Community Update: April 26, 2025

Neighbour --

People around the world are deeply feeling the loss of Pope Francis and honouring his legacy, including his historic visit to Canada and apology to residential school survivors. Pope Francis was a crucial voice for people who are marginalized and living in poverty, as well as in support of migrants, universal human rights, and peace. He spoke often about the need to care for one another and our planet, and to take a stand against authoritarianism – messages that are as important today as ever. His absence will be deeply felt.

City Council’s meeting agenda this week included the urgent need and ongoing challenges with creating housing supply. With tariffs and economic uncertainty increasing the stress on the housing market, many projects are at risk of non-completion. While development charges are one of the few tools that municipalities have to pay for City infrastructure like roads, sewer systems, and parks, they do add costs to building housing – costs that get passed along in the form of higher rents and sale prices. Council previously waived development charges for 8,000 rental projects that include affordable housing. At this week’s meeting, we voted to also freeze the increase on the development charges that was set to go in next monthin order to get more projects completed, and called on the Federal and Provincial governments to do their part and deliver much-needed infrastructure funding.

I was glad to lend my support at this Council to motions that deliver on areas that many of you have shared are of concern, including: a motion for Toronto to continue to advocate for the protection of Ontario Place and our public waterfront area; a motion to require information for tenants when landlords pursue Committee of Adjustment applications that could result in a loss of housing; and a motion calling on rideshare companies to supply the Toronto Police and clients with driver information in all emergencies – one I was happy to see approved after learning of the deeply concerning recent incident where Uber refused to assist a Toronto family after a car drove off with their small child (thankfully the child was located safe in the vehicle in Davenport’s Dufferin Grove neighbourhood).

Finally, I wanted to share a reminder about our upcoming Davenport Community Environment Day at Dufferin Mall. You can drop off household items for donation, electronics for reuse or recycling, and household hazardous waste for proper disposal. We’ll also have free bagged compost while supplies last. This is also an opportunity to connect with our team and with me.

When: May 4, 2025
Event Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Dufferin Mall (900 Dufferin St)

I look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

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

In this edition

• Community Office Hours at Wallace Emerson CC
• Time Off to Vote: Federal Election is April 28
• Reminder: Upcoming Meetings about Dufferin Grove Park
• RapidTO: Help Shape Transit on Dufferin Street
• Ward 9 Compost Days starting on May 1
• 1884 Davenport Community Room Grand Opening
• At City Hall
• New Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw
• Youth Summer Jobs: YouthWorx Registration Open!
• Final Reminder: Vacant Home Tax Declarations Due April 30
• Calling Senior Athletes: Ontario Senior Games Registration Open!
• Join a Park Cleanup: April 25-27
• Pay of Dispute Speed and Red-Light Camera Violations Online
• 2025 CafeTO Curb Lane Applications and Renewals Now Open
• 2025 CafeTO Grant Now Open
• What to Do With Excess Garbage
• Immunization Updates: ISPA Assessment Underway
• Cherry Blossom Season Has Arrived!
• Lights Out Toronto: Protecting Migratory Birds
• Free Tree Planting & Maintenanc

Community Office Hours at Wallace Emerson CC

My community office will be closed from March 12 until May 15 for construction, including asbestos abatement and state-of-good-repair work.

During this closure, Davenport residents can continue to access community office services from our team at a temporary location. Every Friday from 12-5pm, residents can drop-in to access community office services at Wallace Emerson Community Centre (1260 Dufferin Street.).

Service at this temporary community office location will be available on the following dates:

• May 2, 12-5pm
• May 9, 12-5pm

Regular community office hours are expected to resume at 1240 Bloor St W on May 15, 2025. 

Time Off to Vote: Federal Election is April 28

If you're eligible to vote in the upcoming federal election on Monday, April 28, remember: you’re entitled to three consecutive hours off to cast your ballot if your schedule doesn’t already allow for that time.

Find more details at elections.ca.

