Article by: Lisa Grogan-Green, Project co-chair

If you've driven down the Don Valley Parkway lately you may have noticed a large banner draped across the south wall of Valley Park Middle School asking passersby to "Help Us Make the Dream Come True." As North America's largest middle school, Valley Park has a goal just as large - to build the ‘Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field.' With a price tag of $1.7 million, it's a major civic project which will revitalize the local community while helping to protect and restore the Don River watershed.

The project will see the creation of a new innovative urban park that celebrates and conserves water. The fact that a "sustainable" cricket field stands at its centre creates a "sense of place," fitting the vernacular of the mostly new South Asian immigrants who live in the surrounding neighbourhoods. The project is being driven by a grassroots group of committed and ambitious restorative landscape designers, engineering experts, school staff, students, parents and civic leaders - including advice provided by the award winning planner Michael Hough. Hough's colleague, and TRCA landscape and trail designer, Shompa Hai, is the lead designer, with project managers Victor Ford & Associates.

Hai paid particular attention to the school's context within the watershed. She envisioned a school yard converted to a community gathering place; a place that celebrates the connections between the Don, the community and its ecological elements. Rain water will be harvested from the school roof top, diverting it into a holding tank to irrigate the central cricket field. Other surface waters would flow into a bioswale, wetland and butterfly meadow, aimed at recreating the adjacent Don River's riparian habitat, attracting the vegetation and wildlife that congregates where water meets land. A community food garden would encourage environmental stewardship and connection to the local community. No longer would the Don River be cut off from the school yard by a line of chain link fence. With a school yard dotted with portables, land from the adjacent hydro corridor will be leased and portable buildings moved to create the ‘Go Green,' sustainable, cricket field and community gathering place.

To help make this vision a reality, The Toronto District School Board, Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, Flemingdon Neighbourhood Services, and TRCA have partnered together to provide a wealth of expertise and support, with the TRCA designing and creating the working drawings for the project's ecological elements including the bioswale, wetland and butterfly meadow. MP John Carmichael, Don Valley West; Transportation Minister and MPP Kathleen Wynne, Don Valley West; and Councillor John Parker, Ward 26, Don Valley West; have also thrown their support behind the project. "I'm absolutely delighted with the proposal to expand the school yard and to make use of the Hydro lands that lie behind the school," says Councillor John Parker. "What we need to do is to make the best possible use of the public space that we have... so using hydro fields for recreational purposes is the kind of thing that we've done elsewhere and what we'd like to see happen here."

The City's Live Green Toronto recently awarded the project $250,000.00 in grants to install the roof 

Artist's rendition of the 'Go Green' Cricket Field once completed (click to enlarge).

top rain water harvesting system and bioswale. TD Friends of the Environment Foundation has also provided a $50,000.00 grant to plant an urban forest which will ultimately surround the cricket field. With an impressive overall cost of $1.7 million, and slightly more than $400,000 raised, there is still a long way to go.

The school continues to raise funds for the project, and has recently launched Facebook and YouTube sites to reach out to the public. Students from the school's Dream Team, led by media teacher Owen McDermott, will also be visiting local businesses throughout the summer to promote the project and seek funding partners. Individual donors can support this project at Student Success.

During an Extreme Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids.  

In addition to using air-conditioned shopping malls, local libraries and neighbourhood community centres as places to cool off, the public can go to cooling centres that will be open during the Extreme Heat Alert at the following locations:
• Metro Hall - 55 John St. (24 hours)
• East York Civic Centre - 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• North York Civic Centre - 5100 Yonge St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Driftwood Community Centre - 4401 Jane St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Etobicoke Olympium - 590 Rathburn Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• McGregor Community Centre - 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Centennial Park Community Centre - 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Water and snacks are available at the seven cooling centres. Additional information on ways to help people cool off is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/housing/cooling-centres.htm. 

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.                                        
When an alert is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call the Canadian Red Cross Heat Information Line at 416-480-2615 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
   
Often high air pollution occurs during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at http://www.airhealth.ca. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
News Release 
    
July 20, 2011
  
Heat Alert upgraded to Extreme Heat Alert, cooling centres open 

Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has upgraded the Heat Alert to an Extreme Heat Alert for today. The Extreme Heat Alert will be in effect until further notice.

During an Extreme Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids.  

