E-News: Commuity Events, Celebrations and Support for the Leafs!

Hi Friend,

First things first – Let’s Go Leafs! Hoping the boys are able to win tonight and make it to the next round. 🏒

I want to wish everyone celebrating this weekend a very happy Orthodox Easter. May is also Jewish Heritage Month, Asian Heritage Month, and South Asian Heritage Month, and there will be many opportunities across the city to celebrate the culture and learn more about contributions of each of these communities.

I know many families are busy with the sprint to the end of the school year, and it’s starting to feel like summer is right around the corner. Keep reading on for some highlights over the past few weeks, and what great events will be happening in the coming weeks. As always, reach out and let me know about new events to make sure we can share it with all of you.

Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign is on! Since its start in 1996, over $111 million has been raised!

Until May 5, visit the nearest Tim Hortons, grab a Smile Cookie and support over 600 charities and community groups including the Children’s Breakfast Clubs.

I was glad to be part of this year’s official kick-off event, and stopped by the Tims at Danforth and Cedarvale to help decorate a few more cookies. Keep spreading smiles – every one makes a difference!

Community Spirit Shining Bright

The last couple weeks have also seen some amazing events that truly exemplify the spirit of our community. From the successful Puck for Pazzi fundraiser at Ted Reeve in memory of Ricky Carreiro, to the Michelle Senayah Laneway unveiling and the dedicated efforts at the Glen Stewart Ravine cleanup and much more, each event showcased our community’s resilience and unity.

Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making these initiatives a success. As we move towards summer, let’s continue to support each other and create an even stronger, more vibrant community together.

Best,

– Brad

In This Issue

Updates & Announcements from City Hall

Small Business Spotlight

Local Independent Bookstores 🆕

Local Events

🚨Planning Committee Members Needed – 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🚨
HAPPENING TODAY – May 4: EcoFair at Beach United Church
May 10: Centre 55 Seniors Dinner 🆕
May 11: Annual Community Police Day
May 21: May Seniors Trip – Blue Jays Baseball Game
May 25: RH McGregor Elementary School Spring Fair 🆕
May 25 – June 2: Sing – The Toronto International Arts Festival 🆕
June 2: Gutsy Walk- Walk to Stop Crohn’s Disease and Colitis 🆕
Members of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) in Recital

Community Programs & Employment

East End Arts 2024 Arts Survey 🆕
MGH’s new Inpatient Medicine Patient Experience Panel!🆕
Annual Toronto Nature Stewards
Community Centre 55 Seniors Spring Programming
Healthy Child Screening
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

25 Oakcrest Green Space Survey 🆕
City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour 🆕
Jumping Worms Confirmed in Ontario 🆕

Work in the Ward

Road Repaving Season is back!
O’Connor Construction Update: May 2024 🆕
Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
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

New Affordable Housing Units on Kingston Road 🆕
Community Environment Days 🆕
Red Dress Day, May 5, 2024 🆕

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🆕

This past week, I met with staff from the Parks department to discuss the planned capital improvements to parks across Beaches-East York. While there is never enough funding for every project we may want to do, I continue to advocate for the City to make as many investments in our much-loved parks as possible. This includes the renovations at Topham Park Clubhouse and the Don Summerville Pool that are (finally) nearly completed, the expanded playground at Stan Wadlow Park that’s under construction, and the new playground at Bob Acton Park that will be built this year.

Next week is the Toronto and East York Community Council meeting and a meeting of the Planning and Housing Committee, where we will be discussing changes to add more housing options along our Major Streets like Kingston Road. I’ll be making sure these rules changes can deliver the housing options that people in our community have been asking for, including accessible and affordable places to live.

Small Business Spotlight 📖

Local Independent Bookstores 📚

Are you a bookworm or just looking for a good book to read? Check out these independent bookstores in the neighbourhood. From cozy atmospheres to diverse selections, these local spots offer something for every reader.

Great Escape Book Store – 957 Kingston Road.

Great Escape Book Store offers a cozy atmosphere where you can browse through a mix of new and secondhand books. Don’t forget to check out their small art gallery and garden area for a serene browsing experience.

Nile Valley Books – 1921 Gerrard Street East.

Nile Valley Books is a friendly black-owned bookstore that specializes in Afrocentric and multicultural literature. With a diverse selection catering to all ages, it’s a welcoming space to explore new perspectives.

Book City – 1950 Queen Street East.

Book City boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a wide selection of books, along with a captivating stationery section. Whether you’re looking for a new read or browsing for gifts, this bookstore has something for everyone.

Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore – 991 Kingston Road.

Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore is dedicated to children’s literature, offering a carefully curated collection of books for young readers. It’s the perfect place to spark imagination and foster a love for reading in children.

Coles – 2169 Queen Street East.

Coles provides a quiet and peaceful environment for book browsing. Stop by to explore their selection and enjoy a leisurely escape into the world of literature.

If you have local businesses in the ward that you’d like for us to promote in our e-newsletter, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Let’s continue recognizing and supporting the small businesses that make our neighbourhood great.

