It’s been another eventful week with our first City Council meeting of 2022 completed!
With many big items up on the agenda, we discussed everything from conducting a review of Winter Operation’s response to major snow events, holding Metrolinx to account in our ravines, preserving and enhancing community use of our City Golf Courses, and adding a new housing option to our city through garden suites.
You can read more about those important items through this newsletter.
Out in the community, the effort to get as many residents vaccinates is still continuing. Every additional neighbour who receives their first, second, or booster shot helps keep us all safer! Team Toronto and East End healthcare leaders are still working relentlessly to get vaccines out to all in our communities. If you or someone you know is looking for vaccine clinic details – check here for more information.
Grateful to everyone who has continued to check in on a neighbour, lend a hand, or reach out to my office for winter service. While we saw an incredible storm a few weeks ago, I know many of us are thankful that the storm forecasted for Wednesday did not result in as much snow as planned. That said, salting and plowing are happening 24/7 as winter options continue. At Council this week, we voted to conducted a full review of Winter Operation’s response to the blizzard. This will help the City and crews to improve preparedness and service levels for future winter events.
On the events side, a reminder our East End City Budget Townhall is on Tuesday February 6. Check out the registration and event flyer below, and send in any of your Budget 2022 questions to me at [email protected]!
As we head into the weekend, I know many of us may be feeling anxious about the possible protest and truck convoy arrival near Queen’s Park. Toronto Police, in coordination with the City and emergency response partners, has established a robust plan to limit any possible disruptions to the area and in particular along University Avenue’s Hospital Row.
We all have the right to peacefully and respectfully protest, but like you, I’ve been watching the scenes that continue to unfold in Ottawa – and I share your concerns with both the content and actions of the Ottawa protests and the need to keep our Toronto communities and healthcare buildings, and the important people within them safe. TPS and emergency response will be continuing to do all they can to minimize impacts on residents and businesses. The operational plan for the weekend includes using CCTV to monitor the situation from many angles, social media monitoring and contact with the event organizers, and use of body-worn cameras by officers. Security priority will be given to emergency access routes to hospitals to ensure patients, their families and healthcare workers are able to safely access hospitals. On the roads, an additional enforcement presence and several closures have been put into place – you can get the specifics here.
On nights like these I’m particularly moved by the spirit of our East End community and the incredible work we get to do together.
We’re living through some tough and challenging moments, friends. It’s pushing us to lean deep into ourselves, to think about our city and democracy, and to keep finding new ways to come together for what matters. Whether it’s through the items we moved ahead on at Council this week, or the emails and phones calls we’ve shared, the resiliency of Beaches-East Yorkers is woven throughout all the work to make our communities stronger. I’m grateful for that and I’m grateful for you Beaches-East York.
As we keep supporting one another, I hope you find some time for self care, rest, and recharging over this weekend!
Sincerely,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- Garden Suites – City Council Approved! ?
- Council Approved – holding Metrolinx accountable ?
- East End 2022 Budget Consultation ?
- Share your feedback – #UrbanHensTO ?
- Supporting affordable recreation and trail connections at Dentonia Park Golf Course ?
- New mobile app for 311!
- Beware of Senior Fraud ?
- CafeTO registration open!
- 2022 East York Levee
- City of Toronto opens applications for new Cultural Festivals Funding Program
- Frozen Pipes Prevention
- Update on vaccine clinics ?
- Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth?
- Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Work; Project 119 Yardley Avenue
- Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Repair
- Toronto Hydro – Kingston Road Overhead & Underground Electrical Update
- Munroe Park Avenue Stairs Closed for Construction
- Williamson Ravine Upgrades
- Metrolinx work behind Little York Road and Norwood Terrace
- Portland Flood Protection Upgrades
- Road Restoration on Main and Lumsden
- Toronto Hydro – Woodbine Heights Upgrade
- Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work
- Toronto Hydro – Bartley and O’Connor Upgrade
- Construction Notice – Parkview Hills
- Construction Notice – Hale Court, Leander Court and Stag Hill Drive
- The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto 2022 Diversity Scholarship ?
