June 24, 2022 – Newsletter

ByBrad Bradford

June 24, 2022 – Newsletter

Hi Neighbour,

Summer is officially here, and with that brings all the festivals, events, parades and gatherings that make Beaches-East York so special. With so much going on in #BEY and across the City, we’re taking time to highlight the progress we’ve made at City Council, recognize the many special celebrations we have this June, and remind our community of the exciting events we’re looking forward to in the coming weeks.

The kick-off to the summer season took place this Tuesday morning as we gathered at Nathan Philips Square for a Sunrise Ceremony marking National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Summer Solstice. Together we celebrated the unique heritage, diversity and valued contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to our communities. It was wonderful to see so many people show up for the ceremony and take part in the incredible work we continue towards Truth and Reconciliation.

The longer days of summer also means the return of outdoor music, which we welcomed this past weekend with the Luminato Festival. Toronto has long been home to a vibrant & diverse arts ecosystem, and after two years away, the music & arts festival returned to showcase and amplify our top-notch local talent and community creativity. As Chair of Toronto Music Advisory Committee, I’m grateful for the front row seat into the innovation and grit the arts community continues to lead with. Together, we’ve been building new pathways into the industry, bringing in new opportunities for performance and rehearsal, and supporting those who make our city the place to be.

On the City Council front, we are moving ahead with the installation of 32 much-needed, on-street EV chargers by the end of 2022. Beaches – East York will now be receiving eight of these chargers, at four locations, which will make it easier for residents to convert to electric vehicle use. Although we still have a ways to go in green infrastructure, every advancement in EV charging is a win for a greener tomorrow! From charging stations to road safety, we are pushing ahead with our transportation improvements. It was great to see Council approve my plan calling for increased safety measures along the Queen Street East corridor between Silver Birch Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, including expediting calming measures in the area and installing a pedestrian crossing.

Big steps forward were made at last at Council following the approval of several Planning and Housing Committee items! Included in the list are two new affordable housing projects as part of the city’s Housing Now initiative, which will provide a combined around 700 affordable rental units, updated the city’s Official Plan to make sure that our community-building and growth priorities are aligned with our plan to protect the environment and respond to climate change, approved 17 affordable housing projects through the city’s Open Door program, which will provide a total of 919 affordable rental homes across our neighbourhoods and permanently converted the Toronto Rent Bank from a loan program into a grant program to better support residents at risk of eviction.

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, it is exciting to see the all the amazing events planned for the City. This evening, we celebrate the 100th year anniversary of our beloved Leuty Lifeguard Station with Community Centre 55 and the Toronto Beaches Lion’s Club. And of course, this weekend is also the Pride Parade, which is the culmination of a month-long celebration & recognition of our tremendous 2SLGBTQ+ community. We continue to fight fiercely against discrimination, stand firmly with our 2SLGBTQ+ community and advocate for better representation. Progress has been made, our job as allies, friends and City representatives is far from done. While we continue this important work, I look forward to seeing Toronto vibrant with the colours of the Pride Parade this Sunday!

With so much on the go in Beaches-East York, from recreation programs and street parties, to CafeTO and Parades, make sure you stay in the #BEY loop by following my Twitter, Instagram or Facebook page.

 – Brad

In This Issue

Updates & Announcements from City Hall

Local Events

  • Leuty Lifeguard Station 100th Anniversary & Lifeguard Reunion – June 24 
  • Toronto Beaches Rib Fest – June 24 – 26 🆕
  • Early Beatty Fun Fair – June 25 
  • Toronto Chinese Orchestra Concert – June 25 🆕
  • Toronto Pride Parade – June 26 🆕
  • Love Wins: Benefit Concert for Ukraine – June 26 🆕
  • Children of the Fire presented by Nightwood Theatre – June 26 – 30; July 1 – 3 🆕
  • Public Meeting to amend Zoning by-law – June 30 
  • Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 22 – Canada Day BBQ – July 1 🆕
  • East York Canada Day Parade & Festival – July 1 
  • Q107 Canada Day Picnic – July 1 
  • Beaches Jazz Festival – July 2 – 24 

