E-Newsletter

Scarborough Transit Plan Rises Another $1 Billion

At a press conference this morning, Mayor Tory announced that his transit plan for Scarborough will cost $1 Billion more than previously estimated. Earlier this year, he said he'd like to put the brakes on the $3.56 Billion three-stop subway in favor of a one-stop subway to Scarborough Town Centre and an 18 stop Eglinton Crosstown East extension to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus with the same funding.

This will require reopening the master agreement between the City, TTC and Metrolinx that currently moves forward with the fully-funded, 7- stop, Scarborough LRT that would run in its own traffic-separated corridor.

With the one-stop subway now set to cost $2.9 Billion, it appears that there will not be enough left over to build the Crosstown East LRT. Given the number of other real capital priorities facing our city, including social housing repairs and numerous transit lines, I cannot support this project.

Rather, we must move forward with the shovel ready 7-stop Scarborough LRT, connecting to the Scarborough Town Centre, that would serve far more people for far fewer tax dollars as part of a network approach to transit planning. This would include the relief subway line and waterfront transit.

For more information, please see these articles from the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.

REMINDER: The Toronto Seniors Summit is Tomorrow!

June is Seniors' Month and I am delighted to invite you to join me, as Toronto's Seniors Advocate, at the Toronto Seniors Summit!

Date: Saturday, June 18

Time: 10am – 2pm

Location: City Hall, Council Chamber & Members Lounge

The event will be a half-day summit for provincial, municipal and community partners, including:

• an overview of seniors strategies by the elected officials of Toronto and Ontario
• a seniors celebration of Toronto's recent World Health Organization designation as a Global Age-friendly City
• an open discussion of what seniors can do to advance their needs and interests in their community and combat ageism
• an informational opportunity with City Divisions and community partner info booths
• Some remarkable entertainment!

You may register for the event here or by calling 416-392-3999.

I encourage you to come, support and participate! Make your voice heard.

Luminato Festival Panel Talk on the Condominiumization of Toronto

Next Wednesday, please join me for a panel discussion on the proliferation of condo development throughout our city and the impact it will have on communities like Midtown Toronto in the future.

Hosted by Luminato Festival, Rise & Sprawl: The Condominiumization of Toronto will take a critical approach to the condo design and development process.

Including myself, the panelists are:

• Hans Ibelings (Lecturer at University of Toronto)
• Alex Josephson (PARTISANS)
• Eve Lewis (Woodcliffe Landmark Properties)
• Nicola Spunt (Partisans Architects, Panel Moderator)

This is also an excellent opportunity to check out the Hearn, which is a revitalized industrial generating station, turned cultural hub.

I welcome you to join me on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, 5–6:30 PM, The Hearn (440 Unwin Avenue, Toronto) in "The Side Room".

More information about this event can be viewed here. For all 2016 Luminato Festival events, click here.

I hope to see you there!

Heritage Toronto Recognizes the Imperial Plaza Murals

I was delighted to participate in the official Heritage Toronto plaque unveiling for the remarkable Imperial Plaza murals yesterday!

The Imperial Oil building is an architectural landmark of Ward 22, and of the City of Toronto. It's been wonderful to see new life being brought to the building over the past few years.

Fun fact: this building’s design first appeared as part of a proposal submitted in 1955 for Toronto’s new City Hall. An international competition was later organized, and Viljo Revell's "spaceship" design was retained. And so, Toronto got not one, but two exceptional buildings!

I'm so pleased that the two murals in the lobby by York Wilson, "The Story of Oil," were retained during the conversion of the structure from an office building to a residential and commercial space. The murals are not only master-pieces in their own right but important works of public art.

Also, this momentous recognition signals just one instance of an exciting reinvention of the St. Clair West corridor (between Yonge Street and Avenue Road).

At Glenn Gould Park, I secured funds to improve the playground equipment and enliven the space, including design features that will give a nod to the brilliant, internationally-renowned pianist and local resident after whom the park is named.

Moreover, Slate Asset Management's recently acquisition of eight properties in the area, including all four corners of Yonge & St. Clair, should provide a rare opportunity to cohesively rejuvenate the St. Clair corridor.

Please click here for a National Post article about the golden past of this Midtown neighbourhood and the exciting future of artistic intervention and urban regeneration that awaits!

Eglinton Way BIA Scavenger Hunt

Please join me this Saturday (June 18) between 12pm - 4pm for the annual Eglinton Way BIA Scavenger Hunt!

There will be two registration locations: Castlewood & Eglinton Ave beside Shoppers Drug Mart; and Highbourne and Eglinton beside Crosstown Coffee.

This year's prize draw will benefit the Oriole Park PS Playground fundraiser. Tickets for the prize draw will be sold the day of the event along Eglinton Avenue West.

The Scavenger Hunt grand prizes are:

1st prize: $1000 gift certificate to Ontario Resorts
2nd prize: $500 gift certificate to Medieval times
3rd prize: TBD (value of $250)

The Eglinton Way will be animated with lots of lively entertainment during the event, including a sidewalk with everything from massages and eyebrow therapy to cold juices on sale.

Come discover all that Eglinton has to offer!

Bayview-Leaside BIA's First-Ever Sidewalk Sale

I hope to see you on Saturday, June 25 for Sidewalk Sensation, the Bayview-Leaside BIA’s first summer event!

Explore all the sensations the street has to offer – unique and lively sounds, sights, aromas and tastes.

Stroll through the tree-lined sidewalks to visit all the patios, specialty shops and retailers along Bayview Avenue from Davisville to Soudan. Entertainment will include live Latin jazz music, a strolling acoustic musician, face painters, chalk art as well as a kid’s craft event.

The event will run from 10am to 5pm. For more information, please see the event flyer here.

Celebrate Canada Day with Ward 22's Local MPs!

On Friday, July 1st you are invited to join Ward 22's two Members of Parliament, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett and Rob Oliphant, at their respective Canada Day events.

MP Bennett's annual picnic will take place once again at Wells Hill Park (470 St. Clair Avenue West at Hilton Avenue) from 12pm to 2:30pm and will include face painting, live music, dance troupes, family friendly activities and a barbeque.

MP Oliphant will be hosting two Canada DAy events: A Canada Day Picnic with the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, MPP from 12pm to 3pm at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute (135 Overlea Blvd) and a Canada Day Eid Bazaar from 3pm to 9pm at R.V. Burgess Park (6 Thorncliffe Park Drive).

Come join in the celebrations!

New Report Reveals Low Ridership Expected for “Express” One-Stop Scarborough Subway

My position on the Scarborough Subway is well known. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the previous plan for a 7 stop, grade-separated LRT (which would run in its own corridor- no traffic lanes removed and no traffic signals) would serve Scarborough residents’ transit needs much better than a subway, and would be fully funded by the provincial government. In other words, far more people served with rapid transit for far fewer tax dollars.

Earlier this year, Mayor Tory presented a new Scarborough transit plan that to replace the 3 stop subway with a one stop subway and use the savings to build a 17 stop LRT from Kennedy Station to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. I commended Mayor Tory at the time for recognizing that the evidence simply did not support the previous subway plan for Scarborough, but that I still had a number of questions about the new plan.

