- Mar 23, 2024
- Uncategorized
E-News: Springing into Action, Converting Parking Lots to Housing
Hi Friend,
Although it may not feel like it outside, this week marked the official start of spring. This is a time for fresh beginnings as we step into the warmer months of the year. I’d also like to wish Nowruz Mobarak to all those celebrating this important time of year with family and friends.
These warmer months are also the beginning of parade season. I was proud to join Council colleagues and the Irish community for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade last Sunday, and our family is already looking forward to the Beaches Easter Parade. I hope I’ll see many of you out there next weekend!
This week featured a City Council meeting, where we moved forward on converting underperforming city-owned parking lots into much-needed housing – just as we’re doing in our community at the 72 Amroth Green P lot. Read on below for more details, and for tons of great events around beautiful #BEY.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
Small Business Spotlight
- Sustainable Local Businesses in #BEY 🆕
Local Events
- March 23: I Love to Sing! 🆕
- March 23: Beaches-East York Fox Theater Presents: The Period Purse
- March 31: Beaches Easter Parade Weekend
- April 6th: Beaches Spring Sprint 🆕
- April 6th: Jazz & Reflection with The OCTOKATS 🆕
- April 24th: Seniors Spring Niagara Trip 🆕
- April 27th: Spring Fling feat. Juno-nominated Barbra Lica 🆕
- May 4th: EcoFair at Beach United Church 🆕
- Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🚨
- Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital
Community Programs & Employment
- Community Centre 55 Seniors Spring Programming 🆕
- Healthy Child Screening 🆕
- Jazz Guitar Series at Hirut
- SING!
- Queer Youth United
- WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
Neighbourhood News
- Canadian Architect Winner: Dawes Road Library
- By-law Enforcement: Dogs Off-Leash Parks
Work in the Ward
- Lakeshore East Line and Stouffville Line – Major Track Closure: No Entry to Union Station on April 6/7 🆕
- O’Connor Construction Update: March 2024
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
- Coxwell Subway Station Stairway SOGR
- Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive
- REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
City Wide News/Events
- Epilepsy Toronto: Bring Purple Day for Epilepsy To School
- Toronto Public Health – Community Clinics
Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office. Send me an email at [email protected] and we can get you included in our next issue.
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
City Hall Updates 🆕
City Council met this week to discuss a number of pressing issues, including housing and affordability. I voted in favour of asking City Staff to review the City’s real estate portfolio to identify additional sites where we could build more housing. This includes surface parking lots within walking distance of subway stations like the one at 72 Amroth Avenue where I’m leading the charge on a Missing Middle Pilot. We have a housing crisis and we need to be looking at every tool at our disposal to get more housing built. City-owned parking lots are a prime opportunity that we need to explore.
We also received a much needed update on the City’s Congestion Management Plan. With a historic amount of construction road closures, Toronto recently earned the title for being the single most congested city in all of North America. This is unacceptable and should be a wake up call for anyone who continues to question just how difficult we’ve allowed it to become to move around our city. I continue to fight for greater coordination of construction projects so that key routes are not put out of service for months on end.
Small Business Spotlight
As the weather improves (hopefully), our office would like to give a shout-out to some of the sustainable local businesses in Beaches-East York. These businesses are taking simple environmentally friendly steps to make a greater difference in our city.
Take the time to check them out as we enter into spring!
Sustainable Local Businesses in Beaches-East York 🆕
Miras Vintage Boutique (2238 Queen St E)
If you have local businesses in the ward that you’d like for us to promote in our e-newsletter, do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re more than happy to give well-deserved recognition to our small businesses.
Local Events
I Love to SING! 🆕
SING! will be hosting free programming at the Redwood Theatre on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 1-3pm. Registration is required. Sign up at https://www.theredwoodtheatre.com/
Beaches-East York Fox Theater Presents: The Period Purse
A Toronto-based, menstrual equity charity, known as the The Period Purse is hosting a period positive film screening of the 1991 classic, My Girl, at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Since 2017, their mission has been sustainable access to period products for all, and to end the stigma associated with periods through education and advocacy.
A percentage of ticket sales will go towards The Period Purse, and they’ll be hosting a period product collection drive for Dr. Roz’s Healing Place.
They’ll also be kicking off the screening with some period positive trivia!