Community Programs & Employment

  • Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 🆕
  • Aquatic leadership courses & Lifeguard recruitment 🆕 
  • Tuesday Walking Club 🆕 
  • Community Centre 55 Garden Volunteers 🆕
  • H & H Social Club 
  • My Smart Commute Campaign
  • Hijabs and Helmets 
  • De-escalation training available for street-front retailers 
  • TRCA is hiring Lifeguards & Camp Councillors! 
  • Volunteer with Garden @ Kimbourne 
  • Free Traditional Cooking Skills Sessions 
  • Registration for CampTO still open 

Neighbourhood News

  • Michael Garron Hospital Art Survey🆕
  • Harmony Good Food Market 🆕
  • BEY Foodbanks 🆕
  • East Lynn Park Farmers Market
  • East York Farmer’s Market is open! 
  • Bee a good neighbour 
  • Dogs in the city 
  • Deeply Rooted: New East York Famers Market 
  • Call for walking guide volunteers with AIC 

Work in the Ward

  • Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project 400 Scarborough Road 🆕
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Queen St. E. 🆕
  • Danforth Extension Installation 
  • Watermain Replacement and Road Resurfacing on Denvale Road 
  • Watermain Relining and Cleaning 
  • Sewer Main Relining Upgrades at Various Locations 
  • Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Kingston – Waverley  
  • Watermain Replacement and Road Resurfacing on Denvale Road 
  • Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
  • Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Rebuild
  • Munroe Park Avenue Stairs Closed for Construction 
  • Williamson Ravine Upgrades

Small Business Feature 🏄‍♀️

Get active on the water this year with Kayaking, Paddle Boarding & more!

  • WSUP Toronto
  • Toronto Beach Kayak 
  • iPaddle Adventures

It’s CafeTO season! Check out this year’s patio map from our Beach BIA and plan your next night out, al fresco style.

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. 

Reminder!

Purchase your Canada Day sign & support EY 🇨🇦

The East York Toronto Canada Day Festival is selling lawn signs for $10 with proceeds going to the Canada Day celebration taking place. Signs can be picked up our City Councillor Office on Danforth, or delivery can be arranged. To order, email [email protected] with your order request and address. 

Updates & Announcements from City Hall 

Queen Street East Corridor – Safety Improvements Approved 🆕

Ensuring our roads remain safe for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles is key a priority for us in #BEY.

It was great to see Council approve my plan calling for increased safety measures along the Queen Street East corridor between Silver Birch Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue, including expediting calming measures in the area and installing a pedestrian crossing. Read the full letter here. 

New EV Chargers Approved 🆕

The City is moving ahead with the installation of 32 much-needed, on-street EV chargers by the end of 2022. Beaches – East York will now be receiving 8 of these chargers, at 4 locations: 31 Roseheath Ave., 543 Strathmore Blvd., 1856 Queen St. E., and 1760 Queen St. E.

These new stations will make it easier for Beaches – East York to convert to electric vehicle use. Although we still have a ways to go in green infrastructure, every advancement in EV charging is a win for a greener tomorrow.

City Seeking Representatives for Climate Advisory Committee 🆕

Are you a climate champion? Do you have ideas on how the City should achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions? Do you have expertise to share? The City of Toronto is seeking residents, local organizations, and key stakeholders to advise the City on implementation of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. TransformTO is Toronto’s climate action strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2040 – one of the most ambitious targets in North America.

The City is seeking applicants with a passion for climate action to help achieve the 2030 interim targets in key areas such energy, waste, buildings, transportation, greenspace, and equitable implementation. The Climate Advisory Group (CAG) will have approximately 20 members from the community, representing local organizations as well as individuals. It is anticipated the CAG will meet four times per year, with in person and hybrid meeting options that allow the group to be flexible to changing personal circumstances and community health guidelines.

Applications will be welcomed from all community members, including local organizations, community leaders, and residents from communities experiencing social, economic and other barriers (people of colour, newcomers, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities).

The deadline for submission is July 20 at 11:59pm EST.

