The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 20, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, three historic sites and other facilities described below, will be open. City recreation centres will be closed on Victoria Day and recreation programs will not operate that day.

"Toronto has great family activities to do on Victoria Day Monday at our parks, recreation centres and museums," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Everyone is invited to come down to Ashbridges Bay for fireworks and a day at the beach."

The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 20. The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks, with a spectacular finale.

Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and 92 Woodbine South routes. Members of the public are strongly urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park. Enforcement officers will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay.

Golf: Toronto has five municipal golf courses that are open daily, including on Victoria Day. More information about the City-run golf courses is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.

Tennis courts: All public tennis court sites will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend. Public sites are free and available to the general public. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts.

Splash pads: Most splash pads open across the city on Saturday, May 18, with some exceptions. Splash pads adjacent to outdoor pools and those under construction will open later in the season. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by push-button release. Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas so caregivers are reminded to supervise their children. More information, including hours of operation and up-to-date information on splash pad locations, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm is a family attraction where visitors can see traditional farm animals such as cows, horses and chickens. While there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Riverdale Farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 20. Admission is free.

Far Enough Farm: The little farm on Centre Island is home to horses, donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, peacocks and emus. Located next to Toronto's Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island, the farm will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

High Park Zoo: Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo's spring babies. The zoo, located on Deer Pen Road, offers domestic and exotic animals. The zoo will be open to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Toronto Island Park: Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride. The interactive Franklin Children's Garden is another attraction. Ferry schedule and fares: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm

Greenhouses: A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/

Discovery Walks: Residents can explore their city on foot. The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features, cultural and historical attractions. Brochures and maps are available.

Historic Sites
The City of Toronto Historic Sites celebrate Victoria Day Monday with fun and interesting historical activities for everyone.

At Fort York National Historic Site, there will be demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking, English country dancing, and kids can participate in a soldiers' drill. Admission: adults $7.96, children $3.76, youth $4.87, seniors $3.81(plus tax). Visitors can also join a free walking tour that explores early British military influences on Toronto's changing urban landscape. Location: 250 Fort York Blvd. Check website for special directions during construction of a new visitor centre: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort_york_access.htm.

Montgomery's Inn at Dundas Street West and Islington Avenue will host its annual Victoria Day Tea. Admission is $10 plus tax.

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens will take visitors on a tour of the house through the eyes of the prominent Austin family, whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto as they entered the 20th century. Spadina Museum is located at 285 Spadina Rd., next door to Casa Loma. Admission fees: adults $7.96, seniors and youth $5.75, children six and older $4.87. Admission is free for children five and younger.

For those looking for outings on Saturday and Sunday during the long weekend, all of the historic sites are open and offer guests an opportunity to experience Toronto's history in authentic settings. Event information, locations, hours and prices are available at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/featured-events.htm.

Municipal services
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate on its holiday service schedule on Victoria Day, with most routes starting at 6 a.m. For holiday service details, call the TTC's customer information line in advance of the holiday at 416-393-4636 or visit
http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/General_Information/Service_Details.jsp.

City of Toronto offices will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday. All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided during the holiday. Residents can call 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more information about City services.

Doors Open presented by Great Gulf is enhancing its offering this year, with a speaker series, expanded walking tours and increased programming at City Hall - in addition to free access to more than 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city. The 14th annual weekend of events will take place Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.

"Doors Open Toronto is a great event that has some fantastic partners in the private sector, as well as our local communities," said Mayor Rob Ford. "The commitment from Great Gulf is welcome news and they will help make Doors Open a phenomenal success again this year."

"Doors Open gives everyone a chance to explore the beautiful buildings and meet the creative people that are the lifeblood of this remarkable city," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "Across the city, people will be able to experience Toronto in a whole new way."

"At Great Gulf we know how important buildings are to shaping a city's identity, so we're very pleased to be the presenting sponsor for Doors Open this year and have the chance to celebrate Toronto’s architectural landmarks with the community," said Alan Vihant, Senior Vice-President of High-Rise, Great Gulf. "We're particularly excited to host a speakers series at the St. James Cathedral Centre, featuring some of the city's most respected designers, planners and leaders."

