Groundbreaking for Toronto Tallest Mural – A STEPS’ Youth- Led Initiative in St. James Town

The Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space (STEPS) Initiative, alongside its partner the St. James Town Community Corner, will be breaking ground to commence Toronto’s tallest public art installation in St. James Town. The installation will be comprised of a mural on the side of a residential building at 200 Wellesley Street, E, a Toronto Community Housing building. Painting will begin on Monday, July 29th at 3pm (rain date, Tuesday).

The mural project has involved collaboration among 40 young people from the St. James Town community, 8 professional artists and the broader community to revitalize the neighbourhood, and highlight themes of diversity, accessibility, local culture, safety and happiness. The building, which possesses a complicated history, is located near a busy intersection, with high multi-modal traffic, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. While visible from around the downtown core – a rare occurrence for downtown properties – the building is currently unmemorable and often difficult for residents and visitors to find.  The mural seeks to turn the building into a celebrated local landmark. "By adding vivid colours it provides a message of hope and rejuvenation that uplifts the spirit. It has my seal of approval!” says Resident Leader, Miguel Avila.

Youth from St. James Town have participated in STEPS’s Emerging ARTivist Program since the summer of 2012, a workshop and leadership program that uses art to explore urban design and the built environment.  The mural comes out of working on larger issues of public space, the environment, accessibility and community engagement. Youth, with input from building residents, worked to develop a design concept and submitted a StreetARToronto grant proposal. The design will work with the motif of a bird soaring up, emblematic of a phoenix rising, to counter the negative stereotypes associated with St. James Town. One 200 Wellesley resident said "I like the idea of the phoenix and rebirth. The building and neighbourhood get a lot of attention...sometimes it’s not good. This is positive initiative. I wish there were more projects like this."

 

"Our communities benefit from engaged local residents beautifying our public spaces, and this mural project is an excellent opportunity for the youth in St. James Town to give to their neighbourhood while exploring their creativity," said Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28, Toronto Centre - Rosedale).  "This mural will elevate the neighbourhood in a very exciting way, both bringing sparkle and splendour as well as providing the St. James Town youth a new source of pride."

After developing an initial design with celebrated local artist Sean Martindale, STEPS and the youth performed several community consultations, with residential meetings and 3 publicized consultations and another 2 information sessions at 200 Wellesley St. E. Over 85% of residents who attended these consultations expressed enthusiasm, supporting the idea of a mural to revitalize the neighbourhood designed by youth from the neighbourhood. “I like how it brings the community together,” notes one resident of the proposed project. Another resident added, “Yes [this is] a good idea. Add more colour to [the] neighbourhood.” The design of the lower mural sections have been developed directly from stories and input provided by building residents during these consultations.

Mojan Jianfar, Emerging ARTivist Program Coordinator, shares, “STEPS is invested in the process of community engagement, and has sought to involve youth and the neighbourhood to create designs that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the St. James Town Community.” Workshop facilitator, JAH, notes, “The real power of working with young people is that you are planting seeds for the future…You never know how that’s going to re-emerge and manifest itself in the future.”

STEPS has been working to bring its Emerging ARTivist Program to various neighbourhoods alongside their local community partners, with Thorncliffe Park as the first community to host in 2011. This project is scheduled to be officially unveiled in September 2013.

Background on STEPS/Emerging ARTivist Program

STEPS is an organization promoting the use of art to connect people with public spaces.  STEPS seeks to challenge and change the ways in which public spaces are currently being used, how citizens communicate on environmental issues and the role of the artist in community development.  STEPS and its Emerging ARTivist Program in St. James Town are supported by the City of Toronto’s Identify ‘N Impact, StreetARToronto,  and Live Arts Programs; the Ontario Arts Council; the Ontario Trillium Foundation; the Laidlaw Foundation and ING DIRECT.

For More Information or Media Inquiries Contact STEPS’ Director Alexis Kane Speer at info@stepsinitiative.com or 647 999 0213.