For any additional information or questions, please visit website at toronto.ca/transformto or send an email to [email protected]

Approved: Planning and Housing Committee Updates 🆕

Big steps forward were made at last at Council following the approval of several Planning and Housing Committee items! Included in the list are two new affordable housing projects as part of the city’s Housing Now initiative, which will provide a combined around 700 affordable rental units, updated the city’s Official Plan to make sure that our community-building and growth priorities are aligned with our plan to protect the environment and respond to climate change, approved 17 affordable housing projects through the city’s Open Door program, which will provide a total of 919 affordable rental homes across our neighbourhoods and permanently converted the Toronto Rent Bank from a loan program into a grant program to better support residents at risk of eviction.

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual Meeting 🆕

Tackling big policy like water preservation and environmental protection require collaboration and teamwork. That’s why coalitions like the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative are incredible to be a part of. Sharing ideas in-person and building strategies for the future is one of the best ways we can work towards our climate and environment goals.

With the work being completed through this week’s annual general meeting, we are setting the stage for how cities across the region can leverage the potential of our freshwater resources.

Registration for Toronto Parks and Recreation Programs is open

Registration for summer Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation recreation programs is now open! 

Join an outdoor fitness class, learn a new skill or meet people in the community across thousands of courses on offer this season. Explore programs & learn how to register here. 

Road Safety Measures Approved 

Beaches-East York is moving ahead with various road safety improvements following a successful day of Toronto and East York Community Council this week. Residents can anticipate the installation of speed humps at 6 new locations: 

  • Brookside Drive
  • Copeland Avenue
  • Corley Avenue
  • Oak Park Avenue
  • Willow Avenue 
  • Woodrow Avenue 

With road safety as one of my top priorities, we look forward to delivering these traffic calming measures.

City installing 50 ASE devices across Toronto 

The City of Toronto’s 50 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) devices are currently rotating to the next round of locations to help reduce speeding at more areas with safety concerns, encourage a wide-ranging deterrent effect and raise public awareness about the need to slow down and obey posted speed limits.

This will be the fifth round of locations since the beginning of enforcement in July 2020. As per provincial requirements, warning signs were installed at all new locations to warn drivers in advance.

Beaches – East York will be receiving two of these new ASE devices, one at Saint Clair Avenue East, West of Marilyn Crescent and one at Kingston Road near Glen Manor Drive. Click here to view all 50 ASE locations.

Trenton Modular Housing Breaking Ground 

Yesterday was important day for housing in our city, right here in the East End. As we begin craning in 59 new units of Modular Housing at the corner of Trenton and Cedarvale, we’re building much-needed housing with supports right on site. These units will provide shelter and opportunity for the new neighbours joining us in the months ahead.

This work speaks to what we can do now, and in the future. With modular construction, we can get people into housing in months, not years. It’s an innovative way we are supporting residents experiencing homelessness, while improving the supply of affordable housing in our City. 

Thank you to all those in Beaches- East York and Toronto who participated in consultations, meetings, & everything in-between.

Together, we’re making housing happen.

Amplified Live Music on Patios program extended for 2022 

After building & launching the program here in Beaches-East York last summer, Council voted to extend the Amplified Live Music on Patios program this year. As things shape up for an amazing Summer 2022, we’re continuing the work to support our local artists and businesses.

Upcoming vaccine clinics 🆕

East Toronto Health Partners’ (ETHP) COVID-19 Outreach Centres in Flemingdon Park, Taylor-Massey and Thorncliffe Park now offers walk-in prescriptions for COVID-19 treatments, including the Paxlovid pill. Our COVID-19 Outreach Centres also offer mental health counselling and other services that support COVID-19 recovery and help our priority communities better prepare for additional waves of the virus. Walk-in COVID-19 PCR tests, take-home PCR test kits and vaccines also continue to be available at these sites.

All clinics in East Toronto now offer fourth doses to individuals who are aged 60 and older at the time of vaccination, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members who are aged 18 and older at the time of vaccination. These individuals must have received their third dose more than 140 days ago.

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.

Local Events

Leuty Lifeguard Station 100th Anniversary & Lifeguard Reunion – TONIGHT

Join Community Centre 55 and the Toronto Beaches Lion’s Club on Friday, June 24th at 7 P.M. for the Leuty Lifeguard Station 100th Anniversary Beach Party and Lifeguard Reunion!