New for this year, Great Gulf presents a series of weekend talks that feature some of Toronto's renowned designers, architects, planners and community leaders. On May 24, audiences can listen to a talk called The Art and Design of Will Alsop, presented at OCAD's Sharp Centre for Design from 6:30 to 8 p.m. On May 25, audiences can listen to Innovating to a Better Toronto, at St. James Cathedral from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Recent Trends in the Architecture of Wellness, at the newly designed Li Ka Shing Knowledge Centre at St. Michael's Hospital from 2 to 3 p.m. The free talks will complement the weekend's other activities.

An expanded program of walking tours will give participants a chance to delve deep into the stories, histories and architecture of a wide variety of Toronto neighbourhoods. A signature tour, Creating Toronto: The Story of the City in 10 Stops (May 25 and 26 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) is commissioned for Doors Open, while 15 other tours will be offered at specific times during the weekend. All guided tours are free and will be run on a first-come basis - some with limited capacity.

Toronto City Hall will be buzzing with excitement during the Doors Open Toronto weekend, with special exhibits and discussions, and access to the 27th floor observation deck, the council chamber and the mayor's office. Kids will be able to take part in a scavenger hunt in the building.

Award-winning duo and origami artists Yuri and Katrin Shumakov invite audiences to experience Toronto in a playful, whimsical way. An eight-metre-long origami display of downtown Toronto will be featured in the City Hall rotunda alongside "Toy-ronto" - a photo series that depicts Toronto as a miniature toy town.

Full program details, including a complete list of this year's buildings, tours and talks, are available online at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen and in a Backgrounder at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen/2013/backgrounder_2may.htm.

This year's Doors Open theme - Creators, Makers and Innovators - will features many older buildings that have been redesigned, re-invented and re-purposed into modern 21st - century spaces that host collaborative teams of people who are creating new ways of thinking, making and doing.

Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 600 unique locations across the city. It is Canada's largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. Doors Open Toronto is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.

More information about the event can be found at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DoorsOpenTO and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/DoorsOpenTO.

The weather was picture perfect for the 700 Paddlers who participated in today's 20th Anniversary of Manulife Paddle the Don. The Honourable Kathleen Wynne was on hand to Inaugurate this annual fundraising event which brings awareness to the importance of a healthy Don River that flows through the heart of Toronto.

At the heart of Canada's largest urban region is the iconic Don River – a river with a story like no other. Once a year, since 1993, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) provides a unique opportunity for people and corporate teams to paddle from Ernest Thompson Seton Park to the mouth of the river at the Keating Channel – a 10.5 km journey. It’s a chance to experience an exciting natural adventure in an urban environment and more than 700 hundred paddlers (consisting of 350 canoes and kayaks) and 30 corporate boats have registered for the event. This year Paddle the Don will celebrate its 20th anniversary and to mark this special milestone the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, will join participants at the launch site. An exhibit designed to celebrate Paddle the Don and increase engagement in the watershed, titled Discover the Don, will also be on display at in the Young Welcome Centre at Evergreen Brick Works from May 5th-June 14th. "Paddling the Don is such a unique experience, a way to celebrate the beauty of this province while in the heart of our largest city. It's one of those moments that makes you appreciate how special it is to live in Ontario," said Premier Kathleen Wynne. “Manulife Paddle the Don is all about having fun, enjoying nature, and celebrating the Don River watershed,” said Adele Freeman, Watershed Management Director, Toronto and Region Conservation. “The trip also provides a time for reflection on all the benefits we derive from the natural environment - air, water, resources, recreation, and spiritual renewal - that are integral to the health and function of the city and the surrounding region.” Manulife Paddle the Don was founded on the core principles of protecting, regenerating, and enhancing the Don River watershed. These principles have guided the work that TRCA and countless other organizations and individuals have undertaken, and they are the driving force behind the effort to protect and conserve the watershed. “Preserving our local environment is critical to a healthy quality of life in our community,” said Donald Guloien, President and CEO of Manulife Financial, whose corporate office is located within the Don River Watershed. “Manulife is committed to the betterment of our natural environment and the protection of our green space for future generations to enjoy." The event is organized by TRCA, The Living City Foundation, the Wilderness Canoe Association and the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, along with the support of many dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors and watershed supporters.

