Note from Councillor Bradford
May 31, 2019

Congratulations to the Raptors on their first win of the finals!  It's amazing to see the city coming together to support and celebrate our team.  Let's keep the winning going!

I have two upcoming public meetings and would love to see you there.  The first is my regular Community Meeting, on June 13, followed by a meeting regarding permit parking, on June 20.  Details can be found in the listings 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.

-Brad Bradford

News and Information

City Hall Updates
 

Cuts to Cuts

This week we learned that Doug Ford backed down from his decision to implement retroactive $180 million in cuts to Toronto's budget. I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition and told Doug Ford that these cuts were going to hurt families in our community. It's clear to me that the reaction to these short sighted cuts helped the Premier change his position. While pausing these cuts is a positive step, our work isn't done. These same cuts are still planned for next year and we will need your voice to ensure the Premier knows his actions have real consequences for our communities.
 
Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning is a critical tool to address housing affordability in Toronto. Since the beginning of Toronto’s real estate boom, we have missed out on securing thousands of affordable units. The City has asked for these powers since we came into existence and now is the time to embed the principle of inclusion into our planning system so that we have some affordability in most major developments. This week in Planning and Housing Committee we took a very exciting step. We set out the principles for a made-in-Toronto Inclusionary Zoning framework ready to go out to public consultation on our ambitious goal to have affordable units as a default for new developments. Stay tuned for upcoming consultation dates!

Protection of Affordable Housing Subcommittee
 
I was proud to join Councillor Fletcher and Councillor Perks in forming the Protection of Affordable Housing Subcommittee this week at our Planning and Housing Committee meeting. The committee will be focused on the impact of renovictions and how they impact the supply of affordable housing. Protecting our existing affordable housing stock is one of our most urgent needs, and has the most real impacts on our cities most at risk tenants. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to using every tool the City has to address housing need. 

For more details on the committee please click the link: 
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2019.PH6.13

8 80 Cities
 
I'm thrilled to announce that the first ever Vision Zero pop-up in North America will be coming to Danforth and Woodbine on August 23-24th weekend! After an informative meeting with local BIAs, Councillor Fletcher and City Staff, the report was passed through Toronto East Community Council last week. I would like to thank everyone involved, especially 8 80 Cities for their advocacy and commitment to making Toronto a safer place for everyone. This event is a powerful example of how we can use a range of design interventions to improve road safety for everyone.

Beaches Flooding Update

I have received many calls and emails about the flooding at Woodbine Beach. The Beach is heavily affected by the flooding as waves have breached the sand bar and are washing anywhere from 10-80 meters into the beach area. There are multiple erosion issues in Ashbridges Bay Park, Leuty dog off-leash park and along boardwalk.
 
Earlier this week I helped members of the Balmy Beach Club shore up the boardwalk with sandbags. I also share your concerns about the need for long term solutions to our changing climate and the sustainability of our waterways. While there is still a lot of work to do on long term solutions, we're optimistic that the beach can reopen in a couple weeks. I'll be providing regular updates so please stay tuned.

Latest update as of 5:00pm on Friday: Woodbine and Kew Beach will be open with limited supervision on June 1, 2019. 
Coxwell Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation

The bridge rehabilitation and pedestrian path resurfacing project on Coxwell Avenue, under the Metrolinx tracks, is scheduled to begin on June 10, 2019 and continue until November 25, 2019.  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.

In order to complete the work in a safe manner, there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the construction work area. During Phase 1, the east sidewalk along Coxwell will be closed from Gerrard Street East to Hanson Street. The west sidewalk, including the portion under the bridge, will remain open to pedestrians.  During Phase 2, the east sidewalk, including the portion under the bridge, will be open to pedestrians. The west sidewalk will be closed.

Pedestrians wishing to cross Coxwell Avenue from the east sidewalk to the west sidewalk (and vice versa) will be able to do so just south of the bridge at the pedestrian crossing, or at the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Hanson Street.

