E-News: June 14, 2025

ByBrad Bradford

Hi Friend,

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the privilege of joining neighbours at events that highlight the best of our community: our spirit, resilience, and deep commitment to one another.

We kicked off this week with the Beach BIA Mixer, connecting with local business owners who help keep the Beach buzzing. From retail to restaurants, their hard work and creativity are what make our main streets thrive.

On Saturday, I joined veterans, families, and community members to mark the anniversary of D-Day. It was a solemn and meaningful tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. 

Last week, we recognized the incredible legacy of Alison McMurray, a founding force behind the East Lynn Foundation and DECA. Her decades of community building have left a lasting impact, and it was an honour to unveil “Alison McMurray Lane” in her name.

Exciting news! I joined neighbours and friends for the Dawes Road Library Open House. Construction on the new library and community hub is just around the corner. I’m proud to have worked alongside Toronto Public Library to secure full reinvestment in this space. I’m excited that this new project will be a game changer for the Woodbine Gardens and Crescent Town communities.

And to wrap up May, Briar, Bronwyn and I enjoyed the sunshine and good vibes at Centre 55’s Spring Festival. With food, games, music, and neighbours catching up, it was everything a great local event should be.

June is a month of celebration, reflection, and recognition. We began with the Pride Flag raising at City Hall — a powerful reminder of progress and ongoing work. I was proud to celebrate Filipino Heritage Month and Philippines Independence Day at the Beaches Sandbox, and to join in marking Italian and Portuguese Heritage Months. June is also National Indigenous History Month, with June 21 highlighting National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. I look forward to more moments of connection ahead.

These last couple of weeks have reminded me that strong communities are not built by accident. They are built by people who care, show up, and continue to give back.

As always, let me know how my team and I can help you.  

I’ll see you around the community.

Warmly,

 – Brad

In This Issue

Small Business Spotlight 🆕

Might and Main – 126 Main St 

Local Events  

  • TODAY! June 14: VPES Fun Fair 
  • TODAY! June 14: St. Luke’s Church Spring Sale
  • TODAY! June 14: Queen St. East Sidewalk Sale 🆕
  • TODAY! June 14: Danforth East Yard Sale & Sidewalk Sale 🆕
  • TODAY! June 14: Taste of Taylor Massey 🆕
  • June 18: Renewables are Doable T.O. 🆕
  • June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day at Beaches Sandbox 🆕
  • June 22: Parkview Hills Summer BBQ 
  • June 22: Beach Triangle Streetfest 🆕
  • June 24: Community Conversation at SCOC 🆕

Community & Employment Programs

  • Beaches Kids Book Club
  • Beaches Sandbox Summer Camp
  • Bronze Certification Courses 
  • Call for Casual Workers
  • Camp Inspire
  • Early Opening of Outdoor Pools, Wading Pools and Splash Pads 🆕
  • East End Adventure with MGH 🆕
  • Free Laundry Access 2025
  • Garden Volunteers Needed For Our Local Libraries
  • Good Food Market 
  • Junior Lifesaving Sport 
  • Legion BSO/OSI OP VetBuild
  • Not Far From The Tree 
  • Personalized Career Accelerator Program 
  • Queer Youth United 
  • Secord Fun Fair Volunteers Needed
  • Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 
  • The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
  • Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub 
  • Toronto Nature Stewards 2025 🆕
  • TTC’s 2026 ACAT Recruitment 🆕
  • WoodGreen’s New Employment Services Booking Center 

Work in the Ward 

City Wide News/Events 

  • Bluffs Gates Open Home & Garden Tour 
  • Bylaw Updates for Adequate Indoor Temperature in Rental Units
  • Community Recreation Experience Survey
  • Coyote Sightings
  • East York Toronto Canada Day Festival Volunteer 
  • EHON Neighbourhood Retail and Services Summer Consultation 🆕
  • Fireworks: Know the Rules
  • Public Markets Week 🆕
  • Purposefully Uncoupling 
  • Rental Renovation License Bylaw 
  • Ride the Track 2025
  • Road Closure – Toronto Triathlon Festival 
  • Scarborough Musical Theatre Rapunzel Pantomime
  • Scarborough Theatre Guild’s – ‘The Odd Couple’
  • Taste of North York
  • ‘The Vow From Hiroshima’ Screening 
  • TNG Challenge  
  • Toronto Employment Survey 2025 
  • TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street) 
  • TTC Notice – King and Church Watermain Replacement and Streetcar Track Renewal

Community Resources

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 councillor_bradford@toronto.ca and we can get you included in our next issue. 

