Hi Friend,
These past weeks has been full of meaningful moments.
On March 24, we gathered to celebrate the incredible legacy of East York legend Agnes Macphail, who was Canada’s first woman elected as a Member of Parliament.
I want to congratulate this year’s Agnes Macphail Award recipient, Jason Ash, whose dedication to community service in Thorncliffe Park and his efforts to save the Ontario Science Centre truly embody the spirit of East York.
We also gathered to raise the Bangladesh flag at City Hall in celebration of Bangladesh’s Independence Day. It was a powerful day of reflection and gratitude as we honoured the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. It’s always an honour to stand alongside the Bangladeshi community, celebrating the profound contributions they make to Beaches-East York and to Toronto.
Another highlight was the Little Stanley Cup, a #BEY tradition that never fails to inspire. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the East York Hockey Association, and the energy was off the charts. It’s always great to celebrate teamwork and support the young athletes who are shaping the future of our community.
I also took a moment to visit Toronto Fire Station 227 to personally thank the brave firefighters for their heroic work in response to the fire emergency on Kenilworth Ave in the Beach a few weeks ago. The situation was intense, but thanks to their dedication and courage, the damage was contained, and lives were saved.
My thoughts remain with the resident who was injured, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. It was a humbling reminder of the daily sacrifices our first responders make to keep us safe.
I had the privilege of attending the Eid Unity Reception and Iftar dinner hosted by the Global Imams Council, bidding farewell to the holy month of Ramadan and embracing the joy of Eid. The event was a powerful reminder that we are stronger when we come together to embrace the spirit of generosity, kindness, and compassion.
Happy Eid to all those celebrating — may this special time bring peace, joy, and reflection to all.
As always, let me know how my team and I can help you.
I’ll see you around the community.
Warmly,
– Brad
In This Issue
City Hall Updates
Small Business Spotlight 🆕
Dimensions Gallery – 1626 Queen St
Local Events
- TODAY! Apr. 5: Beaches Spring Sprint
- TOMORROW! Apr. 6: Clean Up Day – Dentonia Park 🆕
- TOMORROW: Apr. 6: Beaches Sandboz Comedy: Big Laughs featuring Courtney Gilmour 🆕
- Apr. 12: Spring Fling Craft & Foodie Affair 🆕
- Apr. 14: The Laundryman’s Boy – Author Talk 🆕
- Apr. 15: Bengali New Year Celebration 🆕
- Apr 18 & 20: Beaches Easter Parade
- Apr. 19: Music for the Soul
- Apr. 26: Garage & Rummage Sale 🆕
- Apr. 28 How to Write a Business Plan 🆕
- May 3: The AI Literacy Show🆕
- May. 6: Brain Health 🆕
- May. 6: Sharing Responsibility: How to Foster Interdependence 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Application for the 2025 TPS Youth in Policing Program
- Beaches Kids Book Club 🆕
- Call For Casual Workers: Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
- Challenger Baseball League 🆕
- City of Toronto: Get Involved in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan
- COSTI’s New2Canada Host Program
- Fraud and Waste Hotline Program
- Free Laundry Access 2025
- Healthy Child Screening
- I Love to SING!
- International Languages Elementary Program
- Laneway coLabs
- Legion BSO/OSI OP VETBUILD
- Men’s Free Virtual Addiction Treatment Program
- New Booking Center – Employment Services
- Not Far From The Tree
- Personalized Career Accelerator Program
- Queer Youth United
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
- Tax Volunteers Needed
- TDSB’s Learn4Life Program
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- The Self-Worth in Net Worth
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
- Toronto Nature Stewards 2025
- VHT Program
- Volunteer Call-Out Meals on Wheels
Work in the Ward
- Michael Garron Hospital (MHG) Wings Closure
- Pre-Construction Notice – Cranfield Road Watermain Replacement Projects
- Temporary Curb Lane Closures on Main Street and Dawes Road 🆕
- Toronto Hydro Upgrades
City Wide News/Events
- Canada’s Volunteer Awards – Call for Nominations 2025 🆕
- Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
- City of Toronto Expands Administrative Penalty System to Include Automated Road Safety Tools
- City of Toronto’s 2025 Local Leadership Grant 🆕
- Earth Day Spring Cleanup 🆕
- Flood Preparedness Resources (TRCA)
- ProAction Cops & Kids: Over The Edge 2025
- TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street)
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
At last week’s City Council meeting, I voted in support of requesting the City Manager to conduct a full review of the city’s winter maintenance operations. I took this opportunity to speak up with the concerns that many of you have shared with my office, and to highlight that Beaches–East York had the second most 311 complaints related to the February winter storm. In the last three years, record-breaking tax increases have promised better city services, and yet this year’s snow response was completely inadequate. I was happy to support taking action to ensure we optimize winter services, without costing taxpayers more.
