Community Newsletter: September 15, 2023

Neighbour --

There’s a serious cost to having a city that doesn’t work. We need to invest in a city that builds the services, programs and infrastructure we need – for young families, for workers, for seniors, for everyone. 

Last week, Council took an important step forward in tackling Toronto’s affordable housing deficit, and approved new tools to make our city financially sustainable. This is important progress. But our city-building priorities also have to include the services we need. I spoke about the waitlist for child care spaces in our city – now 60,000 families long – and the need to prioritize community services as we continue to grow.

Toronto is the most unequal city in Canada. It’s also one of the only big cities that’s responsible for delivering social services, including shelters and housing, as well as funding public transit. I spoke about how we got here, and why it’s more important than ever that we continue to invest in services – from libraries and parks, to safe roads and buses that come on time – and not follow the previous path of cuts and austerity.

This weekend, the Magellan Centre, a long-term care and affordable housing community for seniors in the Junction Triangle, is breaking ground. This is a project that’s years in the making, developed and championed by our community. I look forward to celebrating with you.

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor • Ward 9 • Davenport
Chair, Economic & Community Development Committee

In this edition

• Update on 357 Rusholme
• Installation of Road Safety Improvements and Bikeways on Gladstone Avenue from College Street to Peel Avenue
• Temporary TTC Diversion: 29/929/329 Dufferin
• Apply: Toronto's Housing Rights Advisory Committee
• Free Trees presented by Oakwood-Vaughan Community Organization
• Sistering Monthly Town Hall
• PollinateTO Grant Applications Open Now
• Toronto Hydro Notices
  • Glenhurst Avenue – Winona Drive
  • Queen Street – Gladstone Avenue
  • Dufferin Street
  • Croatia - Dufferin
• Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Network Study
• In the community
• Community Events
• Other updates

357 Rusholme Update

As many of you know, on Sunday August 20, there was a significant fire in the electrical room of 357 Rusholme Rd, an apartment building in the Bloor and Dovercourt area. The fire resulted in significant damage to the electrical room, and knocked out power and water service in the building for a number of days. 

I’m glad to share that after more than three weeks, the electrical systems in the building have now been restored, and power - without the generator - is flowing in the building. 

I want to thank the residents of the building for their resilience during this very difficult time, and ensure you know that you have my ongoing support. 

Installation of Road Safety Improvements and Bikeways on Gladstone Ave from College St to Peel Ave

Temporary TTC Diversion: 29/929/329 Dufferin

On September 11^th, the City’s contractor started water main replacement work at the Dufferin/Springhurst intersection.

In order to safely progress with this work, a temporary service adjustment is required for bus service on Dufferin Street. The adjustment will start on Monday, September 18, 2023, until Friday, September 22, 2023, and will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside of these hours, service along Dufferin will operate regular service.

The details for the 29 Dufferin, 929 Dufferin Express, and 329 Dufferin Night Bus diversionary routing are as follows:

• Southbound: South along Dufferin Street, east along King Street West, south along Strachan Avenue, west along East Liberty Street, north along Dufferin Street to route
• Northbound: Regular routing

Apply: Toronto's Housing Rights Advisory Committee

City of Toronto is accepting applications to recruit public members for the City’s new Housing Rights Advisory Committee (HRAC). Interested residents can apply on the City’s Public Appointments webpage.

The HRAC is a new Council Advisory Body that will advise Council to ensure that the interests and needs of those with living or lived experience of housing precarity, discrimination and homelessness are reflected in City policies, programs and service delivery. It will also support the City’s engagement with equity-deserving communities to help identify systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing and maintaining adequate housing.

The application period will remain open until October 13. 

Free Trees presented by Oakwood-Vaughan Community Organization

Sistering Monthly Town Hall

Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and gender-diverse people in Toronto who are homeless, marginally housed, or street-involved. Sistering hosts monthly Town Hall meetings, which provide a safe forum for local residents, businesses, and community members to share experiences and concerns, get updates and insights on Sistering activities, and offer a space to engage in collective discourse. Through such efforts, we aim to strengthen the relationship between the wider community and Sistering’s participants, staff, and stakeholders to support community members and foster positive relations. By bridging the communication gap, Town Halls can help expand understanding and empower people to engage in collective community-building strategies. Sistering hosts in-person monthly Town Halls every third Thursday of the month from 6-7 pm; we hope to see you there!

PollinateTO Grant Applications Open Now

The City is accepting applications for the next round of PollinateTO Grants! Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that create or expand pollinator habitats in Toronto's public and private lands.

Funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas is a priority this year. Community groups, not-for-profit organizations, student groups, parent councils and other resident-led groups are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, October 25, with gardens to be planted in 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit www.toronto.ca/pollinateTO.   

Toronto Hydro Notice: Glenhurst Avenue - Winona Drive

In the community

On Thursday September 14, my team joined community members in Pelham Park for a back-to-school barbeque organized by the staff from Toronto Community Housing. It was a great event, with many residents and community partners coming together for a tasty meal. 

I want to extend a special thank you to all the TCHC residents who volunteered their time to help with the event, working the grill and ensuring that the music didn’t stop all evening.

Last weekend, it was a blast to join neighbours for the annual Westmoreland Street Party! Thanks to the organizers for creating this opportunity for people to come together and connect.

So glad to join Toronto’s Brazilian community at City Hall to raise the Brazil flag in recognition of Brazil Independence Day. We are stronger for the social, economic and intellectual contributions of Brazilians—which we see exemplified across Davenport & Toronto.

Workers keep our city running, and the collective strength of workers lifts us all up. On Labour Day, I joined workers from across Toronto for the parade on Queen St W.

Community Events

Other updates

• City of Toronto funds climate action with sixth green bond
  
• Winners of the 2023 Toronto Urban Design Awards announced
• City of Toronto and partners unveil revitalized Don Mount Court as Canada’s first official WNBA-themed outdoor basketball court
• City of Toronto steps up to address unprecedented financial crisis and calls on other orders of government to fulfil their roles
• City of Toronto and Toronto Public Library announce 2023 Toronto Book Awards shortlist
• City of Toronto committed to improving road safety as students return to class