Contributed by: Susan Dineen, Membership Chair 2014 Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association
The back lanes within Cabbagetown South (Sherbourne to Parliament/Carlton to Shuter) are looking a whole lot better this year thanks to a beautification initiative by the Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association (CSRA)! Volunteer ‘Guerilla Gardeners’ are adopting lanes throughout the area, removing litter and planting shrubs and perennials on small patches of soil to discourage loitering and improve the lane-scape. To kick-start the initiative CSRA has provided lane champions with funds to buy plants and soil. Funding came through the Beer Store Returns program championed by CSRA member Cindy Bowman. Residents can return bottles to the beer store and the donated proceeds come to CSRA to go back into the community. It is an easy way to give!
The transformation of Wyndyer Lane off of Seaton south of Dundas began last year thanks to the vision and tireless efforts of several residents whose homes are along the lane. Oskenonton Lane, which runs parallel to Sherbourne and besides the Dan Harrison TCHC building, has been cleaned and a first planting completed. Other lane gardening efforts are springing-up everywhere but include the north side of Callaghan Lane near Berkeley, mid-block on Milan Street and along the fence at Lord Dufferin School at Berkeley and Callaghan.
Cabbagetown South residents and CSRA members are encouraged to step outside their garden gate and beautify their lane! A little effort can have a huge impact.
