Hi Friend,
The end of the year is fast approaching – and what a year it’s been. I hope that during a time that often feels like a mad scramble, you can take a moment to reflect and look ahead at what’s to come.
We wrapped up our last Council meeting of the year today, with lots of substantial items. I’m proud to have led the charge to enhance the City’s proposal to receive nearly $500 million from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. I also worked with my colleagues to approve the Ontario-Toronto New Deal Agreement that will provide billions in relief for the City’s budget. I’m happy to share that Council voted to remove the cap on rideshare licenses, at least until a report comes back to Council in March. This will make it easier for folks looking to get around the city or earn some extra income during the holidays.
This will be my last e-newsletter of 2023. Please feel free to reach out to our team anytime at [email protected]. I’m looking forward to another great year ahead of community-led change. Please read on for some highlights from the last couple of weeks, and important updates on events and work across beautiful #BEY.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a very joyful holiday period.
Warmly,
– Brad
Toronto Fire Children’s Christmas Party 2023
For more than 20 years, Toronto Firefighters have been hosting thousands of families for their Annual Children’s Christmas Party. There were so many activities for the kids and lots of food and fun. Always a great time – thank you TPFFA for organizing.
Milk Bottle Laneway Unveiling
I was proud to help unveil the latest historical laneway addition to our community: Milk Bottle Lane!
From 1925 to 1950, this was the site of “Scarboro Dairy Farms”, where bottling and milk distribution took place. Big thank you to Rosanne, Mike and their neighbours for doing the heavy lifting on getting this laneway named. It wouldn’t have happened without you! Check it out off Morton Rd, just south of Stephenson Ave.
Hanukkah Celebrations at Nathan Phillips Square
Light will always triumph over darkness.
During this year’s particularly meaningful Hanukkah, it was an honor to attend several menorah lightings – including with the Chabad of Danforth-Beaches in Kew Gardens, the Chabad on Bayview at York Mills Shopping Centre, and at City Hall. It was a pleasure to see so many out at each event and to have the opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people.
Visit from Bowmore Road School
This week, it was a delight to welcome the Grade 5 students from Bowmore Road Public School to City Hall to learn about local government. No better way to show them the ropes than to have them watch part of our monthly Council meeting!
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- City Hall Updates 🆕
Local Events
- SING: Silent Auction 🆕
- Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital 🆕
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11: New Year’s Eve Dinner/Dance 🆕
- EmotionArt Collective: UNFOLDING 🆕
- 🚨 Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival
- Christmas Organ Concert with Manuel Piazza
Community Programs & Employment
- Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative Program 🆕
- Aerospace Structural Assembly Training Program 🆕
- WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers 🆕
- Hamper’s Share a Christmas Program
- 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
- Nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award 🆕
- Parks, Forestry and Recreation Survey 🆕
- WoodGreen: One Year On – The Evolution of Community at 540 Cedarvale 🆕
- Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants 🆕
- Toronto Community Crisis Service Expansion
- Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study
Work in the Ward
- O’Connor Construction Update: December 2023 🆕
- TTC Service Changes 🆕
- 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
- Hydro Work: Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
City Wide News/Events
- Get to know the City’s Plan for Snow 🆕
- ‘Tis the Season to Give Generously 🆕
- Celebrating the Holidays Safely in LTCHs and RHs 🆕
- Embrace Your Inner Artist: Nuit 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 🆕
This week, City Council came together for the last meeting of 2023. It was a packed agenda with a number of critical items, including the approval by Council of the New Deal Agreement struck with the Province of Ontario. The agreement is nothing short of historic and focuses on all the most important problems ahead of us: building more housing, unlocking gridlock, increasing public safety, and achieving fiscal sustainability.
On the housing front, City Council also received a draft response to a letter sent by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser, to Mayor Olivia Chow requesting that Toronto do more to unlock housing opportunities in our city in exchange for funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund. In response, I moved a series of motions at Council in an effort to increase our ambitions. That includes allowing greater density within proximity of transit and reviewing long-standing rules that have historically stood in the way of new housing in our communities.
Local Events
SING! Silent Auction 🆕
From fine teas, distillery tours and tasting to Italian fashions, handcrafted pottery and home décor – this will be a one-stop shop where you’d be able to support SING!
At this silent auction, there are plenty of fantastic items for holiday gifting or to treat yourself.
Click here if you’d like to register. The auction closes this upcoming Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 6:30pm.
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.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11: New Year’s Eve Dinner/Dance 🆕
If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve plans to ring in 2024 in style, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance on Sunday, December 31, 2023 starting at 6:30pm.
There will be entertainment and a delicious dinner to celebrate the end of 2023.
For more information, reach out to Helen Pearce at [email protected] or call 416-699-1353.
EmotionArt Collective: UNFOLDING 🆕
EmotionArt Collective has been working with nine young and aspiring artists from the Greenwood-Danforth and Beaches-East York neighbourhoods in a year-long arts education project called UNFOLDING. This has been made possible thanks to the support of Canada Council for the Arts.
They will be exhibiting their artistic creations at Paper Mill Gallery located at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Road, Toronto, ON M4K 2B9 on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 5:30pm-7:30pm.
The exhibit will run from Tuesday, December 19, 2023 until Sunday, January 7, 2024.
