In This Newsletter:
Standing up for Toronto's Waterfront
The federal government has opened a consultation process on the proposal to introduce jets on the waterfront at Billy Bishop Airport.
Let's Play Pickleball! Requesting Urgent Provincial Action to Animate Vacant Development Sites
Across Toronto, approved development sites are sitting vacant for years - hurting the vibrancy and safety of our main streets and the businesses around them. Community-oriented interim uses, like pop-up recreation facilities, offer a practical solution.
But a policy gap is getting in the way. When a vacant site is activated through a new use, the province’s Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will reclassify the property from vacant to commercial, triggering a much higher tax rate that often makes the interim use unsustainable.
We saw this happen in our own community. The popular pickleball and racquet courts at Yonge and Rosehill, operated through a partnership between the developer and Fairgrounds, were recently reclassified by MPAC. The resulting tax increase forced the facility to close. There are many other vacant sites across the city that could be animated with pop-up art exhibits, farmers' markets, and other creative uses. However, because of this risk, developers don’t want to risk reclassification.
Toronto City Council has approved my motion directing staff to examine policy options to support interim uses. But the most effective fix requires the province. The authority to create new property tax subclasses rests with Queen's Park under the Assessment Act, and that's why I wrote a letter to the Minister and held a community protest calling on the province to create a targeted subclass for vacant development sites hosting community-oriented interim uses. Municipalities should not be penalizing property owners for doing the right thing.
Celebrating Arraia on Yonge and our Brazilian Community
We were proud to partner with the Midtown Yonge BIA to co-host our second annual Arraia on Yonge.
The event brought our midtown community to life - featuring fun activities, music and dancing, and delicious food; drawing huge crowds to celebrate Toronto's Brazilian community and support local businesses in what we now call Little Brazil.
We created Arraia on Yonge for a special reason. Brazilians, like so many other people who have arrived in Toronto, have often felt like they were living in somebody else’s place. We want to make sure that everyone who lives in Toronto is embraced and feels at home.
Oakwood Village Streets Plan
City Council finally passed the Oakwood Village Streets Plan, approving a series of measures to improve pedestrian safety, and address traffic infiltration throughout the neighbourhood. This project is the biggest Neighbourhood Streets Plan ever undertaken by the City.
The approved design represents months of engagement with the neighbourhood and input from community groups. Improvements will be delivered in the coming months and years in tandem with scheduled resurfacing and other capital projects.
Seniors Strategy Town Hall
I initiated the Toronto Seniors Strategy because I want our city to be age-friendly, caring and accessible, and where everyone can choose to age in place. Thank you to everyone, including our remarkable panelists, who participated in our Seniors Town Hall!
For decades, her business on Eglinton Avenue West was more than a storefront - it was a gathering place and a symbol of the strength and cultural richness of Toronto's Caribbean community. Through times of change, Monica remained a dedicated advocate for local businesses and for preserving the identity of Little Jamaica.
Her legacy lives on in the neighbourhood she helped shape and the many lives she touched through her generosity, determination, and commitment to community.
My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who are mourning her loss. May her memory continue to inspire us to celebrate and protect the communities that make Toronto so vibrant.
Elbows Up on Rathnelly Day
The Republic of Rathnelly is elbows up with Canada. We stand with the beaver. We look north to the polar bear. We ride with the moose. And we follow the salmon. We will never forget Hockey Night in Canada. We celebrated Rathnelly Day together.
Raccoon Park Expansion
We’re proud to have created Raccoon Park at Soudan and Dunfield, and now we’re excited to be expanding it to serve our growing Yonge and Eglinton community.
Find out more information about the timeline, review the findings of the public consultation process, and sign up for updates here.
Interfaith Coalition to Take Action Against Antisemitism
I attended a beautiful and meaningful event at Rosedale United Church, organized by The Interfaith Bridge, to take a united stand against antisemitism. It was ecumenical, they shared personal stories of loss and hope, and a lesson about the long history of anti-Jewish hate and how, by coming together, we can all take action. When a community feels threatened, it’s imperative they know that their elected representatives, and their neighbours, will always have their back.
Eglinton Way Art Walk
Eglinton is back! I joined artist Quentin VerCetty and the Eglinton Way BIA to launch the Art Walk, a series of fascinating sculptures you’ll find between Oriole Parkway and Chaplin Crescent. A remarkable new addition to our midtown community’s public spaces.
Gathering on Roehampton Ave
Thank you to the amazing residents on Roehampton Avenue for inviting me to join your sidewalk gathering! They get together with lawn chairs, offer passersby food and drinks, and create a real sense of community.
Davisville Festival
We came together as a community at our Davisville Village Festival. No matter where you’re from, or who you are, if you live here- you’re one of us. We take care of each other.
Cedarvale Festival
Thank you to everyone who came together in Cedarvale Park to enjoy ice cream, meet neighbours and build community! I’m grateful to Friends of Cedarvale, all of our community partners, our MP and MPP, and my amazing team who worked hard to make it such a success.
Beautifying Bathurst at Davenport
You know that large concrete retaining wall on the west side of Bathurst, north of Davenport, when you’re coming up the hill? We’re going to paint a beautiful, colourful mural there, working with StreetArt Toronto.
I was delighted to meet, and thank, the talented street artists who’ve submitted their proposals. I’ll have more updates to share when the artist is ultimately selected!
Hellenic Home
Thank you so much to my friends at the Hellenic Home for the Aged for inviting me for another visit to enjoy time with some of my favourite Greek seniors! You always make me feel like family (and you never let me leave without baklava). Σας ευχαριστώ
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