Hi Friend,
The holiday season is officially here, and the past few weeks have been a wonderful celebration of community and giving. Here’s some of my highlights.
At the Centre 55 Pancake Breakfast, families came together to enjoy festive treats and contribute to the Cram-the-Van Toy Drive. Briar and Bronwyn were very excited to meet Santa!
Later, I had the chance to celebrate some of our city’s incredible crossing guards at their holiday party. These everyday heroes work tirelessly to keep our kids and families safe, and it was heartwarming to see their efforts recognized during the season of gratitude.
The Stuff The Bus Toy Drive marked its 15th year with another incredible turnout. Watching our community rally to support children and families in need was truly inspiring. Thanks to everyone who donated toys or lent a helping hand, this event continues to bring light and joy to so many.
I also had the chance to meet the lovely Sandra Higginson, who along with her husband Jack created Alma Florists in the Beach 72 years ago. This family-run business is now run by their son Brad and has been cherished by our community for decades.
On December 31, Alma Florist will relocate to 3087 Kingston Road. Make sure to visit them!
Chanukah celebrations are also underway! Earlier this week, I joined colleagues and community members at City Hall to prepare for this special holiday.
We lit a menorah to represent the hope and resilience that have shone through the challenges the Jewish community has faced this past year. Wishing everyone a joyful Chanukah.
In other news, this week I was informed that I will no longer be the Vice-Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, although I will still sit on the committee as a regular member. While I respect the Mayor’s decision, this news is disappointing. I’ve appreciated the outpouring of support from housing advocates who have appreciated our collective work to move the needle on Toronto’s housing crisis. You can read my full statement here.
I’m looking forward to some quality time with Kathryn and the girls over the holidays, and I hope you all can enjoy making memories with family and loved ones in the next few weeks. Looking forward to many more exciting events and continuing to make Beaches-East York and all of Toronto better in 2025.
Warmly,
– Brad
In This Issue
City Hall Updates
Small Business Spotlight
Nana’s Creperie – 1917 Queen Street East 🆕
Local Events
- TODAY! Dec. 21: Holiday Stops: Organ Concert with David Simon🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- African Heritage Program
- Application for the 2025 TPS Youth in Policing Program 🆕
- Call For Casual Workers: Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
- City of Toronto: Get Involved in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan
- City of Toronto: Winter Programs
- COSTI’s New2Canada Host Program
- Free Laundry Access
- International Languages Elementary Program
- Men’s Free Virtual Addiction Treatment Program
- Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions
- Personalized Career Accelerator Program
- Queer Youth United
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
- 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
- 2025 Toronto Community Champion Award Program 🆕
Neighbourhood News
- City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
- Public Meeting Reschedule Notice: Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion
- Public Meeting Reschedule Notice: Request to Amend the Zoning By-law
Work in the Ward
- Toronto Hydro Upgrades
- O’Connor Drive Improvements 🆕
- Pre-Construction Notice – Cranfield Rd. Watermain Replacement Projects
City Wide News/Events
- Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
- City of Toronto Winter Operations – Winter Safety 🆕
- Scarborough Theatre Guild: Emperor’s New Clothes
- Toronto City Council Skating Parties 🆕
- 2025 Green P Parking Rates 🆕
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, City Council convened for the final meeting of the calendar year. It’s been a productive session and we ended 2024 with some big action on community safety. Here are my highlights from the December meeting:
Vision Zero Road Safety Plan: Since it was first adopted by Council in 2016, Vision Zero has directed data-informed initiatives that aim to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities from Toronto’s streets. At the December meeting, City Council adopted 20 new or extended Community Safety Zones to support installation of Automated Speed Enforcement cameras. The new Community Safety Zones are focused on improving safety for older adults, by using a data-driven approach to target the most vulnerable locations and existing Senior Safety Zones.
Bubble Zones: I have heard loud and clear from Torontonians about how important community safety is to them – and how vulnerable some communities, particularly Jewish Torontonians, have felt when going to their schools, synagogues, and community centres. At the December meeting, City Council adopted a Policy Framework to deal with the troubling rise of demonstrations around places of worship, faith-based schools and cultural institutions. I have been calling for “Bubble Zones” around vulnerable institutions since May, and am glad to see Toronto join municipalities like Brampton, Vaughan, and Calgary, by moving forward with a bylaw to keep Toronto safe from hate.
Nuisance Lighting: This month, I moved a motion at City Council directing Municipal Licensing and Standards to strengthen provisions for nuisance lighting in the upcoming review of the Property Standards bylaws. I have been working with a group of neighbours who raised concerns about extremely bright lights from an adjacent property that could not be enforced under the existing by-laws.
Small Business Spotlight 
Nana’s Creperie 🆕
Nana’s Creperie started in June 2023 in The Beaches, Toronto. Proudly keeping the “Nana’s Crepe Recipe”, Nana’s Creperie created unique dishes with Chinese & Middle Eastern influences from the founders.
