In This Newsletter:
Protecting Renters with a Maximum Temperature By-law
Since I first introduced a motion in 2012 to establish a maximum indoor temperature standard for rental housing units, there have been repeated delays in developing a by-law. Most recently, staff were expected to bring forward a by-law to the May meeting of Executive Committee. Instead, their report stated that, after more than a decade of work on this issue, they still require additional information.
Enough is enough. Summers and shoulder seasons are getting hotter every year, putting people’s lives at risk, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. I've personally visited seniors in their homes where they are suffocating in 30 degree heat and above. That's simply not acceptable. I submitted an amendment to the staff recommendations to require that they bring forward a by-law in June, with advice for how this by-law could be structured in order to avoid the costs being passed down to tenants. Ultimately, City Council adopted a motion to bring forward a “framework for implementation” of a by-law next month.
I will provide a further update when we see this framework. I will not accept any further delays. I expect staff to advise how we can fight above guideline rent increases, and provide alternative models to fund capital improvements, so this can no longer be used as an excuse to not take action.
Improving Parking Access in Forest Hill Village
In response to the longstanding parking pressures in the neighbourhood, this May the Toronto Parking Authority launched a pilot project to convert 30% of the Spadina Rd Green P lot to short-term parking spots with a maximum parking period of three hours. This initiative is intended to encourage higher vehicle turnover, ensuring that more neighbours can access parking while shopping and visiting Forest Hill Village. This project has been launched on a pilot basis and will be closely monitored by the Toronto Parking Authority with ongoing discussions with the Forest Hill Village BIA, to inform any future adjustments.
Combatting Antisemitism and Supporting our Jewish Community
The rise in antisemitic acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence is unacceptable and alarming, and is leaving many in our Jewish community feeling understandably afraid, vulnerable and angry that more has not been done to protect them. As you can imagine, this has affected my own family.
I’ve been working closely with our city’s Jewish organizations, along with our local synagogues, schools and childcares here in Midtown to strengthen the safety of their institutions, and frequently speaking with Rabbis other community leaders about what they need to both feel, and most importantly, be supported.
For example, this summer, we’ve arranged for the City to install protective barriers along Bathurst in front of Chabad of Midtown’s daycare and preschool to guard against hostile vehicles. Every parent deserves the peace of mind of knowing that when they drop their kids off at daycare, they will be safe and cared for.
In order to encourage every level of government to work together on this, I was proud to support Councillor Colle’s thoughtful motion to establish a Federal, Provincial and Municipal, law enforcement joint task force comprised of, but not limited to, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Toronto Police Services to plan for, combat and prevent acts of antisemitic hate and violence directed at Toronto’s Jewish Community. The Toronto Police Service has launched their new Counter-Terrorism Security Unit. This proactive unit provides specialized investigative resources and enhanced, visible officer patrols at key locations like places of worship.
I’ve also supported a motion to enhance the City’s response on taking action against hate speech in the public domain, but especially in neighbourhoods, request the TTC to create a rapid response hateful graffiti removal plan, and advocate to senior levels of government for a sustainable funding model for our frontline emergency workers that respond to protests and rallies in our city.
Moreover, I was also happy to support a request to the Federal government to establish a Tax Credit Program to support parents of children in school and childcare, religious congregants, and community centre members whose identifiably ethnocultural, faith-based, or diasporic institutions bear extraordinary security costs to keep their communities safe.
The Toronto Police Service recently released their 2025 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report. While there was a 50% decrease in reported hate-motivated and related offences over 2024, hate crimes are on the rise so far in 2026. I encourage you to continue reaching out to our local MP (Leslie Church: [email protected]) and MPP (Stephanie Smyth: [email protected]) to advocate for greater supports from our senior levels of government.
Ultimately, when a community is being targeted, I believe every leader needs to stand with them. I’ll continue to actively support Toronto’s Jewish community in demanding urgent and decisive action, effective enforcement of our laws, and work closely with leaders of all faiths and backgrounds who are dedicated to building bridges, protecting our communities, and who ultimately share core values about what it means to live together in a safe and civil society.
Josh attending an event organized by The Interfaith Bridge at Rosedale United Church to take a united stand against antisemitism
Share Your Feedback: Live from Toronto...It's Lorne Michaels Park!
We are proposing to name Forest Hill Road Park as "Lorne Michaels Park", in honour and recognition of our home grown comedy legend.
Lorne Michaels was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1944. Lorne and his two younger siblings were raised in our Forest Hill neighbourhood, where he attended, and graduated from, Forest Hill Collegiate Institute.
Lorne Michaels is a television and film producer, writer and comedian, he has been skillfully and humorously edifying and entertaining audiences with satire for four decades. Under his visionary leadership, Saturday Night Live has launched the careers of generations of comedians and solidified its iconic pop-culture status in an ever-shifting political and social landscape.
In Canada, he was awarded the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2006. He was previously inducted into the Order of Canada in 2002. He was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2018.
Lorne Michaels and his wife, Alice, do philanthropic work through the Michaels Family Foundation. Through his foundation, he has sponsored a number of organizations including the University of Toronto.
We invite community members to share their input and help honour Lorne's legacy. Please click here to share your feedback.
Councillor Josh Matlow's Community Festivals
Join us for our upcoming community festivals! Come out and meet your neighbours while enjoying free ice cream, face paint, raffles and more.
