Hi Friend,
I need to open with some sombre news. Two weeks ago, 22-year-old Rachel Turner was tragically hit by a bus while walking along Kingston Road. The news has shaken the community, and the loss was most deeply felt by Rachel’s family and friends. They have established the Rachel Turner Legacy Fund a way of honouring her by providing resources and support, including crisis counseling, to young people. You can donate to the fund here, and read more about her impact in this Toronto Star story.
I’m working with community members to improve road safety on this stretch of Kingston Road. The measures taken so far include having staff complete a safety review, requesting automated speed enforcement, and asking it be designated a Pedestrian Safety Zone. I will always keep working to improve safety in our neighbourhoods.
In other news, I was grateful to spend Thanksgiving with Kathryn, our two girls, and both our families. I hope that all of you got the chance to spend time with loved ones as well.
Toronto is facing a lot of housing challenges, and one of them is a shortage of rental housing designed for the many students coming to our city’s excellent colleges and universities. That’s why I was delighted to help break ground for Forum’s new student housing project at 307 Sherbourne Street alongside Minister Paul Calandra. This project will bring 223 much-needed rental units to Toronto, helping students from TMU, UofT, George Brown, and OCAD live close to campus.
We also made some good progress on approving new housing in our community, including more affordable units. Read the City Hall Updates down below to learn more.
Halloween is coming up on Thursday, folllowed by community pumpkin parades on Friday. Keep reading to learn about the different parades accross the ward.
As always, I look forward to reading your feedback and seeing you around the community.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
City Hall Updates
Small Business Spotlight
Amo’s – 2014 Queen Street E.
Local Events
- TONIGHT: United Way BBQ & Movie Night
- Oct. 27: Glen Stewart Autumn Ravine Cleanup 🆕
- Oct. 1 – Oct. 29 (Tuesdays): Guitar and Piano Masters Series
- Oct. 25 – Oct. 31: Nana’s Halloween Haunted House in The Beach 🆕
- Oct. 26: Haunted Stops: A Halloween-themed Organ Recital
- Oct. 28: Ghost Phenomena
- Nov. 1: Pumpkin Parades are coming! 🆕
- Nov. 2: Day of the Dead at Beaches Sandbox 🆕
- Nov. 2: Tonatiuh Folk Dance Group & Viva Mexico Mariachi 🆕
Nov. 9: Parkview Hills Commnuty Fall Party 🆕 - Nov. 13: “The Letters” 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Beaches Library Program Calendar
- COSTI’s New2Canada Host Program
- Free Laundry Access 🆕
- Men’s Free Virtual Addiction Treatment Program
- 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
- Volunteer Call-Out Meals on Wheels
Neighbourhood News
- City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour
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
- Line 2 (Bloor – Danforth)–Victoria Park to Kennedy stations – Full weekend closure
- New Registration and Booking Account for Recreation, Parks, Museum and Cultural Spaces 🆕
- Service Standards and Trends in Animal-Related Service Requests
- WaterSource – Toronto Stormwater Management Incentives Consultation 🆕
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
This past week was the Toronto and East York Community Council meeting. There were two important local development applications on the agenda: 986 Woodbine (the Valu-Mart redevelopment) and 2040 Queen Street East (the Foodland redevelopment).
- At the 986 Woodbine site, I managed to secure a 60% increase in affordable housing years by increasing the length of affordability from 25 to 40 years for the new units. The new development will also include a daycare centre and a new theatre that could serve as the permanent new home for the Coal Mine Theatre. My motion also requires the developer to ensure the theatre space would have bookable hours for community use each month.
- At the 2040 Queen Street East site, we approved the site as it was almost exactly in line with the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines were created more than a decade ago: a six-storey building that preserves an active streetfront and grocery store. I was disappointed when the developer spoke up at the meeting to request a deferral so they could revise the project – which could involve changes to height or the number of units. I was not willing to support this request to defer, as I found it disrespectful to the community who had taken time to share their thoughts at the public consultation and to the city staff who reviewed this project expediently. I look forward to learning next steps of whether the developer intends to proceed with this project and sharing any updates with the community.
On both applications, I want to thank the community members who deputed at the Committee meeting or who shared their feedback with my office or at the public consultation. A special thanks to the DECA Visioning team, who put in a lot of work over the past months to provide feedback on the Woodbine site to make sure it addresses community needs.
At the Committee meeting, we also put forward eight community-driven parking amendments and road safety improvements. This will include a new signalized intersection to cross Kingston Road at Columbine Avenue and add speed humps on Norway Avenue and Queensdale Avenue. My thanks to the engaged local residents who drove these initiatives to improve safety on their streets.
At Council earlier this month, I spoke out strongly against a motion that aimed to block garden suites on a single street in the City. It’s vital that we continue to expand housing options in Toronto, ensuring that every person has a place to call home. Click here to see some highlights from that debate.
Small Business Spotlight 
Amo’s opened this past February, with a small team offering delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Breakfast, Lunch and Catering.
They are open everyday from 8 am to 4 pm and offer great quality food and service.
Make sure to visit them at 2014 Queen Street East.
If you know a business you’d like to see profiled in this newsletter, reply and share your nomination!
