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

Save the Ontario Science Centre

Last spring, the Provincial Government announced their intention to move the Ontario Science Centre to a much smaller location at Ontario Place. This announcement was done without consultation with residents of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park who rely on the Centre for employment and education opportunities. Then, in late June, the government opportunistically used the pretense of roof repairs to unilaterally close the Science Centre for good - even though a closer inspection of the report shows that the roof could be fixed for a relatively modest cost. 

I doubt that there is anybody who has a child or has been a child themselves in Ontario since 1969 who does not love the Ontario Science Centre. This is a place that has spurred our creativity, our imagination, our sense of childhood, and our sense of wonder. It is an incredibly important place and an important economic driver for the local community as it brings visitors from across the city and around the world to Don Mills and Eglinton. It would be a real blow to this community to lose the Science Centre just as the opening of the Eglinton Crosstown’s “Science Centre” station is about to make the attraction more accessible to the entire city. 

When the government first announced their plans to close the Science Centre, I was proud to successfully move a motion at City Council requesting Staff explore avenues to have the Province continue operating the Don Mills and Eglinton site and, if necessary, the feasibility of the City operating the Science Centre. At this most recent Council meeting, I again moved a motion asking staff to explore the province’s contractual obligations to keep the building open and in good repair, as well to connect with the many philanthropists and community members who have offered their time and money to help keep the Science Centre operational. We are expecting an update on staff’s work in the coming weeks, and we will continue to fight to keep this important part of our city up and running. For more information, please see this article and my speech at Council. 

The 512 St. Clair Streetcar Returns to Service!

In Toronto, we’re not used to transit construction finishing on time. It was a pleasure to work with Councillor Alejandra Bravo and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers to get the St. Clair streetcar up and running earlier than planned. Initially supposed to last the whole summer, work was completed early and the 512 was running by June 23! The St. Clair West Station loop will take some more time to complete, and in the meantime passengers can board at the Tichester and Bathurst stops. 

Davisville Aquatics Centre - Construction Begins This Year!

For years I have been working closely with residents of the Davisville community on a vision for a new community aquatic and recreation centre to serve the growing neighbourhood. After completing design work and securing funding through City Council, I am pleased to announce that construction will begin this year! A construction management plan has been designed and fencing will be constructed to protect the safety of the public and the students at Davisville Public School. The pool should be open to the community in early 2027!

Taking Action to Combat Antisemitism

I believe that it is vital for all of us in leadership roles to take an unequivocal stand against accepting antisemitism on our streets and in our neighbourhoods as the new normal. The continued rise of antisemitism in our city continues to be unacceptable and alarming, and is leaving many in the Jewish community feeling understandably afraid and vulnerable. The past weeks have seen schools and places of worship attacked, the vandalism of Jewish businesses, and graffiti and signs showing swastikas and hateful antisemitic tropes.

Last month at City Council, I moved a motion to develop a new action plan to protect targeted religious minorities and places of culture and worship from antisemitism and hate. The motion requested that the City Manager, the City Solicitor, the Toronto Police Service and other relevant divisions work together to ensure individuals and groups committing hate crimes are stopped. Please click here to see my earlier statements regarding my motion and why its important to use the existing laws we have more effectively. 

I am pleased to announce that, as a result of my motion last month, staff have taken action on several initiatives aimed at combatting hate. The City of Toronto’s Emergency Management division has begun weekly meetings with the Toronto Police as well as other relevant divisions and agencies to discuss their emergency responses. Additionally, the Emergency Management division has begun providing staff liaisons to the Police’s Major Incident Command Centre in response to hate activities and incidents. 

The Police and city staff have also begun new initiatives specifically aimed at improving community safety around places of worship and cultural gathering spaces. A working group including members of the Police, Fire, Paramedics and City Staff has been created to study the risk of, and provide security from, potential vehicle-based attacks. Further, Toronto Police have confirmed that they have increased patrols in Jewish communities and expanded their visible presence at vulnerable places of worship across the city. Toronto city staff have been conducting engagement with communities most impacted by violence and have been providing relevant information both to the Toronto Police and the Community Crisis Response Program.

I am pleased to see that staff and the police have begun taking a more collaborative and proactive approach that recognizes the urgency and importance of this issue. I will continue meeting with senior City Officials, the Chief of Police and Jewish community leaders to ensure that our concerns are addressed. 

Creating a More Beautiful City

Toronto can be beautiful if we choose to make it so. But too often, our urban design strives for the height of mediocrity and even falls into disrepair. Our bike lanes are lined with broken flexposts, our CaféTO patios are surrounded by construction hoarding, and our Astral garbage cans are broken and overflowing. Our public realm can be so much better – and Torontonians deserve that. 

