You’re Invited: Activities in Ontario March 9 – May 4, 2014 + Toronto Alerts

This video presents “Activities for kids in Toronto during March Break.”

  • “CityNews reporter Rima Kar with how to keep them busy every day of the week.”

Here are some great activities before, during and after March Break (March 10 -16).

  • Most activities and events are FREE.

Indoor And Outdoor Family Fun in Ontario

Toronto’s Activities

Gibson House is a welcoming place for the community to find out about the history of the area or to gather and share crafts, traditions and recipes. Contact them at 416-395-7432 or gibsonhouse@toronto.ca

  • Pay-What-You-Wish Thursday Night SocialsOpen to 5 to 8 p.m.
    • Enjoy a relaxing, social evening 1850s style.
    • Have some tea and sit by the fire in the kitchen, play board games and chat with neighbours and friends.
    • Drop by the community quilt group and see what they are creating – add a stitch or two, if you wish.
    • Children may explore hands-on activities and crafts.
    • Activities will vary each week and they welcome your ideas and suggestions for future Thursdays.
    • Admission is pay-what-you-wish.
  • Community Quilt Group Get-togethers:  Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Relax and meet new friends while you improve your crafting skills.
    • We invite members of all ages from North York’s diverse communities to join our informal evenings of learning and sharing.
    • You’ll explore both historic and contemporary quilting techniques in a comfortable, social setting.
    • Work on a group project or pay a small fee for materials and make your own piece.
    • Even if you have never picked up a needle and thread before you are welcome to join in.
    • FREE.
    • Call 416-395-7432 or e-mail gibsonhouse@toronto.ca
  • Are you interested in Weaving? Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
    • Their small but dedicated group of weavers has been making textiles for their museum programs and gift shops for years.The products are so popular they need more hands to help.
    • If you have basic weaving experience and are interested in helping them grow this group and their weaving activities at the museum – please join them.
    • Please call to confirm your interest. After your initial orientation, you can drop in to weave any time (pre-arranged).
    • Call 416-395-7432 for more information.
  • Keeping You In Stitches – Knitting and Crochet Sunday Socials: Every Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Join them in the parlour for a relaxing afternoon of knitting and crocheting.
    • All ages and skill levels are welcome!
    • Bring your own projects from home or try out one of our fun patterns and add something to our #yarnbomb.
    • Extra needles, hooks, corkers, and yarn for practice and experimentation will be available.
    • It is FREE to participate, however, donations are always welcome.

Scarborough Museum. Contact them at 416-338-8807 or shm@toronto.ca .

  • March Weekends –  12 to 4 p.m.
    • Check out family fun activities at Scarborough Museum!
    • Sample fresh baked treats, join in a scavenger hunt and try out a simple craft.
    • Admission is pay-what-you-wish.
  • March Break Weekend Drop-in Saturday & SundayMarch 8 & 9, 15 & 16
    12 to 4 p.m.

    • Sample fresh baked treats, join in a scavenger hunt, and try out a simple craft.
    • Admission is pay-what-you-wish.

Todmorden Mills. Contact them at 416-396-2819 or todmorden@toronto.ca

  • Papermill Gallery Exhibitions: March 26 to May 4
    • In the Papermilll Gallery:
      • Botanical Artists of Canada March 26 to April 6
      • Danforth Collegiate April 9 to 20
      • Bulgarian Artists April 23 to May 4
      • Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Friday: Noon to 4 p.m.
      • Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 4:30 pm
      • Admission is FREE
  • Earth Day at Todmorden MillsApril 19, 12 to 4 p.m.

    • Discover what you can do to help the planet!
    • Participate in creating collaborative, environmentally-friendly artwork.
    • Tour the Wildflower Preserve to discover the natural habitats of the Don Valley.
    • Learn about the impact of industrialization on our landscape through a special guided tour of the site.
    • Admission is FREE.

Centennial and Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centres

  • Skiing and Snowboarding
    • Centennial and Earl Bales ski and snowboard centres will be open from March 10 to 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Regular hours at each centre will resume March 15 and 16 (weather permitting).
    • Both ski and snowboard centres will close for the season at the end of the day on March 16.
    • More information is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/ski.
      • The use of helmets is mandatory when participating in programs and lessons at both centres and the use of a recognized ski or snowboard helmet is strongly recommended for all other participants while on the slopes.

