Laneway Meeting Thursday at 7pm, Memorial Hall

[David Mennier]

Hello neighbours,


I've just dropped some reminder cards in everyone's mailbox on our block about the laneway meeting tomorrow night (Thursday) at 7 pm at Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Row.

If you are attending, please do try to come at 7 pm sharp or a few minutes before, as there is a good amount of information to get through before we open the floor to questions and comments.

I've prepared a 13-page information package, and made 60 copies. If needed, I will ask block residents to share their information package in pairs, so everyone has access to the notes as we go from point to point. The information packages are for block residents, not the public at large, due to limited copies.

There will also be colour photos on the wall of the meeting room, including architectural concept pictures of the new home at 169 Ivy, as well as several other pictures of recent in-fill projects that have been built in the last year on Ivy, Vaughan, Bertrand and Putman, for comparison.

The City will be represented, as well as NECA and our block committee. Each party will have an opportunity to speak and be heard. The largest segment of the meeting (in the second half of the meeting) is devoted to block residents, to ask questions and make comments.

Our Block Residents' ad hoc Laneway Committee has incurred about $220.00 in costs to date (posters, notices, questionnaire, info package, renting the hall, etc.) and so, while the meeting is free and open to all, I would ask block residents who attend to make a voluntary contribution of a loonie or two to cover costs so far. I will have original receipts on hand for inspection.

There will be a side table with drinks provided. If any block residents wish to bring cookies or non-sticky snack food, that would be appreciated.

There will be many points of view at the meeting; this is to be expected in this type of situation. I remind all attendees to listen respectfully to all points of view, and invite everyone who wishes to be heard in this matter to come forth. I am sure that this meeting will be a positive experience for all, and an important part of the information gathering and exchange stage of this issue.

Thanks in advance to Roxie Clark for opening the hall and helping with set up, and Jerry Turchyn for taking care of the audio.


See you all tomorrow night,


David Mennier
Chair, Block Residents' ad hoc Laneway Committee