Hi Friend,
It has been a busy time at City Hall. Council met last week, with new policies to protect tenants from unfair renovictions and making it easier to build housing on our major streets. We also debated a new program to incentivize purpose-built rental homes – and while it is a small step in the right direction, I believe it falls far short of what is needed to get shovels in the ground. You can read my thoughts on the program in my most recent op-ed for the Toronto Star.
In the past two weeks, we also marked Remembrance Day – a special time for reflection and gratitude.
I had the honour of joining with veterans and community members at the Kew Gardens ceremony, and visiting each of the Legions across the ward, where we came together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
May their memory inspire us to protect the values they fought for—freedom, peace, and justice.
Next, I want to share another inspiring story that deeply moved me, and I hope it will do the same for you.
A few weeks ago, I was privileged of hearing the incredible story of Jack Boeki. At 100 years old, he recounted his secret WWII missions, miraculous escapes, and extraordinary bravery in interrogating Nazi war criminals.
His resilience and courage are powerful reminders of the strength of the Jewish people and the importance of never forgetting our history.
I’m truly honoured to have heard Jack’s story and will continue to carry it forward, sharing it with others so that his remarkable legacy lives on.
This past Sunday, we kicked off the holiday season with the return of the Beaches Santa Claus Parade — an annual highlight for my family and many others.
It was great to see so many of you out there
I’m also be joining the Original Santa Claus Parade downtown this Sunday. The parade starts at 12:30 – hope to see you there!
As always, I look forward to reading your feedback and seeing you around the community.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
City Hall Updates
Small Business Spotlight
Limon – 1968 Queen St E 🆕
Local Events
- TODAY! Nov. 23: Beach United’s Annual Christmas Market
- Nov. 25: Rotary Bomb Girls Ceremony 🆕
- Nov. 26: Period Product Packing Party
- Nov. 14 – Nov. 28: SING! Virtual Silent Auction 🆕
- Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 27: Model Railroad Club of Toronto holiday shows 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- African Heritage Program 🆕
- Beaches Library November Program Calendar
- City of Toronto: Get Involved in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan 🆕
- COSTI’s New2Canada Host Program
- Dementia Workshop
- Free Laundry Access
- International Languages Elementary Program 🆕
- Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC)
- Men’s Free Virtual Addiction Treatment Program
- Queer Youth United
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- Tax Volunteers Needed
- TDSB’s Learn4Life Program
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
- Toronto Community Crisis Team 55 and 53-Division Expansion
- Toronto Police Service Winter/Spring 2025
- Toronto Public Library Pop Up Learning Labs
- Trades Program for Women
- Volunteer Call-Out Meals on Wheels
- 2025 Agnes Macphail Award Nominations 🆕
- 311 Toronto Awareness & Usage Survey
Neighbourhood News
- Black Friday in The Beach! 🆕
- East End Children’s Centre 50/50 Draw 🆕
- City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
Work in the Ward
- Toronto Hydro Upgrades
- St. Clair Ave E. & Topham Neighbourhood Basement Flooding Protection Program Community Meeting 🆕
- O’Connor Drive Improvements 🆕
- Pre-Construction Notice – Cranfield Rd. Watermain Replacement Projects
City Wide News/Events
- Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
- Service Standards and Trends in Animal-Related Service Requests
- Scarborough Theatre Guild: Emperor’s New Clothes
- Toronto Foundation Vital Signs Report 🆕
- TTC 501 Queen Streetcar Diversion onto York, Adelaide/Richmond, and Church
- Yard Waste Collection
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.
City Hall Updates🆕
Last week was a busy one at City Hall, as City Council met for the November session. I’m excited about these city-wide updates:
Toronto’s Renovictions By-law
On November 13th, City Council passed Toronto’s first-ever renovictions bylaw, to protect tenants and curb wrongful evictions. Renovictions – when tenants are evicted under the false pretence of renovations so bad-faith landlords can increase rents – have become increasingly common across Toronto. The Rental Renovation Licence By-law that comes into effect on July 31, 2025, will require landlords to apply for a renovation licence by proving that renovations are needed. Tenants will also receive assistance and compensation to find new accommodations. Toronto follows Hamilton, which became the first Ontario municipality to successfully pass an anti-renoviction by-law earlier this year.