Jane’s Walk celebrates the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs by getting people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. Free walking tours held on the first weekend of May each year are led by locals who want to create a space for residents to talk about what matters to them in the places they live and work. Since its inception in Toronto in 2007, Jane’s Walk has expanded rapidly. In May of 2011, 511 walks were held in 75 cities in 15 countries worldwide.

The main Jane’s Walk event takes place annually on the first weekend of May, to coincide with Jane Jacobs’ birthday. Jane’s Walks can be organized and offered any other time of the year by enthusiastic local people or organizations, although the first weekend in May is where we focus our organizational energies and resources.

Jane’s Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. Jane’s Walk often takes Jacobs’ ideas to communities unfamiliar with her ideas, in order to advance local engagement with contemporary urban planning practices. The walks helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

Thousands of people have taken part in a Jane’s Walk. Past walks have explored a wide range of urban landscapes, from social housing slated for redevelopment to areas with a rich architectural and cultural heritage, to teen hangouts and secret gardens. Walks are led by individuals and small groups. Some are focused around historical themes more than geographical areas, for instance, some strolls have been built around ideas like the urban forestry, gay and lesbian history, places of relevance to the homeless, the history of ‘skid row’, and urgent planning matters facing certain neighbourhood. The walks offer a more personal take on local culture and issues. They are not a tourist driven initiative but an insider tour of a neighbourhood that helps open up a friendly, engaged discussion amongst interested participants.

For a list of jane's walk events taking place in Toronto geo-targeted by neighbourhood, see the TorontoNeighbourhoodGuide.com Calender on this website or click on this link. http://www.torontoneighbourhoods.net/calendar-v2

Background:

War of 1812 – summary:
The United States declared war on Great Britain in June 1812 and ratified a peace treaty
with the British in February 1815. America went to war because of maritime issues (British
impressment of U.S. sailors, British infringement on American free trade) and because
they claimed the British were inciting the First Nations to violence against Americans.

Conquering British North America (now Canada) was the American military objective – the
U.S. invaded Canada eight times during the War. Four combatant groups fought in the
War: Americans, British, Canadians and First Nations.

On land and on fresh water, most of the fighting took place around the Great Lakes and
the upper St. Lawrence River. On the high seas, naval actions took place in the Atlantic
and Pacific Oceans, in both the northern and southern hemispheres; due to poor
communications, the final battle of the War was in the Indian Ocean in June 1815.

The Battle of York – summary:

April 27, 1813 was the most traumatic day in Toronto's history. The Town of York, the
capital of Upper Canada with a population of about 700 civilians, was attacked and taken
by American forces. The American forces consisted of about 2,600 soldiers and sailors.
The British forces included professional soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper
Canadian militiamen and volunteers, totalling about 1,050 officers and men.

In the six-hour battle, 308 Americans were killed or wounded; 178 British soldiers,
Canadian militiamen and First Nations warriors were killed, wounded or reported missing.
The battle took a total of 181 lives on all sides.

After the battle, the Americans burned the parliament buildings, the home of the
Lieutenant Governor and the town blockhouse, wrecked the town's printing press, made
off with books from the town library, liberated those in jail and ransacked private homes
and businesses.

Fort York National Historic Site – summary:

Fort York National Historic Site is where urban Toronto was founded in 1793. This 43-acre
(17.4 hectare) site contains Canada's largest collection of authentic War of 1812 buildings.

Fort York was the location of a traumatic battle during which British, Canadian and First
Nations combatants defended the Town of York (Toronto) against U.S. forces during the
War of 1812.This area, together with the surrounding Garrison Common and other parts of
modern-day Toronto, was part of the York battlefield on April 27, 1813.

Fort York National Historic Site, located at 250 Fort York Blvd, is one of 10 historic
museums operated by the City of Toronto's Cultural Services.

A 24,000 square foot new Fort York National Historic Site Visitor Centre is now under
construction and is scheduled to open in 2014 on the south side of Garrison Common.

