Hi Friend,
As the calendar turns to December, I hope everyone in our community is getting in the holiday spirit. Our whole family had a great time at the Beaches Santa Claus Parade, and it was exciting getting to turn on the holiday lights again at the Beaches Tree Lighting last weekend. Tomorrow night, I’ll be joining DECA and The Danny BIA to light up East Lynn Park.
Earlier this week, Premier Ford and Mayor Chow announced a New Deal for Toronto. I applaud this common-sense deal for delivering billions that Toronto can spend on building housing and making transit safer and more reliable. It also helps ensure the rebuild of the Gardiner Expressway, a vital piece of infrastructure for East Enders and for our regional economy. You can read my full statement on my website.
It’s been a busy and exciting time around City Hall, as we lead up to our final Council meeting of the year on December 13th. Read on below for updates from our first Toronto Music Advisory Committee meeting and the latest work to get more affordable housing built at the Planning & Housing Committee.
For those shopping for holiday gifts, be sure to check out our great small businesses in every part of Beaches-East York. Read on for more information about what’s happening in our community.
Warmly,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- City Hall Updates 🆕
Local Events
- Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🆕
- DECA – Light Up Danforth East 🆕
- Embrace the Season with Danforth Mosaic BIA 🆕
- Legion East Toronto Branch 11 – Breakfast with Santa 🆕
- Christmas Jazz & Reflection
- Pegasus Winter Wonderland Showcase & Holiday Benefit 2023
- Christmas Organ Concert with Manuel Piazza
Community Programs & Employment
- Hamper’s Share a Christmas Program 🆕
- Jazz Guitar Series at Hirut 🆕
- Book Launch Party 🆕
- Queer Youth United
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
Neighbourhood News
- New EV Chargers Opened on November 30! 🆕
- Toronto Community Crisis Service Expansion
- Micromobility Public Survey
- Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study
Work in the Ward
- Port Lands Flood Protection Construction Notice 🆕
- Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A 🆕
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive 🆕
- O’Connor Construction Update
- TTC service changes
- Hydro Work: Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
City Wide News/Events
- Toronto Public Health to Close Fixed-Site Vaccination Clinics 🆕
- Register for Winter Registration 🆕
- Embrace Your Inner Artist: Suit Blanche 2024 Calls for Artists
Additional Information:
- Yard Waste
- Make the right call!
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 🆕
Make some noise, because this month marked the return of the Toronto Music Advisory Committee. I’m thrilled to be back as the Chair of this Committee, working collaboratively with Toronto’s diverse artists, venue operators and others across the live music industry. Too often, City Hall can be an obstacle to the industry’s success here in Toronto, rather than a champion.
Most recently, the Planning and Housing Committee met yesterday to receive updates on a number of key items aimed at building more housing. That includes making it easier to build low-rise housing in our neighbourhoods and more dense, mid-rise housing on our main streets while preserving crucial green space. The Committee also unanimously approved my motion to reduce red tape and make it less complicated for builders to submit an application to build housing here in Toronto.
Local Events
Planning Committee Members Needed – 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
EY Canada Day meetings are open to all. Our next committee meeting is January 17, 2024, 7 p.m. at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse.
This is a much beloved event and it’s counting on our community to keep this family fun, long standing event going.
DECA – Light Up Danforth East 🆕
Let’s gather at East Lynn Park tomorrow (December 2, 2023) between 5pm – 6pm as DECA lights the trees up with beautiful warm lights for the holiday season.
See you there!
Embrace the Season with Danforth Mosaic BIA 🆕
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here and Danforth Mosaic BIA is thrilled to invite you to join them in Embracing the Season on the Danforth. This event will take place between Jones Ave and Westlake Ave.
This holiday season, Danforth Mosaic BIA encourages you to shop local and make the Danny your go-to destination for all festive purchases.
Happening this upcoming Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 3pm – 10pm – come and enjoy holiday jingles, free hot chocolate and entertainment as you stroll and shop at your favourite stores. Enjoy special activations and promotions from local businesses and do not forget to stop by and take a photo with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty.
