News & Updates

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.

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.

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).​

City of Toronto Museum at Old City Hall - One Step Closer

I am pleased to report that my colleagues supported our requests to reject recommendations to create a retail mall and move forward with a feasibility study for a City of Toronto Museum in Old City Hall, along with a public consultation process for the future of this iconic and historic buidling, at this week's Council meeting.

Old City Hall is one of the few sites in Toronto recognized by the Federal government as having historical value. Indeed, it was our city's seat of government from 1899 to 1966.

I believe Toronto has a shameful track record when it comes to preserving its heritage. Moreover, even when Toronto has been successful at protecting important buildings, the efforts have largely resulted in a literally hollow conservation practice known as façadism. Heritage preservation should extend deeper than a building's exterior. One need only look at the increasing number of churches being converted from places of congregation to private residences to see that Toronto is still losing its past, even if the physical shell of that building remains intact.

Since 2012, I have been actively working to establish a City of Toronto museum at Casa Loma's under-utilized North Campus. While I still think this location is feasible, there is no question that Old City Hall is a more desirable place for this purpose from a geographic, historical, and functional perspective.With the Province opting not to renew its lease for provincial courts, we have a rare opportunity to finally move forward with a City Museum in a building that merits showcasing Toronto's dynamic history.

We have an opportunity to do much more than perform "heritage taxidermy" at our Old City Hall.

Council Rejects Inappropriate Development at 1417, 1421-1425, 1427 & 1429 Yonge St.

Also at Council this week, my colleagues supported my efforts to refuse an inappropriate development application at Yonge & St. Clair.

Earlier this year, an application was submitted for a 42-storey mixed-use building at 1417-1429 Yonge St. just south of St. Clair. At a well-attended community meeting this past June, we heard from City Planning Staff that this proposed development is too tall and dense for the site, leaving very little room on the sidewalk and no additional public space, which is typical for a building of this size. As well, this condo would put added stress on the already overcrowded rear laneway. There is even concern that delivery vehicles, taxis, cars, and other vehicles accessing the proposed site could interfere with the St. Clair streetcar where it turns into the station.

As a result of these - and other - concerns, I was pleased that my colleagues supported my motion to move City Planning’s refusal report at Community Council and full Council.

Unfortunately, the applicant now has the option to appeal the decision at the Ontario Municipal Board.

While I strongly agree that the Yonge & St. Clair area is in need of revitalization, this specific development proposal is inappropriate from functional and aesthetic perspectives. We are hopeful that the applicant opts to revise their plans and submit a more appropriate proposal instead of fighting the City and our community at the OMB.

Province Provides Full Funding for New Davisville Public School

Last week, our local St. Paul’s MPP Dr. Eric Hoskins announced $14,742,268 in provincial funding for a new Davisville Junior Public School. The provincially-funded project will accommodate 728 elementary students and a new Full-Day Kindergarten class.

I want to thank Dr. Hoskins and Trustee Shelley Laskin for their hard work to support our community. This initiative means that the TDSB will no longer be required to sell land on the Davisville site to fund a new school. I look forward to joining both local representatives and Education Minister Liz Sandals to officially announce the project this coming Monday.

I will continue to work with Dr. Hoskins, Trustee Laskin, Davisville parents, and local residents on a plan to provide enhanced recreation and other facilities as part of a Midtown Community Hub on this site.

City Launches 2016 Budget Process

The Budget Committee met today to launch the 2016 budget process by considering the City's Solid Waste, Water, and Parking Divisions. It will then consider Toronto's operating and capital budgets.

This is the beginning of a months long process culminating in full Council considering the budget next year. As always, I will host a Ward 22 Community Town Hall on the subject to help ensure that I am reflecting your priorities. I will announce the details of this meeting in the coming weeks in an update to you.

For more information, please visit the City of Toronto's 2016 BUDGET PAGE

Update on Midtown Power Outages

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.

I do understand, and even appreciate the fact, that upgrading their infrastructure is important and necessary. However, 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 have met with several of their staff over the past few months, including speaking with their president this week. I am disappointed that they don't automatically provide residents with basic and relevant information about projects that might affect their lives (remember when their new poles arrived, often placed right in the middle of our sidewalks or what it was like during the ice storm 2 years ago?) - I am advocating to change the way they communicate so that we all recieve timely and relevant information.

My office was initially told that their work on upgrading hydro infrastructure in our midtown area would be completed by the end of September. Obviously Toronto Hydro has not met these timelines.

Please see below the information sent to my office today from Toronto Hydro. They have provided some rationale for these ongoing outages and have noted that they will not be able to provide updated timelines for the completion of this work until they receive further approval from the Ontario Energy Board.

