Advocating for Commercial Rent Control to Save Main Streets

Saving Affordable Grocers in Davisville

Both of our local neighbourhood grocers that closed last year, Fruit Baskets and Fresh Buy Market, are returning to the neighbourhood and will continue serving the affordable fruit and veggies that so many of us rely on.

When notified of the upcoming demolition, my office and I immediately reached out to the business owners directly to offer our support. We contacted nearby property owners to identify new space opportunities and advocating to ensure that these businesses were able to remain.

We are grateful to everyone who worked together to ensure that these businesses were able to find nearby retail space in the neighbourhood - and in both cases - to secure even larger space, which allows more people to access more affordable food.

Streetscape Improvements Coming to Oakwood Village

I am happy to announce that City Council has approved my motion to invest in beautiful streetscape and public realm improvements in the Oakwood Village BIA. A portion of the funding will go towards custom branding and pole wraps in the BIA catchment area. The majority will support enhancing additional streetscape and public realm projects at the Oakwood and Vaughan intersection, including improvements to the island with the palm tree. This initiative will help beautify the Oakwood-Vaughan neighbourhood and help strengthen the Oakwood Village BIA as a vibrant and welcoming destination to dine and shop.

Planning for a Safer Merton Street

I am pleased to announce that Council has approved my motion to move forward with a plan for streetscape improvements along Merton Street, between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road. Residents have raised concerns about narrow sidewalks, limited sightlines, unsafe mid-block crossings, and a need for better wayfinding, all made worse by concentrated construction activity in the area. Transportation Services will consult with the Merton Street community and report back in 2027 with improvements that can be delivered through quick-build installations, capital projects, and future development applications.