Primarily, that $2 billion (costs are approximate at this point) for a one stop subway extension is too high. This concern has increased with the release of new projections from City Planning showing only 7,300 riders would use the subway during the busiest period.

Too put that in perspective, that number is less than a quarter of the capacity for a subway and less than half that of an LRT. The level of ridership projected for the one stop subway is similar to a busy bus route. Toronto has several unfunded commitments and a dearth of resources to complete them. I believe our city council must take an honest, evidence-based and fiscally-responsible approach when setting priorities.

I will continue to work with the mayor and my council colleagues on a plan to provide better service for Scarborough residents, including further investigation into whether the subway could travel at-grade through its own corridor as part of a network approach to transit planning that must include a funded Relief Subway Line to support our existing overcrowded system.

For more information on the new one stop Scarborough subway, please see this article.

City Initiative to Support Tenants Moves Forward

As the Chair of Toronto’s Tenant Issues Committee, I have been working with tenants from across our city, Acorn and the Federation of Metro Toronto Tenants Associations, on an initiative to better ensure that landlords keep their multi-residential buildings in good repair. After many months of hard work, I was pleased that the vast majority of my colleagues at Council voted this week to move forward with consultation on landlord licensing.

This new initiative is aimed at ensuring that Toronto renters have safe, clean and healthy homes that have adequate heat, functioning appliances, and are free of bedbugs. In short, the basics. It will help give the City of Toronto tools it needs to make landlords follow the law.

The proposal would apply to all buildings that have at least 3 storeys and 10 units. Given that there are 3,300 apartment buildings that fit this criteria in Toronto, it is safe to say that we will never have enough property standards inspectors to effectively enforce our by-laws on a complaints basis as is the current practice. The proposed licensing system would take a pro-active approach, similar to the City’s successful DineSafe program, by requiring landlords to submit cleaning and maintenance plans coupled with random audits.

This initiative has the potential to greatly improve the lives of many tenants in our community. That’s why I was disappointed to see that the Greater Toronto Apartments Association (the landlord lobby) target tenants with a campaign of misinformation to shamefully manipulate tenants into advocating against their own interests with flyers claiming that City Hall was about to implement an “apartment tax”.

Part of the recommendations might include a small fee that the City of Toronto would charge landlords (not tenants) to cover the cost of the program. The Executive Director of Municipal Licensing and Standards stated that it would be very unlikely that the landlords would be able to pass this cost on to tenants. Further, this opinion was echoed by a spokesperson the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing last week.

I would certainly never support any measure that would raise rents on Toronto’s tenants and will continue to fight to keep rents affordable and for safe, healthy and respectful homes.

For more information please see this article.

School Fun fairs and BBQs

Me and my daughter Molly having fun at a recent school fun fair

My family and I have enjoyed seeing so many of you at the many local school fun fairs and BBQs over the past month, including events at:

• Eglinton
• Maurice Cody
• Brown
• Cottingham
• Deer Park
• Hodgson
• Oriole Park
• Forest Hill

A special thanks to all the hard-working parent volunteers and school staff who made these great community events possible. Please join us between 10:30am-3:30pm at Davisville PS next Saturday, June 18!

Belsize Drive's Glebe Manor East and West Parkettes Improvements Update

I'm pleased to announce that construction on the parkettes is wrapping up and they look remarkable!

It was a great pleasure to work with local residents to make much-needed improvements to the parkettes while still retaining their natural beauty. These enhancements include clearly delineated entranceways, new flowerbeds and sitting areas, mulch-covered natural paths and tree canopy replacement. Importantly, the drainage issues that have plagued the east parkette have also been addressed.

You may have noticed there is still fencing enclosing portions of the parkettes, despite construction now being completed. I have been informed by the project manager that this fencing is necessary to protect newly re-seeded areas in the parkettes and will need to remain a while longer, to ensure adequate seed rooting.

Toronto Attains Global Age-Friendly City Status!

During my first year as our city councillor, I initiated the City of Toronto’s Seniors Strategy: a proactive, holistic and inclusive initiative that seeks to create a truly accessible, respectful and age-friendly Toronto.

Since its inception two years ago, 86 of the 91 recommendations have been either partially or fully implemented, including the provision of seniors’-centred social services at appropriate TCHC buildings, and an increase in home visits by City paramedics.

Having since been appointed the City of Toronto’s Seniors Advocate, I am working on the next phase of the Seniors Strategy. I am proud of the major steps we have taken, but there is still more work to be done.

In recognition of the recent successful implementation of Toronto’s inaugural Seniors Strategy, I am delighted to announce that on February 22, 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) pronounced Toronto the latest global city to be awarded the status of a WHO designated Age-Friendly City!

Toronto's inclusion in the WHO's Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities speaks to our city's commitment to serving seniors in an equitable, respectful and inclusionary way to improve their quality of life and support their full participation in civic life. I look forward to working alongside the WHO and all of our partners to continue to develop, enhance and implement our Toronto Seniors Strategy.

In my role as Toronto's Seniors Advocate, I was delighted to present the WHO plaque at City Council on Tuesday. Thank you so much to all of the City staff and community partners whose great efforts contributed to this milestone achievement!

Toronto Seniors Summit

As Toronto's Seniors Advocate, I recently met with Ontario's Minister Responsible for Seniors, Mario Sergio, to discuss a wide array of priorities to Toronto's seniors. At this meeting, we also agreed to organize a Seniors Summit to celebrate the achievements of the Ontario and Toronto Seniors Strategies so far and discuss next steps to continue to improve the lives of our growing elder population.

Please join me at 10am-2pm on Saturday, June 18 for the Toronto Seniors Summit at City Hall!

The summit will be a half-day event for provincial, municipal and community partners including:

• an overview of seniors strategies by the elected officials of Toronto and Ontario
• a seniors celebration of Toronto's recent World Health Organization designation as a Global Age-friendly City
• an open discussion of what seniors can do to advance their needs and interests in their community
• an informational opportunity with City Division and community partner info booths

Full details about the Toronto Seniors Summit are available on the event flyer.

I encourage you all to come, support and participate!

Happy 35th Anniversary to Montgomery Place!

My daughter Molly and I deeply enjoyed joining residents of 130 Eglinton Avenue East last weekend to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Montgomery Place.

This is a seniors' residence and remarkable Toronto Community Housing building - a truly special vertical neighbourhood in the heart of Midtown.

Shop, Dine and Wine on Mount Pleasant!

Come on out to the Mount Pleasant Village "Shop Wine and Dine" event on Thursday, June 16th from 5-8pm. There will be great food, music, and sidewalk sales on Mt. Pleasant Road between Davisville and Eglinton Avenues. The Red Carpet will be rolled out just for you! Kids can be dropped off at Kidnasium for the full 3 hours for $35. Festivities hosted by the Mount Pleasant BIA.

Community Consultation: Proposed Provincial Growth Plan

The Provincial Growth Plan is a powerful document that affects all citizens in Toronto by directing planning and growth policies. The Province is revising the plan and taking written comments from the public and City until September 2016.