Toronto Beaches Rib Fest 🆕

The Toronto Beaches Rib Fest is back! Taking place at Woodbine Park all weekend long, stop by for live music, tasty treats and yard games.

Free admission! Click here to learn more about the fun-filled, family-friendly weekend. 

Earl Beatty Fun Fair 

On Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 10am to 3pm, Earl Beatty will be hosting our annual Fun Fair. This fair is often the school’s largest fundraising and community-building event of the year and was dearly missed throughout the pandemic. 

100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be given to Earl Beatty Public School to assist with technology, arts and other programs which in turn enhance student well being.

Toronto Pride Parade 🆕

The Toronto Pride Parade is back! Taking place this Sunday, June 26 from 2pm – 6pm, the annual parade is about celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive experience for all. the parade will be starting at Bloor and Church St., will head west then turn south on Yonge St, ending at Yonge Dundas Square. Visit PrideToronto.ca to learn more about the celebration! 

Toronto Chinese Orchestra Concert 🆕

It is the Toronto Chinese Orchestra’s 29th anniversary and as we gradually move forward from two very difficult years, we are hopeful and excited to share our music with you. Our concert is titled “Lift” – Lift as in lifting our voices, lifting our spirits, and lifting each other up as a community.

On June 25th, we invite you to accompany us on a trip between generations and cultures. We will be performing with some young members from the Community Music Schools of Toronto (formerly Regent Park School of Music), and have invited Diane Kolin, a French jazz and classical singer, to join us and discover the world of Chinese music.

Click here to learn more and purchase tickets. 

Love Wins: Benefit Concert for Ukraine 🆕

Beyond The Beat (located at Woodbine and Kingston) has brought current and alumni students together to perform a concert to raise money for Ukraine. The initiative was inspired by the owner’s mother-in-law, who went through a courageous escape and arrived in Toronto a couple of weeks ago. The theme of the concert is “Love Wins”. 

The performance will feature some of the fantastic talents nurtured at Beyond the Beat music studio and school to celebrate the power of music, youth, and love to unite us and effect change. Headlining will be some emerging artists who have found success beyond the school, including Sam Casey. Singer/songwriter Sam is drawing attention and currently working on two EPs: one with UK producer Joe Thomspon and one with Canadian producer Mike Schlosser.

Learn more about how you can support and purchase tickets here. 

Children of the Fire presented by Nightwood Theatre 🆕

Children of Fire is a theatrical piece that follows Shahrzad and Anna’s 2018 journey to the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan where they were hosted by female resistance fighters.

Dates: June 26 – 30, July 1 – 3
Location: Children’s Peace Theatre, 305 Dawes Rd, East York ​

For more information, visit artsintheparksTO.org!

Public Meeting to amend Zoning By-law 

East York Canada Day Festival 

Celebrate Canada Day this year, East York style! The legendary parade departs from Dieppe Park at 10:30 am winding its way through the street of East York to Stan Wadlow Park. The parade includes floats, marching bands, antique cars, community groups, entertainers and local businesses. Check out the parade route here! 

The parade will finish at Stan Wadlow Park for 11am where the festivities will continue with a festival, music and firework display— Rain or shine!  

Looking to get involved in this year’s celebration? The Canada Day Parade committee is still looking for people to marshall the parade! If you know anyone who might be interested in being a Canada Day Festival Marshall for the parade, email [email protected] to let them know. Parade Marshall’s will be required to walk with the parade keeping the area safe. Adults preferred. Hours are 9:40am – 11am.

Q107 Canada Day Picnic 

Get ready to rock your red and white with us at the Q107 Canada Day Picnic!

On Sunday, July 1st join Q107 live on location all day long for loads of food, fun and good tunes! We’re featuring Q107 Rock & Roll Tributes to Tom Petty, The Tragically Hip, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Eagles and Prince. Then we’ll cap off the night with Toronto’s largest fireworks display from Ashbridges Bay, set to a “live” tribute to KISS!

The party starts at noon on Canada Day, in Woodbine Park near the beaches. Come down and enjoy midway rides, great eats and a great selection of beers in the Mill Street Brewery Beer Garden

Beaches Jazz Festival 

The Annual Beaches Jazz Fest is back! This year will mark the 34th of the festival, which is taking place July 2-24. Learn more about this year’s musical celebration here. 

