Safe disposal options for fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps/lights

UPDATE

CAPREIT IS NOT PERMITTED TO STORE DISPOSED FLUORESCENT BULBS ON SITE. HOME DEPOT, LOWES & RONA APPARENTLY HAVE APPROVED FLUORESCENT DISPOSAL CONTAINERS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO DISPOSE THEIR BULBS. CHECK OUT THE LINKS PROVIDED BELOW.

Please don't throw out household hazardous waste out in the ordinary trash...

Energy-saving fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), also known as compact fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, a poisonous heavy metal, which is used to produce their light. In small amounts, these fluorescent tubes along with CFLs are not legally considered hazardous waste in Ontario. However, the City of Toronto directs residents to safely dispose of fluorescent tubes and CFLs using one of the following options:

Drop off fluorescent tubes and CFLs at one of the City's Drop-off Depots that take household hazardous waste(HHW).


Make an appointment with the Toxic Taxi if you have 10-50 kilograms/litres of household hazardous waste to pick up your HHW.

Bring fluorescent tubes and CFLs to your local Community Environment Day event.
What happens to fluorescent tubes and CFLs?

Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps/compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are sent for recycling to a Kitchener area company in Ayr, Ontario that captures the mercury in CFLs and sells it for reuse


check out this link for apartment residences:

City Of Toronto Information on hazardous waste

Thank you!

CAPREIT CARES

Did you know that there is a toll free helpline where customer service is available 24/7?

Within 2 business days they will follow up with you to evaluate your issue and develop a plan of action. Please be sure to share your email address and/or phone number with them when you place your request.

They promise to follow up with you, within 2 weeks of your initial call. A CAP CARES representative will contact you to ensure your escalated concern is being addressed to your satisfaction.

Please continue to place emergency calls, work orders and request through the normal channels, such as the site management office. If you feel as though you need to escalate your concerns, please register your concern or call 

CAP CARES 1-855-227-6478 

CAP CARES, part of the  CAPREIT Customer Satisfaction Program, is an on going effort to improve our buildings and the satisfaction of us the tenants/residents.Click the link to get more information: 

CAPREIT CAP CARES

Thank you,

WANNA THROW A PARTY? BUT NO ROOM? NO WORRIES... CHECK IT OUT!

The buildings at 2, 6, 7 and 8 Park Vista do not have any facility that is in keeping with the fire & safety codes to be used as a party room.

However, we live in such a diverse and convenient neighbourhood / community that there are many facilities available for your next big or small event, choose a spot that fits  your needs.

Listed below are some locations that are available, check'em out!

Children's Peace Theatre
305 Dawes Road
website: Children's Peace Theatre

Harmony Hall

2 Gower Street

website: Harmony Hall

Royal Canadian Legion

9 Dawes Road

website: Legion Hall

West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre 

313 Pharmacy Ave

website:  West Scarborough Community Centre

Oakridge Community Centre

63 Pharmacy Avenue

website: Oakridge Community Centre

Access Alliance
3079 Danforth Avenue (Danforth & Coxwell Tea Room)

website: Access Alliance

Ellas Banquet Hall
35 Danforth Road
website: Ellas Banquet Hall

If you should come across additional spaces and places for rent, please do not hesitate, send us an email or post on the blog and please share the info!

                                        Thank you

COMMUNITY STREET LAWN SALE - SAVE THE DATE - UPDATE - YARD SALE IS ON AS SCHEDULED!

Etiquette for Dog Owners

Cultivating appropriate behaviour in our dogs paves the way for pleasant relations & peaceful coexistence among dog owners & non-owners alike. Gentle, pain free methods are essential to training dogs & helping them bond with their owners. Being gentle, though, doesn't mean allowing or sugar-coating bad manners. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to manage our pets & ensure good behaviour in public 

• Teach appropriate dog-to-dog introductions.  It is not appropriate for dogs to “play” with other dogs while on leash.  It may be cute when two 10-pound puppies do this; it’s not so cute at 60 pounds!  Dogs must learn that there is a time for play, and a time to pay attention to you.  If both dogs are well-behaved and focused on their owners, you can allow a walk-by so that they can greet appropriately, sniffing each other for five seconds.  Allowing your dog to jump all over other dogs can result in injury (to either dog) and a bad reputation in your neighborhood!   It also may erroneously teach your dog that all other dogs enjoy this kind of on-leash interaction…and many don’t.

