Hi Friend,
Fall is officially here. Since our last newsletter, we have marked some important and sombre occasions: the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, the first anniversary of the October 7th massacre, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
In these challenging times, it is crucial to show our support and stand shoulder to shoulder with a community that has faced unimaginable attacks, both in our city and around the world.I had the honour of joining events to mark each of these occasions and stand alongside community members who are longing and working for a better future. It’s my privilege to stand and work alongside you.
Here are some of the pictures.
Bathurst and Sheppard #BringThemHomeNow Rally on Sunday, October 6.
Joining tens of thousands at Monday night’s October 7th Vigil, hosted by the UJA Federation.
The opening of the Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square on September 30, a space to honour the survivors and victims of Ontario’s 18 former residential schools with the opening of the Spirit Garden.
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This week we also had important discussions at Council about improving basic services, protecting our long-term economic future, demanding better value-for-money. Read on below for the highlights.
As always, I look forward to reading your feedback and seeing you around the community.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates
City Hall Updates
Local Events
- Oct. 1 – Oct. 29 (Tuesdays): Guitar and Piano Masters Series
- Oct. 16: East York CANADA DAY FESTIVAL AGM 🆕
- Oct. 17: The Future is Community: Community Open House Event 🆕
- Oct. 17: Community Fridges at DECA East Lynn Park Farmers Market 🆕
- Oct. 19: Centre 55 Members Trip Casino Night: ABBA 50th Anniversary Tour
- Oct. 21: Planting Bulbs for Spring 🆕
- Oct. 22: Paint Vibrant Autumn Floral Cards
- Oct. 24: Managing Your Money
- Oct. 26: Haunted Stops: A Halloween-themed Organ Recital 🆕
- Oct. 26: United Way BBQ & Movie Night 🆕
- Oct. 24: Why It’s Healthy to Talk about Death
- Oct. 28: Ghost Phenomena
- Nov 1: Pumpkin Parades are coming! 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Beaches Library Program Calendar 🆕
- BudgetTO 2025 🆕
- Centre 55 – Thanksgiving Food Drive 🆕
- City of the Dead: The History of Toronto’s Early Cemeteries
- COSTI’s New2Canada Host Program
- Fall PollinateTO Grant – Deadline Oct 21!
- Men’s Free Virtual Addiction Treatment Program
- Planning for Retirement
- Queer Youth United
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
- The BikeMatchWCN 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 🆕
- Youth in Policing Program
- Volunteer Call-Out Meals on Wheels
Neighbourhood News
- CaféTO – Curb Lane Café – 2024 Removals 🆕
- City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
- TTC Notice – Rail Grinding on Queen St. E 🆕
Work in the Ward
- Toronto Hydro Upgrades Near Danforth & Dawes
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 351 – Woodbine Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town
- O’Connor Drive Improvements
- 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
- Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
- City of Toronto New System for Recreation and Cultural Program Registration and Facility Bookings 🆕
- PLFP Construction Notice 51
- Pre-Construction Notice – Cranfield Rd. Watermain Replacement Projects
- Service Standards and Trends in Animal-Related Service Requests
- TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon: Includes day-of contact info for Beachers 🆕
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
City Hall Updates
City Council met this past week. We spent a lot of time discussing the future of Billy Bishop Airport. While we passed a motion that will extend the current lease for the airport by 12 years and allow the Runway End Safety Areas to be built, I am concerned that serious discussions about this vital piece of economic infrastructure were kicked down the road – instead of allowing important public consultations to begin sooner.
We also discussed changes to the Vacant Home Tax. After last year’s fiasco, these changes are needed but insufficient, since it still leaves the onus on the city’s 800,000 homeowners to self-declare every year that they live in their own home. You can hear some more of my remarks here.
I’m happy to report that my motion to reinstate the 48-hour service standard for removing deceased animals was approved. I’ve heard from residents waiting more than three weeks for a cadaver to be removed from the sidewalk in front of their house. Quite frankly, it’s unacceptable. I spoke to the Toronto Star about the motion and why the City needs to focus on improving basic services.
All residents deserve better services from our City, and I will keep fighting for common-sense improvements to our basic services.
Local Events
Guitar and Piano Masters Series
Don’t miss out the musical Tuesdays at Hirut.
To see the wonderful line-up for the October schedule go to:
https://www.hirutjazz.ca/copy-of-live-shows
Visit them at 2050 Danforth Avenue.