I will be sure to provide this information to you, once it is relayed to me by Toronto Hydro.

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 today:

Toronto Hydro Improving Power Reliability in our Community

Like other infrastructure in our city, Toronto Hydro is facing challenges with aging equipment. Since 2007, they have invested $2.9 billion in asset renewal representing their largest investment in over 50 years. Reliability has steadily improved and their investments are working, but more is needed. Since 2013, Toronto Hydro has invested approximately $20 million in Ward 22 and continues to invest in projects to provide safe and reliable power in our community.

One of the major capital projects currently in progress involves replacing 1950s overhead box construction in the Davisville Village. The benefits of this multi-phase, $19 million project will be:

·         New equipment. Many of the parts and tools for the older equipment are no longer manufactured.

·         Increased capacity. Although the system currently has enough energy to supply our homes, Toronto Hydro is planning for the future needs of our rapidly growing city.

·         Robust design for major weather events.

·         Improved overhead design to prevent nuisance outages from tree and animal contacts.

Toronto Hydro has completed 3 of 6 phases. Once the Ontario Energy Board approves their 2015-2019 rates application, a timeline for the final phases of this project will be announced. Visit the Toronto Hydro PowerUp website for more information on capital projects in Ward 22. http://www.poweruptoronto.ca/projects/map

Why is my power going out?

Power interruptions have many causes. Approximately 60% of outages that residents have experienced are related to foreign interference and weather related issues which are difficult to control. These outages may be caused by animal contacts (such as squirrels and racoons) or tree contacts (especially during storms or periods of heavy winds). To mitigate these interferences Toronto Hydro is:

·         Installing animal guards as part of the overhead projects

·         Providing regular tree trimming, with plans to expand the maintenance program pending regulatory approval

The remaining 40% of the outages in the area are due to aging and defective equipment. Capital projects to help mitigate these outages include:

·         Overhead rebuilds and underground cable replacements

·         System designs to reduce the number of homes affected when an outage does occur

Toronto Hydro differentiates between two types of outages:

Sustained outage: last more than a minute and can be very disruptive. Fortunately they do not happen often, but Toronto Hydro dispatches a crew to manually restore power for you.

Momentary Outage: last less than a minute. These outages are annoying, but part of the system protecting itself and automatically restoring power. Most often these are caused by foreign interference.

Please note: Toronto Hydro endeavours to keep your power on during construction by switching between power sources. As part of this process, you may experience higher than normal momentary outages. Those residents who may be affected by planned sustained outages will be notified directly.

It's Official - Ward 22 Has a New Public Park at Manor Road and Forman Avenue!

I am absolutely delighted to announce that Ward 22 has officially acquired a new park space through a report that was approved at City Council back in May.

The sale/purchase agreement between the City and Manor Road United Church was finalized on Wednesday, Novemer 4.

Like many churches across our community, the Manor Road United Church at Forman Avenue and Manor Road has had to face the challenging reality of matching the size of their property with their current needs. After reviewing their options, the Church decided that it only needs half of the current property.

To avoid seeing this portion of the property sold for townhouses, I have worked with the Church to acquire the site, using development fees, for a new park. This new green space will occupy the eastern portion of the site, now occupied by the community hall. The church plans to use their funds to renovate their remaining structure to accommodate a variety of community services. I appreciate how civic-minded the church has been throughout this process.

In the new year, I plan to hold community meetings to gather feedback about how you would like to see our new park take shape.

St. Clair Reservoir Construction Schedule Update

City staff have provided the following update with regards to the St. Clair Reservoir rehabilitation project.  Here is a link to the City's Webpage with regards to this project – which is being updated throughout the construction process.

As a reminder regarding this project, The City of Toronto will be carrying out waterproofing and structure rehabilitation work to the St. Clair Reservoir at Sir Winston Churchill Park.  These necessary upgrades will help to ensure the structural integrity of the reservoir, extend its service life and bring the infrastructure to a state of good repair.

Work on the St. Clair Reservoir will begin in late Spring 2016 as follows:

Phase 1:  Spring 2016 to Spring 2017

·         West basin closed for construction

·         Dog park, 6 tennis courts and playground remain open

Phase 2:  Spring 2017 to Summer 2018

·         Entire park closed for construction

This schedule will allow for maximized public use of the park or portions thereof.  Pre-Construction and Construction Notices will be issued to the community well ahead of work starting to provide more detailed information about this planned work.

Age-Friendly Town Hall Meeting

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.

Now, I'm delighted to host an upcoming Age Friendly Town Hall along with the Toronto Council on Aging (TCA) to develop this important initiative further.

