Community Update: February 7, 2026

February 7, 2026 edition of Councillor Alejandra Bravo's Community Newsletter

There’s been a lot happening in Davenport and our city this past week. This Sunday, phased-in service will finally begin on the long overdue Eglinton Crosstown (Line 5). Snow clearing and removal continues across our ward. Deeply concerning news about Project South, the investigation and criminal charges against Toronto Police officers, was revealed yesterday. And on Tuesday, the 2026 Toronto Budget will be considered by City Council.

Snow Removal Update

After consistent advocacy to City departments by myself and my team, snow removal finally began in Davenport last week (snow removal is different from snow clearing, and occurs after snow clearing and ploughing operations). Yesterday my office was informed by Transportation Services that snow removal has been completed at over 30 major stretches in Davenport, including along sections of St. Clair West, Davenport, Dupont, Ossington, Dufferin, and Dundas West. Another 50+ streets in Davenport have been prioritized for snow removal in the next 72 hours – many of these are locations that my team has escalated due to 311 service requests and calls to my office.

Snow removal was not included in the original SnowTO contract signed by the previous administration, and this has caused serious hardship, particularly in Davenport. While I have championed improvements to the contract, I know that snow removal in our ward has been inadequate and frustrating for many, and I will continue to push for service improvements and contracted service changes that ensure timely snow removal is prioritized for Davenport. If you are continuing to experience problems, please contact my office.

Toronto 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets

Budgets set out priorities for investment and how those investments should be funded. That’s why every year I have made sure to provide opportunities to hear from you directly. I am grateful to have received your feedback on our online Davenport budget survey, and in person at my Budget 101 Community Meeting yesterday at New Horizons. You can access the presentation on the City’s 2026 budget here.

In feedback on our survey and our meeting, the most cited priorities shared by Davenport residents included:

Affordable housing
Transportation and public transit
Parks, green space, and community amenities
Transparency about city finances and how money is spent

The most cited areas for improvement included:

Reliability of transit
Winter services response (snow clearing and removal)
Street design and road safety
Street cleanliness and maintenance of public areas

I will be sharing this feedback in my questions and remarks during Council’s budget debate on February 10. While Councillors are able to suggest amendments to the Mayor’s Budget, under the Strong Mayor system legislated by Premier Ford, we no longer vote to approve or reject the budget.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT Phased Service Begins with Free Day on Sunday

The long-awaited Eglinton Crosstown will begin its phased opening of service this Sunday, February 8. All rides on the Crosstown (Line 5) will be free that day. In the phased opening, trains will run Monday to Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m; Sundays, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m; and holidays, 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Shuttle bus service will operate from 11 p.m. until 1:20 a.m.

Like the Finch West line (Line 5), the Eglinton Crosstown was created by the Province’s transit agency, Metrolinx, which contracted private companies to design, build, and maintain the lines. The TTC is responsible for operating the lines and running the trains. The promise that the public was sold by the Province with Line 5 and Line 6 was that by partnering with private companies in a P3 model, the lines would be built faster and cheaper – none of which has proven true.

TTC staff have incorporated lessons from the inquiry into the botched Ottawa LRT and from the opening of Line 6 to monitor and to look for solutions to operational problems. The City’s Transportation Services and the TTC have also begun work to implement Transit Signal Priority on lines 5 and 6. I continue to be concerned about some of the structural challenges for TTC of implementing service on these lines due to the P3 model, and will continue to ask questions in my role as a member of the TTC Board.

Project South Criminal Investigation

The investigation and criminal charges laid against seven Toronto police officers (and one retired constable) represents an extremely serious violation of public trust. While the investigation continues it is possible more charges and disturbing corruption allegations will surface. Because this is an active criminal investigation with charges before the justice system, we must allow for due process to occur. However, I share the deep concern I know many feel on this matter and the need for answers and transparency.

The Toronto Police Service Board, the civilian body that oversees policing under Ontario legislation, has issued a public letter calling for a full independent inspection and review by the Ontario Inspector General of Policing. The review would include evaluating officers’ supervision and control areas, recruitment, access to confidential information, evidence management, and fitness for duty. You can read the full letter from the Board here.

Mayor Chow has indicated that the Chief of Police has to earn back the trust of Toronto residents. This must include finding answers to a growing list of very serious questions. I will be carefully monitoring this.