Designed by the award-winning Canadian team of Patkau Architects Inc and Kearns
Mancini Architects Inc, it will help the Fort tell its 200-year story and orient visitors to the
entire 43-acre National Historic Site, including the Garrison Common.

Bicentennial Commemoration of the Battle of York
Saturday April 27, 2013

Saturday April 27, 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York. Show them you remember by participating in the events that follow.

Getting around the City today.
Road closure information.

Sunrise Ceremony - Outdoors
6 to 7:30 a.m. - Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
At 6 a.m. the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation will lead four first nations, all descendants of warriors who fought in the Battle of York, in a sunrise ceremony at the Palais Royale patio and fire pit overlooking the shoreline. For more information about the ceremony click here.

Ways to Respect the Ceremony:
Please remove hats and baseball caps during the ceremony (with the exception of ceremonial headdress)
Only service animals are permitted at the ceremony (no pets allowed)
Photography is discouraged during the ceremony (with the exception of official photographers)
Female participants are encouraged to wear modest dresses or skirts. A limited number of scarves will be available to wear as 'skirt' wraps.
Walking in Their Footsteps
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Starting Point - Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W
Beginning at 10 a.m. close to where the disembarked Americans began their advance, the public will be led by historical interpreters, stopping at several significant points, arriving at Fort York by 12:30 p.m. Those interested in attending the walk are asked to pre-register by emailing at fortyork@toronto.ca or calling 416-392-6907 x 223.

Stop A - Coming Ashore (Just east of the Boulevard Club)

Stop B - Amphibious Assault (Just east of the Legion)
Stop C - Fighting in the Clearing (at Ft Rouille in Exhibition Place)
Stop D - The Western Battery (Just inside the Princes' gates in Exhibition Place)
Stop E - Advance Towards the Fort (the western approach to today's Fort on the Common)

Parking is available at Budapest Park as well as Exhibition Place but due to the number of activities that will be taking place in the area that day, it is highly recommended that walkers take transit to the intersection of Roncevalles, King and Queen and then walk south to take the footbridge across to the Palais Royale. Please DO NOT use the Palais Royale parking lot as that is for their clientele only. Washrooms and parking are available at the east end of Budapest Park and in Exhibition Place. Tim Hortons will provide free coffee while supplies last. Participants are responsible for bringing their own water and other refreshments and to dress suitably for the weather.

Terrain
Mainly easy, following the Martin Goodman Trail and paved road through Exhibition Place and city streets, although there is a moderate climb up from Fleet Street to Fort York. No shuttle buses. The total distance is approximately 5 km and the walk will take about 2.5 hours.

Getting there by TTC
Two options, 1) From Bloor subway line, get off at Dundas West station, take the 504 streetcar which will head south on Roncevalles, then get off at the intersection of Roncesvalles, King, and Queen and walk south across the footbridge, or 2) From downtown Toronto, take the King streetcar 504 or Queen streetcar 501 westbound, get off at the intersection of Roncesvalles, King, and Queen and walk south across the footbridge. Visit www.ttc.ca for streetcar and subway schedules.

Getting there by car
Visit the Palais Royale website for driving instructions.

Military Parade and Colour Presentation

Presentation of A New Colour to the Royal Canadian Regiment
10 am. - Legislative Assembly, Queen's Park
In the morning, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment will be presented a new Regimental Colour by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, at the Ontario Legislature Building. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has been the Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Canadian Regiment since December 1953. Regimental Colours are a kind of ceremonial flag which, historically, provided a rallying point for troops on the battlefield, and which today remind soldiers of their unit's history. They are the most prized possession of every regiment.

Military Parade - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Begins at Legislative Assembly and ends at Fort York
In one of the largest military parades every organized in Toronto, the Canadian Forces will honour all of those who died on our soil at the Battle of York on April 27, 1813 and the 200 years of military presence in Toronto since the war. More than 1,500 sailors and soldiers from the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army will march from Queen's Park down University Avenue and across Richmond Street, south on Portland Street past the War of 1812 monument at Victoria Memorial Square and then on to the Fort York Armoury. The parade will include 13 marching bands, and a flourish of colourful ceremonial uniforms and Regimental Colours.

Click on image for larger version.

