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Posted May 2013

This year, our Spring membership campaign will not be canvassing door-to-door. Instead, we are asking you to join or renew your annual membership by mail or on our website. 

CCRA would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who have contributed their time in past years, canvassing neighbours throughout the community. You have been an essential part in the growth and longevity of our Association.

What does my membership do?

Annual membership campaigns raise thousands of dollars for the community. Your membership fees are used within the Centennial neighbourhood to sponsor activities and events for all ages.

CCRA partners with groups like Scouts Canada, Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate, neighbouring West Rouge and Highland Creek community associations, as well as the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation. Just some of the events supported by your membership fees are Highland Creek Heritage Day, Winterfest, Earth Day, Summer Concert Series, CPLC Annual Picnic, Charlottetown French Award and the Bill Dempsey and Mowat Scholarships.

Are you a member of CCRA?  5 reasons to join:

Community development

CCRA represents the Centennial community in issues of local planning and development. We have been an active voice in preserving public park space, the creation of Adams Park and William Alexander Dempsey Echo Park, lobbying for the Waterfront Trail, Port Union Village Common and the conservation of Centennial Creek, among many other achievements.

Community events

CCRA is actively involved in the organization and sponsorship of special events like Earth Day, Summer Concerts in the Park, Heritage Day, Winterfest and the Waterfront Festival. We sponsor sports clubs, school events and activities, the Bill Dempsey Scholarship and awards for academic excellence and community involvement.

Community news

CCRA keeps you informed through our newsletter 10 months of the year, delivering to the entire community. CCRA news shares news and issues of interest to Centennial and the surrounding neighbourhoods, and gives voice to community and elected representatives.

Community website

ccranews.com is our online resource for community information, history and resources, with up-to-date news and events for Centennial and beyond.

Community representation

CCRA provides community representation to all levels of government.

2012 Federal Electoral Redistribution                                            Paul Lewkowicz

Posted April 2013

The Federal Electoral Commission reviews electoral boundaries every 10 years to make sure that they are suitable in population size. Due to population growth, Ontario will see 121 electoral districts in the 2015 election, up from its current 106.

The three-member panel from Ontario redrew the ridings and proposed the creation of our new electoral district of Scarborough East on August 28, 2012. The Commission treated Scarborough as a historical community and in doing so decided to keep it separate from Pickering. The riding included the Malvern, Morningside/Sheppard, West Hill, Highland Creek, Centennial Scarborough and West Rouge neighbourhoods. The CCRA wrote to the Commission in support of the new riding and any proposal that redistributes our riding fully within Scarborough so that we no longer share the same riding with Pickering.

After incorporating community input, the Commission redrew our riding of Scarborough East to include the Guildwood neighbourhood and exclude the Malvern and Morningside/Sheppard neighbourhoods. So, the new proposed riding of Scarborough is bordered by Highway 401 to the north, the Scarborough-Pickering border to the east, Lake Ontario to the south, and Highland Creek/CN Rail/Bellamy Rd./Bellamy Ravine to the west. A map of our revised electoral district and surrounding ridings can be found online under the “Report” tab here.  

The CCRA supports the proposed new riding of Scarborough East as we feel this will result in a riding home to communities that share the same municipal government and similar political concerns and lead to better representation.

A report, containing the final draft revised boundaries for Ontario, was tabled by the Commission for review by the House of Commons on February 25, 2013. Members of Parliament (MPs) can review the boundaries and file objections with the Commission in Spring 2013. The public is asked to raise any concerns they may have with their MP.

In June 2013, the Commission will decide if it will change any of the boundaries based on the objections from any MPs. In September 2013, the riding boundaries will be made official, likely coming into effect in the October 2015 federal election. It is important to note that it is the independent three-member Commission, not the House of Commons, that has the final say on the riding boundaries.

Provincial law states that riding boundaries are to copy those on the federal level, except in Northern Ontario. Toronto wards were also designed in the past to mirror provincial ridings. It is unclear if the Province or the City of Toronto would adopt the new federal electoral boundaries as their own. The Ontario Legislature may accept or reject the new federal ridings, or possibly even create its own redistribution commission for new provincial riding boundaries. This would not likely occur until after 2015. The City of Toronto has proposed a ward boundary review, which won’t begin until 2014 and wouldn’t take into effect until 2018. Information on the ward boundary review is available at on the City of Toronto website here.

Posted Mar 2013

2^nd Highland Creek Scouts

Kar Rally Day

The annual East Scarborough Kar Rally Day was held during Scout-Guide Week on Saturday February 23, 2013 at West Rouge Community Centre. Theme this year was the “Science of Speed”. Eager participants - Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, Rovers  and Adults – both Parents and Leaders, arrived early to weigh in their home built Kars or Trucks and to see some vehicles from the past in the first ever “Show and Tell”. Looking at the hand made vehicles from the past, parents could learn how to build faster vehicles as well as make them look amazing. Available for very close inspection was a Truck built as a Kub Kar transporter, equipped with 3 Kub Kars that the owner had built while in Cub Scouts. One Kub Kar  was shaped and painted to look like a GO train engine. Some Trucks were built like transformers – able to change from a Truck to a standing monster.

