In This E-Newsletter:
My family and I wish our Jewish community a happy Passover. May your Seder tables be filled with the love of tradition, learning, and the warmth of family and friends. Chag Sameach!
To everyone in our community celebrating Easter, my family and I hope this joyful and blessed time of year brings renewal and happiness to you and those you love - we look forward to finding some chocolate easter eggs!
And to our city’s Muslim communities, I enjoyed joining several iftar dinners during Ramadan and celebrating Eid with you last week. Thank you for so warmly welcoming me as we broke bread and ate dates together.
Toronto to Intervene at Supreme Court to Protect Ontario Place and Defend our Democratic Rights
Council has adopted my motion to apply for intervenor status at the Supreme Court in the case brought by the Ontario Place Protectors to challenge the constitutionality of the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, 2023 (ROPA).
The stakes are high. This is not just about saving our waterfront, it’s about protecting the rule of law in our city and province. This legislation is a direct threat to our democracy. It strips away the public’s rights, eliminates transparency, and shields government decisions from legal accountability.
ROPA immunizes the government from any “remedy in contract, restitution, tort, misfeasance, bad faith, trust or fiduciary obligation, any equitable remedy or any remedy under any statute” and exempts the government from any responsibilities under the Environmental Assessment Act, which many suspect would reveal catastrophic impacts of the Therme spa on the natural environment, infrastructure and traffic.
Intervenor status permits parties with an interest in the outcome of a case to make submissions that provide important additional information and context for the Court to consider in their verdict. Other applicants for intervenor status in this case include several other provinces and the federal government. Toronto’s participation would ensure that the municipal perspective is represented in this case which will have significant implications for the public lands not only in our own city but across the province.
Torontonians deserve to be represented in this case. And when residents are willing to show leadership in defending our city’s interests, they deserve to know that City Hall has their backs.
Defending the Waterfront and the City of Toronto’s Seat at the Table
Council last week adopted my motion to seek emergency legal advice on the options available to the City to defend Toronto’s interests, including ownership interests, in waterfront lands.
We must fight back against Doug Ford’s bullying and chaos.
His latest move is a case in point: Ford has decided there will be jets at Billy Bishop airport. Within a month, he’s gone from endorsing the idea to announcing his intention to exclude Toronto from the tripartite agreement that governs the airport, just to get his way.
This is a serious escalation for a proposal that will have far-reaching consequences for our city. Toronto’s waterfront is among the most valuable pieces of land in the country, and it will play a vital role in our economic future and quality of life. Removing Toronto’s voice from the process, eliminating all legal and regulatory oversights and trading public consultation for internal polling might make the process smoother at the start, but it will only delay the inevitable reality check.
We’ll ultimately have to come to terms with the impacts a significant expansion of the island airport will have on downtown traffic congestion, housing projects, noise (and its effect on property values) and the continued appeal of waterfront attractions such as the Toronto Islands, open-air Blue Jays games at the Rogers Centre and concerts at the RBC Amphitheatre. Jets will also necessitate the construction of huge blast walls on Lake Ontario.
Whether you agree that Billy Bishop should be open to jets or not, we need to ensure that the decision is made carefully and that Toronto has a seat at the table.
Saving Pickleball at Yonge-Rosehill: Beautifying and Animating Vacant Development Sites
Across Toronto, a growing number of approved development sites are sitting idle as the condominium market stalls, with many remaining vacant for years on end. Vacant properties diminish the vibrancy of our main streets, reduce the sense of safety in neighbourhoods, and provide no economic benefit to the city.
Interim uses including community-oriented activations such as public courts, markets, and pop-up programming, offer a practical and effective solution. Where they have been implemented, they have demonstrated significant benefits by animating main streets, improving safety, and supporting economic activity.
However, a critical policy gap penalizes these interim uses. When a vacant development site is activated through a new interim use, the Province’s Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, may reclassify the property from its prior residential or industrial classification to a commercial one. This reclassification then triggers a substantially higher municipal tax rate.
In our community, the activation of public racket courts on a development site at Yonge and Rosehill through a partnership between the developer and Fairgrounds was a major success. However, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation recently reclassified the subject site commercial, triggering an unsustainable property tax increase that puts the courts at risk of closure.
