News & Updates

City Hall and Community Update for April 5, 2016

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.

Ontario Extending Funding to Paramedicine Programs for Seniors!

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 including the import and convenience of these programs to many seniors and how these programs can contribute to lessening demand on 911, hospital waiting rooms and emergency services.

Please read today's article about the Province's wonderful and helpful announcement. Thank you especially to Dr. Samir Sinha, Minister Mario Sergio and Minister Eric Hoskins for your advocacy and action.
New Solar Panel on Local EMS Station Will Reduce CO2 and Create Revenue

Shifting to renewable power is one important measure that cities can take to help cut CO2. As a School Trustee I helped to initiate the Green Grid program which uses solar panels to create clean energy and teach kids about environmental stewardship. As your City Councillor, I am proud to be involved in a similar program that uses City facilities to reduce our reliance on the traditional energy grid while creating additional revenue for the City.

 

In Ward 22, a new solar panel has just been installed on the roof of EMS Station 18 at 643 Eglinton Avenue West. The 10 kilowatt panel generates about 11,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 500 kilograms annually. This project will generate $80,000 in revenue for the City over its 20 year lifespan through the sale of electricity to the Province under a micro Feed-in Tariff contract.

 

Increasing the use of renewable energy is only one change that cities can make to reduce greenhouse gases. Expanding public transit, designing more compact, walkable neighbourhoods and planting more trees can also significantly reduce our environmental footprint while improving our quality of life and the economy.

 

To learn more about what local governments around the world are doing to improve the environment, please click here.

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

 

AppleTree Markets, a local Ward 22 non-profit organization, will once again be transforming June Rowlands Park into a temporary town square for the fifth year of their popular farmers’ market. I am delighted to support this community-building initiative at June Rowlands (Davsiville) Park. The market has been 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 10 and will operate weekly on Tuesdays between 3 and 7pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

Improving the Midtown Yonge Streetscape and Supporting Small Business

 

With the Yonge station set to open at the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton in 2020, it is imperative that the local BIA start developing a unified streetscape design as soon as possible.

 

That's why I moved a motion to provide the Midtown Yonge BIA with $47,500, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits, to design a Streetscape Masterplan that will start the process of adding new trees, street furniture and other enhancements in the coming years.

 

This plan will help improve the walkability and attractiveness of the street which will, in turn, help attract new businesses to the neighbourhood.

 

Please feel welcome to attend the upcoming open house, to review and provide feedback on the current proposal with PLANT ARCHITECT Inc, the BIA Board of Management and staff from the City's BIA Office.The meeting will be held from 5pm to 9pm on Tuesday, April 19 at Grano (2035 Yonge Street).

 

Lionel Conacher Park Splash Pad Public Meeting


Please join me on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 7pm to discuss an exciting, new children's splash pad for Lionel Conacher Park.

 

The meeting will take place in the Gymnasium at Cottingham Junior Public School (85 Birch Avenue) and will give you a chance to review the new splash pad design with myself and Parks, Forestry & Recreation staff. I hope to see you there!

St. Clair Avenue West Mural Project

 

The award-winning public arts organization STEPS, responsible for the World’s Tallest Mural at Sherbourne and Wellesley is teaming up with Slate Asset Management and celebrated international artist PHLEGM to create a 12-storey mural at 1 St. Clair Avenue West.

As part of STEPS' consultation process, they are conducting a survey to gather resident feedback to help inform the mural's design. To access the survey and learn more about this project, please click here.

Growing Up: Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities

City Planning has initiated a study entitled Growing Up: Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities.  The study seeks to examine how families with children and youth can be better accommodated in mid and high-rise neighbourhoods – the fastest growing building type in the city. The objective of the study is to ensure that families with kids, both present and future, are provided with the opportunity to grow up and thrive in higher density housing.

This study follows up on a number of City Planning initiatives to encourage family friendly developments including the deferred 2010 draft OPA to require 3 bedroom units in new developments, the Condominium Consultations and the Chief Planner's Roundtable on Planning Cities for Families. The study will address both the quantity and quality of new housing by exploring the needs of families at three scales (the unit, the building and the neighbourhood) and result in new Official Plan policies and a Handbook containing performance standards and guidelines.

The study website has been updated to include the study approach which explains the work being undertaken in each of the three phases.  An overview of the consultation approach which lists all of the consultation activities that will be undertaken throughout the course of the study is attached.  You may also be interested in reviewing demographic profiles of households with children in each of our seven study areas: the Downtown and Centres (Etobicoke, North York, Yonge Eglinton, and Scarborough Civic Centres) as identified on Map 2 Urban Structure as well as two additional areas – Humber Bay Shores and the Sheppard Corridor.