Also on the agenda was Toronto’s Economic Action Plan in response to US tariffs. This is an important time for us to stand together, and for City Hall to do its part to stand up for Torontonians and Team Canada. The City of Toronto has now updated its procurement policy to prioritize Canadian companies in city contracts. The city has also announced the Love Local campaign to support Canadian small businesses, and a number of actions to support industrial and manufacturing businesses here in Toronto. While I voted to support these initiatives, I do think City Hall could be doing more to protect Toronto’s economy, businesses, and jobs – and I will continue to push for bolder action.
Small Business Spotlight
This week, Dimensions Gallery celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Founded by Ellen Davidson and Wendy Palmer, the gallery has built a stellar reputation as one of the city’s top destinations for custom framing and a vibrant showcase for artwork across all genres, and we are now lucky to have them in the Beach.
Whether you’re looking to frame something or simply appreciate great art, you should definitely make at stop at 1626 Queen St E.
Congrats on this important milestone!
Local Events
TODAY! Beaches Spring Sprint
The Beaches Spring Sprint is back! Since 1987, this beloved community event, hosted by the Beaches Rec Centre Advisory Council, has brought runners of all ages together in support of local programs at the Beaches Rec Centre.
Race Day: Saturday, April 5
Pre-Registration Required: March 25, 26 & April 1, 2 at the Beaches Rec Centre.
Whether you’re racing, cheering, or volunteering, this is a great way to get involved and support our community.
TOMORROW! Clean Up Day – Dentonia Park 🆕
Join us for a community clean up of the forested area! Help make our community a cleaner and greener place. You bring the energy and we will provide free refreshments and snacks!
RSVP: [email protected]
📅 TOMORROW: April 6, 2025
🕚Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Dentonia Park Ravine
TOMORROW! Beaches Sandbox Comedy: Big Laughs featuring Courtney Gilmour 🆕
📅 TOMORROW: Sunday, April 6
🕘 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM)
📌 Beaches Sandbox (2181 Queen St. E)
Beaches Sandbox is bringing big laughs to the Beaches with an evening of live comedy!
Featuring Canada’s Got Talent finalist and JUNO Award-nominated comedian Courtney Gilmour, as well as the comedic stylings of Clif Knight, Ryan Dillon, and Karen Mitches, all hosted by the hilarious Kris Siddiqi. This event is 19+.
Get your tickets now at beachessandbox.com!
Spring Fling Craft & Foodie Affair 🆕
Join us on Saturday April 12th 2025 for our 10th annual Spring Fling Craft and Food Affair.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Legion Hall 345, located at 81 Peard Avenueat Victoria Park.
Join us in the parking lot where The Gingerman restaurant will be selling their famous Arancini Rice Balls.
The legion hall is accessible by elevator and we have ample and free parking, or an easy bus ride north from Victoria Park station.
Please save the date, tell and friend or more and come early.
The Laundryman’s Boy – Author Talk 🆕
Author Edward Y.C. Lee discusses and performs a reading from his novel, The Laundryman’s Boy (HarperCollins, 2024). The Laundryman’s Boy is an enduring and moving tale about early newcomers to Canada and their struggle to succeed against all odds, with themes related to Asian heritage, Chinese-Canadian history, immigration, racism, duty, and friendship.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Monday April 14, 2025
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
Meeting Room
Bengali New Year Celebration 🆕
Celebrate the start of a New Year with us as we embrace our culture, community, and traditions with music, dance, and delightful Bengali cuisine!
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
🕚Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: AccessPoint on Danforth (3079 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1M5)
Beaches Easter Parade
The Toronto Beaches Lions Club is hosting its Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Good Friday, April 18 from 10am – 2pm. Registration is required.
The Easter parade will take place on April 20 at 2pm along Queen St. E. from Neville Park to Woodbine.
