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Updates on High Park Movement Strategy & Parkdale Hub

Friends,

I am happy to share that the High Park Movement Strategy (HPMS) final report has been approved by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee (IEC). As I have shared in previous emails, I have advocated as part of this process to set the path for a car-free High Park and to keep the vehicle restrictions in place on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday weekdays. Based on a motion I prepared for IEC, we were successful in achieving these changes.

Here is a link to the full report that was considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. You can also see my comments at the committee meeting here: https://youtu.be/-t9ROOeZO6w

The report will be considered at the May 10-12 City Council meeting. Once the agenda for the City Council meeting goes live on May 5, you can share your feedback on the strategy with members of City Council by emailing [email protected].

Following approval by City Council, staff will begin to implement changes proposed in the High Park Movement Strategy. The first phase of implementation will involve restricting vehicle access on West Rd and a portion of Colborne Lodge Drive to allow for designated spaces that are for pedestrians or cyclists only. Vehicles will be able to drive into the park using the Parkside Dr entrance and exit onto Bloor St. The park will also continue to restrict vehicle access on weekends and holiday Mondays.

Thank you to the thousands of residents who took the time to share feedback and inform the development of this strategy. As a result, we are taking important steps to make High Park safer for all visitors.

 

Sincerely,

Gord

In this week's newsletter:

  • Update on the Parkdale Hub Project
  • Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
  • Notice: 2453-2569 Bloor Street West Pre-Application Community Meeting
  • Reminder: Virtual Community Meeting for 1660 Bloor St West - May 2
  • Free Leaf Compost on April 29, May 4 and May 6
  • Junction Farmers Market Board are now accepting applications

 

Update on the Parkdale Hub Project

Today, at the Planning and Housing Committee, two motions relating to Parkdale Hub were approved.

First, as part of the Heritage Impact Assessment, staff report recommended that Council state its intent to designate the property at 1313 Queen Street West under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in accordance with the Statement of Significance. If there are no objections to the designation, staff further recommends that City Council authorize the City Solicitor to introduce the Bill in Council designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. This item was adopted by the Committee.

Second, as part of the Housing Now Program Update 2023, the staff report includes recommendations to bring the Parkdale Hub into the Housing Now Initiative. It also includes a financial impact section reflecting the impact on forgone municipal taxes and value of incentives related to the affordable housing component.  This item was also adopted by the Committee.

These items will be at City Council next.

Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program

Contact Program Coordinator Kevin Pook at 416-531-8447 or [email protected] for services including garden and yard work, snow removal, light housekeeping and odd light jobs.

2453-2569 Bloor Street West Pre-Application Community Meeting

A plan has been proposed to redevelop 2453–2469 Bloor Street West into a 12-storey mass timber mixed-use building with retail on the ground floor.

A meeting will be held on May 8th from 6:30pm-8:00pm to allow you to view the proposal and share your thoughts, consisting of a short presentation of the development followed by a Q&A session.

Councillor Perks and City Planning staff will also be in attendance to help answer any questions that may arise.

You can register for the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pmCf34nNQeiYr4XIQ0kQGw#/registration.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Virtual Community Meeting to review Site Plan and Construction Management Plan for 1660 Bloor St West (N/W corner of Bloor and Indian Road)

A Virtual Community Meeting to review the Site and Construction Management Plan of 1660 Bloor St West (N/W corner of Bloor and Indian Road) is scheduled for May 2nd.

A 13-storey mixed-use building with 174 units, and retail space fronting onto Bloor St was approved by the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB), decision dated October 4, 2022.  The application was originally denied by the Committee of Adjustment in March, 2022and appealed to TLAB.

The Site Plan and Construction Management Plan are near completion.

Councillor Perks is hosting a Virtual Community Meeting to review the Site Plan and Construction Management Plan. It will be an opportunity to review the Site Plan and Construction Management Plan, ask questions and share comments and concerns.

Virtual Community Meeting

Tuesday, May 2nd, 6-7:30PM

Link to register for Virtual Meeting is available here: https://toronto.webex.com/weblink/register/r967f3223215dffaa157b7833f2462159 . 

City Planning staff and the applicant will be in attendance.