That’s why I moved a motion at City Council this month exploring creating unified public realm design standards across City divisions and the public realm portions of private developments, so that our public spaces can match those in great cities around the world. I also asked City Staff to explore the creation of a new position, a City Architect and Designer, responsible for implementing and coordinating these standards across every corner of our city.

I’m happy to say my motion was adopted by Council, and we will be working closely with staff to make these goals a reality. When we move into a new home, the first thing we do is design it in a way we can be inspired by and proud of. We should treat our city the same way. 

Taking Action on Fighting Gridlock

Traffic on our city streets is bad and is only getting worst. Time we spend stuck in gridlock not only prevents us from getting to work or school on time, it's valuable time that could instead be spent with our friends, families and loved ones. That’s why I’m actively supporting work at City Council to alleviate congestion on our roads. In addition to accelerating the reconstruction of the Gardiner Expressway, staff are currently studying a variety of city-wide options, including increasing permit fees for developers who block active lanes of traffic, streamlining the delivery of goods and services to minimize disruption, and better coordinating construction and road work. I also successfully moved a motion to study increasing fines for selfish people who block rush hour traffic to run in for their morning cup of coffee. I will continue to work closely with my colleagues on Council to get our city moving. 

Building Rent Controlled Affordable Housing

With Toronto facing an unprecedented housing crisis, there is a critical need for purpose-built affordable rental buildings. A recent report before City Council recommended the allocation of $350 million to 18 purpose-built affordable rental projects, many of which are being built on City land. Unfortunately, several of these projects, even those being built on City-owned land, were not covered by rent-control guidelines in the original report. While shamefully Doug Ford has removed rent control on all new buildings in Ontario, the City of Toronto can take action on its own property if it chooses to. Toronto City Council has taken a strong stand to demand that the Provincial government only allow inflationary rent increases in new builds, but to date has not consistently applied those same standards to development on land we control. 
 
To address this, I worked closely with advocacy organizations including the York-South Weston Tenant Union, the Federation of Metro Tenant Associations and ACORN. Together, we successfully advocated for City Council to adopt a motion that would study establishing rent-control on already approved buildings and requiring it in all future calls for development on city-owned land. I will continue to work with community advocates and my colleagues on Council to create much-needed affordable housing.

 Tell the Ford government that safe and healthy schools need air conditioning!

Toronto is currently experiencing a heat wave, with dangerously hot and humid conditions. This prolonged heat wave poses higher health risks for children and our most vulnerable. Rather than investing in the health and wellbeing of our students and teachers, Doug Ford wants to spend $1 billion putting beer a few months early into gas stations and corner stores. Our kids deserve better.

In the TDSB, only 177 of 582 schools have central air conditioning. While some TDSB schools offer “cooling centres”, this band-aid solution is not sustainable and unacceptable. The TDSB currently has a repair backlog of $4.2 billion. Investments in our older school infrastructure are urgently needed to ensure that schools are safe and healthy environments to learn. 

I’m requesting that the Provincial Government urgently addresses this issue by allocating funds to retrofit older schools to include air conditioning and continue to mandate air conditioning in newly built schools. Please read my advocacy letter to the Minister of Education here.

Parents and loved ones should not have to worry about their child’s health and safety at school. The people who work in our schools deserve a safe and healthful workplace. It’s time for Queen’s Park to take leadership and responsibility, instead of passing the buck to our underfunded and backlogged school boards, to finally ensure our schools stay cool inside when the weather outside is hot.

To make your voice heard, click here and sign the petition below to show your support for healthy and safe schools.

Protecting Tenants from being Renovicted 

Renovictions, when a landlord evicts tenants in bad faith by claiming they will complete renovations, are a critical issue that affects tenants across Toronto. While the Province of Ontario regulates evictions through the Residential Tenancies Act, municipalities have the ability to regulate renovictions through building permits. The City of Toronto has been consulting on a renoviction bylaw since 2019, inspired by the work done by the City of Hamilton. Unfortunately, a report before June’s Planning and Housing Committee recommended further consultation and delay rather than moving ahead to protect tenants now.

To address this, I worked closely with my colleague Councillor Fletcher, tenant advocates, and city staff to move a series of motions that will expedite the renoviction bylaw. Under the bylaw, landlords will be required apply for a renovation licence with the city for approval, must pay for tenants moving costs and alternative accommodation, and will have to provide adequate notice to tenants before they are renovicted. City Staff will be reporting on the implementation of the by-law in the fall, which represents a major success for tenants in their fight for protections from illegal evictions.