For more information visit: beacheseasterparade.ca
Garage & Rummage Sale at St. Clair O’Connor Community 🆕
Support local seniors at the St. Clair O’Connor Community (SCOC) indoor garage sale! All proceeds will help expand SCOC’s senior day programs, making social activities, friendship, and community support more accessible to seniors across East York.
📍 Location: 2703 St. Clair Ave. East📅 Date: Saturday, April 26th🕙Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Come shop for a good cause and support the amazing work SCOC has done for our seniors for decades.
How to Write a Business Plan 🆕
A great business plan is clear, comprehensive, and compelling. It serves as a roadmap for your business and a tool to attract investors, partners, and customers. This program defines the roadmap on how to write a business plan. Plan smart, grow strong. Your blueprint for a successful business starts here! Supported by Scotiabank.
For entrepreneurs aged 18-39 years old.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
If you identify as a person with a disability and require an accessibility accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Accessibility Services by email, [email protected], or voicemail, 416-393-7099, to make a request. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.
Monday April 28, 2025
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
Meeting Room
The AI Literacy Show🆕
“The AI literacy show” is a 90 minute, dynamic performance/presentation hosted by Keith McDonald, founder and Chief Curator of Toronto’s “the literacy AI project”. Keith covers four “must know” areas to be AI literate including understanding algorithms and recognizing how they reflect bias. Come learn in a fun, easy to understand way as Keith also presents a compelling case for making Artificial Intelligence literacy a must have in schools and in business.
Note: This is an interactive, multi-media presentation with audience interaction, video clips, props, and includes an opening AI literacy song ice breaker. Attendees do not have to know coding as this is very much a non-technical presentation with time for Q/A with the audience.
For Adults. Teens are also welcome.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Saturday May 3, 2025
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
Auditorium
Brain Health 🆕
This interactive presentation discusses the risk factors of dementia and how healthy lifestyle changes can help improve and maintain the health of the brain.
Come learn about some research findings on reducing the risk of developing dementia; recognize how lifestyle plays a role in a person’s risk of developing dementia, and commit to take action to reduce your risk. Presented by Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Tuesday May 6, 2025
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
Meeting Room
Sharing Responsibility: How to Foster Interdependence 🆕
Consider various ways that you can help your child become more autonomous in their diabetes care, while still providing support where needed.
Date & Time: Tuesday May 6, 2025 | 7:00 PM Eastern Time | FREE ONLINE (Zoom)
Register Here
Community Programs & Employment Events
Application for the 2025 Youth in Policing Program
Applications for the 2025 Toronto Police Service Youth in Policing initiative are now opened. For more information, visit the link below.
Beaches Kids Book Club 🆕
Call For Casual Workers: Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
Challenger Baseball League 🆕
We are excited to announce that we are launching our Challenger Baseball League in collaboration with the Jays Care Foundation and Challenger Baseball.
What is it?
An adaptive baseball program, run in partnership with Little League Canada and Baseball Canada, where people living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities find a place on a team where they belong. The program teaches athletes the core life skills inherent to baseball, including teamwork, communication, determination, resiliency, inclusion, support and courage. Challenger Baseball ensures athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to play in a fun and safe environment where they learn to become more independent, build confidence and create lasting friendships with their peers.
Where and When?
We will be running the program on Sundays from 9:00am to 10:00am starting on April 27th until June 22nd. Each session will be 45 minutes on the John Shelton Diamond (Diamond 1) at Topham Park.
Who is it for?
Challenger Baseball works to create a level playing field where all children, youth and adults living with cognitive and/or physical disabilities have access to transformative sport and recreation opportunities where everyone feels empowered to develop life skills, recognize their potential and realize their dreams.
Volunteer Opportunities
Be a Buddy
- League coaches will offer training sessions to help you feel confident in assisting an athlete during practices and games. Buddies will be assigned to a player for the season to help and support them in meeting their goals.
Be a Parent Greeter
- This role greets all players and families as they enter the field. They help to ensure players are connected to their buddies and ensure that parents or caregivers are aware of who their child will be paired with.
Be an Assistant Coach
- You will receive specialized training from Jays Care to ensure that you feel equipped to support the program by helping to plan and facilitate practice plans or game plans. You will also provide direct support to the head coach.
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.
Fraud and Waste Hotline Program
Since March is Fraud Prevention Month, I’m happy to share this program with you.
