- Apr 6, 2024
- Uncategorized
E-News: Addressing the Vacant Home Tax Fiasco and Community Updates
Hi Friend,
I heard from many of you this week about the city’s mismanagement of the Vacant Homes Tax. You were understandably alarmed at the idea of being asked to pay thousands of dollars for a home you may have lived in for decades.
The Mayor and the City have apologized for the way this has been managed and the alarm it has caused. My office has been helping residents to file their notice and get their tax cancelled, while I am also working on fixing the system for the long term.
If you lived in your home for at least half of last year, then you don’t have to pay the tax. Council is also planning to eliminate the late fee for everyone this year, because of how badly this process has gone.
If you have received a letter from the city and you believe it is in error, please go to the City website and file your Notice of Complaint. If you need help, reply to this email or contact my office and we will be help you file the right forms. My team will also be able to assist you in person at our Constituency Office at 2118 Danforth Ave.
On a lighter note, last weekend was the Beaches Easter Parade and it was great to see so many of you out along the route. It’s my favourite annual tradition to kick off spring, and thanks and congratulations to the organizers for another great year.
Read on below for more news from City Hall and some of the great events around our community. See you out there.
Best,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
Small Business Spotlight
- Best Local Pizza Stores in #BEY 🆕
Local Events
- April 6th: Jazz & Reflection with The OCTOKATS 🆕
- April 12th: Informative Fridays at Centre55- East End Health 🆕
- April 24th: Seniors Spring Niagara Trip 🆕
- April 26th: Fish N’ Chips Fundraiser at Centre55 🆕
- April 27th: Spring Fling feat. Juno-nominated Barbra Lica 🆕
- May 4th: EcoFair at Beach United Church 🆕
- Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🚨
- Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital
Community Programs & Employment
- Community Centre 55 Seniors Spring Programming
- Healthy Child Screening
- Jazz Guitar Series at Hirut
- SING!
- Queer Youth United
- WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers
- SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
Neighbourhood News
- Canadian Architect Winner: Dawes Road Library
- By-law Enforcement: Dogs Off-Leash Parks
Work in the Ward
- Lakeshore East Line and Stouffville Line – Major Track Closure: No Entry to Union Station on April 6/7
- O’Connor Construction Update: April 2024 🆕
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
- Coxwell Subway Station Stairway SOGR
- Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive
- REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
City Wide News/Events
- Clean Toronto Together 🆕
- Solar Eclipse this upcoming Monday, April 8, 2024 🆕
- BeADonor Month 🆕
- Toronto Public Health – Community Clinics
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
City Hall Updates 🆕
A big Committee week here at City Hall. On Wednesday, the Toronto & East York Community Council met to discuss a number of issues. The Committee approved a number of additional road safety measures here in the community. That included changes to the location of the school bus loading zone, and other parking amendments, at D.A. Morrison in response to a recent safety walkabout with school administrators. The Committee also approved two projects that seek to turn vacant office towers in the downtown core into much needed housing, including new affordable housing. Removing the barriers to turning vacant office buildings into housing is something that I’ve been advocating for strongly here at City Hall.
On Friday, the Planning and Housing Committee met for a dedicated discussion on a number of city-wide programs included to both increase housing supply and protect existing tenants within our communities. I’m excited to share that the Committee unanimously approved a motion that I introduced to better encourage modular and other rapid built housing technologies that will help the City to deliver on its housing targets. Through programs like the Rapid Housing Initiative, we’ve already seen the benefits of modular construction with projects like the modular supportive housing project at 540 Cedarvale here in Beaches-East York when it comes to building affordable housing, faster.
Small Business Spotlight
This week, we thought we would highlight some of the best local pizza spots around Beaches-East York that we felt needed a shout-out! Check them out and let us know your favourite pizza place in #BEY!
La Famiglia On The Danforth
Trecce
Casa Di Giorgio Restaurant
If you have local businesses in the ward that you’d like for us to promote in our e-newsletter, do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re more than happy to give well-deserved recognition to our small businesses.
Local Events
Jazz & Reflection with the OCTOKATS 🆕
Get groovy with local big band, The OCTOKATS, live at Beach United Church on Saturday, April 6th, 2024 at 4:30pm as they treat you to an exploration of the music of renowned film composer, Henry Mancini.
