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

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

To Toronto's Jewish community: My family and I hope that you and your loved ones enjoyed a very happy new year, Sukkot and a reflective Yom Kippur. May this new year be sweet, may we all be safe and well, and may your lives be full of happiness and good health. 

Cheering on Toronto's Teams!

More Accountability for Tenants:
RentSafe Colour Coded Signs Coming Soon

After more than a decade of tenant advocacy, Toronto is finally getting RentSafe colour-coded signs - a city-wide program inspired by DineSafe to help renters know their rights and hold the city's worst large corporate landlords accountable. 

This new policy brings more transparency and accountability to landlords, especially those who’ve been getting away with terrible living conditions for far too long.

Back in 2015, tenant organizations like ACORN, FMTA, and community advocates across the city were rallying for real change. They called for better enforcement of building standards, and the idea of public signage — a way to show clearly the state of a building's maintenance. Together, we launched RentSafe - a city-wide program to hold landlords accountable to maintain basic standards of safety and good repair. Unfortunately, while the creation of RentSafe represented major progress, the colour-coded signs were delayed and then in 2020 they were denied by Council.

Now, thanks to relentless community organizing and political will, we’re getting it done. Rentsafe colour coded signs have finally been approved, and will be required to be posted by the summer of 2026.

This is a win for so many people who have worked for so long to get us here, and it will make a real difference in the lives of renters across this city.

Click the video below to hear more!

The Eglinton LRT Fiasco: Demanding A Public Inquiry

Sign the petition to demand the province and Metrolinx open the Eglinton LRT and hold a public inquiry- demanding accountability and to ensure their mistakes aren’t ever repeated again. Make your voice heard here: https://joshmatlow.ca/publicinquiry

To learn more, check out this CBC article or click the video below.

Canada Post and Community Mailboxes

The federal government has announced its intention to replace door-to-door Canada Post delivery with Community Mailboxes. Currently, approximately 75% of Canadians receive their mail through these boxes. However, they have been placed in very few dense, urban areas across the country.

This is not the first time that Community Mailboxes in Toronto have been considered. In 2014, the federal government announced their intention to eliminate home delivery. After considerable pushback from residents and municipalities, the government reconsidered and cancelled the plan in 2018. 

Implementing these new boxes poses a lot of potential issues. The Toronto Star reported that between 2,500 and 11,000 boxes will be needed to replace home delivery. Further complicating matters is that Canada Post requires the boxes to be on concrete slabs and at least 9 metres from an intersection. It will be particularly challenging to even find enough possible locations in dense, older parts of the city. 

Importantly, the federal government must work with City staff to consider the aesthetic impacts on our neighbourhoods and practical concerns including accessibility, safety, traffic, litter collection, and snow clearing. That’s why this motion provides new direction for Staff to engage Canada Post to ensure that Torontonians’ needs are considered in the placement of Community Mailboxes should the federal government continue on this path. 

The motion that I successfully moved at Council this week was urgent in light of the recent announcement by the Federal Government that they are considering discontinuing Canada Post home mail delivery. Given the potential impacts on Torontonians, it is vital that the City start preparing for this potential outcome.

To read more, see this article in Toronto Life.

Sign our petition: TDSB’s Vaughan Road Academy
building should serve our local community

 The Oakwood Vaughan Community Hub at the former Vaughan Road Academy has become an indispensable resource for local residents, yet its future remains uncertain.
 
On behalf of our Oakwood Vaughan Community, I am calling on the Toronto District School Board to negotiate a long-term lease for the Oakwood Vaughan Community beyond September 2026, as well provide as more flexible terms of the hub’s operating hours to expand programming. 
 
In 2023, I worked closely with the Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization (OVCO) to secure a two-year lease with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) that allowed the OV Community Hub to operate in the former Vaughan Road Academy (VRA). Recognizing the importance of this space to the community, we successfully advocated to extend that lease by an additional year, until September 2026.

Since then, OVCO, along with Reena and the Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF), have delivered vital programs that serve children, youth, families, and seniors across our community.
 
Despite these successes, the TDSB has yet to provide clarity about its long-term plans for the Vaughan Road Academy site. Existing lease restrictions also prevent the hub from meeting the full demand for programming in this underused public facility.
 
