Note from Councillor Bradford
April 4, 2019
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April is BeADonor Month in Ontario, a time in which all Ontarians are encouraged to show their support for organ and tissue donation by registering to be a donor.
At 24%, Toronto has one of the lowest registration rates for organ donors in Ontario and I'm hoping we can improve this. Organ donation is a cause that is close to me and my team and I hope you will consider registering through this link, and feel free to spread the word. Together, I hope we can improve the donor rate for Toronto! |
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-Brad Bradford
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City Hall Update
Although there is no silver bullet for the housing crisis, we made progress last week by taking tangible steps to helping those in need. At City Council we moved forward with exploring ways to fund critical housing allowances and lifted restrictions on shelter locations.
We also received an update about Premier Ford's plan to upload the TTC. Here are my thoughts:
The Terms of Reference we accepted set out the framework for how we RUN the system. Instead, we’re getting letters from the Doug Ford telling us how we should PLAN the system.
As a planner I'm concerned about planning transit on the fly. Premier Ford is forcing us down a path that Toronto has faced for decades - the province throwing out transit plans - admittedly imperfect, but ones we could advance - for petty political motives.
We saw this when Rob Ford stopped Transit City and now Doug Ford is set to delay transit indefinitely. We can't afford another delay to building vital transit. If the province wants to build transit, by all means build it, the plans are ready we just need funding.
That’s why I introduced motions today to see how we can legally secure financial contributions from the province for our transit priorities and reiterate to the province that we need to ease congestion on our TTC through a relief line before we talk about expansion.
At the end of the day, the Province is threatening to delay, once again, all of the work that’s been done to date, and jeopardize our ability to deliver much needed transit.
With the ongoing upload conversation we have to send clear message to Doug Ford, not just for TTC riders but also for our city's role as an economic engine. If you agree add your name and let Doug Ford know! https://www.bradbradford.ca/relief_line
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HousingTO Action Plan
The City of Toronto is developing a new Action Plan to address housing issues in Toronto for the next decade. The HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan will set out clear actions the City and housing partners will take over the next 10 years to address the full spectrum of Toronto’s current and future housing needs.
Share your ideas with us at an upcoming public meeting and help us find the right solutions for housing Toronto!
Public Consultation Meetings
Provide input into the long range housing plan, share your ideas to help shape it, and ask questions. All meetings are from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 10, 2019
Scarborough Civic Centre
150 Borough Drive, Council Chambers
Thurs., Apr. 18, 2019
Etobicoke Civic Centre
399 The West Mall, Council Chambers
Tues., Apr. 30, 2019
Metro Hall
55 John Street, 3rd Floor, Room 308
Wed., May 1, 2019
North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge St., Council Chambers
For more information or to provide feedback, visit toronto.ca/housingplan or contact housingplan@toronto.ca.
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Please Recycle Right
Bad things happen when the wrong items are placed in the Blue Bin. How bad? Bad enough that they can damage equipment, cause workplace injuries at the recycling facility and ruin otherwise perfectly good recyclables. Contaminated recycling is currently costing the City millions annually. Approximately one third of what is put in the Blue Bin doesn’t belong there. That’s a big problem you can help fix.
Tips to help you recycle right:
- Know before you throw. Visit toronto.ca/recycle to learn what does and does not go in your Blue Bin.
- Check the Waste Wizard, the City's quick-and-easy search tool to find out what goes where. The Waste Wizard is available online or through the new TOwaste app.
- Empty and rinse food containers before tossing them in your Blue Bin and put any food scraps in your Green Bin.
- Donate items in good condition, such as used clothes, shoes, blankets, and curtains to not-for-profit agencies (visit toronto.ca/reuseit for donation locations).
- Don’t assume that everything with a recycling symbol is accepted in a municipal recycling program.
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Let's Clean Toronto Together - Registration is Now Open!
Hey Toronto! It's time for some spring cleaning. Gather your friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to clean a park, laneway, or any other public space that needs your help. Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, are the Community Cleanup Days, and Friday, April 26, is the Corporate 20-Minute Makeover / School Cleanup Day. You can register your cleanup event and find out when and where to get your free GLAD® garbage and recycling bags at livegreentoronto.ca or call 311 for details. Here's to a cleaner, greener Toronto!
