Celebrate the Holidays in Cabbagetown.
Join us for a community tree trimming and carolling.
Dec 7th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Corner of Carlton & Parliament streets.
More info here
Categories
Article : Cabbagetown Tree Canopy
Cabbagetown Residents Association spreading word about free tree program
Article: http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/1376697-cabbagetown-residents-association-spreading-word-about-free-tree-program/
With concerns arising over downtown’s dwindling tree canopy, the Cabbagetown Residents Association (CRA) is encouraging residents to get a free tree through a City of Toronto program.
The CRA, formerly known as the Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association, has started a tree canopy committee and has canvassed the neighbourhood in hopes of getting people to allow a new tree to be planted on their properties.
A campaign began in earnest in the spring and now the committee is reaching out once again to let residents know about it.
“We’re seeing a lot of older trees that are falling down or have to be cut down,” said Jim Rowat of the Cabbagetown Canopy Committee. “We’re just looking to enhance the tree canopy in Cabbagetown.”
The program was inspired by a similar initiative in Leslieville and will allow residents to have their choice of more than 30 different types of trees. The committee is recommending 11 different types they said will contribute more to the area’s tree canopy.
“There’s a range, from smaller, more compact trees to large, deciduous trees such as oak trees,” Rowat said. “Some species are more suitable to different sites than others, but there’s a good choice.”
The CRA also aims to help improve the streetscape along Parliament Street and is looking to partner with the Cabbagetown BIA to make that happen.
The residents association is now taking a more active role than ever before in helping to improve the Cabbagetown community. While it has always been a positive force in the community, it now has committees looking at the tree canopy, safety and security in the area, schools and more.
The canopy committee has reached out to residents on an individual level as well as at local festivals, and has also hosted guided tree tours with help from not-for-profit urban forestry advocacy group Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF.)
“We’ve had information sessions and training sessions with the city forester to identify the opportunities and limitations of planting here or there,” Rowat said.
While the city’s tree planting program is free to all, many are unaware it exists. The CRA is looking to get the word out and make it easier for Cabbagetown residents to fill out the proper forms, which can be accessed at http://cabbagetowner.com/focus/canopy/freetree
The free trees are planted on the city’s street allowance, which usually stretches a few feet into the front yards of homes. Backyard trees are also available through LEAF at www.yourleaf.org
The CRA also offers advice to residents who are interested in the program and is always seeking new volunteers. Anyone interested is asked to send an email to trees@cabbagetowner.com
Cabbagetown’s JetFuel Coffee Shop is hosting their 2013 Cycling Team launch party on Saturday December 1st, 8:30 p.m., 519 Parliament Street. All are welcome to attend.
JetFuel is one of Cabbagetown’s longest running businesses, and an iconic coffee shop in the City of Toronto. It is also home to Canada’s longest running cycling team.
On December 1st come out to mingle with the riders of the 2013 team – Lucas Bent, Pablo Cruz, Brandon Etzl, Chris Freeland, Yuri Hrycaj, Travis Samuel, Jeff Schiller, Anton Varabei,and Luis Zamudio – as well as other cycling greats. Be the first to see this year’s equipment including Norco’s Tactic Frameset and Shimano’s 11-Speed Gruppo & Wheels, and to pre-order your very own 2013 Biemme Team Kit.
For more information on the launch party and team sponsors, please see the attached invitation. If you would like more information on the JetFuel Coffee Shop, visit them at www.jetfuel.com. If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering with the 2013 JetFuel Cycling Team, please contact jetfuel@jetfuelcoffee.com.”
A user friendly electronic version of 51 Division’s Community Policing Complaint Form is available which can be completed online and emailed directly to 51 Division.
Community Policing Complaint Form 51 Division (.PDF)
Thanks to Anne Pastuszak for working with police at 51 Division to develop this electronic submission form and process. Should you submit a complaint, you are encouraged to copy Cabbagetown Resident Association so that local data can be collected to inform future discussions with 51’s crime analysts.
Sign up and receive the latest TPS bulletins:
https://secure.torontopolice.on.ca/tpsml/
View 51 Division Community Police Liaison Committee Newsletter and crime reports:
http://cplc-51division.blogspot.ca/p/51d-major-crimes-reports.html
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Audits
The CRA will be working with 51 Division and Councillor McConnell’s office to organize CPTED walk throughs. Please email us with your suggestions about neighbourhood ‘hot spots’ that are problematic and may benefit from a CPTED audit with recommendations for improvements.
