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Greg29Toronto
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Residents claim victory in beach battle
May 3, 2006. 05:18 AM
JOHN GODDARD
STAFF REPORTER
Parkdale residents have claimed victory as the Boulevard Club withdrew its bid to encroach into neighbouring Dowling Beach.
"I interpret this as a direct result of public pressure," Parkdale Residents Association president Craig Peskett said of the decision contained in a letter from the club to local city Councillor Sylvia Watson.
The club's board of directors decided last Thursday to withdraw its bid to expand into the public beach, Boulevard Club communications director Allison Martin said.
"We're interested in working with the community," she said of the club's interest in becoming a participant in a broad study and consultation process that Watson proposed last week to city council. No comprehensive plan yet exists for the lakeshore west of the Canadian National Exhibition grounds.
The Boulevard Club borders the western edge of Dowling Beach, long used by Parkdale swimmers and sunbathers.
Peskett said he hopes "the next domino to fall" will be the Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club, which is seeking to expand at least 20 metres into the beach from the east.
A third outstanding issue in the area is an approved parking lot on green space next to the historic Palais Royale, which is to undergo renovations west of the Boulevard Club.
"Parkdale residents support the restoration of the building," Peskett said.
"We hope (the architects and city hall) can come up with a plan to reverse the decision on the parking lot."
May 3, 2006. 05:18 AM
JOHN GODDARD
STAFF REPORTER
Parkdale residents have claimed victory as the Boulevard Club withdrew its bid to encroach into neighbouring Dowling Beach.
"I interpret this as a direct result of public pressure," Parkdale Residents Association president Craig Peskett said of the decision contained in a letter from the club to local city Councillor Sylvia Watson.
The club's board of directors decided last Thursday to withdraw its bid to expand into the public beach, Boulevard Club communications director Allison Martin said.
"We're interested in working with the community," she said of the club's interest in becoming a participant in a broad study and consultation process that Watson proposed last week to city council. No comprehensive plan yet exists for the lakeshore west of the Canadian National Exhibition grounds.
The Boulevard Club borders the western edge of Dowling Beach, long used by Parkdale swimmers and sunbathers.
Peskett said he hopes "the next domino to fall" will be the Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club, which is seeking to expand at least 20 metres into the beach from the east.
A third outstanding issue in the area is an approved parking lot on green space next to the historic Palais Royale, which is to undergo renovations west of the Boulevard Club.
"Parkdale residents support the restoration of the building," Peskett said.
"We hope (the architects and city hall) can come up with a plan to reverse the decision on the parking lot."