• Always leash your dog.  It doesn't matter how friendly Fido is:  leash laws exist for a reason.  Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and dog owners must anticipate this and be respectful.  Only let your dog approach a stranger if that person asks.  The same rule applies to strangers walking their own dogs.  If you see another dog and owner approaching, ask first (“Can they say hi?”) and honour the other’s response.  Don’t shrug off their objection because “he’s such a nice dog”:  if he or she doesn't want your dog to approach, no more explanation is necessary. 

• Prevent barking.  Practice the Attention exercise so as to easily redirect Fido if he barks at people or other dogs.  If you know your dog behaves this way, allow her in the yard only when supervised.  If she barks at passers-by and other dogs from the car, close your side windows and cover them.  Consider using a Calming Cap to reduce her field of vision, and – if there is room – crate her with a chew toy.  Allowing her to bark through an open window appears inconsiderate and careless, and can frighten both people and dogs within earshot.

• Be aware of other peoples’ space.  Keep your leashed dog close to you and stay alert to others using the path/park/side-walk, etc.  Your leash should be slack but short enough to prevent Fido from contacting or jumping on passers-by.  Even if people say, “It’s okay,” your dog needs to learn to behave appropriately in public.  Some people dislike dogs, others are frightened of them, still others may simply prefer well-mannered dogs!    A well-trained dog and a considerate handler set a great example of responsible ownership to their communities, and ensure that dogs will continue to be welcome there.

• Be aware of other peoples’ feelings.  If your dog does something that upsets someone else (jumping up, running after them, barking at them, etc.), apologize to that person and take measures to prevent the situation from re-occurring.  Do this even if your dog’s behaviour appeared benign in nature.  Shrugging it off as an overreaction or a personal slight will not improve your dog’s behaviour and may negatively impact your reputation in the community.

• Scoop your poop!  No excuses:  few things sour dog-to-human relations more than poop left where others can step in it.  Bring an excess of bags on each walk to be sure you have enough.  If you run out of bags, either come back and clean it up or ask another walker if they have a bag to spare.  Cleaning up every time will set a good example for others and promote an image of dog owners as caring, responsible citizens…a good thing all around! 

FEATURED ENTREPRENEUR - GREG - In need of a realtor? Don't go too far, we got not 1 but 2!!!

Welcome to the entrepreneurial corner, featuring our very own realtors, right here at Park Vista - the dynamic duo of Maddy & Greg, please check out their site!

www.maddyandgreg.com/

Thank you,

ABOVE GUIDELINE INCREASE HEARINGS - DATES ANNOUNCED & GRANTS APPROVED - FOR 6 AND 8 PARK VISTA

UPDATE! 

PVTA HAS RECEIVED APPROVAL FOR $1,000 GRANT EACH  FOR #6 AND #8 PARK VISTA! THIS WILL COVER OUR LEGAL FEES FOR OUR UP & COMING HEARINGS, WE HAVE RETAINED AN EXCELLENT PARALEGAL AND FOR THE NOW PVTA WILL REFRAIN TO PUBLISH AT THIS TIME, BUT STAY TUNED!!!

THANK YOU TO THOSE OF YOU THAT TOOK THE TIME OUT TO LISTEN & SIGN & SUPPORT US AND MADE THIS POSSIBLE.

PVTA WILL DO ITS ABSOLUTE BEST TO REPRESENT EACH OF US AT #6 AND #8 AGI HEARING, AND OF COURSE YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO JOIN US IF YOU CAN! 

