multi-tenant housing framework comes into effect March 31st

Friends,

Together with community housing advocates, I have long advocated for a pathway to City-wide legalization of multi-tenant housing (MTH), formerly known as rooming houses. MTH is a critical form of deeply affordable housing that provides single rooms and shared amenities to diverse communities, including students, seniors, new immigrants, low-income residents, and people exiting homelessness.

In December of 2022, we celebrated Council's adoption of the motion to legalize MTH. Since then staff across City divisions have been working collaboratively to create a consistent framework rooted in a human rights approach to housing. Through this framework, we are working to secure the affordability and availability of this type of rental housing stock. The framework will also ensure that MTH homes are properly maintained and safety standards are being met to protect tenants and improve their living conditions. Many of the learnings that informed this framework came out of our community as Parkdale had previously legalized rooming houses as part of a City 'pilot'.

Yesterday, the Planning and Housing committee meeting moved three motions related to the MTH framework to support operators with Ontario Building and Fire Code compliance, establish a MTH renovation program and to make technical changes to the zoning bylaw to increase clarity in understanding the bylaw.

These items will be at the March Council meeting in time for the framework to successfully come into effect on March 31, 2024.

Through the implementation of MTH across our city, I am confident we can enable more people to attain safe, secure and affordable housing in which to live with dignity and contribute to community.

 

Sincerely,

Gord


- Have Your Say in Improving Community Consultation in the Development Review Process

- Notice: Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation between Dufferin St. and Strachan Ave

- Reminder: West Parkdale Cycling Connections - March 5

- Community Skate at Coca-Cola Coliseum

- Spring Recreation Programs: Registration Starts Next Week

- Reader Input - Reminder to Use Kanopy!

 

Have your say in improving Community Consultation in the Development Review Process


Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation between Dufferin St. and Strachan Ave

The City of Toronto is rehabilitating the Gardiner Expressway between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue. This project is the second of six projects that make up the Gardiner Expressway Strategic Rehabilitation Plan.

LANE CLOSURES STARTING AS EARLY AS MARCH 2024

Starting as early as late March 2024  (weather dependent), the Gardiner Expressway will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, with additional, intermittent lane reductions as required. During construction, the eastbound on-ramp from Lake Shore Boulevard, east of Jameson Avenue, will be closed to help mitigate traffic merging and congestion approaching the work zone.

More information about this work is available on the project's dedicated web page, which will be updated throughout the duration of the project: https://www.toronto.ca/gardiners2

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENT – MARCH 4, 2024

The public is invited to a virtual community information event to learn more about the Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue. The event will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m..

Register here: https://www.toronto.ca/gardiners2


Drop in informational session: West Parkdale Cycling Connections

The City of Toronto is inviting residents to learn more and provide feedback about West Parkdale Cycling Connections. The project proposes to connect a gap in the cycling network from The Queensway to Brock Street and improve cycling access to destinations like High Park, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, retail, transit, and schools.

There are proposed changes from:

  • The Queensway to Sunnyside
  • Galley Avenue to MacDonell Avenue
  • Seaforth Avenue to Brock Avenue

This project also includes intersection improvements and changes to parking.

Public Drop-In Event

The Public Drop-In Event will provide an opportunity to view the project information panels and speak with members of the project team one-on-one.

Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Parkdale Hall, 1605 Queen St. W.

This location is wheelchair/mobility device accessible.

 


 

March break community skate at Coca Cola Coliseum


Spring Recreation Programs: Registration Starts Next Week

Registration starts March 5 or 6, 2024, depending on the location. Find out which date applies to your district on How to Register for Recreation Programs. Programs start the week of March 30, 2024.

With more than 12,500 registered courses on offer and 119,700 spaces available, there’s something for all ages, interests and skill levels this spring.

 


Reminder to use Kanopy!

By request of our newsletter reader, we are reminding you to use Kanopy, a video streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos that inspire, enrich and entertain. You can access this service at www.kanopy.com/en/torontopl/  through your Toronto Public Library card.  

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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