Note from Councillor Bradford
June 27, 2019
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What an amazing finish for the Toronto Raptors! We had a great time at Beach Cineplex Cinemas hosting hundreds of community members to watch the Raps make history. Thanks to everyone who came to share the excitement! It was incredible seeing the support of SO many people at the parade and celebration at Nathan Phillips Square last Monday. The win really brought the city together and put us on the map around the world!
From one parade to another...as we move into the long weekend, please join me and my team in the East York Canada Day Parade on Monday, July 1st. If you'd like to be in the parade with us we will gather at 9:30 a.m. at Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn Avenue). The parade sets off at 10:00 a.m.
Following the parade there will be the annual festival at Stan Wadlow Park (see the poster below). The festival will end with fireworks at 10:00 p.m. I encourage you to join this festival and/or one of the many other celebrations on July 1st!
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
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-Brad Bradford
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City Hall Updates
City Council
Last week at City Council we received an update from the Province on the TTC Upload. With this update came more evidence that we should expect delays to transit construction in Toronto because of the Province's meddling.
We need to start building. We don't know the Province's plans for all of the proposed Ontario Line but we know the central portion is the same as the City's Relief Line plan which is already at 15% design. That's why at Council I moved a motion asking the Ontario Government to keep moving forward on building this part of the line while the Province figures out its plans for the rest. There is no reason to delay this portion of our transit system in urgent need of relief.
Danforth Garage
The Danforth Garage reached another milestone at City Council this week. This exciting project offers real economic opportunities to our community and city-wide significance, similar to that of the Distillery District and Wychwood Barns. It is my hope that this project will lead to a transformative change along our stretch of the Danforth. You can see my letter on the item and my recommendations to bring more jobs to the East End by visiting this link.
Toronto East York Community Council
It was a busy day at Toronto East York Community Council on Tuesday with over 150 items on the agenda! Road safety is very important to our community - at this meeting alone we delivered 7 projects to improve pedestrian safety including all-way stop signs and new speed humps. All of these projects were initiated by local champions like you – thank you for your leadership. If you have an idea on how we can improve pedestrian safety please e-mail Councillor_Bradford@Toronto.ca.
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Strong Main Streets Campaign
This week I was joined by a passionate group of local champions to begin my Strong Main Streets campaign. This was the first of what will be many meetings and initiatives to find solutions for building and maintaining strong main streets in Beaches–East York. Hosted at The Workaround - an incredible co-working space at 2080 Danforth Ave - the event featured presentations from City of Toronto staff from Economic Development & Culture and Public Realm, as well as from the Beach Village BIA, the Pop-Up Shop Project, Akin Collective and 8 80 Cities.
We discussed issues like vacant storefronts, the City's Digital Main Streets initiative and Entrepreneurship training programs, competing with online sites like Amazon, pop-up opportunities, commercial tax rates, street beautification, the vitality of complete streets and much more. Between the informative presentations and group breakout sessions, it was a comprehensive overview of the issues our main streets are facing and how we might be able to work together to tackle them.
I will be compiling all of the feedback and ideas that were shared and will be hosting a public meeting in September. This will be an incredible opportunity to hear from your neighbours, local stakeholders and City of Toronto staff on how we can make Beaches–East York as vibrant as we know it can be. It will also be your opportunity to bring your ideas and energy to deliver the change you want to see in Beaches-East York. Thank you to everyone who came out on Monday and I look forward to seeing you all in September!
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Beaches Flooding Update - Canada Day Fireworks Still Planned
There is still a significant amount of flooding on the beach and City staff are continuing to address the situation. They continue to pump the water out in order for the inland pond to be gone at Ashbridge's Bay. Please note that the annual Canada Day fireworks at Ashbridge's Bay will still go ahead as planned at 10:00 p.m. on July 1st.
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My Local Government
The City of Toronto provides services that have a direct impact on your daily life and sometimes it is not clear how government works, where to find information or how to express your opinion.
"My local government – it's for me" is a great place to start if you would like to learn about your local government, the decision making process and how to get involved. Information is available in English and 24 additional languages that will help you become informed, have your say and serve your city.
Find out more at www.toronto.ca/mylocalgovernment.
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City of Toronto Pools
If you're looking for somewhere to cool off this summer, the City of Toronto website has an excellent tool which allows you to search by type of pool and see where they're located on the map. You can also look at the pool schedules and whether there are any closures.
Please note that until further notice, Kiwanis Outdoor Pool is closed for unplanned maintenance. The nearest outdoor pools are Greenwood (Greenwood & Dundas) and O'Connor (Victoria Park & O'Connor).
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Coxwell Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation
Construction continues on the rail bridge on Coxwell Avenue. Coxwell is closed northbound from Upper Gerrard Street East to Hanson Avenue. In order to alleviate traffic in the immediate area residents are encouraged to use Greenwood Avenue as an alternate route when driving. Closure of a major roadway like Coxwell means there will be spill over onto adjacent roads.
