Newsletters

Dear residents,

It's now time to entirely focus on Toronto's many priorities. We have challenges other than the mayor that must be met including transit, curbing gridlock, housing, childcare, neighbourhood improvements and so much more.

Today, Council took substantive action, within its authority, to respond to residents' justifiable concerns about Mr. Ford's dishonest & reckless behaviour that has had an unprecedented adverse impact on the functions of the City of Toronto and on our city's global reputation.

This seemingly endless saga must finally come to an end.

I believe the time has come to now turn him off and not provide the attention that he and his brother desire. As a Council, we must work together on an honest, thoughtful, positive and fiscally responsible agenda. As a city, let us focus on the things that really count- like improving our city, our communities, fixing our problems and spending quality time with our friends and families.

Sincerely,

Josh

Dear Residents,

The last few days have seen more shocking revelations, along with the video of him appearing to smoke crack cocaine and make homophobic and racist remarks, about Mr. Ford including serious allegations by his own staff about drinking at city hall, illegal drugs, prostitutes and harassment, to name just a few. Mr. Ford has also recently made very offensive comments about women including a former staff member of his and his own wife. This ongoing circus must come to an end.

While there is no legislation that allows Council to remove a mayor from office, my colleagues and I have worked closely together to mitigate further damage Mr. Ford can do to our city and  do everything possible within Council's authority including allocating many of the mayoral functions and resources to the Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the Council term, including:

• Reassigning the powers of the Mayor in emergency situations such as a severe storm or a future event like the G20 protest
• Reassigning the powers of the Mayor to appoint and dismiss Chairs of Standing Committees such as Parks & Environment and Planning & Growth
• Protecting his staff and ensuring that the functions of the Mayor's office continue under the direction of the Deputy Mayor

I still believe that the best and most honourable resolution to this awful situation is for Mr. Ford to resign, put the residents of Toronto first and seek the help he needs. His statements, unfortunately, indicate that isn't likely. As a result, Council is using all the tools at its disposal to ensure that the important business of Toronto continues and your tax dollars are spent wisely.

On a positive note, I have seen councillors from across the city and the political spectrum work together in this difficult time like never before to meet this unprecedented challenge. My colleagues and I have cooperated to form a consensus in response to this challenge and have voted in near unison on the items regarding Mr. Ford. It is my hope that this spirit of collaboration and respectful dialogue will carry forward to matters of public policy, such as transit and housing, for the good of Toronto.

Our city is greater than any one person. We are a vibrant community of 2.8 million people who make Toronto one of the best places to live in the world. Together, will continue to work to make it even better.

Please see some important meeting notices and updates below for your information.

Sincerely,

Josh

St. Paul's Summit: Livable Cities

Please join me and other St. Paul's elected representatives for a discussion on what makes our city livable and how the government can contribute to sustainable communities within it.

Livability is determined by a variety of factors which need to appeal to everyone in a city as diverse as Toronto. These factors include but are not limited to things like healthcare, education, culture, safety and the environment. This year, Toronto was ranked as the world's fourth most livable city!

The summit will feature several panelists, including myself:

• Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.P. for St. Paul’s
• Dr. Eric Hoskins, M.P.P. for St. Paul’s
• Joe Mihevc, City Councillor for St. Paul’s West, Ward 21
• Shelley Laskin, TDSB School Trustee
• Jo-Ann Davis, TCDSB School Trustee

I welcome you to come out and join us on Sunday, November 17, at 1:30 pm at Oakwood Public Library, 341 Oakwood Avenue (at Rogers Road).

REMINDER: Meeting to discuss improvements to the playground at Charlotte Maher Park

Please join me on Tuesday, November 19 at Northern Secondary School (851 Mount Pleasant Road) to discuss and provide your feedback on playground improvements at Charlotte Maher Park. The meeting will be held in the library and will begin at 7 pm. Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

REMINDER: Meeting to discuss improvements to parkettes on Belsize Drive

I've heard from residents that the median parkettes on Belsize Drive are in need of design, beautification and structural improvements. Please join me to discuss options and to provide your feedback on Wednesday, November 20 at 7 pm at Greenwood College School (443 Mount Pleasant Road). The meeting will be held in room 103. Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

REMINDER: 124 Belsize Drive Public Meeting

An application has been submitted to City Planning to permit the redevelopment of 124 Belsize Drive with six new 3-storey semi-detached dwellings with a common underground garage. Please join me at 7 pm on Tuesday, November 26 at the North Toronto Community Church, located at 7 Eglinton St. East, for a meeting to discuss the proposed development. City Planning staff will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

REMINDER: Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive

This upcoming community event takes place on November 23 (to hand out flyers) and November 30 to collect donations which are then sorted, packed in boxes and immediately delivered to recipient food banks and agencies. The households canvassed are in Rosedale, Moore Park, Bennington Heights and Leaside. There are two locations - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, St. Clair Avenue East, one block west of Mount Pleasant Road and Leaside Presbyterian Church, Eglinton Avenue, just east of Bayview Avenue.

Times on both days are from 9:30 am until about noon. Upwards of 300 volunteers are required and generous community hours are available for high school students. It is also a fun and rewarding family experience.

In addition, two area Sobeys stores (St. Clair Avenue just east of Yonge Street and Wicksteed Avenue near Laird Drive) are again supporting this effort by holding in-store drives throughout the Christmas season. These sources typically add another 10,000 to the overall total.

Please contact Brian Kearney, at 416-972-0585 or by e-mail at [email protected] if further details are required.

New Outdoor Learning Centre at Davisville School on its way!

I had the privilege this Council meeting to move a motion in support of Davisville Public School with $75,000 toward a new outdoor classroom entirely paid for through developer funds. The new outdoor area will feature a vibrant learning and social environment with extra seating, a recycled art installation and music wall, environmentally sensitive play areas and a community library. In addition, upgraded play structures and new fencing for safety. Further, the play areas will incorporate picnic tables and existing components such as the greenhouse and gardens will be accessible for wider community use during non-school hours. It was a pleasure to work with Trustee Laskin and the Davisville PS community!

Fresh Gift Baskets for Silent Auctions

I am pleased to announce that Fresh is now open at Yonge and Eglinton (90 Eglinton Avenue East). Fresh is Toronto's original source for modern vegetarian food and made-to-order juice. The folks at Fresh are excited to connect with our community and would be happy to provide a Fresh gift basket for silent auctions, raffles or other uses for local organizations. If your organization is interested in receiving a basket, please contact Barry Alpers at [email protected].

Progress on Toronto Museum at Casa Loma

Yesterday, Council took a significant step forward toward supporting a museum of the City of Toronto at Casa Loma by selecting a new operator for the main portion of Casa Loma and approving funding for a feasibility study for a city museum in the north campus. The City selected the Liberty Grand Group, which has a proven track record of restoring heritage properties for the purposes of an event space. The new operator has expressed great enthusiasm toward a museum and is even installing some exhibits within the main portion that will begin to tell Toronto's story. I will share further information when the feasibility study is completed.

Smoking in Public Places and Patios Restricted

To align the City with provincial laws announced recently, Council has banned smoking from many public spaces and publicly accessible establishments including:

• public building entrances and exits
• outdoor sports fields and parks amenities
• swimming beaches
• public squares
• public parklets
• bar and restaurant patios
• hospital grounds

59 Heath Street West Update

This week at City Council I successfully moved that 59 Heath Street West be officially designated as a heritage property. This designation came at the result of some concerns by local residents in the Deer Park community that this 19th century home could potentially be lost to redevelopment after it went up for sale earlier this year. Working with residents and city staff, we were successful in not only having the property added to the inventory of heritage properties, but also designated as a heritage property this week.

The new owner had already proceeded with getting a building permit to build an addition to the home and work has already started. By and large, the design already respects the heritage value of the home. Now city staff can work with the new owner (who has been very cooperative to date) to further ensure that before any further work progresses, as much of the heritage elements as possible are preserved.

More Information on the Hodgson Ice Rink Repairs

At my meeting last week with local parents regarding a natural ice rink (as the Hodgson ice rink will be undergoing needed repairs this season), I committed to sharing information on why the repairs are needed and what next steps will be taken. Please click here for the answers to frequently asked questions I have received about the rink from the City of Toronto. Should you have any further questions, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or to call my office at 416-392-7906.

I look forward to working with so many parents and residents who have volunteered to work with me on ensuring our local kids have a place to skate this winter! Thank you so much.

Dear residents,

Yesterday, in the face of new details of his conduct about to be revealed, Mayor Rob Ford finally acknowledged that he did indeed smoke crack cocaine in the past year.

Mayor Ford has been lying to Torontonians for months, if not longer. He and his brother, Councillor Doug Ford, have also unfairly and maliciously attacked anyone who has dared to question his behaviour or honesty on almost a weekly basis.