More information on the 1660 Bloor St Development is available at: http://app.toronto.ca/AIC/index.do?folderRsn=3xoTFemCimfZjdyPZpkWqA%3D%3D

Search 1660 Bloor St W 1 of 1, 2 of 2 and 3 of 3.

First Community Compost Day on April 29

Come by and pick up free leaf compost at one of our Community Compost Days:

Saturday, April 29th at 10:00am (while supplies last) at the corner of Doran Ave. and Althea Rd.

Thursday, May 4th at 2:00pm (while supplies last) at Masaryk Cowan Community Centre, 220 Cowan Ave.

Saturday, May 6th at 10:00am (while supplies last) at the corner of Wabash Ave. and Macdonell Ave.

Please bring your own shovels and containers

Volunteer with Junction Farmers Market

 The Junction Farmers Market (opening May 20) currently has several vacancies on its volunteer board of directors. 

If you have a passion for local food, farming and food security and want to contribute to the Junction community, please find more information and complete the application form - JFM Board Member Application (google.com)

Thank you! Let's grow together! 

A backgrounder is available here. 

Latest posts

Pride Celebrations Kick Off at City Hall

Friends,

The City officially kicked off its Pride Month celebrations this week with a Pride Flag raising ceremony at City Hall. I was delighted to join City staff and residents at the festivities and am indeed proud that Toronto is a city where we celebrate Pride Month together.

Pride Month is about honouring the history, courage, and diversity of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities, while affirming our commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of 2SLGBTQ+ Torontonians every day of the year. More information about Pride Month programming and events across the city is available on the City’s website.

I also wanted to share a reminder that as the weather gets warmer and we spend more time outdoors, it is important that we look out for one another about staying safe during extreme heat.

Toronto is experiencing more frequent heat events and extended heat waves outside of seasonal norms. Vulnerable populations such as infants and young children, older adults, those with certain health conditions, people who work outdoors and people experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

I encourage you to review the City’s Keep Cool website which has information on preventing heat-related illnesses, including the City’s Heat Relief Network and more than 500 Cool Spaces across Toronto where people can seek relief from the heat.

Wishing you a happy Pride Month and a joyful event and festive season ahead.

 

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study Community Consultation 
  • Bylaw Updates for Adequate Indoor Temperature in Rental Units

Ward 4

  • 3286-3316 Dundas St W Development Application Submitted
  • Roncy Remarket this Saturday
  • The Junction Farmers Market has returned
  • West Toronto Junction Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study Community Consultation

Transportation Updates

  • Stop Sign at Springhurst Ave and Close Ave
  • West Parkdale Cycling Connection Update
  • Contact us for a 'Slow Down' sign

Victoria Day Long Weekend

Friends,

I am wishing you and your loved ones a happy long weekend, and invite you to take advantage of the wide range of family-friendly activities offered by the City.

Of note, on Saturday, May 17, more than 140 splash and spray pads in City parks will open for the season, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Sunday, September 14. Splash pad locations are available on the City’s Swimming and Water Play webpage.

The City’s CaféTO 2025 program is also set to kick off this weekend, bringing outdoor dining opportunities to our communities.  More than 280 local restaurants and bars are participating in this year’s curb lane cafe program, as well as more than 550 sidewalk cafes and more than 700 private patios, helping to energize neighbourhoods, support small businesses and create dynamic public spaces that bring people together. More information about CaféTO is available on the City’s CaféTO website. 

I want to highlight that on the following weekend, Doors Open Toronto will be returning to beloved sites across our city.  Doors Open Toronto enables residents to visit Toronto’s architectural, historical, cultural and socially significant buildings for free on May 24 & 25. Sites are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. The public can also register for free city-wide guided neighbourhood tours and a series of themed talks. Find more information and sign up for free talks and tours on the City’s Doors Open Toronto webpage.

As warmer weather sets in, this is an exciting time for Torontonians to once again be together outdoors. I hope you can explore and discover new facets of our wonderful neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces in the coming weeks.

Sincerely,   

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Ward 4

City Hall

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Phone: 416-392-7919
Address:
100 Queen St W, Suite A14
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
City of Toronto
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