As part of the first phase of the study, we have launched an online survey to learn about the experiences of families raising children in mid and high-rise buildings.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, feel free to contact Ann-Marie Nasr, Manager, SIPA, [email protected] 416-392-3078.

24-Hour Client Care Centre Number for Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) Residents

 

Following a recent meeting I conducted with residents and staff from TCHC, it was brought to my attention that a very useful, yet under-utilized resource exists to assist tenants in accessing important requests. TCHC tenants can speak with a client care representative 24/7 for emergency and routine maintenance requests, questions about rent or leases, requests to transfer to a different unit, information about how to add or remove someone from a lease, or many other matters pertaining to your tenancy.

 

The system operates similarly to Toronto's 311 service, whereby each request is processed efficiently and assigned a unique reference number the caller can follow up on.

 

TCHC Client Care can be reached at 416-981-5500.

 

For information on a number of other important contact numbers for TCHC tenants, please click here.

Public Consultations on the Recommendations from the Mayor's Task Force on Toronto Community Housing

 

Toronto Community Housing tenants are invited to public meetings regarding the recommendations made in the final report of the Mayor’s Task Force on Toronto Community Housing. The meetings will be an opportunity for tenants to hear about the recommendations and share their views regarding how the City should move forward on the Task Force recommendations.

 

Please click here for a complete list of meeting dates and locations between April 11th to 25th.

The Probus Club Wants You!

 

THE PROBUS CLUB of TORONTO welcomes PROfessional BUSiness men and women who have retired from their jobs or businesses and want to maintain a social network with others who have similar interests. The club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12pm in the Holy Rosary Parish Hall, 356 St. Clair Ave. West.

 

For more information on joining the Probus Club of Toronto, please e-mail [email protected].

Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone or a community group who is making a difference in Toronto by reducing barriers to civic participation? Celebrate their accomplishments – nominate them for an award!

 

The City's Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards recognize significant efforts of Toronto residents who are working to build a city in which all residents are full and equal participants in the social, cultural, economic, recreational and political life of the city. Each year, the City celebrates the contributions made by nominated residents or groups at an awards ceremony held in December.

 

Deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, May 2, 2016.

 

Nominees must be residents of the City of Toronto. To nominate and for more information including past recipients, please click here.

City of Toronto Long-Term Waste Management Strategy - Next Steps

Solid Waste Management Services is undertaking the development of a Long Term Waste Management Strategy ("Waste Strategy") to guide decision making on how the City's waste will be managed over the next 30 to 50 years. The Draft Waste Strategy is now complete and was approved at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting on Tuesday March 1, 2016.


Councillor Information Sessions were held earlier this week to provide an update on how the public will be engaged on the Draft Waste Strategy from March 29, 2016 to April 27, 2016. Attached is the presentation that was delivered at those sessions.


This final phase of the Waste Strategy is pivotal. We are looking for your help to promote the March-April public consultation events and encourage residents to attend an event or take the online survey (survey available from March 29 – April 27, 2016 at www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy). The feedback received through March & April 2016 will help shape the final Waste Strategy that will be presented to Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in June 2016 and City Council in July 2016.


If you are interested in receiving future updates, you may sign up for the electronic mailing list by entering an email address at www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy. Anyone interested in following the project on Twitter may do so @GetInvolvedTO and join the conversation #TOwastestrategy.


For more information, please contact Charlotte Ueta, Acting Manager of Waste Management Planning at 416-392-8506 or [email protected].

Reminder to Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries


Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that this weekend's start of daylight savings time, when clocks are moved forward one hour, is also a convenient time to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.


Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm installed on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Working smoke alarms can increase your family’s chance of survival in a fire by providing early warning for escape. Every second counts.


As of April 2015, every home in Ontario with a fuel burning appliance or attached garage must have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas. Working carbon monoxide alarms alert you to the presence of this colourless, odourless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas.


Tips for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

  • When installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, read the manufacturer’s instructions on correct placement, testing and maintenance.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month using the test button.
  • Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.
  • Replace smoke alarms that have been in place for 10 years or longer. Replace carbon monoxide alarms that are seven years and older.
  • Avoid removing the battery in response to a sounding smoke alarm due to cooking or steam. Instead, move the smoke alarm to a better location or use the hush-button feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.
  • Consider installing combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with a 10-year lithium battery.


Homeowners are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties comply with the law. It is against the law for tenants to remove smoke or carbon monoxide alarm batteries or to tamper with the alarms in any way.


Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both.


More information is available here.

