Hi Neighbour,
The past few weeks have been challenging for many of us– from recent violence on the TTC and important discussions on warming centres to Mayor Tory’s resignation. I know that these events have been top of mind for so many of you and I wanted to thank you for your continued engagement with me on these issues. Hearing your concerns is vital to my work as your City Councillor– it helps us build a brighter and safer community that works for everyone. I want to assure you that I, alongside my colleagues at City Hall, am continuing the hard work of rolling up my sleeves and addressing these issues head on.
After many long hours and important debates on key issues affecting Torontonians, at City Council in mid February we passed Toronto’s 2023 Budget. Not only is our Budget ambitious– at $16.16 billion it is Canada’s largest municipal budget– it is also comprehensive. It puts money in much-needed areas such as housing, transit, and community safety and addresses complex issues such as mental health and homelessness. Most importantly, this budget was informed by you. Whether through participating in one of the city’s public consultations or reaching out to me directly, your input was crucial in shaping the 2023 Budget. Thank you.
As we look ahead in the coming weeks, there is a lot to look forward to. Mixed in with the snow and cold days, we’ve been having a lot more sunshine. Spring is just around the corner, which brings all kinds of exciting events in Beaches – East York: Environment days, community cleanups, the reopening of patios and the promise of warm, sunny summer days. Take a look below to see the latest news at City Hall, community events and local updates. Don’t forget to follow me on social Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily info.
Sincerely,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- 2023 Budget Overview 🆕
- CafeTO Program Changes 🆕
- Report Snow Clearing Needs 🆕
- Toronto Small Business Grant Programs
- Vaccine & Health Updates
- CC55 Soup Competition – March 2 🆕
- Mentor’s Circle for Entrepreneurs – March 2 🆕
- Jazz & Reflection: Summertime at the Beach – March 4 🆕
- Sustainable Living Movie Night – March 9 🆕
- CC55 Pasta Night – March 10 🆕
- Beaches Easter Parade – April 9
- Words Music – Joni Mitchell Lecture Series – April 17 🆕
- Bowmore Road Jr. & Sr. Public School Centennial Celebration – June 10 🆕
Community Programs & Employment
- Become an Enviroleader! 🆕
- Young Urban Forest Leader Program 🆕
- Indigenous Community and Newcomers Grow Together 🆕
- Free Pre- Apprenticeship Programs – Centennial College
- Canadian Youth Climate Action Award
- East End Writers Group
- TD Park People Grant
- New Pedestrian Crossover at Queen St E and Victoria Park Avenue 🆕
- Coal Mine Theatre Reopening! 🆕
- Mission Green Toronto: Free Trees 🆕
- Winter Stations Art Installations are open! 🆕
- Free Trees & Shrubs for TCHC Communities 🆕
- Winter Coyote Sightings
- Taylor Creek Trail: Construction Complete
- Prevent Frozen Pipes
- Toronto Hydro Underground Civil Upgrade; Project Woodbine – Danforth Roof Rebuild 🆕
- Waterline Cleaning and Relining 🆕
- Sanitary Trunk Sewer Protection work in Taylor Massey Creek, East of Dawes Road
- Lakeshore Blvd East Construction Update
- Sewer Upgrades – Various Locations
- Watermain Replacement on O’Connor Drive from Northline Road to Sunrise Avenue
- Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Yardley – O’Connor
- O’Connor Drive Improvements
- Intersection Improvement Works at Coxwell Avenue and Dundas Street East
- Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
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
Budget 2023 Overview: Approved by Council 🆕
Making our communities safer
In recent weeks, I’ve heard from a lot of you that you do not feel as safe as you used to– whether that’s out in the community or on the TTC. While there is no single policy that will solve the complex challenges that lead to violence and crime, our budget does a great job of investing in several key areas that address both the root causes of violence as well as the immediate safety needs of Torontonians.
- Investing in youth hubs through an added $300,000 to provide ongoing support to the Malvern Family Resource Centre for two new youth service hubs in priority neighbourhoods.
- Funding mental health support on the TTC through a one-time increase of $500,000 to support a one-year pilot for expanding the multi-disciplinary teams on the TTC that provide mental health supports to people experiencing homelessness.
- Supporting anti-youth violence programs by investing an additional $2 million in anti-violence programming to support youth and families.
- Increasing funding for first responders to allow 200 more police officers to be hired, an expansion of the Neighbourhood Community Officer program, 90 special constables to support frontline service delivery, and 20 additional 9-1-1 operators.