The Fraud and Waste Hotline Program is a confidential and anonymous resource that allows members of the public to report incidents of suspected fraud, waste or wrongdoing involving City resources.
The Hotline Program is managed by the Forensic Unit of the Auditor General’s Office, an independent Accountability Office.
To submit a complaint to the Fraud and Waste Hotline, you can:
- Submit your complaint via our secure online form at the Auditor General’s website.
- Call the Fraud & Waste Hotline at 416-397-STOP (7867) – answered 24/7
• Send an email to [email protected]
• Write a physical letter and mail it to: Auditor General’s Office, Fraud and Waste Hotline, 55 John St., 9th floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6
Read more about the Hotline Program by visiting the Auditor General’s website at:
https://www.torontoauditor.ca/report-fraud/
Free Laundry Access 2025
Wishy Washy Laundromat hosts monthly Free Laundry events for anyone who is financially struggling – and was recently featured in the Toronto Star!
Find more information on the flyer below.
Healthy Child Screening
Healthy Child Screening (HCS) is a model for universal access to early identification of children’s special needs.
The screening is a single-point access to health care for families, who can have their children screened at different stations by a health professional.
This is designed for children 2-6 years of age and is intended to identify any concerns regarding a child’s health, often in terms of development.
I Love to SING!
“I Love to SING!” is launching the winter/spring session.
Do you know someone between the ages of 8 and 14 who loves to sing? They can join this fun experience FOR FREE!
Students will learn and sing together with some of the most celebrated vocal coaches in Canada: gospel recording artist Latoya Hall-Downer, renowned tenor Joseph Angelo, operatic and recital soprano Allison Angelo.
Saturdays, 11 am to 12:45 pm at Community Centre 55, 97 Main Street. Toronto
TODAY! Apr 5, Apr 26, May 10
Register for free at: https://singtoronto.tickit.ca/events/27683
International Languages Elementary Program
The new year is a great time to start learning a new language. The TDSB offers language classes for students in JK to Grade 8, with ongoing enrollment allowed in person. For more information visit:
Laneway coLabs
Exciting news from The Laneway Project! We’re thrilled to introduce Laneway coLabs, a new initiative that transforms laneways into vibrant safe spaces through collaboration, community and co-creation.
If you and your neighbours want to bring life to your laneway, this is your chance! Through an open application process, we’ll select 1-3 communities to co-create a revitalized laneway in the summer of 2025—by the community, for the community.
Applications open on March 18 at 9 AM and close on April 20 at 11:59 pm. Selected communities will be announced on May 3, and together, we will design, implement, and celebrate the revitalization between May and September.
Gather your neighbours and check out our website for details on how to apply to work with The Laneway Project this summer.
Legion BSO/OSI OP VETBUILD
This program was run by Veteran James LeRoy at Branch 11 but as the building was demolished the program has moved to Branch 10. See details below.
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.
New Booking Center – Employment Services
A new booking center designed to make it easier for job seekers. At this time, our primary focus is on assisting job seekers in the West End.
- Phone: (416) 405-5254
- Email: [email protected]
Please note that our employment services are now available at the four locations listed:
- 2930 Lake Shore Blvd. West
- 201-219 Dufferin Street, Suite 1C
- 1533 Victoria Park Ave.
- 815 Danforth Ave. Suite 10
Not Far From The Tree
Hi Neighbour!
Nice to meet you! We’re Not Far From The Tree, Toronto’s very own fruit picking and sharing project! We’re looking to add new trees to our Fruit Picking Program in 2025.
Would you consider sharing your fruit with the community?
If you have a fruit tree, but can’t keep up with the harvest, we can help. We send over a team of fruit pickers to harvest your tree when it’s time, and split the harvest three ways:
- ⅓ is offered to you
- ⅓ is shared amongst the volunteers
- ⅓ is delivered to a community agency
By registering to share your fruit with NFFTT:
- Your fruit directly supports community agencies feeding thousands monthly.
- You create opportunities for connection and sharing in your neighborhood.
- Your tree becomes a source of nourishment and joy for those in need.
Make an impact directly in your community by sharing your bounty with NFFTT!
Learn more about registering your tree at:
https://notfarfromthetree.org/get-involved/tree-registrants/
Or find out more about NFFTT and other ways to get involved at: https://notfarfromthetree.org/
Personalized Career Accelerator Program
The Personalized Career Accelerator program assists newcomers with finding meaningful employment through a wide sector of services.
