Councillor Matlow's City Hall & Community Update: December 2024

Focusing on Real Solutions to Toronto's Traffic Gridlock

Every day, too many Torontonians find themselves stuck in traffic gridlock, this is unacceptable. While there are many reasons for this, such as a lack of much-needed transit expansion over generations, along with the continuing need to provide people with more options to get around. I am actively calling for change. Far too many of our city's curb lanes are occupied for 2 or 3 years at a time for construction staging. I don't believe this is acceptable and I am calling for change.

Please read this thoughtful Toronto Star story about this priority.


Focusing on Real Solutions to Toronto's Traffic Gridlock

Every day, too many Torontonians find themselves stuck in traffic gridlock, this is unacceptable. While there are many reasons for this, such as a lack of much-needed transit expansion over generations, along with the continuing need to provide people with more options to get around. I am actively calling for change. Far too many of our city's curb lanes are occupied for 2 or 3 years at a time for construction staging. I don't believe this is acceptable and I am calling for change.

Please read this thoughtful Toronto Star story about this priority.


A City Charter - Fighting for Toronto’s Autonomy and Effective Local Governance

Doug Ford’s latest overreach into municipal jurisdiction is another reminder that Canada's constitution was written in 1867 when our country was largely an agrarian society. Today, with over 80% of Canadians living in urban areas, large cities like Toronto are now responsible for delivering, and funding a large share of, transit, roads, social housing, recreation, and other services residents rely on every day. Yet the province can overturn any of our considered and debated decisions on a whim.
 
Constant provincial meddling in municipal affairs undercuts local democracy and threatens civic engagement. We risk Torontonians tuning out our public meetings and consultations if the sentiment that the province will just overturn Council decisions takes root. Whether Torontonians agree with a Council decision regarding a development plan, how elections are conducted, what revenue is generated, or a bike lane, the level of government making the decision should be accountable.
 
That’s why I moved a motion in Council this week to start the work on a new arrangement with senior levels of government that ensures we have the independence necessary for 21st century cities to thrive and achieve results for residents. Common in the United States and elsewhere, Charter Cities have supreme authority over “municipal affairs.” Also referred to as “Home Rule”, a Charter City’s law concerning a municipal affair will trump a state law governing the same topic.
 
It's time for Canada's largest city to have the tools it needs to effectively chart its own course to decide how we grow, get around, support each other, and improve our quality of life. A City Charter will also assist in making the division of roles and responsibilities between senior levels of government and City Hall more transparent and therefore more accountable to the public.
 
No one can be under any illusion that a Charter is possible at present given such a move would require support from the provincial government. However, it is important to start work on how greater independence could be structured and communicate the benefits to Torontonians, other municipalities, and senior levels of government.


SmartTrack Off the Rails: Now Further Reduced to Only 3 Stations

SmartTrack was never anything more than a dishonest brand used as a campaign slogan, and we’re still paying for that brand a decade later. With 19 stops fewer, all that remains of John Tory’s promise is 3 stops & a $1.7 billion bill that should’ve never been on Toronto’s tab.

The key plank in Tory’s 2014 Mayoral platform, SmartTrack was successfully sold as a 22 station, 53km transit line, with a spur to the airport, you could hop on for a TTC fare that wouldn’t require upfront property taxes.

The sales pitch worked. Tory made SmartTrack the dominant issue in the 2014 campaign, riding the idea to the Mayor’s office, despite a lot of questions from other candidates and the media.


 
During the campaign, Globe & Mail reporter Oliver Moore took an altimeter and maps along the proposed western portion of the route finding that Tory’s promises didn’t match the reality on the ground. Moore found that because of grade changes and limited surface area SmartTrack would require an 8km tunnel and a vastly higher price tag, which Tory disputed. Even after taking office, Tory wrongly dismissed those asking questions about the viability of SmartTrack as “Douglas or Debbie Downers”.

As early as 2015, it was becoming apparent the Downers were right. A City report found the western spur to the airport would indeed have to be tunnelled at great expense and was removed from consideration. Reality dealt a worse blow to Tory’s campaign narrative in 2016 with a staff report paring the number of stations down to six. Lawrence East Station was removed in 2021, further reducing the number of SmartTrack stops to five.