Small Business Spotlight 

Might and Main

A cozy neighbourhood spot in the Beach serving up great coffee, fresh baked goods, and delicious bites.

Its warm atmosphere makes it the perfect place to catch up with friends or enjoy a quiet moment with your latte. 

Drop in at 126 Main St, and see what makes Might and Main a true neighbourhood gem!

Local Events

TODAY! VPES Fun Fair 

Come one, come all! The Victoria Park Elementary School is holding their annual fun fair on Saturday, June 14th from 11am to 2pm.

TODAY! St. Luke’s Church Spring Sale 

TODAY! Queen St. East Sidewalk Sale🆕

Stroll Queen Street East and discover local shops, pop-ups, outdoor sales, treats, and more. Support small and enjoy the sunshine in the heart of The Beach!

Location: Queen St. East – Coxwell Ave. to Neville Park Blvd.
Date/Time: Saturday, June 14 from 10am–5pm

TODAY! #DanforthEast Yard & Sidewalk Sale 🆕

DECA is organizing the 11th annual yard sale and sidewalk sale. Check out DECA’s website to find all the locations of the participating homes and businesses. 

Location: From Greenwood to Main Street, and from the CN tracks north to Cosburn Ave.
Date/Time: Saturday, June 14 from 8am–2pm

TODAY! Taste of Taylor Massey 🆕

Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services (BCS) and Access Alliance (AA) are happy to invite you all to the Taste of Taylor Massey – “Multicultural Food Festival”. 

Date/Time: June 14, 2025 11.00am to 4.00pm
Location: Access Point On Danforth, 3079 Danforth Ave

Registration is required! Use this link to register or scan the QR Code in the flyer.

Renewables are Doable T.O. 🆕

Are you curious about how renewables could power our city? If so, please join Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy (TERRE) for our upcoming information session about renewable energy on Wednesday, June 18 from 7-8pm at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Avenue. Angela Bischoff from the Ontario Clean Air Alliance will be the guest speaker. There will also be an opportunity to meet TERRE members active in our neighbourhood and to find out how you can take action locally for healthy air and a clean energy future.

Please RSVP here or scan the QR code in the poster. Questions? Email terrecoalition@gmail.com

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 18 from 7-8pm

Location: Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Avenue

National Indigenous Peoples Day at Beaches Sandbox 🆕

On June 21, Beaches Sandbox will host a free, family-friendly day of reflection, celebration, and connection in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

All are welcome as we gather to learn, reflect, and celebrate together.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 10am-4:30pm | FREE 
Location: Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E

For more information and to register visit here.

Parkview Hills Summer BBQ 

The Parkview Hills Community Association is thrilled to announce their 2025 Parkview Hills Summer BBQ, celebrating PHCA’s 32nd Annual community event. 

Date/Time: Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Location: Brunswick Bierworks at 25 Curity Avenue.

Beach Triangle Streetfest 🆕

Community Conversation at SCOC 🆕

Community & Employment Programs

Beaches Sandbox Summer Camp 🆕

Looking for an engaging, action-packed summer camp in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood? Check out Beaches Sandbox Summer Camp, running weekly from June 30 to August 22, 2025—perfect for kids aged 5-10.

Each week features a unique theme and field trip to keep things fresh and engaging, plenty of outdoor time, as well as crafts, games and more led by fully trained and High Five Certified counsellors.

Learn more & secure your child’s spot at beachessandbox.com/camps

Camp Inspire 

This summer, Toronto Community Housing is proud to introduce our new summer program, Camp Inspire! 

Camp Inspire is offered free of charge to TCHC residents aged 6-12 and registration is now open. Families can learn more and register by visiting: www.torontohousing.ca/Camp-Inspire  

Early Opening of Outdoor Pools, Wading Pools and Splash Pads 🆕

Splash Pads: All are now open for the season and operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wading Pools: Beginning June 14, the wading pools at Coleman Park and Kew Gardens will operate on weekends from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Remaining wading pools will open on June 27. 