That’s why I am calling on the TDSB and their real estate agency, Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) to: 

• Secure a long-term lease beyond 2026 that protects the hub’s role in our community; and
• Provide more flexible lease terms so the hub can expand programming hours for children, youth, and families.
• Ensure that Vaughan Road Academy continues to provide space for our local community 

Please sign our petition here: https://www.joshmatlow.ca/oakwood_vaughan_community_hub 

Yonge and Eglinton Pedestrian Scramble Update

Last year, I brought forward a motion that asked City staff to look into the feasibility of installing a pedestrian scramble at the Yonge and Eglinton intersection. Earlier this month, the City issued a report recommending against a pedestrian scramble, due to concerns that a scramble would further delay pedestrians. I have asked the City to continue their monitoring of the intersection, and provide an updated assessment of how traffic is moving at Yonge and Eglinton soon after the opening of the LRT. Yonge and Eglinton is one of the busiest intersection in the City, with a range of 3,900 to 5,000 pedestrians per hour. I will continue to push for solutions that make Yonge and Eglinton safer, more accessible and more welcoming for all pedestrians. I'll keep you posted once I receive further information. 

A Safer and More Beautiful Oriole Parkway

I’m very happy to announce that the City is finally beginning their project to revitalize Oriole Parkway, from Chaplin Cresent to Eglinton Avenue West. The project includes road resurfacing, centre median greening, sidewalk and curb repairs as well as pedestrian safety improvements. The changes support the City’s commitment to Vision Zero, as well as the goal to increase tree canopy coverage throughout the neighbourhood. Construction will begin October 14^th. For further details, please see the construction notice here.

E-Bikes, E-Scooters and Pedestrian Safety

This fall, the Toronto police issued 3,500 tickets as part of a back-to-school safety blitz targeting micromobility vehicles, including e-bikes and e-scooters. This safety enforcement campaign is one segment of the City’s response to the increase of hazardous e-bikes and e-scooter activity. This week, at Toronto City Council, I voted in support of a motion which asks staff to explore the feasibility of requiring motorized bikes and scooters to be licensed. In the meantime, the City will continue to work with the Toronto Police Service on further enforcement blitzes as well as a public education campaign.

Oakwood Neighbourhood Streets Plan Survey

The Oakwood Village Streets Plan is a comprehensive City initiative to address pedestrian safety, and traffic infiltration throughout the Oakwood Village area. Proposed changes include speed humps, improved bikeways, and a new traffic signal at Oakwood Avenue and Holland Park Avenue. Thank you to all the neighbours who participated in the in-person consultation event on September 25^th. The City continues to seek feedback from Oakwood residents on proposed changes, through an online survey open until October 13^th (here).

 Commemorating 2 Years Since the October 7th Massacre

We stand with our city’s Jewish community to commemorate the horrific October 7th massacre. We remember the innocent lives lost and the hostages who need to come home to their loved ones now. We must take a united stand against anti-Jewish hate. And together, we pray for peace.

Helping Mabel's Fables Find a Their New Home 

I’m so happy to be back at Mabel’s Fables, now at the corner of Belsize and Mount Pleasant. If we value vibrant main streets and local, independent, small businesses, the very best way to save them is to shop at them. Forget Amazon, come buy a book here in our community!

Thank You - Community Events Round Up

Over the last few weeks I have hosted a community events across our ward, thank you to all our friends and neighbours who joined us. At street parties, coffee chats in the park, town halls and much more, I’ve been meeting with residents in every part of our community to have conversations about what matters.

Oriole Park Festival
   

Hillcrest Coffee in the Park

Davisville Village Festival

Raccoon Park Ice Cream Social
 

Opening Old City Hall as a Public Museum of Toronto

We're working together to open Old City Hall’s door to the public again, bring it back to life, and repurpose this historic landmark in many creative ways including a Museum of Toronto.

Step-by-step, we’re opening the doors of Old City Hall back to the public and we're bringing one of Toronto‘s greatest landmarks back to life. Thanks to ⁦ERA architects for hosting “Toronto the Good”!

Toronto Star: Highlighting Toronto-St. Paul's Delicious Gelato

Celebrating Louis Pike

It's really important to recognize the people in our community who touch our lives. At Lower Village Gate, Louis Pike has really made a difference. He started an opera night once a month. Then he started co-ordinating multiple programs such as an AI lecture, genealogy programs, meditation classes, games night, end of summer dinner, better aging, coffee clatch, Spanish lessons, painting classes, book club, and a fall prevention program facilitated by Baycrest at no charge. Louis understands that an important part of aging well is being social and having a community around you. It was my great pleasure to celebrate him.

