Hi Friend,
It was wonderful to see so many of you on Canada Day. Whether you caught the East York Parade, watched the fireworks from Woodbine Beach, enjoyed a burger at one of our local Legions, or just spent time with family and friends – I hope you had the chance to enjoy the day and the weekend. For all of our challenges and the work remaining to do, I’m still proud and grateful to call Canada home. You can check out this video for some highlights from the East York festivities.
It was also a joy to once again march in Toronto’s Pride Parade. I look forward to it every year, and the chance to celebrate love and inclusion alongside the 2SLGBTQ+ community in our great city.
Last week was a busy Council meeting, with lots of discussion about building more affordable housing and cycling infrastructure. Read on below for more details.
As always, I look forward to reading your feedback and seeing you around the community.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
Olympian Round-Up
- Proud Ward Athletes
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- City Hall Updates 🆕
Small Business Spotlight 
- Harry’s Charbroiled – 255 Coxwell Ave.
Local Events
- July 18: Summer Splash 2024 🆕
- July 20: Repair Café in the Beach
Community Programs & Employment
- Annual Toronto Nature Stewards
- Centre 55 – Community Seniors’ Classes
- Centre 55 – Mural Program 🆕
- Housing Help Centre Workshops 🆕
- PROBUS Club of Toronto – Waterfront Queens Quay and Beaches area 🆕
- Queer Youth United
- Redwood Theatre – I Love to Sing: Adults 🆕
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
- Toronto Community Crisis Team 55 and 53-Division Expansion 🆕
- Young Ravine Leaders Program 🆕
Neighbourhood News
- City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
Work in the Ward
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 351 – Woodbine Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town
- O’Connor Construction Update: July 2024
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Halsey Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
- Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive
- REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
City Wide News/Events
- Tips to Beat the Heat
- Torontonians encouraged to explore farmers’ markets as summer arrives in the city
- Community Environment Days
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.
Olympian Round-Up
Big-time congrats to 14-year-old Fay De Fazio, who I ran into at the East York Canada Day Parade and who will be skateboarding for Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Big shout-out also to Balmy Beach Canoe Club members Courtney Stott and Nick Matveev, who will also be competing for the red and white in Paris.
So proud to have such phenomenal athletes and role models representing #BEY on the world stage!
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
City Hall Updates
Council met during the last week of June. Council discussed and approved a Rental Housing Supply Program that will help get shovels in the ground on 18 projects with affordable housing that have been stuck due to rising costs and interest rates. This program is an evolution of the existing Open Door Program, and is an important piece of getting more affordable housing built.
Staff are also developing a by-law to prevent unfair renovictions, and will report back in October with more details.
Council also debated several items related to expanding bike lanes across the city. Many folks know I regularly ride a bike, but I also hear concerns from many about congestion in the city. I support smart, sensible bike lanes – which means acknowledging they may not make sense on every street. I’m proud to have championed the installation of the Danforth bike lanes, which have made our main street into a destination. However, I have heard significant concerns about the Bloor West bike lanes through Etobicoke – and having ridden them myself, I understand the concerns that they are wider than the remaining vehicle lanes, poorly designed and underused. That is why I supported removing those bike lanes until a more thoughtful, balanced approach on Bloor could be proposed, while still supporting the overall cycling infrastructure expansion plan.
Small Business Spotlight
Earlier this week, I had the chance to stop by Harry’s Charbroiled at Coxwell and Gerrard for a burger. It hit the spot – so if you’re looking for a great burger and shake, be sure to make a stop yourself!
Local Events
Summer Splash 2024 🆕
Access Alliance MHCS will be hosting their 12th Annual Summer Splash event in-person at Taylor Creek Park, Picnic Area #5, on Thursday, July 18th from 3pm – 6pm.
Newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQ+ members are welcome to join for a fun-filled day.
This is a free community event. Interested participants can register by scanning the QR code in the flyer below or by visiting this link.
Important Note: In case of rain, the event will be held at Access Point on Danforth (3079 Danforth Ave).
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Hema Subramanian, Community Services Program Worker East at [email protected]
Repair Café in the Beach
Bring your broken small appliances and household items, clothes that need mending, or bike that needs fixing and learn how to fix it yourself – or we can fix it for you! All for free! 🚲
Do not miss out on this opportunity happening on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 9am-12pm.