Outdoor Pools: The O’Connor Outdoor Pool and Donald D. Summerville Pool will open on June 14 with a partial schedule of weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Remaining outdoor pools will open on June 21 with the same partial schedule. All outdoor pools will open with a full schedule of 10 a.m. to 8p.m. on June 27.

More information is available here. 

East End Adventure with MGH 🆕

The Michael Garron Hospital Foundation is hosting its inaugural East End Adventure, taking place on Saturday, October 18 at Monarch Park. This high-energy, community-driven celebration unites participants in the spirit of adventure, teamwork, and generosity, all in support of Michael Garron Hospital. 

Teams will navigate the vibrant streets of East Toronto, completing exciting challenges and racing toward the finish line. Then the excitement continues with a lively community festival. Learn more and register a team here.

Date/Time: October 18 from 10:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m

Location: Monarch Park

Free Laundry Access 2025

Wishy Washy Laundromat hosts monthly Free Laundry events for anyone who is financially struggling – and was recently featured in the Toronto Star!

Additionally, you can sign their petition to recognize clean laundry as an essential and basic need in Canada by visiting https://change.org/freelaundryaccess .

Find more information here. 

Garden Volunteers Needed For Our Local Libraries 

Help keep the gardens at Main Street or the Beaches Library branches looking beautiful this summer! A team of gardeners from the former Beach Garden Society is looking for volunteers to help maintain the beautiful community gardens.

No experience required, just a love of gardening or a desire to learn! If you can make a commitment of up to two hours, once every four weeks, email librarygardening@gmail.com to volunteer.

Good Food Market 

Our Good Food Market is back!

Harmony Community Food Centre an affordable produce market that runs every Tuesday from 2:45-4:45pm in front of our building at 2 Gower St until the end of October. We have fresh fruits and veggies at really low cost, snacks, and other fun activities. All the funds go back into supporting food access programming for our community.

Secord Fun Fair Volunteers Needed

The annual Fun Fair at the Secord Elementary School is coming up, and dedicated community members are wanted to help out with the day! Sign up here!

Toronto Nature Stewards 2025 🆕

Do you love to work outdoors while enjoying fresh air and exercise in the company of your neighbours? Would you enjoy the opportunity to identify, learn about, and care for the native plants growing in our parks and ravines? Why not become a Toronto Nature Steward?

WELCOME BACK to those Stewards who are returning.

TNS volunteers help care for the city’s parks and ravines by removing non-native invasive plants, such as Garlic Mustard and Dog Strangling Vine, thus giving our native plants room to grow and thrive. Volunteers also plant and tend for carefully chosen native plants. There are two TNS teams working in the Beaches Neighbourhood, one in ASHBRIDGES BAY PARK and another in GLEN STEWART PARK.
WORK SCHEDULES:

ASHBRIDGES BAY: Stewarding will begin in May and end in November.

Starting May 7th: Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Rain date: Thursday: 9.00a.m.-11:00
Starting May 8th: Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

GLEN STEWART PARK: Stewarding will begin in May and end in September.

Starting May 6thTuesdays: 10:00 a.m. to noon
Wednesdays: 10:00a.m. – noon.
NOTE: All volunteer stewards must be registered with The Toronto Nature Stewards.

For more information and to register please visit: here

TTC’s 2026 ACAT Recruitment 🆕

The TTC is looking for new members to join its Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT). This group plays a central role in advising the TTC Board and staff, ensuring our transit services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all.

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Complete the online form or visit www.ttc.ca/acat to learn more and for other ways to apply.

For more Community & Employment Programs, please find attached links here: 

Work in the Ward

Toronto Hydro Notices

Check the links below for notices on Toronto Hydro work happening near you!

City Wide News/Events 

Bluffs Gates Open Home & Garden Tour 

The Bluffs Gates Open Home & Garden Tour in support of the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation is back! Discover some of Scarborough’s most beautiful homes and help support Scarborough hospitals. This self-guided tour features magnificent architecture, stunning interior design, and outstanding landscaping. The Bluffs Gates Open Home & Garden Tour is different because you get to tour the grounds and inside each property. Take your time, visit the properties that interest you and explore some of the wonderful neighbourhoods in south Scarborough.

