Note from Councillor Bradford
February 7, 2019
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Hope you're enjoying this very snowy and cold winter! The weather cooperated today for a fun game of hockey at Nathan Phillips Square with some of my fellow Councillors and Maple Leafs Alumni.
The 5th Annual Winter Stations international design exhibition is a reminder that the end of winter is near! I hope to see you at the launch on Family Day at Woodbine Beach. You can read all the details below.
As always, if you would like to get in touch with me or my team please call the office at 416-338-2755 or email councillor_bradford@toronto.ca.
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-Brad Bradford
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Council Update
A lot has happened at City Hall since the last newsletter.
There was intense debate around declaring a state of emergency to address homelessness in Toronto. This issue brought up strong emotions, especially in light of the freezing weather, but at the end of the day we took concrete steps that will be felt now and in the future. You can read my full statement on this issue on Facebook here.
To build a long term response to the housing crisis we established a framework for new affordable rental units on 11 city-owned sites across Toronto through the Housing Now initiative.
Key facts about Housing Now:
- A framework to build a minimum of 3,700 affordable housing on 11 city-owned sites, including a motion with 8 different measures that would help us make that housing even more deeply affordable, and for those in the greatest need.
- Allocating $20 million in the 2019 budget for the Housing Now project which includes 3 full-time positions for a new housing secretariat and 2 full-time city planning staff.
- Ensuring that the non-profit sector can submit plans for developing new affordable housing at these locations.
Action taken to address homelessness:
- A funding request for 1,800 transitional housing units that would alleviate pressure on the shelter system and provide stable housing options in the city.
- A motion to move forward with a new report that will provide us with real options for an aggressive supportive and transitional housing build plan in Toronto.
- It is also worth noting that Council has invested real dollars in alleviating pressure on the shelter system. Over the last two months, the City has added 800 spaces for 24-hour respite care every night. The City has added 3,000 shelter beds since 2016 and we are expecting to add 400 new beds in 2019 through the current budget.
We also made strides towards improving civic engagement in Toronto's elections by tabling a motion on term limits which will go to the Special Committee on Governance. While the motion hasn't passed yet, I am hopeful that the committee will allow us to study the issue of term limits in more depth. My motion was simple and asked for a report on the following:
- Extensive public consultation on how we can improve our elections
- Recommendations on the number of terms a Councillor and Mayor could serve
- Potential impacts of term limits on political engagement.
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Budget 2019
The 2019 budget process launched on January 28 and will continue until final Council approval on March 7. I was happy to co-host a budget information session at East York Civic Centre earlier this week, along with Councillor Fletcher and Budget Chair, Councillor Crawford. If you weren't able to attend and want to get involved it's not too late! To learn more about the City of Toronto budget and how you can get involved, see here.
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Black History Month
Mayor John Tory has proclaimed February Black History Month in Toronto. You can learn about the contributions and achievements of Toronto's Black community and participate in Black History Month events across the city. See here for details of events.
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Public Appointments
Toronto residents are needed to serve on a range of City boards, committees, and tribunals. Whether you are just starting your board journey or you are an experienced director, there's an opportunity for you!
Board members provide oversight of their agency or corporation, bring a community perspective, and help to reflect the needs and interests of Torontonians. This is a great opportunity to participate in local decision making, expand your network and make a difference in your community.
In 2019, the City of Toronto will be recruiting for more than 300 public member positions across over 50 boards. Bring your skills and experience to the table.
To learn more about these opportunities and to apply online, visit toronto.ca/ServeYourCity.
Sign up for the public appointments e-updates to receive information about application deadlines, vacancies, and new opportunities to join a City board, committee or tribunal.
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Your Arena Board Needs You!
Are you passionate about recreation and community engagement? The City of Toronto is seeking local residents to serve as public members on arena boards.
Arena board members support full and equitable access to the arena facilities, provide oversight of arena programs and finances, and help to represent the community and all arena users. A range of skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: community development, financial management, sports facility operation, event planning, amateur and children's sports, the non-profit sector, law, or marketing would be considered an asset.
Arena boards typically meet once a month in the evenings, except during the summer months. Board members must be residents of Toronto and at least 18 years of age.
Bring your skills and experience to the table, support your local arena and make a difference in your community!
How to Apply
To apply for an arena board, visit. https://secure.toronto.ca/pa/agencies.do. All applications must be submitted online.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the City of Toronto's Public Appointments Secretariat at 416-397-0088 or appoint@toronto.ca.
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Outdoor Mural and Street Art Program
Applications for the 2019 Outdoor Mural and Street Art Program are now being accepted. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 28, 2019.
Who is eligible?
Business Improvement Areas, business associations and community groups that include strong business participation are eligible. Successful projects have good exposure, are visible from a public road, have the support of local businesses, build community partnerships (financial and in-kind donations), undertake public consultation and select artists through an open process.
What is the Outdoor Mural and Street Art Program?
The program offers one-time funding of up to $5,000 for murals in commercial or employment districts. Eligible expenses for murals include artist fees, materials, installation and equipment rental.
