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.
Mahjong Night with me!
I’m excited to invite you to a join our first Mahjong Night on Friday, May 31st from 6 to 8 pm at Scadding Court Community Centre (707 Dundas St W)! Join us for an evening of friendly competition, delicious snacks, and discussions on the future of Chinatown. You’ll know Mahjong is a game that has been bringing communities together for centuries, and is a great opportunity to bring us together in our neighbourhood especially during Asian Heritage Month.
Open doors in Toronto
As the leaves come out and the days continue to get longer, there are so many ways to enjoy this season in Toronto!
We still have a few compost drops in Ward 10, for spending those longer days balcony or backyard gardening (or even for your indoor plants!). Bring your own container, shovel, and gloves, and get your garden kick-started for the year!
Watching Toronto bloom
One of the joys of spring is the start of garden season. For me, that is always marked by the city’s cherry blossom and magnolia trees hitting their peak bloom. There are dozens of locations across Toronto, including our own trees in Trinity Bellwoods and at Exhibition Place, many of which are easily accessible by public transit.
Get green this Sunday at Environment Day
Earth Day is April 22nd, and you’re invited to join us to support and champion initiatives this month that make Toronto more sustainable and climate resilient.
This Sunday, April 14th is your chance to get a bag of the City’s leaf compost, and drop off those items that cannot be put out for cub pickup like paint, batteries, and light bulbs.
Community Environment Day returns April 14!
Community Environment Day is returning to South Stanley Park! This is a great opportunity to properly dispose of electronic, hazardous, and other kinds of waste which you can't put at the curb, including paint, batteries and light bulbs. Donations will also be accepted on a variety of items that could be reused by others in our community, such as clothing, small appliances, and electronics. Let us know you can attend!
Marching Forward
Next Friday, March 8th marks International Women’s Day. Together, we can work to create a gender equal world, and celebrate the political, social, and activist achievements that have brought us here. This month also brings March Break! Many of our City’s community centres, museums, and public buildings have special programming for students, families and community members to enjoy.
Skating Party tomorrow at the Bentway!
Yesterday, the 2024 Toronto Budget went through City Council to get us back on track. Thank you to everyone who reached out to me and our office, had conversations, attended our town hall, and participated in the many opportunities to engage in the process -- the most in the City's history! I am grateful for all of it.
Getting our city back on track
We’ve been working hard to start this new year off right, with a 2024 budget that gets our city back on track. Over the past weeks, tens-of-thousands of Torontonians like you have shared ideas and feedback through emails, calls, deputations, and town halls of all kinds, including the one we held a few weeks ago with Spadina-Fort York residents. I’m also looking forward to celebrating Black History Month and Lunar New Year in our communities this month, bringing us to gather, reflect, and celebrate.
