1. Newsletters
  2. Councillor Matlow's City Hall & Community Update: May 2025

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

In This Newsletter:
  • Bubble Zones Debated at Council
  • Taking Action to Protect Tenants
  • New Air Conditioning Assistance Program
  • Save our School Pools
  • And more....
Bubble Zones Debated at Council
 
There was a difficult debate at Council last week regarding “bubble zones” - and the details matter. The concept is to establish safe access zones, otherwise known as bubble zones, around places of worship, schools, and daycares that have stronger limits on freedom of expression to ensure that people aren’t impeded from entering.
 
Unfortunately, the City Manager brought a report to Council that did not make sense. To make the infringements on rights charter compliant, Staff twisted themselves into knots with a ridiculous and bureaucratic application system that would have required proof that an incident occurred in the past 90 days within 20m of the site and Transportation Services’ officials acting as detectives just to establish a “bubble zone”. Once established, the bubble zones would be under the purview of by-law enforcement, whose officers already don’t use the powers they have to protect tenants (see below) and will not even break up a loud house party without calling police.
 
That’s why I moved amendments that would have made the proposed by-law charter compliant, effectively enforced by police and wouldn't have required an application process. If my motion had passed, the by-law would have been more likely to hold up in court as it respected the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms while protecting our communities from targeted harassment, intimidation, and physical impediments to entering a place of worship, school, or daycare.
 
Unfortunately, Council decided on a version of a “Bubble Zone” that removed some, but not all, of the bureaucratic nonsense, but clearly infringed on the charter and would be the responsibility of by-law officers. I could not support a performative measure that would do nothing to keep us safe and would very likely be overturned by the courts. 

In the past couple of years, Toronto has seen a concerning rise in hate crime incidents, including at an alarming rate targeting the Jewish community. Many residents are living in fear, and its vital to do everything we can to stop the rise in antisemitism and hate in all forms.

It’s important that we identify real problems and ensure the solutions address them - but they have to be real and helpful. Nothing Council did or considered last week, including any iteration of a bubble zone, would have any effect on the deplorable acts of hate we’ve seen in our city including hate speech, antisemitic posters, vandalized businesses, and the shooting of a Jewish girls’ school.

In fact, voices in the media from different ends of the political spectrum on this debate have concluded that the direction taken by city council is fundamentally wrong. Please see this column from the Toronto Star and another from the National Post. 

The real solution? The police should be enforcing our existing laws around harassment, violence, hate speech, and intimidation. Instead of the motion that was ultimately approved that would be merely enforced by city staff, my motion asked the police to enforce all relevant laws and to hold people accountable for criminal code violations.

When we take a stand against hate, it can’t just be performative or symbolic. It has to actually protect our communities and our rights. There is a still a lot of work to be done and I am deeply committed to keep working with our neighbours, faith leaders, community leaders, and police to provide effective enforcement of the law to keep all Torontonians safe from hate.
 
Taking Action to Protect Tenants' Health and Safety
 
It was discovered last week that City by-law officers failed to protect vulnerable tenants after a minor fire in a rooming house left 11 people without basic services. A deeply troubling report from the Ombudsman was delivered to Council that found residents were without heat, water and power for months as the Landlord used the fire as an excuse to get the tenants out so he could sell the property. The Landlord was successful because the City officer failed to enforce basic rules that would have required the services to be reconnected.
 
The Ombudsman revealed that the residents were left to sleep in coats to stay warm, boil water to bathe, and lost food due to spoilage. One of the tenants was 7 months pregnant. The City didn’t show up till two weeks after a complaint was submitted and once on-site the officer didn’t even collect evidence or get the utilities reconnected, which they have full power to do independently. All of the residents ended up being forced to move to places with higher rent and the Landlord sold the property.
 
This is completely unacceptable. No one should be subject to these deplorable conditions in our city. And while it is an extreme example, it is not an isolated incident. City enforcement officers far too often treat bad Landlords with leniency, providing them too much time to fix critical issues. I have seen many apartments with mold and pest issues that not only haven’t been issued fines but given good scores on building audits.
 
