Dear Friends and Residents,
Thank you again for the privilege of being able to serve our community at Toronto City Council. This past year has been one of many achievements for Ward 22 and I've deeply enjoyed working closely with so many you in every midtown neighbourhood. I still believe that Toronto needs an approach to its governance that is thoughtful, evidence based, fiscally responsible, creative, non-ideological and always keeps the best interests of our residents in mind. I will continue advocating for this.
In this update, I'm providing you with:
- A notice about my upcoming 2012 Budget Town Hall,
- Information about a rent rebate for tenants,
- Wishing Katharine Hancock well on her new adventure - Welcome to Chloe Richer.
I wish you and yours the very best for the holidays and 2012. I look forward to continue working with you for our community and a better Toronto.
Warm regards,
Josh
City Councillor
Ward 22 – St. Paul's
www.joshmatlow.ca
1. Notice of my upcoming 2012 Budget Town Hall
Date: Wednesday, January 11
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Ave W (at Lascelles Blvd)
I will be hosting my 2nd annual Budget Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, January 11th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre. City Staff will be available to answer any budget related questions you might have. The decisions Council will make in January on the 2012 Budget will impact every Toronto resident. I believe that it is vital that you are informed, engaged and given the opportunity to make your voice heard.
2. Information about a rent rebate for tenants
I am pleased to inform you that some multi-residential buildings in our community have had their property tax decreased by more than 2.49% which will result in a minor rent reduction for 2012. Official notices from the City of Toronto have already been sent by mail to those that will receive a reduction. It is important to note that you do not have to ask your landlord for permission or apply to receive this reduction. The letter will outline how to calculate your new rent. This document provides a list of Ward 22 buildings that will have their rents reduced next year.
Unfortunately, this municipal rent reduction will not offset the 3.1% guideline increase allowed by the provincial government for 2012. While I am appreciative of the Province's new legislation to cap guideline rent increases at 2.5% starting in 2013, this measure does not support overburdened tenants this year. I am urging the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to reconsider this exceedingly high increase. I continue to strongly advocate for our community's tenants and real rent control. It is also very important that tenants have access to information about their rights.
3. Wishing Katharine Hancock well on her new adventure – Welcome to Chloe Richer!
Katharine Hancock, my talented, overachieving Constituency Assistant, has been offered an opportunity to return to the career path of her choice- a teacher. I have accepted her resignation, with deep regret, but wish her the best of success and happiness in her next adventure. December 16th will be her last day with us here at City Hall.
Katharine, a resident of my ward and friend, came with me to city hall after last year's election and has been an integral member of our office family. Like all of you who have had the opportunity to know and work with her, I will miss seeing her every day at city hall.
Chloe Richer joins my team as a recent graduate of the University of Toronto's Master of Science in Planning program, where she also participated in the Community Development Collaborative Program. Chloe has a breadth of experience with local planning issues and has worked with residents in communities such as Regent Park, Mimico and Parkdale. She is a resident of Ward 22 and appreciates the fantastic services and amenities our neighbourhood offers. Like the rest of my team, Chloe will be there to meet your needs.
