Greater Beach Neighbourhood Association
Many residents and small merchants in the Greater Beach area are witnessing a rapid rate of new development that proceeds on a site-by-site basis. This raises many concerns including:
- loosing well established character areas throughout the city
- pressure on aging infrastructure
- risk of damage to property due to flooding
- severe traffic congestion and parking problems
- threats to ravines
A growing number of residents are voicing their individual concerns through their independent resident associations, each one covering a small portion of our area and often focused on a particular issue or project. However, many are realizing that collectively they share the same concerns, and that there are benefits in collaborating. This was the catalyst that brought together all major Resident Associations and the founding of the Greater Beach Neighbourhoods Association (GBNA) during January, 2012. GBNA and existing Resident Associations are independent organizations that closely work with one another.
The area we serve:
GBNA interests cover greater Beach area, from Coxwell to the Toronto Hunt Club and Victoria Park, from Lake Ontario to the railway corridor.
Our focus and expertise:
GBNA is primarily focused on land-use planning and development, and leverages the highly specialized expertise of other RA groups for the benefit of the entire community. Examples include the Friends of Glen Davies Ravine lending their unique expertise regarding development on or near ravines and Kew Beach Neighbourhood Association regarding Storm Water Management. GBNA contributes to solutions through select work groups or committees, such as the Visioning study that contributed to new Urban Design Guidelines for Queen Street East . Keeping individual members closely engaged in developing the policy and strategy directions is a key principle in how GBNA operates.
GBNA also recognizes the importance of input from social and economic agencies for policies, planning and long-term strategies that promote the mixed socio-economic profile of our neighbourhood. It will host public meetings, where citizens can combine their voices and play a valuable role in developing sustainable and vibrant Greater Beach neighbourhoods for generations to come.
GBNA will:
- Advocate for fair and equitable planning practices
- Provide information to residents on planning and development concerns
- Encourage appropriate development
- Oppose inappropriate development, including assessing the viability of opposing such proposals at the Ontario Municipal Board
The Greater Beach area has a long and proud tradition of community engagement and civic responsibility. For example, thanks to the foresight and tireless efforts of a past generation to preserve our waterfront, thousands of Torontonians from far and wide continue to throng to our famous boardwalk. Please help us to continue to be responsible stewards.