Bringing Nana’s Crepe to another level, Nana’s Creperie crafted a collection of Crepe Cakes that are becoming the staples of birthdays and parties in Toronto.
Visit them at 1917 Queen Street East (Woodbine & Queen). 5 minutes TTC transit from Woodbine subway station via Bus 92. Street parking on Queen St E, Kippendavie Av & Elmer Av. Green P Parking on Woodbine.
If you know a business you’d like to see profiled in this newsletter, reply and share your nomination!
Local Events
TODAY! Holiday Stops: Organ Concert with David Simon
Beach United Church is excited to present celebrated organist David Simon, as he shares a modern Advent and Christmas-themed concert for the Holiday season, including works by Derek Holman, Adolphus Hailstork, and Melissa Dunphy on Saturday, December 21st at 4:30pm.
Pay-what-you-can; suggested minimum $10.
Location: Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.
Community Programs & Employment Events
African Heritage Program
For more information visit:
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.
Call For Casual Workers: Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
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.
City of Toronto: Winter Programs
Toronto residents can now register for winter recreation programs run by the City of Toronto – the largest provider of recreation programs in the city. With approximately 17,000 registered courses and close to 162,000 spaces, the City offers programming for everyone – including swimming, skating and camps for people of all ages, skill levels and interests.
You can learn more about the programs including registration information by visiting the City’s webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/winter-recreation-programs/
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.
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:
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.
Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions
Applications are now open for residents and community leaders to apply to become a Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion.
Champions will receive training and support to empower them to work with residents and develop neighbourhood-based climate action projects of interest to their communities.
Participants must commit four to five hours per month (minimum 50 hours per year) and will receive an honorarium of $500. Applications will close on December 23, 2024.
Launched in 2021, the Neighbourhood Climate Action Champions programs aims to broaden city-wide engagement and support for local community climate action.
Program participants represent a broad cross-section of Toronto neighbourhoods and are largely comprised of students, newcomers, parents, and seniors. The goal is to provide capacity building training to prepare participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources to begin climate conversations and address climate-related challenges within their community.
This is one of several programs that the City offers to support climate action engagement as a part of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy implementation.
Learn more at www.toronto.ca/climateactionchampions.
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.
Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
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/
2025 Toronto Community Champion Award Program 🆕
City Clerk’s Office Strategic Protocol & External Relations Office, in partnership with United Way Greater Toronto, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Toronto Community Champion Award program.
The Toronto Community Champion Award is an annual program that recognizes and acknowledges the extraordinary contributions that community organizations make to support the health and solidarity of the residents of the City of Toronto, particularly those from Black, Indigenous and other equity-deserving communities. This year marks the third installment of this important program.
The website is now open for Toronto residents to nominate organizations known for their community collaboration.
The deadline to nominate is Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Recipients will be announced in May 2025 and will be honoured at an award ceremony.
For more information on the Toronto Community Champion Award, including criteria and eligibility, and to access the nomination form, please visit the program’s webpage.
Neighbourhood News
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!
Public Meeting Reschedule Notice: Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion
Public Meeting Reschedule Notice: Request to Amend the Zoning By-law
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
O’Connor Drive Improvements 🆕
DEC 21ST UPDATE
It’s my pleasure to inform you that the O’Connor Drive improvements project has reached completion!
I’d like to thank the residents who wrote to my office with valuable insights and feedback on this work and how the City conducts major construction work.
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
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 Winter Operations – Winter Safety 🆕
You can see the winter road maintenance plan here: www.toronto.ca/snow.
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 21, 2024 at 2 pm
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 City Council Skating Parties 🆕
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Toronto City Council Welcomes the New Year with a few Skating Parties from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Locations:
- McCowan District Park Skating Trail – 150 McCowan Road (Scarborough)
- North Toronto Memorial Community Centre/Eglinton Park – 200 Eglinton Avenue West (North York)
- Nathan Phillips Square Skating Rink – 100 Queen Street West (Downtown)
- Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail – 3145 Lake Shore Boulevard West (Etobicoke)
The Skating Parties are informal outdoor community events that offer the public free hot beverages, free skate rentals (where available), music and various community-based activities.
2025 Green P Parking Rates 🆕
Beginning in January 2025, new Green P parking rates will take effect across Toronto, both on-street and off-street. Rates are set to keep Toronto moving, balance reasonable pricing, and through turnover, have spots available to support local businesses.
The new rates will be implemented across the city on the Green P app and on parking machines. Rates vary by location, and we encourage you to consult Green P’s website at https://parking.greenp.com/ or download the Green P app at https://mobilepay.greenp.com/ for the most up-to-date information.
75% of Toronto Parking Authority’s net income is shared with the City of Toronto to fund essential City services like affordable housing, community safety, and transportation. The remaining 25% maintains Green P service levels and expands other mobility program choices for people in the community, including access to EV charging infrastructure and Bike Share Toronto.
About Brad Bradford - - -
