American Elm #103 bites the dust
(At south entrance of William Baker Woodlot)

June 2020 (after losing one of its three forks) August 2022 (no vital signs)

A year ago, this elm was the picture of health
But the long gash caused when one of its forks broke off caused too much damage
Too great a wound for this mature elm (1 meter diameter at chest height) to heal itself

DLCVA has asked park manager if it will cut down. To be advised.

Any questions about the trees or shrubs, please contact Rosanna at above email address

Deadline for orders September 15 / Giveaway Sunday, October 2

The old Urban Farm changes its identity

The "North" Farm is still composed of the same three greenhouses and sunny field sloping down to Keele St.
And is blessed with good soil
But given the new state-of-the-art urban farm on the "South" side of the Park
We have changes:

The two main tenants are collectives whose identity is tied to the land and their own particular community
Their aim is to survive as successful businesses in a year round agricultural operation
No longer are the premises open to visitors 24/7 (fields are now fully fenced)
No permanent stand selling vegetables
Interested in food justice, community based farming, and assisting first-time entrepreneurs

Noel of Toronto Black Farmers Cheyanne of Sundance Harvest
"absolutely need more prep time next year!" "I have a great landlord in Canada Lands"

Check out their background story in Narwhal photo essay HERE

Meanwhile, here's what's happing at the new Northern Farm (managed by Fresh City Farms)

DUKE Heights BIA transforms old Toronto radio tower
into a 'regional landmark'

The DUKE Heights BIA has transformed this old radio tower on Finch Avenue into a regional landmark.

corner of Finch & Alness
old police communications tower
built 1957
now shows BIA's logo by day
colourful lights by night

Recognizing the tower's significance, the BIA has reimagined it to serve as a regional landmark, "that connects the past with the present and represents a thriving and growing community that looks toward the future"

The Star's story HERE

The id8 Downsview project team transforming
the Bombardier Airstrip lands

Henning Larsen (Urban Design)
KPMB Architects (Architecture)
SLA Architects (Landscape Architecture)
Urban Strategies Inc. (Planning and Urban Design)
BA Group (Transportation)
Arup (Municipal Infrastructure)
Transsolar Klima Engineering (Energy)
Ramboll (Sustainability)
Purpose Building (Sustainability)
N. Barry Lyon Consultants (Real Estate Advisors)
Third Party Public (Public Engagement) •
Department of Words & Deeds (Public Engagement)
Nbisiing Consulting Inc. (Indigenous Engagement)
Monumental Projects Inc. (Equity Advisors)
Strategy Corp (Communications and Design)
Future Simple Studio (Communications and Design)

DLCVA opinion: Any chance this well-rounded team can recognize the mammoth Supply Depot below as a signature landmark -- as the Duke Heights BIA has done?
(i.e. not cut it in half with a road through the middle)

The Supply Depot as seen from the Keele St side.
A 500' wide midsection of this 1600’ stretch is slated for demolition under the id8 Framework Plan

DLCVA's July submission to City "No way to treat a heritage building!" HERE

Downsview Library defends needle drop box

"The Outdoor Needle Drop Box is installed at the Downsview branch to provide a safe and convenient way for people to dispose of used sharps in the community and support the City of Toronto’s Harm Reduction Framework.

As you are aware, Needles, Syringes, and other community sharps are generated in a wide range of non-clinical situations, including residential and commercial property, public areas and public facilities. Inappropriate disposal may represent a risk to employees, the community, and the environment."

Young Lark Jin, Library Service Manager, 17 August, 2021

DLCVA: Sorry, we don't agree. Wouldn't the nearby Humber River hospital be more appropriate?

Downsview Park now has its own specially designed windsock

Coordinates with the new signage in the Park

Historical

Distinctive

This signage is well thought out, colour coded and distributed to every corner of this sprawling park

Perhaps the best and most comprehensive signage of any park in the GTA

Downsview Lands Community Voice Association

DUKE Heights BIA transforms old Toronto radio tower into a 'regional landmark'

DUKE Heights BIA transforms old Toronto radio tower
into a 'regional landmark'