My office has requested that Traffic Operations review the traffic situation around Woodbine and Gerrard after the implementation of the road restrictions due to the construction works and adjust the signal timing as necessary to alleviate some of the traffic congestion. 10 seconds has been added to the east/west cycle length is order to give more time to clear the intersection. Staff will continue to monitor the intersection.
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Woodbine Avenue Traffic Improvements
One of the action items that I committed to at my recent public consultation regarding the Woodbine Bike Lanes is to examine the main intersections along Woodbine in order to find improvements in terms of safety and traffic.
In late May, I went to all the intersections along with City Transportation Staff to review issues, and to discuss potential options. Staff will be conducting studies of these intersections, and will report back with options which would improve safety and traffic flow.
Signal timing at Woodbine and Gerrard has been extended by 10 seconds allowing greater opportunity for vehicles travelling northbound to clear the intersection.
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Leaside to Main - Hydro Project
Hydro One is continuing work to install a new underground cable between our Main Transformer Station (TS) and Lumsden Junction (Jct) to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to local customers. Beginning Wednesday, June 26, we are moving into the final stage of construction which involves connecting sections of cable together inside the joint bays. We are required to install two splicing (connection) huts to splice the cable in a clean and controlled environment. To accommodate these activities, we will be required to reinstate the curb-to-curb closure on a 24/7 basis. During this time driveway access for homes in front of the joint bays will be restricted and Main St. between Doncaster and Lumsden will be open to local traffic only.
We are pleased to offer the Main St. and Lumsden Ave. community its own Construction Ambassador, Rick Parrnell. Contact Rick at: 416-414-9438.
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Public Consultation on Electric Vehicles
The City of Toronto invites Torontonians to share their thoughts about actions that the City can take to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Toronto. Input from the consultation will help inform the development of the City's Electric Mobility Strategy.
The electrification of vehicles is one of the key strategies identified in the City's TransformTO climate action strategy to meet Toronto's target of an 80 per cent reduction in local greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve that target, 100 per cent of vehicles in Toronto must transition to low- or zero-carbon energy by 2050. Vehicles generate about one-third of the total emissions in Toronto today.
The public can provide input online or by attending the public meeting described below.
Online
From June 24 to July 5, residents can provide feedback by completing a survey here.
Public session
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about actions under consideration for the City's Electric Mobility Strategy, speak with staff and other residents, and provide feedback. The session will take place on Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 310.
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Contamination and Blue Bin Inspections
The wrong items in recycling – otherwise known as contamination – continues to be a major issue for most municipalities, including Toronto, and is costing the City millions annually in additional processing costs. Approximately one third of what is currently put in the Blue Bin does not belong there.
Over the past several years, in an effort to reduce contamination, the City has done extensive public education and implemented a wide array of programs, initiatives, and services, including inspections of single-family residential Blue Bins. The inspections are done by Solid Waste Management Services staff and have been taking place since 2017.
After a hiatus in the winter, the Blue Bin inspections started back up this spring and will continue throughout 2019. When significant contamination is found, the Bin will be stickered, pushed back from the curb and not collected. A sorting Guide and Notice indicating why the Bin was not collected and instructing the resident to remove the contamination before the next recycling collection day will be left in the homeowner's mailbox.
If you're not sure which bin to use for an item, you can check the Waste Wizard online at toronto.ca/wastewizard or on the TOwaste app. You can also visit toronto.ca/recycleright to get recycling tips and learn what does and does not go in the Blue Bin.
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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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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.
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Track Your Water Use This Summer
With summer here and warmer weather on the way, the City of Toronto reminds residents and businesses that they can track their water use online with MyWaterToronto, the City's online water use tool. The tool offers a convenient way to track your water use by day, week, month or year. You can also better understand your water use habits and look for ways to save. MyWaterToronto can also be used to identify long-lasting and unexplained water use increases, which may mean you have a leak. You will need a copy of your utility bill to sign on. Learn more and get started at www.toronto.ca/mywatertoronto.
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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.
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The Taste of Taylor-Massey
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Public Meeting for 1455-1475 O'Connor Drive
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Youth Tax Clinic
WoodGreen Community Services is hosting a Youth Tax Clinic. Even with no income you may be eligible to receive the Climate Action Incentive, Ontario Trillium Benefit and/or Good & Services Tax Rebate. What you need for the clinic: SIN, tax documents from the CRA and a rent receipt (if applicable). Please call 416-645-6000 x1921 to make an appointment.
Thursday, July 11
2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
815 Danforth Avenue, 3rd floor - Youth Wellness Hub
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Topham Park Public Information
The City of Toronto invites you to learn more about proposed improvements to Topham Park Clubhouse, Playground and Waterplay. Staff are hosting a public information meeting to:
- Introduce the project
- Present draft concept plans
- Receive public input
- Identify community perspectives, preferences
- and priorities
- Discuss next steps.