Tickets are available for sale on the Fox Theatre website. Check them out!
Beaches Easter Parade Weekend
The Beaches East Parade is 3 weeks away! Bring your family, friends and pets along on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 2pm to get together as a community and celebrate Easter.
Beaches Spring Sprint 🆕
Ready, set, go! Get ready to sprint your way to the finish line during the Beaches annual Spring Sprint on Saturday April 6th, 2024. Race time begins at 9:30am for adults and 10:30am for children.
Registration is in-person only on March 25th-26th and April 3rd-4th from 7pm to 9pm at Beaches Recreation Centre. Location address is 6 Williamson Road, M4E 1K5.
Jazz & Reflection with the OCTOKATS 🆕
Get groovy with local big band, The OCTOKATS, live at Beach United Church on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at 4:30pm as they treat you to an exploration of the music of renowned film composer, Henry Mancini.
Entry is pay what you can!
Located at 140 Wineva Avenue.
Seniors Spring Niagara Trip 🆕
Community Centre 55 will be taking 50 people on a Seniors Spring Niagara Trip on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024! Join them for the day to visit the blooms and butterflies of Niagara!
Eventbrite link for registration and payment:
For more information, please contact Jennifer at 416-691-1113 x 224 or [email protected].
Spring Fling feat. Juno-nominated Barbra Lica 🆕
The Beach United Church Choir is excited to present an evening of music, refreshments and community fellowship on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at 7pm to welcome in the spring season. Tickets are $40/Adult and $15/Child.
Link to purchase tickets:
EcoFair at Beach United Church 🆕
This is a call for vendors and volunteers! Beach United Church is looking for vendors with eco-friendly products, as well as non-profit exhibit/participants.
If you are interested in being a vendor or volunteer, please email [email protected].
Entry is free and open to all ages!
🚨 We need YOU to help Plan the 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🚨
We need your help organizing the 67th East York Canada Day Parade and Festival for 2024. This event is run entirely by volunteers and requires community members to serve on the organizing committee – we need your help to make sure the event can take place in 2024 and beyond.
If you can provide organizing assistance, or have new ideas to bring to the event, please reach out at [email protected] for more information.
More information on the event can also be found at www.eycdc.ca
This is a much beloved event and it’s counting on our community to keep this family fun, long standing event going.
Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital
Kingston Road United Church is hosting a series of monthly recitals featuring Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians in brief, informal recitals. Each recital features different instruments from the orchestra.
For more information, visit: TSYO Recitals.
Community Programs & Employment Events
Community Centre 55 Seniors Spring Programming 🆕
Seniors Spring Programs will begin on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 and end on June 21, 2024.
The Winter programs will run right until Thursday, March 28th.
1. Priority registration will be given to class participants currently enrolled in their winter classes. Priority registration is now open until Tuesday, March 19th at 5PM. If you are interested in continuing in your current class, please email [email protected] with the following information:
- ‘SUBJECT – SENIORS SPRING PROGRAM’
- Your full name (first and last name)
- The name(s) of the classes you would like to register for
- Your email address, and
- Your phone number
2. For members not currently enrolled in their class of choice, registration for classes will open on Wednesday, March 20th at 9AM. If you are interested in enrolling in classes for the spring term, please email [email protected] once your registration slot is open, with:
- ‘SUBJECT – SENIORS WINTER PROGRAM’
- Your full name (first and last name)
- The name(s) of the classes you would like to register for
- Your email address, and
- Your phone number
3. They will be accepting cash or cheque payments only – credit card payments will not be accepted. Payments will be accepted during the first week of classes.
4. The following are notable changes and additions you will see in their Spring programming:
- Games Club will now run on Tuesday’s from 11:00AM to 12:30PM
- New Classes:
a. ART – INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOURS: In this beginner watercolour program, you will learn about the basic fundamental techniques of watercolour painting in a fun and social environment. These include topics such as colour theory, colour mixing, values, layering, working wet on wet, wet on dry and more. You will also learn about the importance of paper, paint and brush quality and selection. Once the fundamentals have been covered, you will learn how to paint loose leaves, flowers and wreaths. Basic materials will be provided and art supplies recommended for purchase will be discussed in the first class.
