In This E-Newsletter:
Taking Action to Protect Tenants' Health and Safety
Several years ago, I moved a motion which led to the creation of RentSafe, a property standards enforcement program focused on keeping tenants’ homes safe and healthy.
Since then, we've fought to give RentSafe more teeth, including advocating for colour coded signs modelled after the Dinesafe program. We also called for the consistent use of remedial action – where the city goes and does repairs if a landlord is negligent, and then adds the bill to their property tax bill.
I am grateful that the Mayor and Council have supported out efforts. Beginning this June, landlords will finally be required to display a colour coded sign (Green, Yellow, or Red) at building entrances and disclose their ratings to tenants.
City staff are now finally moving forward with a more robust and transparent framework to guide when they will use remedial action.
There are still ways the program can be improved, which is why I moved a motion to explore broadening the scope of the program, to strengthen the use of in-unit inspections, and a request that information be provided directly to tenants doors instead of only posted in common areas.
Making Our Parks More Fun and Vibrant with More Food Options
Last year, I moved a motion requesting city parks staff to develop a plan to bring more food and beverage options into many of our parks.
In many cities across the world, you can go to a park to meet up with friends and grab a coffee or snack, but in Toronto, the food options are limited. That needs to change.
I’m happy to see a plan move forward which will allow more opportunities for vending in parks, and a review of the city’s contracts with long-term providers in existing spaces to prioritize more local and diverse options in parks where it makes sense. Obviously, garbage, recycling and access to public bathrooms will be considered as part of the strategy.
I also moved a motion requesting that parks staff create a Park Kiosk pilot in Toronto - St. Paul's. Modelled after kiosks in many great global parks, such as Bryant Park in New York, I want food kiosk to become vibrant, community-oriented spaces that encourage people to gather and enjoy our parks together.
Fighting For a Safe and Reliable TTC
The first weeks of April saw several major service disruptions on the TTC, including hydraulic fluid leaks and major signal failures that led to prolonged subway shutdowns.
This had major impacts for Torontonians trying to get to work, school, or appointments on time. These delays are unacceptable and cannot become normalized. Transit needs to be fast and reliable. Right now, transit riders use the TTC with the expectation that their daily commute will be impacted by a delay. Torontonians deserves better.
Infrastructure failures are the second largest cause of service disruptions, often due to aging infrastructure and delayed capital investments over many years. The TTC urgently needs to identify any required capital investments to the TTC’s assets and infrastructure which will reduce the frequency of delays caused by infrastructure failures such as hydraulic fluid leaks.
That’s why I moved a motion at the TTC Board requesting an urgent action plan to address infrastructure-related disruptions. The status quo of daily delays impacting customers cannot continue any longer.
Click below to listen to my remarks at the TTC Board Meeting:
Moving Towards a More Beautiful City
I introduced the Towards a Beautiful City initiative in 2024 because I believe that Toronto can do better than rising to the height of mediocrity. Like our own homes, we want our city to be clean, comfortable, and beautiful – a place we can enjoy, and which we can be proud of when people come to visit.
The City has taken an important step in advancing this initiative. An extensive inter-divisional report was brough to Council which identified significant opportunities to promote design excellence in our public spaces and landmark buildings, introduce new procurement changes to elevate design outcomes, minimize the impact of construction, and improve the maintenance of our public realm.
Additionally, I worked with staff to introduce new measures to improve service standards for maintaining public garbage bins. While the contract with Astral media for these bins continues until next year, it’s already the City’s responsibility to address any overflow, which happens all too often. Solid Waste Management has committed to increase litter bin monitoring with real time information to litter crews, accelerate the implementation of bin sensor technology, and improve route optimization.
I appreciate that Council and City staff have embraced this opportunity to work towards a more beautiful city.
FIFA Fan Fest
The World Cup is coming to Toronto in June, and while we look forward to welcoming the world for this celebration, we also want to ensure that this is a great experience for Torontonians.
The most significant free event hosted by the City during the World Cup is going to be the Fast Fest, which is intended to host up to 20,000 people per day to watch matches live. So when a plan was brought before Executive Committee to charge $10 per ticket to Fan Fest, I fought to stop it in it's tracks.
Toronto residents have spent more than $180 million on the World Cup, yet with the high cost of tickets, most Torontonians won’t be able to attend the matches in person. That’s why it’s so important that there be free events that people can attend to be part of the celebrations.
I’m happy to confirm that we've been able to ensure that general admission tickets will continue to be free.
