Hi Friend,
A very happy welcome to the unofficial start of summer! I hope you’re all set for the long weekend and some well-earned sunshine.
It’s been a busy few weeks across Beaches–East York and beyond.
I want to start by saying a big thank you to everyone who attended the Parkview Hills Community Safety Meeting. It was a great opportunity to hear your concerns and work on real solutions alongside Toronto Police (55 Division) and Animal Services to protect our neighborhoods. We tackled everything from reducing crime and nuisance dogs to traffic safety at St. Clair and O’Connor.
When we work together, we build a stronger, safer city.
Last week, we marked the end of National Volunteer Week — a huge thank you to the volunteers who power our community with their time and heart. You truly make a difference.
On May 5, we observed Red Dress Day, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to seek justice and push for real change.
This week, we recognized National Nursing Week, celebrating the compassion, skill, and dedication of nurses in every setting; as well as National Police Week, a chance to thank all the officers here in Toronto and across Canada for their unwavering service and strength.
Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. I stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ communities, pushing forward for equality, dignity, and love.
This week, Second Harvest’s Annual Truck Pull came to City Hall, raising awareness and dollars for tackling food insecurity. Shoutout to the powerhouse team I joined from ATU Local 113 — we pulled that 20,000lb truck across Nathan Phillips Square with heart and grit. Check it out on my Instagram!
Kew Beach Junior Public School rallied around the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday with some playoff spirit! After a tough game on Wednesday and a much better one last night, I know we’ll all be cheering for them to get the W on Sunday. Go Leafs Go!
Tomorrow, May 18, is Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. We reflect on the tens of thousands of lives lost during the final stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka and recognize the strenght and resilience of the Tamil community.
Lastly, please enjoy your Victoria Day Long Weekend! And let’s enjoy this holiday without risking anyone’s well-being. I have worked hard alongside city staff and the Toronto Police Service to implement enhanced safety measures at Woodbine Beach this weekend. You can expect the following:
- Increased police & by-law presence
- Patrols by foot, bike, ATV & mounted unit
- Enhanced traffic & parking enforcement
- More litter bins, signage & beach grooming
- In case of an emergency, call 911 | 416-808-2222 for non-emergencies
By keeping ourselves safe, we keep others safe. We look forward to a safe, enjoyable, and successful Victoria Day weekend! 
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 🆕
Paper Route Cafe – 462 Kingston Road
Local Events
- May 24: SING! is coming to the beach
- May 24: Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club Open House
- May 23: TO Dansin: Toronto’s Retro Dance Event for 45+
- May 24: Doors Open at the Danforth Garage 🆕
- May 26: Door Open Toronto 🆕
- May 31: Centre 55 Spring Festival 🆕
- June 14: VPES Fun Fair 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Application for the 2025 TPS Youth in Policing Program
- Beaches Kids Book Club
- Bronze Certification Courses 🆕
- Call for Casual Workers 🆕
- Camp Inspire 🆕
- Challenger Baseball League
- East End Kids Pride
- Free Laundry Access 2025
- Garden Volunteers Needed For Our Local Libraries 🆕
- Good Food Market 🆕
- I Love to SING!
- Junior Lifesaving Sport 🆕
- Legion BSO/OSI OP VETBUILD
- New Booking Center – Employment Services
- Not Far From The Tree
- Personalized Career Accelerator Program
- Queer Youth United
- Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 🆕
- The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
- Toronto Nature Stewards 2025
Work in the Ward
- Line 2 (Bloor – Danforth) – Woodbine to Broadview stations – Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 closure 🆕
- Michael Garron Hospital (MHG) Wings Closure
- Road Resurfacing in Beaches-East York 🆕
- Road Resurfacing on Columbine Avenue 🆕
- Road Resurfacing on Haldon Avenue 🆕
- Road Resurfacing on Main Street 🆕
- Road Resurfacing on Stephenson Avenue 🆕
- Road Resurfacing on Westlake Avenue 🆕
- St. Clair Ave East Infrastructure Work
- Topham Park Playground and Wading Pool Conversion
- Toronto Hydro Upgrades
- Sewer Repair Work – Merrill Bridge Rd – Update
City Wide News/Events
- Bylaw Updates for Adequate Indoor Temperature in Rental Units 🆕
- Coyote Sightings 🆕
- Creating Suspense in Crime and Mystery Fiction 🆕
- DHF Free to Be Arts Program
- Discover Toronto’s Ravines: Nature and History at Your Doorstep 🆕
- East York Toronto Canada Day Festival Volunteer 🆕
- Fireworks: Know the Rules 🆕
- Flood Preparedness Resources (TRCA)
- Purposefully Uncoupling 🆕
- Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw
- Road Closure – Toronto Triathlon Festival 🆕
- Small Business Health & Safety Basics 🆕
- Toronto Employment Survey 2025
- Toronto Newcomer Day 🆕
- TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street)
- TTC Notice – King and Church Watermain Replacement and Streetcar Track Renewal 🆕
- Wheeling through Toronto: A History of the Bicycle and Its Riders 🆕
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.