As always, your thoughts and concerns are welcome.

Sincerely,

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

In this Edition

Community Meeting: New family shelter at 108 Harrison St.
Tree Maintenance Review: Help us shape a greener city
The Right Call for the Right Help
Have your say on the City’s proposed Waste Strategy Update
Material Exchange Directory: Applications now open
Black History Month
Deadline approaching: 2026 CaféTO curb lane program
Registration for CampTO summer programs begins in March
Take the Ice Facilities Strategy survey and have your say on skating, hockey, and curling facilities

Community Meeting: New family shelter at 108 Harrison St.

108 Harrison Street will soon welcome a new family shelter operated by Red Door Family Shelter, supporting up to 32 families.

Community members are invited to a drop-in night to meet Red Door staff, City partners, and Councillor Alejandra Bravo, and learn about this new community resource.

Join us on Thursday, February 26 at St. Helen Catholic School, 1196 College Street. Drop in any time from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Tree Maintenance Review: Help us shape a greener city

The City is reviewing its tree maintenance programs to ensure they reflect best practices, operate efficiently and provide equitable service across communities. Maintaining City trees is an important part of having a healthy and resilient urban tree canopy. Take the survey or attend a virtual meeting on February 11 or 12 to share your thoughts on what matters most to you when it comes to how City-owned trees are maintained. Learn more by clicking here.

The Right Call for the Right Help

On January 26, the City of Toronto relaunched the “Make the Right Call” campaign. In addition to informing residents of when to call 9-1-1, 3-1-1 or 2-1-1, the campaign includes a new way to connect with the police non-emergency line by dialing *-8-7-7 from a mobile phone. Those calling from a landline can continue to use 416-808-2222.

Have your say on the City’s proposed Waste Strategy Update

Help shape Toronto’s waste future by sharing what matters to you. Your feedback in the final phase of the City’s Long-term Waste Management Strategy Update consultations will help inform the 10-year (2026–2036) Reduction and Diversion Plan to increase waste diversion, reduction and reuse through implementation of policies, programs and education. Join the virtual consultation on Wednesday, February 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and take the online survey before Sunday, March 8. Find more information at toronto.ca/WasteStrategy

Material Exchange Directory: Applications now open

The City is accepting applications for its new Material Exchange Directory, a user‑friendly online resource that will showcase local programs helping Torontonians sell, buy, donate or trade materials instead of sending them to landfill.

Launching later in 2026, the directory will help residents, community groups and businesses find local organizations that support the reuse, resale or donation of excess goods and materials, including household items, equipment and building materials.

Learn more about eligibility and apply toronto.ca/MaterialExchange

Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of people of African descent. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding of Black Canadian history, recognize the impacts of anti-Black racism and celebrate the vital role Black communities have played in shaping Toronto and Canada.

Throughout February, the City will spotlight community events and initiatives that uplift and support progress in areas such as housing, employment pathways, wellness and safety and justice reform.

Learn more about City-hosted and sponsored events at toronto.ca/BlackHistoryMonth

Deadline approaching: 2026 CaféTO curb lane program

There are only two weeks left for restaurants and bars to apply or renew for the CaféTO curb lane program. The program offers restaurants and bars the opportunity to expand outdoor dining, attract more guests and boost revenue.

Businesses should get their documents ready and apply early.

Returning curb lane café operators: follow the renewal process.

Deadline: Wednesday, February 11 at 11:59 p.m.

Find out more by clicking here.

Registration for CampTO summer programs begins in March

The City of Toronto offers 170 summer day camp programs for children and youth aged four to 16 across the city. The camps range from general interest to more specialized programs. Families can begin to plan out their summer camp options once the program listings are visible online, as of February 19 so they are ready once registration begins on March 31. Programs are offered in July and August, for the duration of the public-school board summer break. Find out more by clicking here.

Take the Ice Facilities Strategy survey and have your say on skating, hockey, and curling facilities

The City of Toronto is developing an Ice Facilities Strategy, a long-term plan to maximize use and guide future investment in ice facilities across the city where residents skate, play hockey, curl and more.

Thousands of residents have already shared their perspectives, and your voice is an important part of ensuring this Strategy reflects the needs of our communities, now and into the future. I encourage you to take part in Phase 2 of the engagement by reviewing and providing feedback on the draft actions through the online survey at toronto.ca/IceFacilitiesStrategy