Hi Neighbour,
It’s officially spring! While there is still some snow on the ground, I hope the warmer weather we’ve been having is lifting your spirits. I know my family and I can’t wait to spend more time outside as we enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer during these bright spring days. I wish a very happy Nowruz to those who celebrated with family and friends earlier this week, and I stand with you in solidarity with the brave people of Iran – especially the women leading the movement. The holy month of Ramadan also began this week. To all those who observe, I wish you and your families a blessed month of peace, love, and prosperity.
The past couple of weeks have been full of highlights across the city but also right here in Beaches-East York. We got to celebrate the outstanding Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova who is this year’s worthy recipient of the City’s Agnes Macphail Award for her leadership of the Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network. We also saw the city come together in full force to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! I loved seeing everyone’s smiling faces as families and friends lined the streets to take in the energy of the day.
As Chair of Toronto’s Planning and Housing Committee, I have been meeting with hard-working city staff in each of the city’s four planning districts as part of the Housing Action Plan District Tour. This past week brought us to our final stop in North York where we discussed the vital need for more housing for all who call Toronto home, now and in the future.
I also had the privilege of once again joining the committed volunteers at the Out of the Cold program at St. Aidan’s Church to support our food insecure neighbours. With my team, we prepared dinner and enjoyed an evening of conversation and connection. After several years of the sit-down meal program being paused, it was wonderful to support this important community work.
Looking ahead, we’ve got so many wonderful events happening right here in Beaches-East York. From the Greek parade on the Danforth this weekend to the annual Spring Sprint on April 1st and the Beaches Easter Parade there’s lots to look forward to. Stay in the loop by following me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to get the latest updates from City Hall and on events and programs in Beaches-East York. Check out below to learn about what we’re working on at City Hall, and what’s going on across the Ward.
Whatever you are up to this weekend, I hope you find some time to rest and recharge! See you out in the community.
Sincerely,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- Executive Committee Update: Housing Action Plan 🆕
- Housing Action Plan District Tour 🆕
- Celebrating International Women’s Day
- CafeTO Program Changes
- Toronto Small Business Grant Programs
- Vaccine & Health Updates
- Annual Beaches Spring Sprint – April 1 🆕
- Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church – April 1🆕
- Beaches Easter Weekend! – April 7-9🆕
- Beaches Easter Parade – April 9
- CC55 Goes to Stratford – April 17 🆕
- Park People Conference – registration now open – June 21-23 🆕
- Sustainable Living Movie Night
- Words & Music – Joni Mitchell Lecture Series – April 17
- Bowmore Road Jr. & Sr. Public School Centennial Celebration – June 10
Community Programs & Employment
- InTO the Ravines Micro-Grants
- Sparking Change Toronto Micro-Grants
- Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership applications
- Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
- Become an Enviroleader!
- Indigenous Community and Newcomers Grow Together
- Free Pre- Apprenticeship Programs – Centennial College
- Canadian Youth Climate Action Award
- East End Writers Group
- TD Park People Grant
- Centre 55 Summer Camp is Hiring!🆕
- East End Arts Survey!🆕
- New Pedestrian Crossover at Queen St E and Victoria Park Avenue
- Coal Mine Theatre Reopening!
- Mission Green Toronto: Free Trees
- Winter Stations Art Installations are here!
- Free Trees & Shrubs for TCHC Communities
- Winter Coyote Sightings
- Taylor Creek Trail: Construction Complete
- Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Toronto Hydro Underground Civil Upgrade; Project Woodbine – Danforth Roof Rebuild
- Sanitary Trunk Sewer Protection work in Taylor Massey Creek, East of Dawes Road
- Lakeshore Blvd East Construction Update
- Sewer Upgrades – Various Locations
- Watermain Replacement on O’Connor Drive from Northline Road to Sunrise Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Yardley – O’Connor
- O’Connor Drive Improvements
- Intersection Improvement Works at Coxwell Avenue and Dundas Street East
- Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
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
Executive Committee Update: Housing Action Plan🆕
On Tuesday, members of the Executive Committee met at City Hall. First up was a report on the Housing Action Plan outlining all the important work already underway to unlock new housing opportunities in the neighbourhoods where people want to live.
