Hi Friend,
This past week, the federal election came to a close. Congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and all the newly elected or re-elected Members of Parliament across the country, including our re-elected MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith here in Beaches–East York. It’s an honour to represent your community at any level of government, and I look forward to working together to deliver on our residents’ priorities. A big thanks to all who stepped up to put their name on the ballot, volunteer for a local candidate, or just got out to vote. Our democracy depends on our collective participation.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of Pope Francis. His leadership touched the lives of many, and the global Catholic community is in mourning. As the world reflects on his legacy, we remember his leadership with gratitude and pray he rests in peace.
May is a month filled with meaning and momentum. It offers a chance to recognize and reflect on the diverse histories, causes, and celebrations that shape our shared Canadian multicultural identity.
May is recognized in Canada as Jewish Heritage Month — and this week we raised the Israeli flag at City Hall in recognition of the country’s 77th Independence Day.
This month, we also honour Asian Heritage Month, and I look forward to participating in events to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of Asian Canadians to our city and country.
Now, a brief recap of the community events we’ve shared together over the past few weeks.
Starting off with the annual Beaches Easter Parade last week, bringing the best energy to the neighbourhood. It was heartwarming to see so many families come together to celebrate spring.
The Geneva Centre for Autism opened a brand-new Danforth location, and I was pleased to welcome them to the neighbourhood. This expansion means more accessible, compassionate care for families across Toronto—a vital step forward for inclusion and support.
I’ve heard a wide range of concerns about community safety from residents in Parkview Hills. To help answer your questions, my office has organized a Community Safety Meeting in partnership with the Parkview Hills Community Association and Toronto Police 55 Division.
It will be a valuable opportunity to connect, raise concerns, and work together to keep our neighbourhood safe. All the details below. Register here.
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
City Hall Updates
Small Business Spotlight 🆕
Local 1794 – 1794 Danforth Ave 🆕
Local Events
- TODAY! May. 3: The AI Literary Show
- TODAY! May. 3: Ecofair at Beach United
- TODAY! May. 3: Jane’s Walk 🆕
- May. 5: Unleashing the Power of Cycling 🆕
- May. 6: Brain Health
- May. 6: Sharing Responsibility: How to Foster Interdependence
- May. 10: Timeless Voices
- May. 10: Annual Community Police Day 🆕
- May. 14: Mima Brown Kapches – Historical Society Event 🆕
- 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+🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Application for the 2025 TPS Youth in Policing Program
- Beaches Kids Book Club
- Call For Casual Workers: Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
- Challenger Baseball League
- East End Kids Pride
- Free Laundry Access 2025
- I Love to SING!
- 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
- Michael Garron Hospital (MHG) Wings Closure
- St. Clair Ave East Infrastructure Work 🆕
- Topham Park Playground and Wading Pool Conversion
- Toronto Hydro Upgrades
- TTC Track Repair at Gerrard St E, East of Norwood Rd (North Side) 🆕
- Upcoming Sewer Repair Work – Merrill Bridge Rd 🆕
City Wide News/Events
- CaféTO Curb Lane Café Program Update 🆕
Canada’s Volunteer Awards – Call for Nominations 2025 - Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
- DHF Free to Be Arts Program
- Flood Preparedness Resources (TRCA)
- ProAction Cops & Kids: Over The Edge 2025
- Red Dress Day 🆕
- Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw 🆕
- Toronto Employment Survey 2025
- TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street)
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.
City Hall Updates
Last week, City Council took significant steps toward addressing construction management and traffic congestion across Toronto. For many residents across, traffic congestion is one of the most frustrating challenges they face daily, and it’s something I hear about from residents in the ward every day. That’s why, for over two years, I have been advocating for the appointment of a “Congestion Relief Commissioner”—or what has been referred to as a “Traffic Czar.” The Toronto Region Board of Trade recently added its voice in support of establishing this position to improve accountability and coordination across many city departments.
I’m pleased to share that this month, the Mayor and Council have adopted the recommendation to create this role. While this is a positive step, I remain disappointed that a motion I introduced to have the Mayor establish the position immediately was not adopted. I remain committed to pushing for bold, immediate solutions to prevent gridlock and improve the daily commute for all Torontonians.
Small Business Spotlight
Local 1794 🆕
Looking for your new go-to spot on the Danforth? Local 1794 is a local gastropub located at Coxwell and Woodbine, serving up refined comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.