Entry is pay what you can!
Located at 140 Wineva Avenue.
Informative Fridays- At Centre55 Presented by East End Health 🆕
Join Centre 55 for Seniors Health Presentations presented by East End Health Centre on Friday, April 12, 2024 and Friday, May 3, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
To register for one or both, please email Jade at [email protected] or call 416-691-1113.
Seniors Spring Niagara Trip 🆕
Community Centre 55 will be taking 50 people on a Seniors Spring Niagara Trip on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024! Join them for the day to visit the blooms and butterflies of Niagara!
Eventbrite link for registration and payment:
For more information, please contact Jennifer at 416-691-1113 x 224 or [email protected].
Fish n’ Chips Fundraiser 🆕
Come on down for a good ol’ fish fry! Join Community Centre55 for a special fundraiser and Fish and Chips dinner on Friday, April 26th.
Please RSVP by e-mail to [email protected]. There will be 2 seatings for this dinner and sign up will be first come first serve.
Spring Fling feat. Juno-nominated Barbra Lica 🆕
The Beach United Church Choir is excited to present an evening of music, refreshments and community fellowship on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at 7pm to welcome in the spring season. Tickets are $40/Adult and $15/Child.
Link to purchase tickets:
EcoFair at Beach United Church 🆕
This is a call for vendors and volunteers! Beach United Church is looking for vendors with eco-friendly products, as well as non-profit exhibit/participants.
If you are interested in being a vendor or volunteer, please email [email protected].
Entry is free and open to all ages!
🚨 We need YOU to help Plan the 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🚨
We need your help organizing the 67th East York Canada Day Parade and Festival for 2024. This event is run entirely by volunteers and requires community members to serve on the organizing committee – we need your help to make sure the event can take place in 2024 and beyond.
If you can provide organizing assistance, or have new ideas to bring to the event, please reach out at [email protected] for more information.
More information on the event can also be found at www.eycdc.ca
This is a much beloved event and it’s counting on our community to keep this family fun, long standing event going.
Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital
Kingston Road United Church is hosting a series of monthly recitals featuring Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians in brief, informal recitals. Each recital features different instruments from the orchestra.
For more information, visit: TSYO Recitals.
Community Programs & Employment Events
Community Centre 55 Seniors Spring Programming
Seniors Spring Programs began on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 and will end on June 21, 2024.
There are still have spots in the classes below with the others having a waitlist.
Line Dancing
Groove Fit
Photography
Hatha Yoga
Mat Pilates
Essentials Mat Pilates
PHOTOGRAPHY: This hands-on photography workshop at Community Centre 55 is for anyone new to photography. Participants are asked to bring their “camera” (cellphone camera, point-&-shoot, mirrorless or DSLR) and a USB stick for their presentations. The photography program is run by Landscape and Travel photographer James.
INFORMATIVE FRIDAYS PRESENTATION SERIES: A variety of engaging topics covering mental, financial, physical and social wellness. Keep an eye out for ongoing emails or check the Centre 55 bulletin board and www.centre55.com for more information. Their first presentation will be on April 12th. Details will be sent out early next week.
If you are interested in registering for any available classes or adding your name to a waitlist, please send an email with the following information:
- ‘SUBJECT – SENIORS SPRING PROGRAM’
- Your full name (first and last name)
- The name(s) of the classes you would like to register for
- Your email address, and
- Your phone number
They will be accepting cash or cheque payments only – credit card payments will not be accepted. Payments will be accepted during the first week of classes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Jade Maitland at [email protected] or (416) 691-1113 ext. 220.
Access Alliance Presents: Healthy Child Screening
If you have a child between the ages of 2 to 6 years old, then this event is for you!
Access Alliance is offering screening for children between the ages of 2 to 6 years old at various locations. Health care providers and community workers will screen your child on the spot and provide you with information and referrals as needed. All newcomers and community members are welcome!
For more information, please contact Keisha through email at [email protected] or cell, 416-693-8677 ext. 4234.
SING!
SING! is back and they are open for Winter and Spring 2024 sessions. If you’re interested in learning more, visit: https://www.theredwoodtheatre.com/.
