Happy new year! I hope you had a chance to see family and friends, rest and recharge. I am excited to keep working with you to make the city we love a place where we all thrive. And that starts with the 2024 City Budget! The Budget Committee’s draft budget will be released Wednesday, January 10. As we know, budgets convey priorities. With new leadership at City Hall, this year’s budget will outline the City’s path forward.
Holiday Fun in the Heart of Toronto
The holiday feeling is in the air. Whether you marked winter solstice celebrations, are finalizing preparations for Christmas, or making your plans for New Year’s Eve, Toronto is abuzz with excitement and anticipation, alongside important concern for all our neighbours to be well through the winter.
A New Deal for Toronto
The New Deal for Toronto means billions in new money that will make people's lives better, delivering housing, transit and critical services. Announced late last month, Mayor Chow has achieved what previous Mayors couldn't over the past decade.
Statement on Provincial Decision on Ontario Place
Since the beginning of the Ontario Place redevelopment process, the Province has had the power to impose their development plan. But the City has been determined to collaborate and find the best outcome for the future of these well-loved, well-used public lands.
City Hall for Everyone
As City Councillor for Spadina-Fort York, one of my top priorities is to bring more of us into the decision making process, as we build a Toronto for all together. An important time for that is now, as we start discussions on Toronto’s budget process.
What a year it’s been!
This month marks a year since I took office as your City Councillor for Spadina-Fort York. Enormous gratitude for your confidence and for being a part of this journey. From my first day at City Hall, I came with a clear responsibility - to work together to build a green, just, and caring city. The last twelve months have seen unimaginable changes at the City as we make our vision for a Toronto for all, a reality. While there's no shortage of challenges along the way, I'm proud of the work we are doing alongside each other to make our city, and our local communities, places where everyone belongs and can thrive.
Happy Halloween!
With the leaves falling, I am excited to see Spadina-Fort York glowing for Halloween next week. The creativity, enthusiasm and community involvement make this a time to come together.
Relocating Shelter Services in Ward 10
In fall 2024, St. Felix Centre, with support from the City of Toronto, will open a shelter at 629 Adelaide St. W. for people experiencing homelessness. This is a relocation of the original low-barrier respite program operated by St. Felix Centre at 25 Augusta Ave., which closed in July 2023 and is being converted to 31 units of long-term affordable housing. The Adelaide site will open with approximately 50 spaces.
Staying connected by being connected
The internet has become a necessity, and as a city we have to meet our commitments to equity. This week, City Council took an important step forward, as we work to ensure accessible internet access for all. To access government services (or updates like this newsletter) internet access is needed to fulfill your needs in a timely manner. We must create a city where we can all belong by not deepening the digital divide, but by closing it.
Understanding our truth
This Saturday marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day builds on Indigenous community efforts, which established Orange Shirt Day in 2013 to honour Phyllis’ Story, whose new orange shirt was taken on her first day at residential school when she was just six years old. We wear orange to honour survivors, families and those we lost.
FALL in love with our City’s new fiscal framework
After the summer recess and the introduction of the new Mayor, City Hall is moving fast this fall to make changes to improve the lives of Torontonians as we look to create more housing, improve our financial stability, and make the City a safer, more just society. Last week City Council approved the new financial plan, creating a path forward to protecting the services our City needs to grow and prosper.
Happy Labour Day!
It is hard to believe it is already September! Students are getting ready to go back to school, the CNE is coming to a close, and people across the ward are preparing to enjoy one last long summer weekend. I want to wish everyone a safe and happy one, and all the best to the students getting set to return to school on Tuesday.
Important Reviews! Noise By-Law Review and Night Economy Review
Two important reviews are currently taking place that will affect our ward for the years ahead: the Noise Bylaw and the Night Economy Review. While separate reviews, together they will play a role for both residents and business in our downtown communities.
Press Release: Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik's Statement on Ontario Place Redevelopment Plans
At the start of their development application for Ontario Place, the Province agreed to respect the City’s planning review process and public engagement framework. Alongside City staff, I have worked to ensure the process is democratic and transparent. That means allowing the public to consider the proposal – and any changes – with full details and with facilitation of City staff in public forums – not through public relations messaging by one of the Province’s lease holders.
It's an honour to be your Deputy Mayor
I am incredibly honoured to be appointed first Deputy Mayor of Toronto by Mayor Olivia Chow and my fellow councillors. I love Toronto. It’s my home. And I believe that everyone should be able to imagine a future here.
Movie Night Tonight! And Summer in the City
There is nothing quite like summer in the City! This long weekend events are taking place all across Spadina-Fort York, that we’ve shared more about here. I’m especially excited to celebrate Caribbean Carnival with the Grand Parade this Saturday.
