Click here: PARA Green Plan 2020
PARA successfully launched it’s Green Plan and engaged neighbours on February 11th, 2021 via Zoom. Frumie Diamond, chair of PARA’s Green Committee, provided an overview of Green Plan topics ranging from pollinator gardens to transportation concerns. The event attracted over 40 attendees with Mike Layton and Tim Grant as guest speakers. An event poll showed significant neighbourhood interest in all topics but mainly PARA’s tree canopy and green spaces. There were five breakout groups on the main Green Plan topics with lively discussions between neighbours. Subsequently, Toronto and East York Community Council adopted a motion for City of Toronto Transportation Services and Parks, Forestry, and Recreation to work with PARA in implementing the plan. PARA looks forward to continuing its efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable neighbourhood.
In the July edition of the Annex Gleaner, “PARA AGM Talks Revitalization” provides additional information on the scope of green community initiatives from PARA board member and Ward 11’s Climate Action Champion, Jimmy Lu.
We are thrilled that we have a plan that is both specific to our neighbourhood and in sync with the City’s TransformTO climate action strategy. PARA’s Green Plan contains many ideas, identifying potential projects and areas for advocacy. There is ample opportunity for everyone to be involved, whether through individual and household actions, group community projects or participation in city-wide initiatives. We welcome community members to join the PARA Green Committee, and we continue to plan online activities.
Check out streeter.ca’s recent article, “Palmerston green plan adopted by city, on hold until after COVID” featuring some of the strategic components found in PARA’s Green Plan.
To date, the PARA Green Committee has successfully obtained a grant to plant a pollinator garden at Harbord Collegiate with our partner, the Harbord Collegiate Eco-club. It would have been a very busy summer, but sadly our plans are now on hold until it is safe to reconnect again.
We have been involved in the final design of Westbank park on the former Mirvish Village site, and the greening strategy for the Palmerston gates at the intersection of Palmerston and Bloor.
We welcome your comments, your interest and energy as we endeavour to move forward on the many issues facing our neighbourhood and its resiliency for the future.
We have also organized clean-up days at Healey Willan Park, held gardening workshops and written articles for the PARA newsletter. Even so, many more issues need to be addressed, including making our neighbourhood a net zero greenhouse gas emissions area.