Small Business Spotlight
Looking for your new favourite cozy cafe? Paper Route Cafe, a charming local gem that opened its doors this January, is the perfect place to start your day.
With its homey atmosphere, Paper Route serves up all types of coffee, teas, and a rotating selection of in-house baked goods—all crafted with love.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick pick-me-up or settling in for a family brunch, Paper Route is the place to be.
Come visit Paper Route Cafe at 462 Kingston Road.
Hours: Mon–Fri: 7AM–4PM | Sat-Sun: 8AM-4PM
If you have a local business you’d like to see featured in this newsletter, please reply and let us know!
Local Events
SING! is Coming to the Beach
The power of the human voice will take centre stage at SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival, taking place May 24 to June 1, 2025. Now in its 14th year, the festival features more than 20 events, including concert performances, industry workshops, and the inaugural SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships. The full festival schedule, festival passes and tickets (including discounted prices for students and arts workers) are available now at singtoronto.com.
SING! returns to the Beach with an opening day concert on Saturday, May 24 from noon to 4 pm at the Alex Christie Bandshell in Kew Gardens. Featured groups include the sea shanty singers Pressgang Mutiny, Toronto’s innovative all-treble group Duly Noted, the haunting visceral harmonies of Georgian polyphony from Ori Shalva and more. The delightful and talented kids from the “I Love to SING!” program at Centre 55 will make a special appearance.
Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club Open House
Try something new this summer at the Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club! You’re invited to stop by during one of their upcoming Open House Weekends:
- First Open House: Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 from 10AM to 4PM
- Second Open House: Saturday, June 7 & Sunday, June 8 from 10AM to 3PM
For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.kewbeachlbc.ca.
TO Dansin: Toronto’s Retro Dance Event for 45+🆕
Join us at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall Friday May 23rd (243 Coxwell Avenue) for a night of dancing to the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Tickets are just $20.00.
You can grab yours now on Eventbrite 👉 here
Doors Open at the Danforth Garage 🆕
As part of Doors Open Toronto 2025, the TTC is giving the public a unique opportunity to explore Danforth Garage. Originally called Danforth Carhouse, the Edwardian-style facility began servicing streetcars for Toronto Civic Railways in 1915, until 1921 when the TTC took over operations and introduced the new Peter Witt streetcars.
This event is welcome to all ages. Admission is free.
Sat., May 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about TTC’s Doors Open, please visit our website.
Door Open Toronto 🆕
Danforth Mennonite Church is inviting you to visit during the Doors Open Toronto event on Saturday, May 24 (10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, May 26 (noon – 5:00 p.m.)
The church is located at 2174 Danforth Avenue, slightly east of Cedarvale Avenue and a short walk from the Woodbine subway station.
Come learn about the building and the experience of being part of the Danforth Community for the last 114 years.
- There will be an informal hymn sing on Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Come and listen or join in with our 4-part harmony.
- The 128th Toronto Girl Guides Unit will have hands-on craft activities throughout the weekend.There will be games for kids to play on the back patio and “Mennonite” games inside.
- Our in-house Theatre of the Beat (TOTB) will lead a Safe Hands Workshop on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Learn about their upcoming Emerging Producers Festival in August.
See Toronto’s Mennonite history up close and learn about the 500 years of Anabaptist history.
The doors are open!
Centre 55 Spring Festival
Something for the whole family: children’s crafts, face painting, outdoor giant games, sports games, local vendors, music by DJ. Mike, raffle & hot dogs!
Free admission!
If you are interested in being a vendor at the Spring Festival being held at Stephenson Park, please contact [email protected] for more details.
Date: May 31st
Time: 12-4pm
Location: Stephenson Park
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.
Community Programs & Employment Events
Application for the 2025 Youth in Policing Program
Applications for the 2025 Toronto Police Service Youth in Policing initiative are now opened. For more information, visit the link below.
Beaches Kids Book Club
Bronze Certification Courses 🆕
The Bronze Certification courses are a series of levels that teach skills required to become a lifesaver and are prerequisite courses to the National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses.