The dates have been provided by the Landlord & Tenant Board as follows;

1. Above Guideline Increase for #6

Hearing Information

Hearing Date:	September 18, 2015	Start Time:	1:30 PM
Location:	Toronto South RM E
	79 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 212
	Toronto

2. Above Guideline Increase for #8

Hearing Information

Hearing Date:	September 23, 2015	Start Time:	1:30 PM
Location:	Toronto South RM C
	79 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 212
	Toronto

Click here:  More information about this process

 

Thank you,

FMTA update - Toronto Council on Aging

NEWS from FMTA's John Plumadore - "Over the next 10-15 years the number of Seniors would double in the city amounting to 1.2 million by 2025, this initiative is worthwhile." John has announced that his "neighbourhood will be one of three communities that will have a grass roots approach to the project as a pilot in the beginning strategy."

TORONTO COUNCIL ON AGING-“AGE FRIENDLY Roll-Out”

Who we are!

The Toronto Council on Aging (formerly the Toronto Seniors Council) was formed at the time of amalgamation of Metro Toronto. TCA drew together older adults from across the former six municipalities. The goal of the organization was to provide leadership in engaging and mobilizing all sectors of the city to improve the well- being of older adults and to strengthen the confidence and capacity of older people to participate fully in community life. TCA was represented on the Expert Panel advising the City on the Toronto Seniors Strategy and provided input when new standards for disability were being created with the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) was being created. TCA is also an active member of the Toronto Network of Organizations of Seniors, is associated with the Toronto Seniors Forum and is a member of the Councils of Aging Network of Ontario (CANO) as well as being represented on the Ontario Seniors Secretariat Liaison Committee.

Toronto Council on Aging

The Age Friendly City Project!

In May 2014, The City of Toronto unanimously passed legislation to formally undertake the creation of a “Toronto Senior’s Strategy” -given that over the next 10-15 years the number of Seniors would double in the city amounting to 1.2 million by 2025. This new Toronto Seniors Strategy would be undertaking to create a baseline of the city’s own departments, services and programs to make City Hall more age friendly   in order to apply to join the network of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cities.While City Hall puts its own house in order to ensure that municipal and government services meet the WHO Age Friendly criteria, the TCA will be working with Community partners in different areas - on the ground at the “grass-roots level”  because active participation and involvement by older people is an essential component to receiving WHO certification as well as looking at creating new networks, new communication channels, new partnerships and new ways of working together neighborhood by neighborhood.

TCA Role in the Community!

Funded by a Trillium grant, the TCA will be working with 3-4 different Toronto communities over the next 3 years to help the existing neighbourhood agencies and services to strengthen existing informal networks and/or create new networks, and/or new partnerships, in order to set the stage for the creation of new  grass root infra-structure to help facilitate the needs of aging people in the community. One of the goals of the project is to put together a “best practices manual” for other communities to follow.TCA will be reaching out to already existing neighborhood senior’s organizations, resident associations, businesses, healthcare and homecare services, already working with and serving seniors with both products and services to inform them about the Age friendly project and engage them in helping make their neighborhood more “age friendly” and to look at ways of “creating Community hubs” center-points for the distribution of info and communication to locals. Hopefully along with existing agencies in the neighborhood, we will look at ways of working together to look at (health, medical/ communication and information dissemination / housing/ transportation and other issues and together with neighborhood. Agency representation along with senior representation and with businesses and service organizations will find solutions for issues that need solutions at the neighborhood level and while doing so create new channels for partnership and communication.

                                                         

                                                Sessions @ the Libraries

As we gear up  and prepare for the Town Hall in mid-November  organized by TCA and Councillor Josh Matlow, we will start with an introduction to the world of Age Friendly” at the  three  local libraries located in the area and the two Cultural Centres between September and November:

Deer Park Library (Yonge/ St. Clair)

Orchardveiw Library( Yonge/Eglinton)

Mt. Pleasant Library ( Mt. Pleasant/ Davisville)

Central Eglinton Community Centre

North Toronto memorial Centre

November Town Hall!