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.
Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
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.
The Self-Worth in Net Worth
For women who want to build their confidence in money and develop financial habits that enrich their life.
Join Dwayne Richards, CPA, for this session that includes financial wellness, implications of research on women and financial knowledge and confidence, money mindset, love and money, and building financial capability and well-being.
The objectives of this workshop are to:
- Learn how to form a positive money mindset and build confidence in money
- Understand your relationship with money and learn how to create a budget to meet your needs
- Learn how to find common financial ground with your partner.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
TOMORROW: Monday April 7, 2025 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
S. Walter Stewart Library – Meeting Room
170 Memorial Park Ave.
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 Nature Stewards 2025
CALLING ALL FELLOW BEACHERS:
SPRING IS HERE!
Do you love to work outdoors while enjoying fresh air and exercise in the company of your neighbours?
Would you enjoy the opportunity to identify, learn about, and care for the native plants growing in our parks and ravines?
Why not become a Toronto Nature Steward?
WELCOME BACK to those Stewards who are returning.
- Early in May Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) will begin their fifth season of volunteer stewarding in Toronto’s Parks and ravines. This city approved program began in 2021 with 150 stewards working in 9 different sites. This year 1000 stewards will be working in 49 sites across the city.
- TNS volunteers help care for the city’s parks and ravines by removing non-native invasive plants, such as Garlic Mustard and Dog Strangling Vine, thus giving our native plants room to grow and thrive. Volunteers also plant and tend for carefully chosen native plants.
- There are two TNS teams working in the Beaches Neighbourhood, one in ASHBRIDGES BAY PARK and another in GLEN STEWART PARK.
WORK SCHEDULES:
ASHBRIDGES BAY: Stewarding will begin in May and end in November
Starting May 7th:
- Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
- Rain date: Thursday: 9.00a.m.-11:00
- Starting May 8th Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
GLEN STEWART PARK: Stewarding will begin in May and end in September.
Starting May 6th
- Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. to noon
- Wednesdays: 10:00a.m. – noon.
NOTE: All volunteer stewards must be registered with The Toronto Nature Stewards.
For more information and to register please visit: https://torontonaturestewards.org/.get-involved
VHT Program
At the halfway point of the declaration period, the City has received 674,937 declarations – representing more than 80 per cent of all residential properties. The City of Toronto is reminding residential property owners that they must submit their 2024 Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration by Wednesday, April 30.
Property owners have several options to submit their occupancy declaration including:
- Online: Access the user-friendly portal at www.toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax.
- Phone: Call 311 within Toronto or 416-392-2489 from outside the city to declare in 180 languages.
- In-person: Visit a Tax and Utility counter at Toronto City Hall or any civic centre. Find information about locations at www.toronto.ca/InquiryPaymentCounters.
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.
Work in the Ward
Michael Garron Hospital (MHG) Wings Closure
As a part of its ongoing campus redevelopment project, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) permanently closed its A, B and C Wings on March 21, 2025 starting at 6 a.m.
The decommissioning and demolition of these wings is necessary to complete the hospital’s campus transformation, which includes extensive landscaping and the creation of a new driveway off Coxwell Avenue to better facilitate patient pick-ups and drop-offs. This work is expected to be complete in Spring 2026.
If you have any questions or need navigation assistance, please visit volunteers at one of our two Information Desks:
- Main Information Desk: Located inside the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre lobby on M1. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sammon Avenue Information Desk: Located inside the Sammon Entrance on T1. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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.
Temporary Curb Lane Closures on Main Street and Dawes Road 🆕
Toronto Hydro Notices
Check the links below for the full notices on Toronto Hydro work happening near you!
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 440 Lake Front
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project Dawes Overhead Rebuild
City Wide News/Events
Canada’s Volunteer Awards – Call for Nominations 2025 🆕
The nomination period is open for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, a national program that recognizes volunteers, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises and businesses for their contributions.
The five award categories are the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award and regional awards in the four categories of Community Leader, Emerging Leader, Business Leader and Social Innovator.
Nomination information sessions are available, being held in English on April 8th, and in French on April 9th. Nominations close on May 8, 2025.
You will find more information on the attached, or visit Canada’s Volunteer Awards.