Community Programs & Employment Events
Annual Toronto Nature Stewards
Calling all fellow Beachers 📣, the Ashbridge’s Bay Nature Stewards and the Glen Stewart Park Stewards are working under the Toronto Nature Stewards, which will be starting up soon. Please come and join your neighbours in helping to remove invasive and mostly non-native plants and replanting native plants. This successful program is entering into its fourth year.
Across Toronto, they have grown from 9 sites with 150 stewards in 2021 to 43 sites with a projected possible 1000 stewards this year.
Please visit https://torontonaturestewards.org/ for more information.
Centre 55 – Community Seniors’ Classes
Centre 55 will be offering four classes this summer off-site. Seniors Summer Classes will begin on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 and end on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Check out the schedule below:
Norwood Park – Instructor: Janice May
- Gentle Fitness (Thursday – 10:30 am). This class will include a fun full body workout in the great outdoors!
Creswell Dance Academy – Instructor: Stewart Moracen
- Level 1: Gentle Flow (Thursday – 4:30 pm) This class has a half hour of basic standing stretches and will include a wind down of a half hour chair stretches combined with light weights. This is a great class for beginners and if you are recovering from anybody issues.
- Level 2: Fitness (Tuesday – 4:30 pm) This class is for people who are active and want to keep up their fitness goals and practice.
- Chair Yoga (Wednesday – 4:30 pm) This class involves getting in-tune with your breath and concentrating on body positions. We also include basic stretches and focus on positivity to help you feel more confident and energized throughout your day.
Registration is open If you are interested in enrolling in any of these classes, please email me once with the below information.
- ‘SUBJECT – SENIORS SUMMER CLASSES’
- Your full name (first and last name)
- The name(s) of the classes you would like to register for
- Your email address, and
- Your phone number
Email all questions to Jade Maitland (Program Director – Community Centre 55) at [email protected].
Centre 55 Mural Program 🆕
Are you looking to enhance your outdoor space with some artwork? The Community Centre 55 summer mural program is just around the corner!
Contact Jade Maitland (Program Director – Community Centre 55) for more information – [email protected] or 416-691-1113.
Housing Help Centre Workshops 🆕
The Housing Secretariat has collaborated with Housing Help Centres and Toronto Public Library to offer free in-person workshops at selected Toronto Public Library locations across the city.
Applicants can join a session to learn:
- how to apply for subsidized housing
- how to apply or sign up an existing application through the MyAccesstoHousingTO website
- how to manage their account
Applicants can reserve a seat at a session through our website or call the Application Support Centre at 416-338-8888.
The following sessions will be held at our ward in Beaches-East York.
Location: Main Street Public Library, 137 Main Street.
Dates & times:
July 17, 1-4pm
July 24, 1-4pm
August 14, 1-4pm
August 21, 1-4pm
PROBUS Club of Toronto – Waterfront Queens Quay and Beaches area 🆕
Are you retired or semi-retired and looking to stay connected, foster new interests, meet new friends and have fun?
PROBUS is a volunteer-based social organization, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian with more than 250 clubs in Canada serving
35,000 members.
Currently, there are several PROBUS clubs in Toronto and GTA but not in the south Waterfront Queens Quay to Beaches area.
Monthly morning meetings are a highlight, featuring captivating guest speakers and a wide array of exciting social events like theatre trips, car rallies, and golf tournaments. But that’s not all! PROBUS offers a variety of interest group activities tailored to your passions, including walking, biking, wine tasting, book clubs, bridge, euchre, pickleball, and many more. There’s always something fun and engaging happening with PROBUS! Yearly memberships are $60.
To learn more about PROBUS, join the upcoming information meeting on Wednesday July 31, 2024 taking place at 7 p.m. at the Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.
For information about PROBUS visit https://www.probuscanada.ca/
Queer Youth United
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Thursday 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.
Redwood Theatre – I Love to Sing: Adults 🆕
After the I Love to SING program for kids’ success, now comes I Love to SING for adults at the Redwood Theatre. It’s open to everyone.
People can register at this link to be under the guidance of the same great instructors: https://www.theredwoodtheatre.com/event-details/i-love-to-sing-adults
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 (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.