In addition to using air-conditioned shopping malls, local libraries and neighbourhood community centres as places to cool off, the public can go to cooling centres that will be open during the Extreme Heat Alert at the following locations:
• Metro Hall - 55 John St. (24 hours)
• East York Civic Centre - 850 Coxwell Ave. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• North York Civic Centre - 5100 Yonge St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Driftwood Community Centre - 4401 Jane St. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Etobicoke Olympium - 590 Rathburn Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• McGregor Community Centre - 2231 Lawrence Ave. E. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Centennial Park Community Centre - 1967 Ellesmere Rd. (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Water and snacks are available at the seven cooling centres. Additional information on ways to help people cool off is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/housing/cooling-centres.htm. 

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.                                        
When an alert is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call the Canadian Red Cross Heat Information Line at 416-480-2615 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
   
Often high air pollution occurs during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at http://www.airhealth.ca. 

For more information: Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Weather forecasts are calling for  hot and humid weather this summer. If you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy a swim and cool down, head to one of Toronto’s many beaches. Eight of Toronto’s 11 beaches (Bluffer’s Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, Ward’s Island, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Woodbine Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Cherry Beach and Centre Island Beach) carry the internationally recognized designation of Blue Flag for high standards in water quality, cleanliness, safety and services. The entry point for these Blue Flag beaches would be The Beach neighbourhood in the east-end and the Toronto Island neighbourhood accessed by ferry boat from Toronto's Harbourfront neighbourhood along the downtown waterfront. 

Toronto’s beaches are:
• Bluffer’s Beach (Blue Flag)
• Centre Island Beach (Blue Flag)
• Cherry Beach (Blue Flag)
• Gibraltar Point Beach (Blue Flag)
• Hanlan’s Point Beach (Blue Flag)
• Kew-Balmy Beach (Blue Flag)
• Marie Curtis Park Beach
• Rouge Beach
• Sunnyside Beach
• Ward’s Island Beach (Blue Flag)
• Woodbine Beaches (Blue Flag)

From June to the end of August, the City of Toronto takes samples each day from the 11 supervised beaches across the city. Water samples are tested for E. Coli levels and must not exceed the provincial guidelines of 100 E. Coli per 100 ml of water. When water tests show high amounts of E. Coli bacteria, Toronto Public Health posts signs warning against swimming. Testing the samples usually takes 24 hours.

When enjoying a day at the beach, don’t swim or dive in unknown waters. Always check for rocks and an undertow, and swim with a buddy. City lifeguards are a great resource for information about beach safety and water quality.

For more information, call the City’s Beach Water Quality Hotline at 416-392-7161

If you don't feel like driving a long distance up north but want to experience camping in the great outdoors you might be surprised to learn that you can camp right here in the Greater Toronto Area. There are a number of excellent facilities to choose from each offering their own unique attractions, facilities and camping experience. While there is just one campground in the city itself there are many other options just outside the city in the suburbs.

The campground within the actual City of Toronto is the Glen Rouge Campground located in the northeast part of Scarborough. This campground is situated in Rouge Park, Canada's largest urban park. A vast trail system brimming with plant and animal life awaits your discovery. Keep a watchful eye and you just might spot a red fox, a white tailed deer, or a wild turkey hiding in the the shade of a tall stand of pine, hemlock and maple trees. If you are not a tent person you can also set up an RV trailer at one of 87 fully serviced sites. Some of these campsites are nestled along the scenic Rouge River for those who want to be close to the water. To make a reservation at Glen Rouge Campground call 416-338-2267.

The Toronto Suburbs offer many excellent camping options. Albion Hills Campground located in the Town of Caledon is situated within the vast Albion Hills Conservation Area. The setting is picturesque along the banks of the Humber River. Here campers can enjoy a swim, a paddle on the lake, fishing, and wonderful hiking and mountain biking on the 26 kilometres of trails. There are 234 serviced and un-serviced campsites at Albion Hills including pull-through sites for R.V.'s. Every campsite has its own picnic table and a firepit. For campsite reservations call 1-800-838-9921. 

The Indian Line Campground located in the Toronto Suburb of Brampton has a combined 240 serviced and un-serviced campsites. This campground is perfect for young families as it includes a children's play area and even has a swimming pool. You can also swim, fish and canoe in the lake. For more information call the Indian Line Campground toll free at 1-800-304-9728

Sibbald Point Provincial Park located at the north end of York Region, in the Town of Georgina on the shores of Lake Simcoe is just one hour from the City of Toronto. There are 604 campsites to choose from here. The beautiful sandy beach is the main attraction here. If you do not want to stay overnight this is also a perfect spot for a day picnic.Eildon Hall Museum and two large sports fields are additional attractions here. Reserve your campsite by calling 905-722-8061,

Bronte Creek Provincial Park is located in Halton Region between the municapalities of Oakville and Burlington. Attractions include a children's farm and play barn, and a nature centre with special events. There are 144 campsites to choose from at Bronte Creek. Hiking and cycling on park trails are popular activities. To book a campsite call 905-827-6911.