Putting the Brakes on Auto Theft: Immediate Action Needed to Keep Our Neighbourhoods Safe

The surge in auto theft and home invasions are significantly impacting our city’s neighbourhoods. I know many of you are going to bed not knowing what you’ll find when you wake up - and often fear that your families will be victimized by home invasions. Many believe auto thieves have the upper hand and that this issue isn’t being taken seriously enough. This has even led to, in some cases, residents hiring private security at their expense- personally spending tens of thousands of dollars in enhancing security measures for their own properties and those of their neighbours.
 
I remain in close communication with our Toronto Police Service and commend our local 53 Division’s recent work on identifying and arresting members of a suspected auto theft ring responsible for re-vinning stolen vehicles in Toronto.
 
I’ve also met with the Vice President of the Insurance Bureau of Canada to learn more about their advocacy calls for policy and regulatory changes. Currently, auto theft costs Ontarians hundreds of millions in insurance claims and premiums per year. This doesn’t include court, policing, legal, and out-of pocket costs, such as deductibles.
 
While there have been increased measures at our national borders and ports, and additional funding has been allocated and spent to help curb auto theft, there is much more that needs to be done.
 
This is why, at July’s City Council meeting, I’ll be moving a motion, seconded by Councillor Jon Burnside, on the following recommendations requested to the federal and provincial governments:

1. Updating current and mandating new technological standards and security features for all vehicle manufacturers. Canada’s technology standards for vehicles haven’t been updated by the Government of Canada since 2008. All vehicle manufacturers should be mandated to heighten the technology and security features in vehicles.
2. The Ministry of Transportation should eliminate the ability for any citizen to register a vehicle on another person’s behalf except for certain legitimate exceptions. Re-vinning stolen vehicles has been a major play in criminals’ playbooks. Removing this and granting access for certain legitimate exceptions will restrict criminals from being able to fly under the radar.
3. The Ministry of Transportation should ban the public from relying on a New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) to register a vehicle, limiting this registration mechanisms to only licensed dealers. This is another way of creating VIN numbers. Restricting access from the public and granting access only to licensed dealers will, once again, deter criminals from being overlooked.
4. Expedite outgoing screenings at all ports. While increased measures has been taken at the Port of Montreal, there has been a significant increase of illegal activity at the Port of Halifax. More resources need to be allocated to all Canadian ports to accelerate the screening process of all outgoing items.

I’m actively working to ensure more action is being taken to curb auto theft and support safety in our neighbourhoods.

Davisville Avenue Traffic Safety Update

As many of you are aware, recently there was a serious incident when two of our neighbours, a mom and her daughter, were struck by a driver and injured at the Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) at Davisville Avenue and Acacia Road. Thankfully, they are both recovering.
 
Taking immediate action, I was able to successfully move a motion to have a new crossing guard installed at Davisville and Acacia. While this is an important first step action in ensuring greater safety for pedestrians, it is not enough to remedy the fact that pedestrian crossovers with four lanes of traffic create a false sense of security. Even if the driver in the curb lane comes to a full stop, far too often the driver in the second lane continues throughout the crosswalk. That can’t be allowed to happen again.
 
Therefore, I have requested that both PXOs (crosswalks) in front of Davisville/Spectrum Public School and at Acacia & Davisville be reduced to a single lane. I have received confirmation from City staff that this will be done before the start of the school year in September.
 
I’ll be hosting a wider community meeting in the Fall with Davisville/Spectrum Public School, TDSB, City transportation staff, and community stakeholders to move forward with next steps to redesign Davisville Avenue into a street that is functional, beautiful, and most importantly safe for all road users. Once arranged, we’ll be certain to provide you an update on the date and location.
 
I’ll be certain to keep our community updated through my e-newsletter. You can sign up for it at joshmatlow.ca.

Supporting Halal Financing Options

Everyone should be able to realize their dreams with access to a home mortgage or small business loan they need. Muslim Canadians make up a large part of our community however the barriers towards accessing halal mortgages and loans in Canada leave many excluded from our housing market. Accessibility around halal banking products is necessary to ensure we all have equal opportunity to invest in our country's economy. No one should have to choose between purchasing a home and honouring one’s religious values.

This month, I coordinated a meeting with community organizations, elected representatives and leaders in finance coming together to highlight our strong support for accessible halal financing opportunities. I’m proud to be working with leaders in Toronto’s Muslim communities to advance Halal financing options into the market, with consumer protection, for all Canadians. 

