GVCA Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm
Church of the Holy Trinity, 85 Livingston Road
- Good evening, everyone!
- It is a pleasure to be here as always.
- Looking around this room, I am reminded of why our neighborhood is so special, it is the dedicated people who show up, year after year, to ensure our community’s voice is heard.
- I want to start by sharing some good news.
- We are in the home stretch of approving the Guildwood Neighbourhood Design Guidelines, they are with the Chief Planner for final refinement.
- I cannot thank those of you who participated in the consultation process enough; your comments were the foundation of this process, and they ensure that as Toronto grows, the unique character of the Guildwood remains protected.
- That commitment to our local identity extends directly to Guild Park and Gardens.
- Working alongside the Friends of Guild Park, the GVCA, and our City staff, we’ve been making steady, thoughtful improvements.
- You may have already noticed the new benches along the West Trail and the additional seating at the Sculptor’s Cabin.
- We are also moving forward with critical heritage conservation, new public washrooms, and a wayfinding plan to make our park more accessible.
- We are currently designing the “Switchback” trail replacement, which is slated for construction in 2027.
- My goal remains the same: to improve how we use this space while strictly protecting the sensitive natural areas that make the Guild a sanctuary.
- Of course, stewardship also means standing up for the community when outside proposals don’t align with our vision.
- I know many of you are deeply concerned about the Provincial Guildwood GO Transit Oriented Community proposal.
- As it stands, the Province is proposing six residential towers ranging from 30 to 60 storeys.
- Because they are using a Ministerial Zoning Order as final approval, the City’s role is only advisory,
- but be assured I have raised significant concerns regarding the height, density, and traffic impacts of this project. I will continue to advocate—loudly and persistently—on your behalf against the project in its current form.
- The City has also resumed the Kingston Road Study to ensure we are planning for growth rather than just reacting to it.
- We expect to share draft recommendations later this year, with a final report to the Community Council in 2027.
- I would also like to let you all know, there is a community consultation on April 7th 7:00 PM at Sir Wilfrid Laurier, for the proposed 9-storey Long-Term Care facility at 60 Guildwood Parkway
- and I encourage you to attend so we can review the plans together
- As we look toward the warmer months,
- I hope to see you out in the neighborhood.
- I’ll be hosting Environment Days on June 20th and July 18th,
- a perfect time to clear out the garage and grab some fresh compost for your gardens.
- And, of course, mark your calendars for July 25th and 26th for the Guild Alive with Culture Art Festival.
- It is always a highlight of the year, and we are looking for volunteers of all ages to help make it a success.
- If you know a high school student looking for their volunteer hours, please send them our way.
- Thank you for hearing me tonight and thank you for your tireless work for Guildwood.