Purchase tickets here.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bylaw Updates for Adequate Indoor Temperature in Rental Units

As the climate continues to change, the risks of heat-related health impacts are expected to increase. To help address these impacts for apartment building tenants, as of April 30, 2025, the Heating Bylaw will be updated to require a minimum temperature of 21°C is maintained in all areas of rental units from October 1 to May 15 (instead of September 15 to June 1), and the Property Standards Bylaw to require landlords to operate air conditioning from June 1 to September 30 in rental units where it is provided by the property owner (instead of June 2 to September 14). More information is available at toronto.ca/IndoorTemp

Community Recreation Experience Survey

We want to hear about your recreation and leisure preferences. Your input will help the City understand what’s working well and where we can make improvements.

The 10-to-15 minute survey is available here until June 18, 2025. 

Coyote Sightings

Seeing coyotes in your neighbourhood?  It’s quite normal to see or encounter coyotes in parks and green spaces across Toronto as they have adapted to the urban landscape. Coyotes are typically timid and generally do not pose a danger to people, however they may 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.

The City of Toronto, in partnership with Coyote Watch Canada, has created an e-learning module that provides great information about coyote behavior and ways that we can safely co-exist with our wild neighbours. To learn more, visit toronto.ca/Coyotes.

East York Toronto Canada Day Festival Volunteer 

WE NEED YOU TO HELP US CELEBRATE!

We are excited to be planning our 69th East York Canada Day Festival but WE NEED VOLUNTEERS on July 1, 2025 to help us make this growing event a success.

As a non-profit volunteer run event our volunteers make this event possible. We have a wide variety of positions from Parade Marshalls, to helping run Kids activities.

We welcome everyone 16+ years old who reside in the Toronto Area to volunteer for a minimum of 2 hours on July 1, 2025. Most shifts are in 2 hour increments. Feel free to sign up for as many as you like. We will feed you and provide volunteer hours those that need them to graduate high school.

Find out here. The sign up sheet lists all the positions and is available here. If you have any questions, please contact volunteerseycdfestival@gmail.com

EHON Neighbourhood Retail and Services Summer Consultation 🆕

The City Planning Division is launching summer consultations on the EHON Neighbourhood Retail & Services Study, with city-wide online meetings in the evening of Wednesday June 18th and the afternoon of Thursday June 19th.  Here are the meeting details and links:

Staff will present an overview of the proposed amendments that would make it easier to open small-scale retail, service and office uses in low-rise residential areas across Toronto. This will also include revisions to the staff recommendations considered by City Council in December 2024.

Fireworks: Know the Rules

Did you know that you can only set off fireworks on your own property until 11 p.m. on Canada Day? You will need a permit to set off fireworks on all other days. Fireworks are not permitted in parks and on beaches. If you are hosting your own backyard fireworks display, make sure you have enough space, that there are no buildings or trees nearby, and you always follow the directions on the manufacturer’s label.

To dispose of fireworks, completely submerge these in water, soak them overnight and put them in the Garbage Bin. Never put used fireworks in the Blue Bin. More information is available at toronto.ca/Fireworks

Public Markets Week 🆕

From farmers’ markets and container markets to flea markets, Indigenous-led specialty markets and community fresh food markets, Toronto’s public markets reflect the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Public Markets Week is Sunday, June 15 to Saturday, June 21 – the perfect time to explore your city, support your neighbours and Love Local. To learn more about Public Markets Week activities, visit the new City of Toronto Public Markets and full event details at marketcityTO event page.

Rental Renovation License Bylaw 

Landlords, are you planning renovations that require a tenant to move out? A new bylaw means you’ll need a Rental Renovation License.

Effective July 31, 2025, the bylaw requires landlords to apply for a license from the City within seven days of issuing an N13 notice to end tenancy for renovations. To obtain this license, landlords must submit building permits, a qualified professional’s report confirming vacant possession is necessary, notify tenants appropriately and provide a Tenant Accommodation or Compensation Plan.

The bylaw aims to support tenant stability, promote fairness and provide landlords with a clear, consistent process for undertaking major renovations. It applies to most residential rental units, with limited exemptions such as student residences and non- profit co-operatives.