East York CANADA DAY FESTIVAL AGM 🆕
YOU’RE INVITED to East York CANADA DAY FESTIVAL AGM – October 16, 7-9pm
We hope that you enjoyed the 68th annual parade and festival celebrating the 100th anniversary of East York on July 1st.
As you can imagine, it takes a group of committed volunteers to make this amazing event a reality.
As some of the current board will be retiring after years of bringing this event to the community, we are looking for new board and committee members to bring fresh ideas and energy to the event.
We are confident community members will step up and join the 2025 East York Canada Day Committee to ensure we will be able to continue this event in 2025 and beyond.
The board is comprised of the following positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising, Promotions, Parade, Main Stage Entertainment, Broader Park Entertainment and activities, Promotions, Sponsorship, Vendors, Volunteers.
If you are interested in running for or assisting with one of these portfolios for our 2025 event, please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Everyone is welcome to attend our AGM /Elections on October 16th, at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave. 7pm.
The Future is Community: Community Open House Event 🆕
Centre 55 Members Trip Casino Night: ABBA 50th Anniversary Tour
Consider joining us on our Saturday, October 19th Field Trip to Pickering Casino, to experience ABBA and dine at the Pickering Mandarin!
We will be leaving the Centre at 3pm and travelling by Coach Canada to Pickering, where we will enjoy delicious all-inclusive Buffet at the Pickering Mandarin, followed by time to explore the wonders of Pickering Casino, before enjoying the ABBA 50th Anniversary Tour at The Arena at Pickering Casino! We aim to return to the Centre by 11pm. The official CC55 October Members Trip FLYER is attached and below.
You can ONLY GET YOUR SPOT(S) by contacting Jennifer by emailing [email protected] to arrange payment for your $145 ticket. Payment arrangements must be made upon reservation booking in the email, and your phone number and emergency contact information must be included in your reply.
Managing Your Money
For those who want to learn how to save more and spend less.
This workshop helps you:
- Understand how to read a pay stub and its relationship to a T4 slip
- Create a budget to help develop a savings plan
- Understand bank accounts and financial services
- Understand credit lenders, credit scores, and credit reports
- Set financial goals
- Invest your savings
- …and more.
Apply this financial knowledge to be able to make informed decisions about money and achieve financial success. Presented by Dwayne Richards, CPA.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Thursday October 24, 2024
1 – 2 pm
S. Walter Stewart Library – 170 Memorial Park Ave.
Planting Bulbs for Spring 🆕
Planting bulbs in the fall will bring rewards next Spring. Join a Toronto Master Gardener to learn how to plant bulbs in your garden, from tulips to garlic! Plants used in this demonstration will be given away at the end of this program, while supplies last.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Monday October 21, 2024
1:30-2:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library – 170 Memorial Park Ave.
Auditorium
Paint Vibrant Autumn Floral Cards
As the leaves change and nature puts on its most magnificent display, there’s no better time to explore your artistic talents. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of autumn and create a stunning floral masterpiece inspired by the vibrant hues of the season. Bring autumn’s rich colours and textures to life on paper as cards with the help of watercolour inks.
Leave this workshop with a completed floral piece of artwork – a stunning reminder of your artistic journey and the beauty of autumn.
Space is limited. Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Tuesday October 22, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 pm
S. Walter Stewart Branch – 170 Memorial Park Ave.
Ghost Phenomena
Canada’s oldest, most reputable and accomplished paranormal research team celebrates its 45th Anniversary in 2024!
Assistant Director Peter Roe is sharing The Searcher Group’s true-life discoveries from the field of ghost investigation. This popular presentation includes tools-of-the-trade, original theory on life-after-life phenomena, rarely-seen exclusive field photos and clarifies popular misconceptions about ghosts (and how to properly investigate them).
Bring your own inquiries and experiences to a Q&A following the hour-long talk!
An informative and entertaining Pre-Show video will be presented 30 minutes before the presentation for early attendees.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Monday October 28, 2024
5:30-6 pm Pre-Show
6-7:30 pm Presentation and Q&
Walter Stewart Library – 170 Memorial Park Ave.
Pumpkin Parades are coming! 🆕
On November 1st, join DECA for this year’s Pumpkin Parade in East Lynn Park, and/or stop by Ed McCleverty Playground for the parade organized by the Friends of Ed McCleverty.
Stay tuned for the next newsletter for more information about all the pumpkin parades across the ward – and email us if you want information about organizing a parade in your local park!
