- Jan 12, 2024
- Uncategorized
E-News: Your Voice Matters: Join the Conversation on the Proposed Budget
Hi Friend,
Happy New Year! I hope that you found time with loved ones to enjoy the holidays. It was great to see many of you at our New Year’s Levee last Sunday.
This week, city staff unveiled the first City of Toronto budget under Mayor Olivia Chow. The Budget is proposing a 10.5% property tax increase – the highest in the City of Toronto’s history.
I’ve heard this week from many residents who are already feeling stretched thin, and were shocked and concerned to learn this news. I have also heard from some neighbours who support a large tax increase.
I welcome your feedback on the Budget, and will be hosting a Town Hall on February 8th to hear from you directly (more information to come in the next e-newsletter). I want to reassure you that I will continue to be fighting for affordability for everyone who wants to call Toronto home, while making sure the City delivers quality services.
Please read on for more updates from City Hall and around our community – and for those who missed last weekend’s Levee, I hope you are able to join us this Sunday at 2pm at East York Civic Centre for the East York New Year’s Levee.
Warmly,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- City Hall Updates 🆕
Local Events
- East York New Year’s Levee 🆕
- Danforth Multifaith Commons – Forum on Youth Mental Health 🆕
- Documentary & Discussion Fundraiser to Help Sponsor an Afghan Refugee 🆕
- Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital
- 🚨 Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival
- Christmas Organ Concert with Manuel Piazza
Community Programs & Employment
- SING! 🆕
- Queer Youth United 🆕
- Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative Program
- Aerospace Structural Assembly Training Program
- WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
Neighbourhood News
- Nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award
- Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants
- Toronto Community Crisis Service Expansion
- Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study
Work in the Ward
- Coxwell Subway Station Stairway SOGR 🆕
- Access to Broadview Station Restored 🆕
- O’Connor Construction Update: December 2023
- TTC Service Changes
- 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
- TD Park People Grants 🆕
Additional Information
- Make the right call!
Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office. Send me an email at [email protected], and we can get you included in our next issue.
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
City Hall Updates 🆕
The 2024 Budget for the City of Toronto was released this week. The Budget outlines where city investments would be directed, and includes a proposal to increase property taxes by 10.5%, the biggest increase in Toronto’s history. The Mayor and Budget Chief have said this would become a 16.5% tax increase if the federal government does not provide additional funding for Toronto’s shelter system.
While it is important to invest in vital city services, I am very concerned about the impact that this tax increase would have on seniors, middle-class families and on renters – because landlords would have the opportunity to request to increase rents higher than normally allowed because of this “extraordinary” tax increase.
My team and I are continuing to review Mayor Chow’s first budget in an effort to understand exactly what is being proposed, and what opportunities may exist to restrain spending and reduce the financial burden placed on Torontonians in the midst of an affordability crisis. I welcome your feedback and insight – please share with me via email at [email protected] or attend our upcoming Budget Town Hall on February 8th (more details to be shared in the next newsletter and via my social media).
Local Events
East York New Year’s Levee 🆕
East Yorkers! Bring your whole family down to the East York New Year’s Levee this weekend to celebrate the community’s centennial this year.
This Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 2-4pm, we’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Danforth Multifaith Commons – Forum on Youth Mental Health 🆕
On February 6th, 2024 at 7pm, at the Eastminster Campus of East End United Regional Ministry, 310 Danforth Avenue, there will be a Forum on Youth Mental Health.
This Forum is part of the annual speakers series on social justice issues hosted by Danforth Multifaith Commons which includes Danforth Jewish Circle, East End United and Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The speakers will be very informative about issues being faced by our youth today and the resources available in the Toronto East community:
- Adina Hauser and Riyan Visram, Michael Garron Hospital
- Vanessa Wu, WoodGreen Community Services
- Asante Haughton, Stella’s Place
- Rod Cohen, Blake Boultbee Youth Outreach Service
For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/imKaTDiXopxMa3HC/?mibextid=9VsGKo
Documentary & Discussion Fundraiser to Help Sponsor an Afghan Refugee 🆕
Visit the Royal Canadian Legion for an unforgettable evening viewing “The Perfect Story,” followed by the brilliant Anna Maria Tremonti taking the stage to interview filmmaker Michelle Shephard about the story’s creation.
Beyond the cinematic journey, this event carries a cause. Make a difference by supporting our mission to bring an Afghan refugee to Canada.
To find out more information about the initiative, visit: Help bring an Afghan refugee to Canada
To buy tickets, visit: Fundraiser: enjoy a documentary + interview with the filmmaker
Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital
Kingston Road United Church is hosting a series of monthly recitals featuring Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians in brief, informal recitals. Each recital features different instruments from the orchestra.