Darlington Provincial Park located in Durham Region just east of Oshawa is known for excellent bird watching. There are 315 campsites. The Park Store sells groceries, snacks, ice cream, camping supplies and park souvenirs. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly at (905) 436-2036.

The City of Toronto offers some wonderful summer camp options. Five of these options take place at City of Toronto historic sites. There camps are conveniently located at venues across the city that are easily accessible by TTC. All of these camps offer a unique set of programs designed to enrich children with skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime.

In the east Scarborough Museum hosts Adventure Camp for ages 6 through 11. At this camp children will learn 19th-century skills, arts and crafts, cooking, games, theatre arts and nature-hikes. In the Willowdale neighbourhood in North York campers can attend Gibson House. Here kids will enjoy hands-on activities from the pioneer days such as baking bread, puppet making and weaving. In the west-end High Park Discovery camp at Colborne Lodge offers full day programming for children ages 7 through 11 as well as half days for 5 and 6 year-olds. Activities offered include: crafts, games, nature activiries, and special visits to the High Park Zoo and Jamie Bell Adventure Playground. In East York nestled into the Todmorden Village neighbourhood the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site is the place to be for 5 to 8 year olds who are given the opportunity to explore various types of art as well as nature themes in the beautiful Don Valley ravine setting. In the Casa Loma neighbourhood situated in Midtown Toronto, the Spadina Museum provides a full day Art and Drama Camp for 8 to 13 year olds and half days for 5 to 7 year olds. There is also an Adventures in Archaelogy program for ages 10 to 14.

Canada Day activities throughout Toronto Neighbourhoods:

East

• Scarborough’s 44th Annual Canada Day Celebration will be held in Thomson Park (1005 Brimley Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration will include a free pancake breakfast, buskers, bouncy inflatables, gladiator jousting, a DJ, and live entertainment featuring Solid Sound International, Southern Fried, the Toronto All Star Big Band and Clave Kings. Families can also enjoy the kids' craft area and crafts show and sale, explore the Thompson Park Memorial Museum, and learn more about tennis through demonstrations. Seniors will also have the opportunity to participate in the Slo-Pitch Challenge ball game. More information is available by calling 416-396-4039. Admission is free.
• The 44th Annual Canada Day Parade begins at 4 p.m. west of the Scarborough Civic Centre on Brimley Road, ending at Lawrence Avenue East and Brimley Road at about 5:30 p.m. The parade will feature marching bands, drum and bugle corps, Miss Toronto, antique cars, clowns and floats. More information is available by calling 416-396-7566. Admission is free.
• The fireworks display at Milliken Park (Steeles Road and McCowan Road) will begin at dusk. For more information, call 416-396-7757. Admission is free.

North 
• The Old Style Community Picnic will be held at the Broadlands Community Centre and Park (19 Castlegrove Blvd.) from 1:30 to 4 p.m., hosted by the O’Connor Hills Ratepayers Association in conjunction with Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division. Activities include face painting, games, clown entertainment and folk singing. Admission is free. More information is available at 416-395-7966.

South and central
• The annual Canada Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park (Lake Shore Boulevard East, at the foot of Coxwell Avenue) will start at 9:45 p.m. Those planning to attend should use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home. Admission is free. 
• Hosted by East York Toronto Canada Day Corporation in co-operation with Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division, East York’s 54th Annual Canada Day Parade motorcade will start at 9 a.m. at the East York Town Centre (45 Overlea Blvd.). The motorcade will then make its way to Dieppe Park, where the marching bands will start at 10 a.m. The motorcade will then travel east to Stan Wadlow Park, at 888 Cosburn Ave., where the motorcade parade is scheduled to finish at noon.  
• The celebrations at Stan Wadlow Park will begin at 11 a.m. and finish at 10 p.m. Residents will be able to enjoy bingo, live entertainment and a display of antique cars. The fireworks display will start at 10:15 p.m. and the park will close at 11 p.m. Admission is free. 