Haunted Stops: A Halloween-themed Organ Recital 🆕
Beach United is excited to present an afternoon of spooktacular organ music with local organist Rashaan Allwood. The program will feature ghostly favourites from Liszt, to Messiaen, Bach and more. You’re in for a thoroughly bone-chilling and goosebump-inducing concert experience just in time for Halloween!
Don’t miss this amazing organ recital at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30pm.
Visit beachunitedchurch.com
RSVP: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/624ffb72-a015-4076-9bdc-b192592ff346
United Way BBQ & Movie Night 🆕
As part of our 2024 United Way campaign, and in collaboration with Toronto Civic Employees Union 416, I would like to invite each of you to join us for an upcoming family friendly BBQ & Movie night fundraiser on the afternoon of Saturday October 26 at Ashbridges Bay Park.
Over the past three years, Team TPA has raised over $40,000 to support the communities it serves. In 2023 alone, TPA raised an impressive record-setting $18,313 and was recognized by the City as one of its key contributors, including as the winner of best small agency fundraiser.
This signature event is one of many activities that the team is running throughout our 2024 United Way campaign drive. On behalf of Team TPA, we would love to see you there on October 26th. Rain or Shine!
Let’s make a difference together.
Why It’s Healthy to Talk about Death
Why don’t we talk about death? There are so many benefits!
Led by death doula Dave Clark, this is a relaxed and welcoming discussion and workshop to help enhance death literacy and reduce people’s fear of death by examining how death has been a natural part of living since the beginning of time.
Learn about the benefits of Advance Care Planning, services available for end-of-life care, overview of funeral options, services available for grief support, and much more.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Thursday October 24, 2024
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library – 170 Memorial Park Ave.
Meeting Room
Community Programs & Employment Events
Beaches Library Program Calendar 🆕
For more information visit: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/programs-and-classes/
BudgetTO 2025 🆕
The City’s budget is our financial plan to deliver the services that matter to you.
Learn more about the #CityOfTO 2025 Budget, complete an online survey and attend a public consultation meeting in October.
Learn more at toronto.ca/Budget
Centre 55 – Thanksgiving Food Drive 🆕
Centre 55 is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive.
FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION CONTACT:
COMMUNITY CENTRE 55
PHONE: 416-691-1113
www.centre55.com
Community Fridges at DECA East Lynn Park Farmers Market 🆕
Community Fridges creates opportunities for food to be accessible for everyone in need.
They are back next week again for the last market of the year.
Donations to Community Fridges are welcomed.
City of the Dead: The History of Toronto’s Early Cemeteries
Join Virginia Van Vliet, native Cabbagetown resident, and discover the eerie history of Toronto’s first cemeteries, their impact on our local communities, and some of their famous – and infamous – residents. The presentation concludes with information about how to explore these cemeteries for yourself.
Q&A period to follow the presentation.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Monday October 21, 2024
6:30-7:30 pm
S. Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
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.
Fall PollinateTO Grants
Calling all gardeners! City of Toronto opens applications for its Fall PollinateTO Grants
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’s PollinateTO grants!
PollinateTO offers grants of up to $5,000 to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitats on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.
Projects eligible for funding include those that create new pollinator habitats, expand or enhance an existing garden by adding pollinator-friendly plants and/or convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard service into a pollinator garden or rain garden.
The grants are a component of the City’s Pollinator Protection Strategy adopted by Toronto City Council in 2018 to support more than 360 species of bees and more than 100 species of butterflies and other pollinators in Toronto. Many species are in decline due to loss of habitat, climate change and other stressors. Pollinators support healthy and resilient ecosystems that help clean the air, capture carbon, stabilize soil and absorb stormwater.
Since 2019, PollinateTO has supported more than 190 community-led projects, resulting in the creation of 500 gardens and an estimated 25,500 m² of pollinator habitat.
Applications are open until Monday, October 21 and are available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/pollinateTO.
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.
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.
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 BikeMatchWCN Program
The BikeMatchWCN program provides bikes to families from all over the city. Now in its fourth year, this program has provided more than 350 people with a bike to ride. Yet, the need continues to grow. There are more than 500 people registered to receive a bike from toddlers to adults and all sizes in between. In collaboration with the WCN, Access Alliance will continue organizing bicycle giveaways as a way to recycle and repurpose donated bicycles and further remove barriers to cycling in our city.
