Festivals and Events This Summer

Friends,

It’s been a busy week at City Hall as Council works through a packed Council agenda. You can follow the Council discussion here: City Council - Meeting 20 - TMMIS (toronto.ca).

After this week, City Council and most committees will be on summer break, so this will be my office’s last newsletter until September. However, my office remains open, and we will continue to share community updates related to developments in Ward 4.

I wanted to highlight that there are many festivals and events taking place across our City over the next month, including Dream in High Park being presented at the High Park Amphitheatre throughout the summer. I also wanted to remind residents that every year, temporary traffic and parking amendments are required to improve traffic operations and pedestrians safety during the annual Canadian National Excibition (CNE), which will take place from August 16 to September 2 this year. More information on these temporary changes is included in this newsletter below.

I am wishing you and your loved ones a lovely summer, and as always please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or need for assistance.

Sincerely,


Other News

  • Temporary Adjustments to Traffic and Parking Regulations during the CNE, August 16 to September 2, 2024
  • Reminder: Circular Economy Road Map Surveys - Extended to August 7! 
  • An Update on 1728 Bloor Street West Development Application
  • Swansea Summer Music Series
  • St John's Community Potluck & Open Mic Concert
  • Update on Toronto Parking Violation Increase
  • Commemorate Emancipation & understand the legacies of slavery in Toronto 

Temporary Adjustments to Traffic and Parking Regulations during the CNE, August 16 to September 2, 2024

Every year, temporary traffic and parking amendments are required to improve traffic operations and pedestrian safety during the annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), which takes place from August 16 to September 2, 2024. These changes were introduced at the July Toronto and East York Community Council (TEYCC).

The complete list of the temporary changes that will be introduced during the CNE can be found here:

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE15.51

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE15.52

The proposed temporary changes are:

'One-way Highways' signage on:

  • Springhurst Avenue, between Dufferin Street and Jameson will be westbound;  

‘No Standing’ signage on:

  • the north side of Temple Avenue, between Dufferin Street and Tyndall Avenue
  • the north side of Thorburn Avenue, between Dufferin Street and Tyndall Avenue
  • both sides of Tyndall Avenue, between Thorburn Avenue and King Street West
  • the west side of Tyndall Avenue, between Springhurst Avenue and Thorburn Avenue
  • the west side of Dufferin Street, between Springhurst Avenue and Thorburn  Avenue
  • the south side of Springhurst Avenue, between Dunn Avenue and Dufferin Street

'Prohibited turns':

  • Westbound left turns on Springhurst Avenue at Jameson Avenue
    7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mon. to Fri.,

‘No Parking’ signage on:

  • the east side of Dufferin Street, between a point 15 metres north of Springhurst Avenue and Queen Street West
  • the west side of Dufferin Street, between King Street West and Queen Street West
  • Taxi stand on Dufferin Street, west side, between Thorburn Avenue and a point 29 metres south of King Street West

’24 hour Permit Parking’ signage on:

  • the even side of Springhurst Avenue between Jameson Avenue and Dufferin Street

Temporary Parking Permits:

Community members raised concerns with the number of Temporary Parking Permits issued on local South Parkdale streets during the CNE. In response to this, Permit Parking Staff temporarily restrict the issuance of Visitor Parking Permits to the residential addresses located in the area bounded by Dufferin St, King St W, Jameson Ave and the lake for the entirety of the CNE. During this period, temporary parking permits will be issued — with proof of residency and guest’s license plate number — at the City Hall counter, 100 Queen Street West. Online applications will not be permitted.


Reminder: Circular Economy Road Map Surveys - Extended to August 7! 

The City is developing a Circular Economy Road Map to help build a resilient, inclusive, green, and prosperous future for Toronto residents and businesses. The first round of consultations ends soon, and we want to hear from you!

  • Researchers and representatives of businesses, community agencies, and environmental groups can contact [email protected] to receive a link for the subject matter expert/industry specific survey.
  • Residents can also join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to help inform the Circular Economy Road Map.  All residents of Toronto who are over the age of 18 are welcome to apply. No previous experience or subject matter knowledge is required. Apply to join here.

