May 27, 2022 – eNewsletter

ByBrad Bradford

Hi Neighbour,

I hope you were able to find some time to spend with family and loved ones during the Victoria Day Long Weekend.

Thousands of people visited the Beach over the long weekend – enjoying picnics, family celebrations, or a stroll with an ice cream on the boardwalk – just as we always have across the warmer months. But on Sunday night, the dangerous behaviour of some prevented the community and many visitors from enjoying their time out in this special corner of the city.

Over the past months, we’ve been working hard together to put plans in place to respond to the challenges that come with having one of Ontario’s best beaches – a place that attracts people from across the city and abroad. We’ve been bringing in additional resources for maintenance, litter and waste disposal, grooming and upkeep of the beach, and strategies to address the parking and local traffic. We’ve seen improvements on a number of these files. We’d also asked for the appropriate safety and enforcement measures to be in place for the long weekend. But what we saw on Sunday quickly turned the southernmost area of our Ward into a case study for what happens when social media intentionally spurs destruction from off of the screen and into our communities. The scenes we witnessed from a relatively small group of bad actors weren’t just reckless, they were incredibly dangerous – and are now being pursued with the laws we have in place to address these types of criminal offences.

Most nearby residents are familiar with the minor headaches that come with being neighbour to a busy summer destination, and welcome visitors to share in the joys of Woodbine Beach. The reports I heard first hand out on your porches and doorsteps, as well as by email, phone, and messages made it clear this disruptive night, organized and spurred on online, far exceeded typical long weekend fun. The behaviour caused harm to those conducting it, to residents living nearby, and to those out on the ground attempting to keep the neighbourhood clean and safe for everyone. Using fireworks as weapons is never ok, and it has to stop. We’re going to continue to be a welcoming community, because that’s what we do in #BEY, but we’ll continue to ask the same of those joining us. It’s safety and respect that allows us all to enjoy the benefits of an excellent beach and waterfront close to transit and amenities.

In contrast to Sunday night, the organization and execution of Monday’s fireworks event largely kept the area enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. As we celebrated the return of the City’s Official Fireworks after two years away, it’s clear the planning and allocation of resources for long weekend and large events makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who reached out, checked in with neighbours, and took the time to speak with me out in the neighbourhood on the weekend. Safety – for residents and visitors – remains our number one priority for all large City events. 

As we head into the weekend once again, our bustling Local Events section below makes it clear our Ward is in the full swing of enjoying time together once again. Grab your calendar as you check out the fun events happening in our Ward over the next four weeks. I’m eager to get out and enjoy them with you all. 

It’s been a busy week over at City Hall too – I brought more road safety measures forward at Community Council (they were adopted!), we saw more progress at Toronto Parking Authority Board on bringing in more EV charging, and enjoyed our annual Newcomer’s Day out on the square.

#BEY is heading closer to the busy summer season with each passing week, so keep an eye on my Instagram and Twitter to learn more about what is happening near you! I look forward to seeing you all out and about in beautiful Beaches-East York.

 – Brad

In This Issue

Updates & Announcements from City Hall

Local Events

  • Walk and Roll – May 28 🆕
  • East End Skate Park Clean Up – May 28 🆕
  • Walk for Alzheimer’s – May 28  🆕
  • Depave Paradise – May 28 🆕
  • Slobberfest – May 28
  • East End Eats – June 2 
  • Love Sick – June 2, 3 & 4  
  • We Play for Ukraine – June 3 🆕
  • Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club & Croquet Open House – June 4 & 14 
  • Danforth East Community Association Garage Sale – June 11 
  • Seniors Spring Fling – June 15 🆕
  • Shepard’s Pie Lunch & Toronto History Presentation – June 28 🆕
  • Q107 Canada Day Picnic – July 1 🆕

Community Programs & Employment

  • My Smart Commute Campaign 🆕
  • Hijabs and Helmets 🆕
  • De-escalation training available for street-front retailers 
  • Access Alliance: Hiring Community Program Workers 
  • TRCA is hiring Lifeguards & Camp Councillors! 
  • Volunteer with Garden @ Kimbourne 
  • Free Traditional Cooking Skills Sessions 
  • Registration for CampTO still open 
  • Basement Flooding Prevention Campaign 
  • Plant a Tree with LEAF 
  • Community Centre 55 Schedule 
  • Toronto Small Business Supports 
  • Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 
  • Neighborhood Watch Safety Program 

Neighbourhood News

  • Affordable Housing Access & Social Housing Prioritization Survey 🆕
  • Survey: City of Toronto naming public spaces 
  • Destination Danforth Business Loading & Parking Survey 
  • 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 
  • Toronto Nature Stewards: Call for Volunteers 
  • Did You Know: Streetlight reporting
  • Not Down The Drain! 
  • Sustainable Takeout Containers Survey  
  • Community Coyote Safety Information 

Work in the Ward

  • Sewer Main Relining Upgrades at Various Locations 
  • Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Kingston – Waverley 
  • Destination Danforth Extension Notice 
  • Watermain Replacement and Road Resurfacing on Denvale Road 
  • Toronto Hydro overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 20 Bracebridge Avenue  
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead Civil & Electrical Work; Project 12-20 Dawes 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

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!