From hand-rolled, wood oven-baked pizzas to fresh seafood and locally farmed meats, Local 1794’s ever-changing menu is full of flavor and creativity. Pair your meal with a boutique wine or one of 24 rotating microbrews, all served from their stunning 53-foot handmade bar.
Visit them at 1794 Danforth Ave, Toronto
Hours: Mon–Thurs: 3PM–12AM | Fri: 3PM–2AM | Sat: 12PM–2AM | Sun: 12PM–10PM
If you have a local business you’d like to see featured in this newsletter, please reply and let us know!
Local Events
TODAY! Ecofair at Beach United
Get inspired, get involved, and bring the entire family to our Ecofair on May 3rd. There will be food, vendors, and exhibitors – bring something in an item to get fixed at our Repair Café, or your bike for a free tune-up! Free, all ages & fully accessible.
Saturday, May 3rd, 10am-2pm
Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.
TODAY! The AI Literacy Show
“The AI literacy show” is a 90 minute, dynamic performance/presentation hosted by Keith McDonald, founder and Chief Curator of Toronto’s “the literacy AI project”. Keith covers four “must know” areas to be AI literate including understanding algorithms and recognizing how they reflect bias. Come learn in a fun, easy to understand way as Keith also presents a compelling case for making Artificial Intelligence literacy a must have in schools and in business.
Note: This is an interactive, multi-media presentation with audience interaction, video clips, props, and includes an opening AI literacy song ice breaker. Attendees do not have to know coding as this is very much a non-technical presentation with time for Q/A with the audience.
For Adults. Teens are also welcome.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Saturday May 3, 2025
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
Auditorium
TODAY! Jane’s Walk at Kew Gardens 🆕
Join us as we walk from the historic entrance of Kew Gardens through the Beaches and down to the dunes, uncovering how urban innovation and ecology intersect. Along the way, we’ll explore Toronto’s hidden natural history, the role of citizen science, climate-resilient habitats, and how communities use tech to care for nature. You’ll be invited to get involved in protecting and nurturing the trees and green spaces throughout the city and your neighbourhood.
This is the perfect walk for anyone passionate about trees, climate resilience, or spending time in beautiful spaces. Whether you’re a nature nerd, a local community member, a park lover, a beach stroller, or someone just wanting to learn more about Toronto’s Urban Canopy, come walk with us and explore the intersection of ecology, design, and community.
Date: May 3rd, 2025 from 11 AM – 1PM
Walk Start: Kew Gardens Entrance Plaza
Walk End: Queen St. East & Kenilworth Ave
Click here for more info about Jane’s Walks, happening all weekend.
Unleashing the Power of Cycling 🆕
You’re invited to join us for a full-day conference convening local and national leaders in urban planning, climate policy, active transportation, infrastructure design, and community organizing.
Unleashing the Power of Cycling will examine how bold cycling policy and infrastructure investments can:
- Cut urban carbon emissions at scale
- Improve access to opportunity across all wards
- Reframe public safety and equity in our streetscape
- Align with the School of Cities’ mission to address mobility, climate, infrastructure, and justice
Hosted by Lanrick Bennett Jr., Urbanist-in-Residence, University of Toronto’s School of Cities
🗓Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
🕣Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
📍 Location: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5H 2N3
🔗 Full Agenda & RSVP Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/unleashing-the-power-of-cycling-tickets-1259925945419?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Brain Health
This interactive presentation discusses the risk factors of dementia and how healthy lifestyle changes can help improve and maintain the health of the brain.
Come learn about some research findings on reducing the risk of developing dementia; recognize how lifestyle plays a role in a person’s risk of developing dementia, and commit to take action to reduce your risk. Presented by Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.
Tuesday May 6, 2025
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Walter Stewart Library
170 Memorial Park Ave.
Meeting Room
Sharing Responsibility: How to Foster Interdependence
Consider various ways that you can help your child become more autonomous in their diabetes care, while still providing support where needed.
Date & Time: Tuesday May 6, 2025 | 7:00 PM Eastern Time | FREE ONLINE (Zoom)
Register Here
Timeless Voices
This is an evening of music to raise urgently needed funds for African grandmothers.
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign is a community of grandmothers, grandothers, and allies working in solidarity to fight the inequity and injustice that continue to drive the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Our support will allow African grandmothers and community-led organizations to continue advocating for change while providing essential support to their families and communities.
It’s a great way to enjoy musical entertainment while supporting a worthwhile cause !
Tickets $55
Donations welcome to provide additional support for African grannies (receipts for $20+).
This event includes a silent auction, wine and light bites.