Thank you to those who have already participated. Stay tuned and check online for additional engagement opportunities in the future.


An Update on 1728 Bloor Street West Development Application

In March 2023, the city received a Zoning By-law Amendment application for 1728 Bloor Street West to permit the construction of a 19-storey mixed use building with retail space on the ground floor and 99 residential units above.

On October 4, 2023, the applicant appealed City Council's neglect or failure to make a decision on the Zoning By-law Amendment to the OLT. A hearing is scheduled for August 12, 2024.

A Request for Direction Report, approved at City Council in February 2024, recommended that City Council direct the City Solicitor, together with appropriate staff, to attend the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing to oppose the Zoning By-law Amendment Application for 1728 Bloor St West in its current form and to continue discussions with the applicant in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues.

The item returns to City Council this week as the City Solicitor requires further directions for the upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal hearing scheduled for August 12, 2024. 

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.CC20.20

The information is currently confidential. Any information that is released to the public will be shared once available.


Swansea Summer Music Series


St John's Community Potluck & Open Mic Concert


Update on Toronto parking violation increases 

Effective Thursday, August 1, 2024, the City of Toronto will be increasing parking fines for 123 offences associated with parking, stopping and standing vehicles illegally. This increase follows a comprehensive review of existing on-street penalty amounts adopted by Toronto City Council on April 17, 2024.

Also taking effect August 1 are new parking offences for electric vehicles (EVs) along with an updated definition for EVs. More information is available on the City’s About Parking Violations webpage.


Commemorate Emancipation & understand the legacies of slavery in Toronto 

August is Emancipation Month and the City of Toronto celebrates the resilience and contributions of Black communities to our city’s cultural fabric while commemorating the struggle, resistance and freedom from enslavement.   

Emancipation Month provides a vital opportunity to educate and raise awareness about the legacy of slavery, systemic racism and the ongoing journey towards racial justice. Further, it serves as a time to celebrate the achievements and diversity of Toronto's Black communities, highlighting their rich heritage and ongoing contributions to our city’s prosperity.   

Join the City in reaffirming our commitment to addressing systemic barriers faced by Black Torontonians and promoting inclusivity and equity across all aspects of civic life. Find more information and how to get involved on the City’s Emancipation Month webpage. 


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Demonstrations Bylaw

Friends,

The City of Toronto is moving ahead with public consultation for a proposed demonstrations bylaw to protect vulnerable institutions, as directed by City Council (2024.CC24.2).

In February 2024, City Council directed the City Manager to develop a policy framework for the management and monitoring of rallies and protests, ensuring alignment with the City’s Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy.

The Report presented to City Council in December, 2024, presented a Policy framework that clarifies the City’s role, jurisdiction and municipal tools available to respond to demonstrations, including the role of applicable City divisions, and provided an overarching foundation of how the City coordinates its activities to determine an appropriate response based on the circumstances of the situation.

I supported the adoption of the Policy Framework.

However, this report included a recommendation (#3) that the City Manager report back with a proposed bylaw that limits demonstrations in our city. https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.CC24.2

This was a very difficult decision however, I could not support this direction as I believe that restricting people’s ability to protest is a step backward. It takes away people’s rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I believe the preservation of these rights in their entirety is essential to protecting the most vulnerable segments of our society, and our democracy. I spoke to my reasoning for not supporting this direction; you can listen to it here.

The City is now moving ahead with the public consultation .

This multi-pronged public consultation approach will include the following:

Online Survey

Written Comments

Public Discussions

  • Additional opportunities to participate in public discussions will follow in April. More information on the dates of the public discussions will be communicated and posted on the City’s webpage once confirmed.

Information and additional details on the City’s public consultation can be found on the City’s webpage at: http://toronto.ca/PublicConsult.

The consultation is an opportunity to take part in this conversation. I encourage you to participate.

