Many to thank for Earth Day event

By Kathy Rowe

Earth Day was a huge success and I have many people to thank for that. The volunteers who came out to do the community cleanup collected massive amounts of garbage from the boulevards, culverts and bushes. They were rewarded with a free barbecue lunch expertly prepared by Rudy Kirpal. 

The Port Union Seniors were generous with their time by serving coffee and tea and helping to sign in cleanup volunteers. Members of the Rouge Butterflyway put together a wonderful table full of information about native plants.

Bob Lalonde and his volunteers led many workshops where children built their own wooden planter. West Rouge Sports and Recreation president Louise Bonnycastle led the crafts and seedling giveaways with her group of volunteers.

Thank you to the staff at Iron Mountain for supplying the shredding truck for important papers. Realtor Sue Anfang sponsored the delicious donuts that were baked at the Port Union Bakery. Lions Club volunteer Gary Dale was there to promote the sale of rain barrels. I’d also like to thank volunteers from Friends of the Rouge Watershed for educating residents about the amazing work they do restoring and protecting watersheds and conservation lands.

The volunteer fixers from the Repair Café were busy revitalizing appliances for residents and we all know what a valuable service that is! Many thanks to the 2nd Highland Creek Scouts, led by Kevin Beleskey, who worked long hours at the West Rouge Community Centre with their recycling drive.

The free compost made available at the West Rouge C.C. was supplied by the City of Toronto. Big thanks to Rob McMulkin, Community Recreation Programmer for making room for this event at the Port Union Recreation Centre.

Our Community Earth Day Event would not have been possible without the many volunteers and the combined funds from the CCRA, WRSR and WRCA. You can view some photos here.

CCRA Spring Fling Dinner Dance

Our annual community dinner dance is back! On May 27, join us at the new Royal Canadian Legion at 305 Morrish Rd. for a fun evening of food and dancing. Highland Creek butcher shop HQ Meats will be catering this event and the food promises to be spectacular. Details on purchasing tickets.

43 Police Division CPLC Picnic Returns!

On Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 43 Division will be hosting their long-awaited community picnic. Enjoy free food, entertainment and crafts for the kids while socializing with neighbours. The CCRA is pleased to be one of the sponsors this year. We hope you will make time to take part in this fun-filled family event.

Speed Camera Correction

I want to thank the readers who wrote to point out the error last month about the speed camera on Lawrence. Here is the correction and clarification on the topic:

Total fines for speeding drivers will consist of a set provincial fine, a victim surcharge and any court costs. No demerit points will be issued through the program.

Here’s how the set fines break down:

  • Speeding 1-19 km/h will result in a fine of $5 per km
  • Speeding 20-29 km/h will result in a fine of $7.50 per km
  • Speeding 30-49 km/h will result in a fine of $12 per km
  • Speeding 50 km/h will mean an automatic court summons for the vehicle owner 

As an example, someone speeding 49 km/h could see a fine of up to $718. That includes a set fine of $588, a victim surcharge of $125 and $5 in court costs, the city says.