An open house community consultation will be held at the Toronto Reference Library on Monday, June 27th from 5-8 pm.

Do you own property in the City of Toronto? You’ll be receiving an updated Property Assessment Notice in spring 2016.

Our Community's Sharon, Lois & Bram Music Garden is Officially Open!

I recently had the privilege of welcoming local residents, MP Carolyn Bennett, and Mayor John Tory to June Rowlands (Davisville) Park for a performance by Sharon & Bram. The iconic Canadian children’s musicians (and midtown residents themselves) delighted the large audience as part of a celebration of the opening of the new Sharon, Lois & Bram Playground and Music Garden.

The event was the culmination of years of work to design and construct the Music Garden in partnership with Sharon, Lois & Bram, the remarkable Lesley Stoyan from Apple Tree Markets Group, the City's Parks staff and dedicated local parents and residents.

An elephant sculpture now stands at the entrance of the Garden welcoming children to the world of the trio’s beloved Elephant Show TV program. The new play structure features a stage connected to interactive musical instruments, including bongos and a xylophone.

The new Music Garden is part of a larger initiative I have undertaken to expand and improve green space in our community, and our quality of life, including future additions to June Rowlands (Davisville) Park. We've already worked with local parents to provide a splash pad and some new playground equipment there and public consultation will begin this autumn on a second phase, which will further improve the park.

Reuse, Recycle, Safely Dispose: Ward 22's Community Environment Day

Please join me at my annual Community Environment Day event. I hope to see you there!

Community Environment Day helps reduce the amount of reusable, recyclable or household hazardous waste going into landfill. The program provides a convenient way for you to drop off reusable and recyclable items such as clothing, small appliances, non-perishable food, electronics, etc. You can drop off household hazardous waste for safe disposal. By doing these things, you will also help support charities, schools, the local "sharing" economy and create new "green" jobs. For more information, please click here or call 311.

Family Fun at Ward 22's Spring Fun Fairs!

Over the next few weeks, I look forward to enjoying many of the spring fun fairs at some of Ward 22's remarkable schools. These community celebrations also raise funds toward our local parent councils' priorities. Thank you to all the volunteers who have done so much work on organizing these events!

• Brown Jr PS – Garden Fete (May 28, 11am-3pm)
• Maurice Cody Jr PS – Spring Fair (May 28, 10am-3pm)
• Oriole Park Jr PS – May Fair (May 28, 11am-3pm)
• Cottingham Jr PS – Fun Fair (June 4, 11am-3:30pm)
• Eglinton Jr PS – Spring Fair (June 4, 11am-2pm)
• Deer Park Jr and Sr PS – Fun Fair (June 9, 3:30pm-7pm)

Ward 22's Davisville Village Farmers’ Market Opens for Another Season!

I'm delighted to support AppleTree Markets, a local Ward 22 non-profit organization, that will once again be transforming June Rowlands (Davisville) Park into a vibrant "town square" for the fifth year of our community's popular farmers’ market at June Rowlands (Davisville) Park. The market is a place where you are sure to see friends and neighbours, while buying fresh produce, fish, meats, chocolate, and so much more.

This season, the market is open again and will operate weekly on Tuesdays between 3 and 7pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

Save the Date: 18 Brownlow Avenue Public Meeting

A rezoning application has been submitted to City Planning to construct two residential towers. I understand that there will be revisions to the original proposal presented by the applicants at this meeting.

To speak to the planner directly, please contact Giulio Cescato at 416-392-0459 or g[email protected]. Also, you may mail your comments to the planner at Toronto and East York District, 100 Queen St W Floor 18 E Toronto On, M5H 2N2.

This meeting will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, May 31.

Please note: The location of this public meeting is still TBD. I will be sure to post the venue on my website as soon as I receive that information.

Don't Let Your Basement Be Next – Get Tips on How to Prevent Basement Flooding

It's springtime, and the City is once again reminding homeowners to take steps to help prevent their basements from flooding. The City is doing its part to prevent heavy rainfall and runoff from ending up in your basement – by continually updating and maintaining Toronto's complex system of underground pipes, sewers and catch basins. Now find out what you can do by clicking here. Possible ways to limit a homeowner's risk of flooding include:

• Fixing cracks in foundation
• Ensuring the ground slopes away from the house
• Clearing debris from eavestroughs and downspouts
• Installing a sump pump to remove excess water
• Installing a backwater valve to prevent water and sewage from backing up
• Diverting your downspouts away from the foundation

City Reminds All Road Users to be Safe

The safety of all road users is a priority for the City of Toronto. That's why the City is reminding pedestrians, motorists and cyclists to take extra care, especially when travelling in residential neighbourhoods.

The City has produced lawn signs that encourage all motorists to drive safely as they travel in our neighbourhoods. To get a lawn sign, please contact my office at 416-392-7906 or [email protected] and I would be happy to deliver a sign to your door.

It's critical to be aware of your surroundings at all times when you are travelling.  All road users need to remember that safety is everyone's responsibility.

Annual D-Day Commemoration at Toronto City Hall

On Monday, June 6th at Nathan Phillips Square from 12pm-1pm, the City of Toronto will recognize the importance of honouring the service of our D-Day veterans.

All residents of Toronto are invited to join our war veterans who took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, in commemorating this special occasion. This is an important time to celebrate and honour our veterans, to remember their sacrifice, and to teach our youth about the contributions made by veterans and the fallen heroes of this historic campaign.

The program includes a musical prelude which will begin at 12 noon followed by the official ceremony at 12:30pm. For further information you can visit the official website.

1 St. Clair Avenue West Mural – Public Consultation

Join the Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space(STEPS) Initiative for a community info session about the 1 St Clair West mural, planned for summer 2016. Informed by input from hundreds of local residents and businesses, attendees will get a sneak peak at the mural's design.

The public consultation will take place on Thursday, May 26th from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Deer Park Library (40 St Clair Ave E). To RSVP, please click here.

Spadina’s Austin Family and the Great War – A Full Day Program at the Spadina Museum

The Spadina Museum was home to the prominent Austin family for more than a century. On June 3rd, the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) is hosting a full day event at the Spadina Museum as part of the 2016 OGS Conference. The day will begin with a guided tour of the mansion, followed by lunch and time to explore the restored grounds and Edwardian gardens. There will be two presentations in the afternoon, including discussions and hands-on sessions with artifacts and archival documents from the First World War-era. These artifacts and documents will allow attendees to have a view of the war through the eyes of a soldier, a nurse, and an affluent family left on the home front.

Please register online here. For registration assistance please email [email protected].

City of Toronto's long-weekend activities include fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park on Victoria Day

The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 23, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, two historic sites and other facilities will be open, however City-operated recreation centres will be closed and recreation programs will not operate that day.


The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 23. The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks, with a spectacular finale.

Golf: Toronto's five municipal golf courses are located on beautiful parklands and offer early-bird rates. These affordable, high-quality and TTC-accessible courses are open daily, including Victoria Day. More information about City-run golf courses is available at http://toronto.ca/golf.

Tennis courts: All public tennis courts will have nets up and be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend. Public sites are free and available to the general public. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts. More information about public tennis courts is available at http://toronto.ca/tennis.

