Morningside Crossing Grand Opening

September 27, 2008 saw the end of 3 years of uncertainty, demolition and frantic construction on the site of the old Morningside Mall in the heart of West Hill.

Neglected and in severe decline for many years, the Mall was finally purchased by First Capital who announced plans for the complete demolition of the Mall and the construction of a modern shopping centre in its place.

Today the dream of a completely new and modern shopping experience was unveiled. As Dori Segal, President and CEO of First Capitol Reality declared the new Shopping Centre open steel drums were playing, kiddies were enjoying a carnival atmosphere and parents were heading for the new stores.

On hand to welcome the new facility to West Hill, on behalf of the City, were Councillor's Ron Moeser from Ward 44 and Paul Ainslie from nearby Ward 43.

The new Centre meets the stringent LEED environmental standard making it the Greater Toronto Area's first Green Shopping Centre. A milestone commemorated by a plaque unveiled on the site.

90% of the old Mall was reused on the site; the Centre uses 25% less energy and 30% less indoor water consumption. A 500 cubic metre storage tank is buried under the main parking lot to store captured rainwater from the roofs of the buildings to be used for on-site irrigation. Parking lot lighting is all focused down where its needed and not up into the night sky blocking the view of the stars.

But it wasn't the Centre's environmental friendliness, the rides, the free gifts, the food or the band that was exciting the thousands who came out to celebrate this newly reinvigorated centre of the West Hill area, it was the new shopping experience and the beautiful new stores.

West Hill's Family Fun Day 2008

West Hill's Annual Family Fun Day at Heron Park was a rousing success with well over 1000 people attending.



With not stop concerts, displays by Metro Zoo, bouncing castles, bingo, food, drink free giveaways, face painting and numerous other events it was a feast for the mind and body.

The event was thanks to the tireless work of Toronto Parks Recreation and Forestry, The Manse Valley Community Association, The Coronation Community Association of West Hill and Resident's Rising.

Thanks go out to our numerous participants including Storefront, Toronto Police 43 Division, Toronto Public Library and every one who donated their time or just came out to have Fun.

See you all next year!

Adult Day Centre

Nancy North is feeling emotionally conflicted. A young college student is completing her field placement at West Hill’s Adult Day Centre and will soon be leaving. Nancy is proud of the woman for completing her course but saddened to see her go.

“Students bring a wonderful energy with them,” Nancy explains. “The seniors in our program benefit from that and, I believe our students benefit from their interactions with our seniors as well.”

Nancy is the Manager of the West Hill Community Services Adult Day Centre, located in a small plaza at Manse and Kingston Rd. Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care through the Central East LHIN, along with user fees, the Centre presents safe, recreational and therapeutic programs for adults affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The Centre’s clients range from 50 to 90 years of age.

The Centre provides its programs in a “club-like” setting. Along with lunch and snacks, the Centre involves the seniors in discussions, songs, dance, arts, crafts and a range of social outings. The Centre’s programs and services make available the additional supports necessary for people to age gracefully and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

The programs and services are as individual as the clients. For some, the Centre is a place to go one afternoon a week. Others attend every day, either picked up at their homes by the Centre’s van or brought to the centre by family members. The Centre can accommodate up to 20 adults at a time.

“We are especially proud of our new garden,” Nancy explains. With funding from the Junior League of Toronto, the Scarborough Garden and Horticultural society has created a therapeutic garden at the front of the building. With flower, herb and vegetable boxes tall enough for seniors to sit on the rim and help with the planting, the beautiful garden provides the Centre not only with fresh herbs and vegetables, but also involves the seniors in a range of sensory experiences appealing to touch and taste while providing a visual feast for the eyes.

“We just picked our first zucchini of the year,” Nancy tells me with a proud smile.

The Centre also offers Bereavement, Peer and Caregiver Supports along with Education sessions.

For more information about the Centre visit the West Hill Community Services website at www.westhill-cs.on.ca .

The Guild Alive With Culture

In case you missed one of the area's great summer cultural events, Alive With Culture at the Guild Inn, here is a sampling of what you missed.

Picture the grounds of the Guild Inn alive with tents hosting paintings from portraits to abstract, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, clothing, arts and crafts, two stages featuring musicians and story tellers, a farmers market food, drinks and tours of the historic grounds. Over 2000 people strolling by enjoying one of the nicest days of the summer.

Or just watch this brief video--



City Councilor Paul Ainslie, one of the sponsors of the Event, was pleased with the success of the day and has announced plans to expand it to a two day event next year.

Shoppers Drug Mart Opens

The first store in the final phase of the development of Morningside Crossing, Shoppers Drug Mart has now opened.

The large Shoppers is open until midnight every night.

Shoppers was one of the anchor stores in the old Morningside Mall, so this is really coming home for the store chain.

Food Basics next door to Shoppers is nearing completion and has posted a notice alerting local residents to submit job applications.

Morningside Crossing replaces Morningside Mall which was demolished last year to make way for this new development.

Festival Market Returns For Second Year

West Hill's Festival Market has returned to the park at St. Margaret-In-The Pines for a second straight year.

Held every Thursday between 3 and 6 pm, the beautiful garden market features crafts, food, stilt walkers and entertainment.

Crowds flock around the organic vegetables, browse the craft tables, visit with friends or rest under the shade of the many trees. Children dance or play catch while their parents visit the many displays.

This is a unique event in the West Hill area and well worth a visit.

The Market can be found on Lawrence just East of Kingston Rd.

HAPPY CANADA DAY WEST HILL!