TransformTO Community Conversations


Toronto residents are invited to join a community conversation about climate change and how we can shap Toronto's future as a low-carbon city. The City will host 4 community conversations this spring to build a vision of what Toronto will look like in the year 2050 with drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Conversations:

  • April 25 - Metro Hall (55 John Street)
  • April 27 - Ken Cox Community Centre (28 Colonel Samueal Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke)
  • May 3 - Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive)
  • May 9 - North York City Centre, Memorial Hall (5110 Yonge Street)

All events run from 6pm-9pm.

The conversations are part of TransformTO: Climate Action for a Healthy, Equitable, Prosperous Toronto, a City initiative in collaboration with Toronto Atmospheric Fund.

To learn more and register for an event near you, please click here.

Updated Ward 22 Development Page

To ensure you are informed and engaged about development proposals being proposed for sites near your neighbourhood, I've created an interactive webpage.

My Proposed Developments webpage has recently been updated to reflect current development applications and, as always, contains locations, staff reports and public meeting notices. Additionally, the map now shows the boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre surrounding Yonge and Eglinton, as well as the designated Avenues (portions of Eglinton Avenue West, St. Clair Avenue West, Yonge Street, Mt. Pleasant Road and Bayview Avenue). These are all areas where the Province is directing growth. Clicking on any of them will provide links to more information about the ward's Avenues/Urban Growth Centre, as well as links to the City's Official Plan and local secondary plans.

Please click here to learn more about what you can do to help free Toronto from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

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.

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.

Ontario extending funding to Paramedicine Programs for Seniors!
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 including the import and convenience of these programs to many seniors and how these programs can contribute to lessening demand on 911, hospital waiting rooms and emergency services.
Please read today's article about the Province's wonderful and helpful announcement. Thank you especially to Dr. Samir Sinha, Minister Mario Sergio and Minister Eric Hoskins for your advocacy and action.
New Solar Panel on Local EMS Station Will Reduce CO2 and Create Revenue
Shifting to renewable power is one important measure that cities can take to help cut CO2. As a School Trustee I helped to initiate the Green Grid program which uses solar panels to create clean energy and teach kids about environmental stewardship. As your City Councillor, I am proud to be involved in a similar program that uses City facilities to reduce our reliance on the traditional energy grid while creating additional revenue for the City.

In Ward 22, a new solar panel has just been installed on the roof of EMS Station 18 at 643 Eglinton Avenue West. The 10 kilowatt panel generates about 11,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 500 kilograms annually. This project will generate $80,000 in revenue for the City over its 20 year lifespan through the sale of electricity to the Province under a micro Feed-in Tariff contract.

Increasing the use of renewable energy is only one change that cities can make to reduce greenhouse gases. Expanding public transit, designing more compact, walkable neighbourhoods and planting more trees can also significantly reduce our environmental footprint while improving our quality of life and the economy.

To learn more about what local governments around the world are doing to improve the environment, please click here.

Ward 22's Davisville Village Farmers’ Market opens for another season!


AppleTree Markets, a local Ward 22 non-profit organization, will once again be transforming June Rowlands Park into a temporary town square for the fifth year of their popular farmers’ market. I am delighted to support this community-building initiative at June Rowlands (Davsiville) Park. The market has been 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 10 and will operate weekly on Tuesdays between 3 and 7pm. I look forward to seeing you there!

Improving the Midtown Yonge Streetscape and Supporting Small Business

 

With the Yonge station set to open at the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton in 2020, it is imperative that the local BIA start developing a unified streetscape design as soon as possible.

 

That's why I moved a motion to provide the Midtown Yonge BIA with $47,500, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits, to design a Streetscape Masterplan that will start the process of adding new trees, street furniture and other enhancements in the coming years.

 

This plan will help improve the walkability and attractiveness of the street which will, in turn, help attract new businesses to the neighbourhood.

 

Please feel welcome to attend the upcoming open house, to review and provide feedback on the current proposal with PLANT ARCHITECT Inc, the BIA Board of Management and staff from the City's BIA Office.The meeting will be held from 5pm to 9pm on Tuesday, April 19 at Grano (2035 Yonge Street).

 

Lionel Conacher Park Splash Pad Public Meeting

Please join me on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 7pm to discuss an exciting, new children's splash pad for Lionel Conacher Park.

 

The meeting will take place in the Gymnasium at Cottingham Junior Public School (85 Birch Avenue) and will give you a chance to review the new splash pad design with myself and Parks, Forestry & Recreation staff. I hope to see you there!