Splash pads: Splash pads will begin to operate across the city on Saturday, May 21, with a few exceptions at sites under repair or located on outdoor pool decks. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are activated through push-button features. Caregivers are reminded to supervise their children at these unsupervised water play areas. Information about splash pad locations, closures and late opening sites is available at http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/splash-pads/index.htm or by calling 311.

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm is home to a variety of domestic farm animals, including Tamworth pigs, baby goats and Cotswold lambs. The breeds represent animals commonly found on a turn-of-the-century Ontario farm. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available at http://toronto.ca/parks/zoo or by calling 311.

High Park Zoo: Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo's spring babies, including baby reindeer Snowflake. This attraction is open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information: http://toronto.ca/parks/zoo.

Toronto Island Park: Beginning on Friday, May 20, the City will switch to its summer ferry schedule, offering trips to the islands every 15 minutes. Toronto Island Park is a great place for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride and also features the interactive Franklin Children's Garden. Many attractions offered by independent operators are also onsite including Centreville Theme Park (opening May 21) and Far Enough Farm. As a popular destination spot, especially on beautiful, sunny days, Toronto Island Park can get quite busy. To help plan their day and avoid the ferry lineups, members of the public can check the peak-times schedule at http://toronto.ca/ferry. Fares and other information about the amusement park and farm are available here.

Conservatories: A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.). Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all year long. Admission is free. Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288, or visiting http://toronto.ca/conservatories.

Bike and skate parks: The City maintains several bike and skate parks across Toronto, including the new Sunnyside Bike Park which opened for the season on May 15. Locations and details: http://toronto.ca/parks/bikeparks.

Historic sites: Two of the City's 10 historic sites, Fort York National Historic Site and Spadina Museum, will offer events, activities and tours on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23; remaining sites will be closed. All of the historic sites will be open over the weekend, except for the Market Gallery which will be closed on Sunday. Admission fees and activities details vary by location. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Bladder Cancer Canada (BCC) is launching the first Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May. Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Canada, yet is relatively unknown to the public. Events are planned across Canada in May to promote awareness of #BladderCancer and BCC is calling on Canadians to #ShowYellow. On May 14, BCC celebrated Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in spectacular fashion. Toronto's CN Tower was lit in yellow and red to support BCC’s “See Red? See Your Doctor” Campaign.

Please click here to find out how easy it is to get involved. And visit the website to find out more about Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

Crosstown LRT Eglinton Station Open House

Metrolinx, the provincial agency that is responsible for the construction of the Eglinton Crosstown,  is hosting an open house for the future Eglinton station on Monday May 30th.  For more information, please click here. If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about their construction, you may contact the Crosstown Community Office at 416-782-8118.

Rail Safety Town Hall Meeting, Tomorrow!

Disasters over the past several years in Lac Megantique, in Northern Ontario, and the United States have demonstrated the risks involved with moving hazardous materials, such as crude oil, by rail. That's why I've been working with local residents and community organizations for several years now to convince the federal government to put responsible regulations in place to protect Canadians. You can read my 2014 motion to City Council on this important issue here.

In 2015, I wrote a letter, signed by my colleagues to urge the then-Transportation Minister Lisa Raitt to enact significant safety measures. This commitment was recently renewed with my letter to Hon. Marc Garneau, the new Minister of Transportation, that was also signed by Mayor Tory and all councillors representing wards that are traversed by the CP rail line. I commend the new government for actively listening to our concerns and am very hopeful they will soon move forward with necessary measures to protect residents living near rail corridors.

The urgent importance of our initiative has been recognized by the Toronto Star and other media outlets. Now is the time for action to protect our communities!

Also, I am pleased to have been asked by local MPs Carolyn Bennett and Chrystia Freeland to moderate a conversation at public meeting with Minister Garneau. Please join me for this important event at 6:30pm on Wednesday, April 27 at Walmer Road Baptist Church (188 Lowther Avenue).

Deer Park Accessible Playground Groundbreaking Ceremony

Deer Park Public School was one of the many schools that had its wooden play structures removed a decade ago due to safety concerns. The few play stuctures on site are inadequate for the special needs students at the school and in the wider community.

That's why I was happy to support the efforts of local parents, and Trustee Laskin, to contribute funds through a motion toward a new, fully accessible playground at Deer Park last year. This new playground will ensure that every child in the community will be finally able to play with their friends, rather than sit on the sidelines.

This morning, the community celebrated the start of this important project with a groundbreaking ceremony that I was honoured to participate in. I look forward to the project being completed soon and seeing children of all abilities enjoying the new playground!

Reuse, Recycle, Safely Dispose: Ward 22's Community Environment Day

Please join me at my annual Community Environment Day event. I hope to see you there!

Date: Thursday, June 2, 2016

Time: 4pm - 8pm

Location: North Toronto Memorial Arena parking lot (174 Orchard View Blvd)

Community Environment Day helps reduce the amount of reusable, recyclable or household hazardous waste going into landfill. The program provides a convenient way for you to drop off reusable and recyclable items such as clothing, small appliances, non-perishable food, electronics, etc. You can drop off household hazardous waste for safe disposal. By doing these things, you will also help support charities, schools, the local "sharing" economy and create new "green" jobs. For more information, please click here or call 311.

I'm delighted to support AppleTree Markets, a local Ward 22 non-profit organization, that will once again be transforming June Rowlands Park into a vibrant "town square" for the fifth year of our community's popular farmers’ market at June Rowlands (Davisville) Park. The market is a place where you are sure to see friends and neighbours, while buying fresh produce, fish, meats, chocolate, and so much more.

This season, the market begins on May 10th and will operate weekly on Tuesdays between 3 and 7pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

Jane's Walks 10th Anniversary

Interested in learning more about the city's distinct neighbourhoods and diverse cultures? This year, volunteers from across the city will be leading Jane's Walks, a celebration of the legacy Jane Jacob's left on our city.

Two Jane's Walks will be occurring in Ward 22, and best of all, they're free! The first, "Trains, Trams and Roads in Summerhill and Deer Park," will be a one-hour walk led by Ken Brown on May 7. You can find out more about this walk here. The second, "Retracing Stop Spadina", will be a two-hour walk led by HiMY SYeD on May 1 and 7. You can find out more about this walk here.

For more information about Jane's Walks and many other events happening around Toronto, please click here.

A Comprehensive Rapid Transit Plan Moves Forward with a Network Approach

I hope that we are closer than we ever have been before.

As you know, I have strongly advocated for a more honest and comprehensive approach to transit planning in Toronto and the GTHA. I've also challenged plans that made no sense in order to make them better and less costly. For far too long, our city has looked at projects in isolation, and through the cynical lens of self-serving political pursuits, which has led to inaction or, even worse, terrible and expensive decisions.