Call for Casual Workers 🆕
Camp Inspire 🆕
This summer, Toronto Community Housing is proud to introduce our new summer program, Camp Inspire!
Camp Inspire will continue the legacy of Rookie League by providing children ages 6 to 12 with a full-time summer day camp experience. The program runs for seven weeks during July and August and will operate in 12 TCHC communities across the city. Throughout the summer, campers will build resilience and self-confidence while developing positive relationships with each other. Campers will participate in themed weekly activities designed to inspire exploration and imagination.
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
Challenger Baseball League
We are excited to announce that we are launching our Challenger Baseball League in collaboration with the Jays Care Foundation and Challenger Baseball.
What is it?
An adaptive baseball program, run in partnership with Little League Canada and Baseball Canada, where people living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities find a place on a team where they belong.
Where and When?
We will be running the program on Sundays from 9:00am to 10:00am starting on April 27th until June 22nd. Each session will be 45 minutes on the John Shelton Diamond (Diamond 1) at Topham Park.
Volunteer Opportunities
Be a Buddy
- League coaches will offer training sessions to help you feel confident in assisting an athlete during practices and games. Buddies will be assigned to a player for the season to help and support them in meeting their goals.
Be a Parent Greeter
- This role greets all players and families as they enter the field. They help to ensure players are connected to their buddies and ensure that parents or caregivers are aware of who their child will be paired with.
Be an Assistant Coach
- You will receive specialized training from Jays Care to ensure that you feel equipped to support the program by helping to plan and facilitate practice plans or game plans. You will also provide direct support to the head coach.
East End Kids Pride
Calling all East End rainbow families, friends, neighbours, and allies! You’re all invited to join East End Arts, Shadowland Theatre, third annual East End Kids Pride Program & Celebration! The theme this year is “🦋Magical Metamorphosis🦋”, so together, let’s celebrate #EastEndLove & joy in all forms!
🌈This program, which is completely FREE to join, has 3 components:
- Various Visual Art Workshops for Kids, Youth and Families at St. Matthew’s Clubhouse in Riverdale Park (450 Broadview Ave.) – Registration is Required.
- A magical Community Pride Parade & Celebration in Dentonia Park on June 1st, 2025 from 10am to 2pm. The day will feature stilt walkers, face painting, drag story time, performances, dancing and more!
- An Art Exhibit from June 17-22nd at St. Matthew’s Clubhouse showcasing all the art made by kids and youth participants!
🌈Learn more and register here: https://eastendarts.ca/kidspride2025/
Free Laundry Access 2025
Free Laundry Access will be continuing our flexible monthly Free Laundry Day schedule for May 2025 at Wishy Washy Laundromat, 3003 Danforth Ave unit #44 (Shoppers World Danforth), East York. Our wonderful partners Jim and Dahna (owners of Wishy Washy) opened up the program to be more flexible so that they can help more people in need throughout the month, and on their own schedule. Participants can visit any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to use their monthly program allotment.
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 on the flyer below.
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 [email protected] to volunteer.
Good Food Market 🆕
Our Good Food Market is back!
Harmony Community Food Centre is starting their Good Food Market up on Tuesday May 20 this year.
It is an affordable produce market that runs every Tuesday out front of our building at 2 Gower St until the end of October. It is from 2:45pm-4:45pm. 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.
What: Good Food Market (affordable fruits and veggies)
When: Tuesdays May 20 – end of October
Time: 2:45pm – 4:45pm
Junior Lifesaving Sport 🆕
The Junior Lifesaving Sport program will teach youth the fundamentals of Lifesaving Sport under the guidance of an experienced lifesaving athlete/instructor.
Legion BSO/OSI OP VETBUILD
This program was run by Veteran James LeRoy at Branch 11 but as the building was demolished the program has moved to Branch 10. See details below.
New Booking Center – Employment Services
A new booking center designed to make it easier for job seekers. At this time, our primary focus is on assisting job seekers in the West End.
- Phone: (416) 405-5254
- Email: [email protected]
Please note that our employment services are now available at the four locations listed:
- 2930 Lake Shore Blvd. West
- 201-219 Dufferin Street, Suite 1C
- 1533 Victoria Park Ave.
- 815 Danforth Ave. Suite 10
Not Far From The Tree
Hi Neighbour!
Nice to meet you! We’re Not Far From The Tree, Toronto’s very own fruit picking and sharing project! We’re looking to add new trees to our Fruit Picking Program in 2025.
