Bathurst Manor finally gets own voice

Despite being a long-established and recognized neighbourhood in North York, Bathurst Manor has been without a residents’ or ratepayers’ association — until now.

Last month, the Bathurst Manor Homeowners Association  (BMHA) became a recognized residents’ association with the city. Its co-presidents are Michael Anthony and Martin Dobkin.

One of the issues that prompted the residents to band together was the proposal of a six-storey, mixed-use development on Wilmington Ave. Coun. James Pasternak said the community is opposed to redeveloping such a central part of Bathurst Manor where retail and amenities are sparse.

“Many agree that the plaza, which is really just a concrete parking lot, has to be redeveloped,” said Pasternak. “The question is, at what cost?”

The BMHA has put together a counter-proposal with input from the community, which will be presented to planners soon.

Dobkin is no stranger to politics — he was the first mayor of Mississauga when the city was formed in 1974. He said beyond this one issue, the BMHA will be here for the long haul.

“It’s not a one-issue association,” said Dobkin. He’s also concerned about basement flooding and growing density on Sheppard. “It’s just one high-rise after another,” he said. “Traffic is getting worse and worse.”

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