West
• The 12th Annual Toronto Ribfest will be held at Centennial Park (256 Centennial Park Rd.) throughout the full Canada Day long weekend from June 30 to July 3, running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Activities include 13 professional ribbers from Canada and the United States, live music and midway rides. A spectacular fireworks display will be held at 10 p.m. on July 1 to celebrate Canada Day. Admission and parking for the Toronto Ribfest and Canada Day Weekend event is free. More information is available online at http://www.torontoribfest.com. 
• The Amesbury Canada Day Committee's 26th annual Canada Day event at Amesbury Park (1507 Lawrence Ave. W.) will start at 10 a.m. Activities include a pancake brunch, barbecue, live entertainment, marketplace, strongman’s competition and activities for children. A fireworks display will start at 10 p.m. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.amesburycanadaday.ca.                
• Canada Day Celebrations at Weston Lions Park (2125 Lawrence Ave. W.) will run from 5 to 10 p.m., concluding with a fireworks display. Festivities include live entertainment and children’s activities. More information is available by calling 416-392-4091.

Toronto's historic sites on Canada Day
In addition to the preceding parades and parks events, seven City of Toronto historic sites/museums will present a mixture of regular and special programming on Canada Day. Details follow. 

Canada Day at Fort York National Historic Site
Spend Canada's birthday and kick off the summer season with a full day of family fun at Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd. Canadian musicians and artists will perform, among them Chris Mckhool's Fiddlefire,  Kehewin Native Dance Theatre, and storytellers Shadow Puppetry and Bag of Trix, who will perform a break dance routine and present a workshop. There will also be a musket and artillery drill with fife-and-drum music. Visitors can enjoy tours, bring a picnic and learn the story of this national historic site. Admission is free. Hours of operation on Canada Day are from noon to 5 p.m. 

A Fort York Historic District Walking Tour
Starting and ending at the canteen at Fort York National Historic Site, this special walking tour explores the evolution and history of Fort York and the nearby Lake Ontario shoreline. Learn about the origins of Fort York, the fortification of the harbour, local railway and road building, and the subsequent industrial and recreational development of this vital area. Admission is free and the tour will take place rain or shine, starting at 1 p.m. and finishing at 2:30 p.m. 

For more information about the Canada Day events at the Fort York National Historic Site, call 416-392-6907.

Canada Day at Gibson House Museum 
Celebrate Canada's birthday with a journey to the community of Willow Dale, circa 1851, at the Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St. - just north of the North York Centre Subway Station. Experience a taste of the past with homemade ice cream, children’s activities in the Discovery Gallery and old-fashioned games on the lawn. Admission is "pay what you can." Gibson House Museum will be open on Canada Day from noon to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m.

Dominion Day Celebration at Montgomery's Inn 
Celebrate Canada's birthday with tea and strawberry shortcake at Montgomery's Inn, 4709 Dundas St. W. at Islington Avenue. Admission is $10 plus tax and is first come, first served. Montgomery Inn will be open on Canada Day from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information about the Dominion Day Celebration at Montgomery's Inn, call 416-394-8113.

Cake it up Canada at Scarborough Museum 
Visit the Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd., just north of Lawrence Avenue in Thomson Memorial Park, for cake and karaoke on Canada Day. Visitors will be able to sample historic treats and can consider entering a pie-eating contest. Families will also be able to share why they believe Canada is a great country at the Canadian Broadcast Speakers' Corner. Peameal bacon sandwiches and fresh strawberries with ice cream will be on sale as a fundraising activity for the Canadian Heritage Celebrate Canada Program. Hours of operation on Canada Day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. Parking spaces will be limited.

For more information about Cake it up Canada at the Scarborough Museum, call 416-338-8807.

Canada Day Weekend at Spadina Museum
If you have not seen Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd., since its interior restoration, the long weekend will be a great time to visit. Enjoy a stroll through the historic gardens that are already in bloom. Take one or more of the new themed tours that highlight the 1920s and '30s. The schedule of tours is available athttp://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/spadina-tours.htm. Regular admission applies: Adults $7.62; Seniors and Youth 13 to 18, $4.76; Children 6 to 12, $3.81 plus tax. Hours of operation are from Friday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.  

Canada Day at Todmorden Mills 
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon in the Don Valley to celebrate Canada Day at Todmorden Mills, located at the bottom of Pottery Road, east of the Bayview extension, west of Broadview Avenue. Tour the 19th century buildings, sample treats prepared in an historic kitchen and enjoy special activities for children. Admission is free. Hours of operation for Canada Day are from noon to 4 p.m. Due to road work, visit the website for special directions at http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/todmorden.htm.