St. James Town Community Cafe Dec. 14th

St. Jamestown Community Cafe. Sat. Oct. 20th

Community Cafe Friday, April 20

St. James Town Community Cafe

Friday, April 20, 3-8pm
188 Carlton (just east of Bleecker)St. Peter's Community Hall

Join us for a Spring Celebration!
- Fresh, local and delicious food  (pay what you can)
- Musical performance by the Regent Park Music School
- Art & Children's Activities
- Vegetable and Fruit market

St. James Town Community Cafe

St. James Town Community Cafe

Community Consultation Meeting for St. Jamestown N. Lanterrra Development

St. Jamestown North Development Proposal.

After attending the Community Consultation Meeting on November 7th at St. Simon's on Bloor St. E. I have the following concerns regarding the proposed development.

1. Although the consideration of privately owned, public space seems on the surface to be a move in the right direction, I have reservations around the security and upkeep ...of the space and if it will indeed be seen by the general public to be that of a regular park, or would the condo security personnel be employed to limit public accessibility and usage? Would local residents be able to walk dogs there? Would they have access in the evening or nighttime hours?

2. The idea of the double row of trees along Howard and Bloor streets seems initially impressive, however, I have concerns regarding who would ultimately be responsible for the care and maintenance of these trees? Would the condo corporation, or would the cost be transferred to general taxpayers? If it is the latter, when would such a transfer of responsibility take place?

3. I have concerns with the current and future state of the Glen Road TTC entrance, which by most accounts is unsafe and dangerous. Does the development proposal include and security improvements for this TTC access point? How would the TTC handle the increase in ridership that would undoubtedly occur?

4. There seems to be no consideration for alternative housing options such as rent to own, or subsidized housing. In fact, the only mention of anything for the community was one space that "could be used for the community". I feel this is a missed opportunity. This development is a great opportunity to bridge the neighborhoods of Rosedale and St. Jamestown and is missing the mark.

5. I would like to see this development incorporate an higher than normal number of 2 and 3 bedroom units in order to encourage families to live within the development.

6. With regards to height concerns, I am STRONGLY opposed to the current proposed tower heights of; 48, 49, 43 and 53 stories. The current zoning does not allow for structures of this height, in fact, the current zoning doesn't allow for the height of the proposed podium along Howard St. (see image above). I do believe there is a place for population intensification, however, the current proposal is far to outlandish and unacceptable. I propose the tallest tower should be no more that 25 stories. I'm also concerned with the effects the current proposal would have on wind and sunlight in the area.

7. I am concerned with the proposed demolition of 76 Howard St. and would be opposed to this facet of the proposal. I would like to see this building utilized and possibly moved, if necessary.

8. There is much concern with the construction process with regards to security, cleanliness, noise and potential damage to existing structures in the neighborhood.

9. Finally, what I have seen of the general designs so far is uninspired, boring, tedius and considering Lanterra Development's record, potentially dangerous.

St. Jamestown Debate: Tuesday September 13th

Please Vote to help St. James Town Youth Council Win!

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar is running a campaign to donate 40 $25,000 grants to fund community-based projects or initiatives in Keg communities. The St. James Town Youth Council's project proposal for the reconstruction of a local tennis court was chosen as a finalist. It is now up to everyone to vote for their favourite project to help make it a reality. Voting is open to the public until June 14.

Each person can vote once daily at http://www.thekegthanksamillion.com/en/phase2/projects/show/p/389.

Please read about our submission and check out how this project will enhance our community. You can vote once a day until June 14.

Thank you for your support and please help spread the word so that others can vote too!

2011 Recipe for Community in St. James Town – Urban Roots Youth Program

Want to learn about food production? Green Thumbs Growing Kids is pleased to announce that we are soon starting a new program for youth. It’s free!

Did you know? We can produce lots of fruits and vegetables in downtown Toronto? Urban Agriculture could be a great summer job for youth?

What: This is a certificate 8 week program to teach you all about seeds and plants grown in a greenhouse. Young people and adults will have a chance to participate in all aspects of the art and science of growing plants in a greenhouse. All participants who complete the 12 hours of instruction will receive a certificate.