The Danny is the place to be this holiday season. Wishing you all a joyful and festive holiday season.
Legion East Toronto Branch 11: Breakfast with Santa 🆕
Hosted by the Legion East Toronto Branch 11, there will be a delicious breakfast taking place this upcoming Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 10am. Bring along your children and enjoy some pancakes with Santa. Entrance tickets will be sold at the door.
Great start to the holiday season!
Christmas Jazz & Reflection
On Saturday, December 9, 2023, Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) will be hosting a special Christmas Jazz & Reflection concert, featuring a repertoire of holiday favorites with Heather Bambrick (vocals), accompanied by Diane Leah (piano) and Jon Maharaj (bass) – please note this is an earlier performance than our regularly scheduled concerts.
Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. The show starts at 2:30pm.
For more information visit: https://beachunitedchurch.com/2023/11/christmas-jazz-reflection/
Be sure to RSVP at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/9827bf63-2e8e-43af-b9f5-ac59ff96ffa8
Pegasus Winter Wonderland Showcase & Holiday Benefit 2023
Pegasus Dance Studios invites you to their Winter Wonderland Showcase 2023! This year, Pegasus will be raising funds for The Art For Aid Project to support Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Metis art education programs.
Show will be help on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 4:30pm and 6:30pm at 361 Glebeholme Blvd. The dance performance will be couple with a bake sale.
Art supplies and proceeds will be donated to the Art for Aid Project. For more information visit: Indigenous Art Help – The Art for Aid Project
Christmas Organ Concert with Manuel Piazza
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) will be hosting a special Advent and Christmas-themed Organ Concert with Manuel Piazza at 4:30pm. Prepare for a diverse selection of organ favourites to get you in the holiday mood.
Entry is freewill donation, and proceeds go towards Beach United’s food programs.
RSVP here for our Christmas Organ Concert with Manuel Piazza.
Community Programs & Employment Events
Hamper’s Share a Christmas Program 🆕
Hamper’s Share a Christmas 2023 need is greater than ever before.
Centre 55 are hoping for financial donations to help families, seniors and individuals who need our support this holiday season. Please consider donating the following:
- Monetary Donations
- Toys or Gift Cards
- Adopt-a-family/senior
- Support Centre 55’s Teen Angel Program
Please note that Centre 55 will not be collecting non-perishable items this season.
If you’re interested in adopting-a-family/senior – directly contact Reza Khoshdel at 416-691-1113 ext. 225 or by email [email protected].
For all other information, please feel free to contact Centre 55 at 416-691-1113.
Jazz Guitar Series at Hirut 🆕
A great line-up and wonderful opportunity to hear some of the best musicians in town.
This upcoming Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4pm: Pat Labarbera and Neil Swainson Duo
For more information and details, please visit: https://www.hirutjazz.ca/
Book Launch Party 🆕
Head on over to Beaches United Church for the Launch Party of the wonderful children’s book and meet award winning Prima Ballerina Tina Pereira.
Queer Youth United
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Tuesday from 4-8pm.
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-8pm 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.
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
New EV Chargers Opened on November 30! 🆕
Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is pleased to announce the installation of six (6) L2 Electric Vehicle chargers in Car Park 170 located at 117 Hammersmith Ave.
This surface car park facility contains 30 parking spaces and can be accessed off Hammersmith Ave. The operation of the 6 EV chargers in Car Park 170 started yesterday – go and check them out this weekend!
Toronto Community Crisis Service Expansion
Last month, Toronto City Council approved a plan to expand the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) city-wide by the end of 2024. Following a successful first year of TCCS operations in 64 per cent of Toronto, the city-wide expansion of the community-based service will continue to contribute to the well-being of Torontonians and community safety.
TCCS connects those in crisis to community-based, client-centered, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support. The service provides crisis intervention, follow-up care and support and case management.