That’s why I brought forward a motion at City council that requests staff to identify solutions to promote the uptake of developers using their lands for interim uses including by analyzing the feasibility of policy tools including Community Improvements Plans as a solution.
My motion also requests urgent action to address the immediate classification issue facing the Yonge and Rosehill site, including by advocating to Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and the Province, to allow this location, which is enjoyed by thousands of people in our community, to continue operating.
Celebrating Little Jamaica and Supporting Small Businesses Across Eglinton in New Crosstown Stations
While the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has finally opened to the public, residents quickly noticed that there was no acknowledgement or commemoration of Little Jamaica in any of the new stations or nearby infrastructure. Little Jamaica is one of the communities hardest hit by the years of construction as hundreds of businesses were forced to shut their doors, and residents were never properly compensated for their losses. The least Metrolinx could do is to respect and reflect Little Jamaica in the naming, station art, or other placemaking initiatives along the line.
As Metrolinx owns the LRT stations and infrastructure, I moved a motion at City Council alongside my colleague Mike Colle to request Metrolinx to devise a Cultural Placemaking and Public Art Plan to protect and promote the cultural heritage of Little Jamaica along the Eglinton West corridor. The motion also requests that Metrolinx, in collaboration with the TTC, establish a Little Jamaica advisory committee comprising local BIAs, residents, and representatives from the Afro-Caribbean community to co-design the themes and heritage elements of these stations.
This motion also helps ensure that BIAs and local business districts are reflected in new Metrolinx stations.
Moving Forward with a Cultural District Plan in Little Jamaica
In 2020, I moved a motion at City Council requesting Cultural District Plan for the Little Jamaica neighbourhood along Eglinton Avenue West, including formal designation, community engagement, and a retail and heritage strategy. In November 2021, Council directed staff to undertake broad public engagement and return with a final Cultural Districts Program design and implementation plan, but a program was never brought forward.
After years of disappointment and false starts by the city, at this month’s City Council meeting I moved a motion alongside my colleague Chris Moise requesting that the Cultural District Program finally be brought forward this year. The program is critical for ensuring the recognition and cultural preservation of the Little Jamaica community.
Little Jamaica is a cornerstone of Toronto's cultural identity, a neighbourhood shaped by decades of Caribbean heritage, music, and community. A formal Cultural District designation would help protect that legacy for future generations, attract investment back to a corridor that has suffered enormously through years of construction, and give the community the recognition it has long deserved. I'm confident that with renewed momentum at Council, we can finally deliver on these commitments.
Replacing the Broken and Overflowing Garbage Bins on Our Streets
On nearly every main street in Toronto, there are garbage bins that are either broken, overflowing with trash, or both. That’s now acceptable. And for many years, I have been calling for the City of Toronto to bring this basic service in house rather than continue to a contract with Bell media that has produced poor quality products along with poor quality service.
I was very happy to support ending this contract as it ends its term next year, and to ensure that the street furniture we use everyday contributes to a clean and beautiful city.
Standing Against Antisemitism and Taking Action to Support Vulnerable Communities
The shooting at North York’s Temple Emanu-El Synagogue was yet another act of terror and intimidation that has left so many people in our city’s Jewish community living in fear. And since then, there have been two more shootings at Toronto area synagogues. Antisemitism is a cancer and cannot be accepted as normal. Every criminal act of violence, hate, harassment and intimidation must be actively enforced. And every leader should stand with any community that needs our support. That’s what every community in our city, province and country deserves - and should be able to expect.
Antisemitism can never be tolerated. Anywhere. And harassing people in their neighborhood, at their home, by uttering anti-Jewish slurs and playing Adolph Hitler speeches must have consequences. I’m very grateful to the Toronto Police for their work to make an arrest after a recent incident at Bathurst and Sheppard. Laws that protect us all from harassment, intimidation, hate and violence must be effectively enforced.
I was proud to support a motion at last week's city council, working to create a tax credit program for religious and cultural schools, places of worship and community centers who need increased security measures. At a time of unprecedented violence and rising hate, it is essential that governments step up to ensure no community is left to shoulder the burden of safety alone.
Creating Ontario’s First Burn Care Centre and Firefighter’s Museum
This week marked a big step forward for our plan to create Ontario’s first Burn Care Centre, along with a firefighters museum, in the heart of midtown Toronto.
