11 Brock Funding Announcement

Friends,

Yesterday, along with Mayor Chow and Minister Virani, I made a long-awaited and exciting announcement regarding the site at 11 Brock Avenue.

As part of the Federal Rapid Housing Initiative, $21.6 million in capital funding will be invested in 40 new rent-geared-to-income and supportive homes at 11 Brock Ave.

This site is one of the five housing-ready sites announced in the Generational Transformation of Toronto’s Housing System Report. It is also the first site where the City will lead the project’s development as part of its public builder role.

The City purchased this site from the Province of Ontario in 2019 for the purpose of creating new affordable housing. The four-storey building will provide approximately 40 homes for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. These homes will be studio apartments with a bathroom and a kitchen. Rents will be geared to income and will not exceed 30 per cent of a residents’ income, or the shelter allowance of their social assistance.

The new homes will be operated as supportive housing by an experienced not-for-profit housing provider. Tenants will have access to a range of support services intended to improve their health and well-being including 24/7 staffing. The City will issue a Request for Proposals for a building operator for this site by the end of 2023.

The project is part of a systemic shift in Toronto’s housing system to create more public and not-for-profit owned and operated purpose-built rental homes. It is a direct result of the vision and efforts of community members and housing advocates to realize housing as a human right.

As the project proceeds, I welcome the community to remain involved in the process. 

Sincerely,

Gord


- King Street - Watermain and TTC Track Renewal 2024

- City's Consultation meetings and Surveys:

     - Budget meetings from Nov 21st - 30th

     - Public Meetings - Accessible and Bicycle Parking in New Developments

     - TTC Survey for Service and Customer Experience Action Plan

     - Public Meeting and Survey: RentSafeTO

- Bloor West Bike Lanes and Complete Street Extension Update- Junction Window Wonderland

- Seeking Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions

- Community Events

     - Heritage York @ Lambton House Board Call-out/Events

     - The Junction's 4th Annual Window Wonderland

- Florence Gel is now open to public

King Street - Watermain and TTC Track Renewal 2024

The City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) plan to renew aging streetcar tracks on King Street West between Dufferin Street and Shaw Street in 2024. The City will also replace the 146-year-old watermain on King Street West between Dufferin Street and Shaw Street.

If you have questions about the upcoming work, please email [email protected]; [email protected] or our office at [email protected]  


2024 Budget Consultations

As the City faces significant financial challenges with a projected $1.5 billion operating shortfall in 2024 and a $46.5 billion shortfall over the next 10 years, it is critical for Torontonians to voice what services are most important to them and how we pay for it.

The Mayor and City Council want to hear from Torontonians on the City's 2024 Budget. This year the budget process will include an additional month-long public consultation process.

There will be three virtual and five in-person meetings in various neighbourhoods across Toronto from November 21st to November 30th. Notably, there is an in-person meeting at the Toronto Reference Library  from 12-3pm on Saturday November 25th and virtual meetings on Nov 23rd, 27th, and 30th. Residents can also share their thoughts through a survey which will be available until November 30. The link to the survey and the registration links for all the consultation meetings are available on the City's webpage.

What we hear from residents will help to define Toronto's priorities, guide budget decision making, and support the City's discussions with the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to secure a new deal for Toronto.  

Your voice is important in this process. Be a part of this conversation so that we bring our shared vision to life and build back better.


Review of Parking Requirements for New Developments

Requirements for automobile and bike parking in newly erected or enlarged buildings are identified in the city-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013. On January 19, 2021, Planning and Housing Committee (PH20.4) (opens in new window) asked staff to review these requirements to better align them with the objectives of the City’s Official Plan. The Review is guided by the principle that parking standards should allow only the maximum amount of automobile parking reasonably required for a given use and minimums should be avoided except where necessary to ensure equitable access, such as for accessible parking or in areas which would be difficult to serve with transit.

The City is hosting a series of virtual public meetings to gather feedback to inform recommendations for revised Zoning By-law standards of accessible parking and bicycle parking. These sessions will be held on November 20-21, 2023 at the following times:

Topic: Accessible Parking

Monday, Nov 20: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – WebEx meeting link 
Tuesday, Nov 21: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. – WebEx meeting link 

Topic: Bicycle Parking

Monday, Nov 20: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – WebEx meeting link 
Tuesday, Nov 21: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – WebEx meeting link 

More information on this review is available on the City's webpage


Survey: TTC's 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan

From April to December 2023, the TTC will engage customers, stakeholders, internal staff, and the public to help inform the 5-Year Service and Customer Experience Action Plan. The engagement will follow a three-round process.

 Currently, it is in the third and final round to understand to what degree riders support TTC's draft plan. 

