Hi Friend,
Happy official start to summer! I hope you’ve been able to find ways to beat the heat this week, including through the extended hours at Kiwanis Pool in Stan Wadlow Park. I’m also glad to share that the Donald Summerville Pool re-opens today after major construction over the past two years – so be sure to check it out.
Yesterday was National Indigenous Peoples Day. Earlier this week, I was honoured to help unveil Embaadiimok Avenue, the new name for Lower Coxwell Avenue that means “where the road goes to the water.” Recognizing and honouring the Indigenous legacy and tradition on these lands is an important part of walking the path of reconciliation.
Pride activities are also well underway, including a special DECA Pride event at this past week’s East Lynn Farmer’s Market. These events are important to celebrate inclusion and ensure everyone in our community feels welcomed and loved for being who they are. I’m looking forward to marching in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30th.
And Canada Day is just around the corner, with a ton of fun events and activities around Beaches-East York. The East York Canada Day Parade and Festival will be extra-special this year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of East York.
For all the students and families, good luck with the last few days of school. And I’ll see you out and about our community.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- City Hall Updates 🆕
Local Events
- TODAY: Toronto Blues Fest 2024 Line-Up
- June 26: Topham Park Movie Night: Disney’s ‘Wish’ 🆕
- July 1: 2024 East York Canada Day Festivities 🆕
- July 20: Repair Café in the Beach 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Centre 55 – Community Seniors’ Classes 🆕
- Annual Toronto Nature Stewards
- 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
- Program for Neighbourhood Streets Plans | Program Update & 2024-2025 Nominations Reminder 🆕
- Stan Wadlow Playground Update 🆕
- Donald D. Summerhill Pool Opening 🆕
- Upcoming Public Consultations on the Avenues Policy Review Initiative
- City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
Work in the Ward
- Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town 🆕
- O’Connor Construction Update: June 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.
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
City Hall Updates
City Council meets next Wednesday. There are some important items on the agenda, including an update on staff’s work to accelerate construction of the Gardiner Expressway. Prompted by the motion I moved at the May Council meeting, staff will report back in July with options to work extended hours and finish the project faster.
We will also be discussing the Rental Housing Supply Program, a revised funding program that the City can use to get more affordable homes built. This will be an important step forward to get more shovels in the ground on both affordable and mixed-income projects, but I know there is more the City can do to get more homes built. I moved a motion at Committee to ensure staff look at the bigger picture and whether other incentives are needed to make sure we keep building all types of homes in Toronto.
Local Events
Toronto Blues Fest 2024 Line-Up
Are you ready to swing into your summer groove at the Toronto Blues Fest today (Saturday, June 22, 2024)? Presented by the Toronto East Rotary Club, the Toronto Blues Fest is a free, family-fun day boasting an impressive lineup of Blues artists along with a talent session, great food, a beverage terrace, Bela Square by DBS Marketplace with a variety of vendors, and a kids’ fun zone. Save the date!
Topham Park Movie Night: Disney’s ‘Wish’ 🆕
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy Toronto summers than a movie night with family and friends.
This year, TCEU Local 416 and I are partnering up to host a screening of Disney’s ‘Wish’ at Topham Park (181 Westview Blvd) – where we can also celebrate the long-awaited completion of the new Topham Park Clubhouse!
I hope you and your family can join us on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The movie will start at dusk, and we’ll have plenty of popcorn and snacks.
Spread the word! Bring your picnic blankets & lawn chairs and we’ll see you there.
East York Canada Day Festivities 🆕
HELP US CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF EAST YORK!
The East York Canada Day Committee are excited to be hosting the East York Canada Day Parade + Festival celebrating EY@100 – a community of neighbours. They are planning special programming to honour this anniversary.
To find out more, please check out the itinerary below.
Repair Café in the Beach 🆕
Bring your broken small appliances and household items, clothes that need mending, or bike that needs fixing and learn ow 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
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].
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.
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.
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
Program for Neighbourhood Streets Plans | Program Update & 2024-2025 Nominations Reminder 🆕
A quick reminder for everyone that Sunday, June 30, 2024 will be the final day to nominate neighbourhoods to be considered for the 2024-2025 cycle.
