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The CWNA's primary concerns are Development, Placemaking (Parks and Public Realm), Heritage Conservation and Community Safety. Check out our Interactive Map for information on planned and current condo development projects and improvements to our parks. [More about the CWNA]
Recent highlights from
Church Wellesley Update [view all] The CWNA's lane naming project continues, adding character and history to previously anonymous alleys. The dedication of Dapper Lane and Anvil Alley, located in the heart of the Village, is set for January 24. [Read more]
Development Watch
[A summary of recent happenings on the development front. Click the links for the post in the Church Wellesley Update blog, and check our interactive map for further details.
Church Wellesley Northwest Tower (64 and 66 Wellesley E. & 552-570 Church) Since developer ONE Properties bought the northwest corner of Church and Wellesley, it has submitted two development applications and appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. What ends up at this iconic intersection is far from settled. [more] The Beer Store (572 Church) Originally proposed as a 16-storey condo on the Beer Store property at 572 Church Street, the project has now been reduced to 12-storeys, according to a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal mediated settlement. [more] Gloucester Mews (Yonge and Gloucester) This 34-storey project was approved several years ago, but went into dormancy until late 2018, when the application was revived as a rental building with an updated design. [more] 10 Wellesley West This site lies just outside the western edge of the Church Wellesley neighbourhood and includes 10-16 Wellesley Street West, 5-7 St. Nicholas Street and 586 Yonge Street, where Centrecourt is now proposing a 55 storey tower. [more] 55-63 Charles Some of the last low- and mid-rise buildings on Charles Street will be replaced by a 48 storey tower, including a 6-storey podium. [more] 625 Church (at Charles) Manulife Real Estate is proposing a 59 storey tower where the Traders Building at 625 Church Street presently stands. At a second community consultation on October 2, Manulife polled community members as to whether they would choose to preserve the current building facade or to have it demolished in order to create more green space. [more] 33 Isabella (Isabella Court) Infill Cromwell Property Management is proposing a 4 storey building on the west side of the 27 storey Isabella Court, with 15 apartments and ground floor administrative offices. [more] The 2019 edition of the CWNA's Meet Your Neighbours took place in Barbara Hall Park on a sunny Saturday, Sept. 7. This year, we grouped the participating community organizations together near the Church Street side of Barbara Hall Park, which drew in many curious passersby. We had entertainment through the afternoon, starting off with a stellar performance by D'Manda Tension, followed by the Rainbow Ballroom Dancers and a special children's reading by Fay and Fluffy. All in all it, many neighbours met, making the afternoon a grand success, which we will build on next year.
Downtown East Toronto is in the midst of an overdose and housing crisis and we can see the effect on our streets and public spaces. Last summer, a one year Downtown East Action Plan, initiated by Councillors Wong-Tam and Troisi, was adopted by Council. The Plan included 36 actions to address the areas of mental health, substance abuse, housing and homelessness, public safety, economic opportunities, and parks and public realm.
On July 18, City Council approved a 5-Year Action Plan for the Downtown East that will build and expand upon the work of the 12-Month Action Plan that has been in effect since last year. While the Plan will not fix the addiction epidemic, it does rally City resources to address the complex issues of addiction and homelessness. 
In the the space of two days in June, the Doug Ford government passed a pair of measures that severely set back the City's ability to regulate development. [Read more]
The CWNA held its 2019 AGM on March 21. The meeting was addressed by Councillor Wong-Tam, MPP Suze Morrison and School Board Trustee Chris Moise. CWNA Board members then reported on the areas of development, safety and placemaking.
The draft minutes of the meeting are now available. For an added visual experience, please take a look at the accompanying slide presentation pdf. 
Strolling down Church Street south of Wellesley these days, it’s hard not to notice the number of darkened storefronts and “For Lease” signs. While you might conclude this is a sign of decline in the Village, quite the opposite is true: because of intensification, land values are increasing, leading to a period of investment. As some businesses close down, others eventually come to take their place. Still, some of these storefronts have been closed for a while.
Every vacant shop has a story. Let’s look at some of them...
Downtown has experienced huge growth over the past few years, making the sidewalks on Yonge Street busy -- and crowded.
The City of Toronto is carrying out Phase 1 of a study that focusses on the section of Yonge Street from Queen Street to College / Carlton Street. (Phase 2, continuing north to Davenport, will follow upon completion of Phase 1.) A number of opportunities will be considered to increase pedestrian space and improve the way people experience Yonge Street. A public information session about the project was held on May 9, but in case you missed it, check out the online version of the display boards, which map out the process and illustrate various redesign options. The main decision: how much of the street to dedicate to vehicles, pedestrians and bikes. The study is in the environmental assessment stage; stakeholders are being consulted via an Advisory Group. We will update you as more details are made public. There is also more information at the City of Toronto YongeTOmorrow pages. 
Village Safety Initiatives Move Forward
In the wake of a wave of murders that shook the Church Wellesley neighbourhood in 2017, the City and federal government, local organizations and the Toronto police are taking action to make our community safer. [More] Church Wellesley Update [view all]
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Community Calendar Dapper Lane & Anvil Alley Dedications Fri. , Jan. 24 10 am 68A Wellesley E. & CWNA Board Meeting Sat., Feb 15 10 am - 12 pm 519 Church Street 
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Join Us!
Please support the great work we do at the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association
Annual memberships are just $5
Please support the great work we do at the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association
Annual memberships are just $5