- TD Park People Grants program now open
- Park People – hiring!
- Dawes Road Library and Community Hub
- Topham Park Softball registration
- TIGP – Looking for help ?
- Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair?
- Gerrard Corridor Physician Matching Initiative?
- New Neighbourhood Link & Neighbourhood Group partnership
- Virtual programming – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community
- Mental Health Support
- Online Wellness Senior Support Group
- New multifaceted nursing recruitment program at Michael Garron Hospital
- Seniors Snow Removal Program
- Community Centre 55 Community Fridge
- Kick-start Virtual Tutoring Program
- Kick-start After-school Program
- Volunteers needed: In-home Hospice program
- Call for Blood Donors
- East Toronto Food Program
- Toronto District School Board – Essential Skills Upgrading
- Seniors Coffee N’ Mingle – Access Alliance
- EarlyOn Family Programs
- Seniors Cleaning Service
- With most person events on pause – find the latest COVID-19 updates in this section. Hope to see you out in the community again very soon!
- CrushCOVID Returns! Ride for Mind this March to support mental health
- 2022 Winter Stations is almost here!
- Orange Paper Flowers for Reconciliation
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
Garden Suites – City Council Approved! ?
This is the term of housing in Toronto. As a City Council, we have been tasked with stepping up to meet one of our defining generational challenges: the housing crisis. Continued progress is essential to the success of our city and communities.
Increasingly, even if you make the median income – housing in Toronto is out of reach. If you’re a frontline worker essential to the functioning and economic growth of this city, or perhaps if you’re a teacher, a recent graduate, or a transit operator – there are ever less housing options available for you. There aren’t enough rental options, and a mortgage or downpayment are increasingly more expensive. Entire sections of our city are effectively off limits by the virtue of the existing housing stock that dominates.
Garden Suites – also known as Granny Flats or In-Law Suites, provide a gentle density to neighbourhoods and a new housing option. Whether you’re looking to care for aging parents or loved ones close to home, set your young adult kids on the steps to independence, or find an option to downsize into – these small homes are the latest addition to our ongoing work to increase housing options. There’s no single fix to the housing crisis, and it will take all the tools in the kit to keep moving the needle.
Council Approved – holding Metrolinx accountable ?
Yesterday, Council approved my motions calling on Metrolinx to pause their plans for the Small’s Creek area to reduce the environmental impact on the ecologically sensitive area that is Small’s Creek ravine, provide a restoration plan, and engage with the community.
We know Small’s Creek is is a unique East End ecosystem, and I’m continuing the work to hold Provincial agencies accountable. You can check read my full letter and motions advocating for the best environmental and community outcomes here and below:
East End 2022 Budget Consultation ?
Join me, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Budget Chair Councillor Gary Crawford, and Executive Director of Finance Stephen Conforti as we discuss the 2022 City Budget.
Happening February 8 @ 7pm, have your questions answered and learn about how we’re funding critical pandemic response work and making critical investments for a strong Toronto. Register here!
Share your feedback – #UrbanHensTO?
Share your feedback! The City of Toronto has launched an online survey to review the #UrbanHensTO: Backyard Hens Pilot Program and is inviting public feedback.
Initially launched in 2018, UrbanHensTO allows registered households in select areas of Etobicoke Centre, Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Parkdale-High Park, Eglinton-Lawrence, Toronto-St. Paul’s, Toronto-Danforth, and Beaches-East York to have up to four hens for the purposes of enjoyment and egg production.
The pilot is scheduled to wrap up on Thursday, March 31 and the City is examining the impact of UrbanHensTO and the future of the program. Share your thoughts by February 11.
Share your feedback and learn more here!
Access to affordable recreation at Dentonia Golf Course ?