While he apologized for smoking crack, he did not explain his actions (other than "being in a drunken stupor"), his association with criminals or allegations that he made racist and homophobic slurs in the infamous crack video.

He did, however, use his press conference yesterday to campaign for re-election. Councillor Ford wildly demanded Police Chief Bill Blair's resignation earlier in the day.

This whole issue really saddens me. Very few of us haven't made mistakes in life we regret. But most of us when asked about our lives are honest with our responses. Most importantly, we truly learn from our mistakes because we want to be better people and be responsible to those we love.

As for Mayor Rob Ford, his ongoing circus of deceit, shameful conduct, distraction and dishonesty must finally come to an end.

There is no legislation that allows Council to remove a mayor from office- I know many of you have asked me about that. The only ways I know of that an elected municipal politician in Toronto can be disqualified from office is if they are no longer a Canadian citizen or a resident of Toronto, miss three consecutive city council meetings or be convicted of an indictable offence.

However Rob Ford can remove himself from office.  I believe he must resign and put the people of Toronto before his own interests. That would be leadership. If he doesn't, I will support every effort within Council’s authority to hold him to account and prevent him from doing any further damage to our city.

I also believe that Toronto is a strong and vibrant city that I’m proud to call home- we’ve survived even greater challenges. We'll pull through this experience well if we make the right choices as a community of 2.8 million people. I hope the next mayor we elect will be thoughtful, fiscally responsible and one that celebrates the diversity of our city; a mayor who will focus on our priorities, be honest with residents and bring us together. That person is clearly not Rob Ford.

Meanwhile, as your city councillor, I will continue to focus on our community and work with my colleagues on Council to ensure that the business of our city is done efficiently, that services are delivered well, that tax dollars are spent wisely and we do not allow ourselves to be distracted from our city’s real priorities.

NEW MEETING LOCATION: Hodgson Natural Ice Rink Public Meeting

Please join me on Monday, October 21 at Maurice Cody Junior Public School’s library (364 Belsize Drive) to discuss the City's temporary repairs of Hodgson Rink for the 2013-14 season. I've asked Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff to join us to discuss creating a natural rink at June Rowlands (Davisville) Park. We must ensure our kids have a local place to skate until the Hodgson Rink is repaired and upgraded for next season.

REMINDER: Upcoming Neighborhood Town Halls with your city councillor

Hosting and attending community meetings and other events in Ward 22 is very important to me to both engage and inform residents. I want to know that I'm reflecting your priorities. Throughout the fall, I'm hosting a community town hall in every Ward 22 neighbourhood. Please save the dates for the October meetings listed below. I hope to see you there!

The next neighbourhood meetings are:

For Rathnelly and the Upper Annex Area residents: Thursday, October 24 from 7 to 9 pm

De La Salle College, JP II, 131 Farnham Avenue

For Cottingham Area and Summerhill residents: Wednesday, October 30 from 7 to 9 pm

The Linden School, Gymnasium, 10 Rosehill Avenue

Feeling Congested? Ward 22 Focus Group

The City of Toronto’s Planning Division is hosting focus group sessions across the city as part of the Feeling Congested? campaign to update the transportation policies in our Official Plan. These policies will help the City to manage congestion on streets, sidewalks, and transit.

The sessions will have two focuses: the concept of developing a transportation network, and a proposed new structure for making decisions around prioritising transportation projects within that network. This is a great opportunity for Ward 22 residents to learn about some of the changes Planning staff are proposing and to lend your voice to the planning process.

The Ward 22 Focus Group session will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at North Toronto Collegiate Institute (17 Broadway Avenue) from 7 to 9 pm, in classroom 215. I hope to see you there!

The Oriole Park Association Annual General Meeting

This year, the Oriole Park Association's Annual General Meeting will be taking place on November 7 in the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre’s Multi-Purpose Room (200 Eglinton Avenue West). The meeting is scheduled for 7 to 9 pm and this year's topic is Transit and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. For more information on the Oriole Park Association, please visit their website.

REMINDER: Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive

Churches in Rosedale, Moore Park and Leaside are again sponsoring a Christmas Drive (the 42^nd consecutive) to assist local food banks and agencies that are in urgent need of help at this time of year. Flyers are delivered to area households on Saturday, November 23 and donations are then picked up on the following Saturday, November 30. There are two locations – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH), on St. Clair Avenue East, one block west of Mount Pleasant Road and Leaside Presbyterian Church on Eglinton Avenue, just east of Bayview Avenue.

Times on both days are from 9:30 am until noon. Donations are sorted and packed at OLPH with same day delivery to recipient food banks and agencies. In 2012 about 16,000 items were collected and it is hoped to better this figure this year as unfortunately the demand for this service is still great. Upwards of 300 volunteers are required and community hours are available for high school students.

In addition, two area Sobeys stores (St. Clair Avenue just east of Yonge Street and Wicksteed Avenue near Laird Drive) are again supporting this effort by holding in-store drives throughout the Christmas season. These sources typically add another 10,000 to the overall total.

It is a fun event for both families and young persons and is in aid of a worthwhile cause to benefit the less fortunate members of our community. Many thanks for your caring.

If further information is required, please contact the Campaign Chair, Brian Kearney, at 416-972-0585 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Toronto Police Services News Release Concerning Wanted Man

I've received notice that Toronto Police Services are requesting assistance in locating a man, Simon William Gares, wanted for making threats towards elementary school children. He has threatened death as well as made non-specific threats related to the safety of children, and is described as white, 32, 5'11", with a medium build and short brown hair. When he was last seen, he was unshaven and wearing black baggy jeans with a white symbol on the pockets, a black polar fleece jacket and sunglasses. If you see this man, do not attempt to interact with him and please call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information and to view a photograph, please click here.

Dear Residents,

I hope you find my latest update to you interesting and informative. It's been such a pleasure seeing so many of you recently throughout Ward 22's neighbourhoods.

I wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving weekend and please always feel very welcome to contact me if I can be of support to you.

Warm regards,

Josh

PS- I just arrived home from bringing greetings to North Toronto Collegiate Institute's graduating class of 2013. Congratulations to the grads, their family, friends and the remarkable NT staff.

Council rejects fully-funded Scarborough rapid transit plan, raises debt and property taxes

This week, after what seemed like an endless debate (for many months), Council chose to tear up the City of Toronto's agreement with Metrolinx to construct a fully-funded, traffic-separated, seven-stop Light Rapid Transit (LRT) line and change plans by replacing it with an unnecessary three-stop extension of the Bloor-Danforth line that will cost an additional $1 Billion. This extension will increase our city's debt and require a 1.6% property tax increase that will be phased in over the next 3 years.

The new Scarborough LRT, just like a subway, would have been a completely traffic-separated line. No lanes removed. No traffic lights. No cross streets. This was factually never a streetcar vs subway debate and should not have been characterised as such. The new subway route will travel through a relatively low density area that would have been well served by the LRT as this video illustrates. The Sheppard subway is already heavily subsidised by the rest of the TTC system due to low ridership and projections indicate the Scarborough subway will require the same. It is unfortunate that misinformation and political opportunism overshadowed facts and fiscal responsibility in this debate.

The subway extension still needs to go through a lengthy Environmental Assessment process and there appears to be some hesitation on the part of the provincial government. However, I don't anticipate that the issue of rapid transit in Scarborough will come back to the municipal level during this term of Council.

I will continue to advocate for the Relief Subway Line, which Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig, TTC CEO Andy Byford, Toronto's Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat and City Manager Joe Pennachetti all agree is Toronto's top and evidence-based transit priority. The Relief Line is the one line that most transit experts agree is not only justifiable from a ridership perspective but will very shortly become necessary if we are to avoid crippling overcrowding elsewhere on the subway system and curb gridlock on our city's streets.

Please visit my Relief Subway Line webpage for further information and find out how you can take action to support building this critical infrastructure now!

Toronto is now a Food and Water First City

I was very happy to successfully move a motion this week to add Toronto's important voice to the many residents and Ontario municipalities who care about putting Food and Water First, protecting our region's agricultural lands.

REMINDER: Upcoming Neighborhood Town Halls with your city councillor

Hosting and attending community meetings and other events in Ward 22 is very important to me to both engage and inform residents. I want to know that I'm reflecting your priorities. Throughout the fall, I'm hosting a community town hall in every Ward 22 neighbourhood. Please save the dates for the October meetings listed below. If you don't see your neighbourhood listed below, I'll be posting upcoming dates and locations of meetings in a following e-newsletter as they are confirmed. I hope to see you there!