I am still concerned about how the initial recommendation to charge for access to Fan Fest was made, and disappointed that 3,900 tickets will be set aside for “premium access” to what was promoted to the public as a completely free event. This question will need to be part of a review of how the World Cup was managed.
Protecting Our Waterfront: Doug Ford's Unprecedented Attack on Toronto's Autonomy
Doug Ford’s plan to bring jets to downtown Toronto is raising serious questions about the costs versus the benefits of the project.
We have learned that he is planning to expropriate Little Norway Park as well as most of the Toronto Islands to make way for the jet’s landing area and potentially additional parking to address the lack of public transit access to the airport. I am concerned that this expropriation will continue to expand, perhaps even to private property and housing.
There have also been serious concerns raised regarding the impact that the expanded landing area will have on planned developments, including in the Port Lands where a new community of 150,000 people is being built – a project that is now at risk of being reduced by as much as two-thirds if jets are introduced downtown.
And of equal concern is the impact that millions of additional passengers to the island airport, located in a dense residential area, will have on traffic. The Toronto Region Board of Trade has called congestion a “major economic crisis” for the city, projecting an $85.5 billion annual impact by 2044. Doug Ford has provided no information for how this increase in traffic would be mitigated.
All of these factors represent significant economic opportunity costs, and I have already passed motions directing staff to produce impact assessments to provide an accounting of those costs.
By contrast, the provincial government’s arguments for the economic potential of the airport ignores some important facts.
Minister Sarkaria argues that expansion would relieve pressure on Toronto Pearson Airport, ignoring the billions already being invested to expand Pearson’s capacity to 65 million passengers. He suggests the project would support construction jobs, while overlooking that the province’s own Financial Accountability Office has identified declining housing starts as a key driver of underemployment - something the already proposed waterfront developments could directly address, if given the chance.
But there is some good news. While Doug Ford usually has unfettered authority to bulldoze Toronto and exclude us from decision-making, when it comes to Billy Bishop and our waterfront, the federal government has substantial power to dictate the terms of these deals.
I encourage you to positively engage your local Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister, make the case for ensuring that any decisions about the future of our city be evidence-based and include local buy-in.
To make way for jets, Doug Ford could destroy the baseball diamond in Little Norway Park and turn it into an airport parking lot. I played ball with the Downtown Softball League to support their efforts to strike out Ford’s attack on Toronto. Click below to watch my video.
Sign Our Petition: Stop Doug Ford’s TTC Takeover
The Ontario government is currently considering Bill 98 Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 which seeks to override local transit authorities in setting fare prices, defining fare categories, types, and eligibility requirements, prescribe revenue sharing and establishing transfer policies.
While the concept of fare integration is welcome, it must be done in a way that protects our ability to manage our system, including our ability to follow through on our critical 10-year capital investment plan. It also cannot undermine our own affordability initiatives, including fare-capping.
This bill is proceeding quickly through the legislative process, and it’s clearly not the kind of matter where we can afford to just wait and see what the implications will be when it passes. I have asked the CEO of the TTC to seek commitments from Premier Ford and his government that we will be able to continue investing in safer, faster, and more reliable service.
I am also requesting that the City Manager pursue negotiations with the provincial government to restore 50/50 operational funding for local public transportation, which was eliminated in 1998 under Mike Harris, as a condition of any provincial intervention in the City’s ability to set its own fares.
If Doug Ford wants a say in local public transit, he needs to put skin in the game. Ultimately, Toronto residents want a transit agency, unlike Metrolinx, that is locally accountable to them. Click here to sign the petition and click below to listen to my remarks at Council.
Canada Post Community Mailboxes Coming to Toronto
Canada Post has announced that they will be preceding with eliminating door-to-door delivery in some Toronto communities. This will have serious implications for affected Torontonians and for our public realm.
Our first priority must be that community mailboxes are safe and accessible. They must be located in areas that are well-lit, secure, and free from physical barriers. This will require careful site selection and consistent maintenance.
We must also ensure that the program does not undermine our commitment to a cleaner, more livable and more beautiful city. There must be adequate waste receptacles, and measures need to be taken to manage traffic and mitigate litter.
There will be considerable budget implications, and efforts must be made to recoup those costs from Canada Post so that residents are not paying more for reduced service.
I have requested that the City Manager ensure that these priorities and local feedback are reflected as the City works with Canada Post to implement this program, and to provide enhanced transparency and accountability.
Parks Updates and Improvements in Our Community
Wychwood Barns Park Projects
Two capital improvement projects are now underway at Wychwood Barns Park.
