Leslie Spit Bird Conservation

A local family is raising funds to support research and conservation initiatives at Leslie Spit’s hidden gem – the Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station. To find out more please visit:
http://birdscanada.kintera.org/birdathon/macbliss

From Andrew Macdonald:
For several years my wife Sally and I, along with our kids – now 6 and 8, have fundraised for an event called the Great Canadian Birdathon. 75% of the money we raise goes to a hidden gem – the Tommy Thompson Park Bird Research Station, and 25% to Bird Studies Canada. This year we set a Big Goal of $7500. We’re well over $5000, but hoping for a boost as we enter the final stretch.

Jane’s Walk, Spring Bird Festival on Leslie Spit, Applegrove SPA night

Thanks to everyone who came out for my Jane’s Walk on May 4, 2014. We had about 30 people start at Ashbridge’s Bay and make our way up the Ashbridge’s Creek valley, ending at Monarch Park. I’ll post some photos soon.

Continuing on the outdoor theme, this Saturday May 10, 2014 you can take part in the Spring Bird Festival on Leslie Spit (you will see the name Tommy Thompson Park which is the “official” name of Leslie Spit).

And in one other piece of news, Applegrove has decided not to go ahead with a SPA night this year.

Tommy Thompson Bird Festival, Rakia outdoor patio liquor licence, Applegrove Spa Night, more Applegrove, Duke news

May 11
Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival – Leslie Spit

Deadline is today to file objections to Rakia application for a liquor licence (patio). E-mail is licensing@agco.ca as shown on the poster (see below).

May 16
Applegrove Spa Night — See the Applegrove Spa Night page.

Also: Applegrove has a book club for people 55+. See the Applegrove Older Adults page for contact info.
And on Mondays you can support Applegrove at Rakia on Queen at Vancouver – they donate part of what you spend to Applegrove (Monday lunch).
Noticed that Rakia is applying for a liquor licence for their patio – see below.

Also noticed that a temporary principal is in charge at Duke of Connaught — welcome back Mr. Laderman while Mr. P. is away.

Mats Sundin visits Duke of Connaught school, Portlands update meeting Wed. April 10, Toronto watersheds get a “D”, residents express views to TTC at meeting at S.H.Armstrong

Mats Sundin and U of T promote healthy, active living at Duke of Connaught
by Suniya Kukaswadia, University of Toronto
Hockey legend Mats Sundin surprised students at a Toronto elementary school March 25 by serving a wholesome breakfast and playing hockey with student leaders. The visit to the Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School was part of a campaign to help raise awareness about childhood obesity, a problem Sundin hopes to end by joining with U of T’s Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development.
Read the full article.

It was also covered in the Toronto Star:
Maple Leafs great Mats Sundin joins fight against childhood obesity

Wed. April 10
Portlands Public Update Meeting

7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Riverdale Collegiate Institute Auditorium
1094 Gerrard Street East

You’re invited to an update on the projects happening in the Portlands, including the next stage of work for the Portlands Acceleration Initiative (?), the TTC plans for the new Ashbridge’s Bay streetcar yard, now called Leslie Barns, Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Spit) improvements and an update on soil recycling.

More info about the waterfront plans:
Waterfront Toronto website
Phone: 416-214-1344

Toronto Region Watersheds Get a “D” Grade in New Watershed Report Cards
Says this news release from the Toronto and Region Conservation authority.

And see these articles about the meeting at S.H. Armstrong on the TTC’s plans for Leslie Street:

TTC consults on Leslie Barns track construction
by Andrew Hudson • April 2, 2013 • Beach Metro Community News

Beach residents are voicing traffic concerns a month before construction crews start closing parts of Leslie St. to install the new streetcar tracks that will link the Leslie Barns storehouse on Commissioners St. with Queen St. E.
About 100 residents gathered at tables set with maps and comment forms for a meeting hosted March 27 by the Toronto Transit Comission in the S.H. Armstrong Recreation Centre.
Read the full article.

Residents have say at meeting on new Leslie Street streetcar line
by Daniela Piteo • April 4, 2013 • Beach Mirror

Concerned residents and business owners gathered at S.H. Armstrong Community Recreation Centre to discuss the impact construction of a new streetcar line and light rail facility will have on traffic flow on the Leslie Street corridor between Queen and Commissioners streets, south of Lake Shore Boulevard. Full article