CCRA PRESIDENT Gay Cowbourne: April 1999 "So what's the CCRA Executive working on right now?" I was recently asked. Well, here goes - and this is only SOME of it! The Manson Ontario Municipal Board Hearing The first phase of the Manson OMB, dealing with the Planning issues, is over. Many people came to the Community Session of the Hearing at the West Rouge Community Centre and to the Public Information Session held at Mowat. Such a show of public support at these meetings gave Yellow Moon and the Board a very loud message - HANDS OFF OUR PARK! (See Joe's OMB report for more details.) Demolition of Manson Factory We've heard rumours that an application has been made for a demolition permit but so far we have no facts. The building is becoming dangerous and has to come down at some point soon. The CCRA will be very involved in all aspects of this project. The Lakeshore Trail Taking community comments into account the plans have been completed for the section of The Lakeshore Trail from Highland Creek to the Rouge River. The Environmental Assessment has been formally submitted to the Ministry of the Environment and is awaiting the Ministry's approval and/or comments. A copy of every comment sheet was included. There are several copies of the EA in the Port Union Library. The cost for this project will be divided equally between the Federal, Provincial and City governments. The City of Toronto has already committed its share in the 1999 and 2000 budgets. However, neither the Provincial or Federal governments have, as yet, fulfilled their obligation. The CCRA continues to remind Steve Gilchrist, MPP and John McKay, MP of their commitment to this important community project. The Village Common Because of its location, this project ties in closely with The Lakeshore Trail and with the Manson property. Part of the plan is to build out into Lake Ontario (a node) so that an access tunnel can be built under the rail tracks at the south end of Port Union Road. Until the node is constructed south of the tracks, there can be no tunnel. The node is part of the Lakeshore Trail. The Morrish General Store at Meadowvale and #2 Built in 1890, this store has been vacant for several years. Recently there was discussion at Council to obtain the store for use as a Scarborough Archives Centre. A letter of support for the preservation of this historic building was sent to the City Clerk. CCRA's 50th Anniversary 1949-1999 The new logo competition is drawing to a close. Contact Marg Penny for more details - or click here Plans are being made for a 10K Fun Run, a repeat of last year's Jazzfest, a 50th Anniversary Dance in October, and more. We'll keep you posted as 50th Anniversary plans are finalized. Annual 50s dance, April 10 Always a fun event. Cost is $20 per person which includes dinner. Tickets may still be available. Call Tony Lamanna or Joan Gruchy. (see Contacts for phone numbers) Highland Creek Heritage Day and Parade Scheduled for Saturday June 19, this event with all day entertainment will include a parade, street vendors, craft and flea market, children's entertainment and a beer tent. For more details - click here Scarborough East 2000 Festival Plans are in the initial stages for a large scale weekend celebration organized by the combined representatives of many local community and social groups, including the CCRA. Traffic The huge increase in area traffic continues to be a concern. We have established a committee to monitor it and we appreciate your comments. I hope this begins to answer the question of what we're working on right now. If you would like to help out with any of these activities in either a small way or as part of the organizing team, please give me a call. Your time and expertise would be very much appreciated.