The Palmerston Area Residents Association (PARA) is a volunteer organization of residents committed to strengthening and preserving the stability, distinctive character and quality of life in the Toronto neighbourhood bounded by Bloor and Bathurst, College and Clinton Streets. "Neighbourhoods are what make this city great. We must value what is distinct about our neighbourhoods, recognize that whi
ch has value beyond its cost. There is no reason, for instance, that we should not preserve the century-old, cast-iron street lamps on Palmerston Boulevard — those lamps are about the history of this city, they are about beauty in public spaces. The passion with which the residents of the Palmerston neighbourhood defended the original lamps is an example of the powerful, physical connection we feel to our neighbourhoods."
–Mayor David Miller, Inaugural address, December 2, 2003
PARA came to life close to thirty years ago as the Markham Street Residents Association when local residents became concerned about the impact of a decision by the City to reverse the traffic flow on Markham St. Over time, the Association took on a broader range of issues and extended its range as far west as Clinton Street. PARA has been involved in a number of activities over the years to promote the quality of life in the neighbourhood. These have included:
•Intervening in applications to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (ACGO) for liquor and outdoor patio licences from bars and restaurants on College Street. A College St Committee has been formed to focus on issues related to the quality of commercial life on the street.
•Getting involved in planning issues around zoning changes and Committee of Adjustment applications.
•Lobbying for restoration of the once-threatened historic street lamps on Palmerston Boulevard.
•Opposing liquor licences for taverns on Harbord St near Harbord Collegiate.
•Providing an annual bursary to a student at Harbord Collegiate Institute.
•Organizing a summer picnic in Healey Willan Park.
•Organizing a neighbourhood clean-up as part of the Mayor’s Community Clean-up initiative.
•Distributing periodic newsletters to keep residents informed.
•Launching a new information website.