Community Programs

Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 🆕

Summer is here and Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships is offering assistance for seniors in need of help with lawn maintenance. To register, contact Kevin at [email protected] or call (416) 531-8447 ext. 501. 

Aquatic leadership courses & Lifeguard recruitment 🆕 

#CityOfTO is calling for qualified residents to apply for lifeguard, swim instructor, wading pool and aquatic assistant roles. Visit Toronto.ca/recjobs to learn more! 

Aquatic leadership courses are also available for those interested in becoming certified: https://efun.toronto.ca/torontofun/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp?SectionId=6&BasicSearch=True

Tuesday Walking Club 

Gerry Leisk will be continuing to lead the Community Centre 55 walking club for the summer. Meeting every Tuesday, 9:30 am at CC55, please feel free to join in. For more information please contact Gerry at [email protected]. 

H & H Social Club 

Hijabs and Helmets presents the H & H Social Club! Meeting every Tuesday from 3 – 5pm at Access Point at 3079 Danforth Avenue, join the H & H Social Club to meet fellow hijabi riders and participate in weekly workshops such as bike maintenance, healthy lifestyle, motivational speeches, Movie/ Game Nights, field trips, outdoor activities and more! 

My Smart Commute Campaign 

Smart Commute Toronto is sharing curated tips and tricks on how to have a more sustainable, economical, and safer commute to and from your workplace or school. Toronto residents can sign up to a series of weekly newsletters based on their interested mode: cycling, walking, public transit, carpooling, driving less, or working from home/ remote work. Click here to learn about how you can get involved! 

Residents will also get a chance to win gift cards, if they fill out a survey after reading the weekly newsletters. Sign up for the weekly newsletters here.

Hijabs and Helmets 

The weather is getting warmer and more people are enjoying outdoors which means it’s the time to join Hijabs and Helmets weekly “Group Rides”. Hijabs and Helmets program provides an inclusive and supportive community for women’s and girls wearing hijab and their allies and creates a comfortable and accommodating space for them to learn and engage in recreational bike rides, grow their cycling skills, and explore the city.

Starting from 16th June, Hijabs and Helmets is offering its weekly group rides:

When: Thursdays 5 pm- 7 pm (June 16th, 23rd & 30th)

Where: Meeting at Access Point on Danforth (3079 Danforth Avenue)

We will provide all equipment, snacks and tokens to the participants. Riders of all skills are welcome.

De-escalation training available for street-front retailers 

The City of Toronto is offering de-escalation training sessions for street-front retailers. The sessions are geared to managers or employees who interact with the general public regularly and would like to learn strategies and skills for communicating with individuals who may be street involved or displaying agitated behaviours. Level 1 training must be completed before taking Level 2 training. Learn more and register for free here.

TRCA is hiring Lifeguards & Camp Councillors! 

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is now hiring Lifeguards and Camp Counsellors for its 2022 summer season! Enjoy a summer job with competitive wages and benefits that include FREE access to all TRCA parks and discounts on activities across the GTA!

Click here to learn more about these positions & apply. 

Volunteer with Garden @ Kimbourne 

Garden @ Kimbourne is looking for volunteers to help with their local community garden. The group gathers every Wednesday from 6pm – 8pm and Sundays from Noon to 2:30pm. Enhance your Green Thumb and get involved by visiting their website!

Free Traditional Cooking Skills Session 

Kimbourne United Church will be hosting free, virtual and in-person traditional cooking skills workshops every 3rd Thursday of the month. All skill-levels and ages are welcome! Click here to learn more about the workshops and register. 

Registration for CampTO still open 

The City of Toronto’s CampTO and Adapted CampTO is back in every neighbourhood across Toronto this summer! This exciting camp experience for children ages four to 16 years makes for fun memories close to home, with physical activities, arts and crafts, nature-based programs and outdoor activities in parks.

CampTO Plus is also available for children interested in a particular specialty such as arts, cooking, creative writing, drama, dance, science and sport.

Registration began on Tuesday, April 12 and camps run from July 4 to September 2. More information is available at toronto.ca/camps.