Reminder: Upcoming Meetings about Dufferin Grove Park

Join us at two upcoming events focused on Dufferin Grove:

• April 29 at 7 p.m. (Virtual) – An update on the Enhanced Outreach Model for the Dufferin Grove encampment. [Register here]
• April 30 (In-Person) – A facilitated session to discuss ideas for community recreation at Dufferin Grove Park, hosted by my office at St. Mary’s Catholic School. [Register here]

RapidTO: Help Shape Transit on Dufferin Street

The City of Toronto and TTC are exploring the possibility of introducing priority bus lanes on Dufferin Street, between Eglinton Avenue West and King Street West, to ease congestion and improve transit reliability.

Dufferin is a key north-south route for thousands of transit riders each day — especially during major events at Exhibition Place. Unfortunately, bus service along this corridor is often slow and inconsistent due to mixed traffic. The proposed transit priority lanes would help make service faster, more reliable, and a better choice for our community.

📣 Have your say
There are multiple opportunities to share your feedback with the City:

📝 Take the survey before May 26: toronto.ca/RapidTODufferin
💻 Attend a virtual consultation on Tuesday, May 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

📍 Join an in-person drop-in event:
• Thursday, May 15 – Stella Maris Catholic School (31 Ascot Ave.), 4:30–8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 20 – St. Mary Catholic Academy (66 Dufferin Park Ave.), 4:30–8:30 p.m.

For more background on the City’s RapidTO Surface Transit Network Plan, visit toronto.ca/RapidTO.

Ward 9 Compost Days starting on May 1

Visit the following locations to pick up loose compost for your garden, from Councillor Bravo and our team. Don’t forget to bring a bucket and shovel!

• Thursday, May 1 at Mary McCormick Park beginning 1:30PM
• Saturday, May 3 at Bartlett Parkette beginning 11:30AM
• Thursday, May 8 at Charles Caccia Park beginning 1:30PM
• Friday, May 9 at Wadsworth Park beginning 1:30PM
• Saturday, May 10 at Perth Park beginning 11:00AM
• Thursday, May 15 at Earlscourt Park beginning 1:30PM

1884 Davenport Community Room Grand Opening

I was thrilled to join tenants, Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) staff, and community partners on Thursday, April 17 to mark the reopening of the 1884 Davenport Community Room.

The space has undergone important capital upgrades, including accessibility improvements shaped by TCHC’s R-PATH Committee. The dual-use room will support both tenant-led programming and food security initiatives through The Stop Community Food Centre.

This is a great example of partnership in action—and I was glad to share remarks alongside TCHC CEO Sean Baird and community members.

At City Hall

Celebrating high school mentorship program, The Next Surgeon, delivered in partnership with the Unity Health Toronto, Office of Access and Outreach - Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and UpSurge.

Running into a Davenport neighbour at Nathan Phillip’s Square, who was happy to be part of the kick-off of the 20^th annual Clean Toronto Together campaign. 

New Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw

Starting July 31, landlords in Toronto must apply for a Rental Renovation Licencebefore asking tenants to vacate a unit for renovation. This new bylaw, adopted by City Council, is a key step toward curbing “renovictions” and ensuring tenants are properly informed, protected, and supported if renovations require them to temporarily leave their homes.

Landlords who issue an N13 notice must meet clear licensing and tenant support requirements—including notice timelines and accommodation provisions. Tenants are not required to move out simply because a landlord provides a notice or receives a licence—only the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) can issue an eviction order.

Learn more about your rights and the bylaw: toronto.ca/RentalRenoLicence

Youth Summer Jobs: YouthWorx Registration Open!

YouthWorx is a summer employment program for Toronto Community Housing youth ages 14–18. These eight-week jobs focus on community cleanups, painting, gardening and small repair projects — plus leadership training.

🗓️ Registration deadline: Friday, May 2
🔗 Register for a recruitment session

📍 Upcoming recruitment sessions:

• May 8: 20 Gordonridge Pl. (East)
• May 9: 931 Yonge St. (Central)
• May 15: 495 Wilson Ave & 2195 Jane St. (West)
• May 16: 931 Yonge St. (All regions)

Final Reminder: Vacant Home Tax Declarations Due April 30

If you own residential property in Toronto, you must declare whether it was vacant or occupied in 2024. Property owners must submit their 2024 Vacant Home Tax declaration by Wednesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. to avoid penalties.

If you don’t declare, your home will be deemed vacant and taxed at 3% of its assessed value. 