This includes the launch of the City’s new Housing Data Hub, an exciting new public resource that will keep us accountable to the goals that we’ve set for ourselves as a City, and ensure that we are delivering real results for Torontonians.
With the goal of creating new housing opportunities, I also moved a successful motion directing the Toronto Parking Authority to continue to work together with City Staff to identify surplus city-owned lands that can be used to build new housing, with an emphasis on new affordable housing. It’s about making sure we are finding the most efficient use for every square inch of city-owned land that we have here in Toronto to respond to the housing crisis.
Housing Action Plan District Tour 🆕
This week included Stops 3, 4 and 5 of the Housing Action Plan District Tour down at Metro Hall, City Hall and North York Civic Centre 💪
Over the past month our Chief Planner – Gregg Lintern – and myself have spoken directly with City Planning Staff in Scarborough, Etobicoke, North York, and Downtown Toronto. It’s the first time since amalgamation that the Chair of Toronto’s Planning and Housing Committee has visited each of the districts, but at no time since amalgamation have we found ourselves at such a pivotal moment.
As we continue to move forward with the Housing Action Plan, I wanted to hear directly from civil servants across Toronto and let them know that I stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they bring forward this important work. The changes that we make in the weeks and months ahead are key to unlocking more home for more people in all neighbourhoods across Toronto. It’s how we’re going to keep Toronto affordable for the generations to come. If you want to call Toronto home, we want to have you. That journey starts with a lock and a key – a place to call home.
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023
From City Hall to BEY, Wednesday was packed with celebrations for International Women’s Day 🙏
On IWD and always, I celebrate the wonderful, strong, and inspiring women in my life. I’m incredibly fortunate to learn from and growth with them.
CafeTO Program Changes
Starting this week, local restaurant and bar owners and operators interested in expanding outdoor dining space into curb lanes and sidewalks through the City of Toronto’s CaféTO program can apply for permits online at www.toronto.ca/CafeTO. Operators interested in the program can review the comprehensive CaféTO Guidebook and apply for permits until March 28.
Toronto Small Business Grant Programs
This winter, the City and funding partners are making more than $5.4 million in funding available to help eligible local small businesses. New streams of applications are now open for the Main Street Innovation Fund and Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program. The newly launched Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Grant Program is also now open to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), non-profit organizations and charities. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/BusinessSupport.
Vaccine & Health Updates
ETHP’s Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic (Now Open to Adults)
Our Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic in Thorncliffe Park now serves children, youth and adults.
The clinic provides care for everyone aged three months and older who is experiencing cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat, when their family doctor or other primary care provider is not available.
More information about ETHP’s Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic, including hours and how to book an appointment, is available at tehn.ca/ColdFluClinic. You can also download a flyer to help promote the clinic in your community.
Pharmacies can now prescribe for 13 common minor health concerns
The Government of Ontario announced pharmacists across the province are now able to prescribe medication for some of the most common minor health concerns. These include hay fever, oral thrush, pink eye, dermatitis, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, cold sores, impetigo, insect bites and hives, tick bites, sprains and strains, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
In addition, pharmacists continue to have the ability to prescribe the antiviral Paxlovid pill for people who are at higher risk of being hospitalized from COVID-19. These services are available at no extra cost to Ontarians at their local pharmacy.
We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and loved ones so we can raise awareness of this easier, faster and more convenient way for people to access healthcare in East Toronto.
Health Access Taylor-Massey (HATM) Now Open in Crescent Town!
Health Access Taylor-Massey (HATM), a new healthcare, community and social services centre, is now open in Crescent Town! It offers connections to services and resources, including COVID-19 supports, to people who live in the Taylor-Massey neighbourhood and surrounding areas.
The goal is to improve the health and well-being of local residents by making it easier for people to find the care they need in one place that is close to home. The diverse team of healthcare providers includes family doctors, nurses, mental health counsellors, a resource navigator and others.
