Racialized people, and those with low incomes are overpoliced in Toronto. The Ontario Human Rights Commission's 2021 report states “the current model of policing is not sustainable.” In 2022, Toronto’s Auditor General found that 40% of the calls for police service could be handled by an alternative response. This makes up 85,000 hours over five years, and created longer response times for officers in emergency situations like life in danger. Investing in alternative responses are investments in our public safety.
The Toronto Community Crisis Service has been successful in taking a community-based approach in responding to mental health crises without involving the police. This program must be expanded to every neighbourhood to create a safer Toronto.
As a City, we must treat investments in affordable housing, education and employment as investments in our safety and well-being, and we have an opportunity to prioritize these in the upcoming budget.
-30-
Reference:
https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/framework-change-address-systemic-racism-policing
https://www.torontoauditor.ca/report/review-of-toronto-police-service-opportunities-to-support-more-effective-responses-to-calls-for-service/
Today, I’m pleased to announce the full opening of King Street West from Dufferin to Shaw 10 weeks earlier than expected. The King Street West construction project was a significant undertaking: work began by the City and the TTC in February to renew aging streetcar tracks. The City also replaced the 146-year-old watermain.
Starting September 3, 2024, 509 Harbourfront streetcars will be replaced by bus service. This work is expected to last until January 2025, as part of a city-wide state of good repair program that’s completing necessary maintenance and improvements on all of our streetcar lines.
There are still many ways to soak up the rest of summer! It’s been a busy one, and amidst it I’ve loved taking some time to cheer on the Canadian athletes’ efforts and achievements at the Olympics, now preparing for the Paralympics. And of course, the Canadian National Exhibition officially began today. You can find details about planning your CNE trip here.
The 145th Canadian National Exhibition starts today in Toronto, running to Monday September 2! I know it is a part of so many people’s annual summer tradition - mine included. And it means people will be coming from near and far to Exhibition Place, with additional traffic, road closures, and diversions.
In my last newsletter we discussed the ongoing traffic concerns in the ward. Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts, ideas, and frustrations, as we work to find the best paths forward to keep our neighbourhoods moving. There are a few key actions I am taking to address these concerns. Read on to learn more!
