President's Report

Posted Nov. 04

On Saturday October 16^th, the first phase of the Village Common was officially opened.  The Village Common has been a dream of our community since the concept was fist proposed back in the early 1990’s when redevelopment of the Johns Manville plant property was first discussed.  The idea of a Village Common was something the CCRA advocated from the beginning. The CCRA community has been actively involved in the input and many meetings to review the proposals for the Common.  Today we can be proud of what we have achieved.  The second phase of the Common will be developed on the west side of Port Union Road opposite phase 1 once the developer, Yellow Moon transfers the property to the City.  Eventually when the Waterfront Trail is completed, likely in 2008, the pedestrian tunnel under the railway tracks will be opened to allow access to the waterfront from the Village Common.

The disposition of Wanita Rd. School site continues to be of concern to our community.  I along with some residents of our community made deputations before the City Works Committee on October 6^th.  As a result of our presentation to the Works Committee they agreed to have the City reconsider their position not to preserve this land for public ownership as a wet land.  The land is publicly owned by the Toronto District School Board and is presently designated as a school site but has been declared surplus to the Board’s needs.  We believe this property should remain in public ownership so that it will be available for the use of future generations.  Planning Chair Kathy Sullivan has written a full report in this newsletter concerning the motions passed by the Works Committee and the need for our involvement to ensure the land remains in public ownership.

On Saturday September 25^th, CCRA held a community farewell party for Bill Dempsey.   Many people in the surrounding community and elected representatives from all 3 levels of government came out to pay tribute and thank Bill for all the work he has done to make our community a better place to live.  Bill will be missed by the Centennial Community.

On Thursday October 21^st, 2004 we held our Annual General Meeting.  Because of publishing deadlines I will report on the outcome in next month’s newsletter

Looking ahead to December we will be holding our annual Community Carol Concert on the evening of Sunday December 12^th at St. Dunstan’s Church.

Jeff Forsyth