Vaccine Appointments
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
Beaches Spring Sprint 🆕
The Annual Beaches Spring Sprint hosted by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council returns on Saturday April 1, 2023. With support from the City of Toronto, Parks and Recreation, the Sprint has previously raised over $5,000 to support community programs and activities at the Beaches Recreation Centre (BRC). Spring Sprint allows the BRC Advisory Council to help those in need by providing additional funding for program supplies and activities for hundreds of kids, seniors, and neighbours in our community. Details below to register!
Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church🆕
Join the Tom Reynolds Trio for an afternoon of jazz in their warm and inviting Main Hall on April 1 at 4:30pm at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. More info here: beachunitedchurch.com
Beaches Easter Weekend!🆕
Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt April 7th 10:00am-3:00pm
Help save the Easter Bunny’s Eggs! Join for a walking tour and a day of deciphering clues at dozens of locations around the Beaches. The total route is approximately 6km long and takes approximately 2.5hrs to complete walking. The route can be walked, biked or driven. Teams can be as big or as small as you like!
Fees are $25 + HST and processing fees per Team/Family
Beaches Easter Parade
Join us for this year’s 57th Beaches Easter Parade on Sunday, April 9, 2023 as we bring Queen St. E to life with colour, music, family fun and entertainment. This year is sure to be the biggest and best one yet!
Registration is now open! Please follow the link to register: https://www.beacheseasterparade.ca/registration
Registration ends March 31st. We look forward to having you participate once again in this year’s 57th Annual Beaches Easter Parade!
CC55 Goes to Stratford🆕
Join CC55 for a delicious lunch at the Parlour Inn and a performance of the musical RENT at the Stratford Festival. See below for details!
Park People’s Conference – Early Bird Registration 🆕
Park People’s Conference on Hope in Action: Park Solutions for Thriving Cities, happening in Toronto on June 21-23, is bringing together Canada’s community park group leaders, non-profit organizations, government staff and park professionals.
Don’t miss it! Register by April 2 to save with early bird pricing: ow.ly/skWj50MONfO
Sustainable Living Movie Night
You are invited to join us for biweekly screenings of environmental films from around the world. Meal and refreshments provided! After the screenings there will be an opportunity to share thoughts on the films and discuss ways the ideas presented can be applied, if at all. An inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
When: Biweekly Thursdays: April 6th, April 20th, May 4th and May 18th. 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: 3079 Danforth Avenue
How: Register HERE
Words & Music – Joni Mitchell Lecture Series with Dr. Mike Daley
Beach United Church presents Dr. Mike Daley, musicologist and storyteller, with a lecture series exploring the iconic Joni Mitchell. $120 for all six lectures / $30 for one lecture
April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 & 29. Click the link below to get your tickets!
Bowmore Road Jr. & Sr. Public School Centennial Celebration
Save the date! Bowmore Road Jr. and Sr. Public School is having their Centennial celebration on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 from 12:00 – 4:00pm.
Community Programs & Employment
InTO the Ravines’ Grants Open
In Partnership with the City of Toronto, Park People works with grantees to mobilize, activate and explore Toronto’s ravines. Park People and our many ravine park groups also take part in the City of Toronto’s Ravine Days. In 2023, InTO the Ravines’ $2,500 grants will help communities host two simple, creative and engaging environmentally-focused events in their local Toronto ravine from June 1 to November 1, 2023. The application deadline for the InTO the Ravines Grants is Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Park People’s Sparking Change Program
The Sparking Change program engages hundreds of park leaders in Toronto’s equity-deserving communities. In 2022, Sparking Change awarded 20 grants to BIPOC-led park initiatives in the City of Toronto including 14 groups that led events in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. In 2023, Sparking Change Toronto’s $2,500 grants will help active BIPOC-led resident groups and equity-deserving communities host an outdoor activity in their local park or green space before November 30, 2023. The Sparking Change Toronto Grants application deadline is Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership applications
The Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership is now accepting applications! The award is open to young Toronto women, between the ages of 16 and 29, who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a commitment to social justice and inspire other young women. Applications are due by 11:45pm on April 3, 2023.
Please visit Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership – City of Toronto for more details and to access the application form.
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
United We Grow is once again running their Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, which offers free income tax report filing for individuals with modest income with a simple tax situation. Please visit this link for more information.