Where: Rosedale Heights School Greenhouse, located across from Castle Frank TTC subway station.

When: Every Wednesday starting on January 19 and going to March 11 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

For Who: St. James Town residents (15 and older), high school students, AND adults. PRIORITY will be given to St. James Town residents.

By Who: Green Thumbs Growing Kids in collaboration with Recipe for Community Project, a partnership project between the Toronto Community Foundation and the City of Toronto.

Register: urbanrootsyouth(AT)gmail.com — please register by January 19, 2011!
Phone: (647)348-5437

Please pass on this information to anyone you think will be interested. It’s going to be fun!

Some 200 Wellesley St. Residents Returning Home Today

Eight days after a six-alarm fire displaced more than 1,200 people from a 30-storey Toronto community housing building, some residents of 200 Wellesley St. E are going home Saturday. 

Toronto Community Housing has announced the building has been deemed structurally sound and the first group of tenants has been allowed back into the building. 

The exact number of residents moving in is still being calculated, said Sinead Canavan, spokesperson for Toronto Community Housing. The organization is holding a news conference this afternoon and should have the details then, she said. 

Links:

Toronto Community Housing

200 Wellesley St. Fire

200 Wellesley St. Fire - St. Jamestown Toronto Info for Residents

City of Toronto Information

http://www.toronto.ca/200Wwellesley.htm

Sept 26, 2010, 3 p.m. 

As a result of the fire on Sept. 24 residents of 200 Wellesley are still unable to return to the building. The Office of the Fire Marshal is in charge of the site.

Services for tenants are being provided at Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St.) and 255 McCaul street (University of Toronto). At the site, City staff from Toronto Community Housing, Shelter Support and Housing, Toronto Public Health, Social Services and Toronto Animal Services are working together to provide immediate assistance, including options for accommodation, crisis counselling, information on social services, and to assist with other needs. The Canadian Red Cross is also on-site at the City's request to help provide support, including blankets and toiletries.

For safety reasons, and to preserve the integrity of the Fire Marshal’s investigation, residents still cannot enter the building.

Toronto Community Housing is working with partners including the Fire Marshal to assess and make necessary repairs so residents can return home as soon as it is safe.

Access to vehicles in parking garage

Residents who have vehicles in the underground parking garage and have their car keys will be able to access the parking garage to retrieve the vehicles today between 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Please meet at the entrance to the parking garage where Toronto Police will meet you and escort you to your vehicle. People who can’t get to this location during this time can approach the Toronto Community Housing information table at the Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne St.). Once people remove their vehicle they cannot re-enter until further notice. 

Meals

Meals for tenants will be provided at all three sites, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bag lunches for people are going to school or work will be available tomorrow at the Wellesley and McCaul sites in the morning.

Clothing

People can access clothing at the Goodwill store and Bloor and Sherbourne. You must take your yellow registration card to the Goodwill to get clothing. Goodwill is providing $25 per registration card. The store is open today until 5 p.m. and Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mail

We are working with Canada Post to arrange for mail to be redirected to a nearby postal office for pickup. We will provide more information once it is available.

Showers

Shower facilities are available for tenants at 255 McCaul. There are busses leaving from Wellesley Community Centre to take tenants to 255 McCaul and bring them back. 

Assistance for pets

Animal Services and Toronto Fire Services have visited all locations where pets were reported to retrieve pets. Food and water has been left in the site for any pets that may still be in the building. For residents who have been reunited with their pets, food and water for pets is available at Wellesley Street Community Centre. 

Assistance with housing options

The City will continue to provide a place to stay and food for tenants for as long as needed. Toronto Community Housing and the City are working together to look at alternative accommodation for the longer term.

Residents requiring medication

People who require medication should go to Wellesley Community Centre and speak to staff at the medical information table for assistance with prescriptions. 

TTC - Transit tokens

A desk has been set up in the Wellesley Community Centre where people can get two transit tokens at a time. Please show your yellow registration card.