This town hall meeting will be a rallying point for seniors and issues of aging in Midtown Toronto, an information sharing event and a point of departure for TCA to talk about the Age Friendly Project and get community champions and volunteers on board to help with this important initiative.

I plan to hold this event at 7pm on Tuesday, November 24 in the sanctuary of Christ Church Deer Park (1570 Yonge Street). **Please note this location change since my previous e-newsletter**

I hope to see you there!

Safe and Accessible Crossing 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. Currently there is no safe crossing point that allows 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 have been approved by both Community Council and City Council. I am pleased to announce that both of these projects are now being completed.

Remembrance Day Ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Members of the public are invited to attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on November 11, to honour and remember those who have given their lives in all branches of the military while in the service of their country in times of war, conflict and peace. Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force from 16 Wing Borden will parade and lay poppy wreaths at the steps of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Mausoleum near the monument dedicated to the most decorated war hero in the history of Canada,  the British Empire and the Commonwealth of Nations, Lieutenant-Colonel/Wing Commander William Barker, VC, DSO, MC.

Please gather with residents and the students of Hodgson Senior PS at the front steps of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Mausoleum (bewteen the Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road entrances) at 10am. A moment of Silence will be observed at 11am.

Reminder: Annual Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive

Churches in Rosedale, Moore Park and Leaside are again sponsoring a Christmas Drive (the 44th 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 21 and donations are then picked up on the following Saturday, November 28. There are two locations. The first is Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church  (OLPH) on St. Clair Avenue East, one block west of Mount Pleasant Road. The other is St. Cuthbert’s  Church  on Bayview Avenue, south of Millwood Road near Humphreys Funeral Home  -  please note that this is a changed location from Leaside Presbyterian because of the LRT construction on Eglinton Avenue.

Times on both days are from 9:30am until around 1pm. Donations are sorted and packed at OLPH with same-day delivery to recipient food banks and agencies. Last year, around 15,000 items were collected and we hope to do even better this year as, unfortunately, the demand is still great. Upwards of 300 volunteers are required and community hours are available for high school students who require them for graduation or other reasons.

Also, 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 10/15,000 to the overall total

It is a fun event for both families and young persons and supports a worthwhile cause to benefit the less fortunate members of our community.

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

1920's Evening Costume Workshop at Spadina Museum

Looking for a creative and crafty evening out? Spadina Museum will be hosting a special evening tour followed by a hand on workshop to create a fascinator or cocktail hat for your upcoming holiday parties. This workshop will take place Friday, November 20, 7 to 10 p.m. To pre-register call 416-392-6910 or find more details here.

The Austins During the Great War at Spadina Museum

There will be a special program this weekend in honour of Remembrance Day to view The Great War from the lens of the Austin Family. Their story typifies Toronto's Great War experience by enduring the terrors, demands and sacrifices of modern war-fare. This unique Toronto History event will take place Saturday, November 7 & Sunday, November 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m

Toronto Ward Boundary Review Public Survey Ending Soon. Share your thoughts

In conjunction with the public consultation meetings over the past month, The Toronto Ward Boundary Review has a survey available to share your opinion about the 5 ward boundary options.  The survey will be wrapping up on November 15th so please click here to have your say!

City of Toronto working on a Tree Planting Strategy

The City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division, in consultation with Toronto Water, Transportation Services, City Planning and Economic Development and Culture, will develop a Tree Planting Strategy to inspire action to reach the City's target of 40 per cent tree canopy cover over the next 30 to 40 years. The development of the strategy will also involve consultation with residents, the public, internal and external stakeholders and community partners.

Toronto currently has 26.6 per to 28 per cent tree canopy cover, representing 10.2 million trees. About 40 per cent of these trees are on City lands, with the remaining 60 per cent on private lands. The City will work with community stakeholders to develop a planting strategy that focuses on increasing tree planting and stewardship on private lands.

The public is invited to provide input through an online survey here or by attending one of the upcoming public meetings:

• Monday, November 16, Scarborough Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 150 Borough Dr., 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 17, Etobicoke Civic Centre, Council Chamber, 399 The West Mall, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Monday, November 30, Toronto City Hall, Committee Room 2, 100 Queen St. W., 6:30 to 9 p.m.

More information about the Tree Planting Strategy is available here.

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).​

Manor Road Co-op Nursery School Fundraiser

Manor Road Co-op Nursery School is pleased to announce their first fundraiser of the 2015/2016 school year! Renowned children’s entertainer Kayla (www.kaylamusic.ca) will be playing a show and the school’s community will be making a pancake breakfast.

They will also have a 50/50 Draw and a fun photographer in attendance, so feel free to have the little ones dress in costume!

