Garment District members, neighbours from Wellington Place, and our Councillor Ausma Malik gathered at Rodney's for a celebration of the year's work and to thank Patricia Aquino, out-going president, and long-time secretary Valerie Eggertson, for their major contributions to an effective GDNA. Sadly Valerie was felled by a cold but there in spirit.

Special thanks to Jessa tending bar, and to Julius and Bronwen for the warm welcome always extended at Rodney's. The food was spectacular. Cheers to all, and best wishes for a healthy holiday season.

With the municipal election just a week away, are you still confounded.  With 31 candidates for mayor and 12 for Spadina - Fort York councillor, it is hardly surprising.  ​List of Certified Candidates & Third Party Advertisers – City of Toronto
Here is something that might help:
https://votecompass.thestar.com/toronto2022

The lockdowns and construction on Queen St. have been hard on many businesses. This time the shutters are closing on a favourite, the Healthy Butcher. This is the last day to give custom and thanks to a great butcher who brought taste and delights to neighbourhood tables. Thanks for your amazing contribution. Sad to see you go but best of success to all!

Avenue Open Kitchen on Camden was broken into AGAIN, the second time in a week. The first break-in also impacted Black-Eyed Susan's on Adelaide. This is distressing news for these small businesses, adding expense and work in an already difficult economy, but break-ins of this nature add a serious note to safety in our neighbourhood. If you can provide some custom, please do so. Neighbourhood Watch is crucial and so is the support.

Get ready, the best up-and-coming artists are coming July 22 to CineCycle! Look for their poster in the 'hood 

How uplifting to see the new frontage of 'Original' with a glorious paint job proudly celebrating the creative force of Queen Street.

The Richmond-Adelaide Cycle Track switch from the south side to the north side, which you might remember from our blog post in 2018, is still going forward. In an update to the City of Toronto's website, they posted this note:

“In 2022-2024, Transportation Services is moving forward with the installation of the north side cycle tracks on Adelaide Street between Bathurst Street to Parliament Street. The cycle track switch is bundled with watermain, streetcar and road resurfacings work.

“As part of the project, protected eastbound left turn phases for motor vehicles will be installed at Adelaide Street West from Spadina Avenue to Yonge Street and at Adelaide Street East from Victoria Street to Parliament Street intersections. This will improve traffic flow for left turning motor vehicle movements and eliminate potential conflicts between pedestrians and people cycling and left turning motor vehicle movements.”

To compare previous versions of the City's site, check out the Wayback Machine.

How wonderful to discover this newly installed map pole on Spadina near the corner of Richmond with "Garment District" clearly named. Thanks to the City for keeping history alive on this handy guide to walking in the GDNA. Now, time to explore!

Alexander Medow catches up with fellow artist Kevin Hunt displaying his framed street scenes of the neighbourhood on Queen. As the sign says, just bend down and take a look. ​