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 will be expanding city-wide to include 55 and 53 Divisions beginning July 7th 2024.
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.
Young Ravine Leaders Program 🆕
Applications for the 2024 YRL Program are OPEN NOW until July 29th! To learn more, register for their Virtual Information Session on Monday, July 15th, at 6:30 pm.
The YRL Program is a free, four-part educational and training program.
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Toronto’s ravine network while learning from and connecting with industry professionals through the Young Ravine Leaders (YRL)!
Toronto youth (18 – 29 years old) interested in ravine ecology, urban forestry and environmental stewardship are invited to apply to this free, online program.
This program is open to all youth, but seeks to support those from Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and/or underrepresented groups within arboriculture and urban forestry.
YRL is organized by LEAF and funded by the City of Toronto.
For more information visit: https://www.yourleaf.org/young-ravine-leaders or follow them on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
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!
Work in the Ward
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 351 – Woodbine Avenue
The boundaries for the project include a section of Woodbine Avenue and Norway Avenue. The work is expected to begin in August 2024.
Please refer to the map below to see the exact location.
Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town
Toronto Hydro are pleased to inform you that they will be improving the electricity system in our ward.
The boundaries for the project include a section of Crescent Town Road and Massey Square. They expect the work to begin July 2024.
O’Connor Construction Update: July 2024
The streetscape project along O’Connor Drive is progressing and the road base and sidewalks are being reconstructed on the east side. The contractor continues to replace and restore sidewalks and curbs north of St. Clair Ave and will continue with the road reconstruction south of St. Clair Ave.
My office has been pushing for an acceleration of this work. Weekend work on this project will be happening this Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Thank you for your patience during this critical infrastructure work. I hope you will continue to reach out to my office with any concerns.
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Halsey Avenue
Toronto Hydro is pleased to inform you they will be improving the electricity system in our ward.
The boundaries for the project include a section of Halsey Avenue. They expect the work to begin July 2024.
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
Toronto Hydro is pleased to inform you they will be improving the electricity system in our ward.
The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Eldon Avenue (West). Work began in March and will continue through January 2025.
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 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).
REVISED: 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 News/Events
Tips to Beat the Heat
Protect your health from heat this summer. Visit toronto.ca/KeepCool for more information.
Torontonians encouraged to explore farmers’ markets as summer arrives in the city
As Torontonians welcome the summer season, the City of Toronto is encouraging residents and visitors to explore farmers’ markets across the city, from Etobicoke to Scarborough and everywhere in between.
Farmers’ markets play an active role in the local food supply chain, provide Torontonians with access to fresh foods, and give residents another reason to get outside, explore communities across the city and support the local agriculture sector.
There are 22 farmers’ markets hosted at City sites across Toronto, including:
- Civic centres: East York Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, Mel Lastman Square and Nathan Phillips Square
- Parks: Baird Park, Dieppe Park, Dufferin Grove Park, East Lynn Park, Flemingdon Park, Greenwood Park, Humber Bay West Park, June Rowlands Park, Masaryk Park, Riverdale Park West, Rosebank Park, R.V. Burgess Park, Sorauren Avenue Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Underpass Park, Withrow Park and Wychwood Barns Park
- Toronto Museums and Historic Sites: Montgomery’s Inn
The City-operated Saturday Farmers’ Market at the St. Lawrence Market is open for visitors to explore every Saturday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., year-round. The St. Lawrence Market is a renowned international food market featuring 120 merchants, vendors and farmers, offering fresh produce, meat and specialty items.
More information, including a list of farmers’ markets in Toronto, is available on the City’s 311 webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/find-service-information/article/?kb=kA06g000001cwKaCAI.
Community Environment Day
Community Environment Days play a crucial role in our waste reduction efforts, aligning with the City’s Long Term Waste Management Strategy. These events help divert reusable and recyclable waste from landfills while providing a safe disposal option for household hazardous waste.
This 2024, there are 47 in-community events happening from April to September. Additionally, Community Environment Days will be held at Drop-Off Depots on Sundays in July and August, offering even more opportunities for participation.
Residents are encouraged to attend BEY Environment Days on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm at Bermondsey Transfer Station, and on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Ted Reeve Community Arena. However, residents are also free to visit other sites if these dates are not convenient.
About Brad Bradford - - -