Would you consider sharing your fruit with the community?
If you have a fruit tree, but can’t keep up with the harvest, we can help. We send over a team of fruit pickers to harvest your tree when it’s time, and split the harvest three ways:
- ⅓ is offered to you
- ⅓ is shared amongst the volunteers
- ⅓ is delivered to a community agency
By registering to share your fruit with NFFTT:
- Your fruit directly supports community agencies feeding thousands monthly.
- You create opportunities for connection and sharing in your neighborhood.
- Your tree becomes a source of nourishment and joy for those in need.
Make an impact directly in your community by sharing your bounty with NFFTT!
Learn more about registering your tree at:
https://notfarfromthetree.org/get-involved/tree-registrants/
Or find out more about NFFTT and other ways to get involved at: https://notfarfromthetree.org/
Personalized Career Accelerator Program
The Personalized Career Accelerator program assists newcomers with finding meaningful employment through a wide sector of services.
Queer Youth United
Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Tuesday 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.
Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program 🆕
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.
Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
We’re thrilled to share that in-person services are available at the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub, a 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.
Toronto Nature Stewards 2025
CALLING ALL FELLOW BEACHERS:
SPRING IS HERE!
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.
- Early in May Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) will begin their fifth season of volunteer stewarding in Toronto’s Parks and ravines. This city approved program began in 2021 with 150 stewards working in 9 different sites. This year 1000 stewards will be working in 49 sites across the city.
- 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 6th
- Tuesdays: 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: https://torontonaturestewards.org/.get-involved
Work in the Ward
Line 2 (Bloor – Danforth) – Woodbine to Broadview stations – Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 closure 🆕
This weekend, there will be no subway service between Broadview and Woodbine stations due to planned track work. Shuttle buses will operate.
TTC staff will be available to assist customers.
Chester Station will be closed. All other subway stations will remain open for customers to purchase and load a PRESTO card, ticket and connect to surface routes.
Extra Wheel-Trans buses will operate between Woodbine and Broadview stations for any customer requiring assistance.
Regular subway service will resume Monday, May 19, at 6 a.m.
To confirm the status of elevators and escalators throughout the system, contact the TTC lift line at: 416-539-5438 (LIFT) for real-time information on any outages.
Michael Garron Hospital (MHG) Wings Closure
As a part of its ongoing campus redevelopment project, Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) permanently closed its A, B and C Wings on March 21, 2025 starting at 6 a.m.
The decommissioning and demolition of these wings is necessary to complete the hospital’s campus transformation, which includes extensive landscaping and the creation of a new driveway off Coxwell Avenue to better facilitate patient pick-ups and drop-offs. This work is expected to be complete in Spring 2026.
If you have any questions or need navigation assistance, please visit volunteers at one of our two Information Desks:
- Main Information Desk: Located inside the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre lobby on M1. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sammon Avenue Information Desk: Located inside the Sammon Entrance on T1. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Road Resurfacing in Beaches-East York 🆕
Road Resurfacing on Columbine Avenue 🆕
Road Resurfacing on Haldon Avenue 🆕
Road Resurfacing on Main Street 🆕
Road Resurfacing on Stephenson Avenue 🆕
Road Resurfacing on Westlake Avenue 🆕
St. Clair Ave East Infrastructure Work
Phase 2 of the City’s Basement Flooding Protection Program will begin this spring in the Topham Park community. This critical infrastructure upgrade will help protect homes and streets from flooding during extreme weather events.
In this phase, crews will upgrade underground sewers and stormwater infrastructure in areas identified as high risk for flooding. The work will involve road construction, noise, and temporary disruptions, but it is essential to reduce the risk of future basement flooding in our neighbourhood.
Have Questions or Concerns?
You can contact the City’s Field Ambassador at [email protected]. Additional information is also available on the City’s website.
Link to Construction Notice
Join Us at an Information Session:
Drop-in sessions will be held every two weeks.
Next session: May 13, 2025, from 1–2 PM at the Topham Park Clubhouse
If you can’t attend a drop-in, a Community Information Session will take place on:May 29, 2025, from 6:30PM-8PM at O’Connor Public School (Gymnasium)
Thank you for your patience as we complete this important work to strengthen the safety and resilience of our community.
Pre-Construction Notice – Cranfield Rd. Watermain Replacement Projects
Engineering & Construction Services will be undertaking a watermain replacement project on Cranfield Road from Dohme Avenue to Waterman Avenue.