During the day, the Cubs (8-11 years) raced their home built Kars carved from a block of wood in a round robin style event and by the end of the day, the fastest 12 Kars claimed a spot on the All Scarborough Team that will race in early March.  Two Beavers also joined us with their Beaver Buggies.

Scout members (11-14 years) and older youth, plus Adults, raced their own version of Kars or Trucks with one exception - “Unlimited” class meant that there was no upper weight limit. Kars and Truck groaned under the weight and zoomed down the track, making LOTS of noise. One Truck had its box filled with cement making it VERY heavy. Not to be undone, another Truck carried a 2.6 kilogram weight. Without a doubt, the Unlimited Class event was the most fun to watch as many of the vehicles failed to survive due to the effects of gravity and friction.

Overall it was another very successful, fun filled day where members of Scouts Canada, East Scarborough district, came out to play, have fun and trade ideas.  Plus they left with a smile and a custom event crest with a picture of a “Mad Scientist” on it.

We wish to thank the leaders who planned this event which include Colette, Barry, Kevin, Bill, Mark, Terry, Paul and Andrew.  Also the leaders and the parents who came out to assist on the day.  A very special “thanks” to West Rouge Sports & Recreation Association, West Rouge Community Association and CCRA for their support in Scouting. The annual East Scarborough Rally Day was held during Scout-Guide Week on Saturday February 23, 2013 at West Rouge Community Centre. Theme this year was the “Science of Speed”. Eager participants - Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and Adults – both Parents and Leaders, arrived early to weigh in their home built Kars or Trucks and see some vehicles from the past in the first ever “Show and Tell”. Looking at the hand made vehicles from the past, Parents could learn how to build faster vehicles as well as make them look amazing. Available for very close inspection was a Truck built as a Kub Kar transporter, equipped with 3 Kub Kars that the owner had built while in Cub Scouts. One Kub Kar  was shaped and painted to look like a GO train engine. Some Trucks were built like transformers – able to change from a Truck to a standing monster.

During the day Cub Scouts (8-11 years) raced their home built Kars in a round robin style event and by the end of the day, the fastest 12 Kars claimed a spot on the All Scarborough Team, that raced against other Cub Scouts from West Scarborough and Agincourt Areas in early March at Malvern Mall.

Scouts aged members (11-14 years) and older youth, plus Adults, raced their own version of Kars or Trucks with one exception - “Unlimited” class meant that there was no upper weight limit. Kars and Truck groaned under the weight and zoomed down the track, making LOTS of noise. One Truck had it's box filled with cement making it VERY heavy. Not to be undone, another Truck carried a 2.6 kilogram weight. Without a doubt, the Unlimited Class event was the most fun to watch as many of the vehicles failed to survive due to the effects of gravity and friction.

Overall it was another very successful, fun filled day where members of Scouts Canada, East Scarborough district, came out to play, have fun and trade ideas plus leave with a smile and a custom event crest with a picture of a “Mad Scientist” on it.

Posted Mar 2013

Outdoor ice rinks in Scarborough: Seeking community opinion

At the February 2013 meeting of the CCRA Executive, Scott Harrison (son of the late Scarborough controller and Metro councillor Brian Harrison) shared a presentation regarding outdoor ice rinks in Scarborough. The Executive learned that Scarborough has one city-run outdoor artificial rink (at Scarborough Civic Centre), while there are 53 such rinks maintained throughout the rest of the City of Toronto.

Mr. Harrison grew up in Scarborough and remembers non-natural outdoor rinks that have since been covered. Properly run, outdoor rinks provide a lively community winter gathering space for all ages, newcomers trying skates for the first time, young and adult shinny hockey players and even non-skaters who come for hot chocolate and the pleasure of just watching. Scarborough’s one city-maintained outdoor artificial rink, unlike many in Toronto, does not have space for pick-up hockey or shinny.

Some City Councillors, including Mayor Rob Ford, have expressed surprise at the lack of outdoor rinks in Scarborough (Etobicoke alone has 25), however Mr. Harrison has been informed by City staff that demand has been met. He was told that the allocation can be reviewed if he is able to show a different result to a demands analysis.

Following a motion by Ward 37 Councillor Michael Thompson, Scarborough Community Council has requested a report about Scarborough’s rinks and opportunities for free skating and shinny hockey. In order to give voice to as many as possible, Mr. Harrison would like to hear from the Centennial community on this matter.

CCRA has agreed to assist Mr. Harrison with his outreach, and invites you to provide your feedback by completing the online form or printing and dropping it in the CCRA mailbox at Port Union Community Centre, 5450 Lawrence Avenue East. You can also mail it to Scott Harrison, 19 Falaise Rd., Scarborough Ontario M1E 3B6 or email him at scott_harrison1@rogers.com

More information about outdoor artificial ice rinks in Toronto:

Task Force on the State of Hockey in Scarborough, June 22, 2010

Fair Share Scarborough, 2007 (Report from Ward 40 Councillor Norm Kelly)

Scarborough Mirror, Feb. 1, 2013

Joe Warmington, The Toronto Sun, Jan. 14, 2013

Posted Mar 2013

Calling All Dog Lovers

As our community continues to grow many concerned dog owners are looking to off-leash dog parks as a solution to their need for a place to spend quality time with their pets. But just what is a "dog park" and what benefits can one bring to our neighbourhood-even if you don’t own a dog?

