Councillor Matlow's Community Update for March 15, 2013

Dear residents,

If you were able to take a March break, I hope you had a very enjoyable time with your family.

If, like me, you were working this week, I hope this finds you well nonetheless :)

Please see my latest update to you below. As always, please feel very welcome to contact me or my staff if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Josh

PS- Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Synchronized Traffic Lights

I believe curbing Toronto's traffic congestion must be a priority for council. That's why I've been strongly supporting investment in a better, and expanded, transit system and cracking down on "curb hogs" who stop in traffic during rush hour. For many months, I've also been working to improve the synchronization of our city's traffic signals. Some lights are already synchronized, but many are broken down or use out of date technology. On my request, City staff will be reporting soon on how to improve the system and help get traffic flowing better.

You can read more about this issue in the Toronto Star and you can watch my interview with CTV News.

Toronto Casino Update

As I've written to you before, the majority of Ward 22 residents have told me they oppose a Toronto casino and I share their view. Based on consistent reports on problem gambling, traffic gridlock and potential adverse affects on the local economy, I will not be supporting a casino in the City of Toronto. I know that some of you may disagree with my decision. However, I respectfully submit to you that the known negatives outweigh any suggested benefits, and it's simply not worth the gamble.

I believe a report regarding a casino will arrive at Executive Committee in April and then be considered by Council by May of this year.

Many people have requested more information about the "No Casino" lawn signs they've seen around our neighbourhood. These are provided at no charge by the grassroots organization No Casino Toronto.

You can read about the latest developments in this Globe & Mail story.

New Funding for Central Eglinton Community Centre and Northern Secondary School

Accessibility upgrades and other improvements are coming soon to the Central Eglinton Community Centre (CECC), funded with $25,000 paid by condo developers for the privilege of building in our community. The CECC provides a variety of programs and services for people of all ages including parent/child activities and a range of social, recreational and leisure programs for older adults and seniors. This funding will help ensure that the CECC, and its important programs and services, will be fully accessible for people of all abilities.

I've also directed $75,000 to Northern Secondary School to transform the lawn on Mount Pleasant Road into an attractive public space for everyone to enjoy. The new outdoor meeting and learning area, which was once Walmsley Brook, will suggest a dry river bed with trees, rock seating areas, plantings and flagstone paths. This project will be of particular interest to the residents of several seniors' homes in the area who will benefit from nearby green space.

You can read more about both of these improvements in the Town Crier.

Guest Lecture Symposium: Heritage Preservation and Restoration in Toronto

The Centre for Construction Engineering and Technology at George Brown College has invited me to speak about the importance heritage preservation in Toronto and my own experience with Casa Loma. I'll be joined by other speakers including Councillor Joe Mihevc, E.R.A. Architects Principal Michael McClelland, and Renaissance Fine Homes Principals Matthew Garnet and Frank Vitale. Please join us.

When: Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 pm

Where: 146 Kendal Ave., George Brown College, Building ‘E’, Room E321

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Are you feeling green this weekend and interested in celebrating St. Paddy's Day with community? Well, looks like you struck gold! Our Member of Parliament, Carolyn Bennett is holding her Annual St. Paddy's Day Gathering. Come out on Saturday, March 16th from 4:30 to 6pm, at the the Unicorn Pub, 175 Eglinton Ave. Carolyn and her St. Paul's Constituency Office welcome all members of the community, their friends and family to this fun-filled event. I hope to see you there!

Event: "Why are more consumers choosing to support organics?"

On Sunday, March 17th at 12:30 PM, the First Unitarian Church at 175 St. Clair Ave. W. is holding an event called "Why are more consumers choosing to support organics?" Presentations will allow you to learn how your purchasing choices will protect our environment and health; feel inspired by their certified organic farmer Peter Finch; learn the best tips on starting and maintaining an organic garden; learn what is used in certified organic farming to deal with pests; and have your questions answered! New certified organic seeds will be available for sale and all proceeds go to Urban Harvest. Please RSVP to [email protected].

A New LCBO for Bayview Avenue for Davisville Village Residents

In a discussion earlier this week with our local MPP, Dr. Eric Hoskins' office, I learned that a new LCBO will be opening in our community, at the corner of Bayview Avenue and Millwood Road (in the old Blockbusters). It's expected to open in late April.

Building an Equitable City Together

The City of Toronto with the support of the Access, Equity and Human Rights (AEHR) Working Group would like to invite you to attend a panel discussion highlighting four inspiring stories from senior leaders within the Toronto Public Service that explores how equity considerations are shaping City infrastructure.

There will be discussion sessions on:

• The City's draft Equity, Diversity & Human Rights Framework
• Ongoing mechanisms for community engagement on equality issues in the city
• Measuring the impact of equity work

When: Thursday, March 28 at 9:00 am

Where: 789 Yonge St (one block north of Bloor St.) at the Toronto Reference library in the Bram and Bluma Appel Salon 2nd floor

Cost: Free

Registration Deadline is March 18, 2013. Register online here: buildingequitablecity.eventbrite.com

Call For Entries: 2013 Toronto Urban Design Awards

Every other year, the City of Toronto holds Urban Design Awards to acknowledge the significant contribution that architects, landscape architects, urban designers, artists, design students, and city builders make to the look and livability of our city.

The 2013 call for entries opens today, March 15, and closes at 4 p.m. on May 16. I encourage all designers, architects and developers working in Toronto to submit eligible projects.

Entries will be on public display at City Hall beginning September 9, 2013. For more details, please visit toronto.ca/tuda.

Reminder: Greening Your Condo or Apartment Building

I'm hosting an event with The Green Team of First Unitarian Congregation on how to make your apartment greener and more energy (and cost) efficient, including strategies and resources that are available to you. Let's make a green and healthful Toronto together!

Date: Tuesday, March 26, at 7 pm

Where: First Unitarian Congregation, Workman Hall, 175 St. Clair Ave. W.

For ongoing council and community information, along with a calendar of events, please visit www.joshmatlow.ca.