Thanks
CRA
Town Hall – 51 Division Police Services
November 12, 2012
Officers from 51 Division Police Services hosted a town hall meeting with the residents of Cabbagetown and surrounding neighbourhoods; the objectives were to share information about recent serious crimes, share crime statistics, and provide information about ways to communicate with Toronto Police Services.
Several officers were in attendance, including:
• Superintendent John Tanouye
• Gary Meissner
• Greg McLean (Homicide detective)
• Dave Roberts
• Mark Kennedy (crime analyst)
• Staff Sgt John Spanton
Approximately 250 people were in attendance.
Overview of Murder Investigation:
The police investigation into the murder of Nighisti Semret is ongoing; police have not made an arrest in this case and are asking the public to review the videos of the suspect in the moments before and after the murder and call 808-TIPS should they have any observations or information to share.
Police officers will be at the intersection of Winchester and Ontario Sts to receive tips about the investigation into Nighisti’s murder. Police Services have been available at this site for 24 hrs a day for several weeks and, beginning this week, will reduce availability to 7 – 9am and 3 – 5pm.
Police acknowledge that the idea of a random attack is frightening. At this time, there is no evidence to confirm whether the attack was intended and are therefore suggesting that the attack may have been random. Police do not yet understand the motivation for this crime and are continuing their investigation.
Mark Kennedy (crime analyst) provided a presentation about crime in Cabbagetown and some tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Overview of safety in community
Criminal triangle
1. Motivated offender
2. Lack of guardianship
3. Opportunity/ target
Officer Kennedy shared numerous examples and different ways to think about the crime triangle; we all know these things however we can easily forget these simple things in our day to day. Trust your instincts. Be confident; walk with confidence. Be aware. Stay alert and cognizant of surroundings. Pet owners and others are encouraged to walk in groups and observe surroundings.
Tips: If feel like you are being followed, turn around and loudly ask person if they are following you – get the attention of others. Yelling “Fire” is a very good default.
Tip: Plan your route –different routes may be needed at different times of day. A good route in one that is well lit, where you can be seen and heard by others, and has safety zones where you get help (gas stations, restaurants, etc)
Questions from Audience
Question: While facts and minutiae about the murder investigation are important, the subculture of drug activity in our neighbourhood needs to be addressed.
Police: Agree. Police are aware that social issues, drug issues and that the related crime is problematic for Cabbagetown. Fact: there are approximately 5,000 homeless beds in the division (largest in city). Drug squads and TAVIS are always in 51 Division. Police services works with city agencies, social and community agencies, and residents to address ongoing complex problems.
Question: How do police inform the community about attacks or serious crime (purse snatching, etc). What is role of police force in informing the public of criminal activity?
Police: Police investigate all aspects of crime in a neighbourhood – they can’t assume that some crimes are related to others. For homicides and other violent crimes, police communicate via news media, public meetings, etc. There are a number of ways that individuals and communities can learn about crime statistics.
Toronto Police Services Website
Toronto Police Service website provides news releases, crime statistics, community safety and information about Toronto Police services.
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/
TPS links – Toronto Police Services Community Automated Notification System
TPS Links is an automated notification system that delivers vital information to residents and business owners within the City of Toronto. Anyone can register for this service. https://webapp1.torontopolice.on.ca/tpslinks/tpslinks_main.html
Community Resident Associations
Local resident associations often post important information on their websites and/or distribute information via mailing lists.
Cabbagetown Residents Association www.cabbagetowner.com
Cabbagetown South Residents Association
http://www.cabbagetownsouth.ca/
Question: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proactive crime prevention approach. Residents of Cabbagetown have been reporting criminal and/or suspect activity to police for a while now; surely, hot spots have been identified. Will the Community Response Unit with 51 Division work with the community to remove or weaken these hotspots? The community is happy to be proactive and are looking for action from police to work in partnership with the community.
Police: Yes, absolutely. Police often work with community groups in this regard. Police engage in a community ‘walk-through’, conduct an audit, and work with residents as well as city agencies (parks, forestry, planning, transportation), to identify and implement solutions. For example, police will do a CPTED walk-through and audit at the invitation of a community groups and will work with them to make recommendations to City (e.g., lighting, bushes/ laneways, traffic redirect, etc).
Question: What are the police doing with respect to police patrols, foot patrols etc in Cabbagetown? Until very recently, residents have seen inconsistent police presence.