If you’re interested, please visit: Eventbrite: Opening Reception
🚨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 Wednesday, 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.
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
Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative Program 🆕
It’s that time again! The Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative program is currently hiring for the 2024 Summer program.
This program enhances the link between the police and the neighbourhoods they serve. This initiative gives young people an opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive partnerships with the Toronto Police Service.
Youth ages 15 to 18 will be employed through the summer and throughout the year, working alongside police officers and civilian staff in a wide range of roles.
The application deadline is: Sunday, January 21st, 2024.
Job Posting: Youth In Policing Initiative- Toronto Police Service (tps.ca)
Aerospace Structural Assembly Training Program 🆕
Did you know? There is a huge demand for skilled workers in the aerospace industry.
This hands-on Aerospace Structural Assembly Training Program will provide you the knowledge and skills needed to perform complex structural assembly, as required by the aviation manufacturing industry.
You will receive a Centennial College certificate upon completion, making you attractive to prospective employers. Hiring partners include Bombardier, MHI Canada Aerospace Inc., Fleet Canada, and others!
This program is in partnership with the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) consortium and with the financial support of Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada.
Please note, the program is tuition free; however, accepted students are required to pay a $300 program fee prior to course start date.
The program begins on Monday, February 5, 2024.
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.
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.
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
Nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award 🆕
The Agnes Macphail Award is an annual award that recognizes an individual(s) from the East York community who has exemplified the causes that Agnes Macphail championed in her long and distinguished career.
The Agnes Macphail Award and the nomination form are available on the City of Toronto’s Agnes Mcphail Award.
The deadline for receipt of nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award is fast approaching. Please submit all nominations by Friday, January 12, 2024.
Parks, Forestry and Recreation Survey 🆕
The City is exploring an exciting opportunity to expand winter recreation in Woodbine Park by adding a temporary nine-hole winter disc golf course. The disc golf course would operate in the winter and be removed in the spring to avoid impacting existing park events, activities, and uses.
We’d love for you to have your say. Take part in the survey: Exploring Winter Disc Golf at Woodbine Park.
WoodGreen: One Year On – The Evolution of Community at 540 Cedarvale 🆕
“Just over one year ago, WoodGreen welcomed its first tenants to 540 Cedarvale Ave. — a three-storey modular building that provides supportive housing for seniors (ages 59 and older) who have experienced homelessness or are precariously housed. Since then, WoodGreen staff have worked hard to give the building’s 57 tenants the support they need to thrive, including creating a sense of community.” To read more, visit: WoodGreen – Blog
Congratulations to WoodGreen on a successful year! Your efforts do not go unnoticed and this community is very proud of your accomplishments.
Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants 🆕
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants! A local group has been awarded a grant from Live Green Toronto to implement a project that addresses the climate crisis. Thank you to all the groups who proposed a project for our community!
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
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
O’Connor Construction Update – December 2023 🆕
All lanes along O’Connor between Sandra Rd and Bermondsey are now open and will remain open until mid-January 2024. There will be no work happening on this stretch of road during the holidays. The contractor will continue with watermain replacement in January 2024. We thank you for your ongoing patience during this critical infrastructure work.
The project is projected to be complete by early Fall 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.
TTC Service Changes 🆕
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 has resumed to regular streetcar service.
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.
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).
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
Get to know the City’s Plan for Snow 🆕
This month, flyers about the City’s Snow & Ice Response Plan were delivered to mailboxes across the city. Toronto faces an annual snowfall of around 130 cm, with the City’s snow clearing plan covering everything from salting and plowing roads, sidewalks and bikeways to safeguarding emergency and transit vehicles. With a fleet of approximately 1,400 snow-clearing equipment, the City clears Toronto’s vast 14,700 lane-km of roads, 7,900 km of sidewalks and 956 km of cycle tracks.
But that’s not all – twenty-four-hour patrols monitor road conditions while dedicated staff stay one step ahead, tracking weather forecasts and pavement temperatures.
Stay informed, stay safe and embrace the winter magic with Toronto’s Snow & Ice Response Plan. For more information, please visit: www.toronto.ca/snow.
‘Tis the Season to Give Generously 🆕
For those looking to give back this holiday season, there are several local initiatives that residents can support including the Holiday Wish List for people experiencing homelessness, the annual Fire Fighters Toy Drive, and various initiatives by Toronto Animal Services, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care and Parks, Forestry & Recreation.
Donations of funds, goods and services can be made through DonateTO – the City’s official giving hub: www.toronto.ca/donate.
Celebrating the Holidays Safely in LTCHs and RHs 🆕
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Non-outbreak enhanced masking measures remain in place:
- All staff, students, support workers, and volunteers are to wear a mask when indoors in resident areas.
- It is strongly recommended that all visitors and caregivers wear a mask in resident areas (indoors) except when with the resident in the resident’s room or when eating or drinking with a resident in communal spaces.
When required to manage outbreaks, additional masking and PPE use will be guided by Toronto Public Health and hospital partners.
- Please continue to adhere to all IPAC requirements.
- Monitor yourself daily for symptoms and stay home if you feel unwell. Do not visit or go to work if you are experiencing any signs of respiratory infection, flu or COVID.
- The best ways to mitigate illness and virus spread are immunization and masking.
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 - - -