Local Events

🚨 We Need YOU to Help Plan the 2024 East York Canada Day Festival 🚨

HELP US CELEBRATE!

The East York Canada Day Committee are excited to be planning the 68^th East York Canada Day Festival celebrating EY@100 – a community of neighbours. They are planning special programming to honour this anniversary.

If you’re a vendor, the committee still has space available with an expected roster of 70+ vendors filling Stan Wadlow Park.

As a non-profit volunteer run event, they are always looking to the community for both volunteer a sponsor support.

To find out more, please visit their website at eycdc.ca/get-involved.

HAPPENING TODAY! EcoFair at Beach United Church

The EcoFair is happening today at Beach United Church. Stop by between 10 and 2 today to find vendors with eco-friendly products, as well as non-profit participants.

Entry is free and open to all ages!

Centre 55 Seniors Dinner 🆕

Centre 55 is hosting a Seniors Dinner on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 5pm. This event is sponsored by Chartwell Retirement Residences.

Please RSVP by e-mail to [email protected].

Annual Community Police Day

Annual Community Police Day is back on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Jimmie Simpson Park from 11am-2pm. It is a free event with fun activities and food. Don’t miss out!

May Seniors Trip – Blue Jays Baseball Game

Join Centre 55 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 for a Jays Game at the Rogers Centre!

They will be watching the ballgame on the 100 Level, Section 135 , behind 3^rd base. We are also including one hot dog and one beverage as we take you out to the ballgame!

You can ONLY GET YOUR SPOT by responding to Jennifer at [email protected] to register.

RH McGregor Elementary School Spring Fair 🆕

Everyone is welcome to attend RH McGregor Elementary School Spring Fair on Saturday, May 25, 2024! Stop by 555 Mortimer Avenue between 10-2pm for food, inflatables, a petting zoo & more.

To find out more information, visit: https://www.rhmcgregorfair.com/fair-info

Sing!- The Toronto International Arts Festival 🆕

SING! is launching on May 25 and running until June 2. This year they are very east-end and hope that you can join them at one of the Redwood Theatre Concerts at 1300 Gerrard Street East for the following events:

May 26 – A joint concert with Countermeasure and Vancouver’s Quayside Voices – 7:30 pm.

May 31 – Asian Heritage Night concert of storytelling and music, 8 pm.

June 2 – SING! with Pride, part of the Toronto Pride festivities, with two LGBTA2S+ choirs and special guest, theatre icon Charlotte Moore, 8 pm.

Tickets are available at www.singtoronto.com

Gutsy Walk- Walk to Stop Crohn’s Disease and Colitis🆕

Step forward with the Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis community at the Toronto Gutsy Walk on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in an effort to help support research to find a cure and raise awareness for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Join the movement and help shape a brighter future for everyone affected by these life-long diseases.

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

East End Arts 2024 Arts Survey 🆕

Spread the news! East End Arts has just launched their annual Arts Survey. Now they need your help! Open until Friday, May 17, 2024, fill out the 2024 EEA Arts Survey to tell them what types of programs and services you would like to see, and how they can better serve East Toronto through the arts! P.S. For those who complete the survey, you will have the chance to win one of two $100 gift cards! The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and thank you for helping to shape the arts in the east end!

Learn more: 2024 Arts Survey Now Open! – East End Arts

Join MGH’s new Inpatient Medicine Patient Experience Panel! 🆕

Have you or a loved one been a patient in or visited Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) inpatient medicine units (T9, T8, T7, A3 and B3) within the last two years? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If so, please think about joining MGH’s new Inpatient Medicine Patient Experience Panel!

As a member of this panel, you will:

Share your ideas, feedback and experiences to help improve care in MGH’s inpatient medicine units (T9, T8, T7, A3 and B3).
Collaborate with other patients, family members and caregivers.
Participate in virtual or in-person meetings once every two months for one year starting in summer 2024 on a volunteer basis.

People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Visit tehn.ca/InpatientMedicinePEP by May 17, 2024 to apply.

Annual Toronto Nature Stewards

Calling all fellow Beachers 📣, the Ashbridge’s Bay Nature Stewards and the Glen Stewart Park Stewards are working under the Toronto Nature Stewards, which will be starting up soon. Please come and join your neighbours in helping to remove invasive and mostly non-native plants and replanting native plants. This successful program is entering into its fourth year.

Across Toronto, they have grown from 9 sites with 150 stewards in 2021 to 43 sites with a projected possible 1000 stewards this year.

Please visit https://torontonaturestewards.org/ for more information.

Community Centre 55 Seniors Spring Programming

Seniors Spring Programs began on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 and will end on Friday, 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 12^th. 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

25 Oakcrest Green Space Survey 🆕

Get excited! A new green space is coming to 25 Oakcrest Avenue! City staff want to hear your feedback on the two new design options.

Please fill out this survey: 25 Oakcrest Green Space and have your say!