Culture Connects: An Action Plan for Culture in Toronto
This month, City Council adopted an arts and culture action plan that sets a vision for supporting local artists, organizations, and creative industries over the next ten years. Funding for the arts is an investment in our economy – the non-profit arts sector contributes $11B annually to our city’s GDP. But there was a noticeable absence in funding for the arts in this year’s City budget, with no increases proposed for the Toronto Arts Council or for Local Arts Services Organizations (LASOs). I’m thrilled that Culture Connects includes much-needed funding that I had requested for TAC and LASOs earlier this year. Beaches–East York is served by one of the City’s six LASOs, East End Arts, who does fantastic work for the local arts scene and our community,
Small Business Spotlight 
Limon 🆕
Limon is a favourite restaurant of mine in the Beach, and a destination for many from across the city.
These past weeks, the restaurant has faced a disturbing wave of online harassment and threats, including violent comments and false reviews. This behaviour rooted in hate is completely unacceptable in any business.
Las week, I stopped by to show my support for this great restaurant, and I am very happy with the response from many in the community showing up for Limon.
Let’s support businesses that bring our communities together. Visit Limon at 1968 Queen St E.
If you know a business you’d like to see profiled in this newsletter, reply and share your nomination!
Local Events
TODAY! Beach United’s Annual Christmas Market
Our annual Christmas Market will feature a variety of local artisans along with their baked goods, jams and jellies, handmade jewellery, and so much more.
Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-3pm
Address: Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave
More info: beachunitedchurch.com
Rotary Bomb Girls Ceremony 🆕
Join Councillor Kandavel on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 6-8 PM at the Scarborough Civic Centre to honour the Rotary Clubs of Scarborough.
This will be an engaging evening, celebrating the impactful work of local Rotarians in our community.
We are pleased to feature Barbara Dickson, author of Bomb Girls: Trading Aprons for Ammo, who will share the inspiring story of the 21,000 women who worked at General Engineering Co. (GECO) during WWII. Their spirit of volunteerism and service reflects the mission of our Rotary Clubs.
Register here: Rotary Bomb Girls Ceremony Tickets, Mon, Nov 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
Period Product Packing Party
The Period Purse, a grassroots Toronto-based charity striving towards menstrual equity and de-stigmatizing periods through education and advocacy, is hosting a Period Product Packing Party at Community Centre 55 (97 Main St.).
The event is free! We ask that attendees please bring along a sealed pack of period products (pads or tampons) to join us in the period product packing festivities.
SING! Virtual Silent Auction 🆕
The holiday gifting season is almost here, and what better way to find unique treasures while supporting a meaningful cause than by participating in the SING! Virtual Silent Auction?
Running from November 14 to November 28, 2024, this exciting fundraising event offers an incredible selection of items perfect for holiday gifting or treating yourself—all while supporting the innovative programs of SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival.
Visit: https://app.galabid.com/singsilentauction24/items
Model Railroad Club of Toronto Holiday Shows 🆕
Model Railroad Club of Toronto Celebrates the holidays
Saturday, November 30, Saturday, December 7 & Friday, December 27, 2024. From 11 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Purchase tickets at the door: cash, debit, credit card
Children $10, Seniors $12, Adults $15, Family rate (max. 5 people, max. 2 adults): $45.
Location: 11 Curity Avenue, Toronto M4B 1X4
Contact: 416-536-8927
More info:
http://www.modelrailroadclub.com/
Note: Basement location – not wheelchair accessible
Parking is free, and TTC access is via the 91 Woodbine Bus from Woodbine Station.
Community Programs & Employment Events
African Heritage Program 🆕
For more information visit:
Beaches Library November Program Calendar
City of Toronto: Get Involved in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan 🆕
Do you have suggestions for improving our Parks and Recreational Facilities?
