Note from Councillor Bradford
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It's been a very exciting three weeks since I officially took office as City Councillor and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent Ward 19 at City Hall. Thank you to all who have reached out and provided such a warm welcome as I jump into my new role!
My team and I have been busy setting up our office at City Hall and responding to constituents. If you have questions or concerns please reach out by phone at 416-338-2755 or by email at councillor_bradford@toronto.ca. I encourage you to follow me on social media where I post day-to-day updates. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Also, stay tuned for details regarding a Constituency Office that I plan to set up in the ward in the new year!
This is the first of my e-newsletters that I plan to send out on a regular basis. As we go forward, there will likely be improvements and modifications to the format, and I'm always open to suggestions! If you have a local event or initiative that you would like listed please feel free to get in touch with my office.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season! I hope to see you at my New Year's Levee on January 13th (details below).
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-Brad Bradford
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Crescent Town Bridge Collapse Investigation
In my first order of business at Council, I moved a Member's Motion calling for an investigation into the pedestrian bridge that collapsed in Crescent Town on the morning of November 17. It was early morning on a weekend so we were lucky nobody was hurt or worse.
As a result of my motion, City staff will report back in the first quarter of 2019 on the causes and known facts of the collapse, recommendations for an internal or independent inquiry, work being undertaken by the City to improve monitoring and enforcement as well as future actions needed to improve safety standards for privately-owned public bridges. We need to do everything we can to ensure that a situation like this does not happen again.
Another thing to note, is that the TTC is currently undertaking emergency repairs to the pedestrian bridge connecting the Crescent Town apartments to Victoria Park Station. You can review the Construction Notice here, or reach out to 311 with general questions about the project. The Notice contains a map with alternative access routes as well. We have heard reports of residents using the hill adjacent, but due to safety concerns, I strongly recommend using the routes provided. I am working with City of Toronto Transportation staff to ensure the area is safe and the bridge re-opened as soon as possible. Please get in touch with my office if you have further questions or concerns.
TTC Negotiations
I have serious concerns about a possible TTC upload. After this election, I also recognize that the Ford government is willing to take extreme steps. The TTC vote was not about upload vs. no-upload – it was about how we manage a very vulnerable negotiating position. There are lots of forums to oppose the upload but I voted to engage in discussions. In my view, this will serve the City of Toronto better in the coming months, and I believe it's always better to have a seat at the table to stand up for our values. I asked staff questions about why equity wasn't one of the guiding principles for negotiation and spoke about giving staff the tools to be prepared in an unpredictable situation.
King Street Pilot
The King Street pilot has been successful. Transit reliability and ridership is up. The public environment is improved and we've shown how helpful pilots can be in working through complex and controversial issues. The Council vote on extending the pilot so that we can get a full-year of data was important so that when we report back, we can make a strong case not just for this project but also future projects like it. It will also help cities looking to Toronto for leadership to use our experience as an evidence base.
Cannabis Stores in Toronto
I voted to opt-in to permit Cannabis stores in the City to mitigate the negative effects of an illegal market. With cannabis legalized across Canada, the City has an opportunity to address some of the health and community impacts of illegal cannabis by allowing licensed premises. While I agreed to opt-in, I also asked staff about what powers we need to get from the Province so that Toronto can find ways to regulate the locations and densities of stores our communities.
While the City of Toronto has indicated that it will opt-in to the program, the Provincial Government just announced that they will be limiting the number of stores in Ontario to just 25, initially. I have concerns about how this will affect the City's ability to mitigate the negative effects of the illegal market.
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Streetscape Improvements on Queen Street East
You may have noticed Toronto Hydro work taking place on Queen Street between Coxwell Avenue and the Kingston Road TTC loop. Toronto Hydro is rebuilding the aging overhead electrical system in the Beaches community to help improve service reliability. As part of this project, poles will be replaced along Queen Street.