b. PHOTOGRAPHY: This hands-on photography workshop at Community Centre 55 is for anyone new to photography. Participants are asked to bring their “camera” (cellphone camera, point-&-shoot, mirrorless or DSLR) and a USB stick for their presentations. The photography program is run by Landscape and Travel photographer James.
c. TRIVIA (in person): Six categories—arts, science, general, geography, history and entertainment—and then an endless slew of questions in each. It’s super easy and fun to play. Their host will keep the fun going and the answers will eventually be revealed.
d. WALKING CLUB: Meet outside of Centre 55 and explore different locations in the city and enjoy the outdoors all while getting some exercise and enjoying great company.
e. INFORMATIVE FRIDAYS PRESENTATION SERIES: A variety of engaging topics covering mental, financial, physical and social wellness. Keep an eye out for ongoing emails or check the Centre 55 bulletin board and www.centre55.com for more information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Jade Maitland at [email protected] or (416) 691-1113 ext. 220.
Access Alliance Presents: Healthy Child Screening 🆕
If you have a child between the ages of 2 to 6 years old, then this event is for you!
Access Alliance is offering screening for children between the ages of 2 to 6 years old at various locations. Health care providers and community workers will screen your child on the spot and provide you with information and referrals as needed. All newcomers and community members are welcome!
For more information, please contact Keisha through email at [email protected] or cell, 416-693-8677 ext. 4234.
Jazz Guitar Series at Hirut 🆕
It is looking like an outstanding feature of musicians performing this month at Hirut. A great intimate room for acoustic jazz with two sets of music from 8pm – 10pm.
$15 cover, tasty Ethiopian food and very reasonable prices…and don’t forget to check out the schedule for the rest of the week to hear the best jazz in town.
Located at 2050 Danforth Avenue (west of Woodbine Ave).
For more information, visit: https://www.hirutjazz.ca/
SING!
SING! is back and they are open for Winter and Spring 2024 sessions. If you’re interested in learning more, visit: https://www.theredwoodtheatre.com/.
Queer Youth United
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Thursday from 4-7pm.
QYU is is a 2SLGBTQ+ youth group for ages 15-29, where you can come and engage with others in a safe space within the community, while sharing meals, finding support and resources.
You are welcome to drop-by at any time during the 4pm-7pm time period!
For more info: instagram.com/QueerYouthUnited or beachunitedchurch.com.
WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers
WoodGreen Community Services runs a free tax clinic and are seeking volunteers to assist them in this meaningful initiative.
Their clinic helps low-income individuals navigate the complexities of tax preparation, ensuring they receive the refunds and benefits they are entitled to. However, the demand for their services has grown considerably each year, and they are struggling to meet this increased demand due to a shortage of volunteer tax preparers.
If you’re interested in volunteering with WoodGreen, please contact Ansley Dawson at [email protected] or 416-645-6000 ext. 1331.
SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is a not-for-profit organization that provides a variety of holistic programs to support the health and well-being of the community. One of the programs offered is the Bereavement Peer – Support Groups. They provide several different types of virtual and in-person options.
For more information, please visit: SCHC – Bereavement Care.
The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
The Neighbourhood Group is offering FREE Employment Services to help you prepare for and find work. Whether you’re out of school and looking for a job, new to Canada and want your first Canadian work experience, looking to change your career, or trying to get back into the workforce, they have various training programs, work placements, workshops, online job board, and resource centres.
For more information, visit The Neighbourhood Group.
Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
The Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program has been organized to support the seniors community with services ranging from garden and yard work to light housekeeping.
If you or anyone you know is looking for more assistance around their home, contact Kevin at 416-531-8447 or email [email protected] for more information.
Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
We’re thrilled to share that in-person services are available at the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub, a new welcoming space at East York Town Centre that provides health, wellness, employment and other services for youth and young adults! To access services, come by the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub during its drop-in hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It is located at East York Town Centre, 45 Overlea Blvd. (Please use mall Entrance 6; the Youth Wellness Hub is located beside Dollarama). All services are free and open to everyone aged 12 to 25. Youth and young adults do not need a health card, family doctor or medical referral. Services include wellness counselling, peer support, employment services, settlement services, food support, primary care and more. No matter what you might be dealing with, their team can help.
For more information, please visit Thorncliffe Youth Club or follow them on Instagram @ThorncliffeYouthHub.