Queer Youth United
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Thursday from 4-7pm.
QYU is is a 2SLGBTQ+ youth group for ages 15-29, where you can come and engage with others in a safe space within the community, while sharing meals, finding support and resources.
You are welcome to drop-by at any time during the 4pm-7pm time period!
For more info: instagram.com/QueerYouthUnited or beachunitedchurch.com.
WoodGreen Community Services: Need for Volunteers
WoodGreen Community Services runs a free tax clinic and are seeking volunteers to assist them in this meaningful initiative.
Their clinic helps low-income individuals navigate the complexities of tax preparation, ensuring they receive the refunds and benefits they are entitled to. However, the demand for their services has grown considerably each year, and they are struggling to meet this increased demand due to a shortage of volunteer tax preparers.
If you’re interested in volunteering with WoodGreen, please contact Ansley Dawson at [email protected] or 416-645-6000 ext. 1331.
SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is a not-for-profit organization that provides a variety of holistic programs to support the health and well-being of the community. One of the programs offered is the Bereavement Peer – Support Groups. They provide several different types of virtual and in-person options.
For more information, please visit: SCHC – Bereavement Care.
The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
The Neighbourhood Group is offering FREE Employment Services to help you prepare for and find work. Whether you’re out of school and looking for a job, new to Canada and want your first Canadian work experience, looking to change your career, or trying to get back into the workforce, they have various training programs, work placements, workshops, online job board, and resource centres.
For more information, visit The Neighbourhood Group.
Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program
The Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program has been organized to support the seniors community with services ranging from garden and yard work to light housekeeping.
If you or anyone you know is looking for more assistance around their home, contact Kevin at 416-531-8447 or email [email protected] for more information.
Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
We’re thrilled to share that in-person services are available at the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub, a new welcoming space at East York Town Centre that provides health, wellness, employment and other services for youth and young adults! To access services, come by the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub during its drop-in hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It is located at East York Town Centre, 45 Overlea Blvd. (Please use mall Entrance 6; the Youth Wellness Hub is located beside Dollarama). All services are free and open to everyone aged 12 to 25. Youth and young adults do not need a health card, family doctor or medical referral. Services include wellness counselling, peer support, employment services, settlement services, food support, primary care and more. No matter what you might be dealing with, their team can help.
For more information, please visit Thorncliffe Youth Club or follow them on Instagram @ThorncliffeYouthHub.
Neighbourhood News
Canadian Architect Winner: Dawes Road Library
The new Dawes Road Library is now award-winning! We’re looking forward to construction beginning on this project this year. Please visit https://www.canadianarchitect.com/dawes-road-library-community-hub/ for more information about the design for this incredible new community asset.
By-law Enforcement: Dogs Off-Leash Parks
Bylaw is relying on complaint data to focus higher levels of enforcement on the following dogs off-leash parks where a large number of issues have been raised, with the hope that education and escalated enforcement will encourage responsible dog ownership:
- Dentonia Park
- Fairmount Park
- Woodbine Beach Park
- Woodbine Park
We understand the importance of exercise for your beloved pet. However, it is important to practice Responsible Dog Ownership and keep your dog on leash in areas that are not marked off as official dog off-leash areas.
Please take the time to visit the following dogs off-leash areas in Beaches-East York by visiting the interactive map.
Be a good neighbour and be mindful of your surroundings!
Work in the Ward
Lakeshore East Line and Stouffville Line – Major Track Closure: No entry to Union Station on April 6-7
On April 6 & 7, Metrolinx will be adjusting train service on the Lakeshore East Line and the Stouffville Line for important construction work.
Lakeshore East Line:
There will be no service between Union Station and Danforth Station between April 6-7.
Here’s what you need to know:
- GO trains will be running every 30 minutes between Durham College Oshawa GO and Danforth GO.
- There will be no Lakeshore East or Stouffville trains in or out of Union Station.
- If you are travelling to Union Station: Exit the train at Danforth GO and connect to TTC at Main Station, which is located one block north of Danforth GO.
- If you are travelling from Union Station: Take TTC to Main Station and connect to trains at Danforth GO, which is located one south of Main Station.
- Transfer for free with one fare between GO Transit and TTC. Learn more here.