Scooter power recharging

People who use scooters to move around should check in at the Toronto Community Housing information table to let us know the make and model so we can get the right charger.

Letters for employers

People who require letters for employers to identify they have been impacted by the fire can obtain a letter from the Toronto Community Housing information table.

Tenant Hot-line

Tenants can call the Toronto Community Housing hot-line at 416-981-5520 to get updates.

200 Wellesley St. Fire - St. Jamestown Toronto

St. Jamestown Fire

Update: CP24 is now showing video of another unit on the 24th floor with flames shooting out. The fire is not under control.

Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray is reporting 200 people homeless on his twitter feed. Donations of food, clothing and money are needed.

Update: 8:45 pm. I got a call from a friend who can see 200 Wellesley from his balcony and he says the fire has started up again and a window has blown out. According to CP24 the fire department is telling residents to stay put unless they are experiencing smoke.

A massive fire broke out this afternoon around 5 pm on the 24th floor of a St. Jamestown highrise. The National Post is reporting that the fire is now out. 10 firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion and four residents of the building, including two children were reportedly taken to hospital.

Torontoist and The Toronto Star report that although the six alarm fire started on the 24th floor the entire 22nd floor was also engulfed in flames. More than 100 firefighters were on scene with approximately 40 firetrucks and support vehicles.

The building has 711 public housing units and is fire trucks are seen daily at this building dealing with false alarms. When I passed by on my way home from work the entire balcony area of the unit was a wall of flames. This fire underscores the danger of allowing balconies to become cluttered with objects.

Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray is accepting donations for residents. Please mail or drop off (Mon to Fri) donations for victims of fire at 200 Wellesley to:

Murray's office at 514 Parliament, Toronto, ON, M4X 1P4

Links:

The Toronto Star
Torontoist
The National Post
CBC
City Tv
The Globe & Mail

St. James Town builds hope at Festival

St. James Town is once again celebrating pride in its community, hosting its annual Festival. This year’s Festival celebrates UN World Environment Day by acting locally, as the neighbourhood is joined by Live Green Toronto and local environmentalists and community advocates discussing how to revitalize apartments and neighbourhoods. The City’s Recipe for Community initiative and Live Green Toronto’s participation is signaling increased capacity to achieve continued community-building in the area.

The 2010 St. James Town Festival marks the return of its popular parade featuring local community leaders, organizations, children and cultural groups. The Festival is filled with stories of giving back, from artists within the community to festival organizers and volunteers. The Festival stage will feature local talent including King Ujah, Spirit of Jazz and the Homeless Band.

Co-Chair, St. James Town Festival Darcy Higgins says; “A politically and community engaged neighbourhood, St. James Town has the right ingredients to make positive change, harnessing the diverse backgrounds and skills we have here.”


St. James Town Safety Committee, the Festival organizer also coordinates neighbourhood safety audits, election debates, seniors’ events, an after-school program and an annual Christmas toy drive.
When: Saturday June 5, Parade begins 10:00AM, Festival Stage 11:00AM

Where: Parade begins Howard and Sherbourne St to Wellesley St, east to Parliament St, north to St. James Avenue. Festival and Stage at Rose Avenue Public School.

St. Jamestown, Toronto, ON

ALL-CANDIDATES DEBATE

(Provincial By - Election Toronto Centre on 4^th February, 2010)

Wellesley Community Centre- Room B

495 Sherbourne Steet

View Larger Map

Date : Monday 18^th January, 2010

Time : 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m

Candidates :

Glen Murray (Liberal Party)

Pamela Taylor (Conservative Party)

Cathy Crowe (New Democratic Party)

Stefan Premdas (Green Party Of Ontario)

Knowledge is power - elect the right person!

Present the social issues and needs of the St. James Town Community and Area  For more information call :

Gene Lara : (416) 934-0171

Everett Collrin : (416) 929-7358

A public service of the St. James Town Safety Committee and The Warehouse Mission