Kids are back in school, our committee and council cycle has begun again at City Hall, and I know many of us are settling into September. And with this, it’s even more important to get where we need to go - work, school, appointments, daycare pick ups - on-time and safely.
That’s why I was glad to join Mayor Olivia Chow and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers this week to share some successful transportation improvements we’ve been doing that are having a real impact on our roads right here in Ward 10.
Reopening King Street West Early
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.
509 Harbourfront Service Update
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.
Starting off September right with Environment Day
The start of a school year always feels like a new year to me. And with a new school year, it’s often out with the old and in with the new - clothes that don’t fit anymore, books we’ve outgrown, or broken electronics and old paint that have been sitting around the house for too long.
Soak up summer at movie night!
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.
CNE Traffic Plan and Road Closures
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.
Council wins and community movie night
Summer is often a time for slowing day but it’s been a busy few weeks at City Hall and in Ward 10! Last week at Council, I was proud to move forward a number of initiatives important to get our community moving and invest in some of our favourite spaces in the ward. Plus: Save the date for my annual Community Movie Night on Wednesday August 21 at 7pm at Canoe Landing Park!
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a staple of summer in our city. With construction in the area, I have also been pushing City staff to take measures to make sure residents and visitors alike can navigate the area safely and in a reliable way.
Quick fixes and long-term solutions
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!
Keeping our downtown moving
Getting around our downtown is a big concern, especially during the summer, as a number of transportation construction and maintenance projects are being worked on. While this work is necessary so that we have safe, reliable transit and infrastructure for years to come, it’s my priority to ensure you can actually get to where you need to go.
Improving Access to Toronto Island
I love Toronto Island Park. With over 1.5 million visitors a year, from near and far, I know this is a shared experience. Improving access to Toronto Island in all seasons is my priority.
Clarence Square Park
Over the past month, we have continued to make strides in our efforts at Clarence Square Park. Through collaboration with City staff, nonprofit service providers, and emergency services, we’ve continued our work to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members and to provide a productive transition to secure permanent housing.
Beat the Heat in Spadina-Fort York
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and I was honoured to join the sunrise ceremony here at Nathan Phillips Square this morning, reflecting on the significance of this day, the importance of June as National Indigenous Heritage Month, and our work for truth, reconciliation and justice, and embracing Mino Baamodziwin: the good life. Have a look at Toronto’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and the Spirit Garden coming to the Square.
510 Spadina Service Update
Starting June 23, 2024, 510 Spadina 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.
Thank you West Don Lands Committee
As the West Don Lands Committee (WDLC) celebrates the end of 26 years of work in shaping our waterfront this June 8th, 2024, I share my thanks for their legacy of leadership.
Spring into Summer! ☀️
I am happy to say that thanks to the hard work of ATU Local 113 and the TTC team a tentative deal was reached last night, and our transit system keeps regular operations. While the agreement still needs to be ratified by Local 113 members, this is an important step in the fight for decent work, and to keep our transit system moving.