In 2023 the cost of the remaining 5 stations increased by $234M. City Council requested the province to cover the increase, a request that has so far been denied.

Looking at the $1.7B cost today for only 3 stations it’s worth noting that the SmartTrack idea came from the 2011 provincial Liberal platform, which eventually became GO RER. There was never any suggestion of city funding. The GO RER plan received little public attention, opening the door for Tory to use it in his campaign. He effectively put up Toronto’s hand to pay for provincial infrastructure when he won on that promise and Toronto taxpayers are still on the hook- but not on the train. I am committed to working with my colleagues to support transit expansion into the communities that need it.
 
For more information, please see the SmartTrack report debated at Council this week


Moving Forward with a Maximum Temperature By-Law

 I am pleased to report that Toronto is finally moving forward with a maximum temperature by-law to protect tenants from excessive heat. The Medical Officer of Health has long said that indoor temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius for prolonged periods can have serious health impacts on vulnerable renters, especially seniors and individuals with pre-existing medical issues including heart disease and diabetes. That’s why I first moved a motion on this issue in 2012. While I’m frustrated that it took 12 years, it’s important that significant progress is finally happening.
 
This spring, Landlords will be required to turn on air conditioning on May 15th, instead of June 1st, if we experience an early start to summer as we have in recent years. The previous date has left too many renters roasting in their apartment. The full by-law enacting a maximum indoor temperature is expected next fall.
 
This week’s important measure passed at Council was thanks to the advocacy of Toronto Acorn, the Federation of Metro Toronto Tenants Associations, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants in Ontario, and local tenants associations in Midtown and across Toronto.


Demanding Action on TTC Service Delays

The last few weeks have seen several major disruptions to TTC service, often during the peak of morning rush hour. These delays meant that people were late for school or work, stuck in trains underground or waiting too long for overcrowded shuttle buses. TTC must take urgent action to address the root causes of these disruptions, improve the way it communicates, so to regain the trust of Torontonians in our transit system.

That’s why I will be moving the following motion at the next TTC board meeting. This motion seeks to prevent further incidents by investigating the root cause of the delays and putting in place measures to better manage and communicate about incidents when they do occur. In particular, this motion requests TTC Staff to:

  • Conduct an external review of signaling system maintenance
  • Improve communication with riders during service disruptions
  • Explore ways to make shuttle bus service start sooner after a disruption and ensure they run more efficiently 
  • Explore providing more options for transit riders so if there are subway disruptions other modes are available, including the potential of priority surface lanes on parallel routes
  • Request the Province of Ontario to fund platform edge doors starting with the stations in greatest need 
     

We risk losing riders if they cannot count on the transit system to get them to work, school or appointments on time. I am committed to continue fighting for a safer and more reliable TTC.


Protecting full door-door Wheel Trans Service 

I am committed to protecting full door-door Wheel-Trans service for all Torontonians who need it. At the TTC Board meeting in December, I fought alongside disability and transit advocate groups to protect the service and to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are represented.

While there is not an immediate proposal to cut Wheel-Trans service for people who currently have it, the TTC has expressed a desire to shift more people to a “Family of Service” (FOS) model that includes trips with both Wheel-Trans and the use of the “conventional system”. I am strongly opposed to forcing mandatory family of service trips on Wheel-Trans users. FOS is not currently mandatory, and Wheel-Trans users can refuse FOS trips.

There are many problems with the FOS model that have been highlighted by advocates, most importantly being the inaccessibility of the conventional system. While City has been investing significantly into station upgrades to make its stations more accessible, many issues remain with elevators and escalators that are frequently out of service. Further, all TTC riders know that the service can often be unreliable and crowded, which disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable.

That’s why I moved a motion at the TTC Board meeting that requested staff to report back with an equity analysis of the impacts of FOS trips on Wheel-Trans users, which was approved by the board. I look forward to the results of this work, and remain deeply committed to fighting to protect Wheel Trans service for the people who rely on it.



New Burn Care Program

I am excited to be working with the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association to create Ontario's first and only burn care centre, right here in our community. Despite having the biggest burn units in Canada housed in Toronto there is no such program in Ontario - yet. 