Commemorative Ceremonies
1:30 to 4 p.m. - Fort York National Historic Site

Getting There:
There are several events going on in the Exhibition Place/Fort York area on this day and parking is extremely limited.

A shuttle bus will be available to take people from Strachan Ave and Fleet St. to the Fort's west gate.

The Bathurst Street/East Gate entrance to Fort York will be open all day.

Everyone is asked to take transit or park in an adjacent area and walk.

There is no parking available today at Fort York.

Service of Remembrance
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Held inside the walls of Fort York National Historic Site, the participants will include a Canadian Armed Forces honour guard and military band, the Chaplain General of the Canadian Armed Forces, military re-enactment units in War of 1812 uniforms, and the chiefs and members of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, Beausoleil, Chippewas of Georgina Island and Chippewas of Rama First Nations, who are descendants of the warriors who fought in the Battle of York.

Memorial Plaques Dedication
3 to 4 p.m.
This ceremony focuses on the dedication of a new plaque to honour the First Nations warriors who died in the Battle of York. It will be unveiled by Chiefs from the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, and Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The ceremony also includes a re-dedication of the 1934 commemorative plaques by representatives of the National Society United States Daughters of 1812 and the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire. For more information about the plaques and their significance click here.

Related Exhibits to explore at Fort York:

Finding the Fallen and Book of Remembrance Exhibit - This commemorative exhibit identifies the Canadian, British, First Nations and American combatants who died in the Battle of York. Their names are recorded in the Book of Remembrance which will be on display along with battlefield artifacts, custom-designed maps and first-person accounts that bring their sacrifices to life.

The Story of the Battle of York, an exhibit which is integrated with Soldiers Trade in Fort York's Centre Blockhouse.

The First Nations booths and displays highlighting their history and their role in the Battle of York.

Other related activities around the city:

April 24 - Heritage Toronto
Tonight marks the last of five talks at various locations around the city. For more information visit http://heritagetoronto.org/.

Until June 22 - War Stories: Toronto and the War of 1812-14
A unique exhibition of first-hand accounts from the Toronto Reference Library's Special Collections, TD Gallery, located at 789 Yonge Street.

April 27 - The Capitulation of York – A Play
Enjoy this imaginary town hall meeting with people discussing the battle. This 20-minute play will run at 5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. Organized in Old Town by the St. Lawrence Market BIA. Visit Old Town Toronto.ca for details.

April 27 - A Grand Concert for the Battle of York, 1813, Tallis Choir
St. James' Cathedral, 65 Church St. (at King), 7:30 p.m. Visit www.tallischoir.com for more information.

April 28 - Special Prayers
Will be given at the morning services in St. James Cathedral, 65 Church St. (at King), to mark the bicentennial of the morning after the invasion of York and the extensive loss of life that occurred that day and the hope for peace into the future.

April 28 - Return of the Books
As a gesture of good will, representatives from Sacket's Harbor will present new books to the Toronto Reference Library to replace those that were stolen during the Battle of York from the town's small library. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

We finally have spring time weather in the forecast which means time to get outside and get to know your neighbourhood. Just how accessible is your neighbourhood to, shopping, amenities, and public transit ? Now you can find out by visiting the website: walkscore.com. Walk Score affixes a score for cities and neighbourhoods across North America. The top 20 Toronto neighbourhoods ranked on Walk Score include the following:

Rank 1 - Bay Street Corridor - Walk Score 99

Rank 2 - Church-Yonge Corridor - Walk Score 98

Rank 3 - Kensington-Chinatown - Walk Score 97

Rank 4 - University - Walk Score 97

Rank 5 - Palmerston-Little Italy - Walk Score 95

Rank 6 - Mount Pleasant West - Walk Score 95

Rank 7 - Moss Park - Walk Score 95

Rank 8 - Annex - Walk Score 94

Rank 9 - Trinity-Bellwoods - Walk Score 94

Rank 10 - North St.James Town - Walk Score 93

Rank 11 - Waterfront Communities-The Island - Walk Score 92

Rank 12 - Cabbagetown-South St.James Town -Walks Score 91

Rank 13 - South Riverdale - Walk Score 91

Rank 14 - Roncesvalles - Walk Score 91

Rank 15 - Dufferin Grove - Walk Score 90

Rank 16 - Playter Estates - Danforth - Walk Score 90

Rank 17 - North Riverdale - Walk Score 90

Rank 18 - Blake-Jones - Walk Score 89

Rank 19 - Yonge-Eglinton - Walk Score 89

Rank 20 - Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction - Walk Score 88