Forest Hill and South Hill: Wednesday, October 16 from 7 to 9 pm

First Unitarian Toronto, Shaw Hall, 175 St. Clair Avenue West

Rathnelly and the Upper Annex Area: Thursday, October 24 from 7 to 9 pm

De La Salle College, JP II, 131 Farnham Avenue

Hodgson Natural Ice Rink Public Meeting

Please join me on Monday, October 21 from 7:30 to 9 pm at Maurice Cody Public School’s library to discuss the City's temporary repairs of Hodgson Rink for the 2013-14 season.  I've asked Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff to join us to discuss creating a natural rink at June Rowlands (Davisville) Park. We must ensure our kids have a local place to skate until the Hodgson Rink is repaired and upgraded for next season.

Toronto Midtown Business Association Social Media Education Series

I will be speaking at a Toronto Midtown Business Association (TMBA) Social Media Education Series event on the evening of Wednesday, October 23.  The event will be held at The Bradgate Arms, 54 Foxbar Road, from 5 to 7 pm.  The entry charge is $10 for TMBA members and $15 for non-members with advance online registration.  There is also a $5 charge for payment at the door.  To register online, please visit the TMBA website.  All are welcome and I look forward to seeing you there!

Halloween Programming at Casa Loma

Get your little knights, princesses, ghosts and pirates signed up to this delicious spooky haunted castle workshop at Casa Loma on Halloween weekend, October 26 and 27! Work with dessert decorators and learn how to decorate a Halloween castle. Each child will have their own castle to assemble and decorate using candy and other yummy embellishments for the haunted Halloween house. We encourage everyone to come in costume.

You can also celebrate Halloween medieval style at Casa Loma! Bring your whole family to the castle for an opportunity to step into the past. The knights will perform and educate you and your family in workshops such as Dagger Defense, The Art of Swordplay and Armour.

For more information on the timing and cost of events, please visit the Casa Loma website.

Spadina Museum Conversations: Mythmaking: Zombies, War, and the Art of Advertising

This November, every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm, Spadina Museum will be hosting participatory talks about movie monsters, pitching products and war from the 1920s to the present. Each week includes speakers such as Kelly Michael Stewart (host of Fright Nights at the Projection Booth) and Toronto-based writers such as Ann McDougal.

Spadina Museum is located at 285 Spadina Road. General tickets are $8 plus tax, student tickets are $5 plus tax, and the 3-part series of conversations that runs on November 5, 12, and 19 is $20 plus tax. For more information, please visit the City of Toronto’s website.

Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive

For the 42nd consecutive year, churches in Rosedale, Moore Park, and Leaside are sponsoring a Christmas Drive to assist local food banks and other community agencies. Donations will be picked up from 9:30 am to noon on Saturday, November 30 at two locations: Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 1 Garfield Avenue and Leaside Presbyterian Church at 670 Eglinton Avenue East.

For further information, please contact the Campaign Chair, Brian Kearney, at 416-972-0585, or at [email protected].

Off-Leash Dogs in Ward 22 Parks

Over the past few months, Ward 22 residents have written to me about the issue of off-leash dogs within the Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail.

It is fantastic to know that so many of you are enjoying the trail! To maintain the trail as a shared space that functions for all users it should be remembered that dogs are not allowed to be off-leash along the Beltline Trail. Please visit the Parks, Forestry and Recreation website for a list of off-leash dog parks.

Earlier this year City staff completed the Beltline Trail Study. The study was to assess the current conditions of the trail and through community consultation, to better understanding the priorities of the surrounding community and trail users. For more information, please visit the study’s website.

June Rowlands (Davisville) Park Tree Update

Recently I heard from concerned residents about a tree with a history of falling limbs near the tennis courts in June Rowlands (Davisville) Park.

I wanted to let you know that this situation has been addressed and pruning of the tree has been completed. I'd like to thank the concerned residents who brought this dangerous situation to my attention and to Urban Forestry staff for their attention to this matter.

Safety is a top priority and I invite anyone with similar concerns to contact my office at 416-392-7906.

Committee of Adjustment Updates

Each week I hear from many residents on a variety of local issues. This includes requests to support our community through some of the more contentious Committee of Adjustment applications that could impact the fabric of our neighbourhoods.

Here are just a few active files that I have been working with the community on:

126 Manor Road East - Settlement Agreement Approved at the OMB

This past spring there was a proposal to demolish the existing home and replace it with a multi-family dwelling with three units. I had a lot of concerns with this proposal, as did many members of the community and the planning department. This proposal also would have meant losing a very large and significant tree on the property. Shortly before the Committee of Adjustment hearing date in April, we had convinced the applicant to revise their proposal, and they sought a deferral from Committee of Adjustment to work with my office and the community work out a more modest plan. The committee instead refused the application outright, and the owners appealed the decision to the OMB. Through City Council I directed city planning and legal staff to attend and negotiate a settlement that addressed the concerns of everyone involved, which was successfully reached and ratified by the OMB this fall, that included preserving the tree.

48 Oriole Gardens - OMB Hearing on October 16, 2013

Last Spring at Committee of Adjustment there was a proposal to tear down the existing home, sever the property and build a new semi-detached home. I shared the concern of the many residents of Oriole Gardens, that this proposal was not in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood, particularly on Oriole Gardens. While the Committee of Adjustment refused the application, the decision is being appealed to the OMB, and I have directed through City Council that City Staff support the residents attending the OMB hearing to also attend and defend the Committee of Adjustment Decision.

237 Dunvegan Road - OMB Hearing on December 10, 2013

I have recently met with some residents on Dunvegan Road - concerned about a proposal at this property that would have an inconsistent front yard setback, which would change the character of the street. I also share their concerns, along with the City of Toronto planning Staff. The Committee of Adjustment refused this application, and it is also being appealed to the OMB. I had asked the Chief Planner to exercise her delegated authority to have staff city staff attend and defend the Committee of Adjustment decision.

17 Hillholm Avenue and 157 Forest Hill Road - Refusal at the October 9, 2013, Committee of Adjustment Hearing

Earlier this summer there was a proposal to tear down the existing dwelling at 17 Hillholm Avenue, sever the property, and build two new homes that would be reoriented on to Forest Hill Road. Most residents on Hillholm Avenue felt that this proposal was not appropriate, as shifting the orientation of the homes would impact the stability of the area. The Committee of Adjustment agreed with both the community and my office and the application was refused.

599 Soudan - Appeal to the OMB

On September 11th an application to tear down the existing dwelling, sever the property and build a new semi-detached home was considered by the Committee of Adjustment. Despite written concerns from the planning department about the proposed density that is much greater the anything else in the area, and concerns from local residents about how this proposal would impact the exiting character of the street, this application was approved by the Committee of Adjustment.

I appealed to the Chief Planner to quickly exercise her authority to appeal this decision to the OMB, which has now happened. A hearing date has not been set.

240 Balmoral Avenue - Deferred Committee of Adjustment Application

A proposal for a severance and minor variances for 240 Balmoral was scheduled for a Committee of Adjustment hearing this summer. After hearing from many residents who had concerns about this proposal, I asked for and the applicant agreed for a deferral to attempt to work out a resolution before it is heard by the Committee of Adjustment. A meeting with the residents and the applicant is scheduled this month.

59 Heath Street West - Inclusion on the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties

At the October 3rd Preservation Board meeting, staff brought forward recommendations to include 59 Heath Street West on the inventory of Heritage Properties. The preservation board approved the report, and it will now go to Community Council next week, and then City Council for approval. Once approved, it will allow Heritage Staff to monitor any building permit applications, and work with the owner to ensure that the heritage elements of the home are preserved during any renovations.

This report came as a result of a motion I moved at Community Council in April, to address some concerns the community had over the future of this property after it was recently purchased.

Road Sweeping Operations Update

Transportation Services is getting ready to perform sweeping operations on the streets of our city this fall. The purpose of the sweeping is to collect leaves that fall, naturally, onto the street. All streets will be swept on two occasions. The operation will continue until November 29, 2013.

Please do not rake leaves onto the roadway or sidewalk form your property.City by-law officers will be enforcing the City of Toronto by-law that relates to the use of streets and sidewalks. Raking leaves onto the roadway is a by-law offence and could result in charges being laid. In addition, raking leaves onto the sidewalk, road or catch basins can create unsafe conditions.

Here's how to put leaves out for collection: Use reusable containers without a lid, such as old garbage and recycling bins or paper yard waste bags. Put leaves at the curb by 7 am on your garbage collection day. Check you waste collection calendar for more details. The City does not collect leaves and yard waste in plastic bags or Halloween-themed plastic bags. To reduce the amount of leaves you put out for collection, feed leaves to your backyard composter, plus stockpile leaves to add as dry material during the winter.

Here's what the City collects as yard waste: Leaves, plant/tree trimmings, weeds and brush. Branches measuring less than 7.5cm or 3" in diameter should be tied in bundles no longer than 1.2m or 4' in length and 60cm or 2' in diameter. Pumpkins and waste fruit from trees in your yard are also accepted.