Using the city-owned former Fire Hall at 641 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto Fire Fighters Charities Inc. (the charitable arm of the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association) want to provide a ‘Home Away Program’ for burn victims receiving treatment at Sunnybrook or The Hospital for Sick Children. I am happy to be working closely with them to provide this deeply meaningful service. 


Fighting for a Green and Public Ontario Place 

The Ontario Auditor General has released a bombshell report exposing yet another example of the Ford government's corruption, this time for negotiating a sweetheart deal with Therme, a private Austrian spa company, for their Ontario Place redevelopment.
 
The AG report found that Ford's Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma was directly involved in overseeing the deal for the Austrian spa, which gives tremendously favourable terms to the Austrian company while the public is on the hook for billions of dollars. The Auditor General Report found the Ford government’s Ontario Place redevelopment costs have exploded by 1.8 billion to a total now of 2.2 billion, which is five times more than their original estimation in 2019. At least 250 million of this will go to building a private parking garage at Exhibition place.
 
Meanwhile, under false pretenses, the beloved Science Centre has been shuttered and ripped out of Thorncliffe and Flemington park. The AG report found that building a new Science Centre at Ontario Place will cost $700 million, which is more than keeping it at its currently location. I am actively leading a stakeholder working group at City Hall to discuss ways to save the Science Centre building and to protect it for the future.

While this government calls itself conservative, in practice they’re the opposite – recklessly wasting the public’s money to help their friends, while the people of Ontario struggle from lack of healthcare and affordable housing.
 
I am angry. And I know the people of Ontario are angry too, and we will not accept or stand for this type of brazen corruption by the Ford government again. I believe Ford's Minister of Infrastructure should resign, and that his government should be replaced in the next election. Ontario Place should be revitalized into a fun, animated space with a waterfront that is green and publicly accessible. 


Supporting Green Boulevard Improvements along Roehampton Ave.

On the north side of Roehampton fronting North Toronto Collegiate Institute, there is a “green boulevard” that requires significant upkeep due to the high volume of pedestrian activity. My office worked closely with local residents and City Staff on a design concept to improve the boulevard, and I was happy to provide $90,000 in local development funding to support the project. Staff will be proceeding with tendering the contract and construction in 2025. This excellent project will animate the public realm on Roehampton, adding new tree canopy and perennial planting, a low fence to protect the green space, as well as new benches for residents to sit.


Preserving the Scarborough RT structure for an Active Transportation Path

At the most recent meeting of the Executive Committee, I worked with my colleague and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers to fight against a short-sighted Staff Report recommending the removal of the elevated track for the now defunct Scarborough RT. It has the potential to connect neighbourhoods in Scarborough and become the “SkyWay”, similar to New York City’s High Line, which turned an old elevated rail corridor into a now very popular walking path.

City Staff are expected to report back to Executive Committee with options to save and repurpose the structure late next year.


Supporting Little Jamaica with Black Urbanism Toronto

I’m grateful to work with inspiring groups like Black Urbanism Toronto to support a Little Jamaica that’s vibrant, healthy & successful. And where the people who live & work here can afford to be here. I enjoyed getting together for a conversation with the community at Studio M.


Welcoming our Girl Guides to City Hall

It was a pleasure to welcome the Girl Guides to city hall. Every year, I’m delighted to support them by eating their cookies. Lots of cookies. In fact, I plan to enjoy a few more today. I’m just happy to be there for our kids.


Celebrating Kwanza at Studio M


Wychwood Barns Holiday Boxes 

The annual farmer's market limited edition holiday box are on sale for preorder!  We can only fulfill a limited quantity, so reserve early if you would like a wonderful gift for someone you care about, one for yourself, or to support the market and The Stop this year!  A curated selection representing your vibrant market.
 
This year we have two great options!  One featuring 14 fabulous products from the market, and a second with the addition of craft drinks produced by the farmers and vendors!
 
Order now, and you can pick it up at the farmer's market on either Saturday December 21, or December 28 during any of the market hours!  This has been curated to make a wonderful gift and be shelf stable for the holidays!  Delivery can also be arranged if requested depending on distance! 
 