Efforts have been made to manage traffic in the area for the safety of workers, road users and residents. Road users should expect delays and increased traffic on nearby main and side streets.

To complete this work, there will be no NORTHBOUND traffic on Coxwell Avenue from Fairford Avenue/Gerrard Street to Hanson Street. Alternative routes to travel north include Greenwood Avenue and will be signed as appropriate.

TTC service of the 22 Coxwell (north/southbound) and 322 Coxwell (east/westbound) routes will be affected.  Both buses will maintain their regular route until Gerrard Street East, then turn east onto Gerrard Street East, then northbound at Woodbine Avenue, westbound onto Danforth Avenue and then into Coxwell Subway Station (22 Coxwell) and Broadview Subway Station (322 Coxwell).

For more information, please contact the Project Manager, Manzur Rahman, at 416-392-4509 or Manzur.Rahman@toronto.ca.
TTC Line 2 Wheel Flats

TTC continues its efforts to reduce noise and vibration from “wheel flats” on Line 2. The overall number of wheel flats continues to trend downwards – there has been a 65% reduction in total wheel flats since late March, 2019. There are still some trains operating with wheel flats, but significantly less than a few months ago. There has been a noticeable improvement along Line 2.
 
Staff continue to machine (repair) wheels while monitoring the total number of wheel flats and any possible fluctuations. Updates will continue to be posted to: http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Construction/Subway_noise_vibration.jsp
Parks, Forestry & Recreation - Changes to System

The City is replacing the registration and booking platform for recreation services and will be consulting the public on this transformation. Consultations are planned using a variety of convenient ways so you can provide input from the comfort of your home, drop-in during our pop-up consultations, or attend a small group discussion in a neighbourhood near you.  See here for details on how to get involved.
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
Bike Month 2019

Bike Month 2019 runs from May 27 to June 30.  We started it off with a fantastic, sunny morning 30th anniversary Bike to Work Day on May 27.

The cycling conversation in this city can get heated. I had a lot of fun making this video with my team to share the enjoyment of riding a bike, and the big impact it can have on our city. However you get around, take care of each other, and enjoy the ride.
Keep in mind these important safety rules when sharing the road:
 
 
April had the lowest number of short-turning streetcars in 5 years

We all know the frustration of too many short-turning streetcars, especially during rush hour.  As a member of the TTC Board I've been working hard with my colleagues to improve the streetcar service and reduce the number of short-turns.  I'm happy to report that April 2019 had the lowest number of short-turns since 2014, including the 501 streetcar which had ZERO short turns for several days. 
 
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
Private Property Tree Planting Program

LEAF offers a Subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program which helps you enjoy the many benefits of trees by planting the right tree in the right place. You will get an arborist consultation at your property, a 5 to 8 foot native tree and full planting service, all for $150-$220 (approximately half the full cost!). Houses, multi-units and business/industrial properties all qualify. LEAF also has a Do-It-Yourself option, for those who like to get their hands dirty! For more information, visit LEAF or call 1-888-453-6504.
Become a 3Rs Ambassador Volunteer in your Building

Did you know the City has a 3Rs Ambassador Volunteer program? It engages residents in apartment buildings, condominiums and co-ops to become waste educators and help promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) in their buildings. 3Rs Ambassador Volunteers are trained by the City on how to properly recycle and reduce waste going to landfill.  Help your building get more involved in the 3Rs and become a 3Rs Volunteer Ambassador today by signing up at Toronto.ca/3Rs.

Here are five easy ways to reduce the amount of waste your building sends to landfill right now:

1) NO BLACK BAGS: Do not put recyclable materials in black plastic garbage bags. Put items for recycling in loose or in a clear bag.
 
2) FREEZE FOOD SCRAPS: Over 50% of your waste is organic and could be composted. Avoid smells by putting a bag in the freezer to store food scraps until you can dispose of them properly.
 