Maintenance of the murals is the responsibility of the applicant.
For more information, please contact Michael Saunders in the Economic Development and Culture office, at 416-392-1005 or michael.saunders@toronto.ca.
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211 Phone Line and Online Service
211 is the award-winning 3-digit phone and online service which helps Ontarians connect to the complete range of government and community-based health and social services available in their communities.
Quick Facts:
- 211 is built from the community up and powered by partnerships
- 211 can be accessed by phone by dialing 2-1-1 and by web, chat or text
- 211 is free, confidential and available 24/7/365 in 150+ langauges!
- 211 Central serves communities in Toronto, Durham, Peel and York regions
- Ontarians can contact 2-1-1 for:
- Health Services & Supports
- Newcomer & Settlement Services
- Food Bank & Meal Programs
- Housing Help
- Disability Support Programs
- and more...
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Clearing Snow From Your Property
In light of the snowfalls that we've recently received in Toronto, please remember that residents and businesses are responsible for clearing the ice and snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within 12 hours of a snowfall (with the exception of those areas that receive mechanical sidewalk snow clearing). Keep in mind that it's NOT permitted by City bylaws to move snow onto the roads. Remember to "Be Nice, Clear Your Ice".
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New Fare Gate Coming to Main Station
The fare gates at Main Street Station will be replaced with a newer model. This work started on February 1 and is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete. Main Street is one of four stations where new gates are being installed. The reason the gates are being replaced with a newer model is so they are consistent with the other gates across the system.
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Official Plan Transportation Review
As part of the Official Plan Review, the City Planning Division is undertaking a review of the transportation policies related to transit, cycling, street related maps and schedules, and automated vehicles and shared mobility services found in the Official Plan. This is the second phase of the transportation component of the Official Plan Review, the first phase of which concluded in 2014.
City Planning staff are undertaking city-wide consultations on proposed draft transportation policies. Four public meetings will be held. All meetings will be held from 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.
Mon. Feb. 11, 2019
Etobicoke Collegiate Institute
86 Montgomery Road
Cafeteria
Tues. Feb. 12, 2019
Metro Hall
55 John Street
3rd Floor, Room 308
Wed. Feb. 13, 2019
Scarborough Civic Centre
150 Borough Drive
Committee Room 1
Tues. Feb. 19, 2019
North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge Street
Committee Room 3
To learn more about the Official Plan Review, please visit www.toronto.ca/opreview.
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Class Environmental Assessment for Main Transformer Station
Hydro One will begin a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the expansion of the Main Transformer Station (TS) located near the intersection of Main Street and Danforth Avenue. This expansion is needed to facilitate the replacement of infrastructure that has reached its end-of-life and to accommodate station improvements.
As part of the expansion, they have purchased two properties located at 155 and 157 Stephenson Avenue. The properties, including the tree located in front of 155 Stephenson Ave., will be scheduled for removal. As a result, the project is subject to a Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities (Hydro One, 2016), in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA is a streamlined planning process that has proven effective in ensuring minor transmission projects with a predictable range of effects have feasible environmental mitigation and/or protection measures in place. The Class EA process does contain screening provisions, which may apply to this project.
Depending on the outcome of the EA, it is anticipated that construction could begin as early as Fall 2020 and be completed by December 2021, with all work expected to occur within the existing Main TS fence line, as well as the two recently acquired properties.
Your input is an important part of their planning process. As such, Hydro One would welcome your comments and feedback on the proposed project by February 28th.
You can contact Julia Baldesarra at 416-345-6799 or Commmunity.Relations@HydroOne.com.
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Toronto Hydro Storm Clean-Up
From power outages to broken tree branches and household electrical equipment, storms can cause a lot of damage. Toronto Hydro is responsible for getting the power back on but there are some jobs that are the responsibility of homeowners. For example, if a home’s electrical equipment is damaged then the customer must hire a licensed electrician to make the repairs.
Have a look at Toronto Hydro's latest Be Enlightened video to understand your important role in storm clean-up.
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Community Centre 55's Soup Tasting
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276-294 Main Street and 144 Stephenson Avenue
On June 30, 2017, Tribute Communities submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application to the City, proposing to develop a 30-storey mixed-use building at the lands municipally known as 286-294 Main Street (the "Original Application"). On December 19, 2017, Tribute appealed its Zoning By-law Amendment application to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (the "LPAT") due to Council's failure to render a decision within the prescribed timeframe in the Planning Act (the "Appeal").
At its meeting on May 22, 2018, City Council adopted a Request for Directions report in respect of the Original Application and directed the City Solicitor and City staff to attend the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal in opposition of the Original Application and to continue negotiations with Tribute to address the issues outlined in the Request for Directions Report.
The Settlement Offer and Key Changes
On January 25, 2019, the City Solicitor received a with prejudice settlement offer (the "Settlement Offer") from the applicant. The Settlement Offer includes additional lands Tribute has purchased and are incorporated into a revised development proposal (the "Revised Proposal").