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/
City of Toronto Expands Administrative Penalty System to Include Automated Road Safety Tools
Starting today, the City of Toronto is expanding its Administrative Penalty System (APS) to to make it easier, more convenient and accessible to dispute Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) and Red-Light Camera (RLC) violations. Vehicle owners who receive an ASE or RLC violation that occurred on or after Monday, January 20 can dispute the violation online at toronto.ca/aps.
In 2017, the City, as part of its commitment to customer service improvements, introduced APS to enable motorists to dispute parking violations through an administrative review process instead of a court-based system. Since its implementation, APS has streamlined the dispute process for parking violations, offering timely, fair and efficient resolution.
Following the City’s successful introduction of APS for parking violations and its commitment to road safety in the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan (www.toronto.ca/visionzero), the City is now expanding APS to include RLC and ASE violations. Both RLC and ASE are important tools in the Vision Zero plan, which prioritizes the safety of Toronto’s most vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, people cycling, school children and older adults.
How to request a screening review
Vehicle owners who receive a RLC or ASE violation that occurred on or after Monday, January 20 can request a screening to dispute a violation.
Payments can be made online, by mail or in-person at seven City locations. More information about APS, including where payments can be made in-person, is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/aps.
City of Toronto’s 2025 Local Leadership Grant 🆕
What is the Local Leadership Grant program?
The Local Leadership Grant supports place-based, resident-led projects that focus on the five domains of the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy
- Economic Opportunities
- Examples: jobs skills workshop, certification workshop, employment forum
- Healthy Lives
- Examples: nutrition workshop, wellness day, gardening event
- Participation in Civic Decision-Making
- Examples: community speak out event, leadership training, civic action forum
- Physical Surroundings
- Examples: community beautification event, neighbourhood walking tour, community art event
- Social Development
- Examples: educational workshop/forum, back to school event, neighbourhood festival
Who can apply?
The City is seeking applications from Toronto-based resident-led groups. The Local Leadership Grant also prioritizes the leadership and participation of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), Black and equity-deserving groups within Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, emerging neighbourhoods and other communities of focus, such as TCHC communities and/or undergoing rapid development.
Earth Day Spring Cleanup 🆕
Join Our Annual Earth Day Spring Cleanup – April 25-27! 🌍♻️
Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to give back to our community! I invite you to join Toronto’s annual Earth Day Spring Cleanup from April 25 to 27.
Each April, community groups, families, businesses, and individuals across the city spend just 20 minutes cleaning up litter in local parks, beaches, ravines, and other shared spaces. In 2024, more than 1,000 self-directed cleanups took place—let’s keep the momentum going!
How to Get Involved:
✔ Choose a location—your local park, ravine, or any outdoor space in need of a cleanup
✔ Gather your family, friends, or coworkers
✔ Register your cleanup today: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/clean-toronto-together/clean-toronto-together-general-application/
By working together, we can help keep our community clean and beautiful. Thank you for doing your part!
Flood Preparedness Resources (TRCA)
Spring thaw can increase the risk of flooding as melting snow and seasonal rainfall lead to rising water levels. TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program actively monitors these conditions and provides timely updates to help keep communities informed. Stay prepared by signing up for TRCA’s Flood Messaging Service for regular updates on spring flood risks. Visit trca.ca/floodmessages to sign-up.
ProAction Cops & Kids: Over The Edge 2025
FACE YOUR FEARS! TRUST & EMPOWER YOURSELF! INSPIRE OTHERS!
YOU’LL NEVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THIS AGAIN!
EVENT DATE: Saturday May 31st, 2025
LOCATION: The Westin Harbour Castle – 1 Harbour Square, Toronto ON, M5J 1A6
How do I participate?
- SIGN UP NOW to become a Participant
- Easily set up your personal fundraising page
- Reach the $750 FUNDRAISING MINIMUM PER RAPPELLER!
- Rappel from the 35th floor overlooking Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands, then join us for a fantastic day of food, music, laughter and celebration!
- Optional: Dress up in your best spy or superhero costume to rappel!
- Optional: Bring your GoPro and the male adapter to attach to your helmet.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GO OVER THE EDGE?
If you have any questions or concerns, or you’re interested in sponsoring our event, or in providing product samples as a prize or promotional gift to participants, please contact Connie Tou at [email protected] or (416) 222 – 7011
TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street)
About Brad Bradford - - -
