Yearly at its AGM of 600 members, Tourism Toronto presents a "Presidents' Award" to recognize organizations and individuals outside the tourism sector that have helped to create an improved business environment for the tourist and meeting industry.

This year, on November 9th, this award went to GRAFFITI ALLEY and by extension to the Queen Street West BIA, the GDNA (represented by myself), The Laneway Project and a representative of all the laneway artists that give "canvas and colour to the spaces in between". 

The AGM was held at the Metro Convention Centre.  Rick Mercer sent a pre-recorded thanks / congratulations message.  At the reception immediately following, some of the graffiti artists demonstrated their skills.  And it was through them that I learned about Toronto Collective, a store that caters to the graffiti community.  

Because the GDNA has no "home" to speak of, it is our pleasure to give our statue up for adoption to Toronto Collective where all their artist/clients can experience a sense of acceptance and pride in knowing that their efforts are indeed appreciated.

Mel from Cedar Glen Organic Farm was also on hand at the YMCA event. She had a stall set up with produce for sale with ground cherries, melons, peppers, kale, and eggplants, and free packages of thyme and sage to sample at home. Having a food market again in St. Andrew's Playground would be fabulous, reminiscent of the summer of 2009. 

Thursday October 5 was the official ground-breaking for the 'McDonald Family YMCA'. Instead of a shovel, a time capsule would mark the event. The GDNA was invited to add something. A protected copy of our letter of support to City Council was chosen, along with a photo of the volunteer crew from the spring 2017 cleanup of St. Andrew's Playground to show the neighbours in favour of a community centre and physical facility. Cheers to the McDonald Family for their philanthropy!

Toronto City Council will decide today on whether homeowners can keep up to four hens in their backyard. However, roosters will not be permitted due to their potential noise. Obviously this concern arises from Councillors who have no idea  what level of noise residents in Ward 20 endure long before the dawn on a regular basis. Crowing might be a nice change.

T O Leather Store from Spadina & Camden was present at the CNE, a nice surprise.

The artist of this piece of functional street art has completed her work, and Spadina is more colourful as a result!

A Toronto entrepreneur! Cycles at 707 Dundas is a full service bike shop. If you're outside the 'hood and need a tune up or other assistance, stop by and say hello to the owner. Thanks for the chat!

Congratulations on another successful gathering courtesy of the Laneway Project! Rush Lane between Augusta and Portland was the place to be Sunday with hundreds of people enjoying laneway life. Activities included brightening up waste bins, games of giant checkers, Jenga, and ping pong, and a record swap, but it was the fabulous drumming and live music which helped maintain the vibe throughout the afternoon. Food was laid on by members of the Queen Street BIA and drink stations were there to quench a thirst, all helped add colour and bring excitement to the 'hood. Even the Alex Wilson Community Garden, welcomed many visitors appreciative of the green space in this corner of the city. Thanks to all for coming, and cheers again!