August 2024 News

Welcome to the August (barely) newsletter from Canary District Neighbourhood Association. In this issue, we talk about:

  • Putting a halt to Metrolinx's noisy night-time construction activity on the railroad tracks
  • Looking for volunteers for Part 2 of our pollinator-friendly planting on Sumach Street
  • Continuing plans for our Spooky Hallowe'en Walk.
  • The fabulous volunteers who Clean Canary.
  • Ongoing Summer in Canary events sponsored by Dream

Metrolinx Madness:
Stop the Noise!

Recently Metrolinx began drilling, excavating and other work at night on the railroad tracks on our southern border. Their rationale is that they don't want to disrupt the GO train schedule, and they plan to continue this work until March 2025.

This disrupting the sleep of thousands of residents, including children, who live near the tracks. It is a health hazard and an egregious violation of residents' right to peace.

The CDNA has been working with Councillor Moise, MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, and the City to encourage / demand / force Metrolinx to find another way to get the work done without making life a misery for thousands of residents.  

If you are affected by the noise, please also fill out our Impact Survey. We are sharing impact statements (anonymously) with the authorities, the media, and anyone who will listen, in order to convey the human cost of this activity.

If you believe this should stop, please sign our petition here.


Sunday September 8th —
Buffet for Butterflies Pt. 2

Extending the power of Corktown Common through the neighbourhood by creating pollinator-friendly gardens throughout the area. 

Join us 9am to noon Sunday September 8 as we return to the Sumach Street in-ground planters to put lots of new, native pollinator-friendly flowers and shrubs into the ground.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community, connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Click here for more details and to RSVP


Wanted: Spooky Volunteers! 

We're going to hold the spookiest Hallowe'en ever in Canary District, with the whole neighbourhood teaming up to create a spooky walk (with treats!) on our Front St. Promenade from Cherry Street to Corktown Common.

This event is still in the planning stages, and we need volunteers to help fine-tune the details.

If you'd like to help, reply to this email or click here and let us know in the comments that you're up for some spooky volunteering!


Clean Canary

Big THANK YOU to the 15 volunteers (some pictured here) who came out to help clean up the neighbourhood this month, picking up trash and battling the weeds around the Foundry in-ground beds. 

Is this the City's job? Sort of, depending on exactly where the trash falls. Whoever is responsible, it doesn't get done enough. So in addition to putting in 311 requests for trash and weeds, we get together and clean up a couple times a year. This doesn't stop the City from coming when they do, and it makes the neighbourhood more livable for everybody.

As to trash and weeds around the Foundry...

...it is definitely the owner's job to take care of this. We've sent the above Before and After picture to Aspen Ridge and asked for a grant — let's see how they respond :-P


Dream of Summer

Our friendly neighbourhood developer Dream programmed Summer in Canary events for the neighbourhood. There are a few left to enjoy before fall closes in:

  • Face Painting by Canary Dental from 11am-3pm on Saturday, September 7 and by BFT on Sunday September 15
  • Paint and Sip location TBA on September 11 from 5:30-8:30pm, watch Dream's Summer in Canary page for details
  • The Run Club meets Saturday, September 14 at 9am by Dark Horse Espresso
  • Lou-Lou's Flower Truck returns on Saturday, September 21,10am-3pm by the Front Street Promenad

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Latest posts

Where did the summer go? We're squeezing everything we can out of the last few weeks of the season. 

  • Discover Canary: Stroll the Promenade this Saturday for some sweet treats and unique experiences
  • The Murals at Underpass Park: Our wabi-sabi artworks will be getting a facelift in the fall
  • A Secret Garden in the Sky: More about the magical spot that was featured in a recent reel
  • Developments on our Borders: A new on-line source of analysis and updates for developments near us
  • Canary District Yard Sale: It's baaaack! Save the date for September 26, and apply for a table now
  • Clean Canary Together: What else do we do twice a year? Pick up garbage, that's what. And it's fun!
  • All Candidates Debate: On September 28 we're bringing candidates to the YMCA to talk about our issues

It’s midsummer, and Canary District gardens are alive with pollinators! Here are some things to enjoy — and one deadline you won't want to miss. Let's start with the deadline...

  • Billy Bishop March & Rally: Public consultation closes July 24, and there is a rally July 26 — there is still time to make your voice heard.
  • A Path for Pollinators: Creating a connected web of pollinator-friendly plantings right across our neighbourhood.
  • Two Programs. One Ask. Two new programs supporting healthy aging are looking for volunteers.
  • Lassonde Art Trail West Opens: Saturday, July 25 a new chunk of the artwork trail opens in Biidaasige Park.
  • Save the Date • August 22: Woo hoo! We've set a date for this year's Discover Canary event!
  • Outdoor Movies: Toronto Outdoor Picture Show runs until August 6.
  • Volunteer Shout-Out: Three fine people making a difference in Canary District.

Summer's really heating up, and there are tons of ways to enjoy our neighbourhood over the next few weeks.

  • Canary Scooper Heroes are here to save the day! Or save your dignity...
  • Billy Bishop Airport Expansion - The federal government is asking our opinion on increasing downtown airport traffic by a factor of five — have your say in the matter
  • Indigenous Arts Festival: Right next door in Biidaasige Park on June 20
  • Metrolinx Don Yard Open House: Representatives of Metrolinx will be meeting the public at an Open House on June 25
  • Toronto Fringe Festival is happening next door in the Distillery District June 30–July 12
  • Two Outdoor Film Festivals: In addition to TOPS in Corktown Common we have DiverCity right next door in Distillery
  • Downtown East: An initiative designed to streamline certain 311 requests

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