Neighbourhood News
Canadian Architect Winner: Dawes Road Library
The new Dawes Road Library is now award-winning! We’re looking forward to construction beginning on this project this year. Please visit https://www.canadianarchitect.com/dawes-road-library-community-hub/ for more information about the design for this incredible new community asset.
By-law Enforcement: Dogs Off-Leash Parks
Bylaw is relying on complaint data to focus higher levels of enforcement on the following dogs off-leash parks where a large number of issues have been raised, with the hope that education and escalated enforcement will encourage responsible dog ownership:
- Dentonia Park
- Fairmount Park
- Woodbine Beach Park
- Woodbine Park
We understand the importance of exercise for your beloved pet. However, it is important to practice Responsible Dog Ownership and keep your dog on leash in areas that are not marked off as official dog off-leash areas.
Please take the time to visit the following dogs off-leash areas in Beaches-East York by visiting the interactive map.
Be a good neighbour and be mindful of your surroundings!
Work in the Ward
Lakeshore East Line and Stouffville Line – Major Track Closure: No entry to Union Station on April 6-7🆕
On April 6 & 7, Metrolinx will be adjusting train service on the Lakeshore East Line and the Stouffville Line for important construction work.
Lakeshore East Line:
There will be no service between Union Station and Danforth Station between April 6-7.
Here’s what you need to know:
- GO trains will be running every 30 minutes between Durham College Oshawa GO and Danforth GO.
- There will be no Lakeshore East or Stouffville trains in or out of Union Station.
- If you are travelling to Union Station: Exit the train at Danforth GO and connect to TTC at Main Station, which is located one block north of Danforth GO.
- If you are travelling from Union Station: Take TTC to Main Station and connect to trains at Danforth GO, which is located one south of Main Station.
- Transfer for free with one fare between GO Transit and TTC. Learn more here.
- For customers transferring to TTC at Main Station, this is a fully accessible connection, however, please give yourself plenty of time. Staff will be on hand to assist you.
- Use com or triplinx.ca to plan your trip and check out our real-time service details before you leave.
Alternate Travel options:
Durham College Oshawa, Whitby, and Ajax GO customers:
Connect to GO bus route 96 to Finch Bus Terminal for direct connection to TTC Line 1.
Pickering GO customers:
Connect to GO bus route 94 to Yorkdale Bus Terminal for direct connection to TTC Line 1.
Rouge Hill GO customers:
Connect to TTC bus route 38 to Kennedy Station for direct connection to TTC Line 2.
Guildwood GO and Eglinton customers:
Connect to TTC bus route 86 to Kennedy Station for direct connection to TTC Line 2.
Scarborough GO customers:
Connect to TTC bus route 102 to Warden Station for direction connection to TTC Line 2.
Danforth GO customers:
Connect to TTC Line 2 at Main Station.
Stouffville Line:
There will be no train service between Union Station and Kennedy GO.
On April 6 and 7, Metrolinx will be adjusting train service on the Stouffville Line for important construction work. GO trains will be running hourly between Old Elm GO and Kennedy GO.
Here’s what you need to know:
- GO trains will be running hourly between Old Elm and Kennedy GO stations.
- Trains will not run between Kennedy GO and Union Station.
For customers looking to travel to Union Station:
- For direct travel into Union Station, please consider taking the Barrie line.
- For customers transferring to TTC Line 2 at Kennedy Station, please give yourself plenty of time. Staff will be on hand to assist you.
- Transfer for free with one fare between GO Transit and TTC. Learn more here.
- For those requiring accessible service, please board the accessibility coach and staff will guide you to TTC Line 2 at Kennedy Station.
- The 9:19 a.m. southbound Old Elm train has been modified to depart at Mount Joy.
- The 5:30 p.m. northbound Kennedy train has been modified to arrive at Mount Joy.
- Use com or triplinx.ca to plan your trip and check out our real-time service details before you leave.
Alternate Travel Options:
Old Elm, Stouffville, and Mount Joy GO customers:
Nearest, alternative station to consider is Aurora GO.
Markham Centennial GO customers:
Nearest, alternative stations to consider are King City and Maple GO stations.
Unionville, Milliken, and Agincourt GO customers:
Nearest, alternative stations to consider is Rutherford GO station.
Learn more about Barrie Line’s hourly weekend schedule here.