🚴 DVP & Gardiner Closure June 5 🚧 

There will be a full road closure of a portion of the Gardiner and the Don Valley Parkway (Humber River to York Mills Road) on June 5 to accommodate the Bike for Brain Health in support of Baycrest. Cyclists will be raising money and cycling the DVP in support of Alzheimer’s research.   

The closures will begin on June 5 at 2am and will end on June 5 at 2pm. 

Route map can be found here.

Updates & Announcements from City Hall 

Road Safety Measures Approved 🆕

With road safety as one of my top priorities, I am please that 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 

CafeTO is up and running! 🆕

CafeTO is back for another summer! Don’t forget to stop by your favourite restaurants to show your love, or try something new this season. Check out the Beach BIA’s latest patio map below to see which incredible restaurants are participating this year, and plan your next culinary experience! 

Toronto drops COVID-19 Emergency Declaration 

On May 9, 2022, Mayor John Tory issued an official declaration terminating the municipal emergency first declared on March 23, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While, COVID-19 remains a serious concern requiring ongoing efforts and vigilance, the City’s efforts in fighting COVID-19 have placed Toronto in a position where the emergency declared in response to the pandemic can be terminated. The City has been working over the past several months to ensure staff redeployed due to the emergency declaration could return to their pre-pandemic positions without disrupting ongoing service delivery.

This declaration, which was in place for 777 days, was the first official emergency declaration in the history of the modern city of Toronto. 

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.

Council approves Toronto Music Strategy 

The Toronto Music Advisory Committee has been leading the way on the development of Toronto’s new Music Strategy – the first comprehensive refresh our city has seen since 2016. The month of April saw big steps forward for music in Toronto – with City Council approving the new strategy. We’re moving ahead on the framework that will drive investment and recovery of the music sector for years to come. 

D.I.Y. music and performance venue approved by Council 

On Thursday April 7, City Council approved the proposal for the plan to turn a city-owned building on Queen West into a new, multi-purpose rehearsal and venue space, operated and led by community arts organization and not-for-profit called It’s OK*. 

This project will convert an existing two-story, city-owned building in Toronto into a one-of-a-kind DIY and rehearsal space for new and emerging artists – with a particular emphasis on opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and racialized artists who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The site is a former retail store, which was acquired by the City of Toronto along with the parking lot to the north, as part of a larger project to build new affordable housing, cultural space, and parkland in the area in the years ahead.

City of Toronto Archives open TTC 100 years of Moving Toronto exhibit 

The Toronto Archives opened the TTC 100 Years of Moving Toronto exhibit 

The exhibit explores the history of the TTC including the consolidation of the transit system, growth in the 1920s, fare media, the development of subway lines, female TTC workers during the Second World War, as well as diversity and accessibility at the TTC. The exhibit also features Irma James, the first Black female Streetcar driver, and Lyn Morgan, the first female Lead Hand. Innovations from the 21st century such as low-floor streetcars, electric buses and green roofs at TTC facilities will be showcased as well.

The exhibit is free to attend and will be open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available on the City’s website.

Upcoming vaccine clinics 🆕

Following the recent provincial announcement, 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.

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.

Local Events

Walk N’ Roll 🆕

Join the East End Children’s Centre tomorrow, Saturday May 28th at 11 am for Walk ‘N Roll. Come out for a short walk around the neighbourhood – or bring your wheels (strollers, scooters, bikes or wheelchairs) and roll along with us to raise money to support free programming for children ages 0-6 years and their caregivers. 

Click here to learn more and donate to the cause! 

East York Skate Park Clean-up & BBQ 🆕

Join the East York Skate Park team this Saturday May 28 for their 15th annual skate park cleanup! Taking place from noon to 5pm, stop by Stan Wadlow Park to help clean up the skatepark, re-paint & freshen up the murals and enjoy a free BBQ.