Neighbourhood News

Michael Garron Hospital Art Survey 🆕 

Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is seeking feedback on the artwork to be displayed in the new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre (Thomson Centre).

In response to our call-to-artists in late 2021, we received submissions from more than 370 artists who are interested in having their art permanently displayed in the hospital.

Until June 30, we are seeking community input through a short thematic survey that can be found at here.

With this survey, our aim is to gather feedback about what general art themes the community would like to see inside the Thomson Centre. This survey is open publicly to all East Toronto community members and MGH patients, families, staff and physicians. There are eleven questions in this survey, which should take 10-15 minutes to complete.

Harmony Good Food Market 🆕

The 3rd year of the seasonal, outdoor Harmony Good Food Market is here! It is a non-profit affordable produce market in partnership with FoodShare with the intention to increase access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to the local community.

We want to extend an invitation to our community partners to join us at our market if you would like to do any outreach for your programs. This could range from activations to engage people or simply providing outreach materials you would like us to share. We are still following safety protocols including masking and maintain safe distances. Please also feel free to pass the market info along to your community members.

The focus is on produce, however it is also a friendly and welcoming space where folks are able to get out safely to connect and feel a sense of community. We have found that the market has become an access point for the community to programs and services beyond the market.

If you’re interested in being part of this year’s market, contact Kathleen at [email protected]. 

Average # of weekly attendees last year: 90

Date/Time: Every Tuesday from 3-5pm

Duration of market: now – end of October (you are welcome to join us as a one-off or more)

Attendees: very local, mix of seniors, families, working-age adults

Location: Harmony Hall, 2 Gower St. (Dawes Road and Gower St.)

BEY Food Banks 🆕

Thanks to the incredible devotion of community volunteers and organizations, as well as generous donations, Beaches-East York is proud to offer several food banks for those in need of support. 

Grace Pascoe Care Centre – Calvary Baptist Church & CC55 

The Grace Pascoe Care Centre has been a ministry of Calvary for more than 60 years and serves the catchment area from Victoria Park Ave. to Woodbine Ave. and from Danforth Ave. to the lake.

In collaboration with Community Centre 55, food hampers are provided on Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm.

For more information on the program and how to donate, email [email protected] or call 416-691-2899

Grant AME Church Food Bank & Soup Kitchen 

The mission of this ministry is to meet the needs of those in the community experiencing food insecurities by providing groceries, a warm meal and as much as we are able to, provide the much needed essential personal items to anyone in need. Soup Kitchen & book bank hours are Fridays from 4pm – 6pm. 

For more information on the program and how to donate, email [email protected] or call 416-690-5169. 

Forward Baptist Church 

FBC offers a meal service every second Wednesday of the Month. The next meal will be on July 13th from 9:30am to 11:00am. For more information on how to participate or donate, call 416.699.7156 or email [email protected].

Community Community Centre 55 Garden Volunteers🆕

Community Centre 55 is looking for volunteer Gardeners! If you have a green thumb and would like to participate, contact Jade at [email protected]. 

East Lynn Farmer’s Market 

The East Lynn Park Farmers’ Market is back! With enhanced accessibility & plenty of new vendors, there is no shortage of fun at this year’s Beaches-East York market! Happening every Thursday from 3 – 7pm at East Lynn Park. Check out the list of this year’s vendors here!

East York Farmer’s Market is open! 

Open every Tuesday from 8am – 2pm at the East York Community Centre, the East York Farmer’s Market is your one stop shop for everything fresh and delicious! 

For more information on the market and to see the full list of 2022 vendors, visit the EYFM Facebook page!

Bee a good neighbour 

Want to BEE a good neighbour? Learn about the do’s and don’ts for your lawn and how to grow pollinator-friendly gardens! Avoid prohibited plants that can pose a threat to human health or natural areas and cut grass regularly. Delight neighbours with your garden but don’t block sidewalks or driver and pedestrian views. Learn more at toronto.ca/GrassAndGardens.