Access to affordable outdoor recreation has never been more important. There are few courses as affordable as Dentonia. Located steps from the subway line, and in one of the most diverse communities in Toronto, it’s vital community asset. Dentonia serves as a gateway into the sport, and is a unique place for Torontonians of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation in an informal, welcoming place.
As we preserve the benefits of Dentonia now, I also moved a motion to add more programs, community opportunities, year-round options (disc golf is a great existing choice!), and improved trail and ravine access for this important greenspace.I’m pleased to say Council voted in support of my motions to preserve and enhance Dentonia this week! Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to share their stories and experience on the course. It’s a special place and those have been great to read.
New mobile app for 311! ?
The City of Toronto launched a new mobile app for 311 this week. This will make it easier and more convenient for residents, businesses and visitors to connect with 311 Toronto – anywhere, anytime on any smart device.Find more information, visit here.
Beware of Senior Fraud ?
The Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes Unit would like to alert the public to a fraud scheme targeting seniors in Toronto and surrounding areas.
It is reported:
– a grandparent receives a phone call on their land-line from a person claiming to be their grandchild
– in some cases, the caller discloses the grandchild’s name or calls the grandparent by their name, i.e. Nana or Papa to make it believable
– the caller states that they have been arrested and require cash to be released from custody
– the phone is then passed to a person posing as a police officer and the “officer” demands a cash payment for their grandchild’s release from custody
– the fake police officer instructs the grandparent to withdraw funds from their bank and place the money in an envelope
– the grandparent is told that there is a “gag order” on the case and not to discuss this with anyone
– the grandparent is then instructed to hand over the envelope to a man who would later attend their residence to collect the cash
The Toronto Police Service is requesting anyone who receives this type of call or solicitation to contact police. Police never contact family members and request cash bail or send someone to their home to pick up bail money.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.
CafeTO registration open!
With the winter season fully around us, some exiting news to remind us of the sunnier days ahead: registration is now open for #CafeTO 2022!A lifeline for small businesses and a shift in how our city celebrates the best of summer, Council voted to make the program permanent. Now we’re back again – keeping application, transfer and permit fees waived to help the industry get back on it’s feet.Plus, this year we’re introducing a new grant that could fund 50% of property or site upgrade projects.
If you’re interested in setting up a patio outside your cafe, bar, or restaurant, apply early here!
2022 East York Levee
As challenging as the past 22 months have been, I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and resolve of local communities like East York.It was great to be joined by Mayor John Tory and Councillor Paula Fletcher to connect with everyone (virtually) and keep the EY Levee tradition alive for another year.Thank you to everyone who joined for a great discussion with Q&As on topics like vaccination opportunities, road safety, and what’s ahead for 2022.Looking forward to seeing you out again soon!
City of Toronto opens applications for new Cultural Festivals Funding Program
The City of Toronto has opened applications for a new Cultural Festivals Funding Program (CFFP), which aims to increase the accessibility, accountability and transparency of City funding to cultural festivals.
The City is taking this action in recognition of the significant role that cultural festivals play in the vibrancy, liveability and prosperity of Toronto, as well as their close relationship to the City given reliance on City permits, services and funding. CFFP is one way the City is supporting economic recovery for the arts and culture sector along with communities, businesses and marginalized community event organizations who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Applications for CFFP will be assessed according to criteria including: cultural vitality; public impact and citizen engagement; organizational capacity, resiliency and public health; and financial sustainability. Applications for all three streams will close February 11, 2022. Verbal notification of funding to recipients by March 31, 2022, funds released in April 2022.
More information can be found here.
Frozen Pipes Prevention
It’s that time of year – temperatures go down and pipes have the possibility of freezing. 
Make sure you are taking steps to avoid frozen pipes in your home. Some tips you can follow can be found at toronto.ca/frozenpipes
Reminder about feeding wildlife
With lots of wild furry friends around our community, it’s an important reminder to refrain from feeding them.