- For customers transferring to TTC at Main Station, this is a fully accessible connection, however, please give yourself plenty of time. Staff will be on hand to assist you.
- Use com or triplinx.ca to plan your trip and check out our real-time service details before you leave.
Alternate Travel options:
Durham College Oshawa, Whitby, and Ajax GO customers:
Connect to GO bus route 96 to Finch Bus Terminal for direct connection to TTC Line 1.
Pickering GO customers:
Connect to GO bus route 94 to Yorkdale Bus Terminal for direct connection to TTC Line 1.
Rouge Hill GO customers:
Connect to TTC bus route 38 to Kennedy Station for direct connection to TTC Line 2.
Guildwood GO and Eglinton customers:
Connect to TTC bus route 86 to Kennedy Station for direct connection to TTC Line 2.
Scarborough GO customers:
Connect to TTC bus route 102 to Warden Station for direction connection to TTC Line 2.
Danforth GO customers:
Connect to TTC Line 2 at Main Station.
Stouffville Line:
There will be no train service between Union Station and Kennedy GO.
On April 6 and 7, Metrolinx will be adjusting train service on the Stouffville Line for important construction work. GO trains will be running hourly between Old Elm GO and Kennedy GO.
Here’s what you need to know:
- GO trains will be running hourly between Old Elm and Kennedy GO stations.
- Trains will not run between Kennedy GO and Union Station.
For customers looking to travel to Union Station:
- For direct travel into Union Station, please consider taking the Barrie line.
- For customers transferring to TTC Line 2 at Kennedy Station, please give yourself plenty of time. Staff will be on hand to assist you.
- Transfer for free with one fare between GO Transit and TTC. Learn more here.
- For those requiring accessible service, please board the accessibility coach and staff will guide you to TTC Line 2 at Kennedy Station.
- The 9:19 a.m. southbound Old Elm train has been modified to depart at Mount Joy.
- The 5:30 p.m. northbound Kennedy train has been modified to arrive at Mount Joy.
- Use com or triplinx.ca to plan your trip and check out our real-time service details before you leave.
Alternate Travel Options:
Old Elm, Stouffville, and Mount Joy GO customers:
Nearest, alternative station to consider is Aurora GO.
Markham Centennial GO customers:
Nearest, alternative stations to consider are King City and Maple GO stations.
Unionville, Milliken, and Agincourt GO customers:
Nearest, alternative stations to consider is Rutherford GO station.
Learn more about Barrie Line’s hourly weekend schedule here.
What type of construction work is happening?
The east section of Union Station Rail Corridor (USRC) is continuing its track integration work for the Ontario Line. Metrolinx will be testing and commissioning railway infrastructure installed the weekend of Oct. 14 -16 of 2023.
The benefits of all this work are:
- The Ontario line will make it faster and easier to travel within Toronto and beyond.
- 15 stops and more than 40 connections to other transit, including GO train, subway, LRT, streetcar and bus lines.
- Approximately 30 minutes from one end of the line to the other.
- 28,000 fewer cars on the road each day.
O’Connor Construction Update: April 2024 🆕
Phase 1: The majority of the watermain infrastructure work is complete! The remaining water service connections will be completed by early May 2024. The asphalt being put down during this phase is TEMPORARY, and the road will be entirely reconstructed in Phase 2 of this project.
Phase 2: Starting the week of April 8th, road reconstruction and sidewalk replacements will begin on O’Connor Drive between Glenwood Cres. and St Clair Ave E.
Within the active construction zones, O’Connor Drive will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
Building a great city takes time and we thank you for your ongoing patience during this critical infrastructure work.
This work is projected to be completed in its entirety by early Fall 2024.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out to my office.
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
Toronto Hydro is pleased to inform you they will be improving the electricity system in our ward.
The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Eldon Avenue (West). We expect the work to begin March 2024.
Coxwell Station Stairway SOGR
As a part of the network-wide Subway Station state of good repair program, The TTC will repair stairs inside Coxwell Subway Station from Jan 15 to the end of March 2024. One set of the stairway and the escalator will remain open to customers.
Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Project Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A
Toronto Hydro is hard at work to improve the electricity system in Ward 19. Please see the detailed graphic below for more information.