St. Clair Avenue West Mural Project

The award-winning public arts organization STEPS, responsible for the World’s Tallest Mural at Sherbourne and Wellesley is teaming up with Slate Asset Management and celebrated international artist PHLEGM to create a 12-storey mural at 1 St. Clair Avenue West.

As part of STEPS' consultation process, they are conducting a survey to gather resident feedback to help inform the mural's design. To access the survey and learn more about this project, please click here.

Growing Up: Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities
City Planning has initiated a study entitled Growing Up: Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities.  The study seeks to examine how families with children and youth can be better accommodated in mid and high-rise neighbourhoods – the fastest growing building type in the city. The objective of the study is to ensure that families with kids, both present and future, are provided with the opportunity to grow up and thrive in higher density housing.

This study follows up on a number of City Planning initiatives to encourage family friendly developments including the deferred 2010 draft OPA to require 3 bedroom units in new developments, the Condominium Consultations and the Chief Planner's Roundtable on Planning Cities for Families. The study will address both the quantity and quality of new housing by exploring the needs of families at three scales (the unit, the building and the neighbourhood) and result in new Official Plan policies and a Handbook containing performance standards and guidelines.

The study website has been updated to include the study approach which explains the work being undertaken in each of the three phases.  An overview of the consultation approach which lists all of the consultation activities that will be undertaken throughout the course of the study is attached.  You may also be interested in reviewing demographic profiles of households with children in each of our seven study areas: the Downtown and Centres (Etobicoke, North York, Yonge Eglinton, and Scarborough Civic Centres) as identified on Map 2 Urban Structure as well as two additional areas – Humber Bay Shores and the Sheppard Corridor.

As part of the first phase of the study, we have launched an online survey to learn about the experiences of families raising children in mid and high-rise buildings.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, feel free to contact Ann-Marie Nasr, Manager, SIPA, [email protected] 416-392-3078.

24-Hour Client Care Centre Number for Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) Residents

Following a recent meeting I conducted with residents and staff from TCHC, it was brought to my attention that a very useful, yet under-utilized resource exists to assist tenants in accessing important requests. TCHC tenants can speak with a client care representative 24/7 for emergency and routine maintenance requests, questions about rent or leases, requests to transfer to a different unit, information about how to add or remove someone from a lease, or many other matters pertaining to your tenancy.

The system operates similarly to Toronto's 311 service, whereby each request is processed efficiently and assigned a unique reference number the caller can follow up on.

TCHC Client Care can be reached at 416-981-5500.

For information on a number of other important contact numbers for TCHC tenants, please click here.

Public consultations on the recommendations from the Mayor's Task Force on Toronto Community Housing

Toronto Community Housing tenants are invited to public meetings regarding the recommendations made in the final report of the Mayor’s Task Force on Toronto Community Housing. The meetings will be an opportunity for tenants to hear about the recommendations and share their views regarding how the City should move forward on the Task Force recommendations.

Please click here for a complete list of meeting dates and locations between April 11th to 25th.

The Probus Club Wants You!


THE PROBUS CLUB of TORONTO welcomes PROfessional BUSiness men and women who have retired from their jobs or businesses and want to maintain a social network with others who have similar interests. The club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12pm in the Holy Rosary Parish Hall, 356 St. Clair Ave. West.

 

For more information on joining the Probus Club of Toronto, please e-mail [email protected].

Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards Nominations Now Open
Do you know someone or a community group who is making a difference in Toronto by reducing barriers to civic participation? Celebrate their accomplishments – nominate them for an award!

The City's Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards recognize significant efforts of Toronto residents who are working to build a city in which all residents are full and equal participants in the social, cultural, economic, recreational and political life of the city. Each year, the City celebrates the contributions made by nominated residents or groups at an awards ceremony held in December.

Deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, May 2, 2016.

Nominees must be residents of the City of Toronto. To nominate and for more information including past recipients, please click here.

City of Toronto Long-Term Waste Management Strategy - Next Steps
Solid Waste Management Services is undertaking the development of a Long Term Waste Management Strategy ("Waste Strategy") to guide decision making on how the City's waste will be managed over the next 30 to 50 years. The Draft Waste Strategy is now complete and was approved at the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting on Tuesday March 1, 2016.

Councillor Information Sessions were held earlier this week to provide an update on how the public will be engaged on the Draft Waste Strategy from March 29, 2016 to April 27, 2016. Attached is the presentation that was delivered at those sessions.

This final phase of the Waste Strategy is pivotal. We are looking for your help to promote the March-April public consultation events and encourage residents to attend an event or take the online survey (survey available from March 29 – April 27, 2016 at www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy). The feedback received through March & April 2016 will help shape the final Waste Strategy that will be presented to Public Works and Infrastructure Committee in June 2016 and City Council in July 2016.

