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City-Wide News

Become a Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion!

Passionate about the environment? Apply to get training + funding to lead local climate initiatives and help build a greener, more sustainable city. Apply on the City’s website from Jan 22 – Feb 13: www.toronto.ca/climateactionchampion

Electrification with Experts: Webinar

When the furnace finally gives out on a cold night in February, most Torontonians panic and replace it with another gas furnace. But you're thinking ahead. This webinar shows you how to prep your home for a heat pump—from electrical panel capacity to insulation gaps to ductwork tweaks.

City begins process to update zoning near major transit stations

Following provincial direction, the City of Toronto is beginning the process of implementing new zoning changes that can increase building heights and the amount of housing that can be developed near 120 transit areas, including TTC, GO and LRT stations.

In August 2025, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing approved new planning policies to increase permitted housing around 25 Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs) and 95 Protected Major Transit Station Areas (PMTSAs) across Toronto. The City is now working to update its zoning to align with those approved policies.

The zoning changes will apply to areas within approximately a 10-minute walk (500–800 metres) of MTSAs and PMTSAs. These new permissions can help unlock more housing, support business growth, generate jobs and neighbourhood services, and contribute to complete communities near transit.

Public engagement opportunities:

City staff will hold six virtual and in-person public engagement sessions between January 21 and February 12, providing opportunities for residents to learn about the provincial decision, understand the proposed zoning changes and share feedback.

1. January 21, Virtual Town Hall, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom (Registration link)
2. January 27, Toronto and East York Open House, 6 to 7:30 p.m., West End Alternative School (777 Bloor St. W.)
3. January 29, Etobicoke-York Open House, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Etobicoke Collegiate Institute (86 Montgomery Rd.)
4. February 3, North York Open House, 6 to 7:30 p.m., North York Memorial Community Hall (5110 Yonge St.)
5. February 9, Scarborough Open House, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Dr.)
6. February 12, City-wide Town Hall, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers (100 Queen St. W.)

At these sessions, residents can learn about and share their thoughts on design elements for future development (such as building height and massing), approaches to implementing increased densities and the detailed boundaries for MTSAs and PMTSAs.

More information on the proposed zoning permissions and engagement sessions is available at toronto.ca/StationAreaZoning.

Help Shape the Future of Toronto's Skate, Hockey and Curling Facilities

RentSafeTO Program Updates and Public Consultations

The City is reviewing parts of the RentSafeTO program to better understand how to support tenants, improve building maintenance and compliance, and improve how information is shared.
To support the review, an online survey is available at toronto.ca/RentSafeTO until February 6th. Feedback is
being requested on the following program components:
• the building evaluation tool and evaluation category weightings,
• audit threshold,
• targeted engagement and when it occurs,
• implementation of a new colour‑coded signage system approved via 2025.CC33.2

LEAF's TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program Applications

Community Champion Award: Call for Nominations 

The Toronto Community Champion Award continues to recognize the extraordinary contributions that community organizations make to support the health, interests and well-being of Toronto residents, particularly those from Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups. 

Nominations are now open and close on February 1 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information visit: toronto.ca/communitychampion.

Ward 4 news

108 - 162 Vine Avenue Official Plan Amendment Application

An application has been submitted which proposes an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application to redesignate the lands comprising 108-162 Vine Avenue from Core Employment Areas to Mixed Use Areas and Parks.

This application, if successful, would allow for the possibility of future applications that could propose residential developments on this site.

As a result of this application, the City is holding a virtual Community Consultation Meeting on Tuesday, February 3^rd, from 6pm-8pm. This meeting will be held by City Planning staff and include a presentation of the proposal, followed by Q&A time with City Planners, the applicant’s team, and Councillor Perks in attendance.

You can register to attend the meeting here: 108 - 162 Vine Avenue | City Planning & Development Review Community Consultation Meetings | Have Your Say Toronto.

More information on this application, including supporting documentation, can be found on the City’s Application Information Website here: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/application-details/?id=5705905&pid=690495&title=108-162-VINE-AVE.

508 Lake Shore Streetcar Service Suspension

The TTC will suspend 508 Lake Shore streetcar service from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.

508 Lake Shore replacement buses will operate between Long Branch Loop and Distillery Loop. Wheel-Trans service will remain accessible in areas where local traffic is permitted.

Events at Lambton House (4066 Old Dundas St)

• The 2026 Howland Lecture: Highlights of Canada's Art Deco Architecture
  Sunday, January 25th at 2:00pm (doors open 1:30pm)
• Rayne's Live Music Pub Night
  Friday, February 6th at 6:00pm

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