The TCCS reduces police engagement and increases community-based solutions that connect people in crisis to much-needed mental health and well-being programs and services. This community-based service prioritizes the community safety and well-being of Toronto’s most vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit: www.toronto.ca/CrisisService
Micromobility Public Survey
A public survey is now open until December 13 on the City’s micromobility webpage.
The feedback from the survey will be used, along with other public engagement, research and input, to develop the micromobility strategy. Given the many diverse perspectives on micromobility, the range of issues and micromobility vehicle types, the report back will be in Q2 2024 in order to provide some additional public engagement in Q1 2024 to support the work in the report back.
Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study
The City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have initiated an Environmental Assessment for the Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study (SBW).
The SBW study will explore the renewal of and improvements to approximately 4.5 km of Lake Ontario shoreline, from Balmy Beach at Silver Birch Avenue to Bluffer’s Park. The study will explore opportunities to preserve and enhance the Bluffs’ natural features and minimize hazards such as erosion, while improving how the public access, move through, and experience the waterfront. Please see the attached Notice of Commencement for more information.
The public will have opportunities for input at key stages throughout the project. Consultation will start in the coming weeks, and opportunities will be advertised on the project website, by email, in local newspapers, on social media pages, and through mail to households and businesses in the area. More information, including details about the first round of public consultation, will be shared at toronto.ca/ScarboroughBluffsWest.
To ensure you receive project updates including information about consultations, register for the project mailing list.
Work in the Ward
Port Lands Flood Protection Construction Notice 🆕
Please note that there will be nightly closures of the Don Valley Parkway Ramps at Lake Shore Boulevard East from Monday, November 27, 2023 until mid-December. More details in the informational graphics below.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
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 expects the work to begin January 2024.
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). Toronto Hydro expects the work to begin later this month (December 2023).
O’Connor Construction Update – November 2023
The sidewalk replacement and road reconstruction project on O’Connor Drive from St Clair Avenue East to Bermondsey Road is ongoing. As part of the work, the contractor will replace sections of damaged sidewalks, excavate the road, and install a new concrete road base. This will see Pedestrian Improvements, Vehicular Traffic Improvements, Sustainability/Green Features, and Underground Infrastructure Improvements.
Update: During construction, it was discovered that sections of the existing cast iron watermain were in extremely poor condition. Completing a watermain replacement during the current road reconstruction would extend the service life of the road and result in cost savings due to reduced maintenance of the existing watermain.
In October 2023, Toronto City Council authorized Engineering and Construction Services to undertake this additional work. The project now includes watermain replacement on O’Connor Drive between Sandra Road and Bermondsey Road.
Due to the additional scope of work, the overall project is expected to be complete by Summer 2024.
My office continues to monitor the ongoing construction, which we know has been very disruptive for anyone attempting to travel through the area. We have continued to request additional notice for any closures that are required, and to maintain as many lanes for travel as possible. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out to my office.
Please note that in mid-December, our contractor will prepare for the holiday shutdown. During the holiday shutdown, the road and sidewalks will be temporarily restored. All roadways and sidewalks will remain open and accessible to the public.
For the latest updates on the project and any required road closures, please check here.
Storm Sewer Outfall and Pedestrian Bridge Replacement in Taylor Creek Park
The City of Toronto plans to restore sections of Taylor Massey Creek and Ferris Creek that have been damaged due to creek erosion. Work is scheduled to commence this November and expected to end in April 2024.
Sections of the Taylor Creek Trail will be closed, however, a trail detour will be in place during the duration of construction.
TTC service changes still in effect
501 Queen
The 501 Queen route will generally operate along the following sections until further notice, unless a temporary diversion is required such as upcoming work at Queen and De Grassi (see below).
- West-end: 501 Queen streetcars will operate between Roncesvalles Avenue and McCaul Loop (Queen and McCaul). Once construction along The Queensway is completed, streetcars are anticipated to resume travel as far west as Long Branch Loop.