The Plan is organized into seven Pillars of Opportunity:
Pillar 1 – Foster a customer-centric mindset
Pillar 2 – Enhance the transit network
Pillar 3 – Improve service reliability
Pillar 4 – Prioritize surface transit
Pillar 5 – Accelerate integration with other transit agencies and complementary modes of transit
Pillar 6 – Enhance safety and comfort at stops, stations, and in vehicles
Pillar 7 – Streamline information and services


Across the seven Pillars, there are 30 actions, and each action includes one or more specific initiative(s).

Take the survey to learn more and share your feedback at ttc5yearplans.ca . The survey will be available online and by mail until December 1.


RentSafeTO Program Update & Fee Changes

The RentSafeTO team is hosting in-person and virtual public consultations to discuss a change in fees as well as the new building evaluation tool and process. Learn more about the changes being made to the evaluation tool and how it will impact building owners and tenants.

Get involved by joining the consultation meeting on Monday, November 20 at 6pm or take the online survey to provide feedback. Details are available on the City's webpage


Update 10: Bloor West Bike Lanes and Complete Street Extension - Nov 16/23

This email is to provide an update on phase 1 of the installation of the Bloor West Bike Lanes and Complete Street Extension from Runnymede Road to Aberfoyle Crescent. Installation of phase 1 began the week of September 11, 2023. Initial installation is planned for completion in December 2023, with upgrades planned for 2024 and beyond. 

*Please note that the traffic study, monitoring strategy and final roll plans have been posted on the webpage, toronto.ca/BloorWest   

Work scheduled for November 15th to 17th: 

  • Continued installation of flex post bollards between Prince Edward Drive and South Kingsway.
  • Installation of pavement markings for bus stops along the corridor, and the westbound bus lane between Armadale Avenue and Jane Street.
  • Installation of remaining signage to support the complete street design.

 Work scheduled for the week of November 20h, 2023: 

  • Closure of the east leg entrance to Mossom Road. Mossom Road will be converted to two ways for drivers to maintain access.
  • Installation of painted curb extensions at some unsignalized intersections.
  • Ongoing signage installation and adjustments along the corridor to support the complete street design.

 Work scheduled for the rest of November 2023: 

  • Installation of painted curb extensions and all remaining pavement markings between Runnymede Road and Aberfoyle Crescent.

 *Work will take place both during the day and at night and is scheduled to avoid conflicts with other construction in the roadway. The work scheduled is dependent on weather conditions. 

For more project details, please visit: Toronto.ca/BloorWest 


Seeking Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions

The City of Toronto is seeking local neighbourhood leaders to engage with community residents on environmental issues and inspire climate action. Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions will inspire, motivate, and encourage other residents to undertake community-focused actions to support the City’s TransformTO climate action strategy and reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Applications from community leaders and residents from communities experiencing social, economic and other barriers, including people of colour, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities / disabled will be given priority.

Find more information and the online application here


Heritage York @ Lambton House/Tavern Board Call-out and Events

Heritage York is seeking 3 people to fill Board of Directors positions, preferably one with interest in the Treasurer’s job.  The Board positions are all volunteer.  Please send an e-mail by Sunday, 19 November at 5:00 p.m., to [email protected] providing information about you and what skills, interests and time you could contribute to our Board.  We look for a minimum one-year commitment and about 10 hours a month on site.

EVENTS

November 2023

Tuesday, 21 November 7:00 p.m.  

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at Lambton House

Heritage York is seeking 3 people to fill Board of Directors positions, preferably one with interest in the Treasurer’s job.  The Board positions are all volunteer.  Please send an e-mail by Sunday, 19 November at 5:00 p.m., to [email protected] providing information about you and what skills, interests and time you could contribute to our Board.  We look for a minimum one-year commitment and about 10 hours a month on site.

Friday, 24 November 7:00 p.m.      -  Cider Tasting

Link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/heritage-york/events/cider-tasting/

December 2023

Friday, 1 December 6 p.m. - Community Pub with Terry Jones and Friends

Saturday, 2 December 2-4 p.m. - Santa Photos and Wreath Making

Link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/heritage-york/events/santa-photos-2023-and-wreath-making/

Friday, 8 December 6 p.m. - Christmas Carolling with a child focussed format including seasonal refreshments!


The Junction's 4th Annual Window Wonderland

With the holiday season upon us, Toronto’s award-winning winter art exhibit, Window Wonderland, returns to the Junction for its fourth consecutive year. From November 24, 2023 to January 31, 2024, the magical urban art walk, presented by Isaan Der Thai Kitchen, will transform the Junction into a FREE outdoor art gallery featuring 20 spectacular augmented reality (AR) window installations and five murals, all designed by local and international artists.

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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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