Feeding wildlife can be harmful to both people and animals. It could disturb their natural feeding cycle/make them sick and present harm to you if they feel threatened.
We’re very lucky to have an active fox community in BEY – let’s keep them safe and healthy and give them their space.
Updates on vaccine clinics ?
Local appointments can be booked in advance at www.tehn.ca/covid19/covid-19-vaccinecineAppointment. You can also use the provincial booking system online or at 1-833-943-3900.
Michael Garron Hospital and Toronto East Health Network have been hosting pop-up vaccine clinics in the east end and will continue to do so – check here for an updated list of where you can get vaccinated.
I have been updating my website as news develops regarding COVID-19. I know it can be overwhelming to keep track of the latest clinics and updates. Having accurate information you can access all in one place is crucial. Check here for the latest updates.
Work in the Ward
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth ?
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Work; Project 119 Yardley Avenue ?
*Work is expected to begin January 2022.
Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Rebuild ?
Toronto Hydro – Kingston Road Overhead & Underground Electrical Update
Toronto Hydro will be undertaking improvements to the electricity system in the following area:
- Kingston Road between Southwood Drive (East) and Glen Stewart Crescent (South).
*Work is expected to begin December 2021.
Munroe Park Avenue Stairs leading to Silver Birch Beach Closed for Construction
Please be advised that the Munro Park Ave stairs leading to Silver Birch Beach will be under construction. The existing wood and brick staircase is being removed, and concrete steps with a metal handrail are being installed. Weather permitting, this is expected to wrap by late fall.
The cancellation of another project allowed Parks Construction to quickly prioritize this important work, hence the last-minute nature of this advisory.
Access to the Beach can be gained from Neville Park Blvd and Nursewood Rd to the east, and Silverbirch Ave and Willow Ave to the west.
Williamson Ravine Upgrades
Urban Forestry is proposing to plant native trees and shrubs this fall in Williamson Ravine. These plantings are intended to increase the urban tree canopy, improve biodiversity, restore the native plant community, and to prevent soil erosion, following invasive vegetation management. This work is being done as part of the City’s Ravine Strategy.
Metrolinx work behind Little York Road and Norwood Terrace
Portlands Flood Protection Upgrades
In addition to the information provided on Waterfront Projects above, here is the detailed construction notice relating to the work happening in the Port Lands which relates to the Gardiner East ramp closure and improvements to Lake Shore Blvd East.
My website also has a two pager and other links you can access for fuller details.
Road Restoration on Main and Lumsden
Toronto Hydro – Woodbine Heights Upgrade
Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work
Toronto Hydro – Bartley and O’Connor Upgrades
Construction Notice – Parkview Hills
Construction Notice – Hale Court, Leander Court, and Stag Hill
Neighbourhood News
The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto 2022 Diversity Scholarship ?
The 2022 Diversity Scholarship application form is open until February 16, 2022. To date, they have distributed over 500 scholarships to support students of all ages throughout the GTA.
Check out the details at the link to apply for this great opportunity!
TD Park People Grants program now open!
| The TD Park People Grants program just launched. Get set to apply for a $2,000 grant today! If you’re in Metro Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Greater Toronto Area, National Capital Region (Ottawa-Gatineau), Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax Regional Municipality apply for support for park-based activities that:Promote environmental educationFoster sustainable practicesEncourage stewardship More than half the TD Park People Grants are focused on supporting the work of equity-seeking community park groups – we encourage equity-seeking groups to apply. Applications are due February 28, 2022! |
Park People – they are hiring!
Park People are actively hiring for some wonderful positions – if you know of anyone who might be a great fit for these full-time positions, send this to them:
- Finance and HR Admin Coordinator – Rolling application deadline
- Program Manager (2 positions) – Rolling application deadline
Be sure to visit their website for more information about the positions.
Registration starts for new players for Topham Park Softball
Registration for new players for Topham Park Softball began January 16, 2022 and runs until March 31, 2022. For more information on the season ahead, visit here.
