What a week! We haven’t seen a snowfall like this in 20 years. Following the historic weather we saw on Monday, it’s been a big week for tackling the clearing of streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes. I’m grateful to all who have been out working hard to clear the way and to folks across our community who have lent a hand or checked in on a neighbour.
Here in the East End – we show up for each other. I’ve seen countless examples of community coming together, helping those in need, or showing extra gestures of kindness and patience to the transit operators, first responders, frontline workers, and others who have been out each day through it all.It’s been a challenging few days – thank you to all who have reached out to flag a street that needed extra attention or received poor service levels. With much of the City’s snow removal contracted out, I’m compiling a list to run through with our winter operations team – to hold outside contractors to account, and ensure we get better performance in the future. If you haven’t already, please send me an email here with the street, photos, and any additional context and I’ll get it added to the list and raised to the operations team.
While winter is certainly around us, this week also brought some bright exciting news: a new vaccination milestone, CafeTO patio applications, and a Provincial announcement that some restrictions will be lifted beginning January 31.
On the vaccine front, Team Toronto and East End healthcare leaders are still working relentlessly to get vaccines out to as many people as fast as they can. As of today, we’ve reached a milestone with more than 90% of eligible Toronto residents having now received at least one vaccine dose. If you or someone you know is looking for vaccine clinic details – check here for more information.
You can read more below about the relaunch underway for CafeTO 2022 – it’s a reminder of the warmer temperatures ahead and all we have to look forward to together this summer. With news that the Province will be lifting some restrictions on gatherings, restaurants and retail as of January 31, I’m looking forward to seeing you out across our community again soon. In the meantime, it’s vital to continue shopping local and support the excellent small businesses here in BEY. From O’Connor to Queen, make your next takeout or online order one right here in the community. Our Main Streets will be all the stronger for it.
Hope you find some time to rest and recharge this weekend!
Sincerely,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- CafeTO registration open! ?
- 55 Division – new station townhall meeting ?
- Supporting affordable recreation and trail connections at Dentonia Park Golf Course ?
- TTC 5-Year Fare Policy: Upcoming Public and Customer Engagement workshop ?
- Approved request for a comprehensive Road Safety Review at Coxwell/Mortimer
- 2022 East York Levee ?
- Moving ahead on Garden Suites at Committee ?
- Budget 2022 ?
- City of Toronto opens applications for new Cultural Festivals Funding Program?
- Frozen Pipes Prevention
- City’s Omicron Action Plan
- Update on vaccine clinics ?
- 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
- Agnes Macphail Award nomination deadline?
- TD Park People Grants program now open ?
- Park People – hiring!?
- Dawes Road Library and Community Hub
- Topham Park Softball registration
- New Neighbourhood Link & Neighbourhood Group partnership ?
- Virtual programming – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community ?
- Mental Health Support ?
- Online Wellness Senior Support Group
- Design program workshops
- 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
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
CafeTO registration open! ?
As we keep clearing our way out of a history snowfall, some exiting news to for 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.
Apply early here!
55 Division – New Station Townhall Meeting ?
Join the virtual design update meeting for the new 55 Division – Toronto Police Service Station. Toronto Police Service will be hosting this introductory meeting to engage with community members before the design team starts on the concept design.
Happening January 24 @ 6:30 pm.
Meeting details: torontopolice.webex.com/join/b84677
By phone: 416-216-5643 (Access code: 132 912 1333)
For more information on the new 55 Division Station Project, visit torontopolice.on.ca/d55/new-d55-station.php
Access to affordable recreation ?
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.Concerningly, a report considered by Infrastructure & Environment Committee this week recommended cutting this special course by 50%.In response, I’ve put forward a series of recommendations to protect the existing course structure and enhance the opportunities this special place provides, alongside my colleagues Councillor Crawford and Councillor Fletcher. We received Committee’s adoption on the new plan last week. This is good news, but the work continues – this report will now go to City Council in early February for final deliberation.Check out the new recommendations to protect this unique community asset, improve trail connections, increase local programming opportunities, and more here. Thanks to everyone who has reached out to me to share their feedback on the future of Dentonia. If you haven’t already, send me a note on your thoughts. Your voice matters!
TTC 5-Year Fare Policy: Upcoming Public and Customer Engagement workshop ?
Customer and public engagement continues to be central to the development of the TTC’s 5-Year Fare Policy project. Over the past year, the TTC has consulted with customers and community stakeholder organizations with the goal of better understanding the perspectives of customers and residents. They have conducted a number of public engagement activities including External Stakeholder Workshops (Academic, Transit, Social and Regional Prosperity organizations), an Online Survey, Customer Focus Groups and a Virtual Town Hall.
As the 5-Year Fare Policy project enters its final phase, the TTC will be hosting another round of public engagement. You’re invited to join – details below!
- Virtual Town Hall: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30.p.m.