Walk for Alzheimer’s 🆕

Depave Paradise 🆕

Old School Genernal Store, located at 250 Westlake Avenue is hosting a series of “Depave Paradise” events, the first of which is taking place tomorrow, Saturday May 28th.  Tomorrow, OSGS and neighbours will be digging up the asphalt on the south side of the building where the mural is and putting in a full garden. The community is invited to help remove the unused pavement and plant with perennials, shrubs and trees. There are two working days you can get involved with: 

  • On Saturday, May 28th, 2022 from 10 AM – 4 PM we’ll be doing the depaving part – cutting and digging up the asphalt beside the store on the Lumsden Ave.
  • On Saturday, June 11th, 2022 from 10 AM – 4 PM they’ll be doing the garden building and planting part.

Depave Paradise is a program that addresses the proliferation of hard spaces that contribute significantly to urban flooding. Based on a sister program in Oregon, Depave stages community events to remove unused pavement and plant with perennials, shrubs and trees that absorb stormwater, increase habitat, sequester carbon, improve air quality and reduce heat island effects.  

Here is the link to the Depaving Event on May 28th

Here is the link to the Planting Event on June 11th

Curious about the other ways you can support this community garden project? Send us a message and we’ll let you know! 

Celebration of Platinum Jubilee of H M Queen Elizabeth II 🆕

Bangladesh Centre and Community Services invites you to join the celebration of the Platinum jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on May 28th and 29th at 4 p.m.

This year marks a historic occasion to celebrate and pay tribute to Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign and the first to celebrate a platinum jubilee. As part of the celebration, Photo Exhibition will be held at the BCCS hallo room to showcase the life history and memorable events of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

Slobberfest 

Community Centre 55 is thrilled to be able to host the beloved Slobberfest event once again after a two year hiatus. CC55 is in full planning mode and look forward to making this year’s event bigger and better!

The event will be held on Saturday, May 28th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. down at the Leuty Pavilion in the Beaches. They hope to get more people out this year, have more vendors and try some new canine competitions!

Check out the flyer below to learn more about the event and how you can get involved! 

For more information on the event contact jade Maitland @ 416-691-1113 ext. 224 or by email at [email protected] 

East End Eats 

East End Eats invites guests to explore the vibrant neighbourhood of Queen and Broadview in Toronto’s east end, sampling delicious food and beverage pairings at participating businesses.

On the evening of Thursday, June 2, follow the tour route with a group of like-minded philanthropic young professionals, then gather at the historic Broadview Hotel for an after-party. Over 150 guests will participate in this inaugural Impact Council event, raising funds for Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) while celebrating some of the incredible businesses in our East Toronto community.

Learn more about the evening and purchase tickets here. 

Lovesick 

Lovesick is presented in collaboration with Bard in the Park Toronto, and will be performed in Norwood Park June 2 – 3, and Kew Gardens Park June 13 – 19. 

For more information to to purchase tickets, click here.

We Play for Ukraine 🆕

Concert featuring Handel, Vivaldi, and music of the Baroque period, played by the Prater Ensemble String Quartet with special guests Mira Solovianenko, Soprano, and 8-year-old piano performer Mikaela Detko.

We feel compelled to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by holding this fundraising concert. All donations and profit from ticket sales will go directly to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which has years of experience providing charitable aid in Canada and Ukraine.

Purchase tickets here. 

Kew Beaches Lawn Bowling & Croquet Club Open House 

Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club & Croquet is holding an open house on Saturday June 4th 10am – 4pm and Tuesday June 14th 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Located at the foot of Lee Avenue, right by the lake, the KBLB club is open to new members and has reasonable annual fees that allow everyone to join the sport at the social or competition level that suits them. Equipment is provided so all you need to bring is running shoes! 

For more information visit their Facebook Page or email them at [email protected].

Danforth East Community Association Garage Sale 

DECA’s annual neighbourhood wide yard sale is back! Put your yard sale on the big map and help people find you. Our local retailers will be joining in the fun with a sidewalk sale along Danforth East hosted by the Danforth Mosaic BIA. Visit DECA.to/yardsale for more info and to put your sale on the map. 

Seniors Spring Fling 🆕

Shepard’s Pie Lunch & Toronto History Presentation 🆕

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

Community Programs

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

Hijabs and Helmets 🆕

Hijabs and Helmets is back with a series of exciting workshops. 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.

Hijabs and Helmets is offering exclusives Learn-to-Ride Workshop on June 2nd & 9th from 5 pm- 7 pm. Meeting at Access Point on Danforth (3079 Danforth Avenue).

Access Alliance will provide 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.

Access Alliance: Hiring Community Program Workers 

Active Alliance is hiring 13 Community Program Workers. 

Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services is a Community Health Centre that aims to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable immigrants, refugees, and their communities. They do this by facilitating access to services and addressing systemic inequities. The Centre envisions a future in which diverse individuals, families and communities can achieve health with dignity.

To learn more about the postings & submit your application, click here. Deadline for application is May 18! 

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.

