Community Newsletter: March 10, 2023

Neighbour --

I know that snow clearing has been top of mind for many of us after the major snowstorm last weekend, and the ongoing snow today. As a city which is no stranger to winter, we should not be experiencing the kind of challenges with our snow clearing operations that we have seen so far this year. 

Inconsistent delivery of snowing clearing services and long wait times to have issues resolved have left people frustrated–myself included. We’ve all seen roads, sidewalks and laneways left unplowed for multiple days, which is unacceptable. While my office is here to help with resolving those immediate concerns, it is clear that we need to recalibrate the City’s approach to snow clearing. 

Snow clearing is a key City service that helps make sure people can continue getting around and making sure that our streets are accessible for everyone. For two decades, the City has contracted this work to private vendors, instead of completing it in-house with City workers. In 2021, City Council adopted a 7 year agreement with the current vendors for snow clearing. 

I believe that we need to use every tool at our disposal to to make sure that contractors are more accountable to the needs of our community and the current contracts are properly fulfilled. It’s why I supported my colleague Councillor Gord Perks’ motion to investigate the creation of an Inspector General who would have the ability to review key contracts before they are awarded and ensure that Torontonians’ interests are protected. In addition, I believe that we should start to think about bringing this essential service back in-house. 

In other news, I’m pleased to share that my Community Office located at 1240 Bloor St W is now open! Starting this week, my office will be open regular constituency hours. I have included more information below.

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor, Ward 9
Davenport

In this edition

• Community Office
• Drop-In Event: Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections Phase 1
• Laneway Project: Regal Heights
• InTO the Ravines Micro-Grant
• Sparking Change Toronto Micro-Grants
• Applications Open: Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership
• Metrolinx Davenport Diamond: Overnight Work until March 15

Community Office

My office is here to help! We are here to help connect you with City of Toronto services, hear your questions and comments, and resolve issues related to municipal issues. 

We are located at 1240 Bloor St. W. (at Margueretta St.). The closest subway station is Lansdowne Station. 

The office will be open for walk-in service from 12-5pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 

Appointments to meet in-person or via phone with a member of my team are available at other times in the week. You can request an appointment by calling 416-392-7012 or emailing [email protected].

Drop-In Event: Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections Phase 1

The City of Toronto is inviting residents of the Dufferin Grove community to learn more about and provide feedback on proposed modifications to the Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections project along Gladstone Avenue and Havelock Street from Bloor Street West to College Street, as well as on segments of Lindsey Avenue and Sylvan Avenue. 

Following the installation of Phase 1, the City heard feedback from local residents about the Bartlett-Havelock-Gladstone Cycling Connections project, its associated impact, and the need for additional, in-person opportunities to provide input to City staff.

• Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm  
• Location: St. Wenceslaus Church, 496 Gladstone Avenue

Click here to learn more. 

Laneway Project: Regal Heights

InTO the Ravines Micro-Grant

In Partnership with the City of Toronto, Park People works with grantees to mobilize, activate and explore Toronto’s ravines. Park People and our many ravine park groups also take part in the City of Toronto’s Ravine Days.

In 2023, InTO the Ravines' $2,500 grants will help communities host two simple, creative and engaging environmentally-focused events in their local Toronto ravine from June 1 to November 1, 2023.

The application deadline for the InTO the Ravines Grants is Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Sparking Change Toronto Micro-Grants

The Sparking Change program engages hundreds of park leaders in Toronto’s equity-deserving communities. In 2022, Sparking Change awarded 20 grants to BIPOC-led park initiatives in the City of Toronto including 14 groups that led events in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.

In 2023, Sparking Change Toronto's $2,500 grants will help active BIPOC-led resident groups and equity-deserving communities host an outdoor activity in their local park orgreen space before November 30, 2023.

The Sparking Change Toronto Grants application deadline is Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Applications Open: Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership

The Pam McConnell Award for Young Women in Leadership was created in 2018 in memory of the late Deputy Mayor, who passed away in the fall of 2017. Throughout her career, Pam McConnell was a social justice advocate and worked tirelessly to increase women’s participation in municipal government. She was the Champion for the City of Toronto’s Protégée Program, a mentorship program matching young women with City Councillors and City staff intending to increase women’s representation in electoral politics.

In an effort to honour Pam McConnell’s legacy the Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) has collaborated with the Youth Development Unit to present this annual award. The award is open to young Toronto women, between the ages of 16 and 29, who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a commitment to social justice and inspire other young women.

Applications are due by 11:45pm on April 3, 2023. You can learn more here.