Even if you are not a golfer you cannot help but be inspired to take up the game when you watch a tournament like the Masters which aired this past weekend. The Masters held each year in Augusta Georgia is a sure sign that spring is here and the golf season has begun. And if you live in Toronto there are no shortage of public golf courses to choose from.

Golfers can hit the links starting today at City of Toronto's courses. All of the courses are accessible by public transit, are affordable and offer a variety of programming for families, youth, adults and seniors.

"This is a great opportunity for people to relax, have fun, get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors without spending a lot of money," said Councillor Norm Kelly (Ward 40 Scarborough-Agincourt), Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee. "Our courses make it possible for everyone to have a chance to play."

Each course has unique features and offers attractions for golfers of different levels of ability. Instruction from Canadian Professional Golfers Association instructors is available. Discounts are offered at all times to juniors and seniors. Twilight, Family Night and nine-hole discounted rates are available during certain hours.

More information about Toronto’s golf courses is available on the new and improved website http://www.toronto.ca/golf or by calling the courses at the phone numbers below.

Dentonia (18-hole par 3/par 54)
Dentonia Park Golf Course is the GTA's finest par three course and a great course for a season warm-up round. Dentonia is located at 781 Victoria Park Ave., less than a one-minute walk from the Victoria Park subway station. For more information or to book a tee time, call 416-392-2558.

Don Valley (18-hole regulation/par 72)
The oldest and most prestigious municipal course, Don Valley Golf Course has a classic Howard Watson design, a traditional variety of holes, and a legendary reputation for its exciting, natural setting. Don Valley is located at 4200 Yonge St., just south of Highway 401. For more information or to book a tee time, call 416-392-2465.

Humber Valley (18-hole regulation/par 70)
Suitable for all ages and skill levels, Humber Valley Golf Course, challenges golfers with its combination of links and valley lands, so players need to focus on precision, accuracy and patience, especially on the last three holes. Humber Valley has a licensed restaurant and is located at Albion Road and Beattie Avenue. For more information or to book a tee time, call 416-392-2488.

Scarlett Woods (18-hole executive/par 62)
An executive-length course and a great way to start the season, Scarlett Woods Golf Course is a popular choice with both novice and expert golfers. Scarlett Woods is located at Eglinton Avenue West and Jane Street. For more information or to book a tee time, call 416-392-2484.

Tam O'Shanter (18-hole regulation/par 72)
Nestled along Highland Creek in a serene setting, Tam O’Shanter Golf Course is a moderately difficult course with water hazards that require extra attention. Tam O’Shanter has a licensed restaurant and is located on Birchmount Road north of Sheppard Avenue East. For more information or to book a tee time, call 416-392-2547.

Toronto used to be affectionately known as Muddy York. This is because in the 1800s our clay based dirt roads were being contantly churcned up by horse and buggy creating an awful mess. Remember these were the days before paved ashphalt roads which we now take for granted - although those darn potholes are annoying.

Now is your chance to relive Toronto's muddy past at the Earth Mudder Weekend, on Saturday, April 20–Sunday, April 21, at the Evergreen Brick Works, which is located at 550 Bayview Avenue. There will a full weekend of family-friendly fun to celebrate the Earth and all her glory. Check out the packed schedule of events below.

Saturday Schedule:

Grand Opening of The Burrow
East Entrance | 9am–3pm
The Burrow will be making its debut! Come see nature interpreted before your very eyes. The Burrow is an ecology themed learning space at EBW that will showcase the ecological restoration and monitoring projects undertaken by Evergreen and our partners throughout the GTA.

Hands in the Bowl
Fido Kitchen | 9:30–10:30am
Join us to make savoury, veggie-infused Twisted Bread Sticks. Crunchy, fresh out of the oven and made with our own hands!

