Save the Science Centre!
In 2022, the Provincial Government announced their intention to move the Ontario Science Centre to a much smaller location at Ontario Place. This announcement was done without consultation with residents of Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park who rely on the Centre for employment and education opportunities.
Recently, the Ford government used an engineering report that inflated the cost of roof repairs, and other maintenance needs, as a pretext to shamefully shutter the Science Centre down unnecessarily. That’s why it was vital that Staff reported back to Council last week on my motion to have the City take a lead role in saving this important cultural institution that is located on land partially owned by the City of Toronto.
We have an obligation to explore all possible means to keep the Science Centre at its current location. I’m pleased that my additional motion was supported to establish a working group with the province in the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (the other primary land owner) to review the lease agreement signed with the City stating the province would operate a Science Centre until 2064 and other matters.
For more information on the province’s engineering report on the Science Centre, please see this in depth article in Canadian Architect Ontario Science Centre doesn’t require full closure: A close reading of the engineers' report.
Preventing Flooding During Major Storms
Major storms are becoming more frequent. And while Toronto wasn’t designed for our changing climate, we now need to be willing to invest in resilient infrastructure - with the capacity to keep our city functional, to protect our property and to keep us safe. Our city is worth it.
The Mayor moved an important suite of motions to look at ways to address these issues that I was happy to support. For more information, please see the Mayor’s motion Agenda Item History - 2024.MM20.24..
Protecting Small Businesses and Vibrant Main Streets
As more local shops and shops on our main streets close due to spiralling rents, there is increasing awareness that action is needed to protect small businesses.
My motion adopted by Council in May requested the province to consider establishing a form of rent control for Mom and Pop shops to keep them in our neighbourhoods. This motion was cited in a Toronto Star article regarding the unfortunate closing of a beloved pastry shop in the Bickford Park community. You can read the article here: Toronto cafe closes after building sale leads to rent spike.
UPDATE: Putting the Brakes on Auto Theft: Immediate Action Needed to Keep Our Neighbourhoods Safe
The surge in auto theft and home invasions are significantly impacting neighbourhoods across the city. I know many of you are going to bed not knowing what you’ll find when you wake up - and often fear that your families will be victimized by home invasions. Many believe auto thieves have the upper hand and that this issue isn’t being taken seriously enough. This has even led to, in some cases, residents hiring private security at their expense- personally spending tens of thousands of dollars in enhancing security measures for their own properties and those of their neighbours.
I’ve personally met with the Vice President of the Insurance Bureau of Canada to learn more about their advocacy for policy and regulatory changes. Currently, auto theft costs Ontarians hundreds of millions in insurance claims and premiums per year. This doesn’t include court, policing, legal, and out-of pocket costs such as deductibles.
I also remain in close communication with our Toronto Police Service and commend 53 Division’s recent work on identifying and arresting members of a suspected auto theft ring responsible for re-vinning stolen vehicles in Toronto.
While there have been increased measures at our national borders and ports, and additional funding has been allocated and spent to help curb auto theft, there is much more that needs to be done. This is why I was pleased to see City Council unanimously support my motion, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside, on the following recommendations requested to the federal and provincial governments:
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Updating current and mandating new technological standards and security features for all vehicle manufacturers. Canada’s technology standards for vehicles haven’t been updated by the Government of Canada since 2008. All vehicle manufacturers should be mandated to heighten the technology and security features in vehicles.
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The Ministry of Transportation should eliminate the ability for any citizen to register a vehicle on another person’s behalf except for certain legitimate exceptions. Re-vinning stolen vehicles has been a major play in criminals’ playbooks. Removing this and granting access for certain legitimate exceptions will restrict criminals from being able to fly under the radar.
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The Ministry of Transportation should ban the public from relying on a New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) to register a vehicle, limiting this registration mechanisms to only licensed dealers. This is another way of creating VIN numbers. Restricting access from the public and granting access only to licensed dealers will, once again, deter criminals from being overlooked.
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Expedite outgoing screenings at all ports. While increased measures has been taken at the Port of Montreal, there has been a significant increase of illegal activity at the Port of Halifax. More resources need to be allocated to all Canadian ports to accelerate the screening process of all outgoing items.
I’m actively working to ensure more action is being taken to curb auto theft and support safety in our neighbourhoods.