Topham Park Playground and Wading Pool Conversion
We’re excited to share an update on the Topham Park Playground and Wading Pool Conversion project. After extensive public consultation, the project is now moving into the next phase, which includes detailed design and the preparation of construction documents.
Playground and Water Play Improvements
- Spring 2025: Prepare construction documents for tender
- Summer 2025: Hire a construction team
- Fall 2025: Construction starts, playground and water play area closes
- Summer 2026: Construction complete, playground and water play area reopens
This project will transform the current wading pool into a splash pad, along with improvements to the playground. Stay tuned for more updates, and please contact us if you have any questions.
Toronto Hydro Notices
Check the links below for the full notices on Toronto Hydro work happening near you!
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 440 Lake Front
- Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project Dawes Overhead Rebuild
Sewer Repair Work – Merrill Bridge Rd – Update
Trisan Construction is conducting sewer repair work on Merrill Bridge Rd between East and West Lynn Ave. Because of very poor soil conditions, construction has taken longer than anticipated, with a new anticipated completion date of Friday, May 23, 2025. The road will be permanently closed for the duration of construction.
Please find the attached traffic control plan and RODAR for your information.
City Wide News/Events
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
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.
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 great information about coyote behavior and ways that we can safely co-exist with our wild neighbours. To learn more, visit toronto.ca/Coyotes
Creating Suspense in Crime and Mystery Fiction 🆕
DHF Free to Be Arts Program
The Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) is a non-profit organization that supports youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
DHF is hosing a two-day workshop using visual arts to explore T1D stigma. Over the course of the weekend, participants will have the opportunity to create both individual and collaborative pieces focused on educating others about type 1 diabetes and the impact stigma has on youth with T1D.
Discover Toronto’s Ravines: Nature and History at Your Doorstep 🆕
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 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.
To find out more, please visit our website at eycdc.ca/get-involved. Our sign up sheet list all the positions and is available here: https://volunteersignup.org/CRYQA
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
NOTE: All Volunteers must reside in the Toronto Area.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE TO ALL WHO SIGN UP – WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Fireworks: Know the Rules🆕
Did you know that you can only set off fireworks on your own property until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and 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
Flood Preparedness Resources (TRCA)
Spring thaw can increase the risk of flooding as melting snow and seasonal rainfall lead to rising water levels. TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program actively monitors these conditions and provides timely updates to help keep communities informed. Stay prepared by signing up for TRCA’s Flood Messaging Service for regular updates on spring flood risks. Visit trca.ca/floodmessages to sign-up.
Purposefully Uncoupling 🆕
For women preparing for separation or divorce.
Join Dwayne Richards, CPA, for this session that includes first steps and the costs of divorce, divorce vs. separation, dividing your property and finances, and more.
The objectives of this workshop by Toronto Public Library are to:
- Learn how to prepare household finances before and after separation
- Understand your cash flow and how to budget for this new chapter
- Learn how spousal and child support works
- Develop strategies to get yourself back on your feet financially.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Monday June 9, 2025 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Walter Stewart Library, Meeting Room, 170 Memorial Park Ave.
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.
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:
- 2 am to 12 pm
- F. G. Gardiner Expressway (eastbound lanes), from the Humber River to the Don Valley Parkway (including all ramps)
- Don Valley Parkway (northbound lanes), from the F.G. Gardiner Expressway to Eglinton Avenue East (including all ramps)
- 5am to 2pm
- Lake Shore Boulevard West (westbound north curb lane), from British Columbia Rd (on-ramp Gardiner Expressway) to Ontario Dr.
- 4am to 11am
- 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
Small Business Health & Safety Basics 🆕
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: toronto.ca/employmentsurvey
Toronto Newcomer Day 🆕
Join us for Toronto Newcomer Day on May 28 at Nathan Phillips Square. 🙌💙
Enjoy live music, cultural performances, food, games, giveaways, and a warm welcome from your city. Whether you’ve been here for 5 days or 5 decades — everyone’s invited!
📍 Nathan Phillips Square
🗓️ Tuesday, May 28
🕘 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Let’s celebrate together!
#TorontoNewcomerDay
Learn more at www.toronto.ca/Newcomerday
TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street)
TTC Notice – King and Church Watermain Replacement and Streetcar Track Renewal 🆕
The TTC has developed an explainer video to help customers understand (and navigate) the upcoming service changes to the 503 Kingston Rd., 504 King and 508 Lake Shore King/Church construction-related diversions.
See graphic below for more information on 503, 504 and 508 streetcar diversion map.
Wheeling through Toronto: A History of the Bicycle and Its Riders 🆕
About Brad Bradford - - -
