Note from Councillor Bradford
April 19, 2019
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If you've been in touch with my office over the last couple of months you may have been helped by Mohamed Ibrahim. He's been a wonderful addition to our team as an Intern through the Muslim Youth Fellowship program. Yesterday was his last day at City Hall and I'd like to thank him for all his hard work!
Hope to see you at my next Community Meeting on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m at the Naval Club (see details below).
As always, please contact my office at (416) 338-2755 or councillor_bradford@toronto.ca if you require any assistance or have an event you would like listed in a future eblast. |
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-Brad Bradford
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P.S. Don't forget that April is BeADonor month and I encourage you to consider registering as an organ donor through this link. Together let's improve the organ donation rate for Toronto! |
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City Hall Updates
Province's Transit Proposal
Much of this week's City Council meeting was dominated by discussion on the Province's transit proposal. Like many of you, I didn't know where Doug Ford's announcement last week came from, what research has been done, or how realistic it is.
The City has a transit network plan – by no means perfect but no plan is. My view is that we should get on with building that plan, especially the Relief Line. After decades of debate, our Beaches-East York community needs transit relief and the whole system needs it before we can expand. Changing the plan will likely lead to delay. The City Manager's report on the Province's proposal had 61 questions need answering by Doug Ford. We need to know more before we can assess this proposal.
As we've seen throughout the course of this Provincial government it's hard to predict what's going to happen. No level of government can or will realistically build transit alone so we have to find a way forward, a way to stop the politics and get on with building. I will be a tireless advocate for the Relief Line which is what our community needs.
TTC Board
Last week, myself and my fellow TTC Commissioners had a packed agenda, considering a range of issues, from implementing temporary PRESTO tickets, the King Street Pilot Project, fare enforcement and data retention policies to my motion seeking clarity and action on the worsening noise from wheel flats on Line 2.
After hearing from many of you about extreme levels of noise in your homes, I went to visit a resident's home with TTC staff to hear the sound of the subway first hand. While TTC staff are working diligently to repair existing wheels flats, and the National Research Council of Canada is helping to identify the root cause, my motion will deliver a report back to the TTC Board in May with timelines, decibel readings and root causes. I would like to thank TTC staff and residents who have reached out on this issue and I will provide updates as we realize solutions.
Another very important issue facing the TTC is how Enforcement Officers conduct themselves and how data that is collected from TTC riders is managed – an issue that was recently highlighted in an article by the Toronto Star's Ben Spurr. TTC's 2019 budget includes dollars to hire double the current number of Enforcement Officers. It's a crucial moment to ensure that these policies are appropriate. As such, I worked with Commissioner Carroll on a motion to understand these policies and find improvements. I consulted with the City's Equity, Diversity & Human Rights Division, to make sure that enforcement is fair and not hindering the rights of residents who use the TTC. While enforcing fare payments, it is important that everyone using the TTC is treated fairly, with respect and without concern for breaches of privacy or security.
Hansard Transcripts and Accessibility
This week, City Council debated my motion to establish Hansard - or transcripts - at City Hall. Transcripts of Council, Committee, Agency and Board meetings will enable a more accessible and transparent arena of debate and decision making at City Hall. I'm pleased that Council voted to support my motion and we'll be seeing a report on the feasibility of transcribing meetings this year.
The Samara Centre for Democracy has stated that 'A timely, accurate and accessible written record of what elected representatives say on behalf of the people they represent is a simple but powerful democratic tool. It makes a higher level of accountability possible, giving citizens a window into important processes. It makes the daily work of representation more transparent.'
I believe that in a city like Toronto, every resident deserves to have easy access to their Councillor, the work that we do and the context for the positions that they are taking on important local and City-wide issues. Having a full transcript of the debate will hopefully encourage more accountable decisions, and help residents understand the nuances of council decisions, past and present. As the most diverse city in the world, it only makes sense that every resident, regardless of their first language, can access information about how they are represented at the municipal level.
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Retail Main Streets Study
The City of Toronto has launched a study of the current state of Toronto's retail main streets. The first phase of this work is an online survey of residents and businesses:
Resident Survey
Business Survey
The survey will give the City a deeper understanding of the current economic, policy and regulatory environment in which main street businesses operate, the key issue they face and the types of supports that would be most helpful to them. We invite you to participate and have your say!
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TTC Bus Stop Improvements
Construction to meet TTC’s AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) obligations to improve bus stop accessibility will ramp up throughout the Spring and Summer. City Council approved the accessibility work, and 489 stops across the system have been upgraded to date.
Overview of the construction:
- Work is critical to support bus access for TTC customers with disabilities
- All work is on the City Right-of-Way
- PTIF (Federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund) funding supports the work
- Property owners and City Councillors will be notified in advance
You can read the background report here.
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TTC Subway Closures
In order to accommodate high rail replacement, the TTC will be closing the subway in both directions between Victoria Park and Kennedy stations on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 27 at 6:00 a.m. to Monday, April 29 at 2:00 a.m. Regular scheduled service will resume April 29 at 6:00 a.m.
- Saturday, May 4 at 6:00 a.m to Sunday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m. Regular scheduled service will resume May 5 at 8:00 a.m.
Shuttle buses will operate during the closures.