Local Events
TONIGHT! 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 this afternoon and evening 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.
Autumn Ravine Cleanup 🆕
Check out the upcoming Glen Stewart Ravine clean-up on Sunday October 27th from 10 am to 12 pm.
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.
Nana’s Halloween Haunted House in The Beach 🆕
This Halloween, Nana’s Creperie are hosting a community event at their shop, turning the restaurant into a haunted house with food and drinks for all participants.
Date: October 25-27, 29-31
Time: From 7pm – 10pm
Event link: https://nanascreperie.ca/pages/nanas-haunted-house
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
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 one of the wonderful Pumpkin Parades happening around our community. Bring your pumpkin to show off your finest carvings and see your neighbours’ carving skills. All pumpkins will be collected through the city’s green bin program and composted.
DECA Pumpkin Parade at East Lynn Park 
Friends of Ed McCleverty Pumpkin Parade at Ted Reeve Playground
Dentonia’s Park Pumpkin Parade
Friends of Norwood Park Pumpkin Parade
Hope to catch you there!
Day of the Dead at Beaches Sandbox 🆕
Presented in partnership with Pancho’s Bakery.
Various FREE activities for all ages including Mexican heritage talks, a celebration just for kids, a traditional Mexican Papel Picado workshop, and more!
Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3.
2181 Queen St. E.
For full details visit beachessandbox.com/dayofthedead
Tonatiuh Folk Dance Group & Viva Mexico Mariachi 🆕
This live performance is part of the Day of the Dead Celebration at Beaches Sandbox
Saturday, November 2 at 7:30 PM (doors at 7:00 PM).
Tickets $20. Kids under 12 are free!
2181 Queen St. E.
Tickets on sale now at beachessandbox.com/dayofthedead
Parkview Hills Commnuty Fall Party 🆕
“The Letters” 🆕
The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society is presenting author Sheila White who will be talking about her book and her remarkable, mixed race family.
Part of our monthly Heritage talks, the event will be on Wednesday, November 13, 7-8:15 pm and held at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E.
More information can be found at www.tbeths.com
Community Programs & Employment Events
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.
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.
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
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 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
Construction UpdateThe contractor continues to work on streetscaping, green infrastructure and traffic signal activation throughout the workzone. There was a delay in late September while the area was being excavated for Green Infrastructure work, as unlisted utilities were discovered underground. I am continuing to push senior City staff and the contractor to finish this work as soon as possible, which includes increasing the number of workers onsite and extending the work to weekends.
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
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/
Line 2 (Bloor – Danforth)–Victoria Park to Kennedy stations – Full weekend closure 🆕
On Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, 2024, there will be no subway service on Line 2 between Victoria Park and Kennedy stations for planned track work. TTC Staff will be available on site to assist customers. Shuttle buses will operate. All subway stations will remain open for customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and connect to surface routes. Regular service will resume Monday, October 28, by 6 a.m.
Warden Station is not accessible. Customers travelling eastbound to Warden Station, should exit the train at Victoria Park Station and speak to TTC staff for assistance. If you are travelling westbound to Warden Station, please speak to TTC staff at Kennedy Station. Two extra Wheel Trans buses will operate between Victoria Park and Kennedy stations for any customer requiring assistance at a station that may not be accessible.
To confirm the status of elevators and escalators throughout the system, you can contact the TTC lift line at: 416-539-5438 (LIFT for real time up-to-date information.
Follow @ttcnotices on X and check the Live Service Alerts on ttc.ca for up to date service information and to help plan your trip.
New Registration and Booking Account for Recreation, Parks, Museum and Cultural Spaces 🆕
A new registration and booking account for Recreation, Parks, Museum and Cultural Spaces is coming! Check out these important dates and visit toronto.ca/OnlineReg for everything you need to know.
- From October 26: LEARN about the new system at a Virtual Public Information Session.
- By October 31: PREPARE for the end of eFun by saving information, making reservations and renewing memberships or purchasing multi-visit passes at your community centre.
- November 1-5: TRANSITION period with no access to eFun. Programs operate as normal.
- November 6: ACCESS the new system and create your new account!
Service Standards and Trends in Animal-Related Service Requests
I’ve heard from many residents concerned about how long it is taking for dead animals to be picked up from City Streets.
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.
I’m happy to report that my motion to reinstate the 48-hour service standard for removing deceased animals was approved. More details on how city staff will improve the service for next year will come forward as part of the 2025 Budget process.
For more information, please see this Toronto Star article about my motion and why the City needs to focus on improving basic services.
WaterSource – Toronto Stormwater Management Incentives Consultation 🆕
Toronto Water is launching a public consultation on opportunities for new and expanded stormwater management incentives for private properties. It aims to gather feedback on existing and potential grants, subsidies or rebates for installing green infrastructure like permeable surfaces, rain gardens or bioswales, and for actions that reduce flooding risks, as directed by City Council in July 2024.
The consultation will run from October 23 until November 5. The public is encouraged to participate in the consultation by completing an online survey or providing feedback through email or phone. More information is available at toronto.ca/StormwaterIncentives.
About Brad Bradford - - -