That’s why I am very pleased that Council has asked Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmaat to continue studying a coordinated, network-approach transit plan that includes:

• The Relief Line subway
• SmartTrack
• Express One Stop Scarborough Subway Extension
• Eglinton Crosstown East Extension to UofT Scarborough
• Eglinton Crosstown West Extension to the Airport
• Waterfront East LRT
• Waterfront West LRT

While I am actually optimistic that this new approach will lead to better results, I do have several questions. For example, I want to know if there might be cost savings if the revised Scarborough subway follows the route of an existing at-grade corridor that is currently being used for the SRT as both TTC and Metrolinx reports suggest.  My colleagues, including Mayor John Tory, overwhelmingly supported my motion to ask Staff to explore whether it would be possible.

I am very grateful to Mayor Tory for choosing a more evidence-based approach on transit planning and being willing to champion a better plan. I also deeply appreciate the work of our chief planner, along with her tireless and skilled team, who worked around the clock to deliver this plan to Council.

Too many Torontonians have been waiting for too long for a transit plan that makes sense, and can be built ASAP to improve their lives. Our system is already overcrowded on lines such as the Yonge subway through midtown down to Bloor, along streetcar routes such as King and at capacity on routes such as the existing Scarborough RT.

We now need to move forward with a network plan we believe in, and work hard to ensure the funding is in place to see the plan through to fruition.

It is expected that the results of this study will be brought to Council this June. As always, I'll continue to keep you up to date.

Revised Gardiner Hybrid Plan Approved by Council

Last week, Council approved a modified hybrid reconfiguration specifically for the 1.4 km Gardiner East section. The new plan removes one of the ramps and pushes the elevated roadway back from the waterfront at a significant cost.

As I have previously written, I would have preferred the “Boulevard” option. While this new plan allows for a more connected waterfront and opens up more land for development, it will still be direct our limited resources toward serving relatively few people.

The revised hybrid will now cost approximately $500 million more than removing the elevated highway and replacing it with an at-grade boulevard. It will now also demand cars slow down significantly for a portion (due to the turn radias connecting the DVP). However, the construction time will be shorter than the Boulevard option.

For the same cost, the City could have fulfilled a promise to new businesses and residents by moving forward with the Waterfront East LRT, or helped address any one of Toronto’s long list of unfunded capital priorities, including the backlog in social housing repairs or the Relief Subway line.

In total, I believe history will not view this decision kindly. However, I also acknowledge that Council made the best decision based on the options (which discluded the Boulevard) in front of it last week.

New Music Strategy Supported by Council

A new music strategy that hopes to unleash the economic development potential of Toronto’s Music industry, in much the same way the film industry was developed, received unanimous approval from Council. The new plan will promote music-based tourism to our city while looking at better ways to support artists.

There was concern expressed by some residents that approving this initiative would lead to new exemptions for amplified music in City parks. I worked with Councillor Wong-Tam and other colleagues to address these concerns with a motion that referred any proposed noise by-law changes to the Noise by-law review currently being undertaken by Licensing & Standards Committee.

Noise By-Law Review

I deferred the previous proposals by Staff that allowed for a more lax noise by-law. I have been informed that Staff will be bringing an improved set of recommendations to Licensing & Standards Committee this May. I know this is an important issue for many in our community and I will provide further updates when the new report is released. I will certainly continue to do everthing possible to protect the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.

Province Moving in Wrong Direction on Surplus School Properties

It was very timely that Council debated the City’s position on regulations related to school boards selling surplus properties. As part of the province’s Grants for Student Needs funding, the Ministry of Education announced that both the City and other school boards will have to pay full market value for school properties deemed surplus.

This move will make it more difficult to keep public land in public hands. As Chair of the City-School Boards Advisory Committee, I will work with Mayor Tory to advocate for the Toronto’s interests on this issue.

Improving the Response to Infill Construction Sites

Throughout many of our neighbourhoods we are fighting a dramatic increase in inappropriate infill development projects that threaten the fabric and stability of our residential communities. The battles have played out through the Committee of Adjustment and the Ontario Municipal Board, where they often are approved and residents are then forced to start the next fight – the construction process.

When these new homes are built, it is incredibly disruptive to local residents, as they are being built right in the heart of residential neighbourhoods and the impacts are literally in people’s front yards. Often, contractors will work beyond permitted noise bylaw hours, they take over on-street parking, and block the public right of way. Of particular concern is the excessive noise and dust from stone and rock cutting performed on site, which is disruptive and hazardous for immediate neighbours. On some streets there are several of these projects occurring simultaneously, and once one job is completed another begins.

I have been working with several residents to help mitigate the impacts these infill construction sites have on the local community and last week City Council approved a strategy to help address this issue.

The City’s strategy aims to:

• Improve the complaint management strategy to manage and respond to complaints more quickly;
• Improve communication with residents to provide clear, understandable information so that issues can be resolved in a more timely manner;
• Encourage good construction practices in the building industry through education, more effective enforcement, increased use of tickets, and an additional mandatory inspection and increased building inspector knowledge.

City Council also directed the Executive Director of Municipal Licensing and Standards to work in consultation with Toronto Buildings, The Energy and Environment Office and Toronto Public Health to come back to City Council in 2017 with recommendations on dust control measures related to infill construction.

For your review, here is the report that was approved at City Council last week.

Further Progress for Creating a Made-for-Toronto Local Appeal Body (LAB)

Last week, Council approved the implementation of a (LAB) for the City after a follow-up report from February 2016. Three out of the five motions were approved and can be viewed here. The background for this decision comes from the Province of Ontario granting the City of Toronto the power to establish a LAB, to hear "appeals" of Committee of Adjustment decisions on both minor variances and consent applications.

While this is a better process, I look forward to seeing more details as the LAB begins to take shape. This LAB will be arms-length from Council and completely independent.

In was clear to me that this is not an initiative City Staff would've proposed themselves, based on their responses at Council. I also do have some concerns about the downloading of costs to the City for the appeals work from the Province.

That being said, the Province currently only allows Toronto to create a local body to hear minor variances appeals, not on large-scale development projects. They have said at various times that Toronto must move forward with this LAB before they will seriously consider freeing us from the OMB. Therefore, I believe its a necessary step we must take.

We now need to continue advocating to completely free Toronto from the OMB's purview with regard to other impactful planning decisions, such as large-scale development in our communities.

Developing Toronto's Transit Network Plan

City Planning staff have prepared a report that will be considered at Executive Committee tomorrow, and then at City Council, on proposed steps to move forward with a transit expansion network for our city.

I strongly support this more comprehensive approach than we've seen before.

However, I continue to expect that decisions that Council makes, expecially major public policy issues which would cost billions of dollars, be informed, evidence-based and fiscally-responsible. Please see this recent article that describes my concerns about how this latest incarnation of transit planning is being considered.

For your review, here is the staff report. But beware, it's hundreds of pages long and includes seemingly non-sensical charts evaluating a network that is no longer actively being considered. Meanwhile, the full network that planning staff will ask Council to consider is not included in this report.

I know. I'm frustrated too.

This, sadly, has been the state of transit planning in Toronto for far too long. Residents in Midtown, and across the city, wait everyday as crowded subway trains, streetcars or buses go by due to overcrowding on our current transit system. It often takes more than two hours for many Scarborough residents to get work or school and back. Our waterfront is underserved, Jane Street has been forgotten and very few of the projects already designated as priorities, such at the Relief Subway Line, are funded by any order of government. I believe this is unnacceptable.