To register for the giveaway program, we ask our community members to visit this link and register to choose from available bikes matching their criteria and time and date for pick up. https://bikematchwcn.com/
Donations
We accept donations of bicycles, bike parts, accessories, and tools at our AccessPoint on Danforth location, and Lawrence-Orton location. Below you can find the address and hours of each location. The most needed bike sizes are adult medium, small and extra small.
AccessPoint on Danforth (3079 Danforth Ave. M1L 1A8. Entrance on Thora Ave.)
Sunday: CLOSED
Monday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Wednesday: 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Lawrence-Orton (3939 Lawrence Ave E. M1G 1R9. Building 1. Enter via North side door.)
Sunday: CLOSED
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday: CLOSED
*We kindly ask that donations not be left outside of our hubs, as scrap metal recyclers may pick it up before us.
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.
Toronto Police Service Winter/Spring 2025 Youth in Policing Program
The Youth in Policing Program is accepting applications!
This program gives young people a paid opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive partnerships with the Toronto Police Service, better connecting our organization to the people we serve. Youth, ages 15 to 18, who reside in a Neighbourhood Improvement Area in Toronto, are employed throughout the year, working alongside police officers and civilian staff in a wide range of roles. Visit their website for more information on how to apply.
Truly Wealthy Kids (TWK) is a local community organization based in East York. We focus on supporting children and youth in developing crucial life skills. Through our workshops and programs, we equip kids with skills such as financial literacy, communication, critical thinking, and more. Our signature TWK Club offers an excellent after-school program where children and youth can explore a variety of life skills topics.
At Truly Wealthy Kids, we are deeply committed to supporting parents while empowering children and youth to thrive in all areas of life. In addition to our children’s programs, we also host free parenting webinars, provide youth career coaching, and offer much more. To learn more about what we do, visit www.trulywealthykids.com.
Parents are invited to join a FREE Parenting Workshop on 3 Life Skills to Teach Your Kids and Teens. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/truly-wealthy-kids-78187255243
To register your children for a FREE TWK Club trial session, visit this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/truly-wealthy-kids-78187255243
Toronto Public Library Pop Up Learning Labs 🆕
For more information visit: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/programs-and-classes/
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.
Neighbourhood News
CaféTO – Curb Lane Café – 2024 Removals 🆕
Between October 2nd and October 15th City of Toronto, Transportation Services crews will begin removing traffic safety equipment as it relates to the CaféTO curb lane café program. This work will generally be occurring overnight.
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 surroun
TTC Notice – Rail Grinding on Queen St. E
Work in the Ward
Hydro Upgrades near Dawes and Danforth
Toronto Hydro is rebuilding the electrical distribution system in your community to improve the reliability of your electrical service. This rebuild includes upgrading overhead electrical cables and replacing transformers on City owned property near your lot.
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.
O’Connor Drive Improvements
Construction Update
At long last, lanes from Glenwood Cres. to St Clair Ave E and Curity Ave to Bermondsey Rd along O’Connor Drive have been reopened. The area between St Clair Ave E to Curity Ave is the final stretch of road work for this project, which should be complete by the end of October.
The City’s contractor will continue with the streetscaping and green infrastructure installation on O’Connor Drive from St. Clair Avenue East to Gardens Crescent.
The overall completion date for the project is late October 2024.
Improvements Overview
Pedestrian Improvements
- New public plaza at O’Connor
- Drive & St.Clair Avenue East intersection
- Accessible pedestrian crossings with tactile plates
- Corner radii reductions to improve pedestrian safety
- Additional bike parking
New sidewalks and curbs
Vehicular Traffic Improvements
- Improved layby parking
- Traffic signal updates
- Removal of the right-turn channel at O’Connor Drive &
- St. Clair Avenue East intersection to improve safety
- New asphalt on the roadway
- Sustainability/Green Features
- Planting of new trees along the boulevard
- Permeable pavers in laybys
- Improved stormwater management
- Planters with integrated seating
- Underground Infrastructure Improvements
- Storm sewer replacement on O’Connor Drive and Bermondsey Road
For full details on the infrastructure upgrades, please visit the project website: Toronto.ca/OConnor
Contact
Max Morrison, Field Ambassador
By phone: 416-338-5497
By email: [email protected]
Visit the project webpage: toronto.ca/OConnor
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.
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
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 New System for Recreation and Cultural Program Registration and Facility Bookings 🆕
The City of Toronto will launch a new, modernized system for recreation and cultural program registration and facility bookings.
