Summer Ward 4 Updates

In this week's e-newsletter

  • Public Survey – Toronto Renovictions By-law
  • Upcoming Events at Lambton House
  • Taste of Junction
  • City of Toronto offers exciting activities for residents and visitors this long weekend
    • City Beaches
    • Outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads
    • Dog-only swim
  • Toronto Island Park
  • Community Centres and Indoor Pools
  • Tennis and pickleball courts
  • Conservatories
  • Cultural Centres
  • Golf at municipal courses
  • High Park Animal Display
  • Riverdale Farm
  • St. Lawrence Market
  • Toronto History Museums
  • Road restrictions and closures
  • TTC
  • Toronto Zoo
  • Important Reminder about Fireworks
  • Waste Drop-Off Depots

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Public Survey – Toronto Renovictions By-law

The City of Toronto is inviting residents to provide input on the implementation of a new renovictions bylaw modelled after successful initiatives in other cities across Canada.  

In June, Toronto City Council directed City staff to create a bylaw in response to the growing trend of renovictions in Toronto, where a landlord illegitimately evicts a tenant by alleging that vacant possession of the rental unit is required to make renovations or repairs, leading to situations where landlords increase rents significantly or refuse to allow tenants to return to their homes. This results in the displacement of tenants, the permanent loss of affordable rental housing, and contributes to rising homelessness in Toronto.  

To inform the development of the bylaw, the City is engaging with tenants, landlords, and residents impacted by renovictions. Staff will report back to the Planning and Housing Committee with a proposed renovictions bylaw in October. 

Online survey 

Residents are encouraged to share their insights and experiences by completing the online survey by Monday, September 30 on the City’s website: toronto.ca/renoviction 

Drop-in sessions 

The City is also hosting in-person and virtual consultation meetings:

Toronto West 

Date: Thursday, September 5 

Time: 1 to 4 p.m. 

Location: Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC), 1499 Queen St. W. – Auditorium 

The City of Toronto is developing a new by-law to protect renters from being unfairly evicted for renovations (“renovictions”). As part of developing this by-law, the City has launched a public survey to gather input from tenants, landlords, and other Toronto residents. To complete the survey, visit www.toronto.ca/renovictions, before September 30. City staff will report to the City’s Planning and Housing Committee on October 30, 2024, with a proposed renovictions by-law.


Upcoming Events at Lambton House

Lambton House/Tavern (circa 1860), owned by the City of Toronto, is operated and curated on its behalf by its stewards, Heritage York, a registered charity.  It is a community gathering place, a proposed Lower Humber Interpretive Centre and a magical step into the past.

We look forward to seeing you at Lambton House/Tavern, to enjoy a great opportunity to gather with friends, old and new, in this unique, historic, former stage coach stop and tavern. 

  • Friday, 6 Sep 6 pm - Community Pub with Terry Jones
  • Thursday, 12 Sep 7:30p - Heritage Talk, Speaker to be Confirmed
  • Thursday, 19 Sep 1-3pm - Tea Time 55+
  • Friday, 20 Sep 7pm - Euchre
  • Friday, 27 Sep 7pm - Movie Trivia Night

Taste of Junction

The vibrant neighbourhood of the Junction is thrilled to announce the return of Taste of the Junction, an extraordinary event uniting 21 exceptional local businesses. Guests are invited to explore and indulge in delicious culinary delights, refreshing beverages and browse unique products from various retail vendors. Presented by The Junction BIA, in partnership with Stu Sells Realty, the second annual event will take place on Saturday, September 7th, from 12 PM to 9 PM at a new location off Jackson Place (51 Vine Ave). This year, Taste of the Junction will soar to new heights by integrating the beloved event with the official launch of The AR Laneway Project. In addition to enjoying mouthwatering delights offered by local restaurants and shopping an array of retail vendors, attendees are invited to the unveiling of the vibrant new animated mural, “Rhapsody in Gold,” located in the rear laneway of 2896 Dundas St W. This captivating 765-square-foot animated mural can be experienced through the FREE Artivive app, which uses augmented reality (AR) to bring the artwork to life. Guests can simply point their smartphone at this NEW mural, and five existing murals in the laneway and witness the art in a new and magical way!

More information here!