Community Programs
TIGP – Looking for help ?
TIGP – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships is a phenomenal non-profit agency in our community, matching seniors with workers who can assist them.They are looking for help to assist with snow removal for seniors in our community.If you’re able to lend a hand in the community, see below for how to get involved!
Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair?
Community Centre 55 will be hosting their 3rd Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair during the week of February 28. This event is in partnership with The Older Adults Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) and funded through the Ontario Government. This FREE event will offer virtual workshops, active classes and webinars to promote healthy and independent living. This event has been scheduled around our regular virtual programs that we are currently offering our seniors.
Gerrard Corridor Physician Matching Initiative?
The Gerrard Corridor Physician Matching Initiative is a pilot project with a new way to connect patients to family doctors in partnership with MGH.
Patients registration is currently open, and patients of our community are encouraged to sign up. Register here.
New Neighbourhood Link and Neighbourhood Group partnership
Neighbourhood Link has recently teamed up with the Neighbourhood Group and this partnership has expanded their services for those unemployed, newcomers, youth and other community services.
Virtual programming – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community
TIGP is a non-profit, charitable organization and has been the leader in intergenerational programming since 1986. At TIGP, their main objective is to create quality relationships with different generations and to bridge the gaps in communities through meaningful programs.
In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent restrictions TIGP has prioritized the adaptation of its programming to the online world by developing and producing free, weekly interactive Zoom sessions.
Their newest offering, called Fun & Games, will begin the week of February 1 and will run for 8 weeks. A different game will be played each week. The target audience for the program is children aged toddler – 6 or 7; any child who is interested in playing fun and interactive games! Participants can attend each session or drop in whenever they can.
To register, email Kevin at [email protected]
Mental Health Support ?
Mental Wellness offers free & confidential peer support for challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc.
Join them online here!
For more information, reach out to [email protected]
Online wellness senior support group
The last two years have been extremely tough. Incredible organizations right here in our city are trying to take the loneliness out of COVID-19 by turning it into something very positive. The Gerstein Centre is working in partnership with Toronto Seniors Helpline to host an online wellness support group for adults over 55.Sessions will be hosted on Zoom every Wednesday starting January 19 to March 23, 2022.To register, please visit the Gerstein Centre.
New multifaceted nursing recruitment program at Michael Garron Hospital
In very exciting news, Michael Garron Hospital recently launched their new multifaceted nursing recruitment program which is aimed at responding to the needs and values of today’s nurses in a post-COVID-19 recovery climate.
They know the past 20 months have had devastating impacts on Ontario nurses and healthcare workers. Now more than ever before, it is absolutely vital that employers are concentrating efforts on caring for both the personal and professional well-being of their people and teams. At MGH, this means offering nurses and healthcare workers a supportive, inclusive and safe environment to learn, grow and cultivate their careers.
To learn more, visit their website.
Seniors Home Maintenance Program
Community Centre 55 Community Fridge
Community Centre 55 operates a community fridge where community members are encouraged to donate food to keep it from going to waste and to help those who may be in need. The fridge is located at Community Centre 55 at 97 Main Street at the south side of the building. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9:15am-3:45pm. You can donate fresh produce, dairy, bread, proteins, and frozen meals in the fridge/freezer section or non perishable goods in the pantry section. For safety reasons, the Centre asks that you don’t leave any opened items or items set to expire in the next 48 hours in the fridge. If the fridge or pantry are full, bring your donation inside and the volunteer team will make sure it’s stored appropriately. If you have any questions you can reach out to them at 416-691-1113 or [email protected].
Kick-start Virtual Tutoring Program
Kick-start After-school Program
Please note:
Due to guidelines and regulations due to COVID, the Kick-Start afterschool program is currently running virtually for the remainder of January 2022. Additionally, when in-person programming is resumed, any new applicants will be placed on a waitlist as our in-person program is currently full.
