Councillor Matlow's City Hall & Community Update: April 2025

In This Newsletter:

Sign Our Petition! Save Our School Pools

A recent report in the Toronto District School Board agenda proposes closing all 66 school pools, included 27 permitted by the City of Toronto, in Toronto’s public schools due to funding cuts from the Provincial Government. Please see my joint statement with Trustee Shelley Laskin here.

Closing our school pools is completely unacceptable, which is why I am asking for your support to call on the Government of Ontario to reverse this harmful decision. Please sign our petition here: https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools

Learning how to swim is an essential part of a child’s education, and I am deeply saddened to learn that Toronto’s school pools are once again at risk due to cuts. School pools ensure that every child has access to lifesaving skills they rely on. Pools are also deeply valued by the surrounding local communities as they provide recreational opportunities for youth, seniors, and everyone in between.

This is not the first time Toronto’s school pools have been threatened. In 2008 the TDSB was forced to recommend that most school pools would close if funding from outside sources wasn’t found. When I was a TDSB Trustee at the time, I worked with David Crombie and Save our Schools representing parents from across the city to fight these cuts, and we were ultimately successful in getting the funding from the province to keep school pools open.

We need to fight to protect our school pools once again. Please sign our petition and demand that your Member of Provincial Parliament reverse this decision and properly fund our school pools.

For a list of school pools in Toronto, please visit this website: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/Permits/Pools
For more information, please see this article

Important Progress on our Beautiful City Initiative

Last year, I brought forward a motion that asked City staff to accept that there’s so much more we can do to make Toronto a more beautiful city. I’m pleased to report that under the leadership of Jason Thorne, our new Chief Planner, there has been meaningful progress on this issue. A new report came to Council last week with a cross-divisional action plan to ensure better design of everything from libraries and parks to trash cans and sidewalks.

Toronto can be beautiful if we choose to make it so. But too often, our urban design strives for the height of mediocrity and even falls into disrepair. Our bike lanes are lined with broken flex-posts, our CaféTO patios are surrounded by construction hoarding, and our Astral garbage cans are broken and overflowing. Our public realm can be so much better – and Torontonians deserve that.

I will be sure to update you as there is more progress on implementing this important initiative. Please see this article for more information.

Shocking Ontario Place Revelations:
My Motion to Take Action

The actions by the provincial government to facilitate a private spa by Therme at Ontario Place have already exacted a severe toll. The province has razed mature trees, destroying a waterfront recreation space beloved by Torontonians and the habitat of many animals including beavers, minks, coyotes, foxes and over 170 species of birds. However, another potential disaster raised in an April 16^th New York Times article, can still be averted.

The revelations in the Times article regarding Therme are shocking. The Times reported that the Austrian company misrepresented that they owned and operated 6 spas across Europe, while in reality they only operated 1 in Romania. Therme was able to misrepresent its experience by adopting the same name, and similar logo, of a more established spa company.

Therme used its deal with the Ontario government to secure funding for another project in Manchester and is closing in on deals in Dubai, Washington, and Dallas, which would require $2.5 billion to construct all 4 sites. Given the company was found to only have $1.1 million (USD) in equity, and losing money, there is now significant doubt that Therme would be able to deliver a spa in a reasonable timeframe, if at all.

The new information contained in the Times story has significant implications for the City of Toronto as the only thing worse on a public waterfront site than a private spa is a derelict wasteland fenced off by construction hoarding. The Ontario government’s failure to provide proper due diligence on their spa partner must trigger a reassessment of the City’s role in this project.

That’s why I’m pleased Council supported my motion with Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik last week to take action and explore any possible avenue to protect our public waterfront at Ontario Place.

For more information, please see this article

Time to Scrap Outdated Park Rules
and Allow for Fun and Creativity!

I am pleased to announce that my motion to get rid of Toronto’s outdated park rules was supported at Council last week. Toronto’s parks are some of the most used and cherished public spaces residents have to enjoy. They are places that we use to participate in sports, go for a walk, or just sit with friends and family at a picnic table. For the increasing number of Torontonians that live in highrise buildings, the local park is their backyard. Parks are where we come together. That’s why the City needs to adapt to the changing way parks are being used by residents.

Many of Toronto’s park by-laws are archaic, burdensome, unnecessary, and sometimes even absurd. One sign in a Midtown park prohibits ball playing, kite flying, frisbee throwing, large picnics and, ironically, posting signs. There are also by-laws in place against landing hot air balloons and cursing. This motion requests Staff to review the Parks By-Law to remove measures that unfairly restrict residents from the full enjoyment of our parks.

