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Saturday, October 23, 2010

POWER HOUSE CHARITY HAUNT

Carol Goar in yesterday's Toronto Star wrote an interesting column on the Power House of Terror charity haunt.  Sick Kids' Foundation has dropped out as a recipient of funds from this event.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

SCHOOL TRUSTEE CANDIDATE SUPPORTS NATURE CENTRE AT POWER HOUSE

If you're unsure about which Toronto District School Board Trustee to vote for next Monday, Terry Smith received the following commitment from candidate Andy Kyriakos today.  Having the Power House become a Nature Centre for the use of Toronto public and separate school students has long been a goal of FOSS and we have not yet had a strong champion at the City level for this.
 
Hi Terry,
It was great seeing you again today. I would definitely support establishing an eco center in the power house at Sam Smith Park and will provide any assistance possible should I get elected as the Toronto District School Board Trustee for Etobicoke Lakeshore.

I spend a lot of time cycling and walking along the trails at SamSmith. It is a true treasure on the lake shore. I am also a long time member of the Bruce Trail Society and feel it is important to preserve as much of urban rural naturalized areas as possible. In an increasingly urbanized society, this is an ongoing effort. Education is a key component necessary to keep the environment top of mind in our community. You have my full support on this.

Kindest regards,

Andy Kyriakos
Candidate for TDSB Trustee in Ward 3

Monday, October 11, 2010

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND ABANDONED, SICK OR INJURED ANIMALS IN THE PARK

On Sunday, two local residents found a pet rabbit and later found two kittens abandoned behind the Power House in the wooded area near the creek. The kittens were in a pet carrier case and who ever left them there had left some cans of food open for them.  The kittens had not ventured out of their case.  The kittens were adorable, very playful, very hungry and a little frightened.

The abandoned animals were taken to a nearby animal shelter (directions below) and the kind animal lovers who found them were assured that they would be taken care of.  They pets would be observed for about a week, checked by a vet and then adopted out.


So, keep your eyes open, and make sure that, if you do find strays, the animal shelter operated by the Toronto Animal Services at 146 East Mall will take them in.  The general phone number for them is 416 338 7297.  The location is approximately 427 and Dundas Street West.  Hours of operation 10.30 to 6.30, 7 days a week.


For concerns about sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, or any other wildlife-related question or concern, please call the Toronto Wildlife Center at 416 631 0662.  Hours of operation 9 to 6, 7 days a week.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

PARK VOLUNTEERS


Community volunteers met last Friday with City Parks staff Janette Harvey and Bernie to learn about Japanese Knotweed, an invasive species that is now showing  up in the park.  Several large clumps of this tall species were cut down by two very enthusiastic young helpers, AJ and Jamie, with a little help from the adults.
Forty shrubs and trees were also planted at the G20 site to increase the wildlife habitat there.  Species included elderberry, dogwood, cedar and silver maple.


LAKESHORE GROUNDS NEWS

  • There are plans to build a new elementary school on the grounds to amalgamate St Theresa and Christ the King. The new school will be arts-focused.  (Location, SW corner Kipling and Sam Smith)
  • The skate trail adjacent to the Power House is opening this Fall. A few things need to be finished off. This will happen once the Power House of Terror is finished. Hopes are that the trail will be open to the public early in the season.  Washrooms will be open during the day. Parks division will be taking care of the washrooms when the skate trail is open. They will open the facility, drop in to clean and close up in the evening.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

SAM SMITH BIRD WALK

CCFEW Bird Walk
Saturday, October 16, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Leader: Don Burton
Meet in he south parking lot (were the road ends) at 9:00, rain or shine.
These walks are sponsored by Birds & Beans an are free for all to attend.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SAM SMITH CLEAN-UP THIS FRIDAY (OCTOBER 8TH)

A collaborative event between the city, the community, a company, a club,
concerned students and conservation groups, cooperating in a concerted
effort to clean up, conserve and contribute to one of the city's most
beautiful and natural waterfront settings, Colonel Samuel Smith Park. A
local company with a green conscience, Southern Graphic Systems, is taking
the initiative to pitch in, make a difference and help mentor the next
generation on stewardship of this precious natural resource and educate them
on its many special treasures.

Volunteers are needed for waterfront walkway trail edge weed clean-up,
invasive species removal specifically targeting Japanese Knotweed, wildlife
habitat enhancement planting adding to the spring G20 planting area, and
mentoring for a new student park-stewardship program. We're expecting
volunteers from the community and each of the club and conservation groups
to join us.

The multi-activity route through Colonel Samuel Smith Park will begin around
10am by the lakefront walkway, west of the entrance to the boat club,
Friday, October 8th or 15th or 22nd, 2010 until after 12 noon.

The City will provide most of the equipment (gloves, shovels, plant
material, hand pruners, buckets, mulch) and staff support for the event.
*PLEASE do not wear open-toed footwear!

Contact Jim Carr at hjimcarr@gmail.com  for more information.
Cell 416 525-1325
LOCATION .....

Sunday, October 3, 2010

"SONGBIRDS AND MIGRATION" EVENT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7TH
Birds and Beans together with the Royal Ontario Museum invite you to "Songbirds and Migration: Making the Connection" to celebrate and highlight the migration of neotropical birds' fall migration through Toronto on their way to overwinter in warmer climates. They will start with a meet and greet with 9 bird friendly organizations over a cup of their delicious organic Bird Friendly® certified coffee followed by a wonderful evening of presentations by representatives from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, York University in Toronto, and Project CHIRP! who will discuss migrating songbirds from different but connected perspectives. For details see their flyer. Admission is free.