Barn 5 is temporarily closed for structural and masonry repairs to the roof, which limits pedestrian access between Christie Street and Wychwood Avenue. Repairs are expected to wrap up by mid-summer. Parks staff are working with the Stop Community Food Centre to arrange an alternative outdoor setup for the Farmer's Market during this period.
Playground construction will also begin in early May. The playground will be closed to the public during construction and is expected to reopen before the end of summer. The splash pad will remain closed until mid-summer due to dust and debris from the Barn 5 work.
I recognize that these projects will be disruptive to activities at the Barns just as the weather warms, and I have been strongly advocating on the community’s behalf to ensure that the impacts of these much-needed projects are minimized.
For updates, visit the Wychwood Barns Park project page.
Raccoon Park Expansion
We are expanding Raccoon Park, as part of our plan to create a series of community spaces along the north side of Soudan Avenue between Yonge and Mount Pleasant.
We want to hear from the community about your priorities for how the expanded park is programmed, including perspectives on whether a basketball court should be included.
A Thought Exchange is open now, where you can share your ideas and rate others. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2027.
We look forward to receiving your input.
Visit the Raccoon Park Expansion Project Webpage.
Cedarvale Park Playground Enhancement
Improvements are coming to Cedarvale Park! Thank you to everyone who supported my motion to fund this project and to ensure it moves forward.
Community engagement for the Cedarvale Park Playground Enhancement Project is getting underway. Key dates include:
Construction is planned to begin in Spring 2027 and will conclude by Summer 2027.
Please stay tuned for updates by following the Cedarvale Park Playground Enhancement Webpage.
Lionel Conacher Park Improvements
Improvements are coming to Lionel Conacher Park! Thank you to everyone who supported my motion to fund this project and to ensure it moves forward.
This includes the revitalization and irrigation of the field, heritage wall remediation, playground enhancement, and other important improvements.
Residents can now weigh in on playground design options through an online survey, open until May 5. Construction on both the wall and the broader park and playground project is anticipated for Fall 2026.
For updates and to provide feedback, please follow the Lionel Conacher Park Playground Page.
Frankel Lambert Park Playground Enhancement
Park improvements are coming to Frankel Lambert Part, and community engagement is underway.
An online survey is coming in May asking for feedback on playground design options, and results will help shape the final design. Construction is anticipated to begin in late fall 2026, with the new playground expected to reopen in spring 2027.
To sign up for project updates and to share your feedback in the survey once it’s launched, visit the Frankel Lambert Park Playground Improvements page.
Dov Altman Laneway Improvement Coming Soon
Great news for the Cedarvale and Upper Village community. Through a partnership between the Cedarvale and Upper Village Community Group and the local BIA, we are moving forward with a significant laneway improvement project to Dov Altman Lane.
The project — that I funded through $210,000 in Section 37 community benefits — will include new paving, a mural, improved lighting, planting, permeable surfaces, and replacement of an aging retaining wall. The BIA will support ongoing maintenance once construction is complete.
Construction is expected to begin in late summer. Nearby residents will receive a Construction Notice before work begins outlining the scope, timeline, and any impacts, and my office will continue to stay in touch as this important project progresses.
Ensuring That Our Communities Are Reflected in New Eglinton LRT Stations
In response to our motion, I’m happy to announce that Metrolinx will finally deliver on the promised new art installation at Oakwood Station by artist Adrian Hayes, which will honour the cultural vibrancy of Little Jamaica. They are also committing to exploring opportunities to promote local Little Jamaica businesses through station level advertising. This wouldn’t have happened without community advocacy and support.
Reminder: Tenant Townhall in Oakwood - Vaughan on April 28th
Join me tomorrow for a community town hall dedicated to supporting tenants. This event will bring together city representatives and community organizations including RentSafe, MLS and FMTA to share important information, resources, and guidance for renters.
This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the supports available to you, ask questions, and connect with others in the community. By coming together, we can ensure everyone stays informed and has a voice.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, April 28th
Time: 6:00 PM -8:30 PM
Location: Verity Centre for Better Living, 449 Vaughan Rd
Coming Together for the Ontario Science Centre: Join Our Next Public Consultation
Two years ago, the Ford government closed the Ontario Science Centre under false pretenses. As a community, we’re fighting to ensure it can open again to the public.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our public consultation on the future of the Ontario Science Centre at 770 Don Mills Rd. The first meeting was focused on hearing from local voices in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park and nearby communities. The next one, which we’ll announce soon, will be for everyone (including you) who wants to contribute to a vision to bring Raymond Moriyama’s architectural masterpiece back to life, for the next generation of Ontarians.