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City of Toronto offers exciting activities for residents and visitors this long weekend

The City of Toronto invites residents and visitors to enjoy the upcoming long weekend with fun activities and attractions. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, explore the city's cultural gems or enjoy a relaxing day outdoors, there is something for everyone to enjoy this long weekend.

City Beaches
Soak up some sun and enjoy one of the city’s beaches this long weekend. The City encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the water safely by:

  • Swimming only when lifeguards are on duty and within supervised swimming areas.
  • Staying within arm’s reach of children who are in or near water.
  • Never swimming alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure to heat and sun.
  • Calling 911 in case of emergency.

The following beaches will continue to have supervised swim zones from Tuesday, September 3 to Sunday, September 8. Lifeguards will be on duty between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.:

  • Woodbine Beach
  • Kew-Balmy Beach
  • Cherry Beach
  • Sunnyside Beach

Find more information and a map with all the beaches on the City’s Beaches webpage: www.toronto.ca/beaches.

Outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads
Outdoor pools, splash pads and wading pools are all great options for staying cool this summer. They will be open throughout the weekend with select sites open on Monday.

Dog-only swim

Dogs who have been waiting all summer for their chance to swim are invited to enjoy a free swim at select pools. Dog-only swim sessions will take place at ten locations on Sunday, September 1, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Dogs must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, who must remain on the pool deck. One adult can bring a maximum of two dogs.

Pet donations to Toronto Animal Services including peanut butter, freeze-dried treats and dog toys will be accepted at the pools. Residents can also support shelter pets by donating items from the City’s Our Wish List webpage: www.toronto.ca/business-economy/partnerships-sponsorships-donations/donate/donate-to-animal-services/our-wish-list.

More information about outdoor pools, wading pools, splash pads and the dog-only swims is available on the City’s Swimming & Water Play webpage: www.toronto.ca/swim.

Toronto Island Park
Toronto Island Park is a popular destination and – like other major attractions – will be busy this weekend. The City strongly encourages residents and visitors to:

  • Be patient and plan ahead.
  • Plan travel during non-peak hours—the ferry is busiest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when heading to Toronto Island Park and from 5:30 to 9 p.m. for return trips to the mainland, especially from Centre Island.
  • Buy tickets online before heading to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Online ticket holders enter the terminal through a separate line during peak travel times.

More information about ferry services including online ticket purchases can be found on the Ferries to Toronto Island Park webpage: www.toronto.ca/ferries.

Community Centres and Indoor Pools
Indoor pools and community centres will be open on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 but will be closed on Monday, September 2. More information can be found on the City’s Parks & Community Recreation Centres Map webpage: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-and-recreation-facilities/parks-and-community-recreation-centres-map.

Tennis and pickleball courts
Public tennis and pickleball courts will be available across the city throughout the long weekend. Players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use them.

More information about public courts is available on the City’s Tennis Court Listing webpage: www.toronto.ca/tenniscourt.

More information can also be found on the City’s Pickleball Court webpage: www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/pickleball-court/index.html.

Conservatories

Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory are free and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Conservatories webpage: www.toronto.ca/conservatories.

Cultural Centres
Cultural Centres will operate limited weekend hours and close on Monday, August 5. More information about the Cultural Centres including hours of operation are available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/culturalcentres.

Golf at municipal courses
Toronto’s five municipal golf courses are open daily throughout the long weekend. Golfers are encouraged to book in advance. Tee times can be booked:

  • online by visiting the individual course page
  • by phone by calling the golf course.

More information is available on the City’s Golf webpage: www.toronto.ca/golf.

High Park Animal Display
The High Park Animal Display will be open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. all weekend. Residents and visitors are reminded that roads within High Park are closed to vehicular traffic on weekends and holidays. More information is available on the City’s Zoos & Farms webpage: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractions/zoos-farms/high-park-animal-display

Riverdale Farm
Admission is free to Riverdale Farm, which will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the long weekend. More information is available on the City’s Riverdale Farm webpage: www.toronto.ca/riverdalefarm.

St. Lawrence Market
Join Balfolk Toronto at St. Lawrence Market on Saturday, August 31, for a community dance class at 1:30 p.m., followed by a live music social from 2 to 3:30 p.m. featuring traditional and modern folk dances from French and Western European regions. More information can be found on the St. Lawrence Market webpage: www.stlawrencemarket.com/events/event_detail/698/Music%20&%20Dance%20Class%20with%20Balfolk%20Toronto.