Basement Flooding Prevention Campaign 

Basements can flood for many reasons. While the City of Toronto is working to improve its complex system of underground pipes, sewers and catch basins, these improvements alone cannot completely protect a home from basement flooding. During heavy rain, the sewers can become overloaded and it’s important for homeowners to take steps to help protect their homes from basement flooding.

For basement flooding prevention tips, City subsidies and related programs and services from the City of Toronto, please visit toronto.ca/basementflooding. 

Plant a Tree with LEAF 

Planting a new tree can provide shade, enhance local biodiversity, improve air quality and even alleviate stress! Take advantage of the Backyard Tree Planting Program from non-profit LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests). LEAF offers over 50 native tree and shrub species for residential, multi-unit and commercial properties.

Choose from Full-Service or Do-It-Yourself options and receive a consultation with a certified arborist to find the right tree for your space, as well as tree care instructions. Learn more and apply at: www.yourleaf.org.

Community Centre 55 Spring Program Schedule

With the arrival of spring, Community Centre 55 has updated their program schedule for seniors! Check out the fun things planned for each day of the week. Contact information is on the schedule sheet if you have any questions or would like more information on specific programs.

Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 

Spring is almost here and that means it is time for Spring Cleaning! We have workers available to assist seniors, and those living with disabilities, in your constituency with things like yard cleanup, grass cutting, garden prep, leaf raking, and other general outdoor cleanup tasks.

Neighbourhood Watch Program 

Neighbourhood News

Affordable Housing Access & Social Housing 🆕

The City of Toronto’s Housing Secretariat is conducting engagement aroundaffordable housing access & prioritizationandsocial housing prioritization. This survey will be used to help the City understand where there are gaps in our housing access and priorities, so we can make improvements. Results will also inform a staff report to Council on an allocation methodology for affordable housing units and a review of the priority groups for social housing.

The City wants to hear from stakeholders, including rent-geared-to-income housing (RGI) and affordable housing applicants or random draw participants themselves, non-profit housing providers, community organizations, the development industry, sector groups, subject matter experts and the general public. 

Click here to complete the survey.

Survey: City of Toronto naming public spaces 

The City of Toronto is currently developing a new framework to guide how it commemorates public figures and events in monuments, streets and place names, and Torontonians are being asked to provide their feedback. The framework will help to develop a more equitable, inclusive and community-centred approach to naming and commemoration.

A survey is now live on the City’s website where people can provide input on how the City should name streets, parks and buildings in the future. The online survey is open until Sunday, May 29: www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/community/recognition-review/.

Destination Danforth Business Loading & Parking Survey 

The City of Toronto is inviting business owners and operators to provide input on their loading and delivery needs along Danforth Avenue from Dawes Road to Victoria Park Avenue.

Your input will help inform the design process of the future project to complete the Destination Danforth to Victoria Park Avenue. 

This survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete.

Public and stakeholder opinions, along with technical and policy considerations will be used to inform City staff recommendations.

Click here to complete the survey.

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. 

Did You Know: Streetlight Reporting 

Did you know that you can report streetlight issues online through Toronto Hydro’s new interactive map?

Use the Streetlight Map to locate the streetlight and report outages / issues directly to Toronto Hydro! This is the quickest and most effective way to ensure streetlights are tended to when needed. 

Click here to view the interactive map and report streetlight issues! 

Not Down The Drain! 

Not Down the Drain: Putting the wrong things in your pipes like grease, wipes & dental floss, can cause basement flooding, pollute our streams, rivers & the Lake, as well as clog City pipes. Find out more at toronto.ca/notdownthedrain.

Sustainable Takeout Containers Survey 

The Beach BIA wants to hear from you!

Are you a Beacher? Do you order takeout? Answer this 2-minute survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card to any Beach restaurant of your choice.

The BIA is working on understanding perceptions of Beach residents around restaurants and bars using Sustainable Takeout Containers as opposed to single-use plastic. As part of this, we have launched the Sustainable Takeout Containers Survey. Applicable restaurants include any food service available for dine-in or take-out along Queen Street East from Coxwell Avenue to Neville Park Boulevard.
Click here to complete the survey!

Community Coyote Safety 

The City has has developed a Coyote Response Strategy to ensure both animals and people remain safe in our neighbourhoods. The strategy helps provide public education to our communities, including the City’s E-Learning Module which has a lot of tips on co-existing with coyotes. For more information, read through the educational pamphlet below. 

Work in the Ward

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 

Destination Danforth Extension Notice 

Watermain Replacement and Road Resurfacing on Denvale Road 

Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 20 Bracebridge Avenue 

Toronto Hydro Overhead Civil & Electrical Work; Project 12-20 Dawes 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 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.

Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work

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About Brad Bradford - - -

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