✅ Declare online at toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax
📞 Call 311 or 416-392-2489
🏛️ Or visit a civic centre in person

🗓️ In-person support available on April 23–30 at all civic centres — including City Hall. Full list: toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax

Calling Senior Athletes: Ontario Senior Games Registration Open!

Toronto seniors — it’s time to get active, meet new people, and have fun! The Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) is hosting District Games in Etobicoke this May and June, with the chance to qualify for Provincials in Sudbury this August.

📝 Find the full list of events and registration links in the flyer or visit osga55plus.ca
📧 Questions? Email: [email protected]

Join a Park Cleanup: April 25-27

It’s time for Clean Toronto Together! From April 25 to 27, individuals, families, and groups are invited to spend just 20 minutes cleaning up a local park, beach, or ravine.

🧤 Want to organize a cleanup? Register your event at toronto.ca/cleantoronto by April 23.

✨ Need supplies? My office is happy to help provide gloves and garbage bags — just email us at [email protected].

Pay or Dispute Speed and Red-Light Camera Violations Online

The City has expanded its Administrative Penalty System (APS) to make it easier to pay or dispute Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) and Red-Light Camera (RLC) violations online.

If you received a violation notice for an incident that occurred on or after January 20, 2025, you can now dispute it online directly.

📍 Learn more: toronto.ca/APS

If your notice is dated before January 20, you can still pay online, but will need to follow the instructions on your penalty order to dispute it.

2025 CaféTO Curb Lane Applications and Renewals Now Open

CaféTO applications are now open for restaurants and bars interested in operating or renewing curb lane cafés this year.

Returning applicants should check their inboxes for instructions. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 19 at 11:59 p.m.

🔗 Learn more and apply

2025 CaféTO Grant Now Open

Local restaurant, bar, and café owners can now apply for the 2025 CaféTO Property Improvement Grant, which offers up to $7,500 in matching funds to support patio upgrades.

Eligible businesses must apply by Wednesday, June 4. Learn more: toronto.ca/CafeTOGrant

What to Do With Excess Garbage

If you have more garbage than fits in your bin with the lid closed, it must be placed in a standard garbage bag with a City-issued garbage tag.

Each bag should weigh no more than 20 kg (44 lbs) and be set out next to your regular bin on collection day.

Tags can be purchased:
✔️ At select Canadian Tire locations
✔️ Online via the City’s Solid Waste Store
✔️ At Shoppers Drug Mart (while supplies last)

📍 Learn more: toronto.ca/Garbage

Immunization Updates: ISPA Assessment Underway

Toronto Public Health is reviewing the immunization records of Grade 11 students (born in 2008) as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA).

To avoid suspension, parents or students age 16+ must:

✅ Confirm vaccine status using the yellow immunization card
✅ Report updates directly to Toronto Public Health—health care providers do not report on your behalf
✅ Book a catch-up appointment if vaccines are missing

📍 Report vaccinations: toronto.ca/StudentVaccines
📍 Book a clinic visit: tphbookings.ca

Cherry Blossom Season Has Arrived!

Cherry blossoms are expected to peak in Toronto between late April and early May. High Park is one of the most popular viewing areas—please note that vehicle access will be restricted during peak bloom. We encourage residents to take public transit, cycle, or walk if visiting.

To protect the trees, we kindly ask everyone to:

• Stay on paved pathways
• Avoid picking blossoms or climbing trees
• Dispose of litter responsibly

You can find blossoms across the city—from Centennial Park to Trinity Bellwoods, Edwards Gardens, and York University. Explore locations: toronto.ca/CherryBlossoms

Lights Out Toronto: Protecting Migratory Birds

Toronto is home to millions of migratory birds each year. During the spring and fall, birds often collide with buildings due to bright nighttime lighting. Please do your part to protect them by turning off unnecessary lights and using downward-facing exterior lighting whenever possible.

Learn how to make your home bird-safe: toronto.ca/LightsOut

Free Tree Planting & Maintenance

The City continues to grow Toronto’s urban canopy by planting trees on boulevards, in parks, and on front lawns. If you’ve received a notice about tree planting on City property in front of your home, thank you for your support in helping us build greener, healthier neighbourhoods.

Residents are encouraged to water new trees regularly, especially during dry periods. Learn more: toronto.ca/TreePlanting