Police: Drug squad and undercover officers are often in the neighbourhood. Increased police presence in certain areas can result in shifting or spreading of activity to a different place. Police are aware of this and try to patrol and view the neighbourhood as a whole. They will direct their patrols to certain areas at certain times of the day based on calls and information from the community.
There are numerous ways to contact Police Services with 51 Division.
Phone numbers:
51 Division General 416-808-5100
51 Division Community Response Unit (CRU) 416-808-5152
Call this number for on-going, non-urgent issues that can be followed up.
51 Division Non Emergency 416-808-2222
Call this number for issues that are ongoing/ happening right now
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/crimeprevention/
In recent weeks, the Cabbagetown Residents Assocation (CRA) in partnership with the Aberdeen Avenue Residents Group and Cabbagetown South Association, have been working with police at 51 Division to set up a public town hall meeting to learn more information about the recent tragic events that have occurred in Cabbagetown. With certainty, other groups have also contacted 51 Division with similar requests, including Councillor Pam McConnell’s office.
Understandably, police with 51 Division would prefer to host one town hall event and have aligned with the request sent by Pam’s office. Thee Cabbagetown Resident Association acknowledges this decision and encourages all community members to participate in the town hall as you are able.
Pam’s office is coordinating the agenda and format; please contact Pam’s office should you wish to contribute an item to the town hall agenda.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday November 12th from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the CYC!
Regards,
CRA
Hello Neighbours,
The Toronto Police Service will be hosting a town hall on Monday, November 12 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster Avenue). Please share this notice with family, friends and neighbours who may not be receiving this message directly. We encourage all to attend.
See you there,
Cabbagetown Residents Association
Categories
Community and Police Meeting
Dear Cabbagetown Residents Association members,
In the coming weeks, the Cabbagetown Residents Association, together with the Cabbagetown South Residents Association, the Cabbagetown BIA and the Aberdeen Avenue Residents’ Group, will be hosting a Town Hall meeting with 51 Division to address current safety and security issues affecting Cabbagetown, and to offer residents an opportunity to have their questions about recent events answered by the police.
A date for the Town Hall meeting is currently being set. Please visit our website at www.cabbagetowner.com for updated information, or watch your email inbox. Please share this information with neighbours who may not be members. All are welcome to attend.
The CRA Safety & Security Committee would like to make the residents of Cabbagetown aware of a serious gun-related incident that occurred on October 17th, 2012 in Riverdale Park West (specifically at the corner of Spruce Street and River Street).
A witness to the incident reported that they heard three gun shots at approximately 5:00 a.m. 911 was called and three police cruisers responded to the scene. The alleged perpetrators have been described as two young black men. The CRA has been advised that 51 Division has launched an investigation into this incident and will be posting more officers to the area.
If you have any questions or concerns related to this or any other safety and security issues in the Cabbagetown area, you are urged to contact Staff Sergeant John Spanton at 51 Division either by phone at 416-808-2222 or by email at john.spanton@torontopolice.on.ca.
Given this latest report, the CRA encourages all resident to exercise a heightened sense of awareness around safety and security concerns in the Cabbagetown area especially during times when the parks and laneways may not be frequently used or well lit. The CRA will continue to work with the local police, Toronto Parks and Recreation and City staff to improve the safety and security of our neighbourhood.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@cabbagetowner.com should you have any questions or concerns.
Dear River St. area residents,
Starting around October 15, City contractors will be returning to River Street north of Gerrard to continue work for the Gerrard Watermain. This work will take place in the median south bound lanes of River Street directly north of the Gerrard Street intersection, extending north for about 40 meters. The work is expected to take about eight months to complete. Further details area available at: http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/spadina-darcy/pdf/Gerrard_River_Construction_Notice_Oct_2012_v2.pdf
The plan for traffic lane reductions and turning restrictions arrangement is similar to what occurred in the spring. We will also be starting work soon at Mark Street. http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/spadina-darcy/pdf/River_Mark_Construction_Notice_Oct_2012_v2.pdf
These notices are being distributed by our contractors to properties near each work site.
To learn more about the project, visit www.toronto.ca/GerrardWM
For construction related issues contact: C & M McNally Engineering, Construction Site Supervisor 905-334-6766
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and co-operation.
Sincerely,
Jason Diceman
Sr. Public Consultation Co-ordinator Public Consultation Unit City of Toronto
Phone: 416-338-2830
Fax: 416-392-2974
TTY: 416-397-0831
Email: jdicema@toronto.ca
55 John Street
Metro Hall 19th Floor
Toronto, ON M5V 3C6