Everything anyone might want to make for a special holiday morning, meal, or dinner party!
 
For more details, and box contents, see the attached posters, and list below. Any questions at all, just let us know!  We count on your support every year to make this program a success!  
 
A gift, for yourself, friends, or the family.   We are also continuing the option to donate one to someone in need this holiday, and pair donated boxes with local families.  With your help we were able to donate over two dozen last year.
 
To place an order, reply here or contact [email protected] and we'll provide all the details!


JANUARY 15TH AND 18TH - HAVE YOUR SAY!  TORONTO'S CLIMATE AND BUDGET FUTURE

The City of Toronto has a climate survey open until Jan 31. This is a public consultation to inform the creation of a new Climate Action Plan for 2026 to 2030.  Questions are about your experience of  climate change, the impact on you, and what you are doing to reduce emissions. There's also a question about your ideas for the city.

Background info is here: 
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/environmentally-friendly-city-initiatives/transformto/transformto-net-zero-action-plan/
The direct survey link is here:
https://cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=423055&d=l&h=6FCD797B5D5BAC5&l=en
 
The two city pop up sessions that are closest to Toronto St Paul's residents are listed here - on the TransformTO page:

TransformTO Pop-Up Event January 8, 2025
2 – 6 p.m.
Glen Long Community Centre
35 Glen Long Ave Toronto, ON M6B 2M1
TransformTO Pop-Up Event January 9, 2025
2 – 6 p.m.
Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre
1369 St Clair Ave WToronto, ON M6E 1C5

 
If you can also attend, please come to
VIRTUAL (ZOOM) SESSION - WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15, 7 - 9 pm, organized by ClimateFast. I do not have the registration link yet, please write me if you are interested: [email protected] (I will send you this link asap)

IN PERSON EVENT AT CSI SPADINA (215 Spadina) SATURDAY JAN 18, 10 - 1
We'll go through the survey together, and we'll also do a training on how to make a deputation.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/have-your-say-torontos-climate-plan-tickets-1119855460829
 
CITY BUDGET DEPUTATIONS - are Jan 21 and Jan 22, register by Jan 17th.  The link is not up yet to sign up but this will appear by Jan 13th on the toronto.ca website under the city council tab.

The TCAN and ClimateFast sessions on Jan 15 and 18 will cover how to make a deputation, and what are the key issues to speak about.


West Toronto Community Legal Services - Board Recruitment

West Toronto Community Legal Services (WTCLS) is a community-based legal clinic and housing help service provider serving low-income people in West Toronto. WTCLS offers legal services related to housing, social assistance and disability, immigration, and low-waged employment. WTCLS also supports community members in their search for safe and affordable housing in the City of Toronto.

WTCLS is seeking a volunteer or volunteers to join its Board of Directors. As a member of the Board, the successful candidate(s) must prepare for and attend Board meetings nine times a year and serve on one of our Board Committees (Governance, Finance, or Human Resources). The time commitment is about 6-8 hours per month on average.

Expectations of Board Members
This is an active Board. Members are expected to attend meetings diligently including the Annual General Meeting. Members are also expected to participate in one standing committee and participate in the annual strategic planning process.
Candidates must be committed to serving the needs of low-income people and families. Knowledge of the community, of the legal clinic system, or of housing issues in the City is an asset. Preference will be given to people living within the clinic's catchment area (south of St. Clair, west of Yonge, east of the Humber River) and who reflect the communities that we serve.
We have identified that our Board would benefit from one or more of the following:

  • Persons with lived experience of poverty
  • Persons with knowledge of community partner agencies and stakeholder groups
  • Persons with expertise in finance and/or human resources and/or governance

To Apply
Email your resume to [email protected]. Please do not apply via LinkedIn. The deadline for applications is January 13, 2025 at 5:00pm.

Please include a letter or email in which you tell us about your experience with and/or interest in our organization and the skills and knowledge you would bring to our Board. Please include your contact information with email address (preferred) and/or phone number where you can be reached.

Members of historically disadvantaged groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Please advise if you require any accommodations during the application process.

We thank all applicants for their interest in WTCLS. We will only be contacting those to whom we can offer an interview.

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

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

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