Recent TCAT activities and news items:



TCAT meets with Bike and Pedestrian-Friendly Councillor Joe Pantalone – Strachan Avenue study proposed

This past week TCAT met with Councillor Joe Pantalone (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina) to discuss past successes and future opportunities for improving and increasing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in his ward. Councillor Pantalone is a supporter of walking and cycling and advocates for them at City Hall and when dealing with developers. TCAT looks forward to a strong and mutually-supportive relationship with the City’s Deputy Mayor.

Today at Toronto and East York Community Council, Councillor Pantalone will be moving a motion to direct staff to undertake a study of the CN/CP rail crossing at Strachan Avenue . The purpose of this study is to develop a design for a grade separated crossing that is inevitably necessary, given the projected growth in train traffic. While TCAT prefers to see the crossing remain at grade, it appears that will not be possible. That is why we are supporting Councillor Pantalone’s motion, insisting that any design work put the needs of cyclists and pedestrians first, ahead of motorists, to ensure that this crossing and vital link to the waterfront be safe and convenient for all who use it. A public design charette will be part of the study. TCAT plans to participate in this process and ensure, among other things, that the missing northbound link between the Martin Goodman Trail and Strachan Avenue be addressed (currently, there is no safe and legal way to cross Lakeshore Boulevard traveling northbound – for a photo of the situation, go to: http://bikelanediary.blogspot.com/2006/06/latest-bike-chunk.html).

To see a copy of the motion, go to: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-6336.pdf



Pedestrian Sunday in Baldwin Village – This Sunday, September 16th! & TCAT Volunteer Opportunity

PS Kensington and Streets are for People are leaders in creating car-free street festivals, and we encourage you to get out and enjoy their next event, not in Kensington Market but in Baldwin Village ( Baldwin Street near McCaul Street ). Streets are for People are also one of the over 35 community organizations that support TCAT.

The merchants and residents of Baldwin Village invite visitors to join them this summer as they introduce Toronto 's best-kept secret to the city through a series of Pedestrian Sunday celebrations. Baldwin Village is a hidden treasure nestled in the heart of downtown – a history-rich urban village that represents the culturally diverse heartbeat of Toronto . Composed of a collection of 38 independent restaurants and retailers, this community is amplified by an abundance of international cuisine.

The theme for this final event of the summer in Baldwin Village is ‘Tomorrow’. “What do you see for Baldwin Village in the future? Given the huge arts community we hope to come up with a fun, futuristic vision for the street. Visionaries welcome!”

Featuring...

· Gypsy Rebels - Authentic Gypsy Music
· Richard Underhill - Juno Award Winning Jazz Great
· Steve Mann Ensemble - International Hydraulophonist, Musical instrument using pressurized water
· irieband - Spirited Reggae Band
· Mz. Mosea and Band - Dynamic Soulful Singer
· Max Woolver Blues Band - Grassroots
· Chris Bezant & Craig Saltz Duo - Gypsy Jazz-Django Reinhardt Style
· Usmic Music - Yoshi & Chie Yamano - Guitar, Digeridoo, Sitar, Vocals
· Jim Reid - Guitar and Vocals
· Ardene Shapiro - Guitar and Vocals ... and many more Guest Artists

· Community Think Tank - What's your vision for the future of Baldwin Village ? ...with Michael J.
· Baldwin Village Film Fest - Free Movies on the Street. Bring blankets and pillows ...we'll supply movies & popcorn
· Children's Events :) - games, art & crafts, music, face painting and lots more
· Self Guided Walking Tour of Baldwin Village - present to the turn of the century
· International Delicious Food ...And a swell time for all !!


Time: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

For more information visit: www.pskensington.ca


TCAT LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

At the last Pedestrian Sunday in Mirvish Village , TCAT setup a successful display, handing out our brochure and discussing our activities with visitors to the street festival. We are now looking for volunteers to help us at future Pedestrian Sunday Events. If you are available and eager to help spread the word on TCAT, please e-mail info@torontocat.ca with your availability.


Upcoming Pedestrian Sundays are:

• Sept. 16: Baldwin Village (Theme: The future for Baldwin Village )

• Sept. 30: Kensington Market (Theme: Global Harvest Traditions)

• Oct. 28: Kensington Market (Theme: Halloween! Honouring Ancestors)



TCAT News – Help spread the word!

TCAT is continually looking to increase its list of supporters. 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, TCAT