Ocean View Hotel and the Great Hall. And that still lets the unbroken Queen Street West heritage get – broken (The City page for the HCD is here).

Let our Councillors + city planning know to keep Queen West together – the heritage conservation district is for all of Queen Street West.

Write Gord Perks, Ana Bailao, Mike Layton and City Planning @ our auto-email page – (includes talking points).

Parkdale Residents Association supports the efforts of  the collective voice of the West Side Community Council – westsidecc.ca.
Read the WSCC response to the WQW Heritage Study report HERE.

Deadline for your comments is Tuesday, Dec. 20th

Here is your opportunity to have a say in how Queen Street West develops on into the future. Come out and give your ideas and imagination voice.

This Community Consultation meeting will present the findings from the built form & character analysis and heritage evaluation as well as the draft recommendations of the West Queen West HCD Study. The Study reviewed the policy context, built-form and heritage value of the properties on Queen Street West between Bathurst Street and Roncesvalles Avenue.

The Study involved public consultations to clarify what defines the street character and to develop a community vision for the future. Transit capacity and parking supply were also reviewed.

The evening will begin with an Open House from 6:30-7:00pm, followed by an update by City Staff on the WQW Heritage Study. FGMDA Architects with MMM Group and ASI Inc. will then give a presentation followed by a discussion facilitated by the project team. This is where you can ask questions and share your comments prior to the final report.

Date: Tuesday, November 29th
Time: 6:30 p.m. – Open House,
7:00 p.m. – Presentation and Facilitated Discussion
Place: 1115 Queen St W. – The Theatre Centre

The Government of Ontario is reviewing how the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) operates and its role in the province’s land use planning system.

You are invited to participate in a Public Town Hall Meeting to learn about the OMB’s current role in the land use planning process, to provide your perspectives, and to review and comment on changes the government is considering. Staff from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Ministry of the Attorney General will be on site to answer questions about the various components of the review.

You are encouraged to RSVP online, by email to OMBReview@ontario.ca or call 416-585-6014 or 1-855-776-8011. Be sure to indicate if you require special accommodation to attend.

Members of the public are also invited to submit their written comments and feedback on OMB reform by December 19, 2016.

Date: Tuesday, November 15th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 pm (Registration starts at 5:00 PM)
Place: 222 Bremner Boulevard (Metro Toronto Convention Centre,  North Building, Room 201)

Join Arif Virani, your Federal Member of Parliament for Parkdale/High Park to discuss issues facing Seniors in our Community.

• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Guaranteed Income Supplement
• International Benefits
• Veterans Affairs

Date: Thursday, November 10th
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 pm
Place: 95 Lavinia Ave. (Rousseau Room – Swansea Town Hall)

Register: Call 416-769-5072 or email arif.virani@parl.gc.ca

This series of three lectures provides an opportunity for residents, students, and guest lecturers to think together about an increasingly important reality — gentrification.

Parkdale, like many urban neighbourhoods, is changing rapidly. So, this is a timely opportunity to think together about the nature of that change (Lecture 1) and to collectively imagine how to respond; and how to ensure our neighbourhoods remain diverse and hospitable (Lectures 2 & 3).

*All lectures take place at 201 Cowan Ave. (south entrance) 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Thurs. Nov. 3rd
#1 – What is Gentrification
Speakers: Mervyn Horgan, University of Guelph & Scott Leon, Wellesley Institute
RSVP on Eventbrite

Thurs. Nov 10th
#2 – A Local Response to Gentrification
Speakers: Representatives from the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT)
RSVP on Eventbrite

Thurs. Nov 17th
#3 – Gentrification, Affordable Housing, and Community Finance
Speakers: Emma & Graham Cubitt, Indwell, Hamilton
RSVP on Eventbrite