A dog park is typically a fenced area within a city owned and/or operated park or green space, where people and their dogs can play together. As the names imply, these places offer dogs off-leash play areas where their owners can enjoy a park-like setting and the chance to socialize with other canines and their owners.

Dog parks are more than just a place for Rover to roam however. Dog parks offer a number of benefits for dogs, their owners and the surrounding community, non-dog owners included. Some of these benefits include:

Allows dogs to exercise and socialize safely

Puppies and adult dogs need room to run, and enclosed play areas provide them with the opportunity  to do so while preventing them from endangering themselves and others (for example, by running into the path of an oncoming vehicle, or park pedestrian). In addition, dogs who are accustomed to playing with animals and people other than their owners are more likely to be well-socialized and react well toward strangers. Many dog owners report that after a visit to the local off-leash park, their dog is less agitated, more relaxed, and generally nicer to be around.

Promotes responsible dog ownership

Dog parks prevent off-leash animals from being let loose in other recreational areas where they could infringe on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children and those who may be afraid of dogs. Dog parks also make it easier for the city to enforce leash laws, and basic rules of dog ownership (i.e. cleaning up after one’s dog; always controlling the dogs’ behaviour) since dog park users have no reason to allow their dogs to be off-leash when outside of the dog park.

Provides an outlet for dog owners to socialize

Dog parks are a great place for owners to meet other people with common interests and have the pleasure of watching their dogs at play. These interactions help neighbours get to know each other and to build an even stronger sense of community. It also provides opportunities for owners to ask questions of other owners and find solutions to problems they might be having with their dog.

Make for a better community by promoting public health and safety

Dog parks help contribute to overall physical fitness of people by encouraging them to enjoy the outdoors and to exercise with their dogs. In addition to a well-exercised owner, well-exercised dogs are better neighbours who are less likely to be aggressive, create a nuisance, bark excessively and destroy property. Having dogs present in the park, along with their owners, also helps to deter crime.

So, how do we go about exploring this opportunity and the benefits that a dog park will bring to the Rouge Hill community?  The Rouge Hill Dog Owners Association, is seeking to make a formal request to the City to have an off leash area established within one of the City owned parks within our neighbourhood. Potential locations currently under consideration include: Centennial Park, Wanita Park and Bill Hancox Park. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Dog Owners’ Association, have ideas on locations or would like to share your support of this initiative, please visit us on Facebook.

Posted Dec 2012

Highland Creek Incineration Plant Petition Update

The CCRA is extremely pleased to report that City Council’s Public Works and Infrastructure Committee received a report from staff that called for a new environmental assessment to be conducted on the Highland Creek Treatment Plant. This puts to a close a previous decision by City Council that overrode a staff recommendation to upgrade an incinerator and instead authorized the trucking of sludge.

The staff report states that “community members living near the HCTP [Highland Creek Treatment Plant] consistently expressed concern with any option that would increase the trucking of biosolids through a predominantly residential community” and that “additional public meetings were held and several local community members expressed their concerns to the City and the Ministry of the Environment [MOE] with Council's final decision. Acceptance of the BMP [Biosolids Master Plan] by the MOE has been delayed as a result."

So, the Ministry of Environment asked the City to conduct a Schedule B Environmental Assessment on the Highland Creek Treatment Plant. The staff report recommending this new environmental assessment was received for information at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on November 14. Fortunately, one Councillor in favour of trucking of sludge was unsuccessful in his attempt to delay receipt of the staff report and to try to get a new environmental assessment without further public consultation. The CCRA wrote to Councillors in support of the staff report and new environmental assessment with public consultation.

Staff are now preparing the terms of reference for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new Schedule B environmental assessment. Proposals are expected to be received from consulting engineers by the end of the year. The new environmental assessment will begin in January 2013 and will take approximately 9 months to complete and will again review all methods on the future of the plant (trucking of sludge, upgrading incinerator, etc.).

This reveals that our efforts to get City Council to reconsider its decision were successful as the Ministry of Environment recognized our concerns by asking for a new environmental assessment. A big thank you goes to everyone who signed the petition, wrote to City Council, and took a lawn sign. A thank you also goes to members of the Highland Creek Treatment Plant Neighbourhood Liaison Committee who led this cause and supported the CCRA’s efforts. If you have a lawn sign, we will be taking them down before the end of the year. Please keep them up until then or store them close by.

However, we must stay vigilant as there will be future public consultation as part of the new environmental assessment. The CCRA will continue to advocate for the best solution to the Highland Creek Treatment Plant. We will support an option that is based on sound evidence-based research and decision making and is supported by the community. We will continue to ask for your input and support, particularly in 2013!