This cannot be allowed to happen again. Working with the Mayor and tenant advocates from across the Toronto, including ACORN, the Federation of Metro Tenants Associations, and the York South Weston Tenant Union, I moved motions to help ensure accountability for enforcement officers and Landlords. If by-law officers see an infraction they need to be willing to levy fines and if that doesn’t work, hire a contractor to fix the issue and send the Landlord the bill. 
 
For more information, please see this article
 
 

New Air Conditioning Assistance Program
for Low Income Seniors

For years, I have fought for a maximum temperature bylaw and stronger measures to protect our vulnerable neighbours as our city heats up due to the effects of climate change and more frequent, prolonged and extreme heat events.
 
I am happy to announce that the city has a new pilot program to provide free portable air conditioners to some low-income seniors with health-related needs for air conditioning. Excessive indoor temperatures are a significant concern for many, including senior residents in multi-unit residential buildings without air conditioning.
 

Save Our School Pools

Toronto’s school pools are once again at risk due to lack of funding from the Provincial Government. The Toronto District School Board has a $1,500 budget shortfall per student and a structural deficit of approximately $58 million, forcing cuts to essential services and programming.

As a result, the TDSB is proposing to eliminate funding for more than half of the 66 pools the board owns and operates. The loss of these vital services due to cuts is completely unacceptable, and we need to fight to protect them.
 
Learning how to swim is an essential part of a child’s education. School pools ensure that kids from all backgrounds have access to lifesaving skills they can rely on. Pools are also deeply valued by the surrounding local communities as they provide recreational opportunities for youth, seniors, and everyone in between.
 
I moved a motion at Council with Councillor Rachel Chernos-Lin that requests the Government of Ontario to step in and protect these neighbourhood assets. The City must once again join with parents, students, and community members to fight to save our school pools, by calling on the Province to do what’s right and fund these services.
 
Please sign my Save our Pools petition to call on your MPP: https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools
 
Yonge-St. Clair Intersection Improvements
 
Great news for our community – the Yonge-St. Clair intersection is finally getting much-needed resurfacing and sidewalk repairs. Thanks to the hard work of my office and city staff, we were able to expedite having the intersection restored. This summer and fall, Transportation Services is overseeing repairs, which will include:
  • Utility permanent cut repairs completed by the associated utility company starting in May
  • Full intersection resurfacing with the removal of the paver crosswalks and an installation of new zebra crosswalks this fall
Making our city more livable and beautiful means getting the basics right -by investing in our roads, sidewalks, and public infrastructure.
 
Community Traffic Safety Zone
at Vaughan and Bathurst 
 
I am happy to announce the creation of a new community safety zone at Vaughan and Bathurst, between Austin Terrace and Vaughan Road, thanks to my recent motion.
 
In 2021, my office supported the expansion of a School Safety Zone for the Hillcrest Community School. While the current Safety Zone has authorized installations including a northbound red-light camera located south of the Bathurst and Nina intersection, the limits of the School Safety Zone do not permit any automated enforcement for southbound traffic approaching the Bathurst and Nina intersection.
 
With the approval of this motion, this Safety Zone will be designated farther north to Vaughan Road, which will permit the installation of a southbound automated speed enforcement device.
 
The safety of our community members is the utmost priority, which is why I am committed to taking concrete action on measures that make our streets and city safer.
 

Rising Price Tag of World Cup Games
Can't Come at the Cost of City Priorities 

As the price tag to host the FIFA World Cup games goes up, Doug Ford can’t just walk off the field. I want the games to be successful, but not at the cost of neglecting our city’s priorities such as improving services and infrastructure.
Listen to my interview here. 
 
Commemorating the Tamil Genocide
 
It was a pleasure to support my friend and colleague, Councillor Kandavel, along with our city’s Tamil community, to commemorate the Tamil genocide with a monument. Together, we will remember the victims and continue to seek justice.
 
May 29th: Join my Tenant Townhall at Yonge & Eglinton
 
 
Survey: Renaming Lawton Park
 
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, we are proposing 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.

Fill out the survey HERE.
 
Visiting the Geneva Centre for Autism

The Geneva Centre for Autism changes lives, and in a positive and caring environment. I’m proud to support them and am very grateful to their dedicated staff who help children and adults on their autism journey learn, feel secure, and achieve their goals in life.
 
