1. Waterfront Sidewalks in Danger – courtesy of the Port Authority

[with excerpts from Councillor Adam Vaughan’s, Ward 20, newsletter]

Earlier this year, Toronto and East York Community Council (TEYCC) voted unanimously to build a sidewalk and narrow what used to be Bathurst Street south of Queens Quay Boulevard under its new name Eireann Quay. The redesign was a huge victory for the local community. Residents had demanded control over their neighbourhood street since commercial flights resumed, under protest, on the island. The new design and regulations (taxi queuing lanes were eliminated) provide a safer intersection and safer pedestrian access to Ireland Park.

However, shortly after the TEYCC’s decision, the Toronto Port Authority and Porter Airlines commenced court action seeking an injunction against the city to stop the construction of the sidewalks and open up access for waiting taxi cabs. The City has decided to defend its position and rights to build the sidewalks in court this fall. TCAT will monitor this process and keep our supporters informed of any developments or opportunities to voice your support.

2. Issues and Decisions Across the City – Let us know what’s going on, especially in your ward

As an organization focused on the entire city it is sometimes difficult for TCAT to hear about local projects until very near the end of the planning or consultation process. In some cases it is too late to mobilize our networks of cyclists and pedestrians to voice their opposition or support for a particular City plan. Other competing interests are often quicker to organize (they may have been the ones to persuade the local Councillor or City staff to initiate the project in the first place), and so their voice is heard the loudest.

That is why TCAT is asking for your help. If you hear about something going on in your community – be it a sidewalk narrowing, a new bike lane, a change to a local speed limit, or any other project that affects the quality of your walking or cycling experience, we’d like you to share that with us. We will let others in your area, and across the city, know what the City is doing. If support is needed, we will encourage our supporters to write letters and attend meetings, so that you know you are not alone.

No matter how early in the process, please send this information to info@torontocat.ca. Tell us a little bit about the project and how others can help. Expect a response and most likely a posting in the next TCAT News e-Bulletin.

3. Call for Submissions: The Environmental Story to be Remembered in 10 Years

The Sustainability Network is collecting short stories from environmental leaders across Canada to highlight our country's environmental movement, our commitment to future growth and the significant role ENGOs have as champions of the cause.

This is a core project of the Sustainability Network's 10th Anniversary celebrations and they will be promoting this in a variety of ways. The Top Ten Selections will be highlighted in their October edition of Nexus, their website, media releases and in partnership with Corporate Knights magazine. They will also include "honourable mentions" wherever possible. Here are the guidelines:

· Submissions are due September 7, 2007
· Maximum 300 words in length, and a headline for your short story
· Include your name, title, and name of your environmental organization
· Highlight the environmental cause/issue, and why it's important to be remembered in 10 years
· Print-quality photos are encouraged with your emailed submission, but not essential in the selection process.
· Email your Environmental Story to be Remembered in 10 Years to: info@sustain.web.ca

4. TCAT News – Help spread the word!

TCAT is continually looking to increase its list of supporters. It helps to be able to say how many people and organizations support the work we do when we speak with City Councillors, City staff, and the media, or put out a publication. Please send this message to any groups or individuals you think would be interested in learning more about TCAT, receiving our weekly e-Bulletin, or volunteering with TCAT.

To learn more about TCAT, visit our web site at www.torontocat.ca

To subscribe to TCAT News, go to http://lists.torontocat.ca/listinfo.cgi/tcatnews-torontocat.ca

Labels: advocacy