Local Farmers Markets

Come visit one of our community's local farmers markets! See below for a list of some upcoming farmers markets in our neighborhood: 

Afro-Caribbean Farmer's Market
At Reggae Lane in Little Jamaica (1531 Eglinton Ave W - Green P Parking Lot)
From 11am to 3pm on July 7th, 21st and 28th, August 11th and 25th, and September 8th, 22nd and 29th.

Davisville Farmers Market
In June Rowlands Park every Tuesday until October 8th, from 3pm to 7pm.

The Eglinton Way Farmers Market
Every Sunday from June to October (from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM) at 125 Burnaby Blvd.

Wychwood Barns Farmers Market
Open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm at the Wychwood Barns.

Celebrating the Kiever Synagogue Rededication

Built in 1927 in Kensington Market, the beautiful and historic Kiever Synagogue has always played an important role in our city’s Jewish community. It’s also an iconic part of Toronto’s story. I was honored to attend its rededication ceremony.

School Fun Fairs 

Thanks so much to our Cedarvale Community School and Deer Park Junior/ Senior Public School communities for inviting me to your fun fairs! Perfect weather, and a great opportunity to have conversations about the many important issues that affect our families and neighborhoods.

I also enjoyed a visit with our Davisville school community at their fun fair. Really grateful and proud of all the hard working volunteers, including Molly and Melissa (my family).

Rathnelly Day

Rockin’ the 80’s at Pump Park celebrating with the great citizens of The Republic of Rathnelly. Long live the Republic.

Visiting the Hillcrest Foodbank

The Hillcrest Community Food Bank is a joint initiative of the Daily Bread Food Bank, Hillcrest Community School, Hillcrest Christian Church, and the Hillcrest community. I loved my visit, along with students from  the Leo Baeck Day school, who volunteered today in the spirit of tikkun olam.

Give Your Feedback - New Park at 15 Delisle Ave

A new 2,500 m2 park – slightly larger than five National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball courts – is coming to 15 Delisle Ave., located just west of Yonge Street and Delisle Avenue. The park design will be determined through the community engagement process. You can provide feedback on the design options for the new park until July 16th, through this online survey. 

Brentwood Towers AGM and Giant Garage Sale

The Brentwood Towers is a remarkable community of tenants who care about and support each other. It’s always a pleasure to visit with them to focus on their priorities, locally and citywide. Thanks to the Brentwood Towers Tenant's Association for your leadership and always making me feel at home.

What a beautiful start to the day with so many friends at the Brentwood Towers’ “Giant Garage Sale”. Thank you for having me. 

In Person Support for Rent Geared to Income Applicants

The Housing Secretariat is collaborating with Housing Help Centres and Toronto Public Library to offer free in person workshops at selected Toronto Public Library locations across the city.
 
Applicants can join a session to learn:

• how to apply for subsidized housing
• how to apply or sign-up an existing application through the MyAccesstoHousingTO website
• how to manage their account

Applicants can reserve a seat at a session through our website or call the Application Support Centre at 416 338 8888.
 
The following sessions are scheduled in your ward:
Location: Maria A. Shchuka Public Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W.
Dates & times:
August 2, 1pm - 3 pm
August 9, 10am - 12 pm
August 17, 10am - 12pm
August 23, 10am - 12 pm
August 30, 1pm - 3pm
 
September 6, 1pm - 3pm
September 10, 1pm - 3pm
September 19, 10am - 12pm
September 30, 10 am - 12pm

Learn more and register for a session:
https://tinyurl.com/3d46z64w

Sidewalk Sensation with the Leaside Village BIA

I enjoyed conversations with residents in Don Valley West at the Leaside Village BIA's “Sidewalk Sensation” event. It was so great to see Bayview so full of life on such a beautiful day!

Celebrating Pride with the Humewood Community School

A very Happy Pride from our ⁦Humewood Community School⁩ community! No matter who you love, we love you.

Concerts in the Village! Music in Suydam Park returns July 6th

With the return of the lovely weather comes the return of our lovely concert series!

Now in our 8th year, the Forest Hill Village BIA is once again inviting a fantastic bunch of bands to play our free Music in Suydam Park acoustic concert series.

Starting on Saturday July 6th, and running until Saturday September 28th, concerts take place, weather permitting, every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm throughout July, August & September.

Bring a chair or a picnic blanket, grab some snacks in the Village, and come on over to the stage area in Suydam Park near the Coulson Ave. crosswalk.

To view the concert schedule, follow this link.