My motion also requesed Staff to enable more food and beverage offerings in parks, where appropriate. Cities around the world establish kiosks and small cafes that provide enjoyable meeting places for residents to congregate. These could be tailored to the size and use of the parks; from small huts serving hot chocolate and coffee adjacent to outdoor rinks to kiosks serving sandwiches surrounded by picnic tables. There is inspiration from around the world that Toronto can draw on to offer a more enjoyable experience in our parks.

For more information, please see this article

Replacing Sidewalk Snow Plows

A recent article in the Toronto Star showed that only four years after spending millions on a fleet of specialized snow plows to clear downtown sidewalks, the vehicles have broken down so often they need to be replaced early, much before the end of their expected life cycle. The failure of these plows played a big role in the very poor snow clearing Torontonians experienced during February’s storms.

City Council approved purchasing the plows in 2021 in order to expand snow clearing to downtown neighbourhoods where the service hadn’t been historically available, which I strongly advocated for. Staff told council in 2021 that the units would last 15 years, however, the plows have since suffered many failures including corrosion and hydraulic leaks and many need to be replaced early.

Staff have not been forceful or upfront enough about the performance of these plows, and I recognize that they can sometimes feel compelled to put a “positive spin” on things. However, I believe that you always need to be upfront and say that we’ve got a problem, which is that the plow’s don’t work properly and won’t be able to meet expectations, rather than pretending everything is fine. The city is now replacing the plows that are beyond repair and plans to purchase new ones.

While some on Council have used this failure to argue the city shouldn’t be paying for the service, I disagree. Snow clearing is a basic service I believe most residents support investing in, and our sidewalks need to be safe and accessible for everyone. I will continue to advocate for better snow clearing across our city.

Improving Cedarvale's Dov Altman Lane

I am very happy to announce that I able to provide $210,000 in funding through local development charges to fund the revitalization of the Dov Altman Laneway in the Cedarvale community, which was successfully approved at Council.

I am grateful to have collaborated with Cedarvale and Upper Village Community Group on this project, who identified the opportunity to transform the laneway at the rear of Toronto Parking Authority property into a safe, vibrant and inviting public space for the local community.

In addition to enhanced aesthetic appeal through replacement of an aging retaining wall and installation of decorative fencing, the project will also incorporate green infrastructure in the form of planting and permeable surfaces.

Thanks to everyone who has helped advance this exciting project including city staff in transportation services and the local community.

Taking a Stand for Tenant Rights

All tenants deserve a safe, affordable place to call home. When this home is threatened by redevelopment or “demoviction”, they want to know that they have the support of the city and that proper protections are in place.

We are very lucky that in Toronto, we have a Rental Replacement Bylaw that provides a right to return for tenants whose homes are subject to redevelopment – in fact we are one of the few cities in North America with this protection. But there are many ways that the policy could be improved to fill gaps and better protect tenants, while also providing better clarity to developers about their obligations.

Last year, I fought alongside tenant advocacy group NoDemovictions on critical changes to the city’s rental replacement policy, and we successfully won many improvements including increases to the amount of compensation provided to tenants to better align with the realities of market rent, and new measures from staff on how to make sure the policy is clearly communicated and implemented.

At Planning and Housing committee this month, staff provided an update on their response to my motion. They have created a new Rental Replacement Handbook, a clear and plain-language guide that outlines the rights and responsibilities of tenants during the process, and they are increasing supports provide to vulnerable tenants.

What is still missing, however, are adequate resources and support from the city for tenants who need support. That’s why I moved a motion at committee that requested a review of the adequacy of funding for the city’s Tenant Support Program, including but not limited to increasing access to pro bono legal representations, defending tenants from Above Guideline Rent Increases, and advocacy support.

Remembering Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was a transformational change- agent who took necessary steps to acknowledge historic wrongs. He also spoke out for migrants, action to combat the climate crisis and consistently called for peace. Since Pope Francis’ passing, I’ve had many conversations with Catholics across our city who loved and appreciated him, and who’ve expressed a deep sense of loss. May the path of justice he forged continue toward a place of healing.

Happy Mother's Day

My mother Elaine was the most interesting talker, and caring listener, I’ve ever known. This mother's day I am honouring her memory and celebrating all the incredible mothers in my life. I'm wishing a happy mother's day to my amazing wife Melissa and to all the moms in our community.

Vancouver Car Attack

The deadly attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival was shocking, horrifying & tragic. My family and I wish our love and heartfelt condolences to everyone in Canada’s Filipino community. We also extend our support, in any way possible, to the City of Vancouver and its residents.

Upcoming Event in Davisville

Jewish Music Week celebrates 13th Annual Festival - May 18th-25th

Jewish Music Week is thrilled to announce its Bar Mitzvah year of presenting many different styles of Jewish music in a glorious one week Festival of recitals, lectures and concerts.