Taste of the Caribbean returns to Market Street on Sunday, September 1. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy authentic flavours, live music and unique artisan crafts. More information can be found on the Taste of the Caribbean website: www.tastethecaribbean.ca.

The St. Lawrence Market will also be open during regular hours over the long weekend. The main building will be open on Saturday, August 31, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, September 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The weekly Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit the St. Lawrence Market website: www.stlawrencemarket.com

Toronto History Museums
Toronto History Museums are open on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free activities and programs available throughout the weekend. Fort York is open on Monday, September 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other museum sites are closed on September 2.

More information is available on the City’s Festival and Events calendar: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/exhibits-events.

Road restrictions and closures
Several road restrictions and closures related to events and critical City-led infrastructure work are in effect which may impact travel throughout the long weekend. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and visit the City’s Road Restrictions and Closures webpage for more information:  www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions.

More information about festivals and events is available on the City’s Festivals & Events Calendar webpage: www.toronto.ca/eventscalendar.

TTC
The TTC will operate on its Holiday service schedule on Labour Day. More information is available on the TTC webpage: www.ttc.ca.

Toronto Zoo
As part of the Zoo's 50th birthday celebrations, guests can visit the Wildlife Marquee starting through the Labour Day long weekend to join two LEGO Master Model Builders as they construct a 22-foot LEGO mosaic wall and a 3D animal ‘big build’!

Presented in partnership with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and LEGODREAMZzz: www.torontozoo.com/events/legodreamzzz#evt.

Important Reminder about Fireworks
The Labour Day long weekend is not a designated day for fireworks. Residents are only permitted to set off fireworks on their property if they have obtained a permit from Toronto Fire Services. Fireworks are not allowed in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or other private property.

The misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311 by phone or by submitting a service request on the City’s 311 webpage: www.toronto.ca/311. More information about fireworks rules is available on the City’s Fireworks webpage: www.toronto.ca/fireworks.

Waste Drop-Off Depots
The City’s Drop-off Depots will be closed for residential drop-offs of garbage, yard waste, recyclables, household hazardous waste and electronics on Monday, September 2. For more information, visit the City’s Holiday Collection & Drop-off Depot Impacts webpage: www.toronto.ca/holiday-impacts.


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Friends,

I am happy to share that in partnership with Toronto Hydro, the City has launched a Furnace Upgrade Program to support homes in switching their aging furnaces to electric heat pumps.

As part of the City of Toronto’s BetterHomesTO initiative, this program helps homes become more energy efficient and comfortable. Electric heat pumps can provide a cleaner home heating solution, helping residents save on energy bills, lower greenhouse gas emissions at home, and have improved indoor comfort year-round. Electric heat pumps can also provide cooling benefits during warmer seasons. 

A key feature of the new program is that residents can now access free energy coaching services to help them navigate what programs, services and offers are available to them, including grants provided by other orders of government. This includes guidance on heating and cooling technology options and access to qualified contractors, service providers and professionals through Toronto Hydro’s Cleantech Services Directory: www.torontohydro.com/cleantech-services-directory.

The City also offers low-interest loans through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) to make new equipment more affordable. In 2026, the BetterHomesTO Furnace Upgrade Program will further expand to include heat pump installation services, and targeted incentives for low-to-moderate-income households. 

I know many residents are eager to contribute to Toronto’s goal of Net Zero by 2040, and I’m glad that our City is investing in making the switch to electric heat pumps easier. As greenhouse gas emissions from buildings account for more than 56 per cent of total citywide emissions, working together to support our neighbourhood homes in making the switch to electric heat pumps is a great place to focus.

I encourage you to connect with neighbours and community groups like Toronto Climate Action Network, on accessing BetterHomesTO resources and advancing energy retrofit projects in our communities.

 

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City-wide news 

  • Home Energy Loan Program Information Webinar

Ward 4 news

  • TTC King/Dufferin Streetcar Track Replacement

  • #ExperienceTO historical tours

  • Live in the Library - Berkay Atalay

  • Overcomers United Spanish Lessons

Friends,

I am grateful to the groundswell of Toronto residents who are organizing to protect renters’ rights in our province. As you may have heard, changes to the Residential Tenancies Act are being proposed through the provincial government’s Bill 60 that would make it easier to unfairly evict renters.