I will continue to demand that both the process, and most importantly the outcomes, are more honest, realistic and have the same sense of urgency most people in Toronto have had for a long time. We've been waiting for too long.

Ultimately, I want us all to be served by a remarkable public transit system.

Metrolinx Lowers Fares for Union-Pearson Express Train

I am very pleased that Metrolinx has listened to Toronto residents and reason with their recent announcement that the transit agency will be lowering fares on the Union Pearson Express (UPX) train by March 9 of this year. The airport link will now cost $12 for cash fare ($9 with a Presto card) from Union to Pearson, in addition to lower fares between Bloor and Weston. Please see this chart for a full breakdown of the new fare structure.

Since the rumours of high fares for the Union-Pearson Express (UPX) train surfaced in the summer of 2014, I have been advocating for a lower cost for riders. I successfully moved a motion at Council two years ago, requesting that this service be made more  affordable and accessible to residents. Further, because I felt this service would have difficulty drawing riders, I was concerned about additional subsidization from taxpayers.

Even with increased tourism from the PanAm games last summer, the UPX had very low ridership figures upon opening, and the number of passengers continued to drop through last fall. Even on the busiest days, the airport line was attracting fewer riders than most TTC bus routes. Transit-starved Torontonians were understandably frustrated, watching empty trains pass by with critical projects such as the Relief Line and the Waterfront LRT are still in the planning stages.

I appreciate that Metrolinx and the Provincial Government changed the fare structure to make UPX more accessible. Once electrified, I encourage them to make this line a more integral part of our transit network by adding more stops and expanding capacity on the line.

City Staff have heard loud and clear from councillors, Residents’ Associations, and our neighbours that the proposed changes to the noise by-law were wrong and unhelpful. The new, and very high, decibel level limit threatened our right to peacefully enjoy our homes.

I am pleased that Staff have recognized their report was flawed. The report that was intended for the next meeting of the Licensing and Standards Committee has been pulled and we have not been told if, or even when, a new set of recommendations will be coming forward. I will be sure to update you if there is any further news on this issue.

• Electrification of the GO Rail Network: Electrification of Metrolinx-owned rail corridors will enable more frequent and faster train service.
• New Stations on the GO Rail Network: Today 64 GO train stations serve thousands of customers and six more are under way. We would like to add even more stations so more people can access transit.
• Integrated Transit Fares: We want to make crossing municipal boundaries and switching between transit systems simple and hassle-free.
• Regional Transportation Plan Review: Metrolinx is launching the formal review process for the Regional Transportation Plan, which guides the work being done to transform the transportation network in the GTHA.

The Toronto Seniors Forum is a diverse group of Toronto residents aged 60 and above. The group is sponsored by the City of Toronto's Social Development Finance and Administration Division.  The Forum is comprised of 22 members who meet monthly to examine, advocate, and advise on seniors' issues that matter to older Torontonians.

Experience opportunities to advocate for change on issues that matter, develop an age-friendly Toronto and network with other seniors organizations.

For more information, please visit the Toronto Seniors Forum website. You may also contact Tina Peach at 416-392-8630 or [email protected].

To complete the online application, please click here.

REMINDER: Community Skating Party with Josh Matlow, Rob Oliphant & Carolyn Bennett!

I'm excited to be co-hosting a community skating party with our local MPs, Rob Oliphant and Carolyn Bennett at Hodgson Ice Rink (East of Mt. Pleasant, on Davisville behind Hodgson school). Please join us from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, February 7 for a fun, family-friendly afternoon with free coffee and hot chocolate.

Expanded Community Hours for Hodgson Rink!

I am happy to report that we have finally been successful in expanding community hours at Hodgson ice rink. While we were successful at getting a new rink built, there were many of us who weren't satisfied with the relatively few hours initially dedicated to the community. Since the new rink opened, the school has had exclusive access until4:30pm every weekday, even though it is not fully utilized. Today, the TDSB has finally signed off on our proposal to expand hours for community ice time.

Dear residents,

Over the past year, we've accomplished so much for our Ward 22 community - and there's still much more to do. I'm truly grateful for the friendships we've made and the remarkable community we continue to build and protect together.

We've also focused on providing necessary, thoughtful, honest and fiscally-responsible leadership on many of the important issues being debated at city hall.   I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hannukah if you celebrated, Happy Festivus :) and a Happy Holiday season! I also hope you have a Happy New Year and look forward to continue working closely with, and for, you in 2016.

I deeply appreciate your friendship, confidence and support. In the new year, as always, please feel very welcome to contact me if I can ever be of assistance to you. My team and I are here to support you.

Warm regards,

Josh

For ongoing council and community news, my contact information, along with a calendar of events, please visit www.joshmatlow.ca. Click here to read my previous city hall and community updates.

Proud to be Appointed City of Toronto Seniors Advocate

During my first year as our city councillor, I initiated the City of Toronto’s Seniors Strategy: a proactive, holistic and inclusive initiative that seeks to create a truly accessible, respectful and age-friendly Toronto.

Since its inception two years ago, 86 of the 91 recommendations have been either partially or fully implemented, including the provision of seniors’-centred social services at appropriate TCHC buildings, and an increase in home visits by City paramedics. I am proud of the major steps we have taken, but there is still more work to be done.

That’s why I want to thank Council for giving me the opportunity to serve as the City of Toronto’s Seniors Advocate, so I can continue working on the next phase of the Seniors Strategy. I deeply appreciate their confidence and support for the work we're doing.

Next Update: Davisville Power Outages

As I mentioned in my previous update - I've heard from many of you that recurring power outages over the past several months have been disrupting your daily lives, from resetting alarm clocks to damaging electronic devices. My family and I have also been affected by these outages and share your frustrations, not only about the inconveniences they can cause but also the dramatic increase in the frequency at which they are occurring compared to past years.

As I have stated before - I do understand, and even appreciate the fact, that upgrading their infrastructure is important and necessary. However, I have made repeated requests to Toronto Hydro, asking them to share all information available with the public about the cause of these outages and what is being done to reduce their frequency.  I met with their communications staff earlier this week – and they have provided me with an additional update with regards to their Millwood Project.

If you continue to experience outages in the meantime, or have any other issues you'd like to share regarding their service, please contact Toronto Hydro directly at 416-542-8000.

Here is, verbatim, what they shared with me yesterday:

Toronto Hydro Update:

Thank you for your cooperation and patience - Phase 3 of 6 of Toronto Hydro’s Millwood Project is now complete.

Toronto Hydro is investing in your neighbourhood. The Millwood Project is a six-phase, $19 million project that will improve power reliability in the area bounded by Oriole Parkway, Eglinton Ave, Bayview Ave and Carstowe Ave.

We appreciate your patience throughout the project, and are pleased to report that Phase 3 was completed this fall. Construction was completed in September as planned; however, Hydro One and our control room required additional testing to ensure the upgraded equipment is safely integrated into our power grid. We completed this work in November and apologize for the numerous short duration outage, called momentary outages, that occurred while testing and switching over.