My motion, to release $2 million in Section 37 funding, will begin our work to transform the historic former Fire Hall at 641 Eglinton Ave W into a dedicated support centre, with a firefighters museum on the main floor. In partnership with the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association and Toronto Fire Fighters Charities Inc, it will provide a “Home Away Program” for burn and trauma survivors and their families receiving care at Sunnybrook Health Centre and The Hospital for Sick Children.
This investment will bring new life to a historic building while delivering compassionate, practical support to those who need it most. If you’re a burn survivor, you and your family should have to worry about how to afford to receive the care you need.
We are currently seeking provincial and federal support for this project, along with philanthropists.
I’m proud to be working on an initiative that’s both a critical service and a labour of love that will bring community and care together, and I look forward to seeing it come through to fruition.
Interfaith Celebration Bringing Together Rabbis, Imams and Ministers
It was such a heartfelt pleasure to join Rabbis, Imams and Ministers for an Iftar at Holy Blossom Temple. Muslims, Christians and Jews breaking bread together, standing together, in support of a safe and supportive city for every community. We need more of this.
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day at the Harp
Now celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Toronto Irish community’s unofficial new HQ, the Harp! It’s finally open! Congrats to Shaun, Gaven and the team. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Reminder: Tenant Townhall at Yonge and Eglinton
Join me today 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, March 31st
Time: 6:00 PM -8:30 PM
Location: Yonge Eglinton Community Centre, 160 Eglinton Ave
Come Celebrate the Newly Named Carolyn Bennet Parkette
Lawton Parkette is an important part of our community, a space where people gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Currently named after nearby Lawton Boulevard, I am excited to rename it “Carolyn Bennett Park” in honour of Carolyn Bennett’s lasting impact on the city.
As a family doctor and former Member of Parliament serving Toronto—St. Paul's for over 26 years, Carolyn Bennett brought her commitment to public health and community well-being into her political career. She championed women’s rights, mental health, and Indigenous reconciliation, becoming a powerful voice for equity and inclusion. A trailblazer for women in both medicine and politics, Bennett broke barriers and showed the vital importance of women’s representation in leadership roles. Currently, she is serving as Canada’s Ambassador to Denmark.
Renaming this park is a chance to celebrate Bennett’s legacy and inspire future generations of women to enter politics, pursue leadership roles, and continue advocating for a more just and inclusive society.
When – April 7th 2026
Time – 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Where – Lawton Parkette (1600 Yonge Street)
HoopQueens Event Celebrating International Women's Day
I was delighted to partner with the inspiring Jr. Hoopqueens in Downsview to empower girls and young women through sport, leadership, arts and community building. We had so much fun! I may have even met some future Toronto Tempo players.
A Climate Roundtable: Building Community in a Changing Climate
What was planned to be a roundtable on Climate Action I co-hosted with The Wards Toronto Project, became a fully packed room of amazing and caring people who want to get involved. Thank you to everyone who participated to build a resilient city and healthier planet.
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A Message from our School Board Trustee, Shelley Laskin on Protecting Democracy in Our Schools
Public education in Ontario is built on a fundamental principle: it is intentionally governed through local democracy. Recently, there have been suggestions that eliminating school board trustees would streamline the system. However, this overlooks the vital role that locally elected oversight plays in ensuring our schools reflect the unique needs of our community. I appreciate Councillor Matlow’s recent support in City Council of a motion that supports the role of locally-elected trustees in ensuring accountability, representing local priorities and advocating for the needs of students.
Trustees are elected to provide essential oversight: we approve multi-billion-dollar budgets, hire and evaluate Directors of Education, and ensure that provincial funding translates into local results. This isn't "meddling," as it has been described recently—it is governance. When decisions are made at the local level rather than being concentrated at Queen's Park, students benefit from policies that reflect their specific neighborhood realities, equity obligations, and community partnerships.
A Partnership That Works for Ward 12
In our community, the collaboration between my office and Councillor Josh Matlow’s office has consistently delivered tangible results for students and residents. By working together, we ensure that school infrastructure is treated as essential community infrastructure.