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Zoning for Housing – Upcoming City Planning Consultations
    • Garden Suites Monitoring Program
    • Expanding Permissions in Neighbourhoods for Sixplexes Citywide
  • Help shape the next Toronto Seniors’ Strategy 

Ward 4

  • Swansea Town Hall Community Centre - Seeking New Board Members & Assistant Executive Director 
  • Greenest City: Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Ecofair 2025 - Volunteer Call
  • Toronto Hydro Construction Notice - Glenlake Ave.
  • Road Rehabilitation Construction Notice - Evans Ave
  • Developments
    • 3459-3461 Dundas St W
    • 138 Dowling Ave

Anyone can experience homelessness. Everyone deserves shelter.

Friends,

Anyone can experience homelessness.

Shelters in our city provide essential support to individuals in immediate housing crisis, act as a stepping stone to permanent housing, reduce reliance on other high-cost services (e.g. emergency rooms), and bring people indoors, providing an alternative to sleeping in parks, sidewalks, or transit stations.

The positive impact of shelter service is evident in the stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned from shelter into permanent housing. Some have bravely shared their stories: Successful Pathways to Housing – City of Toronto .

Shelters provide critical services to help individuals experiencing homelessness gain stability as they work toward permanent housing.

The City has a 10-year plan to improve and expand our shelter system: Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS).

One pillar of the 10-year strategy is building up to 20 permanent and purpose-built shelters, with a focus on expanding outside of the downtown core to address gaps in available services for people.     

Community engagement is a crucial component to supporting the successful integration of new shelters into the neighbourhood. The City is committed to engaging the community to support the program’s success – both for the individuals who will be staying at shelters and the surrounding community. The process includes communicating details about the shelter development process, responding to community inquiries and concerns, improving public understanding of shelter development and providing ongoing shelter updates. Details will be shared with each community as development of each site progresses and can be found online at toronto.ca/NewShelters

I am encouraged by the City’s Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy (HSCIS) and will continue to use my voice and vote on Council to support improving and increasing our shelter infrastructure and expediting the City’s delivery of housing.

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) Community Networks Launching
  • Spring Flooding: Flood Preparedness Resources
  • Committee of Adjustment Annual Stakeholder Update and Engagement
  • Celebrate Community Story Telling at City Hall

Ward 4

  • BenTastic Magic Show at Parkdale Library
  • High Park Prescribed Burn
  • Construction Notice: Road Resurfacing on Weatherell Street from Rivercrest Rd to Jane St
  • Greenest City: Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Ecofair 2025

Potential Labour Strike & Disruptions

Friends,

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79, the union representing the City’s 27,000 city workers will be in a legal strike at 12:01 a.m., or one minute past midnight, on Saturday, March 8 if an agreement is not reached before then.

City Manager Paul Johnson has provided updates on city services that may be impacted in the event of a labour disruption.

A labour disruption would result in the closure of all 39 City-operated early learning and child care centres, as well as the closure and cancellation of programming at all City recreation centres including March Break camps. Refunds will be issued for any paid recreation programs that are affected and clients will not be charged for days that City-operated child care centres are closed.

The City will remain prepared to respond to emergencies if a labour disruption occurs. Emergency response by the Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Paramedic Services will not be impacted. The Toronto Community Crisis Service will operate normally. Winter maintenance operations for roads and sidewalks will continue.

Seniors Services and Long-Term Care, TTC, Toronto Community Housing and Toronto Water operations will continue during a labour disruption. All City-operated and funded shelters, 24-hour respite and drop-in programs will remain open. The City will continue to activate additional services during colder temperatures, including Warming Centres.

Information on City services and bargaining updates can be found on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/labour.

Sincerely,


In This Week's Newsletter

City Wide Updates 

  • Prepare for potential flooding
  • Bylaw update for Accessible Parking Permit holders
  • Reminder: Vacant Home Tax Declaration

Ward 4

  • Family Skate at Coca Cola Coliseum
  • Artists in Flux 2: Empowerment
  • CommunitiCare Health Taking New Patients
  • Greenest City: Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Ecofair 2025

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