The key changes to the Original Application in the Revised Proposal are:
- Reducing the overall density of the proposal from an proposed Floor Space Index of 12.57 to 8.67;
- Reducing the building height from 30 storeys (93.3 metres excluding mechanical penthouse) to 27 storeys (83.9 metres excluding mechanical penthouse);
- Improving tall building setbacks that generally meet the Tall Building Design Guidelines;
- Increasing the distance of the tower from the nearest low-rise residential building from 22.6 metres to 34.7 metres;
- Providing 10 percent of the residential units 3-bedroom units, whereas none were provided in the Original Application;
- Increasing sidewalk width from a range of 3.0-5.9 metres to 6.0 metres;
- Providing on-site parkland dedication at 144 Stephenson Avenue; and
- Incorporating appropriate conservation of the potential heritage building at 292 Main Street.
This item will be considered at Toronto and East York Community Council. If you would like to make your views known on the item you can submit your comments in writing or request to speak at committee. See here for details.
Thursday, February 14
10:00 a.m.
City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Committee Room 1
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Councillor Bradford's Ted Reeve Skate Day
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Family Skate
Beach United Church invites friends and neighbours to join in a free skate with games, shinny (no regular sticks or pucks, plastic sticks provided) and hot drinks share around the fire pit. Helmets mandatory for children 6 & under and shinny players. Opportunity for cubs/scouts/brownies/girl guides to earn winter fitness/skating badges.
For more information contact Hastings Withers at hastings@withers.ca or 416-691-1657.
Sunday, February 17
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Kew Gardens Ice Rink
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5th Annual Winter Stations
Please join us on Family Day for the Winter Stations kick off! We will gather at the foot of Woodbine Avenue, on the beach side of the Donald Summerville Pool. Join the artists, guests and dignitaries as we take a tour of the installations. The exhibit runs for six weeks.
Monday, February 18
Meet at Noon
Beach side of Donald Summerville Pool (foot of Woodbine Avenue)
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Kids Program Open House
The 12th Annual Beaches Kids Program Open House is an event for parents and kids (ages 0-16) to learn about and explore available programs and services in the Greater Beaches Area. Meet face to face with program organizers, teachers, coaches, and much more. Programs include: Music, Dance, Sports, Arts, Science, Camps, Tutors, Playgroups, Daycares, Preschool Programs, Specialty Skills and Interests, Kids Health, Safety and much more…
Free admission and free parking!
Saturday, February 23
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Road
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Councillor Bradford's East York Skate Day
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Maple Sugar Music
Toronto Beach Chorale presents Maple Sugar Music, a toe-tapping salute to Canadian folk music featuring La Messe Québécoise, a work for choir, folk fiddle and spoons by Québec composer Pierick Houdy
along with English- and French-Canadian folk songs.
See here for details and ticket information.
Sunday, February 24
3:00 p.m.
Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Avenue
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Parking Etiquette Reminder
During the winter months it is especially important to be mindful of street parking rules. Please make sure to only take up one spot, especially with so much snow around, and to never block the TTC routes. Let's work together to make our transit and parking as efficient as possible!
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East York Historical Society
Are you interested in joining the The East York Historical Society (EYHS)? The EYHS was formed in 1980 and incorporated in 1981 as a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Ontario Historical Society to bring together people interested in the diverse heritage of East York, to research, retain, preserve and present historical data pertaining to the region.
Meetings of the EYHS are generally held on the last Tuesday of January, March, May, September and November at the S. Walter Stewart Library (northwest corner of Memorial Park and Durant Avenues) at 7:00pm and include an illustrated presentation on a subject of historical interest. The meetings are co-sponsored by the Toronto Public Library.
It was a pleasure attending their AGM in January and celebrating Black History Month, along with EYHS President Pat and Councillor Fletcher. If you're interested in becoming a member you can email eyhs@eastyork.org or visit their website.
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East End Arts
East End Arts is a non-profit community arts organization that serves the east end of Toronto. They provide inclusive arts programming and events to our local communities, including youth, newcomers, seniors and priority groups. They also provide professional development opportunities to both emerging and established artists and arts organizations.
They currently have the following Call for Artists in Ward 19:
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Danforth Mosaic BIA Funding Program
The Danforth Mosaic BIA has just launched their 2019 Events, Arts & Activations funding program. This program aims to support public events, art projects, and public space activations happening within 500m of the Danforth Mosaic BIA area, with the goal of bringing vibrancy to the neighbourhood!
Groups can apply for up to $5,000 per project. Details and the application are available here.
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Walk in the Park
Park People is excited to launch their Walk in the Park program! Through this program, they will help select groups establish senior-led walking clubs for seniors, in our Toronto parks. Applications for groups to join this program are now open and close on February 17th. This means 10 groups are eligible to receive training, support, resources, the option of first aid training, and a financial contribution of $1000 towards the group to establish a community-led senior walking club.
You can visit their website to learn more about the program. It goes over the eligibility of the program, has a link to the application, and a detailed Frequently Asked Questions page.
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