There are some Cleanups already planned for Ward 19 which all are welcome to join:
Taylor Creek Park
- gather at the Haldon Street firepit on Monday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon
- pick up bags and gloves at meeting spot then be assigned a location to clean up
- gather back at firepit afterwards for a cookout
- email Anne and Jim Purvis for more information
2nd Annual Cleanup of Ashbridge's Bay Park
- Saturday, April 27 at 9:30 a.m. (raindate Sunday, April 28)
- meet at the entrance to the park from the Ashbridge's Bay Parking Lot, beside the Ashbridge's Bay Yacht Club
- please bring gloves
Aldergrove Avenue and Woodbine Avenue
- Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon
- litter pick up, raking, trimming and pruning at the east end of Aldergrove Avenue
- litter pick up on Woodbine Avenue west and east hillsides, north from CNR bridge
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Take Steps to TransformTO
Spring is here Toronto, so let's step outside to #TransformTO! From May 6 – 20, challenge yourself to walk more to support a healthier and greener Toronto. With your help, our community could win a street party, hosted by Live Green Toronto, and earn double points on the Carrot Rewards app.
Walking is a clean, green, and healthy way to get around Toronto and a great way to support the City’s TransformTO Climate Action Strategy. To reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, 75% of all trips under 5 km will need to be walked or cycled by the year 2050.
Download the free Carrot Rewards app to participate. Check the leader board here.
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Watermain Projects in Ward 19
There are a number of watermain projects starting in Ward 19. These projects are all part of the Council-approved 2019 Capital Works Program to renew our aging infrastructure, improve water distribution and reduce the risk of watermain breaks. Work will begin this spring in the following areas:
- Galbraith Avenue from Westview Boulevard to Victoria Park Avenue
- Duvernet Avenue from Golfview Avenue to Woodbine Avenue
- Pickering Street from from Gerrard Street East to Kingston Road
- Bellhaven Road from Fairmount Crescent to Eastwood Road
Residents in the work areas will receive more detailed notices about the work projects.
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Bridge Rehabilitation Coxwell Avenue
Starting in April 2019 and continuing until September 2019 the City of Toronto is planning to rehabilitate the Coxwell Avenue bridge under the railway, south of Hanson Street, and repave and repair the pedestrian pathway south of the railway between Coxwell Avenue and Woodfield Road. To complete this work, there will be NO NORTHBOUND traffic on Coxwell Avenue from Fairford Avenue/Gerrard Street to Hanson Street. Access to driveways, businesses, and streets will remain open at all times, but will only be accessible from Coxwell Avenue southbound.
As an alternative to Coxwell Avenue, motorists will be directed to use Greenwood Avenue.
The pedestrian pathway south of the railway will be CLOSED between Coxwell Avenue and Woodfield Road for a period of approximately three weeks during construction. A more specific timeline will be provided in a future notice. Signage will be posted near the pathway to help guide pedestrians.
This work will ensure that the bridge meets today’s standards and remains safe for vehicles and pedestrians into the future. The project is part of the Council-approved 2019 Capital Works Program.
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Toronto Neighbourhood Summit
We are a city of neighbourhoods. When neighbours come together and collaborate, their communities become stronger and healthier. The lifeblood of this vibrancy is our volunteer-led neighbourhood associations! The TANGO map illustrates who these groups are and the communities they represent. Now, they're ALL invited together by TANGO (Toronto Atlas of Neighbourhood Groups and Organizations) for a one-day summit to share ideas, learn from each other, and discuss ways that we can work together across the entire city.
See here for registration information.
Saturday, April 6
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
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National Piano Trio Concert
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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
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East End Love Art Project
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Bowmore Make It Fair
This family-friendly event welcomes everyone from Bowmore School and the surrounding community to celebrate and enjoy invention, creativity and resourcefulness.
Part science fair, part craft fair, and part something entirely new, the Bowmore Make It Fair is an all-ages gathering of local tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, artists, students, and community exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Make It! Fair to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.
Saturday, April 13
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bowmore School, 80 Bowmore Road
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Bangala New Year and Art Exhibition
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Toronto Beach Chorale
Join the 60-member Toronto Beach Chorlae, professional orchestra and soloists for a Good Friday performance of Maurice Duruflé's Requiem, along with motets by Gounod, Fauré and Poulenc. The Duruflé Requiem combines elements of Debussy, Messiaen and Fauré into a choral masterpiece with a subtle orchestration and a focus on peace and rest. Featuring full choir, professional soloists and orchestra.
For more information see here.
Friday, April 19
7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
St Aidan's Church, 70 Silver Birch Avenue
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Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade & Egg Hunt
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Councillor Bradford's Community Meeting
Save the date for my next Community Meeting. The format of the meeting will be the same as my previous two meetings: presentations and discussion on current issues in the ward and/or city, followed by a general Q&A session. Stay tuned for details. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, April 24
6:30 p.m.