Skating

  • Twenty-eight outdoor artificial ice rinks are open until the end of the day on March 16, weather permitting.
  • Indoor leisure skating programs, including caregiver and tot, family skate and shinny, are FREE for all ages.
  • CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under six years of age, all shinny hockey participants and are recommended for skaters of all ages.
  • For schedules and locations please see: http://www.toronto.ca/skate.
  • Family Skate at Ricoh Coliseum
    • Families are invited for FREE skating sessions from March 10 to 14 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
    • Bring your own skating gear – Ricoh Coliseum does not rent equipment.
      • Children 12 years and under are required to wear a CSA-approved helmet.
      • Family skate sessions are first-come, first-served and no more than 250 people are permitted on the ice at any time.
      • A liability waiver will be available at the Coliseum and must be signed upon entry by a parent or caregiver 18 years or older.
    • The entrance is next to the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, off Nunavut Rd.
    • More information is available by calling 311.

Swimming

  • City of Toronto pools offer March Break swimming opportunities for everyone.
  • More information is available at: www.toronto.ca/swim

Riverdale Farm (located at 201 Winchester St.)

  • Tour the farm’s scenic grounds to see cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and cats.
  • While there, visit the Meeting House for drop-in craft activities from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Farming demonstrations occur at 10:30 a.m. (goat), 12:30 p.m. (horse) and 1:30 p.m. (cow).
  • The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is accessible to all.
  • Admission is FREE.
  • More information is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks.

High Park Zoo (located on Deer Pen Rd.)

  • Toronto’s oldest zoo is celebrating 120 years.
  • The zoo offers both domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle and sheep.
  • The zoo is open daily, year round from 7 a.m. to dusk.
  • More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/.

Toronto Islands

  • Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, the Toronto Islands offer March Break fun for the whole family.
  • It’s a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy the city skyline.
  • For a list of ferry fees and the schedule, visit: www.toronto.ca/parks/island.

Playground Paradise (located at Flemingdon Park CC, 150 Grenoble Dr.)

  • Playground Paradise offers excellent family fun for children aged 12 and under.
  • Kids can play on a two-storey play structure, go down the spiral slide, swing on the track ride, climb the cargo elevator, talk to friends through the talk tube and play in the ball pool, holding more than 8,000 balls.
  • March Break public hours:• March 10, 12 and 14: 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
    • March 11 and 13: 10 a.m. to noon.
  • A flat fee of $2.50 per child applies.
  • More information is available by calling 416-395-6014.

Preview of spring flower shows

  • The spring flower shows are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory, 151 Elmcrest Rd. and Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave.
    • Both shows feature various spring flowering plants.
  • The Easter flower shows open at both conservatories on April 13 to May 4 and includes lilies and hydrangeas.
  • The conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is FREE.
  • More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288.

Museums and historic sites:

Leisure activities and camps for children and families:

  • More information about leisure activities and camps for children and families is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

Toronto Alerts

Change clocks and smoke alarm batteries this weekend

  • Daylight saving time starts this weekend, when we need to turn our clocks ahead one hour.
    • Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that it’s also time to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms – and carbon monoxide alarms if you have them.
  • Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every level and outside all sleeping areas.
  • By providing early warning and critical extra seconds for escape, working smoke alarms can cut in half your family’s chance of dying in a fire.
  • Smoke Alarm Tips
    • When installing a smoke alarm, read the manufacturer’s instructions on proper placement, testing and maintenance.
    • Test your smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
    • Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.
    • Replace smoke alarms if they are 10 years and older.
    • Avoid removing the battery as response to the activation of a smoke alarm from cooking or steam.
      Instead of removing the battery, move the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush-button feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.
  • Homeowners have a responsibility to install and maintain their smoke alarms. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties comply with the law.
  • Tenants whose rented properties do not have the required number of smoke alarms should contact their landlord immediately.
    • It is against the law for tenants to remove smoke alarm batteries or to tamper with their alarms in any way.
  • Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both.
  • More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention.