If you are interested in receiving future updates, you may sign up for the electronic mailing list by entering an email address at www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy. Anyone interested in following the project on Twitter may do so @GetInvolvedTO and join the conversation #TOwastestrategy.

For more information, please contact Charlotte Ueta, Acting Manager of Waste Management Planning at 416-392-8506 or [email protected].

Reminder to Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries

Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that this weekend's start of daylight savings time, when clocks are moved forward one hour, is also a convenient time to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm installed on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Working smoke alarms can increase your family’s chance of survival in a fire by providing early warning for escape. Every second counts.

As of April 2015, every home in Ontario with a fuel burning appliance or attached garage must have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas. Working carbon monoxide alarms alert you to the presence of this colourless, odourless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas.

Tips for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

  • When installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, read the manufacturer’s instructions on correct placement, testing and maintenance.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month using the test button.
  • Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.
  • Replace smoke alarms that have been in place for 10 years or longer. Replace carbon monoxide alarms that are seven years and older.
  • Avoid removing the battery in response to a sounding smoke alarm due to cooking or steam. Instead, move the smoke alarm to a better location or use the hush-button feature that will temporarily silence the alarm.
  • Consider installing combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with a 10-year lithium battery.

Homeowners are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties comply with the law. It is against the law for tenants to remove smoke or carbon monoxide alarm batteries or to tamper with the alarms in any way.

Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both.

More information is available here.

TransformTO Community Conversations

Toronto residents are invited to join a community conversation about climate change and how we can shap Toronto's future as a low-carbon city. The City will host 4 community conversations this spring to build a vision of what Toronto will look like in the year 2050 with drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Conversations:

  • April 25 - Metro Hall (55 John Street)
  • April 27 - Ken Cox Community Centre (28 Colonel Samueal Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke)
  • May 3 - Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive)
  • May 9 - North York City Centre, Memorial Hall (5110 Yonge Street)

All events run from 6pm-9pm,

The concversations are part of TransformTO: CLimate Action for a Healthy, Equitable, Prosperous Toronto, a City initiative in collaboration with Toronto Atmospheric Fund.

To learn more and register for an event near you, please click here.

Updated Ward 22 Development Page
To ensure you are informed and engaged about development proposals being proposed for sites near your neighbourhood, I've created an interactive webpage.
My Proposed Developments webpage has recently been updated to reflect current development applications and, as always, contains locations, staff reports and public meeting notices. Additionally, the map now shows the boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre surrounding Yonge and Eglinton, as well as the designated Avenues (portions of Eglinton Avenue West, St. Clair Avenue West, Yonge Street, Mt. Pleasant Road and Bayview Avenue). These are all areas where the Province is directing growth. Clicking on any of them will provide links to more information about the ward's Avenues/Urban Growth Centre, as well as links to the City's Official Plan and local secondary plans.
Please click here to learn more about what you can do to help free Toronto from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

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.

City Hall and Community Update for March 8, 2016

City Hall and Community Update for March 8, 2016

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.

 

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 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 the 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.

Proposed Noise By-Law Changes Postponed Indefinitely

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.

City and Unions Moving Toward New Collective Agreements Without Labour Disruption

At a Special Meeting of Council last week, a new collective agreement was approved for  Toronto Civic Employees' Union Local 416 (CUPE), which represents 4,200 outside workers and paramedics.

The agreement approved at last week's Special Council meeting is a four-year contract (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019) within the bargaining mandate set by the City's Employee and Labour Relations Committee.

I am also happy to report that the City and CUPE Local 79, which represents the City's 21,000 inside workers, have reached a tentative agreement on their new contract. The union membership will vote on the agreement later this week. The latest information is available here.
Metrolinx Holding Joint Public Consultations on Future Transit Initiatives

Metrolinx is combining consultations in order to make it easier for residents and stakeholders to learn more about a number of projects that will enable transit expansion.
Projects to be discussed at these sessions include:
  • 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.
Metrolinx will also be engaging with the public through an online engagement process: http://www.Metrolinxengage.com. This service will allow the public to view the presentations and provide their feedback.