Public Tree Planting
The Burrow | 10am–noon
Dig in, spend quality time with your family and friends and help make EBW a little greener. Meet in front of The Burrow 10 minutes before the event starts to sign in. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Stuart McPherson, smcpherson@evergreen.ca or 416-596-1495 x292.

Nature Play
Chimney Court | 10am–4pm
Get your hands dirty as we explore the many uses of mud and clay. Learn to craft with natural materials and help cook over the open fire. All ages welcome. Get more information about our regular Chimney Court programming here.

DIY Bike Tune-ups
Bike Works | 10am–4pm
Learn to inflate your tires, lube your chain, adjust your breaks and get tuned-up and ready to ride for the summer! More information about regular Bike Works hours and programming can be found here.

Exploration in Clay
Clay Works Studio | 10am–3pm
Join Pottery Road Collective and Clay Works studio to learn how to get the most use out of your used clay!
Earth Mudder: Clay Reclamation Free demo | 9–10am; Drop-in Workshop | 11am-2pm; Seed Ball Creation | 2-3pm

Tipi Tapestry Project Youth Performance
The Kilns | 11am & 12:30pm
Celebrate our connection to the earth and the finish of the Tipi Tapestry Project with our youth theatre team! Enjoy a story about classic character Nanaboozhoo and his friend Papase (Woodpecker) told through shadow puppets, dance and masque.

Biking Basics: How To Fix a Flat
Bike Works | 1–2pm
Come learn this most essential and empowering skill to take you one step closer to being self-sufficient with repairing and maintaining your bicycle. We will take you through the whole process in a “hands on” style workshop that will get your hands dirty and empower you!
Pre-registration required: Email awallis@evergreen.ca; Space is limited to 8
Cost: $10

Home Depot DIY Workshop
Evergreen Garden Market | 1–2pm
Mark this inaugural Earth Mudder celebration by learning how to pick, plant and maintain a tree for years to come!

Guided Site Tour: Nature in the City
Young Welcome Centre | 1:30–2:30pm
Join Kim Statham, City of Toronto Natural Environment Specialist, for a guided tour of the wetlands, woods and walks of the Weston Family Quarry Garden. Hear about past projects and future initiatives for this special and unique habitat in the heart of the Lower Don Valley. Meet in the Young Welcome Centre 5–10 minutes prior to the walk.

Workshop: Learn to Grow Your Own Mushrooms
Fido Classroom | 1:30–3:30pm
Celebrate the earth by learning how to grow food! Bruno Pretto, a mushroom farmer, will share his knowledge on outdoor hardwood log cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms. Gain practical knowledge about growing Shiitake mushrooms outdoors on hardwood logs as well as a general understanding of the Kingdom Fungi. Learn about the most widely practiced outdoor and indoor cultivation methods for a number of edible and medicinal mushrooms, and get a general background on mushrooms including their various ecological roles, as well as their gourmet, medicinal and nutritional value.
RSVP: This workshop is free but we have only 20 spots available. To guarantee a spot please send an e-mail to Ashlee Cooper at acooper@evergreen.ca.

Sunday Schedule:

Urban Gardening Workshop: How To Plant Strawberries
Evergreen Garden Market | 10:30am, Noon, 2pm
Have fun with the family learning how to plant bare-root strawberries. You'll be picking strawberries in your home garden in no time!
Cost: $30, Limit 15 spots per session
Registration: To register, contact Aaron Harpell at aharpell@evergreen.ca, or 416-596-1495 x235.

Nature & Heritage Hike
Watershed Wall | 10am
Join us on an exploration of Toronto’s largest watershed! Discover the ecology and history of the Don River on a series of scenic hikes through the ravines connected to EBW—and enjoy a little exercise to boot. For a map of the hike and for more hikes taking place the rest of the season, check out the program page.

Ecology in the City
The Burrow | 10am–2pm
Discover nature in the city through the eyes of our local wildlife and plant life!

Nature Play
Chimney Court | 11am–3pm
Get your hands dirty as we explore the many uses of mud and clay. Learn to craft with natural materials and help cook over the open fire. All ages welcome. Get more information about our regular Chimney Court programming here.