Before the new equipment was integrated into our system, many residents in the area experienced momentary outages as well as longer duration outages, called sustained outages.  During October and November, the area experienced two sustained outage and one momentary outage. These outages were caused by foreign interferences that are difficult to control such as tree branch and animal contact. Now that the new equipment is integrated into our system, we are able to minimize the number of homes impacted by such interferences.

While we cannot guarantee uninterrupted power, this project will significantly reduce both the duration and frequency of outages as well as the number of customers affected in that area.

Toronto Hydro is continuing to invest in your community, and preparation for Phase 4 of 6 of the Millwood Project has begun. Since 2014, Toronto Hydro has invested approximately $22.2 million ward-wide, and plans to invest another $16.5 million over the next year or 5 years, pending the approval of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Once the OEB makes their decision known, we will provide more detailed information on next phases of the Millwood Project and other investments in Ward 22.

Our commitment to you is to keep you informed and up to date on projects and outage information as it relates to your area.

Our capital projects communications includes:

· Notice to your Councillor

·         Delivered general letters to affected residents with project contact information

·         Delivered equipment letters

·         Planned outage notification (24-48 hours prior to the outage)

More information is also available on our website at http://www.poweruptoronto.ca/projects/map.

Information on unplanned outages is available through our call centre at 416-542-8000, with automated power outage messages updated approximately every hour. You can also find regularly updated information on our website. Search our new outage map by address and find estimated times for restoration, detailed boundaries, and number of customers affected. For major outages, register to receive alerts at outageTO.com.

We look forward to continuing to work with Councillor Matlow to improve communications with the residents of Ward 22.

Sharon, Lois & Bram Playground Improvements - Our New Music Garden is Completed!

I'm excited to announce that the new and improved playground equipment and brand new musical garden in June Rowlands (Davisville) Park are now ready for all to enjoy! I was delighted to work with Sharon & Bram, Apple Tree Group and Community In Action (CIA) on this magical project that is already receiving very positive feedback from kids and adults alike.

Along with the new music garden (which features low-noise instruments and a small childrens' stage), we added more features to the playground to make it animated and fun, including a large elephant to climb on and various wayfinding signs.

I also intend to work with our community soon on a master plan for the replacement equipment and further park improvements. Also, keep checking my updates for notice about a celebratory community concert in the Spring :)

Safe and Accessible Crossings for the Beltline Park Trail

Many trail users have expressed their concerns regarding the lack of safe pedestrian-cyclist crossings where the Beltline meets Oriole Parkway and Avenue Road. Until now, there have been no safe crossing points that allow the trail to be truly contiguous for residents.

Last year, I requested City Staff to report to Community Council with viable options to install signalized crossings at these locations that are synchronized with the existing signalized intersections. Staff recommendations to install a signalized crossing on Avenue Road south of Chaplin Crescent and replace the existing traffic median on Oriole Parkway with a pedestrian-cyclist refuge island were approved by both Community Council and City Council.

I am pleased to announce that the Avenue Road signalized crossing is now live and the Oriole Parkway refuge island should be completed shortly.

For more information, please read this Town Crier article.

Glen Edyth Park Playground Improvements Public Meeting

Please join me on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 7pm to discuss exciting, new playground improvements for Glen Edyth Park.

The meeting will take place in the Theatre Room at the Toronto Archives (255 Spadina Road) and will give you a chance to review several new playground design options with myself and Parks, Forestry & Recreation staff. I hope to see you there!

Davisville Jr. Public School Library Fundraiser

Looking for gift ideas? If you purchase an Indigo gift card, then a percentage of your purchase will benefit our school library. You could give an Indigo gift card as a present, or simply use it yourself to make purchases at Indigo immediately.

To purchase an indigo gift card that will also be used to fundraise for Davisville Pubic School, please click here.

City Planning Pop-Up Information Stations

On Sunday, December 13, City Planning will be hosting a Pop-Up Information Station in the Yonge Eglinton Centre regarding the City's ongoing work in support of the long-term livability and vitality of Midtown.

Building on our Midtown in Focus parks and public realm initiative, we are reviewing growth trends and hard and soft infrastructure needs in the Yonge-Eglinton area to inform a much-needed planning policy reset.

Over the coming weeks and throughout January, City Planning will be hosting a series of public pop-up stations at various locations to share information and hear your insights and priorities for your community.

The first Pop-Up will be held on Sunday, December 13 at the Yonge Eglinton Centre (20 Eglinton Avenue West) in the Centre Court from 12:30 to 2:00pm.

Additional Pop-Ups Stations will take place at North Toronto Collegiate (December 14) and Northern Secondary (December 15) with more pop-ups, public meetings and other consultation opportunities to follow in 2016. We will share dates and locations once they are finalized. Please stay tuned for future announcements. More information is available here.

Santa Pancake Breakfast at Manor Road United Church

Boy Scouts' Christmas Tree Sale

It’s time for the annual 58th Toronto Scouts Christmas Tree Sale!

For over 60 years, local Boy Scouts have been selling fresh, Ontario grown Christmas Trees & Wreaths to neighborhood residents.  The sale started November 28 and, as always, they can be found on the main lawn at the Church of the Transfiguration (111 Manor Rd E.). Open weekdays 6am – 9pm (weather permitting) and Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm.  Deliveries available.  Call or text 647-918-2490.

Yorkminster Park Meals on Wheels

One local charity making a difference in our community is Yorkminster Park Meals on Wheels. Operating out of the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church at Yonge and St. Clair, the charity delivers nutritious meals to the sick, elderly and disabled, supporting them in their desire to remain at home and live independently.

Currently, Yorkminster Park Meals on Wheels delivers approximately 12,000 hot meals and 20,000 frozen meals annually to clients within the North Toronto area. While delivering hot and frozen meals to those in need, the volunteers provide a compassionate visit to clients that may not have other social interaction throughout the day.

The charity was founded by volunteers in 1966, and almost 50 years later, volunteers continue to be the backbone of the organization.

If you know of someone who would benefit from receiving Meals on Wheels, please contact them by phone (416-482-0549) or email ([email protected]).  If you are interested in volunteering for the charity, please visit their website to learn more about volunteering opportunities. Charities such as Meals on Wheels rely on the generosity and the community spirit of donors.  If you would like to make a donation please visit their website or contact them directly.

A Successful 2015 Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive

The Drive was an overwhelming success this year with 18,000 items collected, 25% greater than last year, and it marked a return to pre-2010 levels. In addition, almost $3,000 in cash and cheques were received for further purchases by the food banks. A special thanks to all those who contributed and also those who volunteered.

Please note you can still donate at two local Sobeys store locations  (Yonge/St. Clair or Leaside at Laird/Wicksteed) via their pre-packaged bag schemes that are presently underway and will continue until early January 2016.

Carols with Friends

On Monday December 21 at 7pm, St Cuthbert's Anglican Church (1399 Bayview Avenue) is hosting their Carols with Friends event. This will be an evening of singing Christmas carols, followed by everyone enjoying some hot mulled cider. Admission is free with a donation of non-perishable food items for the food bank. Everyone is welcome!