The City of Toronto will launch a new registration and booking system in November for residents to register for recreation and cultural programs and view and book the City’s recreation, parks and museum rental spaces that include indoor ice rinks, cultural centres, fire pits, sports fields and stadiums.
The new system will offer a more modern and mobile responsive experience for residents and community organizations to access programs and spaces.
What residents can do to prepare for the switch: Create a new account
Starting in November, residents will be asked to create a new account. The City will support residents through this process with information sessions, quick reference guides and other learning materials – including in-person and virtual information sessions. Residents will need to create their new accounts before winter recreation registration in December.
Throughout October, existing clients should log in to the City’s eFun webpage (https://efun.toronto.ca) the City’s current registration system, to download or print any information they need, such as past receipts for tax purposes, before Thursday, October 31.
Information Sessions: Learn about the new system
Starting Tuesday, October 15, the City will host information sessions where residents can learn about the new system, see a demonstration of the new platform and talk with staff about supports for the transition to the new system. Sessions will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, October 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., North York Civic Centre Council Chambers – 5100 Yonge St., North York
- Thursday, October 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Etobicoke Olympium Olympic Lounge – 590 Rathburn Rd., Etobicoke
- Monday, October 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Metro Hall Rotunda – 55 John St.
- Tuesday, October 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Scarborough Civic Centre Council Chambers – 150 Borough Dr., Scarborough
Virtual information sessions will also be available at a later time. Anyone planning to participate in a recreation or cultural program, book space or get a membership is encouraged to learn more by visiting the City’s webpage: www.toronto.ca/OnlineReg
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents, and businesses. For more information visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at www.x.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto
PLFP Construction Notice 51 🆕
Please see the latest construction notice for the Port Lands Flood Protection/ Lake Shore Boulevard East project. This notice flags the upcoming closure of access to/from Logan Avenue north of Lake Shore, from Lake Shore Boulevard.
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.
Service Standards and Trends in Animal-Related Service Requests
At the September 6 Service Excellence Committee, ML&S presented the division’s service standards and actions taken to prioritize and improve service requests responded to by Toronto Animal Services (TAS). ML&S uses a priority response model to triage and prioritize more urgent service requests that present a health and safety issue, based on frequency and severity of the issue. The priority response model sets customer service standards within which complainants should expect initial contact from staff.
Staff work as hard as they can to prioritize animal and public health and safety issues and meet current service standards within approved service levels. TAS has been responding to various challenges in its response to animal issues resulting in year-over-year increases in service request volume and affecting service standard performance. Staff routinely evaluate and update the priority response model to ensure that enforcement officers can continue to respond to severe incidents as quickly as possible. In March, TAS updated priority response targets to increase efficiencies for dangerous act investigations and to set more realistic expectations for cadaver requests:
- The standard for dangerous dog incidents with no bite or act of menace were updated to 48 hours and five business days respectively to prioritize the TAS response to dangerous dog incidents that resulted in bites (staff will continue to respond to these within the 24-hour response standard).
- The standard for animal cadaver removal was updated from 48 hours to five business days.
While staff work to remove cadavers as soon as possible, TAS prioritizes responding to calls about sick/injured and other live animals in need of urgent care and responds to animal cadaver pick up requests the best it can with its available staff resources. During less busy times, the pick-up of cadavers can occur within a 48-hour time frame. However, there are times in spring and summer where cadaver pick up service requests spike considerably, as do service requests for other TAS service categories, and this extends pick-up times. The overall time frame was extended to five days as a response to increase focus on service requests for dangerous acts by dogs and sick/injured animals and to ensure public expectations of this service were consistent throughout the year, even though the actual service delivery will generally be less than the expectation of five days outside of the busier seasons.
As of August 2024, the dangerous dog investigation response time targets have improved by 31 per cent compared to 2023, and other TAS enforcement category response time targets have improved by 4 per cent. We are also working internally and with 311 to improve processes around case updates, investigation outcomes and notifying complainants on cases being closed. If you have any questions on animal-related service requests, please reach out to Esther Attard, Director, Toronto Animal Services at [email protected].
TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 🆕
TCS is holding a 5K Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19, 2024.
For more information visit TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon – Event Info
In case of having any trouble getting through at Waverly, Wineva & Lee between 8am-9am on Sunday, October 20th, residents can call the Event Operation Hotline at 1-800-444-1017.
About Brad Bradford - - -