DIY Bike Tune-ups
Bike Works | 10am–4pm
Learn to inflate your tires, lube your chain, adjust your breaks and get tuned-up and ready to ride for the summer! More information about regular Bike Works hours and programming can be found here.

Biking Basics: How To Fix a Flat
Bike Works | 1–2pm
Come learn this most essential and empowering skill to take you one step closer to being self-sufficient with repairing and maintaining your bicycle. We will take you through the whole process in a “hands on” style workshop that will get your hands dirty and empower you!
Pre-registration required: Email awallis@evergreen.ca; Space is limited to 8
Cost: $10

Home Depot DIY Workshop
Evergreen Garden Market | 1–2pm
Mark this inaugural Earth Mudder celebration by learning how to pick, plant and maintain a tree for years to come!

Backyard Biodiversity: Habitats of the Don Valley
The Burrow | 1–3pm
Join Algonquin Park naturalist Ian Shanahan as he leads a walk through the Brick Works and surrounding area and describes the habitats of the Don Valley. Learn from Ian’s years of experience as he describes the interwoven nature of our local ecology and gives tips and trick to improving wildlife habitat in your own backyard.
Registration: To register, please contact Stuart McPherson at smcpherson@evergreen.ca or 416-596-1495 x292.

The City of Toronto's Spadina Museum in partnership with VisionTV/ZoomerMedia hosted a media preview event today to launch the museum's new Downton Abbey themed tour. Forty contest winners began the tour in the third floor servants' rooms, which have been furnished and opened to the public for the first time.

"City initiatives like these broaden the appeal of Toronto's historic sites and make their unique stories more engaging and accessible," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee.

"Spadina Museum and Downton Abbey both, in their own ways, capture our imaginations about historic homes and the people who lived in them. This new tour is a creative and exciting opportunity for today's generation to time travel into our past," said Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22 St. Paul's).

The Downton Abbey tour takes visitors through the museum's family and servants' spaces and links the characters and events from the TV show to members of the Austin family. Four generations of Toronto's Austin family lived in the home that is now the Spadina Museum. The Austin family negotiated the transfer of the house, its furnishings and remaining acreage to the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario in 1978. Spadina Museum opened to the public in 1984 and was revitalized into its current form in 2010.

Spadina Museum's Downton Abbey tours will be offered to the public starting April 18 and will be available Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tours are offered with regular site admission. Information is available at 416-392-6910 and spadina@toronto.ca.

The internationally acclaimed Downton Abbey is an award-winning British period drama television series which can be seen in Canada on VisionTV. Episodes air on Wednesday's at 9 p.m., Easter Standard Time. Season Three begins on April 10. Information on how to access VisionTV in your viewing area: http://www.visiontv.ca/

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Located at 285 Spadina Rd., it's Toronto's only museum to represent the 1920s and '30s. Visitors can view unique exhibits, artifacts, furnishings and original materials and explore the estate's restored 1905 gardens. For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/spadina.htm.

The Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown LRT has been in the news alot lately. Where is it ? What is it ? And how does it impact the future of many neighbourhoods across Toronto.  Read further to find out. The Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown is the cornerstone of the Toronto LRT projects. It will link to 54 local bus routes, three TTC interchange subway stations and GO Transit. The Crosstown line will run underground from Black Creek Drive to Laird Avenue, then above ground to Kennedy Station.

It will create thousands of construction jobs and provide lasting economic benefits to Toronto and its surrounding region. For employers, public transit is how their workforce commutes. For thousands of students, it’s how they get to class. For seniors, it’s how they get to their medical appointments and maintain independence in their senior years. For people, The Crosstown project, once complete, will cut transit time in half along this important mid-town corridor.

Construction is currently underway. The goal is to complete the project and have the entire Crosstown line operational by 2020.

Monitor construction progress and milestones by visiting the official Crosstown website at www.thecrosstown.ca.

The Crosstown Community Office
A community office is now open to keep local residents informed on the progress of the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown project. Stop in or call the site office for more information on the progress of the project:

1848 Eglinton Avenue West (at Dufferin Street)
Phone: 416-782-8118
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: By appointment only