This summer, the City of Toronto plans to widen the Queen Street sidewalk to be consistent with the sidewalks west of Coxwell and east of the Kingston Road TTC turnaround. To avoid moving the poles later, and to help minimize disruption to the area, Toronto Hydro is coordinating its efforts with the City of Toronto. The new poles in this area will be installed to align with the future sidewalk indicated by a painted edge line. Barriers will be installed temporarily to protect the new poles and will be removed in coordination with the streetscape improvements.
If you have questions, please contact customeroperations@torontohydro.com or call 416-542-3366.
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StreetARToronto Partnership Grant
StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs designed specifically for streets and public spaces. An initiative of City of Toronto, Transportation Services Division, StART programs have been developed to achieve a number of Council’s strategic objectives. By reducing and replacing graffiti vandalism with colourful and vibrant art work, street art installations help maintain infrastructure in a state-of-good-repair thereby reducing maintenance costs, make our streets more inviting and safe, encourage active transportation (walking and cycling), showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business owners and operators, artists, and arts organizations. Of note, Transportation departments across the United States are increasingly developing street art programs given their essential involvement in placemaking and activating the street. Individually and collectively, StART murals are designed to celebrate the City of Toronto motto Diversity Our Strength and foster a greater sense of belonging among all.
The deadline to apply for a StART 2019 Partnership Grant is February 15, 2019. All projects must be completed by October 30, 2019. Complete information and a link to the online application can be found on our website here.
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Centre 55 Share-A-Christmas
Community Centre 55's 37th Annual Share-A-Christmas is upon us and help is always welcome! This important program provides assistance by delivering Christmas hampers to over 1,000 families living in our community. Donations of non-perishable food are accepted at many local grocery stores and monetary donations are always welcome at Centre 55.
Volunteers are welcome at Centre 55, 97 Main Street, to help with sorting, packing and delivering the Christmas hampers on the following days:
Tues, Dec 18, 6 - 8:30pm, Packing & Sorting – Non Perishables
Wed, Dec 19, 6 - 8:30 pm, Packing & Sorting – Non Perishables
Thur, Dec 20, 6 - 8:30 pm, Packing & Sorting – Non Perishables
Fri, Dec 21, 6 - 8:00 pm, Packing & Sorting – Toys – No Children Please
Sat, Dec 22, 10 - 1:00 pm, Packing & Sorting – Perishables, Load Trucks
Sat, Dec 22, 1 pm until finished – Delivery Day
THINGS TO NOTE: Dress in layers, the building can be either too hot or too cold. Bring your muscles as the food boxes can get heavy. Bring your patience as lots of elves come to help.
For more information regarding this program please feel contact Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113.
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Cinderella: A Merry Magical Pantomime
Torrent Productions is back in east Toronto for its third annual production, Cinderella: A Merry Magical Pantomime. This is a holiday treat for the entire family! For tickets and show details please see here.
Show runs December 21 - 30
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1/42, 243 Coxwell Avenue
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Grant AME Church Hamper Packing
The Grant AME Church is welcoming any volunteers to help with their Christmas Food Hamper Packing Day. They are preparing 200 Christmas hampers for those in need. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring a $10 grocery gift card to be added to the hampers.
Saturday, December 22
9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Grant AME Church, 2029 Gerrard Street East
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Hair of the Dog Fun Run/Walk
The Balmy Beach Club is hosting its 39th Annual Hair of the Dog Fun Run/Walk on New Year's Day. This is a 9K or 3K run/walk along the Martin Goodman Trail, beginning at the Balmy Beach Club. See here for event details.
Tuesday, January 1
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
Balmy Beach Club, 1 Beech Avenue
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New Year's Levee
All are welcome to the New Year's Levee co-hosted by Councillor Bradford and MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith as we celebrate the new year with our friends and neighbours. This is a free public event featuring light refreshments.
Sunday, January 13
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Firkin on Danforth, 2057-B Danforth Avenue
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