City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour 🆕

As directed by Toronto City Council, the City is visiting owners of all dogs who have received a dangerous dog order. Staff are delivering a new standardized sign for owners of these dangerous dogs, which must be visibly posted on their property. Staff will also remind owners of the requirements of their dangerous dog order. Following these proactive visits, staff will continue to conduct regular compliance checks and respond to complaints to ensure compliance.

The City has also posted a public list of dangerous dogs that includes the first three digits of the postal code for the dog owner, ward number, the dog’s name, breed and colour, and the date of the dangerous act at: toronto.ca/DangerousDogs.

Most dog attacks can be prevented if dogs are kept on a leash. Residents are reminded that it is a bylaw requirement for all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes when out in public (except when in designated dogs off-leash areas). The most impactful action owners can undertake is prevention. If residents observe a dog they believe to have a dangerous dog designation without its muzzle or in an off-leash dog park, a complaint can be made to 311 and the matter will be investigated. City of Toronto taking actions to address dangerous dog behaviour.

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!

Jumping Worms Confirmed in Ontario

Jumping worms have been confirmed in various locations across Ontario, including Dundas, Toronto, and Wheatley. These invasive species are particularly destructive, spreading rapidly and posing a significant threat to our gardens, lawns, farms, and forests, including birds and other wildlife.

They can devastate plant life, quickly depleting the soil of essential nutrients.

Here’s how you can help combat the spread of jumping worms:

Avoid Using as Bait: Never use jumping worms for fishing bait. Dispose of any unused bait in the trash, not on the ground.
Clean Your Gear: Always clean your footwear thoroughly before and after visiting gardens or natural areas.
Inspect Supplies: Check your mulch, compost, and soil for signs of jumping worms. Examine plant roots carefully before planting.
Eradicate Safely: If you find jumping worms, you can eliminate them by freezing, sealing them in a bag and placing it in the sun, or soaking them in vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dispose of them in the garbage.
Treat Soil: For infested soil, expose it to sunlight in a sealed bag for at least three days before reuse.

These actions can prevent these harmful pests from damaging our ecosystems.

If you spot any signs of jumping worms in your area, please report your findings to www.eddmaps.org/ontario/. For more information, be sure to check out the detailed poster. Stay vigilant and help protect our local environment.

Work in the Ward

Road Repaving Season is back!

Many local streets within Beaches-East York are slated for repaving and geometric improvements this spring.

If your street is being repaved, you will be receiving a construction notice.
If the construction work will impact your parking, be sure to display the construction notice on your dashboard to prevent receiving penalty tickets.
If you have already received a ticket due to construction, use the construction notice in the dispute process.

Be sure to park in a legal parking spot, otherwise your parking ticket will be valid.

O’Connor Construction Update: May 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: Road reconstruction and sidewalk replacements has begun 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). Work began in March and will continue through January 2025.

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 News/Events

New Affordable Housing Units on Kingston Road 🆕

Happy to share the completion of a new affordable housing unit at 136 Kingston Road during my time as Councillor. Akwa Honsta (Non-Profit Aboriginal Homes), with the financial assistance of the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, has created 24 brand new affordable units for seniors (anyone over 59) and members of the Indigenous community.

There will be 12 – 1 bedroom units allocated for seniors and for the indigenous community, 3 – 1 bedrooms and 9 – 2 bedrooms. Barrier free units will be available. The building will now have the benefit of an elevator to service all floors, an access ramp, new amenity space which will include a cooling centre, and improved laundry facilities. Ample bike parking is also available.

This project, designed for seniors and members of the indigenous community, represents a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and support within our neighbourhood. It’s a testament to our commitment to ensuring housing accessibility for all and we hope for more accessible housing in the future.

The first available units have been posted in the April 25th to May 6th cycle. Additional units will be posted in subsequent cycles. For further information please contact: Aykler Real Estate Inc. at 416-413-1300 or by email at: [email protected]

Community Environment Day🆕

Community Environment Days play a crucial role in our waste reduction efforts, aligning with the City’s Long Term Waste Management Strategy. These events help divert reusable and recyclable waste from landfills while providing a safe disposal option for household hazardous waste.

This 2024, there are 47 in-community events happening from April to September. Additionally, Community Environment Days will be held at Drop-Off Depots on Sundays in July and August, offering even more opportunities for participation.

Residents are encouraged to attend BEY Environment Days on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm at Bermondsey Transfer Station, and on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Ted Reeve Community Arena. However, residents are also free to visit other sites if these dates are not convenient.

Click here to see all dates and locations.

Red Dress Day, May 5, 2024

As we approach Red Dress Day, May 5, 2024, I encourage the community to honour and remember the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. This day calls on us to stand united in our search for justice, healing, and putting an end to violence and racism against Indigenous peoples.

In recognition of this significant day, the Toronto sign will be lit in red. I urge everyone to show support by wearing red or displaying a red dress or pants in our community, as a powerful symbol of showing support for the missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.

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.

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About Brad Bradford - - -

Toronto City Councillor for Ward 19 Beaches – East York.