However, applicants on the waitlist are welcome to join our virtual program until a spot becomes available for in-person (please note that there is no guarantee that a spot will become available before the end of the 2022 school year).
Volunteers needed: In-home Hospice program
Call for Blood Donors
There is an immediate need for new and returning blood donors to fill open appointments. The need for blood continues in our healthcare system.
There are three permanent Canadian Blood Service centers in Toronto: 2 Bloor Street East, 67 College Street, and 163 King Street West. If you’re in good health, please visit blood.ca to book an appointment and for the latest updates.
Toronto District School Board – Essential Skills Upgrading
Seniors Coffee N’ Mingle – Access Alliance
Every Friday at 4pm, seniors have a chance to connect, hear each other’s voices and exchange and share their experiences during this difficult and unprecedented time while we deal with COVID -19. Seniors enjoy their virtual tea/coffee with other participants while chatting on different topics. Email [email protected] to register
Seniors Cleaning Service
Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program provides assistance to seniors, as well as disabled and convalescing individuals, who need work done in and around their homes and apartments. Work includes garden and yard work, snow removal, light housekeeping and odd light jobs. These services enable individuals to direct their own care while living safely and independently in their own homes longer. For additional information or to register click here.
Local Events
While Local Events in Beaches-East York have ramped down to stop the spread of COVID-19, it doesn’t take away from the fact that this is still an incredible community, always finding creative ways to be there for one another.
To keep up to date on any changes regarding vaccines, testing, restrictions and other information – head over to my website where I will be updating all of this information in one place.
Stay safe – and I can’t wait to see you all in-person soon!
Local Spotlight
CRUSH COVID returns! Join this year’s Ride for Mind to support mental health
Get your bikes and water bottles ready. Join a 24-hour ride to support mental health!
From March 4 to 5, 2022, Michael Garron Hospital Foundation and Toronto Hustle are partnering to Ride for Mind. This 24-hour virtual cycling event will support the exceptional care that Michael Garron Hospital provides for adults, teens and children in East Toronto who are experiencing mental health challenges. The event brings people together – safely and virtually – to have fun, participate in healthy physical activity, and support an important cause… and you support makes it happen!
This event began as CRUSH COVID in March 2020, supporting Michael Garron Hospital’s frontline workers and pandemic response. In 2021, CRUSH COVID: Ride for Mind supported our community through the pandemic’s mental health crisis. Together these events raised more than $675,000.
Now it’s time to get involved with the third cycling event. There are a number of ways you can participate: register to ride (for free!), create or join a team, donate and spread the word! If you (or someone you know) would like to do another activity like walking or running, you’re highly encourage to join that way too. Everyone is welcome to participate in any way they can.
Sign up now at RideForMind.ca, and show our community how far you’ll go to support mental health!
2022 Winter Stations is almost here!
Winter Stations 2022 is almost here! This year’s theme is Resilience – a characteristic our Beaches-East York community truly embodies.Designers were asked to celebrate the ability of people and communities to withstand and push through challenging and unprecedented times. This year brings an incredible lineup of finalists who have brought some pretty amazing art and design concepts forward.The 2022 winning installations are currently slated to launch Family Day weekend, on display until the end of March. More details to come!Click here for a sneak preview before they hit the Beach.
Orange Paper Flowers for Reconciliation
A local resident, Margot Rockett, is making and selling orange paper flowers to raise money for Reconciliation Canada and raise awareness for Truth and Reconciliation Day later this year. Margot will make at least 215 of these flowers to honour the 215 lives lost at the Kamloops residential school.
The large flowers are $10 each, with smaller flowers available for $4 each or $10 for 3. For information on ordering the orange paper flowers, please send a text to Margot at 647-208-5388 or email her at margot[email protected].
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.
Have questions, comments or concerns? Just hit reply to this email and get in touch with me.
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About Brad Bradford - - -
