Cabbagetown BIA approves landscaping study, graffiti cleanup

At the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area’s March meeting, their board of management approved several new ideas that will help them create big changes along Gerrard, Parliament and Carlton.

First, the Board approved a landscaping and design study for local shopping areas. A request for proposals has been distributed to five architectural firms. The BIA is seeking a set of guidelines that will help them add new furniture, new landscaping and other design elements to the streets.

Second, the on-going improvements (started last Fall) at Anniversary Park have been given a new push by the board. They want a park that is a welcoming gateway into the south end of the area, as well as a pleasant spot for residents and visitors to use for community events and personal relaxation.

These are two of the first initiatives to come from the board’s new public spaces committee chaired by Maggie O’Connor.

Third, graffiti will be the focus of a clean-up push. Property owners are responsible for the removal of unsightly graffiti and the BIA will be reminding them that the city’s bylaws insist that it be removed quickly.

Finally, the BIA will be working with the Cabbagetown Preservation Association to promote more walking tours of the neighbourhood as a draw for tourists and convention visitors. A new group in the BIA will be set up soon to focus on tourism promotion and to ensure that a tourism emphasis is added throughout their programs.