Building a more affordable and equitable city
The 2023 Budget invests more than $2 billion to build and protect vital housing. While increasing access and affordability of housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities, we must continuously strive to identify and act on all possible opportunities to deliver more affordable and supportive housing to those who need it most.
- Supporting the full implementation and legalisation of multi-tenant housing through $3.5 million in new funding.
- Protecting tenants through $7.08 million investment in the Eviction Prevention Intervention in the Community program.
- Increasing housing supply through $18.85 million in funding for the Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition program.
- Opening an additional 24/7 Warming Centre through an increase of the 2023 Operating Budget for Shelter Support and Housing Administration by $800,000.
Moving Torontonians quickly and safely
The Toronto Transit Commission operates the largest public transit system in Canada and the third largest system in North America. The 2023 Budget ensures that the TTC stays accessible and safe.
- Ensure transit remains safe, accessible, and connected by increasing the City’s operating subsidy for the TTC by $53 million to a total of nearly $1 billion.
- Supporting vulnerable people on the TTC by hiring 20 additional Streets to Homes outreach workers.
- Increasing safety and security through hiring 50 additional TTC Special Constables
- Making the TTC accessible by expanding the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program, making 50,000 additional low-income residents eligible.
CafeTO Program Changes 🆕
Starting this week, local restaurant and bar owners and operators interested in expanding outdoor dining space into curb lanes and sidewalks through the City of Toronto’s CaféTO program can apply for permits online at www.toronto.ca/CafeTO. Operators interested in the program can review the comprehensive CaféTO Guidebook and apply for permits until March 28.
Report Snow Clearing Needs 🆕
Does your neighbourhood need more care after the snow fall on Feb 22? There are a few ways to connect:
- Call 311
- Download the 311 App and create a report
- Visit Toronto.ca/311 and create a report
311 resumes taking service requests 16 hours after the snow stops falling to allow winter operations services time to clear snow. If your neighbourhood needs more clearance, please make a report!
Toronto Small Business Grant Programs
This winter, the City and funding partners are making more than $5.4 million in funding available to help eligible local small businesses. New streams of applications are now open for the Main Street Innovation Fund and Commercial Space Rehabilitation Grant Program. The newly launched Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Grant Program is also now open to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), non-profit organizations and charities. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/BusinessSupport.
Vaccine & Health Updates
ETHP’s Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic (Now Open to Adults)
Our Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic in Thorncliffe Park now serves children, youth and adults.
The clinic provides care for everyone aged three months and older who is experiencing cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat, when their family doctor or other primary care provider is not available.
More information about ETHP’s Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Clinic, including hours and how to book an appointment, is available at tehn.ca/ColdFluClinic. You can also download a flyer to help promote the clinic in your community.
Pharmacies can now prescribe for 13 common minor health concerns
The Government of Ontario announced pharmacists across the province are now able to prescribe medication for some of the most common minor health concerns. These include hay fever, oral thrush, pink eye, dermatitis, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, cold sores, impetigo, insect bites and hives, tick bites, sprains and strains, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
In addition, pharmacists continue to have the ability to prescribe the antiviral Paxlovid pill for people who are at higher risk of being hospitalized from COVID-19. These services are available at no extra cost to Ontarians at their local pharmacy.
We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family and loved ones so we can raise awareness of this easier, faster and more convenient way for people to access healthcare in East Toronto.
Health Access Taylor-Massey (HATM) Now Open in Crescent Town!
Health Access Taylor-Massey (HATM), a new healthcare, community and social services centre, is now open in Crescent Town! It offers connections to services and resources, including COVID-19 supports, to people who live in the Taylor-Massey neighbourhood and surrounding areas.
The goal is to improve the health and well-being of local residents by making it easier for people to find the care they need in one place that is close to home. The diverse team of healthcare providers includes family doctors, nurses, mental health counsellors, a resource navigator and others.
Vaccine Appointments
Local appointments can be booked in advance at www.tehn.ca/covid19/covid-19-vaccinecineAppointment. You can also use the provincial booking system online or at 1-833-943-3900.
Local Events
CC55 Soup Competition 🆕
Warm up with some delicious soups at Centre 55’s Annual Soup Tasting Competition in March! Sample soups from your favourite local restaurants.
Mentors Circle for Entrepreneurs 🆕
Overcomers United is hosting a Mentors Circle for Entrepreneurs on Thursday, March 2, 2023. To register for the event click here.
Jazz & Reflection: Summertime at the Beach 🆕
Join Juno-celebrated Canadian jazz artists, Paul Novotny and Robi Botos, for an afternoon of jazz originals & favourites! Free / By Donation. Saturday, March 4th from 4:30pm-5:30pm. Follow the link below to get your tickets!