 Cram-a-Cruiser Food Drive in Davisville

I’m really grateful to the officers from 53 Division and Sobeys (at Balliol & Yonge) who are hosting a Cram-a-Cruiser food drive. Thanks to the students at Davisville PS who did such a beautiful job on the artwork! This is a great community effort that deserves our support.

 Songs For Hope 2025

Songs For Hope 2025 has moved to Friday Evening, November 21 (previously October 4). This move allows us to bring back, by popular demand, last year's opening act, Sisters and Brothers!

Sisters and Brothers has been delighting audiences for well over a decade at Cooper Mediation's Vancestock and other amazing events, and is returning to kick off Songs For Hope for the second straight year... and we could not be more thrilled!

Then, Songs For Hope 2025 proudly presents Side 3 - Toronto's most versatile dance band!   With a huge repertoire of songs, the band features rich vocal harmonies backed by a solid rock combo, and accented with sizzling brass, and promises to keep the dance floor hopping!  Awarded by the Metropolitan Toronto Police for Community Service, Side 3 is no stranger to pleasing crowds for great causes!

As an adjunct to the show, there will be an extensive silent auction, featuring many amazing items including original art, wines, memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, and other exciting items.

Includes 1 Drink Ticket and Snacks... come on out and enjoy a truly fabulous evening, and help us to achieve our goal of raising $50,000 in support of the work we do in easing the plight of those living in poverty, suffering food insecurity, and experiencing homelessness. 

Link to event page and to buy tickets:
Songs For Hope 2025- An evening of Music and Giving, in support of Seeds of Hope Foundation - Canadahelps

Heal the Future Fundraiser in Support of SickKids

SMALL BUSINESS: MAKE YOUR POINT!

Join us Tuesday, October 21 at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate Small Business Month with local resident and communication strategist PJ Wade. This free 40-minute LIVE online event focuses on an important but overlooked niche of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

“We have an important support gap to fill for small business in this tariff-driven economy,” says Wade, author of the new business book [What’s Your Point? Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!. “Not all small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals operate bricks-and-mortar stores. Based in their house or apartment, many work digitally, online and off, from home or through their cell phone. They may be isolated from other businesses and a wealth of customers and clients in their neighbourhood and City.”
    
To help these businesses connect, this free event, which kicks-off a series and is part of the book’s soft-launch, explores how to expand local markets by emphasizing true value in the ‘Made in Canada’ rallying cry. 

‘Canadian Made’ is not the only point to make. Businesses benefit from expanding their depth and breadth of communication to clarify their often-overlooked value to customers and clients.

Local businesses and professionals are valuable, but are they valued?” asks Wade, whose book supports business owners who are accomplished at their work, but who may not have as much training in effective business communication as in their chosen field.

Sign up at The Catalyst for October 21 2:30pm and/or Replay: October 28, 7pm.
 

Runway of Hope Fundraiser

Runway of Hope—a chic Fundraiser Fashion Show & High Tea supporting the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.
Hosted by Grandmothers Partnering with Africa, that blends fashion, philanthropy, and friendship. 

The runway will come alive with looks for every occasion—from casual everyday outfits to smart sportswear to elegant event dressing—provided by Lady Sophisticate Boutique in Toronto, and modeled in the stunning heritage setting of Heintzman House. Attendees will enjoy a traditional high tea service in beautiful surroundings.

Guests will also enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on all clothing purchases during and after the event—perfect for updating your wardrobe, while giving back.
Every ticket purchased helps empower African grandmothers to provide education, healthcare, and stability to children in their care. 

Join us for Runway of Hope—an afternoon where style meets purpose, and every sip of tea, every shared smile, and every step down the runway creates change.

New 311 Parks Integration for Residents

As of Monday, September 22, 2025, Toronto residents can submit a service request for park maintenance through 311 (web, mobile app and phone). From fixing broken benches to emptying full litter bins, the service request system will help the City keep our parks clean, safe and beautiful. To learn more about making a service request, visit the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/create-a-service-request/ 
 
The service request system offers residents: 

• 24/7 support: 311 offers a one-stop solution through web, mobile app or phone with 24/7 accessibility and multilingual support. 
• Status updates: Receive a service request number and timeframes for completion including an option to request status updates by email or text message. 
• Better service: Resident feedback will inform staff on issues occurring in City parks and help improve service planning.