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Road Resurfacing Projects
There are a number of road resurfacing projects starting this spring in Ward 19. This work is part of the Council-approved 2019 Capital Works Program to renew aging city roads and sidewalk for current and future needs. Affected properties will receive a Construction Notice approximately two weeks before work begins.
The project locations are:
- Treadway Blvd
- Westbrook Ave between Westlake Ave and Chisholm Ave
- Barrington Ave between Lumsden Ave and Coleman Ave
- Lumsden Ave between Main St and Barrington Ave
- Lawlor Ave between Kingston Rd and Swanwick Ave
- Swanwick Ave between Lawlor Ave and Scarborough
- Moberley Ave between Merrill Ave E and Aldergrove Ave
- White Pine Ave between Hackberry St and Parkview Hill Cres
- Herbert Ave
- Maclean Ave between Queen St E and Pine Cres
- Selwyn Ave and Rexleigh Dr between St Clair Ave E and Ferris Rd
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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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Let's Clean Toronto Together
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. 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
Dentonia Park
- Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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
Danforth Village
- Sunday, April 28, 11:00 a.m.
- Meet at bottom of Luttrell Loop at 11:00 a.m.
- Hosted by Danforth Village Residents Association
Stephenson Park
- Sunday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon
DECA (Danforth East Community Association) Neighbourhood
- Sunday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon
- Meet at the northeast corner of Danforth and Coxwell at 10:00 a.m. then walk east to Woodbine pikcing up garbage and recycling along the way
- End at Zav's Coffee Shop (2048 Danforth Avenue) for a coffee and treat
- Bring gloves, garbage and recycling bags, if you have them
Topham Park
- Sunday, April 28 from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
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Danforth Garage Master Plan
Following the Danforth Garage Master Plan engagement process, CreateTO, the City and its consultant team have compiled the work undertaken during the process to prepare reports to the CreateTO Board, Executive Committee and City Council.
Below is the schedule which sets out the key dates for reporting. On April 15, 2019, a presentation providing an overview of the process and suggested next steps for consideration was made to the CreateTO Board. The presentation has been posted to the City’s TMMIS website and can be found here. All future reports, in addition to the Danforth Garage Master Plan Study, prepared by DTAH and its consultant team, will be made available through the City’s TMMIS website five business days prior to the scheduled meeting; links will also be provided on the project website.
April 30, 2019
Toronto Preservation Board
Statement of Significance
May 13, 2019
CreateTO Board
Report + Recommendations
June 6, 2019
Executive Committee
Report + Recommendations
June 18, 2019
City Council
Report + Recommendations
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O'Connor Drive and St. Clair Avenue Area Construction
There are a number of construction projects planned for the O'Connor and St. Clair area over the next couple of years. As we get closer to the project dates, the detailed construction notices will go out to the affected areas. The following is an overview of the projects and anticipated timing:
- Glenwood Crescent and St. Clair Ave
- Basement Flooding Protection upgrades
- Construction from March 2019 – December 2020
- O'Connor from St. Clair to Bermondsey
- Road Reconstruction and Transportation Safety & Local Improvements
- Basement Flooding Protection Upgrades
- Streetscape Improvements
- Green Infrastructure
- Estimated Construction from September 2019 – October 2020
- Westview and neighbouring streets
- Basement Flooding Protection upgrades
- Transportation Safety & Local Improvements
- Green Infrastructure
- Estimated Construction from January 2021 – December 2022
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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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Access Point on Danforth: Your Community Hub
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Councillor Bradford's Community Meeting
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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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Scouts Electronics Recycling and Bottle Drive
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Community Environment Days
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Woodbine Bike Lane Information Session
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School Crossing Guard Program Update
Starting April 8, 2019, the City of Toronto started accepting all requests for new school crossing guard locations. Residents who would like to request a new school crossing guard location should visit: www.toronto.ca/SchoolCrossingGuard. There will be a form posted online that residents will be required to complete. There are two intake periods ending January 31 and July 31 of each year. Once a request is received, the review process takes between six and eight months to confirm results of the evaluation.
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Michael Garron Hospital Cup: Kick the Stigma!
Registration is officially open for the 2019 edition of Michael Garron Hospital Cup: Kick the Stigma! We’re already counting down the days until September 21 and we’re sure you will be, too.
For the second year, we're rallying our community in support of a cause we’re passionate about: the well-being of our neighbours affected by mental health and addictions.
Michael Garron Hospital Cup: Kick the Stigma is a day-long soccer tournament and festival held at Monarch Park Stadium in the heart of East Toronto on September 21, 2019. We’ll also keep the fun going with the Heart of the East community festival, featuring live music, games, a beer garden, and an eclectic mix of street food reflecting the diversity of our neighbourhoods.
And the best part? You’ll be having a great time for the best cause: a vibrant, healthy and strong east end through better mental health.
Are you in? Visit our website at kickthestigma.ca to sign up.
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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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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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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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Bengali New Year
Shuvo Nabobarsho! Wishing you a Happy Bengali New Year! We had a colourful (and tasty) celebration on April 14th. Special thanks to Young Bangladeshi Torontonians and Toronto Dhaka Club for all of their hard work organizing. The New Year festivities will continue in the coming weeks with a Bengali cultural festival. Keep an eye on social media for more details.
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