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.