In mid-November we will be inviting the entire neighborhood to a Town Hall with local politicians- Josh Matlow, Carolyn Bennett, Joe Mihevc and Dr. Eric Hoskins and many other city leaders  and others in attendance.  At that time we will also introduce our Committees to the all the neighborhood constituents. There will be an “interactive community panel” of special guests coming to talk about the Age Friendly City criteria, and fielding questions from the audience. This exciting project is an innovative step forward to try and build new alliances, new infrastructure , partnerships, and communication channels neighborhood by neighborhood and we can’t succeed without YOU and your involvement!

Help us put you in the middle of your community!

We would like to set up a meeting with you to learn more about your organization, its role in the community and any interest you may have in expanding awareness of your company while helping create a heightened community sense moving forward.The advantages for you are not just business bottom line through increased awareness of your services and products but actually being involved in shaping and transforming your neighbourhood into an age friendly hub.

For more information:

Adina lebo

Project Coordinator

Age Friendly Project

adinalebo@sympatico.ca

905-691-3462

 Thank you,

 

50/50 WINNER / WINNING TICKET - PICTURES - JULY 28/15 SUMMER GENERAL MEETING!

Follow up to the last blog on our General Summer Meeting, was a huge success! We plan to repeat this on October 20, 2015, Janet Davis,Councillor Ward 31, will once again be our honored guest as will Arthur Potts, MPP Beaches-East York who is confirmed as our esteemed guest speaker. Save the date and hope to see all of you there asking important questions and being informed.

Ticket # 375823, Marilyn, 7 Park Vista

We collected a total of $104.00 and the winnings were $52.00. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our draw. The proceeds will go towards the administration costs of the PVTA, the Board Members work solely on a voluntary basis without any compensation, so these funds do go a long way in helping us do what is needed for the Association. Congratulations to our lucky winner!

Some photos taken at the Summer General Meeting

A group of very dedicated, hard working lovely ladies, from left to right, Carole Ward, PVTA Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer, 2 Park Vista (and our very own community AVON lady) Deidre Huggins, Volunteer Extraordinaire, PVTA Member, 8 Park Vista and Grace St. John, PVTA Board Member, Building Director, 2 Park Vista

Janet Davis, our first guest speaker 

John Plumadore, FMTA Chair, our second guest speaker 

John, presenting the FMTA 'Welcome Home' Booklet to PVTA

John Plumadore (yellow shirt) FMTA Chair, one of our guest speakers,
 in our audience in the blue shirt 3rd from the left is our 
PVTA Board Member, James McArthur, General Director, 7 Park Vista

  engaged in discussion to the concerns of our community

The one & only Janet Davis, Councillor Ward 31, Beaches-East York, helping us out!

Janet Davis, Councillor Ward 31 and Colleen LeBlanc PVTA Member, 6 Park Vista

Helen Chilas (left) FMTA Director & Chair of 1501 Woodbine Ave Tenants' Association

 alongside another FMTA Associate Pam (among our audience)

Maria Hellemann, 6 Park Vista Resident/PVTA Member

Maryanna Lewyckyj (PVTA Building Director, 6 Park Vista) 

and PVTA Member Larry Gillespie, 6 Park Vista

(from right to left) Janet Davis (Councillor Ward 31), Maryanna Lewyckyj (PVTA Building Director, 6 Park Vista) John Plumadore (FMTA Chair), Helen Chilas (FMTA Director), 

Grace St. John (PVTA Building Director, 2 Park Vista) 

Beautiful and deeeeelicious PVTA Cake

A very special thanks to Patricia Steward, PVTA Board Member, General Director, 6 Park Vista for the great photos and doing an excellent job as our photographer!




Once again, from PVTA Board and its Members, heartfelt thank you to each of you for your wonderful support and in making this a success!

Vigilantism is Alive at Park Vista!

Bed Bugs, YUK! not wanted, not welcomed yet they insinuate themselves into our lives and do NOT leave. Capreit has done an incredible excellent job to ensure that these critters have a very short stay if one at all in our Park Vista homes. It's not enough we as tenants also have to do our part to make sure we do NOT allow bed bugs into our homes.

