The Balmoral Homeowners Association works closely with its membership, neighbourhood associations, the City of Toronto and community agencies to:
- build spirit and foster a strong and caring community
- maintain neighbourhood safety and security
- increase community involvement
- keep the neighbourhood well maintained
- protect and enhance the investment in our homes
- monitor local development
- influence decision making at the local, provincial and federal levels of government, and
- help the needy.
Our History
History of Area
Prior to 1989 the land on which our homes sit today was a vacant airport right of way immediately east of the Downsview Air Force Base. Bramalea obtained the land circa 1987 or earlier and started to market the subdivision in 1988. The first homes were occupied in late 1989. The original vision for an exclusive, self-serviced gated community changed as the market evolved. The second half of the Balmoral community was developed by Shane Baghai and Tribute builders.
Balmoral Time Capsule
The centrepiece of Balmoral is undoubtedly Joel Swirsky Parkette encircled by a quaint cobblestone roundabout in Joel Swirsky Boulevard. Buried at the base of a soaring copper sundial is a time capsule. The Balmoral Time Capsule was sealed by Mr. Ben Swirsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bramalea Limited on September 14, 1989 at the Grand Opening of the Balmoral Community. It is dedicated to the First Residents of Balmoral and was scheduled to be opened twenty-five years later.
To great fanfare. speeches and partying, the time capsule was unearthed on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Invited guests included Councillor James Pasternak, MPP Monte Kwinter and MP Mark Adler. Residents inserted memorabilia into a new time capsule that was entombed to be opened on September 14, 2039!
The Original Balmoral Homeowners Association
The original Balmoral Homeowners Association was formed in the winter of 1990 and was chaired by David Stier. David was then succeeded by Gene C. Colman. The group collected funds from the original homeowners that enabled them to deal with several issues and provide services to the community. Some examples include:
- BHA gave homeowners a unified voice to negotiate with developers.
- As the community developed, BHA was there to establish architectural standards that made Balmoral a distinct and attractive community.
- BHA lobbied with the City to improve services – sidewalks, walkways and roadway maintenance
- BHA participated in city planning for the lands on Wilson Heights (Downsview Air Base Land Development Committee).
In the early years, BHA worked together by organizing events, solving problems and providing community services, for example:
- spraying and pruning grass and rose bushes along Wilson Heights
- establishing community programs and events such as a Balmoral Playgroup, a Summer Carnival and Neighbourhood Watch
- hiring a joint advocate to facilitate a Tax Assessment Review
- liaising with Toronto Police to keep us updated on community safety and related issues.
Renewal of BHA in 2003
Several members of the Balmoral Community met at the Montecassino Hotel on November 13, 2002 to talk about issues facing the community. At the conclusion of the meeting, a group of volunteers agreed to meet and explore issues raised at the meeting, make plans to renew and refocus BHA and communicate them to all members of the community.
The BHA Volunteer Committee comprised of:
- Adrianna Bertucci
- Maria DiManno
- Enza Fierro
- Michelle Fidani
- Leslie Goldenberg
- Evie Jesin
- Louie and Lina Naccarato
- Carolyn Monaco
- Zan Molko
- Ron and Marlene Richardson
- Shirley Shapero
- Ken and Valerie Stief
- Tova Greenberg.
Members came from all over the neighbourhood and represented a variety of perspectives of homeowners who have moved into the community since its beginning. They recognized the need to develop a strong voice to represent residents’ concerns and protect the integrity of the community. A mission statement was formulated to guide the association in its efforts to build community spirit and make Balmoral the ultimate community to live in within the booming metropolis of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
The Balmoral Homeowners Association was formally incorporated on July 3, 2003. Ron Richardson was elected President and Lina- Naccarato Vice-President. Supported by a Treasurer, a Secretary and several Directors, Ron and Lina very ably led the organization until 2017.
Residents of Balmoral are eligible for membership in BHA. The Initiation Fee was set at $200.00 per household, with annual membership renewal set at $100.00. The membership year begins on November 1, and the fiscal year ends on September 30. The Annual General meeting (AGM) is usually held in early November. A call for nominations for elections to the BHA Board goes out 30 days prior to the AGM.
BHA Accomplishments
Some of the major accomplishment of the BHA since its rebirth in 2003 are:
- Creation of a public website (www.BalmoralHA.org) and a private members only website (www.myBalmoral.org)
- Repair and repainting of ornamental ironwork in community, a $23,000 project
- Installation of a water park in the parkette
- replacement of the playground, a $100,000 project
- installation of lighting in rotary park
- planting of annuals in rotary park
- replacement of cobblestone on Joel Swirsky Boulevard, Fairgate Close, Tillingham Keep and Thamesford Court, a $600,000 project
- refinishing and sealing of stone paving in rotary park
- planting of flower beds at Wilson Heights Entrance
- maintenance and upkeep of public grounds and areas
- food drive for North York Food Bank.
New myBalmoral.ca Website
On October 14, 2018, BHA launched a brand new mobile friendly website -
myBalmoral.ca based on the ClubExpress platform. This elegant website replaces both earlier websites and provides members and visitors vastly enhanced functionality and ease of use.