Soil, sod, grass clippings, logs or tree stumps are not collected. For more information on yard waste, please call 311or visit the City’s website.

Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy

The City of Toronto's Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy is being updated to remain in place until 2020. Public consultations started on September 30, 2013. Since 2005, the Strategy has adopted 13 Priority Neighbourhoods (now known as Neighbourhood Improvement Areas).  City Council has been working with residents, businesses, community organizations and funders to provide the services and facilities that the neighbourhood residents need to be successful.

The consultation process includes a survey and in-person conversations with residents, community organizations, businesses and funders, and will help to determine what needs to be considered when identifying the next generation of Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. This includes ways to strengthen the social, economic, and physical conditions that will unlock the keys to city-wide change.

Consultations are ongoing until November 8, 2013. Additional information can be found on the Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy website. You can also contact the consultation team at [email protected] or at 416-338-8368.

Dear Residents,

I hope you find my most recent update to you below both interesting and informative. It's very important to me that I represent your priorities and keep you informed about our community and decisions being made at city hall. I continue to advocate for thoughtful, evidence-based & fiscally responsible policy that serves Toronto's residents. Please see my reports on transit, along with other important issues, included in this enewsletter.

As always, feel very welcome to contact me if I can be of assistance to you.

Best regards,

Josh

Scarborough Rapid Transit

At the upcoming October Council meeting my colleagues and I will be asked to overturn a decision that would have delivered the 7 stop Scarborough LRT in a completely traffic-separated right-of-way without traffic lights or cross streets at no cost to the City as per the current Metrolinx Master Agreement in favour of a 3 stop subway extension (as approved at the July Council meeting) for approximately $1 billion to be paid for through property taxes. Please see my letter to the mayor and councillors here. It is vital that my colleagues and I receive accurate and fulsome technical and financial information from the TTC beforehand. I have sent a letter to TTC CEO Andy Byford requesting further details about the subway plan including additional costs and ridership numbers. To read the full letter, please click here.

My star assistant Ev Delen has created this easy to read infographic comparing the proposed Scarborough subway and the approved, fully-funded Scarborough LRT.

The Case for a Relief Subway Line

The Relief Line is the subway line that will most improve Toronto’s economy and our quality of life. It would provide an alternative to the congested Yonge-University line, curb gridlock on our city's streets and increase access to the jobs and attractions in our downtown core. Please click here to read more.

Eglinton Crosstown Update

Amidst the headline-grabbing dysfunction of the Scarborough rapid transit debate, the Eglinton Crosstown is progressing. Boring machines are currently tunneling under Eglinton, stations are being designed and the City is working on plans to improve the street above ground after construction under the street is finished. I am committed to work closely with local residents and small businesses throughout the construction process.

City Planning's Eglinton Connects study is focusing on the above ground portion of the Crosstown project. Based on feedback received from the public earlier this year, City Planning is presenting their draft recommendations next week that include:

• Wider sidewalks, plus room for big trees, benches and patios
• New public spaces including parks and plazas
• Traffic reconfigurations throughout Midtown where the Crosstown runs underground
• A continuous, protected bike lane along Eglinton from Black Creek through to Brentcliffe

Our local meeting will take place on Tuesday October 8 at Forest Hill Collegiate (730 Eglinton Ave W) at 6:30 pm.

Development Charges Set to Increase

The City of Toronto's Executive Committee endorsed the Development Charges Study and the proposed Development Charges Bylaw this week. The recommendations will be further considered at Toronto City Council at its meeting on October 8. The new fees will help pay for the cost of infrastructure required to service new development, such as roads, transit, water and sewer infrastructure, community centres, and fire and police facilities.

The proposed rates represent, on average, a 75 per cent increase over the current residential rates and a 25 per cent increase over the non-residential rate. If the new rates are approved by City Council, the City will implement the rate increases over a two-year period beginning February 1, 2014, with 55 per cent of the increase coming into effect by August 1, 2014 and full implementation by February 1, 2016.

While I am pleased that the development industry will start supporting more of their share of the growth it has so greatly benefited from, the City unfortunately backed down from their initial, higher, development charge rates in fear of losing at the OMB. Please see this National Post article for further information.

Updates on the new 2014 Ward 22 parks projects

This year I’ve worked hard to improve the parks in Ward 22.

• Work is underway on the approved conceptual plan for the Mission Ground Parkette, located at 399 Merton Street.
• A consulting firm is currently being selected to take on the Hodgson AIR recreational park project, located behind Hodgson Senior Public School at Davisville Avenue and Mount Pleasant Avenue, and the design process is expected to begin shortly.
• The preliminary design for Forest Hill Road Park has been completed and approved by the community.
• A Landscape Architectural consultant is currently being selected to help us move forward with the next steps of the architectural process for this park.
• A Landscape Architectural consultant will also be selected in the near future to take on the next phase of Charlotte Maher Park.
• And finally, the project scope of Belsize and Glebe Manor Parks is being reviewed, and I will be working with a consulting firm shortly to get improvements underway.

With all of these improvements in the works, we can look forward to great changes happening in our parks in 2014!

REMINDER: Public Meeting for Midtown in Focus at Anne Johnston Health Station, tonight at 6:30-9:00 pm

Tonight, I invite you attend the first public meeting for Midtown in Focus, a study advancing a vision for parks, open space, and streetscape in Yonge-Eglinton. The City has hired a Study Team (including Public Work and Swerhun Facilitation) to generate ideas for this vision, and they want to hear your thoughts and ideas about what works, and what could be better in Midtown. The meeting will include, a presentation, a series of interactive activities, and a facilitated discussion.

The Anne Johnston Health Station is located at 2398 Yonge Street, and the meeting will be held in the Second Floor Meeting Room. Signs and staff will be directing you to the room once you enter the building off Yonge Street.

To review resources related the project, please visit the Midtown in Focus website.

Mount Pleasant Harvest Fair

My family and I hope to see you at the Harvest Fair hosted by the Mount Pleasant Village BIA this Saturday. Festivities and attractions including sidewalk sales, live music, a pumpkin carving contest, a butter tart throwdown, and a petting zoo will take place on Mount Pleasant Road between Eglinton and Davisville from 10 am to 5 pm. More details are available on the Mount Pleasant Village BIA website.

REMINDER: Upcoming Neighborhood Town Halls with your city councillor

Hosting and attending community meetings and other events in Ward 22 is very important to me to both engage and inform residents. I want to know that I'm reflecting your priorities. Throughout the fall, I'm hosting a community town hall in every Ward 22 neighbourhood. Please save the dates for the October meetings listed below. If you don't see your neighbourhood listed below, I'll be posting upcoming dates and locations of meetings in a following e-newsletter as they are confirmed. I hope to see you there!

The Eglinton/Roehampton/Broadway area: Tuesday, October 1 from 7 to 9 pm
North Toronto Collegiate Institute Cafeteria, 17 Broadway Avenue

Deer Park: Thursday, October 3 from 7 to 9 pm
First Unitarian Toronto, Workman Hall, 175 St. Clair Avenue West

Casa Loma’s Upcoming Events

Over the next few weeks Casa Loma will be hosting a number of seasonal and Halloween themed events, including Thanksgiving/Autumn Cupcake Decorating on October 12; Ghost Tracking on October 14, 27, 28, and 29; and Haunted Castle Decorating on October 26 and 27. Please note that some events required advanced registration. For more information and to learn about other upcoming events please call 647-725-1822 or visit www.casaloma.org.

Re-Visioning Yonge Cycling Workshop

Yonge Street is Toronto's main street but, for a number of reasons, many people don't feel comfortable walking or cycling for everyday activities along or near Yonge. In Toronto and around the world, good neighbourhood main streets are welcoming and accessible to people on foot and on bicycles. This is important for the vibrancy of our community and can help reduce congestion on our roads and the Yonge subway.

Cycle Toronto is facilitating a community conversation about the cycling conditions along the entire Yonge corridor, from Lake Ontario to Steeles Avenue, including side streets and parallel roads. I will be in attendance along with many of my City Council colleagues representing neighbourhoods along Yonge Street to discuss barriers and to brainstorm solutions with local residents. Please join us and share your insights.

The workshop will be held October 2, 6:30 - 9:00 pm, at Northern District Library (40 Orchard View Blvd) Room 200. For more information please visit the Cycle Toronto event page.

Style on the Way

From Thursday, October 24 to Saturday, October 26, the Eglinton Way BIA will be hosting Style on the Way. This three day celebration of Eglinton Avenue will include free rickshaw rides, shopping specials, eats and treats, buskers, jugglers and face painting! For more information, please visit the new Style Lives Here website.