Please join me for some of these fun activities supporting a great community service at 9:30am on Saturday, October 24.

TO BE RESCHEDULED: Glen Edyth Park Improvements Meeting

Please note that the public meeting at 7pm on Wednesday, October 21 in the Toronto Archives to discuss playground improvements at Glen Edyth Park (mentioned in my previous communiy update) will need to be post-poned at this time.

I'll be sure to share the new date for this community consultation with you, once confirmed, and hope to see you there!

Manor Road United Church Town Hall Meeting

At 6:30pm-8:30pm on Wednesday, October 28, Manor Road United Church wants to share would like to share their Church renovation plans, which require site specific amendments to City of Toronto By-laws, with you.

I am delighted to attend this meeting to provide an update on our new public park that we're going to establish on land formerly owned by the Church. I hope to see you there!

Halloween Haunted House at Deer Park Library

The Deer Park Library would like you to join them for a Halloween fright with a walk through their room of spooky things!

This all-ages children's event will take place on Saturday October 31 from 2pm-4pm at Deer Park library (40 St. Clair Ave East), Room 204.

For more information on all upcoming class and program offerings at Deer Park Library, please click here.

Ward 22's Pumpkin Parade!

Please join me, my family, Apple Tree Markets, friends and neighbors, for a community gathering at Glebe Manor Square East (between Harwood and Forman on Belsize Drive) 6:30-8:30pm on November 1st.

This is a fun community event where kids come in costumes, parents often bring drinks and everyone brings their pumpkins for an encore performance from Halloween the night before. I've arranged for your pumpkins to be picked up by the City if you'd like to leave yours at the park!

Annual Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive

Churches in Rosedale, Moore Park and Leaside are again sponsoring a Christmas Drive (the 44th 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 21 and donations are then picked up on the following Saturday, November 28. There are two locations. The first is Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church  (OLPH) on St. Clair Avenue East, one block west of Mount Pleasant Road. The other is St. Cuthbert’s  Church  on Bayview Avenue, south of Millwood Road near Humphreys Funeral Home  -  please note that this is a changed location from Leaside Presbyterian because of the LRT construction on Eglinton Avenue.

Times on both days are from 9:30am until around 1pm. Donations are sorted and packed at OLPH with same-day delivery to recipient food banks and agencies. Last year, around 15,000 items were collected and we hope to do even better this year as, unfortunately, the demand is still great. Upwards of 300 volunteers are required and community hours are available for high school students who require them for graduation or other reasons.

Also, 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 10/15,000 to the overall total

It is a fun event for both families and young persons and supports a worthwhile cause to benefit the less fortunate members of our community.

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

SAVE THE DATE: Age-Friendly Town Hall

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.

Now, I'm delighted to host an upcoming Age Friendly Town Hall along with the Toronto Council on Aging (TCA) to develop this important initiative further.

This town hall meeting will be a rallying point for seniors and issues of aging in Midtown Toronto, an information sharing event and a point of departure for TCA to talk about the Age Friendly Project and get community champions and volunteers on board to help with this important initiative.

I plan to hold this event at 7pm on Tuesday, November 24 in the Multipurpose Room at North Toronto Memorial Community Centre (200 Eglinton Avenue West).

I hope to see you there!

SAVE THE DATE: Councillor Matlow's Free Toronto from the OMB Town Hall

The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) is a quasi-judicial, un-elected and un-accountable provincial body that has the final say on all planning decisions in the province of Ontario. The tribunal's powers to overrule decisions made by our elected municipal representatives are anti-democratic and often lead to planning decisions that support the interests of the development industry over those of our communities and our city's official plan.

As you are aware, our midtown neighbourhoods are facing an unprecedented number of development applications. While our community understands that a reasonable amount of intensification is appropriate, developers are proposing new condominiums that are too high and dense for the neighbourhood and, in many cases, appealing to the OMB at the first opportunity. The provincial government is mandating higher densities in areas such as Yonge & Eglinton but they are not taking into consideration the added stress on fully-enrolled schools, narrow streets and sidewalks and an already over-crowded subway system.

Please save the date – Tuesday, January 26 at 7pm - for a town hall meeting I plan to host, to further discuss, and take action, this important issue facing our community and city. I will share more details with you as soon as they become available.

In the meantime, you can learn more about my efforts to free Toronto from the OMB, and how you can help, here.

Taxis, Uber, etc. An evolving ground transportation industry

At city hall's Licencing and Standards Committee, of which I'm a member, there was a debate and vote this week regarding the approach the City of Toronto should take to regulating taxis, limos, Uber and their competitors. This is a subject that jurisdictions around the world are currently grappling with.