Below are FACTS: (and yes I used to be one of those that would say filth would bring these critters in, but that is not true):

BED BUG FACTS

What Are Bed Bugs?

Identification

Has seen a resurgence over the past years Adults are approximately 4 to 5 mm long, size of an apple seed, does not have wings; does not fly, coloured reddish brown, with abdomen darker as blood is digested Males exhibit a much more tapered abdomen than females Reaction to bites vary from individual to individual, ranging from none to mild to severe.

Habitat and Behaviour 

Prefers dark, undisturbed areas near host Hides in crevices in furniture and baseboards near beds Is attracted by carbon dioxide and warmth that humans emit Being mainly active at night time; not often seen in light, especially when few in number A potential problem in dwellings with high turnover (e.g. hotels and motels) Ability to move to different rooms in multi-unit buildings Often brought in on luggage or used furniture.

Bedbugs are small, nocturnal, wingless insects belonging to the insect family of Cimicidae.  They feed on humans and other warm blooded animals. They are an oval shape and are up to 4-5 mm long when fully grown. Adult bed bugs have a flattened body and their skin colour is either rust brown or a deeper red brown. Nymph bed bugs are clear or a yellowish colour and are generally 1-4mm long. Bed bugs have two antennae and six legs. Red more on what a bed bug looks like.

Bed bugs have been known to travel over 20 feet from hiding in order to feed but will generally hide within 3-6 feet of their host.

Due to the flattened body of a bed bug they can easily hide in small places such as baseboards, cracks in floors, under carpets, behind loose wallpaper, bed frames, sofas, behind picture frames and many other places which makes them very difficult to detect. They tend to stay together and large infestations will give off a sweet but unpleasant smell. 

Lifecycle 

Undergoes gradual metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) Nymphs are smaller versions of the adults and will go through several molts until fully grown Female lays 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime, 10 to 50 at a time, on rough surfaces Eggs hatch in 6 to 17 days Adults can survive over 1 year without feeding.

Long since considered eradicated from major metropolitan areas in North America bed bugs are back! 

The combination of re-introduction, increased international travel and the fact that pest control professionals no longer use older pesticides (such as DDT, Chlordane and Lindane) means that bed bugs have been able to stage a resurgence and become a very serious pest in the 21st century. They have a unique ability to hide and due to their ability to spread, new inspection and control methods must be far more thorough and extensive than with many other pests.

Bed bugs are parasitic insects that live near their hosts. Since they feed on humans (their hosts) their habitats include houses, hotels or any property that we frequent. All they require is a protected area in close proximity to a feeding source. Bed bugs bite people when they are sleeping usually on exposed skin. When looking for a meal bed bugs can move very quickly to feed and then back into hiding after their meal. Unless you know specifically how to look for bed bugs these pests can be easily overlooked.

Bed bug bites can also go unnoticed, and are even often misdiagnosed, making detection that much more difficult

How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs do not cling to people but they can accidentally get caught up in our belongings (i.e. suitcase, purse, laptop bags). From there they can move from their current home into new ones in homes, hotels, offices, hospitals, or any other building as well as modes of transportation. Sanitation and cleanliness of a property is not an issue as bed bugs are notorious hitch hikers and can show up almost anywhere.

Bed Bugs are not a Sanitation issue

Even the cleanest of places can fall victim to bed bugs and once inside they spread rapidly. Bed bugs are great hitch hikers and easily travel from place to place in someone’s personal belongings or luggage.

Is there a risk of disease from Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs do not pose any health risks from communicable diseases but their saliva does contain proteins that can leave itchy red welts on some people.

Indications of Bed Bugs?

If you suspect bed bugs, or want to be proactive, look for live or dead bugs or the skins they can leave behind when they are molting. After feeding bed bugs will regularly leave behind small spots of reddish-black fecal matter on your bedding, mattress or box springs. They will lay their eggs (1/32″ to 1/8″ in size) in dark crevices near feeding areas. Learn more about bed bugs signs in your home.

Where have you been finding the bed bugs?