 
Touring Little Brazil Ahead of Arraia on Yonge
 
It just wouldn’t have been right to invite you to play, dance and eat at our first ever “Arraia on Yonge” Brazilian Festival on June 21st without personally trying every pastel, guarana drink and brigadeiro myself.

   
 
 
80 Years: Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki
 
The Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Coalition (HNDC) is pleased to collaborate with the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre to promote the film screening of The Vow from Hiroshima on June 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the JCCC. https://jccc.on.ca/film/vow-hiroshima
 
The film ‘Atomic Reaction’ will be screened at the Toronto Reference Library on Saturday June 7 at 2 p.m. in the Beeton Auditorium. It includes a discussion with film producers David Hatch, Bernie Finkelstein and Hiroshima survivor and activist Setsuko Thurlow https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/atomic-reaction-film-screening-and-panel-discussion-tickets-1342795530579
 
HNDC is working with Toronto City Hall to hold the Annual Commemoration for Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the Peace Garden on Nathan Phillips Square on August 6, 2025. It will include community tables from 4 - 6 p.m. with the Commemoration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Musical performances will be offered by choir groups and celebrated flautist Ron Korb. The title is 80 Years of the Nuclear Age: Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
 
HNDC volunteers will host the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Photographic Exhibition at Toronto City Hall in the rotunda (main entrance), 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. from September 22 to 26. September 26 is the UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. https://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/disarmament-fora/others/international-day 
 
Geneva Centre for Autism Open House
 
Something Special is Happening at Geneva Centre for Autism!

Join Geneva Centre’s Open House – Saturday, May 24th | 10 AM–12 PM at 112 Merton St.

This is a great opportunity for families and caregivers to step inside, meet their team, and explore how they support individuals and families on the autism spectrum.

What to Expect:
✅ Guided tours of the Midtown Toronto Centre
✅ Meet clinicians, ask questions, explore real programs in action
✅ Hands-on activities for families + craft space for kids
✅ A chance to win a $150 Geneva Centre gift card
 
📍 Drop in or RSVP—everyone’s welcome!
 
👉 Learn more & plan your visit: https://bit.ly/3YLEVxw
 
Toronto Community Housing's New Summer Programming for Kids
 
This summer, Toronto Community Housing is proud to introduce our new summer program, Camp Inspire!  Camp Inspire replaces Rookie League as our summer day camp for children.  
 
Camp Inspire will continue the legacy of Rookie League by providing children ages 6 to 12 with a full-time summer day camp experience. The program runs for seven weeks during July and August and will operate in 12 TCHC communities across the city. Throughout the summer, campers will build resilience and self-confidence while developing positive relationships with each other. Campers will participate in themed weekly activities designed to inspire exploration and imagination.

Camp Inspire is offered free of charge to TCHC residents aged 6-12 and registration is now open. Families can learn more and register by visiting: www.torontohousing.ca/Camp-Inspire
 
Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) Event

Event
Talking With Your Teen: Navigating the Highs and Lows
 
Date & Time
Tuesday June 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM Eastern Time | FREE ONLINE (Zoom)
 
Register Here
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0fgkjOWcQJ6B-ASERrTkjA
 
Description
Explore how boundaries will shift during the transition years and learn methods to cope as your child with T1D starts post-secondary education and transitions to adult diabetes care.
 
Volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society

We are always looking for new volunteer drivers. Please share this recruitment ad on your social media channels. If you aren’t using social media, please send the graphic to your family and friends that are active on social media and encourage them to share. Help us get the word out!

If you would like to connect with our Volunteer Experience team directly about how you can help recruit for the program, or put up some posters in your community, please send an email to [email protected]
 
 
Mosaic Spring/ Summer 2025 Activity Booklet

In this Mosaic Activity Booklet, you will find a compilation of some fun things you can try right at home or around the GTA to stay happy, healthy, and engaged! Keeping your mind and body active to the best of your ability is imperative. Mosaic wants to keep you engaged in different ways.
 

Latest posts

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

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.
Read more...

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

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.
Read more below...
More — Newsletters

Take action

Sign Up for Updates
Contact our Office
Contact 311

Connect with Josh

About

Information

City Hall

Email:
Phone: 416-392-7906
Address:
100 Queen Street W, Suite A17
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
City of Toronto
311 Toronto