Community Newsletter: July 28, 2023

Neighbour --

Last week, City Council unanimously passed a motion from Mayor Chow calling for immediate actions to address the shelter and housing crisis that is impacting refugees and asylum seekers in our city. The motion includes immediately opening up shelter spaces and funding new benefits so people can transition to permanent housing. The motion also confirmed that everyone, regardless of immigration status, must be able to access the City's shelter system – reversing direction from the previous administration.

The federal government recently committed to giving Toronto $97 million for refugee housing and shelter programs. While a positive development, this is still $60 million short of the $157 million that the federal government owes Toronto for shelter and housing costs for this year alone. The City and Province of Ontario have committed to funding 1,350 new housing benefits, the federal government has been unacceptably absent. This is unacceptable, and we need to continue to push for collective action.   

At the same time, community groups and advocates across our city have stepped up to do vital, on-the-ground work – work that governments should be leading and funding. My team and I have been working with refugee-serving organizations to learn their needs and hear their policy recommendations. This week, I convened a follow-up meeting with 20 organizations, including Revivaltime Tabernacle and Dominion Church International in North York, and Mayor Chow, to address how we can best support their work and implement the policy changes they want to see. This work is ongoing, and I will continue to support community initiatives while demanding action from all levels of government. I urge residents to follow the advocacy campaigns on this issue, as well as consider options to donate to organizations that are providing front-line support.  

Other items that Council considered last week include:

• A motion I brought forward to direct $800,000 in Section 37 funding to St. Clare's Multifaith Society, making it possible for St. Clare's to acquire an additional Davenport property and provide more supportive housing, which was approved;
• A unanimous vote to declare gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence an epidemic, and a call for the Province and Federal governments to do the same;
• Direction to move forward on a City ban of two-stroke gas engine garden equipment, like leaf blowers; and,
• A call to keep the Ontario Science Centre at its current location, and explore options for City management of the Centre.
• Finally, Mayor Chow has appointed myself and Councillor Ausma Malik to lead a new Striking Committee, which recommends Committee roles and board appointments for Councillors. While the Striking Committee usually submits their recommendations to Council at the start of a Council session, due to the by-election, I will be working with Councillor Malik and my Council colleagues to determine a new slate for consideration in August.

More updates on local events and initiatives are below.

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor, Ward 9
Davenport

In this edition

• Movie Night in Earlscourt Park: August 9
• Expanding Fair Pass Transit Discount Program
• City of Toronto Alcohol in Parks Pilot Begins on August 2
• Metrolinx: Dupont Bridge Rehabilitation Construction Notice
• In the Community

Movie Night in Earlscourt Park - co-hosted by TCEU Local 416

I'm thrilled to share that on Wednesday, August 9, I will be co-hosting a movie night with TCEU Local 416. 

After much deliberation, we have chosen to screen The Super Mario Bros. Movie. 

It will be a fun and evening, with complimentary snacks on hand, and everyone is invited to join!

Here are the details: 

Admission: Free
Location: Earlcourt Park (near the soccer field)
Time: 8 PM (movie begins at 8:30 PM)

You're also encouraged to bring along your own blankets and chairs. 

Expanding the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program

The City of Toronto has announced that it is expanding the Fair Pass Transit Discount Program. This means that an additional 50,000 low-income residents will be able to access the program. 

Here is the City of Toronto news release that announced the changes: 

City of Toronto Alcohol in Parks Pilot Begins on August 2

Starting on August 2, the City of Toronto's Alcohol in Parks Program will be rolling out in 27 parks across Toronto, including four located in Davenport. 

The four local parks are: 

• Earlscourt Park
• Campbell Avenue Park 
• Dufferin Grove Park
• Dovercourt Park

For more information on the pilot, you can click here.

Metrolinx: Dupont Bridge Rehabilitation Construction Notice

In the Community

I was very pleased to be able to recognize two outstanding Bloordale organizations at the BIG on Bloor Awards Ceremony. 

The Community and Cultural Spaces Trust and Build a Better Bloor Dufferin have done fantastic work in Davenport. Both organizations work diligently to build neighbourhood solidarity and contribute positively to our community.

Congratulations on this well-earned recognition!

Mayor Chow joins me and local residents at BIG on Bloor. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Community Environment Day at Loretto College School! 

Looking forward already to our next Community Environment Days in 2024.

• City of Toronto increases shelter capacity for refugee claimants and asylum seekers and invites donations through DonateTO portal

• Nominations are open for the City’s Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards

• City of Toronto begins phased improvements in High Park as part of new movement strategy

• City of Toronto launches resource to enhance newcomer understanding of Indigenous Peoples