Dogs in the City 

Toronto is a city of dog lovers, but it is important to remember that not everyone feels the same way about dogs. Here are few ways to keep the peace and share our spaces safely:

  • Keep your dog under control and on a leash unless in designated dogs off-leash areas. Off-leash dogs can commit dangerous acts, which can lead to written warnings or dangerous dog orders.
  • Pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly. The City has Green Bins for organic waste in all dogs off-leash areas in parks and has recently expanded the pilot to add dog waste compartments to street litter bins.
  • Respect our natural habitats and wildlife. Stay on trails and make sure your dogs don’t trample plants or chase wildlife.
  • Purchase a pet license for your dog. If they get lost, a pet licence will get them home faster. When you purchase a pet licence, you can also receive exclusive offers and discounts through the BluePaw rewards program.

More tips for being a good dog owner: toronto.ca/DogsInTheCity.

Deeply Rooted: New East York Farmers Market 

East York is home to Toronto’s latest farmers market: Deeply Rooted. Located at 455 Cosburn Avenue, the market will be operating every Sunday from 9am – 2pm, beginning May 8. Deeply Rooted is dedicated to creating a farmers market that focuses on highlighting Black and Indigenous vendors. Their market will also generate and circulate money within the Black and Indigenous communities to combat the injustices within the food industry. 

Vendor applications for the 2022 market season are open! To learn more about the market and submit a vendor application, visit their website here. 

Call for walking guide volunteers with AIC 

Achilles International Canada (AIC) is in need of able bodied walking guides for our Beaches Chapter. AIC provides opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve their own personal athletic goals. Currently our programs include running, walking and wheelchair rolling.

We encourage all levels and abilities: people who have never run in their lives to those training for marathons. AIC meets every Saturday morning at 8:30 at the Woodbine Beach Parking Lot, Lakeshore Blvd. If you are interested in becoming a walking guide please visit the AIC website to register or come out on a Saturday morning to meet the group. 

Work in the Ward

Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project 400 Scarborough Road 🆕

Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Queen St. E. 🆕

Danforth Extension

Exciting news! The Destination Danforth extension from Dawes Road to Victoria Park Avenue is scheduled to begin on Sunday June 12th (in the evening) and is scheduled to take one month. 

Watermain Replacement and Road Resurfacing on Denvale Road 

Waterman Cleaning and Realigning 

Watermain Cleaning and Relining on Willow Avenue, Park Avenue, Hazel Avenue, Beech Avenue and Balsam Avenue south of Queen Street East, Fir Avenue from Balsam Avenue to Fernwood Park Avenue, and Fernwood Park Avenue from Hazel Avenue to Fir Avenue


Sewer Main Relining Upgrades at Various Locations 

The City of Toronto will be rehabilitating existing sewer infrastructure in your area. The project is part of the Council-approved Capital Works Program to renew aging infrastructure, reduce the risk of leaks, and ensure continued long-term reliable sewer service. Depending on the type of repairs needed, construction will be completed in two or three phases over the next 8 months. Each construction phase will last approximately three to seven days. 

This work is essential to ensure the City’s infrastructure remains safe, in a state of good repair and able to meet Toronto’s needs. During construction, the contractor is responsible for all aspects of health and safety on site as specified under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Click here to learn more about this work. 

Streets that will be affected are:

  • Yardley 
  • Westlake Avenue 
  • Lumsden Ave
  • Crewe Avenue
  • Westbrook Avenue
  • Orley Avenue
  • Epsom Avenue
  • Chisholm Avenue 
  • Doncaster Avenue 
  • Gatwick avenue
  • Newmarket avenue
  • Gates Avenue
  • Harris Avenue
  • Danforth Avenue
  • Siver Birch
  • Pine Avenue
  • Beech Avenue 
  • Spruce Hill Road

Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Kingston – Waverley 

Watermain Replacement and Road Resurfacing on Denvale Road 

Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth 

*Work is expected to begin January 2022.

Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Rebuild 

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.

Access to the Beach can be gained from Neville Park Blvd and Nursewood Rd to the east, and Silver Birch 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.

Small Business Feature 🏄

Get active on the water this year with Kayaking, Paddle Boarding & more! 🆕

Looking for a way to get moving and enjoy our beautiful waterfront this summer? Stop by one of the three City-licensed facilities located in our ward. 

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About Brad Bradford - - -

Brad Bradford
Toronto City Councillor for Ward 19 Beaches – East York.