3) REFUSE & REDUCE: Do you really need that pamphlet? Free keychain? Or extra ketchup package? Saying "no" to items you don't need helps keep waste out of landfill.
 
4) PAPER PLATES, TOWELS AND NAPKINS: Can go in organic waste collection if they do not have chemicals or make up on them.
 
5) ONLINE SHOPPING? Flatten boxboard and cardboard boxes and recycle. Bubble wrap and bubble envelopes go in the garbage.
Water Tracking Tool

Toronto Water has now launched a new online tool that allows you to view water use information anytime, anywhere, from your computer or mobile device. Titled MyWaterToronto, the tool makes it easier for you to understand your building's water use, identify potential leaks and consider ways to save money. To log-on visit toronto.ca/mywatertoronto and enter your utility account information.
Give your input on Toronto's Governance

I am a passionate advocate for modernizing the way we govern this city, and making city hall open to fresh ideas and fresh faces. I ran on a platform of term limits and I have been advocating for a series of reforms to City Hall since taking office. The City is now inviting Torontonians to participate in this conversation online, at upcoming public sessions, and by hosting their own discussions to share their thoughts on recent changes to City Council governance. Topics include term limits, the diversity of City Council, and ways the City of Toronto can improve civic engagement.
 
Input from the consultation will help to inform staff's recommendations to a Special Committee on Governance. The Committee's mandate is to consider the impacts of a smaller Council on the City's governance and recommend any further changes to its interim structure.
 
Find out more at www.toronto.ca/TOgovernance
Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) 

The City of Toronto has begun an evaluation of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy (TSNS) 2020. The results of the evaluation will improve future actions of TSNS 2020.
 
We encourage all residents and community service partners to take 10 minutes and complete the survey. Your feedback is critical to TSNS 2020 moving forward. You can complete the survey here

Local Events

Bard in the Park
 
Slobberfest
 
 
Community Market
 
 
Streetfest
 
Seniors' Event
Kingston Road Village Planting Day

The Kingston Road Village Community Association is having a Planting Day and all are welcome to help plant in the tree wells along Kingston Road from Pickering to Victoria Park.
 
They will need a little muscle and a little planting know-how. If planting, please bring a spade/trowel. They will also need ongoing help to keep the plants free from litter and well-watered during the summer.
 
Hope to see you there!

Friday, June 7
1:00 p.m.
Meet at Subway Sandwich Shop, 968 Kingston Road
O'Connor Community Centre Event
Spring Fair
WishLists Arts and Crafts
 
Danforth East Yard Sale

The 7th annual Danforth East Yard Sale is happening on June 8th, rain or shine, organized by DECA (Danforth East Community Association).  Last year there were 380 garage sales stretching from Greenwood to Dawes and O'Connor south to the train tracks.  See here for details on the sale and how to sign up to participate.

Saturday, June 8
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Various locations
28th Toronto Challenge

The 28th Toronto Challenge is a fun, family-friendly run and walk that raises funds for local non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life for seniors in your community.  There are many ways to participate, including a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1K fun walk and a Team Challenge.  More details can be found here

Sunday, June 9
7:30 a.m. 
Starting at University Avenue and Armoury Street, ending at Nathan Phillips Square
Toronto Homeshare Program

Sunrise Movement

The Sunrise Movement has landed in Toronto! They're the ones who are spreading the  word about the Green New Deal throughout North America. Please come to their town hall  with your questions and ideas, and lend your support to a rapidly growing movement that promises a just, prosperous, and safe world for all of us!

Monday, June 10
7:00 p.m. 
Toronto Beaches Library, 2161 Queen Street East
Gender Equity Matters Summit

Seniors Lunch & Learn

Michael Garron Hospital is hosting a series of educational events geared toward seniors in our community. The events are free and a light lunch is provided. The topic of the next event is "Intergenerational Relationships" with speakers Diana Tustin and Damien Seo.