Bed bugs are not limited to any one particular kind of dwelling. They have been found in houses, multi-family dwellings, apartments, hotels, airplanes and hospitals. Sanitation or cleanliness is not an issue in where you can find bed bugs.

Why are bed bugs back?

Bed bugs never really left. They are common in many nations around the world. We are seeing a resurgence in North America for several reasons including a reduced use of pesticides, the use of second hand furniture and increased international travel as bed bugs are notorious hitch hikers.

How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs do not cling to people but they are notorious hitch hikers and can hide in our belongings (i.e. suitcase, purse, laptop bags). From there they can be introduced into a home, hotel, office, hospital, or any other building as well as modes of transportation. Sanitation is not a factor in whether or not you get bed bugs.

How Do Bed Bugs Spread?

Once established, bed bugs tend to stay put but can spread due to any of the following;

• Being disturbed (i.e. disassembling furniture or incorrect pesticide application)
• A food shortage (i.e. no host) may cause them to migrate to neighbouring rooms
• A shortage of harbourage spaces may cause them to migrate to neighbouring rooms
• Infested furniture moved down a hall, or passed on to others
• Vacuum cleaners used for multiple rooms
• Commercial laundry machines

Want to learn more about bed bugs? Click one of the links below: 

Signs and Symptoms of Bedbugs
Identifying Bedbugs
Lifestages of a Bedbug
Bed Bug Bites
Can Bed Bugs Jump?
Prevent Bed Bugs with Mattress Encasements
K9 Bed Bug Detection
Informative Bed bug Videos
Bed Bugs in Hotels
Preventing Bed Bugs While Travelling

PLEASE DO YOUR PART BE VIGILANT AND REPORT ANY BED BUG SIGHTINGS IMMEDIATELY & URGENTLY TO THE PARK VISTA MANAGEMENT/OPERATIONS TEAM:

EMAIL:
Pat Miller:                p.miller@capreit.net
John Kerr:               j.kerr@capreit.net
Crisitian Voicu:        c.voicu@capreit.net
Jessica Falcon:        j.falcon@capreit.net
Alex Falcon:            a.falcon@capreit.net

Capreit's office:

416-750-4228 (8am to 6pm) 

AFTER HOURS (emergencies):

2 Park Vista: 416-751-6493

6 Park Vista: 416-751-8949

7 Park Vista: 416-757-6372

8 Park Vista: 416-285-8828

Together we can continue to keep Park Vista bed bug free! Do your part be vigilant and protect our community and our habitat, we have the support and the means to immediately eradicate bed bugs if they should make their way into our homes, please do NOT hesitate, act quickly & notify the Managers/Operations Team!

On behalf of the PVTA Board & Members, we thank you for your cooperation and assistance and hope the above information has provided clarification and understanding.

Thank you,

CAPREIT FOLLOW UP - NEW LAUNDRY CARDS ISSUED BY COINAMATIC (PHELPS)

A follow up notice from Capreit was dated August 7, 2015 and posted in all common areas addressed to residents of 2, 6, 7 and 8 Park Vista.

There seemed to be confusion as to which office, we had to report our laundry cards, given the first notice was issued by Phelps, the office referenced is the one located at 8 Park Vista, NOT the Phelps office.

Furthermore, Pat Miller has graciously offered flexible time arrangements to accommodate the card upgrades for those of us that work full time day hours. On behalf of the PVTA and its Members, a heartfelt thank you for the accommodating consideration and convenience, it is greatly appreciated.

Week of August 10th to 16th:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday:  9am to 5pm
• Tuesday: 9am to 7pm
• August 15 and 16 weekend: email - Jessica Falcon, j.falcon@capreit.net and/or call 416-750-4228 to set up an appointment to pick up your card and information package

If you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to connect with Jessica (see above) or Pat Miller (p.miller@capreit.net).

In addition, feel free to connect with your respective PVTA Building Directors as follows:
Grace St. John  #2
Maryanna Lewyckyj, #6
Audrey Mathews, #7
Ken Huggins, #8
parkvista.tenantsassociation@gmail.com

Thank you.