What type of construction work is happening?
The east section of Union Station Rail Corridor (USRC) is continuing its track integration work for the Ontario Line. Metrolinx will be testing and commissioning railway infrastructure installed the weekend of Oct. 14 -16 of 2023.
The benefits of all this work are:
- The Ontario line will make it faster and easier to travel within Toronto and beyond.
- 15 stops and more than 40 connections to other transit, including GO train, subway, LRT, streetcar and bus lines.
- Approximately 30 minutes from one end of the line to the other.
- 28,000 fewer cars on the road each day.
O’Connor Construction Update: March 2024
Phase 1: The watermain and sewer infrastructure work is nearly complete! The asphalt being put down during this phase is TEMPORARY, and the road will be entirely reconstructed in Phase 2 of this project.
Phase 2: O’Connor Drive streetscape improvements due to begin late Spring 2024. This will include a fulsome road reconstruction, with one lane in each direction remaining open to traffic.
Building a great city takes time and we thank you for your ongoing patience during this critical infrastructure work.
This work is projected to be completed in its entirety by early Fall 2024.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out to my office.
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
Toronto Hydro is pleased to inform you they will be improving the electricity system in our ward.
The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Eldon Avenue (West). We expect the work to begin March 2024.
Coxwell Station Stairway SOGR
As a part of the network-wide Subway Station state of good repair program, The TTC will repair stairs inside Coxwell Subway Station from Jan 15 to the end of March 2024. One set of the stairway and the escalator will remain open to customers.
Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Project Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A
Toronto Hydro is hard at work to improve the electricity system in Ward 19. Please see the detailed graphic below for more information.
The boundaries for the project include Rosevear Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Dentonia Park Avenue (South), and Dawes Road (West).
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive
Toronto Hydro will be conducting further infrastructure upgrades in our community. Please see the detailed graphic below for more information.
The boundaries for the project include a section of Glen Manor Drive between Duart Park Road (North) and Queen Street East (South).
REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
Toronto Hydro is currently doing some upgrades on Danforth. The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Thyra Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Avonlea Boulevard (West). Staff expects the work to begin in February 2024.
City Wide Events
Epilepsy Toronto: Bring Purple Day for Epilepsy To School
March has arrived, and with it comes the start of a very special time for our community: Epilepsy Awareness Month! Throughout March, we come together to raise awareness, spread education, and advocate for those living with epilepsy.
A great way to celebrate Purple Day and spread epilepsy awareness is through your child’s school! Epilepsy Toronto in collaboration with educators at the Faculty of Education at York University, has developed Purple Day Classroom Kits for kindergarten to Grade 12.
Here’s what you can do! Email a teacher and ask them to bring epilepsy education to their class this month by using our Purple Day Classroom kits. If you’d like an email template you can copy/paste and send directly to your teachers which includes all of the information you need – we’ve got one for you at the bottom of this email!
For more information, please visit: Purple Day for Epilepsy
Toronto Public Health – Community Clinics
Toronto Public Health is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. The clinics will provide vaccines against the following nine designated diseases under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), in addition to the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Meningococcal
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Varicella (chickenpox) – only applies to students born on or after 2010.
ISPA requires that all students be vaccinated against the above nine designated diseases or have a valid exemption. Parents or guardians must submit their child’s vaccination information to Toronto Public Health.
The Toronto Public Health community clinics are by appointment only and residents are encouraged to book an appointment online through the Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System. An OHIP card is not required.
Vaccination is important for the health of each student and the school community. More information is available on the City’s Required Vaccines for Students webpage.
Q: What are Toronto Public Health’s community clinics?
A: Toronto Public Health is hosting community clinics for students who live or study in Toronto to help them stay up-to-date with their school-based vaccines. The clinics will provide vaccines against nine designated diseases students are required to be vaccinated against under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), unless they have a valid exemption. These clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment at TPHBookings.ca.
Q: Who is eligible for these vaccines?
A: Before booking a vaccination appointment, find eligibility information on the City’s Toronto Public Health – Student Vaccines webpage.
Book an appointment now: TPH Bookings
Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office! Send me an email at [email protected] and we can get you included in our next issue.
Have questions, comments or concerns? Just hit reply to this email and get in touch with me.
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About Brad Bradford - - -