Wednesday, June 12
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Michael Garron Hospital, G2 Conference Room
Kick The Stigma Trivia Night

Councillor Bradford's Community Meeting
 
Pegasus' 25th Anniversary Picnic

Congratulations to Pegasus, a community project for adults with special needs, on their 25th anniversary!  Join Jays Care Foundation as they demonstrate and play baseball with participants and staff.  Games, activities, music, food and drink provided.  Contributions of salads, fruit, vegetable trays and dessert are welcome.  Please no fish or nut products!  RSVP's must be received by June 11th to plan for food.  RSVP to info@pegasustoronto.ca or 416-691-6835.
 
Tuesday, June 18
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kew Gardens picnic area (foot of Lee Avenue)
Public Meeting - Permit Parking System

Over the last couple of years there has been a lot of discussion about changes to permit parking in Toronto and East York. Before a report comes back to community council on this important issue next month, I want to hear from you. What is the right approach to permit parking in our community? What kind of system do you want for making changes to permit parking on your street?
 
I'm hosting a community meeting to go over the current permit parking system and get your feedback on the approach you want to see in our community. Please come and share your views. 
 
Thursday, June 20
7:00 p.m. 
Main Chamber, East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue
Community Environment Day
 
 

Community Updates

Monitoring Road Safety Across the Ward

Thank you to various members of our community, City Staff and Toronto Police for helping to improve road safety in our ward.  I recently spent a day seeing firsthand the safety concerns that we all share, including at intersections such as Woodbine and O'Connor and around school zones, and I am committed to implementing safety improvements for our community.
 
  
Responding to Recent Road Safety Incidents

Many of our community members were shaken by the motorcycle hit and run at Victoria Park and Adair on Sunday, where a young boy was left with life-threatening injuries.  I have been working with Toronto Police to increase enforcement, not just in this area but across Beaches-East York.

The Superintendent has issued immediate orders to increase enforcement activity through direct patrols. I have also bumped-up installation of a Watch Your Speed Sign at Woodbine and Lake Shore in light of the accident there a couple of weeks ago. By showing drivers their speed on approach, these signs have been proven to reduce traffic incidents. 

A number of community members have been in touch with my office to get 'Slow Down' signs through the City's Vision Zero program. Please contact my office if you'd like assistance with getting signs and sharing them with neighbours. 
Farmers' Markets 

It's that time of year when our fantastic Farmers' Markets are back for the season! 

East York Farmers' Market
May to October
Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue

Leslieville Farmers' Market
May to October
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Jonathan Ashbridge Park, 20 Woodward Avenue

East Lynn Park Farmers' Market
June to October
Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Avenue
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.
How to File Complaints with Toronto Police

If you would like to make a non-emergency traffic or crime complaint to Toronto Police Services (TPS), you can do so online by following one of these links:

Online reports for TPS, including traffic complaints
Online community complaint forms for 55 Division (not to be used for traffic complaints)
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.
Youth Photography Program
 
Youth Justice Fund

The Government of Canada's Youth Justice Fund is currently accepting new proposals for multi-year pilot projects and short term projects with a start date during winter of 2019-2020.  See here for details on how to apply.
Iftar Dinner

Thank you to my friend, Alam, at Gharora Restaurant, for recently hosting members of our Muslim community, as well as MP Erskine-Smith and Councillor Crawford, for an Iftar dinner.  It was an honour to be able to participate with them and the food was delicious!
 

City Updates

Toronto streets ready to host NBA Finals

"Union Summer" returns to Union Station

Toronto's first Collision technology conference a success

Statistics on work completed during one-day maintenance closure of Don Valley Parkway

Toronto Public Health shares tips to avoid West Nile virus
 
Contact 311 For City Services
Brad Bradford, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 19, Beaches-East York
416-338-2755

councillor_bradford@toronto.ca

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