Learn more about tenant protections and landlord responsibilities under this new bylaw by visiting toronto.ca/RentalRenoLicence.

Reminder on Grass and Gardens 

Want to BEE a good neighbour? Learn about the do’s and don’t for your lawn and how to grow pollinator-friendly gardens! Cut grass on your lawn when the growth exceeds 20 centimeters and avoid prohibited plants that can pose a threat to human health or natural areas.

Do continue to delight neighbours with your garden and keep sidewalks or driver and pedestrian views clear from plants. To create much needed habitat for pollinators, please consider replacing some of your turfgrass area with native flowering plants. More information and resources are available at toronto.ca/GrassAndGardens. 

Ride the Track 2025

Ride the Track 2025  is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to ride their bicycles on the legendary Honda Indy track in Toronto. This is the only event that the track is opened to the public for cycling, making it a historic and highly anticipated event.

All proceeds directly support The Children’s Breakfast Clubs, funding hot, nutritious meals for children in Toronto and the GTA.$0.87 of every dollar raised goes directly to feeding and supporting children and youth.

Learn more and register here

Road Closure – Toronto Triathlon Festival 

As a result of the upcoming 2025 Toronto Triathlon Festival, portions of the F.G. Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway, and Lake Shore Boulevard West will be temporarily closed.

Date of Event: July 27, 2025

Closure Times and Locations:

  1. 2 am to 12 pm
    1. F. G. Gardiner Expressway (eastbound lanes), from the Humber River to the Don Valley Parkway (including all ramps)
    2. Don Valley Parkway (northbound lanes), from the F.G. Gardiner Expressway to Eglinton Avenue East (including all ramps)
  2. 5am to 2pm
    1. Lake Shore Boulevard West (westbound north curb lane), from British Columbia Rd (on-ramp Gardiner Expressway) to Ontario Dr. 
  3. 4am to 11am
    1. Closure of Lake Shore Blvd West (eastbound south curb lane) from 300m east of British Columbia Rd to Ontario Dr. 

Event Times:

  • 5:15 am to 2:00 pm

Notes:

  • F.G. Gardiner Expressway (westbound lanes) and the Don Valley Parkway (southbound lanes) will remain open to vehicular traffic on July 27, 2025

Scarborough Musical Theatre Rapunzel Pantomime 

Scarborough Musical Theatre presents Rapunzel: The Family Friendly Pantomime. It is the first Pantomime of the summer! Featuring the classic tale of the maiden with the long hair and her wicked guardian who imprisons her in a tower. Our heroine will face danger, adventure, and will need the help of good friends and a handsome prince (or does she?). Running from July 18th to 26th at the Scarborough Village Theatre.

For tickets and more info visit here. 

The Vow From Hiroshima Screening

The Hiroshima Nagasaki Day Coalition (HNDC), a Toronto based peace coalition, is pleased to collaborate with the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre to promote the film screening of The Vow from Hiroshima with the Director Susan Strickler and cast in attendance. Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

Date/Time: June 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Location: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre – 6 Sakura Way

TNG Challenge 

The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) is hosting the TNG Challenge, a premiere fundraising event to support seniors living independently and with dignity across Toronto. This year’s event features Tai Chi with TNG’s Chinese Seniors group—but you can take part from anywhere by walking, running, cycling, doing yoga, or any activity you choose. It’s free to register, and 100% of funds raised go directly to TNG’s senior support programs. Learn more here.

Date/Time: June 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: 349 Ontario Street

Toronto Employment Survey 2025  

The City of Toronto is conducting its annual Employment Survey between May and August. Now in its 43rd year, the survey collects key data from businesses across the city to support economic and land use planning.

If you’re a business owner, a surveyor may visit your location to quickly update employment figures. The process takes only a few minutes, and alternate options (phone, email, or online) are available if needed.

The Survey information is crucial for:

  • monitoring the extent, nature, and location of employment activity and land use;
  • planning transportation, sewer, and water infrastructure and social services such as day cares; and
  • monitoring changing economic conditions in Toronto.

All information is confidential and used only in aggregate to help plan services like transit, infrastructure, and child care. Learn more here.

Community Resources

About Brad Bradford - - -

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