Become an Enviroleader!
In 2023 become an Enviroleader! 🐞🦋🐛🌳🌻🌻
Enviroleaders is an environmental leadership program for those who want to become workshop facilitators, specifically oriented around organic gardening, and environmental consciousness building. Earn a certificate in workshop facilitation and be compensated for your workshops!
When: Tuesdays April 4th to May 9th, 2023. 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: 3079 Danforth Avenue (Victoria Park and Danforth)
How: Register HERE
Indigenous Community and Newcomers Grow Together
This Spring and Summer Join us as we: Grow Together! 🌻🌻🌻 This 12 week gardening program brings together Indigenous ways of growing and newcomer perspectives and methods. This program is facilitated by Isaac Crosby (Brother Nature) an Indigenous land worker with decades of experience in growing and a generations long legacy of land work.
When: Fridays April 14 – June 23, 2023. 9:30 -11:30 am
Where: 3079 Danforth Avenue
How: Register HERE
Free Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Please see below for tuition-free programs, and a $10,000 tuition fee and relocation reimbursement opportunity available at the School of Transportation, Centennial College.
Automotive Service Technician Program
Centennial College’s Pre-Apprenticeship program is your first step to an in-demand career as Automotive Service Technician and Truck and Coach Technician. Funded by the Government of Ontario, this program was created to be a transitional step towards finding an apprenticeship.
Start Date: April 3, 2023.
Program Highlights
- No tuition fees are required to take this program.
- Basic tools and textbooks are provided for you.
- It’s a condensed program, which can be completed in 33 weeks.
- A 12-week paid work placement is included as part of the program.
Airframe Assembly program
In the Airframe Assembly program, you’ll obtain the knowledge and skills to perform complex airframe assembly, as required by the aviation manufacturing industry.
Program Highlights
- Jobs are available for Centennial Airframe Assembly graduates! Apply Now!
- Get an exciting job at Bombardier in Montreal via Centennial’s Airframe Assembly program
- Bombardier will provide $10,000 in tuition reimbursement and relocation costs to eligible graduates receiving 85% or higher grades, and are willing to relocate to Montreal.
Program Start Date: February 6th, 2023
Canadian Youth Climate Action Award
Pivot Green has opened up applications for the Canadian Youth Climate Action Award, in partnership with Small Change Fund. More information and the application form may be found on our website http://pivotgreen.ca/award. Applications will be accepted up to March 25, 2023.
East End Writers Group
Join the East End Writers Group: a writing critique group for new and published writers. Meeting in the S. Walter Stewart library, join on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Next meeting is April 26th. Check out the flyer below to learn more!
Centre 55 Summer Camp is Hiring!🆕
Centre 55 is currently hiring staff for their Summer Camp! Check out their Website https://www.centre55.com/ and email your resume to [email protected] by April 7th.
East End Arts Survey!🆕
Spread the news! East End Arts turns ten this year, and they have just launched their fifth annual Arts Survey. Now they need your help! Open until March 31st, 2023, fill out the 2023 EEA Arts Survey to tell them what types of programs and services you would like to see, and how they can better serve East Toronto through the arts for the next ten years! P.S. For those who complete the survey, you will have the chance to win one of two $100 gift cards! The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and thank you for helping to shape the arts in the east end!
Learn more: https://eastendarts.ca/eea-2023-arts-survey/
Neighbourhood News
New Pedestrian Crossover at Queen St E and Victoria Park Avenue
Last May, Councillor Crawford and I began the process of requesting a crosswalk for the intersection of Queen St E and Victoria Park. We are pleased to announce that the installation is complete. Thanks to all the neighbours that advocated for this important neighbourhood safety improvement.
Coal Mine Theatre Reopening!
Following a devastating fire in September of last year, the local home of the arts, Coal Mine Theatre has rebuilt and reopened at their new home: 2076 Danforth Avenue. Located at the Northwest corner, just steps from Woodbine Station, make sure to stop by and discover the new space. Check out upcoming performances and learn more about their transformation here.
Mission Green Toronto: Free Trees
Are you interested in beautifying your neighbourhood with trees?
