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Neighborhood News
Harbourfront, Toronto, Ontario
September, 2008
Waterfront plans
Waterfront revitalization moves along in mysterious ways, at least to the onlooker.
- Queens Quay's redesign was the big news two years ago when we had an elaborate trial run. Waterfront Toronto (WT) is now greatly delayed with the much anticipated public meeting where they will show us how the traffic can flow. All our inquiries are met with "later", and WT's focus seems to have shifted to the east of us. We asked WT as well as Mayor Miller, who is on their board, to expedite the important developments on the Central Waterfront. If the Queens Quay redesign is delayed much longer, the sidewalks on the south side need urgent repairs. They are so uneven that people are tripping and falling.
- The curved wooden expanse of the Spadina slip was supposed to open in June - then July and at this writing we hope it will be in August. Apparently some safety measures had to be added to prevent people from falling into the water.
- The promised public meeting on the grand plans around and under the Power Plant at Harbourfront Centre (HfC) is also delayed. Ken Greenberg, the eminent urban planner, is working on this project. WT said earlier that our ideas would be welcomed, but at our latest meeting with Bill Boyle, CEO of HfC, we got the impression that we would be presented with the finished plans.
Noise relief
The people on Queens Quay, who have been bothered for many summers by very loud music from Harbourfront across the street, appear to have gotten some relief.
YQNA's Noise Committee took a different approach this summer, after three years of negotiations with Harbourfront had failed to reduce the noise. We exposed the problem in a front-page story in the Bulletin, which is mailed all over downtown. Also, a complaint link was set up for residents, whose concerns were registered by both City Hall and YQNA. We think the many complaints made Harbourfront and councillor Adam Vaughan realize - however reluctantly -- that the noise bylaws needed better enforcement.
The sound levels - especially from the Sirius Stage -- are now much better controlled, though we might need some fine-tuning in the future. Residents are grateful and hope this is a permanent change. We love our densely populated neighbourhood as well as Harbourfront Centre. There is no reason why living and live music can't exist side by side.
Most of the noise complaints that came from 55/65 dealt with party boats. Some continue to be very loud well into the night. The Marine Police (416 808-5800) received quite a few calls and exercised their authority to request that the boats lower the volume.
Remember, if you - or people you know on the Waterfront - are bothered by Harbourfront noise, click the noise window on our home page and "Go to Noise log and fill out the complaint form".
Shooting on Queens Quay
We all know by now that a shooting took place in the parking lot just north of 55/65 on July 14. Some residents were awakened shortly after midnight when several shots rang out. The incident happened after party-goers left a boat cruise. Fortunately nobody got killed, but a man was shot in the leg. No suspects were apprehended. We hope this remains a rare event in our neighbourhood.
All are welcome to attend YQNA's meeting in the Radisson Hotel on September 16 at 7 p.m. Members of the Police will take questions about our neighbourhood. City Councillor Adam Vaughan is also invited.
Ulla Colgrass
Chair, YQNA
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