Friends,
At the Board of Health meeting this week, committee members endorsed a staff report on mitigating substance use-related harms and fostering mental health and well-being for all residents of Toronto. The strategies in the report titled, "Our Health, Our City: A Mental Health, Substance Use, Harm Reduction, and Treatment Strategy for Toronto" were informed by meaningful consultations and conversations with Torontonians with lived experiences of mental health and substance use challenges, along with insights from experts, community leaders, frontline staff and City officials. It is a forward thinking plan that takes into consideration the City's increasingly diverse population and responds to concerning trends in decreased mental well-being.
The report underscores the vital role of social determinants of health, such as housing, in improving mental health and wellbeing. Relieving the City's ongoing housing crisis can mitigate devastating and preventable loss of lives, including lives lost to the opioid crisis. Inequalities in how income and wealth, and health and social services are distributed are inextricably linked to the prevalence of mental health challenges in our city.
With this report, the committee has directed the Medical Officer of Health to establish an implementation panel with experts in the field as well as those with lived experience to provide advice and oversee the realization of the outlined strategies. I want to acknowledge that this work is built on the efforts of many community members, organizations and experts that have advocated for this data-driven approach.
Moving forward, we will also need the Provincial and Federal government to do their share and continue to collaborate with the City to ensure we can provide the best resources, supports and services to make Toronto healthier.
Sincerely,
Gord
- Toronto Police Board Budget meeting: Dec 12
- TTC Survey on Street Car Diversion: Deadline Dec 3
- Bloor West Bike Lanes and Complete Street Extension Update
The Toronto Police Services Board’s Budget Committee Meeting
Toronto Police Services Board's Budget Committee will be holding its third and final meeting on December 12, virtually. As part of their efforts to increase transparency of the budget process, and to more effectively engage the public, community members are welcome to depute.
More information on the meeting and to access the deputation request form, visit their website.
Recordings of their meetings are also available on their youtube channel.
TTC Customer Survey: 501 Queen and 504 King streetcar diversions for King Street West construction in 2024
In early 2024, the City of Toronto and the TTC will renew the aging infrastructure along King Street West between Shaw Street to Dufferin Street. The City expects to begin replacing the watermain in mid-February 2024 and the City/TTC will start streetcar track renewal in May 2024. The project is expected to finish by late fall 2024. You can view details on the planned work here.
For the 501 Queen and 504 King streetcar route diversions that will be required, the TTC is seeking feedback from customers on which of two possible options they would prefer. A survey was recently launched on the TTC’s webpage with details on each of the two options. The TTC would appreciate it if you could share the survey with your constituents, so more feedback can be obtained. The website is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y6HL583.
Please note that the survey closes on December 3, 2023.
Update 13: Bloor West Bike Lanes and Complete Street Extension - Nov 23/23
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 22nd to December 1st:
- Installation of bollards within painted curb extension at some unsignalized intersections.
- Installation of platforms at bus stops, accessible loading and commercial loading zones.
- Completion of pavement markings, such as medians, side streets and Loading Zone lettering.
Work scheduled for the December 2023:
- Ongoing signage installation and adjustments along the corridor.
- Installation of platforms at bus stops, accessible loading and commercial loading zones.
- Completion of pavement markings, such as medians, side streets and Loading Zone lettering.
*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