I support the transit agency’s decision to hold public consultations on several projects at the same time so that you can assess them from a network perspective, instead of viewing them in isolation of one another. To build a truly seamless transit network, Metrolinx and City Planning need to work together on the Relief Line, SmartTrack, Waterfront LRT, Eglinton Crosstown to Pearson airport, Jane LRT, the Finch and Sheppard LRTs, and improving the Scarborough transit plan. The remaining public consultations are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
  • Burlington: March 8th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Robert Bateman High School (5151 New St., Burlington)
  • Mimico: March 9th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Lakeshore Collegiate Institute (350 Kipling Ave., Etobicoke)
  • Durham Junction: March 10th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Glengrove Public School (1934 Glengrove Rd., Pickering)
  • Don Yard/Toronto: March 22nd, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Nelson Mandela Park Public School (440 Shuter St., Toronto)
Yonge-Eglinton Planning Review Moving Forward

Building on the success of Midtown in Focus, the new public space Master Plan for Midtown, the I've supported our City Planning Division to lead an inter-divisional review of growth, built form and infrastructure issues in the Yonge-Eglinton area. This study will inform the development of up-to-date policy that will guide growth in the area and, in combination with necessary capital upgrades identified through the review, support the vitality and quality of Midtown Toronto. I frankly wish this had been done decades ago, but it is critical to support our quality of life in a growing community.

Last Wednesday, City Planning gave an update on their progress to the Midtown Planning Group.  For your review, the presentations and handouts from Wednesday are now online at the links below:


I look forward to hosting public consultations on this issue with City Planning later this spring. Meeting details will be provided as soon as they become available.

I would also like to recognize the outstanding work of our local Residents' Associations, Business Improvement Associations, not-for-profit organizations, tenants associations, condo boards, recreation groups, and others, throughout this process. Dedicated volunteers have attended meetings, consultations, and workshops to advocate on our community’s behalf. I am proud to work closely with them.

City of Toronto Launches Online Tool for Viewing Water Use


The City of Toronto has launched MyWaterToronto, an online tool that enables customers to view their water use information from their computer or mobile device. Customers can access the tool at http://www.toronto.ca/mywatertoronto.


To log on, customers can visit http://toronto.ca/mywatertoronto and enter their utility account information. Customers can then view their total and average water use by day, week, month or year in graph or chart format. The tool also provides the opportunity to enter additional details such as temperature and precipitation to help customers better understand why they may have used more or less water during a particular time period. Automated water meters send water consumption data directly to the City several times a day.


MyWaterToronto has been loaded with more than one billion water meter readings, which enables customers to view their water use data from January 1, 2015, up to the day before they log on.

Free Income Tax Clinic


Central Eglinton Community Centre (160 Eglinton Ave. East) offers a FREE Income Tax Clinic from March 1 to April 22.


CECC's trained volunteers would like to help you with your income tax return. They are booking appointments at this time. Please phone 416-392-0511 Ext 0 to book your appointment. Appointments are available days, evenings and Saturdays. To access the clinic, you must have an appointment (no walk-ins).


Tax returns will be e-filed or prepared on paper. Certain income guidelines and other restrictions apply (only 2015 tax returns will be processed; no business or self-employed returns, no bankruptcy/post-bankruptcy returns, no death returns, no returns involving capital gains or rental property).


For more information, please phone Nancy at 416-392-0511 Ext 225 or send an email to [email protected].

Imagine Eglinton Art Challenge


To promote the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project and engage different walks of life along Eglinton Avenue, Metrolinx is holding a drawing competition for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years. Children are encouraged to envision and draw how Eglinton will look, once the Crosstown Light Rail Train is up and running.


Entries can be dropped off at the Crosstown Community Offices or at the following TPL branches: Mount Dennis Library, Evelyn Gregory Library, Maria Shchuka Library, Forest Hill Library, Northern District Library, and Leaside Library.


The submission deadline is March 31. The winning entries will feature on the construction fences at various Crosstown LRT construction sites along Eglinton.


Please visit www.thecrosstown.ca\drawing for full details of the competition.

City of Toronto Offers Many Free and Affordable Activities During March Break


During March Break, March 14 to 18, the City of Toronto will offer free and low-cost activities at its community centres, parks and historic sites. Highlights of Parks, Forestry and Recreation division activities and attractions follow, in addition to information about Toronto's historic sites/museums.

Camps
March Break camps are a great opportunity for children and youth to enjoy a range of activities. Participants enjoy activities such as arts, crafts, music, drama, sports and games. More camp details are available here or by calling 311.

Drop-in programs
City of Toronto community centres offer various free or low-cost programs for all ages. More information is available here or by calling 311.

Skiing and snowboarding
The City's Centennial Park and Earl Bales ski and snowboard centres will be open, weather permitting, for March Break on the following schedule:
Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre
March 14 to 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre
March 14 to 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
March 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both centres will close for the season on March 21.

