AT LONG LAST: Corktowners will finally get a close-up look of the pavilion at Corktown Common when it opens to the public on Friday, June 28. Photo courtesy of Waterfront Toronto.

News from the community

The future of the Gardiner Expressway is an important issue to many Corktowners, whether they drive, cycle or just want to enjoy a sunny afternoon by the water’s edge. The City of Toronto along with Waterfront Toronto are currently going through an Environmental Assessment process to determine the best strategy for the section of the expressway between the Don Valley Parkway and Jarvis Street. For Torontoist, transportation guru Steve Munro has a good look at the major issues being addressed. You can follow the ER process at gardinereast.ca — click here to provide your feedback.

Councillor Pam McConnell has posted her highlights from the June meeting of Toronto City Council, if you’re curious to learn what’s going down at the clamshell. Pam has also revealed the winner of the Walks and Garden Public Art Competition, which is to mark a piece of Toronto’s history with an art display at Union Station.

Events for the week of June 24, 2013

Tonight — Monday, June 24 — marks the monthly public meeting of the West Don Lands Committee. This month, the agenda will include a presentation from Dundee Kilmer which will serve as an update on the Pan Am Games athletes’ village. The meeting will be held at 39 Parliament Street on the 11th floor — the entry code is #182. Things get started at 7 p.m.

Members of the public are invited to drop by Toronto City Hall on Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 for a drop-in event designed to discuss options for separated bike lanes on Richmond Street, Adelaide Street and Wellington Street. The event will be held in the City Hall rotunda, with staff available for questions. A formal presentation will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. View the City press release to learn more.

Two world premieres hit the stage on Wednesday, June 26 as the Young Centre for the Performing Arts hosts CLOUD 9 / 7e CIEL by award-winning choreographers Susie Burpee and Tedd Robinson. The limited runs ends on Saturday, June 29, so grab your tickets fast. They’re available online.

On Thursday, June 27, you’d be remiss to miss out on Councillor Pam McConnell’s annual neighbourhood walkabout. This year, Pam will be taking guests on a stroll through the West Don Lands. It’ll be the first chance the public gets to check out Corktown Common. You’ll feel like a VIP. Meet the councillor at the southwest corner of Queen Street east and River Street at 6 p.m, and remember to wear comfortable shoes.

If you do miss the walk and the special sneak preview of Corktown Common, good news — the park will officially open to the public on Friday, June 28. It’s an 18 acre park that includes playgrounds, a splash pad, an athletic field and a multi-use order space with a kitchenette, community tables, benches, BBQ and fireplace. You can access the park from Bayview at Lower River Street and via the Don River Trail at the Bala Underpass. Waterfront Toronto has the story in their monthly newsletter.

Wash down that new-park-euphoria with the return of the Gilead Wine Bar at the Gilead Bistro (4 Gilead Place). It returns on Friday, June 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. with feature drink deals, a menu with lots of favourites, plus the full cocktail and wine lists. No reservations required. View the event calendar to learn more.

On Saturday, June 29, our pals in Regent Park will play host to the Regent Park Film Festival’s First Outdoor Film. Screening at 9 p.m., Inside Story by award-winning South African director Rolie Nikiwe is an “uplifting story of the trials and tribulations of a young man whose dreams of football fame and fortune are jeopardized by an impulsive mistake.” The film will be shown at MDC Partners Courtyard at 585 Dundas Street East, on the South side of the Daniels Spectrum. Click here to learn more.

All week long, the Toronto Jazz Festival rolls on, with lots of great shows at Corktown venues the Dominion on Queen, Pure Sprits and the Distillery District Trinity Stage. Don’t miss it.

It’s also Pride Week across Toronto, culminating with the big parade this weekend. Visit Pride Toronto’s website for a full rundown of events.

And Monday, July 1 is of course Canada Day, so wear your red and white to celebrate. The fireworks will be going off at Ashbridge’s Bay at about 9 p.m.

Got a story about something happening in or around Corktown? Email website@corktown.ca.