Our partnership has led to significant milestones, including:
Take Action: Democracy is Not Outdated
Healthy democracies do not respond to challenges by weakening representation. Instead of centralizing power, we should be strengthening accountability and raising the voices of the people who use the system every day.
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) has launched a campaign to protect local voice in education. I encourage you to learn more and add your name to the petition at:
www.democracyisnotoutdated.ca
By keeping education governance local, we ensure that "growth pays for growth" and that our schools remain the heart of our vibrant Midtown community.
Shelley Laskin
Trustee, Ward 8
Toronto District School Board
Standing Against Islamophobia, Together
A 13 year-old boy was assaulted in front of his family as they were leaving the Toronto Islamic Centre after prayers. As a dad of a daughter the same age, that angers me to the core. Another member of the congregation was reportedly punched as they were walking home. This is the same mosque that was targeted with racist and Islamophobic remarks and violent threats earlier this year. Our city’s Muslim community, along with the Jewish community and all communities, must always be able to practice their faith, be who they are and come together, peacefully and safely. I’m committed to continue working to build bridges and understanding. I have also been calling for all laws to be fully and effectively enforced to protect our communities from harassment, intimidation, hate, and violence. Let’s support the Toronto Islamic Centre’s congregation and let them know we stand with them. Ramadan Mubarak.
Pothole Blitz for Safer Streets
Potholes pose a risk to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers alike, along with causing damage to vehicles. Let’s keep our eyes on the road and ensure Toronto’s roads are a priority. Together, let’s get them fixed.
Celebrating Greek Independence Day
I was proud to walk with my friends at the Hellenic Home for the Aged in the Greek Independence Day parade on the Danforth. Chronia Polla!
Celebrating Nowruz in Little Iran
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a time for renewal. And we hope for a new season for the people of Iran. It was my heartfelt pleasure to wish our city’s Iranian community, Nowruz Pirooz, at Councillor Lily Cheng’s event in Willowdale.
Celebrating Our Women's Olympic Hockey Team
It was a pleasure welcoming Canada’s Women’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team medalists to city council. We are so fortunate to have these talented women representing our country- and play for our city. Go Sceptres!
Celebrating Earth Day with Don't Mess With the Don
Creating A Safe, Functional and Beautifully Designed Davisville Avenue - Make Your Voice Heard
This April, we’re launching our second round of public consultation for Improving Davisville. There will be hosting a public drop-in event at Greenwood College School on Thursday, April 16th at 6pm. You can also share your feedback via an online survey which will be open from April 1st until May 3rd. All project and consultation details can be viewed on the City’s webpage (see here).
Celebrating Ramadan with Our Somali Community
Ramadan Mubarak! I joined my friends in our city’s Somali community for an Iftar in Rexdale in support of “Smile for Sache”- a nonprofit led by Ala’a Adib who lost her brother to gun violence. They create opportunities for youth & community to overcome challenges. I love this.
Standing Up For Toronto
I believe Torontonians deserve to have a say in the future of our waterfront. Please click here to listen to my interview where I explain what's at stake.
A Thank You Message from the Humewood Community Scholarship Fund
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donations to the 2025 Humewood Community Scholarship Fund! In June, the scholarships will be distributed to qualifying young moms for the September 2026 academic term. A total of $4,365 was raised, through the Humewood Scholarship webpage.
A big thank you to City Councillor Josh Matlow, St. Matthews United and Member of Provincial Parliament, Stephanie Smythe, for sharing information about this fundraiser in their newsletters.
We are grateful for working in partnership with staff at the Abiona Centre, from updating the webpage to identifying eligible candidates and the distribution of scholarships. This is in addition to the impressive range of programs they run for young mothers and their children.
We look forward to connecting with you again next Fall for the Humewood Community Scholarship fundraiser!
Sincerely,
Cathy, Shelagh and Caroline"
Link to Humewood Community Scholarship Fund website:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/abionacentre/p2p/HCS2025
Financial Workshops for Seniors at Maria A. Shchuka Library
Free Tax Clinic at the Yonge and Eglinton Community Centre
City of Toronto Camp Registration
HARMONY & HOPE CONCERT
An Evening of High-Energy Music Benefiting African Grandmothers
In This E-Newsletter:
In This E-Newsletter: