The Globe and Mail reported today that Levels of raw sewage increasing in waterways. It is based on a report by  Ecojustice (formerly the Sierra Legal Defense Fund) just published on municipal sewage overflows in Ontario, called Flushing Out the Truth. According to the report, in 2006 Toronto released over 284 MILLION litres of raw sewage into the lake. Ecojustice also created a report, called Green Cities, Great Lakes, which recommends green infrastructure to prevent Combine Sewage Overflows. Among its recommendations is street trees to soak up rain flow; ie: a Living Sidewalk!

The Roncesvalles Renewed team invites you to participate in a walk up Roncesvalles to look at the broad reconstruction plan and to develop ideas for input to the City of Toronto. We will meet at the Grafton Parkette, at the bottom of Roncesvalles on the east side at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday June 6. We will walk up the street with a map of the new features, discussing the following areas:

• Tree location
• Street furniture
• Transit platform design
• Lighting
• Crosswalks Bumpouts at intersections
• And whatever else might come up that is consistent with the overall plan.

The Roncesvalles Environmental Assessment (EA) was approved unanimously at the Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee meeting on May 5th. The report is available for review on the City's website.

After the report is endorsed by City Council, Councillor Gord Perks will facilitate community meetings to discuss specific design details for a renewed Roncesvalles Avenue!

Danish architect Jan Gehl is one of the world’s foremost experts on transforming public spaces and creating walking-friendly environments. He led the development of London, England’s ambitious pedestrian plan, and he is an important influence in New York’s recent transformation of its streets (discussed in the latest Spacing Radio podcast).

He will be speaking for free in Toronto at the Design Exchange on June 3.