Thanks to the rapid mobilization of residents who are voicing their disapproval, the provincial government has walked back their proposals to change security of tenure and rent control. However, there remain numerous proposed cuts to renters’ rights that are alarming. If passed, Bill 60 would:

  • Block renters from introducing any new evidence and issues to support their cases at Landlord Tenant Board hearings.
  • Deny renters the ability to challenge “voluntary evictions” when they have been pressured or misled into signing an N11.
  • Cut in half the time available for renters to appeal unfair decisions at the Landlord Tenant Board to just 15 days.
  • Eliminate the requirement for landlords to provide 1 month’s rent as compensation to renters when being evicted for “personal use” through an N12. Often, renters rely on this compensation to help them move or find a new home.
  • Make it easier for landlords to evict renters by cutting notice periods in half, cutting the options for requesting an eviction be postponed, and hiring more enforcement officers to forcibly remove renters from their homes.

We heard from numerous residents deputing at Executive Committee this week, who shared their experiences of being evicted, and made clear how the rights that are still under attack are vital to safeguarding renters from bad faith evictions and ensuring that evicted renters can stay housed.

Fifty percent of Torontonians rent their homes. They have the right to feel secure, without fear of baseless evictions or needlessly paying more of their hard-earned income towards rent.

I was pleased to join Mayor Chow and colleagues at Executive Committee in unanimously adopting recommendations that respond to the concerns we heard from Torontonians, advocating for all orders of government to protect instead of dismantling renters’ rights and to adequately invest in building the housing supply that Toronto deserves.

I look forward to continuing our City’s advocacy on this issue when the impacts of Bill 60 and the Annual Progress Report – HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan is considered at City Council next week. I encourage you to review and follow the Council discussion here: City Council - Meeting 34 - TMMIS

 

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City-Wide News

  • Committee of Adjustment Drop-in Information Session - Nov 26

Ward 4 news

  • Dufferin Street - RapidTO Installation Begins
  • Subway Closure Update Kipling to Islington Subway Station
  • Sunnyside Historical Society Strory-telling event - Nov 19

Friends,

We are seeing the City’s new role as a public builder pay off. Today at Planning and Housing Committee, City staff presented the City’s annual report on the City’s Housing Action Plan for 2020 - 2030, reporting significant progress on all five pillars of the City’s housing priorities. Key highlights from the report include:

  • Creating New Homes - Approved a record of 6,366 new rent-controlled homes in 2024, achieving 46% of the City’s overall target of 65,000 approved rent-controlled homes by 2030
  • Protecting and preserving existing homes - Secured more than 700 permanent affordable homes through the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition (MURA) Program
  • Supporting renters and improving housing stability - Adopted the Rental Renovation Licence By-law, which came into effect in 2025, to protect renters from bad faith renovation-related evictions, or “renovictions”
  • Prioritizing diverse housing needs - Supported more than 4,600 people experiencing homelessness to move into permanent homes through initiatives like Rapid Rehousing Initiative and Priority Access to Housing and Supports (PATHS)
  • Transforming housing policies - Adopted Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments to permit townhouses and small-scale apartment buildings on lots designated as Neighbourhoods and abutting a major street, which is projected to create 41,083 new homes by 2051.

These interventions along with targeted incentives by the City are helping to steer developers towards building the affordable rental units residents need to live in Toronto.  

Whereas projects that rely on the private market alone have stalled, the City’s Public Developer housing projects are moving forward to deliver rent-controlled homes. This is demonstrated by the fact that in the first eight months of 2025, City-led and City-supported projects account for 65% of all housing starts achieved this year.

The staff report makes clear that while the City has successfully modelled how government action can bolster the supply of new homes, these solutions need to be supported through adequate investment from other orders of government to meet the scale of our present housing crisis. I will continue to use my voice and vote on Council to support the growth of affordable rental housing options in our city.  

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City-Wide News

  • Vacant Home Tax Declaration Period Opens Nov 3
  • Inclusionary Zoning Updates Virtual Information Session
  • Gardiner Closure Saturday Night

Ward 4 news

  • King St W & Dufferin St TTC Track Renewal Completed
  • Baird Park Playground Improvements – Online Survey
  • High Park Station - Easier Access Project Construction Notice
  • Reminder: 3286-3316 Dundas St West (Runnymede and Dundas) Community Consultation Meeting on Nov 6

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