Sustainable Living Movie Night 🆕
You are invited to join us for biweekly screenings of environmental films from around the world. Meal and refreshments provided! After the screenings there will be an opportunity to share thoughts on the films and discuss ways the ideas presented can be applied, if at all. An inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
When: Biweekly Thursdays- March 9th, March 23rd, April 6th, April 20th, May 4th and May 18th. 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: 3079 Danforth Avenue
How: Register HERE
CC55 Pasta Night 🆕
Beaches Easter Parade
Join us for this year’s 57th Beaches Easter Parade on Sunday, April 9, 2023 as we bring Queen St. E to life with colour, music, family fun and entertainment. This year is sure to be the biggest and best one yet!
Registration is now open! Please follow the link to register: https://www.beacheseasterparade.ca/registration
Registration ends March 31st. We look forward to having you participate once again in this year’s 57th Annual Beaches Easter Parade!
Words & Music – Joni Mitchell Lecture Series with Dr. Mike Daley 🆕
Beach United Church presents Dr. Mike Daley, musicologist and storyteller, with a lecture series exploring the iconic Joni Mitchell. $120 for all six lectures / $30 for one lecture
April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 & 29. Click the link below to get your tickets!
Bowmore Road Jr. & Sr. Public School Centennial Celebration 🆕
Save the date! Bowmore Road Jr. and Sr. Public School is having their Centennial celebration on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 from 12:00 – 4:00pm.
Community Programs & Employment
Become an Enviroleader! 🆕
In 2023 become an Enviroleader! 🐞🦋🐛🌳🌻🌻
Enviroleaders is an environmental leadership program for those who want to become workshop facilitators, specifically oriented around organic gardening, and environmental consciousness building. Earn a certificate in workshop facilitation and be compensated for your workshops!
When: Tuesdays April 4th to May 9th, 2023. 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: 3079 Danforth Avenue (Victoria Park and Danforth)
How: Register HERE
Young Urban Forest Leader Program 🆕
Join the Young Urban Forest Leaders!
Gain professional skills while making a difference in your community with the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL)! Toronto youths (18 – 29 years old) interested in arboriculture, urban forestry and community engagement are invited to apply to this free, hybrid training and mentorship program. This program is open to all youth, but seeks to support those from underrepresented groups within arboriculture and urban forestry. The Young Urban Forest Leaders Program is funded in part by a City of Toronto Urban Forestry Grant and the Canadian TREE Fund. Applications will close on March 21, 2023 at 11:59 PM
Link: https://www.yourleaf.org/young-urban-forest-leaders
Indigenous Community and Newcomer grow Together 🆕
This Spring and Summer Join us as we: Grow Together! 🌻🌻🌻 This 12 week gardening program brings together Indigenous ways of growing and newcomer perspectives and methods. This program is facilitated by Isaac Crosby (Brother Nature) an Indigenous land worker with decades of experience in growing and a generations long legacy of land work.
When: Fridays April 14 – June 23, 2023. 9:30 -11:30 am
Where: 3079 Danforth Avenue
How: Register HERE
Free Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Please see below for tuition-free programs, and a $10,000 tuition fee and relocation reimbursement opportunity available at the School of Transportation, Centennial College.
Automotive Service Technician Program
Centennial College’s Pre-Apprenticeship program is your first step to an in-demand career as Automotive Service Technician and Truck and Coach Technician. Funded by the Government of Ontario, this program was created to be a transitional step towards finding an apprenticeship.
Start Date: April 3, 2023.
Program Highlights
- No tuition fees are required to take this program.
- Basic tools and textbooks are provided for you.
- It’s a condensed program, which can be completed in 33 weeks.
- A 12-week paid work placement is included as part of the program.
Airframe Assembly program
In the Airframe Assembly program, you’ll obtain the knowledge and skills to perform complex airframe assembly, as required by the aviation manufacturing industry.
Program Highlights
- Jobs are available for Centennial Airframe Assembly graduates! Apply Now!
- Get an exciting job at Bombardier in Montreal via Centennial’s Airframe Assembly program
- Bombardier will provide $10,000 in tuition reimbursement and relocation costs to eligible graduates receiving 85% or higher grades, and are willing to relocate to Montreal.
Program Start Date: February 6th, 2023
Canadian Youth Climate Action Award
Pivot Green has opened up applications for the Canadian Youth Climate Action Award, in partnership with Small Change Fund. More information and the application form may be found on our website http://pivotgreen.ca/award. Applications will be accepted up to March 25, 2023.