Councillor Bradford and members of his team will be in attendance and all are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Nancy Chater at nancy.chater@toronto.ca.
Thursday, July 11
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue, Council Chamber
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Community Environment Day
We are excited to be hosting shredding services at this Environment Day. You can even bring collected coffee cups and have them recycled by the shredding provider!
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Community Consultation for 507 - 511 Kingston Road
A resubmission of an application for 507 - 511 Kingston Road has been filed to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-Law to facilitate the development of an 8-storey residential building with 30 residential units, 39 parking spaces, and 30 bicycle parking spaces. The applicant has also filed a Site Plan Application.
The City is holding a Community Consultation meeting where you can learn more about this application ask questions and share your comments.
For background information, you can view a copy of the Preliminary Report here and the Request for Interim Directions report here.
To speak to the planner directly, contact Sharon Hong at 416-392-2429 or Sharon.Hong@toronto.ca.
Thursday, July 18
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Beaches Recreation centre, 6 Williamson Road
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National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony
It was an honour to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Ceremony at City Hall last Friday morning. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony and such a pleasure to meet with Indigenous leaders and community members.
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Trillium Gift of Life
It’s never too late to be giving. Currently there are 11 individuals in Beaches East-York waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Make sure you’re a registered organ and tissue donor or register today at www.beadonor.ca, it takes less than 2 minutes!
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Master Tam Shek-Wing
I had the privilege to visit Master Tam Shek-Wing's powerful art gallery this last Sunday. If you have an opportunity I would suggest checking out the great gallery at 67 Pottery Road. It's still open until June 30th!
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Retail/Office Co-Tenant Space Available
Children’s French Book Corner on Main Street has been sharing their space with another boutique which is closing at the end of June. The store would love to stay and continue operating the bookstore but needs another person who is looking for a space to run a business in order to continue sharing the rent. The area available is about 500 sq ft and includes an open area, a meeting room of about 200 sqft, and an office, all nicely finished. Possible uses of the space include (but are not limited to) a business offering professional services like lawyers, accountants, health services, tutoring/language school, etc. For more information about the space and/or to book a visit, please email Lynda Grimard-Watt.
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Volunteer Opportunities with the Beach Village BIA
The Beach Village BIA is looking for outgoing and sociable volunteers for a variety of events this summer: Jazz Festival, Music in the Park, and Movie Nights in the Park. The time commitments and responsibilities vary across events. For more information please contact the BIA at office@thebeachvillage.com.
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Camp Awesome!
Hope United Church (2550 Danforth Avenue) is running a free morning camp for children aged 5-12 years old. The camp will run July 8-12 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For registration please call 416-691-9682 or visit HopeUnited.ca.
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Fairmount Park Upgrades
Improvements to the playground at Fairmount Park are continuing and completion is anticipated by end of July. The crew has completed all of the demolition work and are installing the perimeter retaining wall. New infrastructure such as drainage and electrical is concurrently being installed. The new playground equipment is scheduled to arrive on site next week followed with the finish grading, surface treatments including the new asphalt path connection, lighting and general landscaping / site restoration.
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ArtMEETS with East End Arts
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Youth Grant Program
Calling all youth-led project leaders: Do you have a passion for improving your community? Are you a youth group with a great idea that needs funding? Are members of your youth group 15 to 29 years old?
If yes, the City of Toronto invites you to consider applying for a 2019 Identify ‘N’ Impact (INI) Grant. Up to $10,000 available in funding.
The Identify 'N' Impact (INI) Investment Funding Program Grant is now open for applications. The deadline is Monday, July 22nd at Noon.
This year is a two step process for applying. First, complete the online Eligibility & Project Idea Form by going to the link below. If your group is eligible you will be invited to the second step, the full application in August. Only eligible groups will be invited to complete the full application; including completion of a workplan and budget. Approved projects can start in January 2020.
We have simplified the application from and made it available for you to complete online, please click here to access the Eligibility Self-Assessment and Project Idea Form (application). You can access the Guidelines by clicking here
Should you have any questions about INI, please contact:
General Email CGIS@Toronto.ca
Okeima Lawrence Okeima.Lawrence@Toronto.ca
Veronica Salvatierra Veronica.Salvatierra@Toronto.ca
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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
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Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy 2020
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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)
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ElderWisdom
ElderWisdom is a social awareness campaign aimed at highlighting senior wisdom and contribution in our communities in hopes to honour the wisdom of the elder, end ageism. What can you do to help? Take the ElderWisdom Pledge here or use the #ElderWisdom tag throughout the rest of June (Seniors Month) to spread awareness to Ontario and the world about the continued contributions that seniors make and fight stigmatization of older adults. See the website for more details about this important awareness campaign. |
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Pride Weekend
I was proud to join my council colleagues in support of Toronto's fabulous LGBTQ2+ community. The Pride parade is always a ton of fun and this year was no different. I can't wait to see everyone there next year!
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