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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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!
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.