The use of helmets is mandatory when participating in programs and lessons at both centres and the use of a recognized ski or snowboard helmet is strongly recommended for all other participants while on the slopes. More information is available here.

Skating
Thirty-seven outdoor artificial ice rinks are open until the end of the day on March 20, weather permitting. Locations, hours and program details are available here.

Indoor leisure skating programs, including caregiver and tot, family skate and shinny, are free for all ages. CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under six years of age and all shinny hockey participants, and are recommended for skaters of all ages. Schedules and locations are available here.

Swimming
City of Toronto pools offer free March Break swimming opportunities. More information is available here.

Attractions
Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
Visitors can tour Riverdale Farm's scenic grounds to see domestic farm animals such as pigs, horses and sheep. The farm's Meeting House will offer crafts and games and farming demonstrations will be provided throughout the day. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is accessible to all. Admission is free. More information is available here.

High Park Zoo (on Deer Pen Road)
Established 120 years ago, the High Park Zoo is home to domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle and yaks. Admission to the zoo is free and it's open daily from dawn to dusk. More information is available here.

Toronto Island Park
Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, Toronto Island Park offers March Break fun for everyone. It's a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy the city skyline. A list of ferry fees and the schedule are available here.

Playground Paradise (Flemingdon Park Community Centre, 150 Grenoble Dr.)
Playground Paradise offers fun for children aged 12 and under. Kids can play on a two-storey play structure, go down the spiral slide, swing on the track ride, and play in the ball pit. A fee of $2.50 per child applies. More information is available by calling 416-395-6014. Schedule during March break:

• March 14, 16 and 18 from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• March 15 and 17 from 10 a.m. to noon

Conservatories
The spring flower shows are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory, 151 Elmcrest Rd. and Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave. Both shows feature various spring flowering plants, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The Easter displays, featuring lilies and hydrangeas, will open at both conservatories on March 20.

The conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is free. More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288.

Historic Sites
Many of the City's 10 historic sites are open during March Break for tours. The sites highlighted below will also offer drop-in family activities including crafts, games and tasty treats from historic kitchens. Regular admission fees apply. Times and activity details vary by location. More information about drop-in activities is available here.

Museum drop-in activity times by location:
Colborne Lodge (Colborne Lodge Dr. in High Park)
March 12 to 20 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.)
March 14 to 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gibson House Museum (5172 Yonge Street)
March 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 16 to 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.)

March 12 to 20 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.)
Weekends only from 12 to 4 p.m.

Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd.)
March 12 to 20 from 12 to 5 p.m.

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd.)
March 12 to 20 from 12 to 4 p.m.

Four of the historic sites are also offering day camps. Please click here for more information on those camps.

Registration for City of Toronto Spring/Summer Recreation Programs Opens this Weekend


The City of Toronto offers a variety of recreation programs for all ages, skill levels and interests. Registration for spring and some summer recreation programs, including summer camps, begins this weekend.


Registration starts in Toronto and East York: Wednesday, March 9 at 7am


I've heard from many of you that registering for these programs can be a very frustrating experince, with the website often down and no one available to recieve your call if you phone. I personally have brought this to the attentuion of City Staff and have asked for immediate improvements. I know that Mayor Tory has too. I am hopeful that we will see changes to this process soon.


How to register:

Step 1: Get family and client numbers

To sign up for recreation programs, Toronto residents need a family number and client number for each member of the family. Before registration day, call 416-338-4386 or speak with staff at a City community centre to get these numbers. Alternatively, download a New Family Account application form here and email it to the City at [email protected].

Step 2: Choose programs

To find out about and choose programs, visit http:www.toronto.ca/torontofun or look for the Spring/Summer FUN Guide available at City Hall, civic centres, community centres and libraries. Residents are encouraged to have a few program choices for each person in case the preferred program is full.

Step 3: Register
Registration starts at 7 a.m. Many programs fill up quickly. Registering online is the quickest and easiest way to sign up for programs. Be sure to have all information and payment options ready.


There are four ways to register:


Online: Register online at http://efun.toronto.ca. By phone: Touch Tone Registration (TTR) is available at 416-338-0000. Operator assisted phone call: Call 416-338-4386 to register through a customer service representative. In person: Register in person at select locations. For a list of these locations, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/registration, call 311 or speak to staff at a City community centre.


Parks, Forestry and Recreation programs are popular and many have waiting lists. If it turns out that you are unable to attend the program you registered for, contact your local community centre or call 416-338-4386 so the spot can be offered to someone else.