The City is looking for public input into the next iteration of the Parkland Strategy and Parks Facilities Plan.
Community input is important in shaping the future of our public spaces and recreational facilities, and we hope you have the time to share your thoughts. Together we can make a difference.
COSTI’s New2Canada Host Program
For the past two years, COSTI’s Ukrainian Housing Host Program has provided Ukrainian newcomers with temporary accommodation in host homes, and it has been a resounding success, having helped 143 of families since the inception.
We are now piloting an expanded initiative—the New2Canada Host Program, supported and funded by United Way Greater Toronto. This new program aims to match skilled workers and provincial nominees with a host family for a short initial stay of a few weeks, until they find their own permanent accommodation. While New2Canada is not intended as a long-term housing solution or a means to address cost-of-living issues, it is designed to offer a warm welcome and a smooth transition for newcomers arriving in Toronto.
Dementia Workshop
This workshop will provide care partners, members of the general public, or professionals with an overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It will focus on being aware of the signs and symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.
Monday December 16, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Walter Stewart Library, Meeting Room – 170 Memorial Park Ave.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Free Laundry Access
Wishy Washy Laundromat hosts monthly Free Laundry events for anyone who is financially struggling.
We are fully funded by Sunlight Canada/Henkel.
International Languages Elementary Program 🆕
For more information visit:
Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC)
Applications are now open for the 2025 cohort of the Leading Social Justice Collective (LSJC), a development opportunity for emerging leaders from the public, private, and community sectors who wish to tackle systemic social justice issues in the GTA.
LSJC is offered in partnership between United Way Greater Toronto and the University of Toronto’s School of Cities through a series of dynamic online seminars and coaching sessions from April 5 to June 12, 2025.
The program is free, and participants will work together in teams on social justice challenges they have identified in their communities and organizations. Past cohorts have tackled such critical issues as health equity, gun violence, and homelessness.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are due by December 13th.
Visit the program website here.
Men’s Free Virtual Addiction Treatment Program
This is a 10-week virtual community treatment program for men 18+ struggling with addiction and or concurrent disorders. The program includes process groups and lessons about relapse prevention, life skills and more. We meet virtually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30-12:30 and all we ask is that all participants are absent from using alcohol or drugs during the program.
Queer Youth United
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Tuesday 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.
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.
Tax Volunteers Needed
WoodGreen’s free tax clinic supports thousands of low-income community members each year to file their tax returns and get access to important credits and benefits.
They have urgent need for committed volunteers to file tax returns either in-person or over-the-phone.
If you have professional financial skills or just experience filing your own tax return, please consider volunteering your time with this effort.
See the WoodGreen volunteer webpage to apply.
TDSB’s Learn4Life Program
Looking for something fun to do this fall? The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program.
These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community.
Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more!
Registration is open now.
Visit learn4life.ca to learn more.
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.
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.
Toronto Community Crisis Team 55 and 53-Division Expansion
The Toronto Community Crisis Team has expanded city-wide to include 55 and 53 Divisions.
Operated in partnership with the Gerstein Crisis Centre, the team will act as first responders to community members witnessing or experiencing a crisis situation.
This is a community led response alternate to policing or medical models which was voted on unanimously by City Council.
The team can be accessed 24/7 by calling 211. More information can be found by going to https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-programs/toronto-community-crisis-service
This community-based, trauma-informed, accessible and equity-focused approach staffed by qualified crisis workers provides an opportunity for a health and social response instead of a justice/police response to mental health and substance use crises in our communities.
Trades Program for Women
An exciting opportunity for women interested in starting a career in the trades!
The CNC/Precision Machining Skills Training Program offers hands-on training and paid placements to help women build valuable skills.
Apply here:
Volunteer Call-Out Meals on Wheels
Help address food insecurity in your community and volunteer to support your neighbours! WoodGreen Meals on Wheels is currently looking for Volunteer Delivery Drivers to help us deliver hot meals to homebound seniors and adults living with disabilities in the East End. Learn more and sign up here.
