Community Update: August 9, 2024

Neighbour --

It’s the heat of summer and that means it’s community movie night! Join us with family and friends at 8:00 pm tonight at Earlscourt Park. We’ll be near the soccer field for a fun-filled viewing of Kung Fu Panda 4.

It may be hot outside, but this morning I joined Mayor Olivia Chow in Scarborough to make an announcement about winter recreation jobs with the City of Toronto. Part-time winter recreation jobs help local students, adults and seniors build leadership skills, gain experience and prepare for future job skills and training. The City is the largest employer of students in the city, with thousands of good jobs at fair wages available for anyone seeking part-time employment. To learn about available winter recreation jobs positions related to ski, skate, snowboard, fitness, and other after-school programs, visit the City’s Recreation Jobs webpage.

Affordable, accessible child care remains a top concern in Davenport and we need a provincial partner willing to make the needed investments. This past week, Mayor Chow, Toronto District School Board Trustee Neethan Chan and I wrote to Ontario Education Minister Smith requesting the provincial government reverse their regrettable decision to cancel 48 previously-approved child care projects and the over 3000 child care spaces that are set to be created in Toronto schools. Mayor Chow and I also wrote to Federal Minister of Families. Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds requesting that the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care continue to prioritize public and non-profit growth and sharing what we've heard from Toronto's sector. 

I want to acknowledge what a difficult month this has been for cyclist and pedestrian safety in our Ward and in our city. I continue to hear from residents concerned about dangerous situations of vehicles parked in bike lanes and other situations that put cyclists in danger. I also hear about e-scooters on sidewalks, and other unsafe driving that is putting lives and well-being at risk. I understand that enforcement and education about the laws remain a concern.  We will continue to work with City staff and community members to address local concerns and ensure that pedestrians, bike riders, and other micro mobility users can safely get around our Ward and the city. 

Finally, I want to assure members of our community that both as Ward Councillor, and as Chair of the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee, I am focused on finding indoor space for unhoused people. The number of people experiencing homelessness continues to grow while shelters are at capacity daily. Toronto immediately needs the provincial government to flow funds from the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, which would allow for people to leave the shelter for a permanent home. Maintaining and expanding affordable housing will support our unhoused neighbours and uplift our entire community.

Sincerely,

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

In this edition

• Community Movie Night
• Updates on the West Toronto Railpath
• Road Reconstruction and Resurfacing on Dufferin St.
• Toronto Public Health Strategic Plan
• TTC Seeking Feedback
• Learn4Life Registration
• Supporting Gender Diverse Youth in Toronto
• Save Money and Reduce Energy
• Winterlicious 2025 Applications
• Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation
• Community Events
• Other updates

Community Movie Night

Updates on the West Toronto Railpath

Last week, I was excited to announce we've secured a $23 million investment to extend the West Toronto Railpath from Dundas St W & Sterling Rd to Sudbury St & Abell St. I was happy to join community leaders, advocates, and the federal government to announce the new funding for this City of Toronto project. $23 million from the Active Transportation Fund is a welcome commitment to our plans to extend the Railpath. 

Railpath closures:

• Wallace to Ernest: workers are currently installing underground irrigation lines, light poles, and concrete paving. This will be followed by landscaping, topsoil and planting. Railpath users can detour from Wallace or Ernest Ave to Elsie Lane to bypass the closure.
• Ernest to Bloor: The detour directly north of Bloor will remain in place until Summer 2025, for construction to continue on the Randolph Avenue Pedestrian Pavilion.
• Bloor to Perth: Path realignment and noise wall installation is currently taking place, and this section of the Railpath is anticipated to open Fall 2024.