Returning common sense to parking for moped and scooters

On Friday, the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee agreed to begin the process of returning common sense to scooter and moped parking in Toronto. Due to the motion that Councillor Berardinetti and I brought to City Council, staff have been directed to report back to the Committee with realistic options so that we can move on to finally legalize boulevard parking for scooters and mopeds. This is a necessary step on the path to achieving concrete change.

Our job now is to emphasize the urgency of this work to City staff. They need to come back quickly so that people will no longer have to fear receiving unreasonable $50 tickets for simply parking their scooter or moped.

Making a tech-friendly Toronto by providing free wi-fi in public spaces

I'm bringing an initiative to city hall to create more free wi-fi spaces across the city because I believe it will be a great benefit to our high-tech economy, our tourism industry, and our quality of life, as well as helping Toronto residents who cannot afford internet access in their homes. The Toronto Star wrote an editorial in support of my plan, which you can read here.

Funding transit and infrastructure priorities in Toronto

In June, City Council approved my motion to have the City Manager study innovative policies that could reduce the City of Toronto's debt burden and allow us to invest more heavily in our transit and infrastructure priorities. In his report to the Executive Committee, which was adopted this morning, the City Manager recommended a program based on the model of "Build America Bonds" in the United States which are directly supported by their federal government. With City Council approval expected in October, we'll be approaching Ottawa to request their assistance in establishing such a program in Canada.

Dear Residents,

I hope you had a great summer and my best wishes to every parent and student who is either going back to school or is perhaps going to school for the first time.

As we arrive in September, I'm organizing campaigns for the autumn that will focus on improving public transit by advocating for moving up the timeline to finally build a Downtown Relief Subway line to better connect the city for all residents and relieve congestion on our existing system, reform Above the Guideline rent increases that put an unfair burden on renters and continue to campaign to finally free Toronto from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

I am also following up on the many initiatives I've already presented to Council including the creation of a City/School Boards Task Force, making sense of parking enforcement, legalizing scooter boulevard parking, prohibiting delivery trucks (and other vehicles) illegally parking and stopping during rush hours, Toronto's new Seniors Strategy, moving on the Roots of Youth Violence, and coordinating traffic signals and curbing gridlock, to name just a few.

Locally, I am working with residents to fight for the kind of development that respects our city's official plan and communities, improve parks and public spaces, closely monitor city works projects across ward 22 along with the Avenue Road repaving and Rathnelly watermain improvements, calm traffic and speeding in our neighbourhoods, protecting heritage buildings and respond to the many emails and phone calls I receive every day about a myriad of issues that are important to each person who contacts me.

Please see below my most recent report to you that includes, along with several other updates, a list of neighbourhood meetings I'll be hosting across Ward 22 to hear directly from you about your priorities.

To our community's Jewish community, I wish you a Shanah Tova.

Best regards,

Josh

ps- For those of you who've asked, I'll be moving a motion at the September 10th Community Council meeting to name the playground at June Rowlands (Davisvlle) Park, "Sharon, Lois & Bram" Playground. I'll have more details for you soon about when we'll have an official opening along with a community concert by the iconic group!

Upcoming Neighborhood Town Halls with your city councillor

Hosting and attending community meetings and other events in Ward 22 is very important to me to both engage and inform residents. I'm always pleased to meet with residents and hear what they have to say. Throughout the fall, I will be hosting a public meeting in every Ward 22 neighborhood. Please save the dates for the September meetings listed below. If you don't see your neighbourhood lisited below, I'll be posting upcoming dates and locations of meetings in a following e-newsletter as they are confirmed. I hope to see you there!

South Eglinton and Davisville Village: Wednesday, September 11th from 7 to 9 pm
Davisville Public School Gymnasium, 43 Millwood Road

Chaplin Estates and Oriole Park: Tuesday, September 17th from 7 to 9 pm
Oriole Park Junior Public School Gymnasium, 80 Braemar Avenue

Making a Tech-friendly Toronto by creating more free wi-fi public spaces

I'm bringing an initiative to city hall to create more free wi-fi spaces across the city. Read here for more information.

Misleading ads by some condo developers

Please click here to read more about actions I'm taking to ensure that condo developers disclose whether or not a proposed development is actually approved when advertising and selling units. Here is a copy of the motion I moved at Council.

Improving Winter Maintenance in Toronto

Following the large volume of snowfall experienced this February, I wrote a letter to Transportation Services that proposed several improvements to snow removal in Toronto.

Transportation Services staff have been developing ways to enhance communication with residents, 311 staff, other City of Toronto staff, and contractors in order to improve cooperation and awareness during severe weather.

The use of GPS technology is proposed to be expanded in order to aid with the management of contractors. The contractors who experienced issues during the last major storm were met with in order to discuss beneficial changes for future incidents. Issues experienced were primarily related to ploughing difficulties due to both the volume of snow and obstructions. Opportunities to provide cheaper off-street parking as snow hits are also to be reviewed, as this would help ease issues.

This spring, Transportation Services also planned a comprehensive external review of the City’s winter services. The review included topics such as snow operations planning, snow ploughing and de-icing techniques, equipment, communications and the use of parking prohibitions and emergency declarations, with recommendations based on national and international best practices.

I am advocating for these changes to have a positive impact on the flow of services provided when severe weather hits the city again.

Toronto East York Community Council

Please click here to read the agenda for the upcoming September 10th agenda. There are several items affecting Ward 22 that I'm working with residents on including local development issues and creating safe crossings along the Beltline Trail.

New proposed boundaries for the St. Paul's federal riding

New boundaries for our federal riding have been proposed. If they're put into effect, this means that the St. Paul's riding will change at a federal level.

The new federal St. Paul's riding boundaries would be between Dufferin Street and Avenue Road, spanning from Eglinton Avenue W. to Bloor Street W.

The new Mount Pleasant riding would be from east of Avenue Road to Bayview Avenue, and Broadway Avenue south to Wellesley Street.

To see a map and view a more detailed description, you can visit the web page here.

Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables

A constituent of Ward 22 has written to me concerning wheelchair-accessible picnic tables within the city, after coming across one in the McCaul Street Parkette. These picnic tables are part of a collaborative project put together by the University of Toronto and the City of Toronto.

I think the tables were a great gift to the surrounding community, and these sorts of tables should be available as an option throughout the city. Accessibility is crucial in ensuring that those with disabilities have access to the same services and opportunities that the city offers to as able-bodied individuals. Wheelchair accessibility within the parks in Toronto is no exception.

You can check out the existing table, with one side which folds up allowing for wheelchair access, at Orde Street and McCaul Street.

Volunteer Fair at the MNJCC, September 23rd 10 am – 2 pm

This month, the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre will be holding a volunteer fair for the 55+ community. With a general focus on the environment, the fair will be a great resource in helping seniors get in touch volunteer organizations that could use their experience and time.

The MNJCC is located at 750 Spadina, right across from the Spadina subway station. For more information on programs and events, you can visit the web page here.

Toronto Renovates Program

Toronto Renovates is a program developed by the City of Toronto to assists eligible affordable rental housing and rooming house landlords to make essential health and safety repairs and accessibility modifications to their buildings. Toronto Renovates operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers grants up to $3,500 and forgivable loans up to $10,000.

The City is currently working with the federal and provincial governments to secure new funding for the program. For more information about the program and for eligibility, you can visit the web page here.

Upcoming Workshops and Consultations for Proposed use of jets at Billy Bishop Airport

Over the past several months, I have heard from many Toronto residents expressing their views about Porter Airlines' proposed use of jets at Billy Bishop Airport (BBTCA). The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a review of the request to amend the 1983 Tripartite Agreement between the City, the Government of Canada and the Toronto Port Authority (TPA), which would permit the landing of commercial jets at BBTCA.

A number of workshops are being held this month to discuss the potential impacts related to this proposal and to provide the public opportunities to participate in the discussion. Workshops are being held on September 4th and 9th and a Town Hall meeting is being held on September 12th.

For more information on these events or to fill out an online survey, you can visit the web page here.

Upcoming Meeting to Discuss Revised Changes to the Draft Official Plan Policies on Economic Health and Employment Lands

Between January and March, City of Toronto staff received input from a citywide consultation program on employment lands. City staff are holding presentations and open houses on September 19th to discuss these proposed policies with the public.

To review the proposed policies or to find other information on the employment lands review, you can visit the web page here.

Dear Residents,

I hope this finds you well and that you're enjoying the summer. Along with spending some time with Melissa and Molly this month, my staff and I are working on several community priorities and preparing a number of important policy initiatives for the city council's autumn session.

As always, if I can be of assistance to you, please feel very welcome to email me and my staff at [email protected] or call 416-392-7906.

I do hope you find my latest update to you both interesting and informative.