You’ll hear Klezmer, Cantorial, Israeli, Sephardic, Yiddish, Holocaust, Middle-Eastern, Jewish Broadway, Jewish Opera, Jewish Classical, Jewish Jazz, Jewish Country, and more...

This year we have Musical Artists coming from - Australia, Israel, England, Ukraine and the US. Enjoy music from Texas to Poland, Baghdad to Second Avenue and including our own special Toronto Musicians too!

Jewish Music Week partners with many Toronto organizations for the benefit of the entire community. All daytime events are free and many of the Gala Evening Concerts benefit local charities. With performances all over town, you won't have to travel far to enjoy a spectacular musical event. Join us – as a volunteer, a performer, a donor or a member of our audience.

Jewish Music Week has something for everyone - it’s a Music Lover’s Smorgasbord. Please view our 2025 Program at www.jewishmusicweek.com

Toronto Community Housing Youth Employment Program

Every year, Toronto Community Housing hires young tenants from across our communities in summer roles as part of our YouthWorx program. YouthWorx is a comprehensive employment program that focuses on employing young people aged 14-18 as Youth Community Workers. The program is designed to reduce barriers to employment for youth and help them gain valuable workplace experience.

Successful applicants are hired for eight weeks during the months of July and August to work on various small-scale labour jobs, including community clean-ups, light repair jobs, painting, community gardening and beautification (weed pulling, shrub pruning, etc.). In addition to employment, youth are also provided with the opportunity to develop as a professional and workplace leader.

Registration for this summer’s Youthworx Program is now underway, and recruitment begins in May. Please find key information below and feel free to share with TCHC youth and families in your ward.

Key Information:

Eligibility: TCHC tenants aged 14-18
Registration deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025
To register for a recruitment session, please visit the following link:

Registration Link: 2025 YouthWorx: Youth Community Worker recruitment session

Recruitment Sessions:

Thursday, May 8, 2 to 7 p.m. – East region ( 20 Gordonridge Pl.)
Friday, May 9, 2 to 7 p.m. – Central region ( 931 Yonge St.)
Thursday, May 15, 2 to 7 p.m. – West region ( 495 Wilson Ave)
Thursday, May 15, 2 to 7 p.m. – West region ( 2195 Jane St)
Friday, May 16, 2 to 7 p.m. – All regions ( 931 Yonge St.)

Armenian Genocide Memorial Day

In 1915, 1.5 million Armenians were brutally murdered by the Ottoman Empire - a genocide that has yet to be acknowledged by the Turkish government. When I was on the Toronto District School Board, I was proud to be able to support including lessons on this genocide into the curriculum. This year, I once again stood with our city’s Armenian community to remember those who were killed and to demand justice for the Armenians of Artsakh.

Get Involved - Community Stewardship Program

Cedarvale Park Tree Planting Event

Urban Forestry invites you to join us in planting native trees and shrubs at a public planting event at Cedarvale Park this spring! The details of the event are as follows:

Location: 57 Strathearn Rd, Toronto, ON M6C 1R5, the slope above the dog park
Date: Sunday, May 4
Time: 10 a.m. – noon

What to expect:

Forestry staff provide introductory remarks followed by a planting demonstration. After this, members of the public are welcome to plant trees and shrubs at their own pace until noon, or until all the planting is complete.
The site may be muddy, so come dressed for conditions with closed-toe shoes.
Planting happens rain or shine, but not in hazardous weather.

You can find the details of our events on their online calendar: toronto.ca/tree-planting-stewardship-events-calendar/. You can email [email protected] if you have any questions.

For ongoing council and community news, my contact information, along with a calendar of events, please visit www.joshmatlow.ca. Click here to read my previous city hall and community updates.

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Taking Action to Improve Toronto’s Response to Major Snow Incidents

Toronto is a winter City. Over this past week, Torontonians endured extreme weather and heavy snowfalls with areas in our city receiving up to 50cm of accumulated snow. When it snows, our sidewalks need to be safe and accessible. The TTC needs to be operational, and our city needs to work.

Under the previous two mayors (Ford and Tory), I was successful in advocating for the expansion of sidewalk snow clearing for every Toronto neighborhood. However, I could not convince them to prioritize extreme weather responses. I wont stop pushing until this is done, and done properly.

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Show Your Support for a Charter City - Sign our Petition and Register to Depute

At Executive Committee on Tuesday, January 28th, Councillor Jamaal Myers and I are moving a motion “Toward Municipal Autonomy and Effective Local Governance” and we need your help! Show your support for a charter city by signing our petition, registering to speak, and submitting written comments for the committee meeting.

It’s time to start fighting for Toronto’s future. You can register to depute or submit written comments at Executive Committee on January 28th here and you can sign our petition to send a message to your local Councillor and Mayor here.

Councillor Matlow's City Hall & Community Update: April 2025

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