How to prepare for a lot-split/overbuilding application, at the Committee of Adjustment and the Toronto Local Appeal Body

Duped at the Door? – CBC Marketplace broadcast

Some years ago, after I was contacted by a Phil Gray, Second World War veteran and writer, I began to write posts about scams and scamming. I never met Phil Gray in person, but got to know him through our email conversations. He was an early supporter of the work that I was doing at […]

Ron Jamieson of Long Branch shares four concerns regarding 27 Thirty Ninth decision by Etobicoke York Committee of Adjustment

I have been following with interest some local news updates, concerning a recent Etobicoke York Committee of Adjustment decision regarding 27 Thirty Ninth St. in Long Branch. Ron Jamieson has noted, by way of sharing highlights of recent land-use planning events: I read the Planning memorandum for 27 Thirty Ninth, and the original, dated December 27, 2017 […]

How History Classes Helped Create a ‘Post-Truth’ America – Aug. 2, 2018 Atlantic Monthly article

As many people have noted, there’s much to be said for thinking critically about the past – and about the present also. A previous post is entitled: Canadians and Their Pasts (2013). Digital Film-making (2014). I thought about the above-noted March 5, 2014 post, when I read an Aug. 2, 2018 Atlantic Monthly article entitled: […]

Affluence – not willpower -seems to be what’s behind some kids’ capacity to delay gratification – June 1, 2018 Atlantic Monthly article

I have a key interest in evidence, and in the framing (that is, the positioning of it, in the individual and public mind) of it. That being the case, I was interested to read about recent research seeking to replicate what is know as the “marshmallow test” of children’s capacity of delayed gratification. One of […]

Homeowner fights to save 100-year-old trees, set to be torn down by developer – Aug. 2, 2018 CBC article

An Aug. 2, 2018 CBC article is entitled: “Homeowner fights to save 100-year-old trees, set to be torn down by developer: Regional Group originally promised to save the trees.” The opening paragraphs read: A homeowner in Old Ottawa East is fighting to save century-old trees from being torn down by a developer who originally promised […]

Local resident Ron Jamieson, with a strong background in data analysis, outlines emerging trends in land-use decision making in Long Branch

Having lived in Long Branch for 21 years, I’ve noticed that some residents just spin their wheels, while others get things done. On May 30, 2018 I spoke with Ron Jamieson, whose background includes marketing and engineering. Given his strong analytical skills, and a strong attachment to Long Branch, Ron gets things done. At our interview, we spoke […]

Mississauga South Historical Society Public Presentation at Riverwood Conservancy, Chappell Estate – Tuesday, July 31, 2018 @ 7 PM

Following message is from Jonathan Giggs of Mississauga: Our next event is next Tuesday July 31 at 7 PM when we travel to Mississauga’s hidden gem The Chappell Estate at The Riverwood Conservancy.  Our speaker is Dave Taylor, the Conservancy’s Education Program Consultant and renown author and wildlife photographer. Dave’s talk is entitled Coyote: The […]

Public Forum on State of Toronto’s Heritage – Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Following message has been forwarded by Geoff Kettel of Leaside: FYI ______________________ Dear members of Toronto’s neighbourhood and community associations, Heritage Toronto is kicking off its consultation process for the 2018/2019 State of Heritage report. The report, released every election year, incorporates public feedback and research to provide recommendations for the incoming City Council. On […]

Walking Home (2011) by Ken Greenberg speaks of a one-sentence lesson

I recently came across an index card written some time back, featuring a quote (p. 64) from Walking Home: The Life and Lessons of a City Builder (2011) I’ve written previously about this book, by Ken Greenberg, which I found of much interest. A previous post, in which I refer to Walking Home (2011), is […]