Join us for our next public consultation reimagining the future of Ontario Science Centre!
Join Us: Community Environment Days on May 5th and May 19th
Happy Vaisakhi to Our City's Sikh Community
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh (WJKKWJKF) to our Sikh community! It was amazing to be at the Khalsa Day Parade at Nathan Phillips Square!
Thank you to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council and all the Sevadars (volunteers) from the many Gurdwaras and public services including TTC Special Constables and Toronto Police.
Commemorating Yom Hashoah and Taking a Stand Against Antisemitism
To commemorate Yom Hashoah, I attended Adath Israel with some of my colleagues to remember the 6 million Jews lost in the Holocaust and stand with our city’s Jewish community. I had the privilege of spending time with Denise Hans, who survived by hiding in France in 1942.
Cleaning Up Our Ravines with Don't Mess With The Don
The Don River and its ravines are some of our city’s greatest natural treasures. Let’s take care of them!
It was a pleasure to join Don’t Mess With the Don, along with the amazing Councillor Rachel Chernos-Lin and MPP Adil Shamji, for a community clean up at E.T. Seaton Park in Don Valley West.
Book Launch: "Saving Toronto"
A More Beautiful Oriole Parkway
Community Clean Up with the Toronto Islamic Centre
Earlier this year, members of the Toronto Islamic Centre’s congregation were assaulted after leaving Ramadan prayers, including a 13 year-old boy. I believe that when any community in our city faces hate, intimidation or violence, we should rally around them, and show our support. This week, I was delighted to visit the masjid and join its members for a community clean up - and I look forward to working closely with them on even more ways to support our city and bring people together.
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Celebrating the Newly Named "Hon Carolyn Bennett Park"
This month, we cut the ribbon on “Hon. Carolyn Bennett Park”, formerly the Lawton Parkette near Heath and Yonge! It was a heartfelt pleasure to do this on behalf of our Toronto-St. Paul’s community that was served by Carolyn for 26 years as our Member of Parliament. As a distinguished physician and a key federal minister, she broke new ground as Canada’s first Minister of State for Public Health, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and first Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Carolyn Bennett continues to serve our country as Canada’s Ambassador to Denmark - at a critical time in our shared history. We love you Carolyn, and are grateful.
Community Clean Up With Friends of Cedarvale
Thank you so much to Friends of Cedarvale for cleaning up Cedarvale Park! It was a pleasure to join you and pay a visit to my mom’s memorial bench. The ravine was her favorite place to walk.
Working Together for Safer Davisville Streets
We’re working on a plan to make Davisville Ave a more safe, functional, beautiful and vibrant street. Thanks to everyone in our community who’ve contributed so many ideas and helpful feedback. I’m excited to move forward this year!
Commemorating Good Friday
This month, I walked in the Good Friday procession in Little Italy, and then walked with our Armenian community in North York. Wishing you and your family a blessed Good Friday.
Visiting Unity Charity
Did you know that some of the world’s greatest DJs and Hip Hop artists are from right here in Toronto? In the breakdance scene, there are even moves breakers do, known as the “Toronto style”. This month, I met with Unity Charity, a Toronto-based non-profit organization delivering free Hip Hop programming that supports youth mental health, belonging, and career pathways for thousands of young people each year across Canada. I look forward to working with them on fun and creative ways to support youth in our city.
Film Screening at the Forest Hill Public Library
Volunteer With SPRINT Senior Care's Meals on Wheels Program
SPRINT Senior Care’s Meals on Wheels (MOW) program is a volunteer-based service that delivers meals directly to seniors’ homes seven days a week, 365 days a year.
We are currently experiencing a volunteer shortage and are urgently seeking volunteers who have a car and a G license to help with meal delivery. The meal pick-up location is at Sunnybrook Hospital, and volunteers deliver meals to clients within our catchment area (Bloor to the 401, Bathurst to Bayview/Don River) from 10:30am to 1:00pm. We are especially looking for volunteers on Mondays through Fridays, with a typical commitment of one shift per week for at least three months.
By becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer, you'll play a vital role in supporting our community's seniors, ensuring they receive essential meals while fostering social connection and combating isolation. We encourage passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference! Interested in applying – please fill out the volunteer application form or contact us at 416-481-0669 ext. 8723 or [email protected]
2026 Student Leadership Bursary Awards
In This E-Newsletter:
In This E-Newsletter: