A local “photo opportunity” Aug 22 for our city councillor Pam McConnell (and also for the new boss at Police 51 Division, Superintendent Kimberley Greenwood): the unveiling of an attractively landscaped pie-shaped piece of land immediately north of the crosswalk at Shuter + Sumach. The garden and grass area are approximately 1400 square feet and cost $35,000. Lots of police in attendance at this ribbon-cutting ceremony, including at least 2 constables equipped with Tasers (fortunately, the small crowd was well behaved).

More pictures …

Previously, a larger garden was built just north of here, in the spring of 2006: “a memorial flower garden for people killed in Regent Park. The garden was created and is tended by community leaders in Regent Park, with the involvement of youth who are at risk of becoming involved in crime and violence.”

Now, if only the city could be prodded to make similar landscaping improvements at other nearby TCHC properties, such as the fence and gardens surrounding Moss Park Apartments, those residents could similarly “take pride” in their neighbourhood.

Here’s another small success, from an email sent by TCRA to Access Toronto. For at least 2 months, a thick cable (part of Roger’s cable network) has been exposed at the corner of Shuter + Parliament, subjecting pedestrians and cyclists to a potential “tripping” hazard. Perhaps not a serious risk, but gives a “poorly maintained, run-down” look to our neighbourhood’s public infrastructure. Rogers was called July 11 to alert them to this problem, but nothing happened. But within 1 week of TCRA reporting this to city staff at Access Toronto on Aug 14, the cable was once again properly secured with conduit. Thanks, guys! Our experience is that the city inspectors may not identify and fix all such problems on their own, but when these problems are specifically reported by residents, the city promptly fixes them. So take pride in the appearance of Trefann Court; if you see something in our neighbourhood needing fixing, please call or email Access Toronto.