Naval Club of Toronto, 1910 Gerrard Street East
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Glen Stewart Ravine Planting
Come celebrate Earth Week by planting native trees and shrubs in Glen Stewart Ravine! We will be greening up the newly constructed entrance at 144 Balsam Ave.
Thursday, April 25
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or until planting is done
Entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine at 144 Balsam Avenue
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Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine Earth Day Celebration
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Watch Your Speed Program (WYSP)
As part of the City of Toronto's Vision Zero Plan, you can help slow down vehicles by requesting WYSP on your street. There are two ways to suggest a location: either through the online form here or by contacting our office at councillor_bradford@toronto.ca.
The City's portable watch your speed signs are rotated through each ward on a monthly basis.
For more information on the program, or to make a request, see the website.
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Toronto Public Library's Art Exhibits Program
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Free Shrubs for TCHC Community Gardens
Thanks to the support from the City of Toronto and Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation, LEAF has some beautiful native shrubs available for community gardens and existing garden beds located on TCHC properties.
The shrubs can be planted:
- within existing community gardens
- along the fence line of existing community gardens
- within existing garden beds that are located against buildings (but please do not plant directly under window)
If you're interested in applying, please email Minaz at masani@parkpeople.ca for details.
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Daily Essentials Program
The Daily Essentials Program is new to Community Centre 55, providing hygiene products to low-income families and seniors from our Share a Christmas Program. The purpose of this program is to provide products that will empower people with dignity through hygiene. This bi-monthly program needs community support.
They are looking for donations of shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste, feminine products, soap, deodorant, diapers and shower gel. They also will gladly do the shopping for you! Gift cards and monetary donations are accepted.
Donations may be dropped off at Community Centre 55 (97 Main Street), Monday to Thursday, 9-9, Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-1 and Sunday 11-3.
For more information contact Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113.
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Jane's Walk Leaders
Jane's Walk Toronto is back May 3 to 5, 2019 and they are in search of passionate and engage indiviuals who are looking to share their expertise in the places they live, work, and play in.
By signing up as a walk leader, you are creating real change and helping bridge communities in our city, all while having fun and meeting new faces. Leading a walk requires little time and organization, and you don’t have to be an expert on anything, simply willing to share your story and the diverse ways in which you interact with your community on a daily basis.
See the Jane's Walk website for details.
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CommunAuto Pilot Program
Residents may have noticed an influx of CommunAuto vehicles in the Ward. CommunAuto is a car share program which has a temporary (pilot) free-floating, on-street parking permit with the City of Toronto. CommunAuto has committed to having vehicles moved from any location within 48 hours. If you notice a CommunAuto vehicle on your street which has passed the 48 hour mark, please let us know! Email the following info to diana.gonzalez@toronto.ca:
-Street address where parked
-Licence Plate #
-Vehicle make/model
-How long it has been parked at that location
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Danforth East Community Arts Fair Call For Artists
The Danforth East Community Association (DECA) invites artisans to participate in a juried outdoor arts and crafts fair in East Lynn Park, a beautiful and bustling community destination located on the Danforth between Coxwell and Woodbine.
They welcome applications from exhibitors working in a wide range of traditional and contemporary art forms. They provide a welcome package for exhibitors, uniformed security overnight, advertising, publicity, entertainment, food vendors, port-a-potties, volunteer support, an information booth, and more. Join us and find out why community members and local media consistently give our event rave reviews!
The fee is $225 for applications received by May 1, 2019
SUBMISSION AND EVENT DETAILS:
- Submission application available online here.
- Confirmation of acceptance: June 1, 2019. Applications will be reviewed and selected by a jury.
- Fair dates: September 14-15, 2019.
- Emerging Artist Booth application for a FREE booth for a student available here
- Event hours: The event runs from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday, rain or shine!
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East York Toronto Canada Day Festival
We're excited for the launch of the new website for the East York Canada Day Festival! Beginning in 1957, this festival has become Toronto's longest-running Canada Day celebration. Mark your calendars now for the parade in East York on July 1st at 10:00 a.m., followed by a full day of festivities.
This event is run entirely by volunteers! Without the support of the community, this event would not be possible. If you can help out on June 30 or July 1 for a couple of hours, please get in touch! All the details are here.
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SolidariTea
Thank you to Jenna Robar for hosting SolidariTea on March 24th during which volunteers handed out tea to our Muslim brothers and sisters as they entered for prayer at the Danforth Islamic Centre. It was a thoughtful way of offering community support during a difficult time.
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