Update on the 2023-24 Cycle
In the 2023-2024 cycle, the first official year of the program, 73 neighbourhoods were nominated for a Neighbourhood Streets Plan. There was capacity to conduct five NSPs city-wide in the 2023-2024 cycle. A prioritization framework was established, and the following five neighbourhoods were selected:
- Elms-Old Rexdale (Ward 1)
- Oakwood Village (Ward 9 and Ward 12)
- The Peanut (Ward 17)
- Oakridge (Ward 20)
- Malvern West (Ward 23)
The first phase of public engagement, where communities were invited to identify issues and share their vision for neighbourhood streets, has been conducted for all five projects. Through this work, our project teams reached over 300 people at our in-person events and recorded over 2,200 comments on our online survey platforms.
The Neighbourhood Streets Plan (“NSP”) project teams are now reviewing community input, collecting transportation data and developing plans to bring positive change to neighbourhood streets. The second and final phase of engagement will take place later in 2024 and the proposed changes will be presented to communities. Project teams will consider community feedback and update the local Councillor on recommendations, before staff reports are brought to Community Council.
Nominations for the 2024-2025 Cycle
Sunday, June 30, 2024 is the final day to nominate neighbourhoods for the next cycle of the program for Neighbourhood Streets Plans. Selected neighbourhoods are expected to be announced at the end of Q3 2024. Any nominations received after June 30 will be considered in the subsequent cycle, expected to be announced at the end of Q3 2025.
Nominations can be submitted by Ward Offices, community groups and residents. Information on eligibility and the nomination process is available on the program webpage at toronto.ca/nsp. The nomination form itself is available here.
If you nominated a neighbourhood in the 2023-2024 cycle and it was not selected, the NSP team will reach out to you later this week to confirm whether you would like the nomination to be carried forward into the 2024-2025 cycle. There is no limit on the number of nominations that can be made in any Ward.
Stan Wadlow Playground Update 🆕
We’ve got exciting information to share about Stan Wadlow Playground! The sod is now establishing and site fencing will be coming down next week, meaning that the playground will be open for the public on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Everyone involved has worked diligently as a team to get this finished in time. Thank you for your patience during this time!
Donald D. Summerhill Pool Opening 🆕
Big news in the Beach – after a few challenging years of construction, the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pools will reopen for the summer 2024 season, along with all other City outdoor pools, starting today (Saturday, June 22, 2024), for evening and weekend swimming.
The pools will then open on the full summer schedule on Friday, June 28, 2024 for the season.
Lots of hard work has happened over the duration of the closure, including repairs to the concrete shell, new liners in all three pools and repairs to pool tiles, pool ladders, rope anchors, skimmers and drains. Some deck areas were repaired, while other deck areas will be repaired in the fall of 2024 following this summer swimming season.
This work was important and needed to be done to maintain this well-loved beachside destination. It extends the lifespan of the pool and helps reduce the risk of future extended closures.
We have appreciated your patience while this work was undertaken and look forward to seeing you at the pool this summer.
For more information about swimming in the city, please visit toronto.ca/swim.
Upcoming Public Consultations on the Avenues Policy Review Initiative
Following City Planning’s proposal report to the Planning & Housing Committee on the Avenues Policy Review initiative (2024.PH10.3), there have been virtual Community Consultation Meetings scheduled for June 25 and July 4, 2024.
You are invited by the City Planning Division to join a virtual Community Consultation Meeting on Tuesday, June 25 at 10:30am or Thursday, July 4 at 6:00pm (to register click either link).
The purpose of this meeting is to consult with residents and businesses in Toronto East York on the Avenues Policy Review initiative, which is one part of the Housing Action Plan (HAP). The HAP is a cornerstone of the City’s efforts to address current housing challenges. Adopted by City Council in December 2022, the HAP outlines a strong ‘made-in-Toronto’ multi-pronged approach to increase housing supply, housing choice and affordability for current and future residents.
To help accomplish these goals, the HAP directed City staff to find ways to accelerate the supply of housing by examining and remove policy barriers to new housing. Through the Avenues Policy Review, City Planning staff are looking at opportunities to:
- update the vision and policy direction for how Avenues will develop;
- extend and potentially introduce new Avenues;
- streamline study requirements for building new housing along Avenues; and
- consider opportunities to create areas of transition between Avenues and Neighbourhoods to enable more housing.
For more information about this and similar initiatives, please visit the project webpage.
Please also consider completing this short survey to share your thoughts on this initiative directly with staff and help inform the discussion during the upcoming meetings.
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 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: June 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, June 22, 2024 between the hours of 7am-3pm.
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 - - -