For more information, visit: TSYO Recitals.
🚨Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival
We need your help organizing the 67th East York Canada Day Parade and Festival for 2024.This event is run entirely by volunteers and requires community members to serve on the organizing committee – we need your help to make sure the event can take place in 2024 and beyond.
If you can provide organizing assistance, or have new ideas to bring to the event, please reach out at [email protected] for more information.
More information on the event can also be found at www.eycdc.ca
EY Canada Day meetings are open to all. Our next committee meeting is Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 7 p.m. at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse.
This is a much beloved event and it’s counting on our community to keep this family fun, long standing event going.
Community Programs & Employment Events
SING! 🆕
SING! is back and they are open for Winter and Spring 2024 sessions. If you’re interested in learning more, visit: https://www.theredwoodtheatre.com/.
Queer Youth United 🆕
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Thursday from 4-7pm starting January 18, 2024.
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.
Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative Program
It’s that time again! The Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative program is currently hiring for the 2024 Summer program.
This program enhances the link between the police and the neighbourhoods they serve. This initiative gives young people an opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive partnerships with the Toronto Police Service.
Youth ages 15 to 18 will be employed through the summer and throughout the year, working alongside police officers and civilian staff in a wide range of roles.
The application deadline is: Sunday, January 21st, 2024.
Job Posting: Youth In Policing Initiative- Toronto Police Service (tps.ca)
Aerospace Structural Assembly Training Program
Did you know? There is a huge demand for skilled workers in the aerospace industry.
This hands-on Aerospace Structural Assembly Training Program will provide you the knowledge and skills needed to perform complex structural assembly, as required by the aviation manufacturing industry.
You will receive a Centennial College certificate upon completion, making you attractive to prospective employers. Hiring partners include Bombardier, MHI Canada Aerospace Inc., Fleet Canada, and others!
This program is in partnership with the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) consortium and with the financial support of Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada.
Please note, the program is tuition free; however, accepted students are required to pay a $300 program fee prior to course start date.
The program begins on Monday, February 5, 2024.
WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers
WoodGreen Community Services runs a free tax clinic and are seeking volunteers to assist them in this meaningful initiative.
Their clinic helps low-income individuals navigate the complexities of tax preparation, ensuring they receive the refunds and benefits they are entitled to. However, the demand for their services has grown considerably each year, and they are struggling to meet this increased demand due to a shortage of volunteer tax preparers.
If you’re interested in volunteering with WoodGreen, please contact Ansley Dawson at [email protected] or 416-645-6000 ext. 1331.
SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is a not-for-profit organization that provides a variety of holistic programs to support the health and well-being of the community. One of the programs offered is the Bereavement Peer – Support Groups. They provide several different types of virtual and in-person options.
For more information, please visit: SCHC – Bereavement Care.
The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
The Neighbourhood Group is offering FREE Employment Services to help you prepare for and find work. Whether you’re out of school and looking for a job, new to Canada and want your first Canadian work experience, looking to change your career, or trying to get back into the workforce, they have various training programs, work placements, workshops, online job board, and resource centres.
For more information, visit The Neighbourhood Group.
Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
The Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program has been organized to support the seniors community with services ranging from garden and yard work to light housekeeping.
If you or anyone you know is looking for more assistance around their home, contact Kevin at 416-531-8447 or email [email protected] for more information.
Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
We’re thrilled to share that in-person services are available at the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub, a new welcoming space at East York Town Centre that provides health, wellness, employment and other services for youth and young adults! To access services, come by the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub during its drop-in hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It is located at East York Town Centre, 45 Overlea Blvd. (Please use mall Entrance 6; the Youth Wellness Hub is located beside Dollarama). All services are free and open to everyone aged 12 to 25. Youth and young adults do not need a health card, family doctor or medical referral. Services include wellness counselling, peer support, employment services, settlement services, food support, primary care and more. No matter what you might be dealing with, their team can help.
For more information, please visit Thorncliffe Youth Club or follow them on Instagram @ThorncliffeYouthHub.
Neighbourhood News
Nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award
The Agnes Macphail Award is an annual award that recognizes an individual(s) from the East York community who has exemplified the causes that Agnes Macphail championed in her long and distinguished career.
The Agnes Macphail Award and the nomination form are available on the City of Toronto’s Agnes Macphail Award.
The deadline for receipt of nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award is fast approaching. Please submit all nominations by TODAY (Friday, January 12, 2024).
Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants
Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants! A local group has been awarded a grant from Live Green Toronto to implement a project that addresses the climate crisis. Thank you to all the groups who proposed a project for our community!
Toronto Community Crisis Service Expansion
Last month, Toronto City Council approved a plan to expand the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) city-wide by the end of 2024. Following a successful first year of TCCS operations in 64 per cent of Toronto, the city-wide expansion of the community-based service will continue to contribute to the well-being of Torontonians and community safety.
TCCS connects those in crisis to community-based, client-centered, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support. The service provides crisis intervention, follow-up care and support and case management.
The TCCS reduces police engagement and increases community-based solutions that connect people in crisis to much-needed mental health and well-being programs and services. This community-based service prioritizes the community safety and well-being of Toronto’s most vulnerable populations.
For more information, visit: www.toronto.ca/CrisisService
Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study
The City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have initiated an Environmental Assessment for the Scarborough Bluffs West Revitalization Study (SBW).
The SBW study will explore the renewal of and improvements to approximately 4.5 km of Lake Ontario shoreline, from Balmy Beach at Silver Birch Avenue to Bluffer’s Park. The study will explore opportunities to preserve and enhance the Bluffs’ natural features and minimize hazards such as erosion, while improving how the public access, move through, and experience the waterfront. Please see the attached Notice of Commencement for more information.
The public will have opportunities for input at key stages throughout the project. Consultation will start in the coming weeks, and opportunities will be advertised on the project website, by email, in local newspapers, on social media pages, and through mail to households and businesses in the area. More information, including details about the first round of public consultation, will be shared at toronto.ca/ScarboroughBluffsWest.
To ensure you receive project updates including information about consultations, register for the project mailing list.
Work in the Ward
Coxwell Station Stairway SOGR 🆕
As a part of the network-wide Subway Station state of good repair program, The TTC will repair stairs inside Coxwell Subway Station from Jan 15 to the end of March 2024. One set of the stairway and the escalator will remain open to customers.
Access to Broadview Station Restored 🆕
Good news – at long last, access to Broadview Station has been restored and all regular bus services have resumed. Streetcar service is expected to resume in mid-February. Thank you for your patience in supporting necessary infrastructure and road work improvements.
O’Connor Construction Update – December 2023
All lanes along O’Connor between Sandra Rd and Bermondsey are now open and will remain open until mid-January 2024. There will be no work happening on this stretch of road during the holidays. The contractor will continue with watermain replacement in January 2024. We thank you for your ongoing patience during this critical infrastructure work.
The project is projected to be complete by early Fall 2024.
My office continues to monitor the ongoing construction, which we know has been very disruptive for anyone attempting to travel through the area. We have continued to request additional notice for any closures that are required, and to maintain as many lanes for travel as possible.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out to my office.
TTC Service Changes
501 Queen
The 501 Queen route will generally operate along the following sections until further notice, unless a temporary diversion is required such as upcoming work at Queen and De Grassi (see below).
- West-end: 501 Queen streetcars will operate between Roncesvalles Avenue and McCaul Loop (Queen and McCaul). Once construction along The Queensway is completed, streetcars are anticipated to resume travel as far west as Long Branch Loop.
- Downtown: 501B Queen replacement buses will continue to operate between Queen Street/Bathurst Street and Broadview Avenue/Gerrard Street, diverting around the Queen Street closure due to Ontario Line work.
501D Queen buses are currently operating in the east end on Queen Street between Church Street and Neville Park Loop.
Starting October 8 until further notice, the 501D Queen route will convert into a streetcar service.
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 expects the work to begin January 2024.
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). Toronto Hydro expects the work to begin later this month (December 2023).
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). Staff expects the work to begin in February 2024.
City Wide Events
TD Park People Grants 🆕
Exciting news! The TD Park People Grants Program launched earlier this week. The $2,000 grants will support 70 groups hosting park events in 21 urban areas across Canada. Successful applicants will use the grant to host two events supporting the ongoing care and protection of green spaces through environmental education, sustainability and stewardship initiatives.
The application deadline is Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Additional Information
Make the right call!
The City of Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, unveiled the “Make the Right Call” social media campaign.
The campaign aims to increase awareness among Toronto residents about when to call 311, 211, 911, the police non-emergency line or when to file an online police report.
The five-week campaign will highlight a different service number weekly, accompanied by compelling real-life scenarios that illustrate precisely when to make that specific call.
Learn more and see a few campaign graphics on the City’s “Make the Right Call” webpage: www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/make-the-right-call.
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.
For real-time updates on the local issues that matter to you most, please follow any of my social media accounts!
About Brad Bradford - - -