Best regards,

Josh

Metrolinx puts Scarborough transit improvements work on hold

The provincial transit agency, Metrolinx, announced yesterday that they will be stopping all work on the Scarborough LRT project due to the Mayor and Council's irresponsible decision to pursue an unnecessary, unfunded 3 stop subway extension in Scarborough. The provincial government has clearly stated that they are not providing any new funding in addition to the $1.4 billion already allocated for the LRT and the federal government has not indicated that any new funds will be made available. Toronto's mayor and council have also voted to raise the city's debt by over half a billion dollars, and property taxes to service that debt, during this year's budget process to (in my opinion) fund the wrong subway project. In fact, Toronto's evidence-based next subway expansion project should be the DRL, as our current system is already facing capacity challenges. And for the time being, it sadly appears that Scarborough residents will be stuck on a bus instead of receiving a fully funded, 7 stop, traffic-separated Light Rapid Transit Line that would serve more residents. I still have hope that things will get back on track.

Public Works in Toronto

While it is certainly is frustrating and can be an aggravation, most residents recognize that repairs to our city's infrastructure are necessary. In fact, our community would be upset if these needed projects weren't completed. However, we expect that it be done well and that does not excuse the poor communication and coordination City Transportation has exhibited for many years on several projects throughout the city, including on Avenue Road.

Please see my website for the latest updates on the Avenue Road permanent road repair project. I am also closely monitoring works in Rathnelly, Chaplin estates and throughout Ward 22.

Honest Advertising for Proposed Condo Developments

While Toronto's planning process provides forums for resident participation, many community members are under the impression that a development has already been approved due to misleading advertising. At the beginning of the application review process, local residents are generally confronted with on-site, billboard, print and other advertising depicting a building that will be "coming soon" with no mention of a municipal approval process, opportunity for citizen input or that the rendering can be altered.  My motion, passed by Council this spring, asks the province to require that developers ensure that a quarter of their advertising clearly state the factual status of their proposal. The City is waiting for the province's decision.

Ontario Government Launches "Stepping Up"

This summer, the Province of Ontario launched Stepping Up: A Strategic Framework to Help Ontario's Youth Succeed. It was developed in response to a recommendation in the comprehensive Review of the Roots of Youth Violence by Dr. Alvin Curling and the Honourable Roy McMurtry. Youth violence is a serious priority for Toronto residents. I strongly support implementing the recommendations in the Review of the Roots of Youth Violence and welcome this contribution from the provincial government.

As I have written to you in my recent updates, I am leading my colleagues at City Hall to take action to address youth violence in Toronto. In July, my initiative to create a Youth Equity Framework was approved by City Council. Using the Framework, City staff are developing a strategy for September so that all City departments and community stakeholders are on the same page, working together to support the most marginalized youth in Toronto who are most likely to be involved in or victimized by violence.

Help Keep Intersections Safe!

If you see a stop sign or traffic signal obstructed by trees or summer vegetation, I urge you to report your sightings by calling 311 or by visiting 311's website. Be sure to include a specific location by providing details such as the nearest cross-street(s) and any other information which may be relevant in order to clear the obstruction efficiently. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe by reporting dangerous vegetation growth!

A New Mural for the Beltline

This past year, Friends of the Beltline have devoted considerable efforts to getting a mural painted on the Eglinton Avenue underpass. This accomplishment is sure to make a bright and welcoming improvement to the underpass and will fit well with our community's green space! Be sure to check out the mural the next time you're on the Beltline Trail.

Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved who worked hard to make this happen, notably Ward 22 resident Donna Koegl and Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff.

Eglinton 2020 Annual General Meeting

This year, the Eglinton 2020 Annual General Meeting is being held at the Northern District Library (40 Orchard View Blvd.) on Wednesday, August 14th, from 6:30 to 8 pm.

Eglinton 2020 brings together diverse groups, businesses and individuals who wish to discuss the impact of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT on the community and commercial life along the Eglinton corridor. This year's guest speaker, Edward J. Levy, will speak about the history and implementation of rapid transit in the Toronto region.

You are invited to join in and ensure that Eglinton Avenue remains a safe, sustainable, environmentally responsible and business-friendly area of the city. Food and beverages will be provided. Space is limited, so please be sure to RSVP at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

Live Green Membership Survey

The Environment & Energy Division of the City of Toronto is conducting a survey about the Live Green Toronto Membership Card program. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback will help to identify ways to enhance the program, which offers great deals at over 450 businesses.

As a thank you for participating by August 20th, you will be entered to win great prizes such as gift certificates for local businesses. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential.

For more details and to participate, please visit the survey link. The Live Green Toronto team thanks you for your support and all that you do to create a cleaner, greener Toronto!

TTC Notice of Construction

From mid-August 2013 to May 2014, there will be construction on the west side of Yonge Street just north of Merton Street. Construction will occur weekdays between 7 am to 4 pm. The construction includes a new building that will support equipment for the subway signal system and upgrades. This will help make the subway system more reliable and efficient for its daily riders.

The TTC originally wanted to close down a lane of Yonge Street southbound traffic for construction purposes, however I did not support this. As a result of positive discussions I had with the TTC, this lane will now remain open. However, the on-street parking spots and the sidewalk on the west side of Yonge Street will be temporarily closed. I appreciate the TTC for finding alternative solutions to accommodate Yonge Street commuters.

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

Council Rejects Fully-Funded Scarborough LRT Plan, Supports Tax hike and Higher Debt

Live Green Toronto Festival

The 8th annual Live Green Toronto Festival, a celebration of all things green, will take place on Saturday, July 27th from 11 am to 9 pm at Yonge-Dundas Square. The festival is free and open to everyone, and will feature over 100 vendors of green products and services, outdoor yoga, activities for children, a swap zone, and more. The musical line-up will include Shawn Desman, Kardinal Offishal, Victoria Duffield, and Anjulie, among others. Please visit the Live Green Festival website for more information.

Oriole Park Community Garden Update

For the past year and a half, I have been working with the Oriole Park Community Garden Committee, along with the Friends of Oriole Park and City staff, to create Ward 22's first community garden in Oriole Park.

Last week, we had a successful meeting where City staff presented and displayed what the proposed garden may look like and where it will be located within the park. We received positive feedback from residents, and there was dialogue with all parties to make sure the Community Garden is a success.

The next step will be an application and proposal by the Oriole Park Community Garden Committee to the City of Toronto. We continue to welcome your participation and feedback in shaping the Community Garden!

Youth Equity Update: The Roots of Youth Violence

My initiative to create a Youth Equity Framework was approved this week by City Council. This week also marks one year since the Danzig Street shooting, a solemn reminder that we must work quickly and effectively because we cannot wait for another tragedy to spur more calls for blue ribbon panels and simplistic reactions. This Framework is the first step of a three-stage process to support the most marginalized youth in Toronto who are most likely to be involved in or victimized by violence. It sets out the principles of how the City of Toronto will target the roots of youth violence and how it will organize, over the course of the summer, so that all City departments and community stakeholders are on the same page, working together.

City of Toronto and School Boards Task Force

Council approved my motion to create a task force made up of city councillors and school trustees from all four boards in the Toronto area. We serve the same communities, and share many priorities, yet are different levels of government. Now there will finally be a formal table for us to work together on common priorities such as community hubs, school pools, childcare, recreation and learning opportunities for all ages.

Toronto Youth Cabinet Film Festival

The Toronto Youth Cabinet is looking for submissions for the first Youth Film Festival, which will take place on Tuesday, August 27th at the Canadian National Exhibition. The theme of the film festival is "Reflecting the Reality", looking at the lifestyles and challenges that young people face on a daily basis.

If you are between the ages of 16 to 28 and interested in creating and submitting a short film/animation/documentary/music video that reflects the theme of the festival, please visit the Toronto Youth Cabinet website for more information and submission details.

Join the Housing Services Conversation

The City of Toronto is inviting you to share your views on the delivery of services that prevent homelessness and help some of Toronto's most vulnerable residents to find and keep permanent housing. The Province of Ontario is changing how it funds the City to provide housing services and this is an opportunity to transform how we provide these services into an integrated system. Your feedback is invaluable for developing this system effectively. Please visit the Toronto Housing Services Consultations website to participate.

Avenue Road Construction Update

For this week's Avenue Road construction update, please visit my website. I am also closely monitoring progress on the Rathnelly watermain project, am actively urging the City to complete it as soon as possible and will post an update soon.

Dear Residents,

It's been another very busy and productive week. Last weekend, I was proud to march in Toronto's Pride parade and enjoy brunch with PFLAG, an organization of parents and family members of our city's vibrant LGBTQ community.

I was also delighted to celebrate Canada Day with our MP Carolyn Bennett at her annual BBQ. It was great to see so many friends participating in our country's 146th birthday together. I also extend my best wishes to community's US citizens who celebrated Independence day this week.