2025 Agnes Macphail Award Nominations 🆕
Once again, it is time for the Agnes Macphail Award.
We encourage residents to come forward with nominations. Nominations close January 1st, 2025.
Visit: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/awards/agnes-macphail-award/
311 Toronto Awareness & Usage Survey
311 Toronto is committed to improving our services to better serve you. As a part of our ongoing efforts, we are conducting a survey to understand your awareness and usage of 311 Toronto services. Your feedback will help us ensure 311 Toronto continues to meet the needs of our communities. We welcome responses from anyone 16 years of age and older.
The survey will take approximately 5 -10 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous.
The 311 Awareness and Usage Survey launched on Monday, November 4th and it will close on December 4th.
Link to the survey: https://cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/311AwarenessUsageSurvey
Neighbourhood News
Black Friday in The Beach! 🆕
Get Ready for Black Friday on Queen!
The Beach BIA invites you to participate in Black Friday on Queen!
We will be promoting a special evening to kick off the holiday season in The Beach BIA.
We are asking the community to set aside online shopping and instead support the incredible local businesses in our community.
Friday, November 29th, 5-9pm
East End Children’s Centre 50/50 Draw 🆕
The East End Children’s Centre 50/50 Draw is happening December 17th at Kimbourne – and you could be the lucky winner! Proceeds will support the Kimbourne and Terry Fox EarlyONs.
🎟️ Tickets:
1 for $5
3 for $10
10 for $20
50 for $50
200 for $100
Winner does not need to be present to claim the prize. Contact Cathy at [email protected] to buy your ticket now!
City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
As directed by Toronto City Council, the City is visiting owners of all dogs who have received a dangerous dog order. Staff are delivering a new standardized sign for owners of these dangerous dogs, which must be visibly posted on their property. Staff will also remind owners of the requirements of their dangerous dog order. Following these proactive visits, staff will continue to conduct regular compliance checks and respond to complaints to ensure compliance.
The City has also posted a public list of dangerous dogs that includes the first three digits of the postal code for the dog owner, ward number, the dog’s name, breed and colour, and the date of the dangerous act at: toronto.ca/DangerousDogs.
Most dog attacks can be prevented if dogs are kept on a leash. Residents are reminded that it is a bylaw requirement for all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes when out in public (except when in designated dogs off-leash areas). The most impactful action owners can undertake is prevention. If residents observe a dog they believe to have a dangerous dog designation without its muzzle or in an off-leash dog park, a complaint can be made to 311 and the matter will be investigated. City of Toronto taking actions to address dangerous dog behaviour.
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
Toronto Hydro Notices
Check the links below for the full notices on Toronto Hydro work happening near you!
- Hydro Upgrades near Dawes and Danforth
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 351 – Woodbine Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Halsey Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive
- Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Project Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A
- REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
St. Clair Ave E. & Topham Neighbourhood Basement Flooding Protection Program Community Meeting 🆕
Thank you to everyone who showed up to our community information session last night at O’Connor Drive Public School regarding the Basement Flooding Protection Program (BFPP) final phase of work, due to begin Spring 2025. It was a great opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about how these projects are planned and executed in their neighbourhoods.
Here is a bit of history of this work:
As you may recall, in 2014 this part of the city was identified as Study Area 1 for the BFP Program. This area was recommended to receive upgrades to sanitary and stormwater sewers to prevent basement flooding for residents.
Contract 1: Glenwood Crescent (Completed in 2021)
Contract 2: O’Connor Drive (Scheduled completion end of November 2024)
Contract 3: St Clair Ave E. & Topham Triangle: Beginning Spring 2025
Staff presented the project sequencing and rationale for neighbours in attendance, along with any improvements to how construction projects are conducted to mitigate the negative impacts for residents. If you were unable to attend, all of the information (including the presentation, and any follow-ups to resident questions) can be found on the project website.
If you have any questions, concerns or would like to receive updates on this work, do sign up for the email updates regarding this project. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
O’Connor Drive Improvements 🆕
The O’Connor Drive improvements project is on track to be completed by the end of November 2024.
