Photos: Holly Pagnacco

Progress on the East Scarborough Storefront’s (ESS) soon-to-be grapevine pergola is running on time. We have just completed some 50 trellis modules which will form the roof structure for the grapevines to grow on. The youth spent weeks building these modules and have become confident measuring and cutting wood, along with many other skills.

As part of this ongoing learning process, our youth landscapers recently presented on the transformations the community could expect at ESS, including the pergola and deck, which the team has been working on since early July. Participants were surprised and inspired to see the impressive projects community youth are working on.

In addition to these presentations, we also participated in a tour hosted by Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The tour led participants along Highland Creek Valley in Morningside Park to discuss the connection between green space and our everyday living and to increase awareness of the great resource the park and trails represent.

Please come back to this site often to learn more.

Ajeev Bhatia is a summer youth intern at ERA Architects. He first volunteered at East Scarborough Storefront in 2009 and was later hired as a Community Design Initiative Youth Ambassador. Recently Ajeev participated in a housing build program in the Dominican Republic and in fall 2012 will be attending York University to study social work.