Community Newsletter: Transit safety, indoor warming locations, and more

Neighbour --

This week, I’ve been meeting with community service organizations, local residents, Business Improvement Areas, and other members of our Davenport community as I continue to work on urgent issues at City Hall. 

On Monday, several of my colleagues and I sent a letter to Mayor John Tory, asking questions about an announcement made last week which will see 80 police officers deployed onto the transit system. We all want to prevent violence on transit from happening and keep people safe. Our letter asks if we’re choosing the right solution, what alternatives were considered, the anticipated costs, and how the impact on marginalized Torontonians was considered. 

The Toronto Star (read here), City News (read here), and CBC (read here) have all mentioned our letter, and earlier this week, I spoke to Reshmi Nair on Newstalk 1010 (listen here) about our questions. I know that Davenport expects me to ask tough questions and ensure that we’re making financially prudent and equitable decisions at City Hall. 

Earlier today, this message was delivered once again in a powerful letter released jointly by the presidents of ATU 113 (Marvin Alfred) and CUPE 4948 (Brandon Haynes) — the unions representing TTC workers and library staff respectively. In the letter, they share their vision for how the City’s budget can address the concerns their members see first-hand, every single day. I encourage you to read the full letter here.

Next week, our motion on tackling the effects of cold weather on homeless Torontonians, which I moved alongside Councillors Perks and Malik, will be at City Council. Yesterday, I was on CP24 speaking about the need for safe indoor spaces. 

Our motion calls for 24/7 indoor warming locations to be opened until April 15, 2023, declaration of a public health crisis, and supports the review of warming centres policies and procedures. Earlier today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released a statement calling on municipalities to “uphold the rights of people experiencing homelessness, adequately fund & provide enough space for anyone seeking indoor shelter, in warming centres or in community spaces.”

Below, I have included updates about the re-opening of Dufferin Grove Rink, an emergency road closure on Margueretta St., the vacant home tax, what I’ve been up to in the community, and community events. 

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor, Ward 9
Davenport

Dufferin Grove Rink Re-Opening & Hours

The ice rink at Dufferin Grove Park will be open as of Saturday, February 4. You can view the schedule online and below.

Vacant Home Tax Update

Thank you to everyone who completed the Vacant Home Tax Declaration by February 2, 2023. 

The online declaration portal will accept late declarations even after the February 2 deadline. It has been announcedthat declarations can continue to be made until the end of this month without penalty. 

Reminder notices will be mailed out the week of February 13 to property owners who have not yet submitted a declaration.

To learn more about the Vacant Home Tax, visit my website.

Emergency Closure: Margueretta St, between Bloor St W & College St

New Automated Speed Enforcement Location

As part of Toronto's VisionZero plan, a new automated speed enforcement camera has been installed in our community. The new location in Ward 9, Davenport is:

• Gladstone Avenue, south of Cross Street

The installation of one new automated speed enforcement camera in each of the 25 wards across Toronto brings the total amount of ASE locations to 75. 

The other two existing locations in our community are: 

• Ossington Ave. North of Churchill Ave

• College St. Near Sheridan Ave.

You can view an interactive map of the existing 50 automated speed enforcement locations across Toronto, here. 

In the community

Last Friday, I met with Maureen, Emily, and others from West Neighbourhood House at their 248 Ossington location to discuss the important work they do in our community. West Neighbourhood House has been serving downtown west Toronto since 1912!

It was great to join the Tamil Co-op community for a Thai Pongal celebration with MPP Marit Stiles. Thanks to all those who shared their talents with us!

On Monday, I joined the Friends of Dufferin Grove Park for a fire and walk-about of the Dufferin Grove North-West Corner Improvement Project. We have been able to improve access to the rink and park by adjusting some of the construction fencing. 

On Tuesday, my team and I hosted a Vacant Home Tax Declaration drop-in clinic at Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre. We assisted seniors and other community members learn about the declaration process and provided forms and other resources in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Community Events

Celebration & Artisan Market

First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto and Oakwood Village BIA are hosting a free artisan Market and celebration event held at 473 Oakwood Ave featuring some local businesses and Black-owned makers and creators.

Saturday, February 4th // 2pm-10pm

Winterlicious 2023

Travel the world with your taste buds right at home this winter. Gather with friends and family and savour delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 220 local restaurants. Learn more here. 

Now until February 9 at participating restaurants