New TTC signage, colour-coded line numbers to ease subway station navigation

This video presents “New Subway Station Signage on the TTC” in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

  • Let them know what you think at ttc.ca or email: wayfinding@ttc.ca.

  • This is an update to the previous blog, Toronto Alerts & Events Oct.29-Nov.21 + City Board Vacancies-Apply Before 4:30 P.M. Nov.18, 2013.
    • In October last year, the TTC board endorsed a presentation by staff to apply already-existing line numbers and colour-coding to the four subway and RT lines, make greater use of pictograms, and improve station entrance signage across the city.
  • The Toronto Transit Commission recently launched the trial of new wayfinding signage at Bloor-Yonge Station as part of its efforts to improve and ease navigation of the subway system and its stations.
  • Subway lines are not being renamed; rather, applying line numbers and colours already in use to existing line names will make navigating the TTC that much easier for frequent, occasional and first-time riders, as well as those whose first language is not English.
  • The line numbers reflect the order in which a line was built.
    • Line 1 is being applied to the Yonge-University-Spadina line.
    • Line 2 – Bloor-Danforth line.
    • Line 3 –  Scarborough RT.
    • Line 4 – Sheppard line.
    • The now-under construction Eglinton-Crosstown line will become Line 5 when it opens.
    • The TTC will apply lines five through seven to the future LRT lines approved and funded by Metrolinx to its wayfinding system.
  • Subway platforms will also see enhanced “you are here” maps to further aid riders using the system.
  • There will also be improved signage for those with disabilities.
  • St George Station, the TTC’s second busiest subway interchange station, will receive new wayfinding signage in the coming weeks.
  • Staff will then begin surveying customers as they pass through both Bloor-Yonge Station and St George Station to gather feedback.
  • Any necessary refinements will then be made before roll-out across the TTC by the end of 2015.
    • No new money is required for this project, as all design and production is being done-in-house.
  • Please click here for more info.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Contact Info

  • Information on fares, routes, schedules and service.
    • 416-393-4636 (INFO)

    • Recorded information available 24 hours daily.

    • Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays.

    • TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays.

  • Main Switchboard
    • 416-393-4000

    • Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

City of Toronto Contact Info

Phone within Toronto city limits: 311.

Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311).

TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca

If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

March 3, 2014

Changes to peak-period parking and turn restrictions on three downtown Toronto streets

The City of Toronto is extending peak period parking and turning restrictions on Queen Street, King Street and Adelaide Street to reduce congestion in the downtown core.

City Council at its December meeting approved the Downtown Transportation Operations Study. The new regulations will extend stopping, standing and turning restrictions along the three streets during morning and afternoon rush hour periods.

“With the increasing duration of our rush hours in the city, these changes on King Street, Queen Street and Adelaide Street will help to keep streetcars and drivers moving during these periods,” said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

The restrictions will now extend from 7 to 10 a.m. in the morning and from 3 to 7 p.m. in the afternoon along Queen Street and King Street from Jarvis Street in the east to Bathurst Street in the west. On Adelaide Street, the changes will be in effect for the same time period from Yonge Street to University Avenue.

Congestion has a significant impact on the quality of life for residents and carries an economic cost to businesses. Recent studies have indicated that congestion costs Toronto commuters several billions of dollars annually in travel delays and vehicle operating costs, as well as increasing vehicle emissions.

This initiative is one of several that are planned as part of the Congestion Management Strategy developed by the City’s Transportation Services division. Among other initiatives:
• dedicated curbside loading zones for delivery companies
• upgrading the City’s traffic signal management software to a new system by the end of 2014
• the re-evaluation and co-ordination of approximately 1,000 traffic signals over the next three years
• the installation of 100 traffic cameras on arterial roads to better detect problems on these key transportation routes, and
• the addition of 13 variable message signs along the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway

These changes will allow the City to better respond to changes in traffic conditions, provide motorists with updated information to allow them to change routes as necessary, and improve traffic efficiency along key corridors.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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