Location: East End United, 310 Danforth Ave Toronto
Date: May 10, 2025 | Doors Open 6:30pm – Concert 7:30pm
Annual Community Police Day 🆕
Celebrate Community Police Day! Hosted by Toronto Police Service – 55 Division
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Jimmie Simpson Park | 870 Queen Street East
Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for a day of food, fun, and community spirit!
Enjoy a FREE barbecue, check out police vehicles up close, and discover important safety tips from your local officers.
Learn how you can help keep our community safe with crime prevention resources and bike safety information.
Meet your Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) members, share your ideas or concerns, and find out how we work together to build a safer neighbourhood.
Questions? Contact 55 Division at 416-808-5500 or email [email protected]
Mima Brown Kapches – Historical Society Event 🆕
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
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
Call For Casual Workers: Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance Program
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.
I Love to SING!
“I Love to SING!” is launching the winter/spring session.
Do you know someone between the ages of 8 and 14 who loves to sing? They can join this fun experience FOR FREE!
Students will learn and sing together with some of the most celebrated vocal coaches in Canada: gospel recording artist Latoya Hall-Downer, renowned tenor Joseph Angelo, operatic and recital soprano Allison Angelo.
Saturdays, 11 am to 12:45 pm at Community Centre 55, 97 Main Street. Toronto
May 10
Register for free at: https://singtoronto.tickit.ca/events/27683
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
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.
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
TTC Track Repair at Gerrard St E, East of Norwood Rd (North Side) 🆕
TTC streetcar staff have identified essential rail and concrete repair at the westbound streetcar stop on Gerrard St East at Norwood Rd. The repairs are required to maintain safe streetcar service. Crews are currently scheduled to start setting up the work areas at 11 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, and will work around the clock until Monday, May 12, to complete the work. Work, within the centre lanes, will consist of concrete milling, followed by concrete saw-cutting, concrete breaking/removal, replacement of streetcar rail, and placement of new concrete. Noise should be expected.
Streetcars will divert during this work. A 506 Gerrard replacement bus service will operate through the work zone on Gerrard Street East.
- 506/306 streetcars will operate as far east as Coxwell Ave to Coxwell Loop.
- 506/306 Gerrard replacement buses will operate on Gerrard Street East between Coxwell Station and Gerrard St/Greenwood Ave.
Upcoming Sewer Repair Work – Merrill Bridge Rd 🆕
Trisan Construction will be conducting sewer repair work on Merrill Bridge Rd between East and West Lynn Ave, starting on Monday, May 5, 2025, with an anticipated completion date of Friday, May 9, 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
CaféTO Curb Lane Café Program Update 🆕
CaféTO is excited to share an update on their progress as they continue preparing for another successful season.
Key dates:
- Traffic safety equipment installations will begin April 22nd.
- Program set to launch May 1st.
Continued progress:
- Mark-outs (spray painted location markers for traffic equipment) commenced April 7th and continue ahead of equipment installation.
- Mark-outs allow local BIAs to review planned traffic equipment placements ahead of installations, and facilitate the accuracy and efficiency of installations operations.
- Permits are being prepared and issued to operators over the next few weeks.
Canada’s Volunteer Awards – Call for Nominations 2025
The nomination period is open for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, a national program that recognizes volunteers, not-for-profit organizations, social enterprises and businesses for their contributions.
The five award categories are the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement Award and regional awards in the four categories of Community Leader, Emerging Leader, Business Leader and Social Innovator.
Nomination information sessions are available, being held in English on April 8th, and in French on April 9th. Nominations close on May 8, 2025.
You will find more information on the attached, or visit Canada’s Volunteer Awards.
Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season
Offering multiple concerts, the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season begins this October and continues throughout December in Scarborough.
Visit: https://cathedralbluffs.com/
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.
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.
Red Dress Day 🆕
Red Dress Day is approaching on May 5, marking a national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). This day is an opportunity to honour those who have gone missing or have been murdered, raise awareness about the ongoing crisis, and support the healing and justice work being led by Indigenous communities.
Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw 🆕
Landlords, are you planning renovations that require a tenant to move out? A new bylaw means you’ll need a Rental
Renovation Licence.
Effective July 31, 2025, the bylaw requires landlords to apply for a licence from the City within seven days of issuing an N13 notice to end tenancy for renovations. To obtain this licence, 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.
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
TTC’s Leslie Barns Facility (Lakeshore Blvd. E. & Leslie Street)
About Brad Bradford - - -