Davisville Village:
Saturday, June 13th from noon - 4pm
June Rowlands Park, 220 Davisville Avenue
Arraiá on Yonge: Brazilian Festival
Date: Saturday, June 20th, 2026
Time: 11am to 9pm (Councillor's remarks at 4:30pm and Free Entry)
Location: Yonge Street, between Hillsdale Ave W to Glebe Road W
Arraiá on Yonge is coming to Midtown again!
In partnership with the Midtown Yonge BIA, we are inviting Torontonians to our second annual Arraiá on Yonge to celebrate the rich traditions of Brazilian Festa Junina. After our 2026 festival and the astounding 40,000+ attendance, we’ve decided to turn this unique event into a yearly celebration transforming Yonge Street from Hillsdale Ave W to Glebe Rd W into a lively cultural hub.
This year, join us as we live paint two Brazilian themed murals that will be put up on Yonge Street after the event! I have committed $48,000.00 of Section 37 funds to Midtown Yonge BIA for the implementation of these interactive murals and will personally be adding my mark to them alongside the festival goers!
What started as an idea is now a moment Torontonians look forward to. I am grateful for my partnership with the Midtown Yonge BIA especially for recognizing community is where great moments start.
Please join us on June 20th for dancers, singers, traditional food, games, and artisans as we transform Yonge Street into a Festa Junina for a memorable Saturday.
If you are interested in volunteering and supporting this event, please sign up here!
Councillor Josh Matlow's Seniors Town Hall
Oakwood & Vaughan Triangle Beautification Initiative: Drop In Event
The City is sharing updated plans for the redesign and beautification of the Oakwood and Vaughan triangle. Join my office, City staff, and the Oakwood Village BIA on Monday June 15th from 6:00pm-7:30pm at the NIA Centre for the Arts to review the new drawings and share your feedback.
Toronto Atmospheric Fund Home Solar Accelerator
Toronto residents now have access to free, personalized support to install home solar and optional battery storage. Home Solar Accelerator’s independent advisors guide homeowners through the process — assessing your options and comparing quotes from vetted installers. The program is provided by TAF, a non-profit City agency. Learn more: solaraccelerator.ca
Working Together For Our Community
I am grateful to have an MP and MPP here in Toronto-St.Paul’s who want to work together, at every level of government, to get results for our community.
Share Your Feedback: Celebrating Hedy Bohm in Our Community
We’d like to name Tichester Park as “Hedy Bohm Park”, in honour of Hedy’s extraordinary contributions to Holocaust education, community building, and anti-discrimination work across Toronto. Born in Romania in 1926,
Hedy immigrated to Toronto in 1949 after surviving the Holocaust, including imprisonment at Auschwitz. A resident of Tichester Road since 1992, she has deep roots in the local community and has inspired generations through her advocacy, education, and compassion.
We invite community members to share their input and help honour Hedy’s legacy. Please go to http://joshmatlow.ca/hedybohm to share your feedback.
Supporting Toronto's Most Vulnerable During Eid al-Adha
I joined the NCCM, Muslim Welfare Canada, Fred Victor and other community organizations in Toronto-Centre for an Eid al-Adha initiative to distribute food to those in need. This effort by Toronto’s Muslim communities to care for our city’s most vulnerable residents deserves our support and appreciation.
Happy Pride Month, Toronto!
Walk for Alzheimer's with the Dunfield Retirement Residence
I was delighted to support the Dunfield Retirement Residence’s Walk For Alzheimer’s. This disease took my dad away from us three years ago. I stopped by to express my gratitude to everyone who joined the walk.
CHIN Radio Celebrates 60 Years!
Thank you to CHIN Radio for sharing the stories of Toronto’s many cultures, and celebrating the communities that call our city home, for 60 years! And to Lenny Lombardi, Grace Fusillo-Lombardi, their family and staff who proudly continue the late Johnny Lombardi’s legacy.
Bingo Night at Connections 400
Thanks to my friends at Connections 400- a group of vibrant, smart, warmly competitive and hilarious older adults who I have so much fun spending time with for inviting me to be both a Bingo caller and a player. When you’re in the game, it’s all about the Bingo. At 400 Walmer, Connections 400 is a resident-led program that supports tenants over 65 and/or living with a disability to age in place and socialize by offering activities.
Commemorating Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day
I joined our city’s Tamil community to commemorate the Tamil Genocide and remember the victims and survivors of the 26-year armed conflict and Mullivaikkal massacre.
Thank You For Joining Us: Public Consultation on the Ontario Science Centre
Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our public meeting to create a creative and realistic vision for bringing the Ontario Science Centre back to life, and to serve the public again. Together, we continue to fight for what we value.
Celebrating the Arirang Age-Friendly Community Centre
It was a great pleasure to join our city’s Korean community, and the Arirang Age-Friendly Community Centre, to support day programs and long term care for Korean seniors from across Toronto. They worked hard to support their families and community. It’s our turn to give back.
City of Toronto Tree Grants & Incentives
The City offers several grants and incentive programs which encourage tree and shrub planting on private property. These programs support partnerships and collaboration with homeowners, landowners and not-for-profit organizations that advance the City’s strategic priorities to invest in people and neighbourhoods, tackle climate change and build resilience. As more than half of Toronto’s land is privately owned, residents and communities play an important role in reaching the City’s 40 per cent canopy cover goal. To learn more, please click here.
BTTA 2026 Annual Community Garage Sale
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