Recently, residents have been reaching out to my office requesting the return of the middle lane turn arrow for the westbound lane along St Clair Ave E. (at O’Connor Drive). My office has flagged this for staff, who are working on this change.
Week of November 25th:
- Remaining landscaping and permanent restoration to be complete
- Traffic signal activation
Pre-Construction Notice – Cranfield Rd. Watermain Replacement Projects
Engineering & Construction Services will be undertaking a watermain replacement project on Cranfield Road from Dohme Avenue to Waterman Avenue.
City Wide News/Events
Canada Post Strike Information 🆕
During a Canada Post labour disruption last week, some City of Toronto services and programs may be affected.
The City is committed to ensuring that residents and businesses are able to access services and programs with minimal disruption.
Contingency plans are in place to provide alternative options for items normally delivered and received by mail.
Learn more at toronto.ca/Mail.
Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
Offering multiple concerts, the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season begins this October and continues throughout December in Scarborough.
Visit: https://cathedralbluffs.com/
Service Standards and Trends in Animal-Related Service Requests
I’ve heard from many residents concerned about how long it is taking for dead animals to be picked up from City Streets.
While staff work to remove cadavers as soon as possible, TAS prioritizes responding to calls about sick/injured and other live animals in need of urgent care and responds to animal cadaver pick up requests the best it can with its available staff resources.
I’m happy to report that my motion to reinstate the 48-hour service standard for removing deceased animals was approved. More details on how city staff will improve the service for next year will come forward as part of the 2025 Budget process.
For more information, please see this Toronto Star article about my motion and why the City needs to focus on improving basic services.
Scarborough Theatre Guild: Emperor’s New Clothes
This pantomime is the age-old story of the emperor who gets taken in by a fraudster who sells him a set of clothes that can “only be seen by those who are of high worth and intelligence”. Add in a hero who has a change of heart in order to win the girl of his dreams, a villain and his two imbecilic side-kicks, and of course, the pantomime horse and all the makings are there for a fun time. Cheer the hero, boo the villain, HAVE FUN!
Rating and Content Warnings
Recommended for all ages
Show Times
December 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20, 2024 at 8pm
December 8, 15 and 21, 2024 at 2pm
Join us for a Wine and Cheese reception after the December 6th performance.
Ticket prices
Regular Tickets – $28
Under 30 / 60 and Over – $26
Group Rate Ticket – $24
Toronto Foundation Vital Signs Report 🆕
Where we started with this year’s #VitalSigns research is not where the data led us.
With the city’s population growth on everyone’s minds, we explored further. But an overlooked area of growth emerged that we believe matters the most.
Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gJPaVcJA
TTC 501 Queen Streetcar Diversion onto York, Adelaide/Richmond, and Church
With the completion of track and overhead work on Adelaide, Richmond and York streets, the TTC has improved 501 Queen streetcar service between Neville Park and South Etobicoke.
For more details on these changes, visit https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Service-Changes/501-301-Routing-change
Information about the Ontario Line is available at Metrolinx.com/OntarioLine
Yard Waste Collection
It’s Fall Yard Waste Season!
The City of Toronto collects yard waste on garbage day from mid-March to mid-December and allows the City to divert approximately 90,000 tonnes of yard waste away from landfill each year.
To help make yard waste collection safe and efficient, there are requirements for what types of containers can be used to set out your yard waste and what size and how heavy they can be. Paper yard waste bags are the preferred method for yard waste disposal, but rigid open-top containers that meet size requirements and are not overfilled are also accepted. Each household will also be receiving a Waste Management Guide, which will be mailed beginning in late November. Please check the last page of your latest utility bill for your 2025 collection schedule. If you do not receive utility bills to your home or are not scheduled to receive your utility bill by the end of the year, your schedule is being mailed to you separately. All residents should have received their collection schedules by the end of December.
For more information, visit toronto.ca/YardWaste.
About Brad Bradford - - -