- Downtown: 501B Queen replacement buses will continue to operate between Queen Street/Bathurst Street and Broadview Avenue/Gerrard Street, diverting around the Queen Street closure due to Ontario Line work.
501D Queen buses are currently operating in the east end on Queen Street between Church Street and Neville Park Loop.
Starting October 8 until further notice, the 501D Queen route will convert into a streetcar service.
503 Kingston Rd
- 503 Kingston Rd bus will continue to operate between Bingham Loop and King and York streets.
505 Dundas
- 505 Dundas streetcars are currently operating between Dundas West Station and Kingston-Queen Loop. In Q1 2024, the 505 Dundas will cease operations at Kingston-Queen Loop and return to Broadview Subway Station.
506 Carlton
- 506 Carlton streetcars have returned to Main Street Station, operating through the east-end regularly.
- 506C Carlton replacement buses will no longer be operating due to the resumption of 506 Carlton streetcars to Main Street Station.
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).
City Wide Events
Toronto Public Health to Close Fixed-Site Vaccination Clinics 🆕
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Toronto Public Health (TPH) will close its four fixed-site vaccination clinics at Metro Hall, Cloverdale Mall, North York Civic Centre and in Scarborough (near Scarborough Town Centre). This closure signifies a transition in Toronto’s pandemic response as provincial funding for emergency COVID-19 efforts concludes.
TPH continues collaborating with the community for resident vaccination needs, relying on crucial partnerships with primary health care providers and pharmacies, particularly during the respiratory illness season.
More information about booking an appointment at a TPH fixed-site vaccination clinic and other options for where to get vaccinated is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/Immunization.
Register for Winter Registration 🆕
Get ready, Toronto! The City of Toronto is opening registrations for winter recreation programs and March Break CampTO next week.
Explore a range of activities including sports, fitness, arts, swimming, skating and skiing. Residents of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate in these programs, which are designed to be both active and educational. Find your fun at www.toronto.ca/WinterRec.
Mark your calendars:
- Tuesday, December 5: Etobicoke York and Toronto East York districts
- Wednesday, December 6: North York and Scarborough districts
Programs kick off on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Embrace Your Inner Artist: Nuit Blanche 2024 Calls for Artists
Ready to light up the night with your creativity? Nuit Blanche Toronto is back for the 18th year and the City is looking for Exhibition Curators and talented artists to be a part of the magic on October 5, 2024.
Nuit Blanche Toronto is thrilled to announce the theme “Bridging Distance,” curated by the newly appointed Artistic Director, Laura Nanni. If you have any spectacular ideas for the upcoming Nuit Blanche, let them know!
For information on project submissions and deadlines, visit the Nuit Blanche Call for Submissions webpage: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/nuitblanche/call-for-submissions.
Additional Information
Yard Waste
The City picks up yard waste every other week on garbage collection day from mid-March to mid-December as well as Christmas trees in January. Yard waste can also be taken to one of the City’s Drop-Off Depots year-round.
The yard waste that is collected is turned into compost, some of which is offered to the public for free at Community Environment Days. The City’s yard waste program allows it to divert approximately 90,000 tonnes of yard waste from landfill each year.
Consider leaving the fallen leaves on your lawn and garden until the spring. Native pollinator species in Toronto need plant litter such as fallen leaves and dead hollow stems to nest and survive the cold winter months. Learn more about Alternative Ways to Maintain Yards.
Make the right call!
This month, the City of Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, unveiled the “Make the Right Call” social media campaign.
The campaign aims to increase awareness among Toronto residents about when to call 311, 211, 911, the police non-emergency line or when to file an online police report.
The five-week campaign will highlight a different service number weekly, accompanied by compelling real-life scenarios that illustrate precisely when to make that specific call.
Learn more and see a few campaign graphics on the City’s “Make the Right Call” webpage: www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/make-the-right-call.
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.
For real-time updates on the local issues that matter to you most, please follow any of my social media accounts!
About Brad Bradford - - -