The boundaries for the project include Rosevear Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Dentonia Park Avenue (South), and Dawes Road (West).
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive
Toronto Hydro will be conducting further infrastructure upgrades in our community. Please see the detailed graphic below for more information.
The boundaries for the project include a section of Glen Manor Drive between Duart Park Road (North) and Queen Street East (South).
REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A
Toronto Hydro is currently doing some upgrades on Danforth. The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Thyra Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Avonlea Boulevard (West). Staff expects the work to begin in February 2024.
City Wide Events
Clean Toronto Together! 🆕
Clean Toronto Together, the City’s annual spring cleanup of parks and other public spaces returns from April 19 to 22. Over these four days, thousands of residents, students, businesses, organizations and community groups will pitch in to help keep our city clean and free of litter.
- Toronto History Museums will be hosting litter cleanup events that residents can join.
- Accepted cleanup locations include: parks, ravines, beaches, sports fields, trails, sidewalks.
- Private property cleanups and yard waste collections are not permitted.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own plastic bags to collect litter.
- Special litter collection will be available for registered cleanups taking place on April 19 to 22, subject to staff approval.
- Registration closes on April 18
- Cleanups should proceed rain or shine!
- Questions can be sent to [email protected]
Find more information and events on the City’s Clean Toronto Together webpage.
Solar eclipse guidance 🆕
On Monday, April 8, North America will experience a solar eclipse. This is a rare event where the moon passes between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface. While Toronto falls outside the path of a total solar eclipse, a partial eclipse will occur at 3:19 p.m., lasting approximately one minute. Precautions are required for the entire duration of the eclipse, from 2:04 p.m. to 4:31 p.m.:
- Do not look directly at the sun
- Do not look indirectly at the sun using a mirror, or through a window
- Where possible, schedule tasks indoors for the duration of the eclipse
For tasks that must continue outdoors, including driving:
- Avoid looking directly at the sun
- Continue to follow existing safety controls
- Use hats or visors that do not allow light to pass through
- Slow down and stay focused on your surroundings
- Turn on headlights and approach all crosswalks, intersections and transit stops with caution as people and objects on the road may be harder to see
Please review this hazard alert for additional guidance or speak to your direct supervisor if you have any questions.
April is BeADonor Month 🆕
BeADonor Month occurs every April across Ontario.
Throughout the month, communities and advocates across the province will unite to encourage Ontarians to register their consent for organ and tissue donation, joining more than four million people across the province who have already registered.
- One organ donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation.
- About 1,400 people in Ontario are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
- Every three days, someone will die waiting for an organ transplant.
- Everyone has the potential to be an organ and/or tissue donor, regardless of age or health.
- Over 4 million Ontarians have formally registered their consent to organ and tissue donation. Talk to your family about your donation decision and visit www.BeADonor.ca to register or learn more.
Toronto Public Health – Community Clinics
Toronto Public Health is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. The clinics will provide vaccines against the following nine designated diseases under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), in addition to the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Meningococcal
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Varicella (chickenpox) – only applies to students born on or after 2010.
ISPA requires that all students be vaccinated against the above nine designated diseases or have a valid exemption. Parents or guardians must submit their child’s vaccination information to Toronto Public Health.
The Toronto Public Health community clinics are by appointment only and residents are encouraged to book an appointment online through the Toronto Public Health Appointment Booking System. An OHIP card is not required.
Vaccination is important for the health of each student and the school community. More information is available on the City’s Required Vaccines for Students webpage.
Q: What are Toronto Public Health’s community clinics?
A: Toronto Public Health is hosting community clinics for students who live or study in Toronto to help them stay up-to-date with their school-based vaccines. The clinics will provide vaccines against nine designated diseases students are required to be vaccinated against under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), unless they have a valid exemption. These clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment at TPHBookings.ca.
Q: Who is eligible for these vaccines?
A: Before booking a vaccination appointment, find eligibility information on the City’s Toronto Public Health – Student Vaccines webpage.
Book an appointment now: TPH Bookings
Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office! Send me an email at [email protected] and we can get you included in our next issue.
Have questions, comments or concerns? Just hit reply to this email and get in touch with me.
For real-time updates on the local issues that matter to you most, please follow any of my social media accounts!
About Brad Bradford - - -