The southern extension to Abell St at Sudbury St is anticipated to start this year and be completed in 2027 (timelines are subject to change). To view the detailed design, please visit the City’s webpage: West Toronto Railpath Extension

Road Reconstruction and Resurfacing on Dufferin Street

The City of Toronto is planning to reconstruct the road on Dufferin Street from Dupont Street to Geary Avenue and resurface Dufferin Street from Bloor Street West to approximately 170 m south of Dupont Street. Our inspection of the road shows that it needs reconstruction and/or repaving, and sections of damaged curb and sidewalk need to be replaced to bring them to a state of good repair.

Additionally, the City is planning to upgrade traffic signals and enhance geometric safety improvements at various intersections in support the Council-approved Vision Zero Road Safety Plan. New cycling pavement markings and separators will also be installed on Hallam Street from Dufferin Street to Bartlett Avenue and on Millicent Street from Emerson Avenue to Dufferin Street.

This project is part of the Council-approved 2024 Capital Works Program to renew ageing City roads and sidewalk for current and future needs.

What to expect during construction:

• · Work crews will mark sidewalks and curbs requiring replacement and the locations of underground utilities, such as gas, water and cable so that the construction work does not interfere with these utilities.
• Affected properties will receive a Construction Notice approximately two weeks before work begins with more information about the work.
• The City will not be responsible for damage to any privately owned items on City property.

If you have questions about the upcoming work, you can contact the City by email ([email protected]) or phone (416-338-0889 -Daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed holidays) and find out more here

Toronto Public Health’s Strategic Plan

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has launched their Strategic Plan for 2024-2028, which identifies key priority areas of focus for the next four years. The plan was developed with guidance and active involvement from residents, community organizations and local partners, to ensure the continued delivery of impactful interventions to Toronto’s diverse population of over three million residents. Find more information on the Toronto Public Health’s Strategic Plan 2024 to 2028 webpage.

TTC is Seeking Feedback

The TTC is seeking feedback on the 2025 Annual Service Plan. Make your voice heard by completing the survey today: https://ttc2025serviceplan.ca/survey

Learn4Life Registration Opens August 14th

Looking for something fun to do this fall? The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program. These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community. Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more! Registration opens on August 14th. Visit learn4life.ca to learn more.

Supporting Gender Diverse Youth in Toronto

Have your say and share your insights on improving service and program experiences for gender diverse youth in Toronto. The City of Toronto is seeking Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary (2STNB) youth aged 16 to 29 to participate in virtual, paid focus groups. Insights gathered from these sessions will be used to improve the design and delivery of the City’s programs and services to reduce barriers and promote gender-affirming experiences for 2STNB youth.   

Interested 2STNB-identifying youth can register to participate on the City’s Action Plan for Two-Spirit, Trans & Non-Binary Youth webpage. The deadline to register is Thursday, August 15 at 5 p.m. 

Save Money and Reduce Energy with an Eco-Roof

The City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program is celebrating its 15-year anniversary! This program helps fund the expansion of green roof and cool roof installations across the city. Known collectively as eco-roofs, these technologies help make Toronto more resilient and better adapted to climate change.

There are numerous benefits to installing an eco-roof. Incentives are available to support the installation of green roofs and cool roofs on Toronto homes and buildings. Find more information on the City’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program webpage.

Winterlicious Applications Open

The City of Toronto is now accepting applications from restaurants interested in participating in the popular Winterlicious program, returning from January 31 to February 13, 2025. The deadline for restaurants to apply for eligibility is Wednesday, August 21. Apply online and find more information on the City’s Winterlicious & Summerlicious Restaurant Participation webpage. 

Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation

On July 24, the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario announced updates on a plan to accelerate Gardiner Expressway construction work and improve traffic flows.Find more information and construction updates at toronto.ca/gardinerS2 

Community Events

Other updates

• City of Toronto enhancing community recreation centres with fresh paint, public Wi-Fi and additional features 
• Emancipation Month begins with a flag raising and proclamation 
• Making waves with upgrades: City of Toronto revamping L’Amoreaux Kidstown Water Park
• City of Toronto parking fines to increase on August 1 to support safer roads and reduce congestion 
• Toronto City Council takes action to protect and invest in Toronto Island Park