East End Writers Group
Join the East End Writers Group: a writing critique group for new and published writers. Meeting in the S. Walter Stewart library, join on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Next meeting is March. Check out the flyer below to learn more!
Neighbourhood News
New Pedestrian Crossover at Queen St E and Victoria Park Avenue 🆕
Last May, Councillor Crawford and I began the process of requesting a crosswalk for the intersection of Queen St E and Victoria Park. We are pleased to announce that the installation is complete. Thanks to all the neighbours that advocated for this important neighbourhood safety improvement.
Coal Mine Theatre Reopening! 🆕
Following a devastating fire in September of last year, the local home of the arts, Coal Mine Theatre has rebuilt and reopened at their new home: 2076 Danforth Avenue. Located at the Northwest corner, just steps from Woodbine Station make sure to stop by and discover the new space. Check out upcoming performances and learn more about their transformation here.
Mission Green Toronto: Free Trees 🆕
Are you interested in beautifying your neighbourhood with trees?
Mission Green Toronto is supplying free native shade and fruit trees to residential homeowners and private landowners in your neighbourhood. The group will host informational webinars in March for interested residents, help landowners select a suitable species for their land, and finally help deliver and plant the trees.
This is a wonderful opportunity to green your neighbourhood and enjoy the ecosystem services that the growing trees will provide in the future, which include temperature regulation and increased biodiversity.
If you have any questions or are interested in getting a tree for your land, please email the team at [email protected]!
Winter Station Installations are Open! 🆕
The annual beaches tradition of the Winter Stations art installations is back for the 2023 season! The display officially opened on February 20 at Woodbine Beach. Visit the Winter Stations website to check out the incredible design winners of this year’s competition!
Free native trees and shrubs for TCHC Communities 🆕
Are you a TCHC tenant looking to green your community with beautiful trees and shrubs? The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative may be for you! This tenant-driven project focuses on connecting tenants with free native trees and shrubs and support from LEAF throughout each part of the program, from species selection to planting and care. Free training and care resources are also provided to ensure you are confident in caring for your trees and shrubs. If this sounds like a good fit for your community, request your trees and shrubs today!
The TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative is funded in part by a City of Toronto Urban Forestry Grant
Link: https://www.yourleaf.org/tch-green
Winter Coyote Sightings
Seeing more coyotes in your neighbourhood? Coyote mating season falls during January and February which can lead to coyotes being more active and visible. It’s quite normal to see or encounter more coyotes in parks and green spaces across Toronto as they begin their search for a possible mate. They are typically shy and timid in nature and generally do not pose a danger to people, however they have been known to 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 a lot of great information about coyote behavior and ways that we can co-exist peacefully with our wild neighbours safely. To learn more, visit toronto.ca/Coyotes.
Taylor Creek Trail: Construction Complete!
City staff have confirmed that the Taylor Creek Trail repaving project is officially complete. If you’re out for in the area, make sure to stop by and walk the trail.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Did you know you can avoid frozen pipes with these helpful home tips? See tips & learn more at toronto.ca/frozenpipes:
- Apply foam coverings around indoor water pipes
- Apply weather strips around doors & windows to keep cold air out
- Locate and label your main indoor water shut-off valve, in case your pipes burst and you need
to turn it off - When it is -15C or colder for a few days, you can run a thin stream of cold water from an
indoor faucet to keep movement in pipes - Keep your house warm, even when you are away
Work in the Ward
Toronto Hydro Underground Civil Upgrade; Project Woodbine – Danforth Roof Rebuild 🆕
Waterline Cleaning and Relining 🆕
Sanitary Trunk Sewer Protection work in Taylor Massey Creek, East of Dawes Road
Lakeshore Blvd East Construction Information
Interested in following the progress of the Lakeshore Blvd East construction? Latest construction updates on the City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto construction of Lake Shore Boulevard East project, including maps, are available at www.PortLandsTO.ca/Construction.
Folks who would like to sign up for newsletters and digital notices related to the work are encouraged to email [email protected].
Information about the City’s planned capital construction work is available at toronto.ca/inview.
Information on the Lake Shore East Construction Hub available here.
Sewer Upgrades – Various Locations
Watermain Replacement on O’Connor Drive from Northline Road to Sunrise Avenue
Toronto Hydro Underground Electrical Upgrade; Project Yardley – O’Connor
O’Connor Drive Improvements
Intersection Improvement Works at Coxwell Avenue and Dundas Street East
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
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 - - -