The City of Toronto offers a yearly credit called the Welcome Policy for residents with low incomes that can be used to register for City recreation programs. Anyone receivingsocial assistance (Ontario Works) and living in Toronto is pre-approved to receive this credit – talk to your caseworker. More information about the yearly credit is available at http://www.toronto.ca/wp.


Many community centres offer free recreation programs, including leisure swimming, skating, drop-in programs and more for children, youth and older adults. Older adults (60 years and older) who register for adult programs will receive a 50 per cent discount. More information about free and low-cost program options is available here.

Clean Toronto Together 2016 - Registration Opens Today


Online registration for the City of Toronto's Annual Spring Clean Up opens today (Tuesday, March 8). Visit the Clean Toronto Together campaign website to register your Community, Corporate, or School clean-up events.

 

This is an opportunity to get together with friends, family, coworkers and classmates to clean a park, laneway or any other space that needs your help. Corporate & School 20-Minute Makeover will take place at 2pm on Friday, April 22. Community Clean-up Days can be planned for Saturday, April 23 or Sunday, April 24. Please visit livegreentoronto.ca or call 311 for more information on how to get involved.


If you're planning a local Ward 22 neighbourhood or school clean-up and would like support from my office, please email me at [email protected]. Also, let me know if you would like me to personally come by and help!

Toronto Seniors Forum is Recruiting New Members - Get Involved!


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.

City of Toronto Public Focus Group Session for Seniors


​The City of Toronto is developing a 20-year master plan on Parks and Recreation facilities, and will be holding a seniors-specific focus group to gather feedback on Thursday, March 24 from 10am to 12pm at the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre (200 Eglinton Avenue West). I hope to see you there!

Volunteer Toronto Hosts Upcoming Seniors Volunteer Fair


Volunteer Toronto is our city's #1 place for volunteers and those who need them. As Canada’s largest volunteer centre, Volunteer Toronto aims to build a caring and committed community of people who give their time toward building a healthy Toronto.


One way this can be done is by better supporting seniors who are looking for volunteer opportunities. Therefore, Volunteer Toronto is organizing a Seniors Volunteer Fair where that seniors can meet face-to-face with organizations that need them! The particular focus of this event will be connecting seniors and organizations that exist in North York. They will have 25 non-profits present and are aiming for 300 attendees.


The Seniors Volunteer Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 23 from 1pm to 4pm at North York Memorial Community Hall, Burgundy Room (5110 Yonge Street).


For more information on this event, please click here.

Alzeimer's Society of Toronto


If you have dementia, or care for someone with dementia, the Alzeimer's Society of Toronto is here to support you. The Alzheimer's Society of Toronto offers free counselling, workshops, and engaging programs to promote living well with dementia. Find them online or call 416-640-6317.


The Alzeimer's Society of Toronto would like to invite you to their upcoming event, Research Night with Dr. Barry Greenberg, about Current Alzheimer’s Disease Research on March 21. For full event details, please click here.

Updated Ward 22 Development Page

To ensure you are informed and engaged about development plans being proposed for sites near your neighbourhood, I've created an interactive webpage.

This webpage has recently been updated to reflect current development applications and, as always, contains locations, staff reports and public meeting notices. Additionally, the map now shows the boundaries of the Urban Growth Centre surrounding Yonge and Eglinton, as well as the designated Avenues (portions of Eglinton Avenue West, St. Clair Avenue West, Yonge Street, Mt. Pleasant Road and Bayview Avenue). These are all areas where the Province is directing growth. Clicking on any of them will provide links to more information about the ward's Avenues/Urban Growth Centre, as well as links to the City's Official Plan and local secondary plans.

Please click here to learn more about what you can do to help free Toronto from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

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.

City Hall and Community Update for February 5, 2016

City Hall and Community Update for February 5, 2016

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.

City Hall and Community Update for January 5, 2016

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.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

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.

City Hall and Community Update for December 11, 2015

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


On Saturday, December 12 at 9:30-11am, Manor Road United Church will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast ($5 per person). This fun and festive morning will also include  a visit with Santa, carolling, kids' crafts, and a bake sale. All proceeds from the event will go to Teresa Group Holiday Gift Program.

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).​

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.

City Hall and Community Update for November 6, 2015

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).​

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.


Upcoming Community Meetings and Events!

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.

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.


City Hall and Community Update for October 9, 2015

Dear Resident,


With our kids going back to school and workplaces back at full speed (perhaps except for when the Blue Jays are playing), the month after Labour Day can be a very busy time. The last few weeks at City Hall have been no different, where Council has debated important issues, including voting reform, support for Syrian Refugees, combatting traffic and gridlock, transit and the future of Old City Hall.

City Hall and Community Update for September 17, 2015

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.

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