Interested participants can:
- Pre-register or attend on the date at:
https://lura-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3bO7g-fCThS_Fe29gwfG8Q - Join by phone by calling +1 647-374-4685
Webinar ID: 616 7443 0748
Passcode: 899580907
Click here for a full background on TTC and YRT’s 5-Year Fare Policy Project including details on the Town Hall.
Approved request for a comprehensive Road Safety Review
At this month’s, Toronto and East York Community Council, members voted to support mine and Councillor Fletcher’s request for a comprehensive Road Safety Review around the intersection of Coxwell/Mortimer Avenues.
A gateway to vital services in the East End – we’re kicking off the measures to help improve safety for the healthcare workers, students, teachers, and seniors who help make this area a unique East York destination.
Check out the below for details:
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!
Moving ahead on Garden Suites at Committee
Allowing garden suites in Toronto is a key part of our work to expand housing options in neighbourhoods. Whether you know them as coach houses, granny flats, or garden suites, we’re bringing forward a thoughtful and researched plan to make them official in Toronto. Last week, Committee took the important step towards allowing Torontonians to build garden suites on their property, to increase housing choices, and to provide more options that fit the evolving housing needs of our city. On to City Council! Check out the full details on the initiative here.
Budget 2022 – Have your say
The City budget is important to the Toronto we’re building together. City services impact our everyday lives. Each time you visit a recreation centre, borrow a book from the library, have your garbage or recycling picked up, drink clean water from the tap, ride the TTC or have emergency services rush to your aid – you are using a City of Toronto service.
Budget 2022 is about continuing the vital work of tackling the pandemic, keeping the city running through this challenging time, while setting our collective goals to keep building a great city for the future.
Learn more and find out how you can get involved in the Budget process, including the January 24 & 25 Committee meetings here.
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
City’s Omicron Action Plan
As we continue to tackle the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the city is taking several measures to respond to this challenge.
As of January 5, indoor drop-in and registered recreation programs have been cancelled. Outdoor ice rinks remain open and outdoor registered and drop-in skating programs continue. There is also the closure of non-essential counter services at City Hall and civic centres.Toronto Public Library will be temporarily closed several branches as of Monday January 10, 2022 due to COVID-19 related staffing shortages.In Beaches-East York, Dawes Road Library will be temporarily closing. Fifty-two of TPL’s largest and most-used library branches will remain open and staff from closed locations will be reassigned to these branches. Check here for more information from TPL.More information on actions from the City of Toronto are available here.
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.
CLINIC LOCATIONS:
THORNCLIFFE PARK COMMUNITY HUB
Starting January 24, walk-ins at this clinic will be open to everyone aged 5 and older who live in any “M” postal code.
Walk-ins are open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are 50 walk-ins per hour. Appointments continue to be accepted. Book an appointment at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 1-833-943-3900.
Click here for more information.
SHOPPERS WORLD DANFORTH
First doses, second doses and third (booster) doses for individuals aged 12 and older available by appointment. Book an appointment.
Location: 3003 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON M4C 1M9
Enter the plaza from Danforth Avenue or Victoria Park Avenue. Enter the mall using the entrance under the Lowe’s sign between Nature’s Health Food and Royal Shawarma & Kabob. The clinic will be located inside the mall to your immediate left.
Hours:
- January 10-31: Open Monday to Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays. Registration ends at 5:45 p.m. – please arrive before this time to ensure you receive a vaccine.
GERRARD SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
First doses, second doses and third (booster) doses for individuals aged 12 and older available by appointment. Book an appointment.
Location: 1000 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 3G6
Located on the south side of mall to the left of Freedom Mobile. Please follow the signage upon arrival.
Hours:Open every day from 10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration ends at 5:45 p.m. – please arrive before this time to ensure you receive a vaccine.
Check below for pop-up clinics happening in the east end this weekend – please check and ensure you meet eligibility requirements.
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 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
Agnes Macphail Award nomination deadline ?
The Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee has announced the deadline for the 2022 Agnes Macphail Award nominations is midnight, January 28, 2022.
The Agnes Macphail Award is presented annually to a volunteer leader involved in social justice who lives within the boundaries of the former Borough of East York.
Nominations can be filled out online here, or an electronic copy of the information can be sent to people who email [email protected]
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:
- Toronto Project Manager – Application deadline February 2nd, 2022
- 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
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.
Design Program Workshops
UofT’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design will be hosting several workshops from Jan 16 – 27 2022.These workshops are available for ages 8+ & will help develop skills in a broad range of design tools & techniques – explore your creative potential!- Daniels Minecraft Program (ages 8-14 years old)- Daniels Digital Design Program (ages 12-15 years old)- Daniels Design Bootcamp (ages 16-18+ years old)Registration is open, sign up today for the last sessions!
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.
For real-time updates on the local issues that matter to you most, please follow any of my social media accounts!
About Brad Bradford - - -