Meanwhile, at city council, I continue to advocate for thoughtful, non-ideological, fiscally responsible and socially progressive governance. Our next Council meeting begins on July 16th at Toronto City Hall. In my next update, I'll send you motions I intend to move on issues ranging from better parking enforcement practices to improving transit and curbing gridlock.

I do hope you find my latest update to you below interesting and informative.

For my previous e-newsletters, please click here.

Best regards,

Josh

Oriole Park Community Garden Public Meeting

For the past year and a half, I have been working with the Oriole Park Community Garden Committee, along with the Friends of Oriole Park, and City staff to create Ward 22's first community garden in Oriole Park. Join me for a public meeting on the progress of the Oriole Park Community Garden this coming Wednesday, July 10 from 7 to 9 pm. The meeting location is the Arthur Smith Room at Christ Church Deer Park (1570 Yonge Street). There will be a visual display of what the proposed gardens will look like and where they will be situated. Your feedback is important to us!

Midtown Planning Group Meeting

As a result of a letter I submitted with Councillor Stintz, and worked on with Councillor Robinson, to the Planning and Growth Committee last spring, Council endorsed my initiative to create a Midtown Planning group. As those in the community know all too well, the Yonge-Eglinton area is facing intense development pressure, the Ontario Municipal Board still has the last say over development proposals and the Yonge eglinton neighbourhood is divided into two planning areas. This initiative is a first step to ensure that the public space in the area is expanded and enhanced in a comprehensive way and with local residents at the table.

City Planning has started a Parks, Open Space and Streetscape Master Plan for the Yonge-Eglinton Study Area. When complete, the Master Plan will describe a comprehensive vision for the public and publicly accessible spaces in the community supported with a guide for future improvement initiatives for parks, open spaces and streetscapes.

The Master Plan is intended to support and facilitate the Midtown Planning Group’s objective to create a proactive, holistic, and comprehensive strategy for planning in the Yonge and Eglinton area of Midtown, which will help bring consistency to planning across Community Council boundaries.

Meeting Details:

Date: Thursday, July 11
Time: 12 pm to 2 pm
Location: Northern District Library - Room 224 (2nd floor), 40 Orchard View Boulevard

Beltline Town Hall

This year, I have been working with our community and City staff to enhance the Beltline Trail by restoring natural areas and improving access. Join me for a public town hall meeting to discuss the progress of the Beltline Trail this coming Thursday, July 11 from 7 to 9 pm. The meeting will be located at Christ Church Deer Park's Elliott Hall (1570 Yonge Street).

For further information on the Beltline project, please visit this site.

Scarborough Rapid Transit: The Real Cost of Changing Tracks Now

I support subways where they make sense and LRTs where they make sense. Last week Metrolinx asked the City of Toronto to reaffirm its commitment to the Master Agreement signed on November 29, 2012 between Metrolinx, the City of Toronto and the TTC with regard to the Scarborough RT line, the Eglinton Crosstown, the Sheppard East line and the Finch West line. We are unfortunately revisiting this issue yet again because Council signalled that it would support converting the Scarborough SRT to a subway even though the current plan is to serve that area with rapid transit in a completely grade-separated right-of-way similar to the Allen Rd. open cut which serves a portion of the Yonge-University-Spadina line (no lane of traffic will be removed).

It is projected that it will cost at least $1 billion for this needless conversion and will likely need a property tax hike along with a raid of the city's reserves.  Where is the money going to come from? Are we willing to deny transit to Finch West? Delay the Downtown Relief Subway Line and much-needed state of good repair priorities? Cut more from parks, childcare, the Gardiner or affordable housing?

Please see my preliminary fact sheet regarding the potential conversion of the Scarborough SRT to a subway.

Forest Hill Village Green P Lot

There has been some discussion about the Toronto Parking Authority and the Forest Hill Village BIA's proposals to develop the Green P parking lot at the corner of Thelma Avenue and Spadina Road in the Forest Hill Village. Please see my letter to residents regarding both my position on growth in the Village and my ethical responsibility to recuse myself from this specific matter.

Sharon, Lois & Bram Playground

Thank you to all those who responded so enthusiastically to my suggestion that the playground in June Rowlands Park should be named in honour of the beloved children's entertainment trio (and midtown Toronto residents) Sharon, Lois & Bram. I am currently preparing a formal request to City staff and looking forward to announcing an event including Sharon, Lois & Bram to celebrate the unveiling of the new name in the coming months.

Taking Action on the Roots of Youth Violence

The proposed Toronto Youth Equity Framework was approved unanimously by Toronto's Community Development and Recreation Committee last week. It will now go to City Council's July 16 meeting for final approval. We must work quickly and effectively because we cannot wait for another tragedy to spur more calls for blue ribbon panels and simplistic reactions. This Framework is the first step of a three-stage process to support the most marginalized youth in Toronto who are most likely to be involved in or victimized by violence. It sets out the principles of how the City of Toronto will target the roots of youth violence and how it will organize, over the course of the summer, so that all City departments and community stakeholders are on the same page, working together.

Culture Days

Culture Days will be taking place September 27, 28 and 29. These events promotes culture and arts within different communities across Canada. A resident of Ward 22 and artist-educator, Emma Ates, is showcasing her project "Five Wishes to All Beings". Her mission is to bring contemplative arts and creativity into our community and beyond.

To see more of Emma's art, visit her website. More information on Culture Days can be found by visiting this site.

Possible Closure of the Postal Station at 27 St. Clair Avenue East

Canada Post is considering a possible closure of the postal station at 27 St. Clair Avenue East due to reviews of low traffic. As part of making this decision, Canada Post is undertaking a one month public consultation process. A notice and handouts are available at the post office for your feedback. If the closure does occur, the area will be served by a surrounding retail network of eight postal offices within a 2 km radius of the original postal office. All full-time and part-time employees will have job security and will be re-assigned to other duties. If you would like any additional information regarding the possible closure of this postal office please e-mail [email protected] or call 519-457-5282.

Avenue Road Construction Update

Work is currently underway to permanently restore and repave the sidewalks and roads on Avenue Road.  City staff have advised that this necessary work is the final part of the City's overall construction work on Avenue Road that included the watermain replacement. The delay between projects allowed the ground to settle and to ensure that if there were underground repairs needed in the interim, the newly paved road wouldn't have to be dug up again. I am very aware of the fact that this work is frustrating for local residents and commuters and therefore I will continue to aggressively advocate that the project is undertaken as efficiently and quickly as possible.   I've found the level of communication from City staff to residents has been very poor and I have been direct with staff that this is unacceptable. They need to be more informative and more responsive to your inquiries and concerns. For more information please click here. (See new info on Chaplin Cr. work commencing next week).

Condo Living Survey

The City of Toronto is seeking feedback through its Condo Living Survey (Round 2) about condo life issues across our city. Through the survey, the City of Toronto hopes to generate ideas to address condo living challenges. Your feedback is very valuable and can help to improve condo life across Toronto. Please visit this link to complete the survey.

Introducing thedirt.co

The Dirt (thedirt.co) is a "social real estate platform" designed by real estate developer Brandon G. Donnelly and software engineer Mike Lerner to provide services which engage condo owners and consumers with informative details regarding Toronto condos. Specifically, thedirt.co provides condo reviews from both owners and consumers in conjunction with the most up-to-date news about approvals, sales, construction, occupancy and completion. The system is a basic map schematic which indicates condo buildings that have received reviews by owners and consumers and, in addition, permits users to engage in revision for buildings that have not been reviewed. In addition to the website, thedirt.co can also be linked to Twitter and Facebook accounts for the most updated information. Overall, the service provides free access to condo building reviews and useful guidelines regarding the status of condo buildings in Toronto.

Working in our community

While I more often talk about the broader city and ward wide issues, a lot of the day to day issues that my staff and I work on are often the more immediate local issues that residents encounter on a day to day basis.  This includes but is not limited to, both on-street and off-street parking challenges, local traffic issues, local property standards and problem property concerns, questions about getting a building permit, concerns about neighbourhood construction and development sites, road reconstruction, water main repairs, curb cuts and driveway access points, basement flooding, concerns about private and public trees, conditions of public parks and operating hours for city wading pools, helping small businesses, heritage designation proposals, missed garbage pick ups and proposals to beautify public realm spaces including neglected public planters (especially in areas without a BIA) and improving playgrounds, parks and school grounds.  This is not an exhaustive list, but it is an example of some of the issues I work on with residents on a day to day basis to support our community.

Please always feel welcome to contact me at 416-392-7906 or by email at [email protected] if I be of assistance to you.