Mission Green Toronto is supplying free native shade and fruit trees to residential homeowners and private landowners in your neighbourhood. The group will host informational webinars in March for interested residents, help landowners select a suitable species for their land, and finally help deliver and plant the trees.
This is a wonderful opportunity to green your neighbourhood and enjoy the ecosystem services that the growing trees will provide in the future, which include temperature regulation and increased biodiversity.
If you have any questions or are interested in getting a tree for your land, please email the team at [email protected]!
Winter Station Installations have arrived!
The annual beaches tradition of the Winter Stations art installations is back for the 2023 season! The display officially opened on Family Day Weekend at Woodbine Beach. Visit the Winter Stations website to check out the incredible design winners of this year’s competition and see them in person until April 2!
Free native trees and shrubs for TCHC Communities
Are you a TCHC tenant looking to green your community with beautiful trees and shrubs? The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative may be for you! This tenant-driven project focuses on connecting tenants with free native trees and shrubs and support from LEAF throughout each part of the program, from species selection to planting and care. Free training and care resources are also provided to ensure you are confident in caring for your trees and shrubs. If this sounds like a good fit for your community, request your trees and shrubs today!
The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative is funded in part by a City of Toronto Urban Forestry Grant
Link: https://www.yourleaf.org/tch-green
Winter Coyote Sightings
Seeing more coyotes in your neighbourhood? Coyote mating season falls during January and February which can lead to coyotes being more active and visible. It’s quite normal to see or encounter more coyotes in parks and green spaces across Toronto as they begin their search for a possible mate. They are typically shy and timid in nature and generally do not pose a danger to people, however they have been known to pose a danger for small pets. Here are a few ways to help keep you and your pets safe:
• Always keep your dog close to you and on a leash, especially in areas where coyotes are known to live.
• Never feed coyotes and do not leave food, including pet food, outside.
• Properly dispose of garbage and waste at home and at parks.
• When encountering a coyote, do not run; instead make a loud noise to scare the coyote away.
• Do not approach coyotes, their dens or their young.
• Do not touch coyotes, even if they appear tame, sick or injured.
Most interactions people have with coyotes are a result of a regular food source, caused by people either intentionally or unintentionally leaving food or garbage behind. Feeding wildlife may seem like the kind thing to do, but it can be very harmful. Letting wildlife forage for themselves is truly the only kindness they need.
The City of Toronto in partnership with Coyote Watch Canada has created an e-learning module that provides a lot of great information about coyote behavior and ways that we can co-exist peacefully with our wild neighbours safely. To learn more, visit toronto.ca/Coyotes.
Taylor Creek Trail: Construction Complete!
City staff have confirmed that the Taylor Creek Trail repaving project is officially complete. If you’re out for in the area, make sure to stop by and walk the trail.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Did you know you can avoid frozen pipes with these helpful home tips? See tips & learn more at toronto.ca/frozenpipes:
- Apply foam coverings around indoor water pipes
- Apply weather strips around doors & windows to keep cold air out
- Locate and label your main indoor water shut-off valve, in case your pipes burst and you need
to turn it off - When it is -15C or colder for a few days, you can run a thin stream of cold water from an
indoor faucet to keep movement in pipes - Keep your house warm, even when you are away
Work in the Ward
Toronto Hydro Underground Civil Upgrade; Project Woodbine – Danforth Roof Rebuild
Sanitary Trunk Sewer Protection work in Taylor Massey Creek, East of Dawes Road
Lakeshore Blvd East Construction Information
Interested in following the progress of the Lakeshore Blvd East construction? Latest construction updates on the City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto construction of Lake Shore Boulevard East project, including maps, are available at www.PortLandsTO.ca/Construction.
Folks who would like to sign up for newsletters and digital notices related to the work are encouraged to email [email protected].
Information about the City’s planned capital construction work is available at toronto.ca/inview.
Information on the Lake Shore East Construction Hub available here.
Sewer Upgrades – Various Locations
Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Yardley – O’Connor
O’Connor Drive Improvements
Intersection Improvement Works at Coxwell Avenue and Dundas Street East
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade, Project Danforth
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 - - -