At the Spadina Museum: A Roaring Twenties Christmas

Experience a 1920s Christmas on a guided tour of Spadina Museum. Holly wreaths, garlands of evergreens and mistletoe festoon the house based on the memories of the Austin family grandchildren. In the kitchen, visitors will enjoy holiday treats made from original recipes and sip mulled cider warmed on the Art Deco gas range. Holiday admission applies: Adults 8.85, Seniors/Youth (13-18 yrs.) $7.08, Children (6-12 yrs.) $5.75 (plus tax), Children (5 and under) are free.

November 24 to January 3
Tuesday to Friday: 12 to 4 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12 to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, December 25 & 26 and January 1

Also at the Spadina Museum: Flashman Versus Evil: A Grudge Match - The Golden Age of Radio

See a re-created 1930s radio show – commercials included! We find the hero, Flashman, under the spell of an evil queen. His friends brave dangerous jewellery, irony-laced barbs and goat-riding henchmen to save Flashman and the Universe!

Enjoy this fast-paced comedy, complete with live music, sound effects and a cast playing multiple roles. During your visit, tour this beautifully restored estate. Kids can try hands-on activities, including cookie decorating in the historic kitchen, and making a secret message decoder – a gimmick used by advertisers in the early days of radio to send encrypted messages to listeners. Adults $12, Seniors/Youth $10 and Children $8 (plus tax). Tickets available online or at the door.

Sundays December 6, 13 & 20
Shows at 1 & 3 pm
Museum tours: Noon, 2 and 4 pm

Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan

As the City works towards developing a Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, City staff are working to engage residents in the process through an online survey. If you wish to provide your thoughts and opinions on Toronto's parks and recreation facilities, and to learn more and submit your feedback, please click here.

Recycling & Collection Calendars

All residents, whether you live in a house or apartment/condo will receive a calendar in December. The calendars have important information about proper waste disposal and include a pull-out recycling guide.

If you want to downsize your Garbage bin, call 311 or go online at www.toronto.ca/311.

If you live in a house and have not received your calendar by mid-December, please contact 311. If you live in an apartment/condo and have not received your calendar by mid-December, please contact your Property Manager.

Holiday curbside collection changes affect Friday collection only: Friday, December 25 moves to Saturday, December 26; and Friday, January 1 moves to Saturday, January 2, 2016.

Annual Christmas Concert at City Hall

You are all invited to attend the annual Christmas Concert at City Hall, on December 24, 2015. The concert begins at 11:30 am and will conclude at 12:30pm. Please visit the official event page for further details.

'Tis the Season to be Green

The City of Toronto's Solid Waste Management Services Division is encouraging residents to "think green" this holiday season.

Toronto manages about 1 million tonnes of waste each year. In 2014, residents in single family homes diverted 66% of waste from landfill, and residents in apartments and condos diverted 26%. Together, Toronto diverted 53% of waste from landfill disposal.

The City is committed to continuing to improve waste diversion efforts and moving closer to the goal of achieving 70% waste diversion to preserve the long-term capacity of our Green Lane Landfill.  We encourage residents to think first about reducing the amount of waste we generate, then consider reuse or recycling before disposal.

"Create Memories, Not Garbage" this holiday season.

Here Comes the Snow!

As winter approaches, we wish to share some information related to snow clearing on roads and sidewalks. Expressways and main roads are salted as soon as the snow begins, and plowing begins as the snow accumulates.

Local road plowing begins when the snow stops and if the snow accumulation reaches eight centimeters. During this time, snow service requests will not be taken by 311 and residents are asked not to call 311 during the storm to ask when their street will be plowed. Residents should call 311 to report urgent winter-related calls only.

The City has identified a priority network of bike lanes and cycle tracks in the downtown core that will receive enhanced winter maintenance this winter, including snow plowing and salting to improve safety for cyclists.

Finally, the City will clear snow from sidewalks on roads with high pedestrian traffic and on routes where it is possible to do so after two centimeters of snow has fallen. Property owners are required to clear their sidewalks of snow 12 hours after a storm has taken place. I am advocating for much better service on midtown sidewalks to improve accessiblity.

To learn more about sidewalk snow clearing,please click here.

Help the Homeless this Holiday Season

The City of Toronto is advising residents who would like to help people in Toronto who are homeless and vulnerable this holiday season to consider the 2015 Holiday Wish List created with input from community agencies. The City surveyed agencies that run shelters, drop-ins and other services for homeless people, asking them what would bring cheer to their clients during the holidays.

The 2015 Holiday Wish List is now available here.

The most common items on this year's Wish List are winter clothing, toiletries and gift cards for groceries – items that may seem routine but that can make a big difference to a person or family in need. Many agencies are also looking for volunteer help with activities such as sorting donations, serving food and wrapping gifts.​

Winter Preparedness: Reducing Vulnerabilities through Social Safety Networks

The Specialized Program for Interdivisional Enhanced Response to Vulnerability Proof of Concept Program is working with City Divisions and Partnership Agencies to develop "The Open Dialogue on Vulnerability in Toronto" series. The series will increase awareness about situations impacting vulnerable Torontonians, the programs and services available, build networks across the service system and create opportunities for operation and systemic level innovation.

As the second anniversary of the 2013 Ice Storm approaches, let’s explore lessons learned and steps being taken to improve responses. This public session is geared to those who would like to learn more about emergency preparedness, including community engagement and the development of social safety networks to support Toronto’s most vulnerable.

WHEN: Friday December 18, 2015 (from 9am – 12:30pm)

COST: Free! Tickets are available here.

WHERE: North York Civic Centre, Council Chambers| 5100 Yonge Street

For more information, please contact Lavinia Corriero Yong-Ping at 416-397-9970 or [email protected].

LIVE Today: Toronto's New Safety Information System for Sexual Violence Alerts

The Safety Information System (SIS) is a new way for Toronto residents to get and share information about sexual violence including rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment. People who subscribe online will get: police-issued crime alerts and relevant news stories; prevention information to challenge violence individually and in your communities; information about safety-related events and projects; inspiring, creative messages and materials on reducing violence and building safer spaces; and an opportunity to submit your own creative anti-violence messages, art and useful information to send out through SIS

Messages will get to those who sign up through the channels they choose (e.g. text, voice, email, app, social media). This project is funded by the City of Toronto and supported by Toronto Police Services. More information about the project is available here.

Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program Resumes Accepting Requests

The Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program has resumed accepting Assessment Request forms.

The Toronto Renovates Homeowners Program offers federal/provincial funding for lower-income seniors and people with a disability who wish to make health and safety repairs or accessibility modifications to their homes.

Once a request form has been approved, a Toronto Renovates program officer will contact you to arrange an appointment. You can download the form or contact the Affordable Housing Office at 416-397-4169 to have one mailed to you. If you have any further questions about the program, please contact Chip Au, Manager, Housing Improvement Programs, 416-392-0587 or [email protected].

Note: Due to pent-up demand and limited funding this application process may be suspended again in the future.

Proposed Developments in Ward 22

To ensure that you are informed and engaged about development proposals that are being proposed for sites near your neighbourhood, I've created an interactive webpage with locations, staff reports and public meeting notices. Please click here to learn more about what you can do to help free Toronto from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).​