Update on Committee of Adjustment Issues

In the past few weeks I have been working to support residents concerned with minor variance applications on their street and in their neighbourhood.  Recently working with the community we successfully convinced the Committee of Adjustment to refuse an application to sever a property on Oriole Gardens, that clearly did not fit with the existing character of the street.  I was very proud to work with some very dedicated member so of the community to help get this decision from the Committee of Adjustment.  I understand that the applicant is going to appeal this decision to the Ontario Municipal Board, and I am preparing a motion for the next city council meeting to direct City Planning and Legal staff attend to help defend the Committee of Adjustment's decision.

Earlier this year I had also moved a motion to direct city staff to attend the OMB to defend a Committee of Adjustment decision to refuse an application at Balmoral and Poplar Plains Road.  I am happy to report that this decision was recently upheld by the OMB.  I would like to also congratulate the local residents, who were not only incredibly well organized, but also were a pleasure to work with.

On other Committee of Adjustment matters, residents have expressed concern about applications at Forest Hill Road and Hillholm Road and another application for a severance at Balmoral Avenue and Warren Road.  These were originally scheduled to be heard at the Committee of Adjustment within the past month, but have since been deferred to allow for an opportunity for me to schedule a meeting with local residents and the applicants to try and come to a resolution.  I am happy to support the residents in attempting to influence the applicants to revise their applications so they better fit with their respective communities.

I hope to meet with all parties in the coming weeks, with some hopefully revised plans back to the Committee of Adjustment in the fall.

Dear Residents,

Last week's City Council meeting agenda featured hundreds of items on a wide range of issues including protecting seniors in community housing, funding transit and other infrastructure, electoral reform and alleviating traffic congestion.  This week, I've been at several meetings each day and evening on city policy initiatives and local priorities, community consultation meetings and events, along with visiting with residents in every Ward 22 neighbourhood.

I do hope to see you tomorrow at my Community Environment Day (see below for a reminder of the details). As always, please feel very welcome to contact me if I can be of assistance to you.

Best regards,

Josh

Reminder: Community Environment Day

On Saturday, June 22nd from 10 am to 2 pm I will be hosting my annual Community Environment Day. The location is the North Toronto Memorial Arena at 174 Orchard View Blvd. Please bring any unwanted art supplies, books, toys, and used sports equipment. Cycle Toronto Midtown will be there to donate your used bikes to the non-profit organization Charlie's Freewheels. Facilities will be available to dispose of computers and other hazardous household waste. You can also replace your damaged green bin.

Naming a Ward 22 Playground to honour the Iconic, Canadian Performance Group, Sharon, Lois and Bram

I am delighted to announce that, with your support, I would like to name the playground inside June Rowlands (Davisville) Park the Sharon, Lois, and Bram Playground after the iconic Canadian children's music trio. As Bram Morrison is a local Ward 22 resident, I can see no better way to honour these Canadian music and television legends than by naming a children's playground after them here in Toronto.

As generations of children have grown up with their music, I ask you for your support in my efforts to name the Sharon, Lois, and Bram Playground in June Rowlands (Davisville) Park.

City Council Highlights

For your review, I have compiled a list of the items debated at Council last week that may be of interest to you. For the full Council Agenda, please click here.

Electoral reform in Toronto

Council adopted several motions on electoral reform in Toronto. The City will ask the Ontario government to amend legislation and allow permanent residents to vote in municipal elections whether or not they are Canadian citizens. This will not apply to provincial or federal elections. The City will also request amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to permit Toronto to use ranked ballots and instant runoff voting in its municipal elections. To learn more about this electoral reform, click here.

Review of ward boundaries

Council authorized a review of Toronto's ward boundaries. At present, there are significant discrepancies in population among wards. Communities like Midtown are experiencing significant population growth due to new condos, leaving an inequitable situation.

The City of Toronto Act gives Council authority to make changes to the ward boundaries. The review, to be conducted by an external consultant, will include consultation with elected officials, stakeholders and the general public.

Managing of traffic congestion

Council passed a motion to improve traffic signal synchronization at City Council. I am pleased that the Mayor and the Chair of Public Works made this a priority in response to my letter of September 2011.

Traffic congestion is a significant problem for Toronto's motorists, public transit users and cyclists. This congestion costs the region's economy an estimated $3.3 billion per year while negatively impacting on the quality of life of our residents. The long-term solution to this problem is building a more accessible, extensive and efficient public transportation system.

In the meantime, we can take significant steps such as this to improve traffic flow in the short-term.

Supporting Local YWCA Women's Shelter

YWCA 1st Stop Woodlawn houses a 56 bed Emergency Shelter for single homeless women as well as 72 units of permanent housing for single women, creating a mixed community of women in various stages of their lives. YWCA 1st Stop Shelter's main purpose is to provide emergency shelter services and supports to homeless women and youth.

I was privileged to provide $45,000 through a motion that directed developer's fees toward the renewal of the shelter's outdoor green space which will provide:

·         access to a safe, open meeting space for residents of the shelter and tenant community at 80 Woodlawn Avenue East where they can gather and relax outdoors

·          offer an improved environment for social and recreation programming (BBQs, celebrations)

·         improve the safety features of the property so that intruders cannot enter the shelter through the back door

This initiative will improve the shelter's mission to provide an environment where homeless women feel safe and secure, finding the strength and support they need to achieve their personal goals.

Seniors and Toronto Community Housing

Council adopted the recommendations of a report documenting the City Ombudsman's troubling investigation into Toronto Community Housing's eviction of seniors on the basis of their rent being in arrears. In addition, my colleagues supported my motions that will help ensure greater protection for vulnerable seniors facing eviction that live in local Toronto Community Housing buildings including Montgomery Place, George Baker Manor, Janet Magee and 900 Mt. Pleasant.

Community arts action plan

Council endorsed the 2013-2017 Community Arts Action Plan for Toronto, which contains recommendations from an external advisory committee to continue efforts to achieve the overall goal of barrier-free arts and cultural opportunities for all in Toronto. The new plan draws upon the previous five-year community arts action plan and related work on behalf of community arts.

Funding Toronto's transit and infrastructure

Council supported my motion to research the use of various kinds of municipal bonds that could be used to reduce the cost of servicing municipal debt and increase a city's ability to build and maintain its infrastructure. Governments in other jurisdictions, including the United States, have reduced interest rates and the cost of carrying municipal debt by implementing various tax breaks or rebates.

Taking Action on the Roots of Youth Violence

Please see my most recent update on this important initiative here and how you can be of support.

Eglinton Connects Planning Study

Eglinton Connects is a comprehensive planning study, led by the City Planning division, that is developing a vision for the future of Eglinton Avenue through public consultation, analysis of existing conditions/context and future growth, and interdivisional collaboration. The group presented their interim report to Planning and Growth Committee yesterday

Eglinton Connects incorporates:

·         An Avenue study, including a vision for Eglinton Avenue that will guide decisions about private development and public investment. The Study identifies

o   options for reallocating space between different modes of transportation

o    potential for intensified development in the form of mid-rise buildings

o   locations that could support higher density development

o   heritage resources and strategies for protection of these resources

o   public realm and streetscape plan

·          A Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) that will make recommendations regarding the reconfiguration of the right-of-way along the portion of Eglinton Avenue where the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is underground (Black Creek Drive to Brentcliffe Road); and

·         Site Plan review of the LRT stations and at-grade section as submitted by Metrolinx

Bits & Bites on Bayview

The Toronto Leaside Rotary Club and the merchants of South Bayview will be hosting the first Bits & Bites on Bayview Street Festival today from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, and tomorrow, Saturday, June 22nd, from 12:30 to 7:30 pm. Experience the food and boutiques of South Bayview (from Soudan Ave./Parkhurst Blvd. to Davisville Ave.) while enjoying live music and entertainment. Proceeds are going to a new fund to assist those in need in our community through the Rotary Cares-A-Community Fund. For more information, please visit http://www.bayviewbitsandbites.com/.

Say NO to Excessive Aviation Noise

The Toronto Aviation Noise Group (T.A.N.G.) has asked me to share the following with you:

T.A.N.G is working in Ward 22 to stop the excessive aviation noise stemming from the new concentrated flight path that takes planes right over our communities and neighbourhoods. A  T.A.N.G. representative may knock on your door requesting all adults in the home to please sign the petition.

To bring peace and quiet back to areas affected by this noise, you can sign an online petition. You can also contact the GTAA by calling 416-247-7682 or register a complaint. Lastly, you can write to our local MP Dr. Carolyn Bennett and show your objection. Together, we can work to make our voice heard over the roar of jet planes!

Northern Secondary School's Northern Lakes Landscape Project

I am proud to support this wonderful project. Northern Secondary School is currently fundraising for its Northern Lakes Landscape Project, which will connect our school community to the once vibrant Walmsley Brook and its natural ecosystems. This project envisions recreating a dry river bed with trees, rock seating areas, planting and flagstone paths. If you are interested in donating to the project, please visit  http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=27115.