Community Update: January 9, 2026

January 9, 2026 edition of Councillor Alejandra Bravo's Community Newsletter

This week, Mayor Chow announced her 2026 budget plan. Over the next month, the City’s Budget Committee will review the plan, hear deputations, and gather public feedback before City Council considers the budget on February 10.

Want to share your feedback on the budget? You can address the Budget Committee on January 20 and 21 in person or by video conference. You can also participate in telephone town halls with Mayor Chow and Budget Committee Chair Shelley Carroll on January 14 and 15.

I’m especially interested in hearing from residents of Davenport. Take my 2026 budget survey and let us know what you would like to see prioritized in our community and city this year.

Finally, if you’d like to learn more about how the budget process works, attend my City Budget 101 session at New Horizons Tower on February 5, 2026 from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Also as of this week, Toronto’s Blue Bin recycling is no longer managed by the City of Toronto. Under a provincial requirement, responsibility for recycling collection has shifted to Circular Materials. Your collection day remains the same, and Green Bin organics remain weekly.

Any issues, questions, or service concerns related to Blue Bin recycling must be directed to Circular Materials, which is now fully responsible for recycling collection and customer service. Please contact them directly at [email protected]

This month has also brought shifts in winter weather. When snow falls, City snow crews head out to keep Toronto moving. Plowing isn’t always about clearing roads down to bare pavement, but for pushing snow aside so people can get around safely. Plows roll out once snowfall reaches:

2.5 cm on expressways
5 cm on major roads and transit routes
8 cm on residential streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes

Main roads and expressways are always first, since they carry transit and emergency vehicles. Residential streets are handled later, so it can take up to 14 hours after the snow stops before crews arrive. After larger storms, cleanup can take a few days.

Sidewalks are important as well. This winter, the City is trying out new sidewalk plows with different power levels to see what works best on narrow downtown sidewalks.

You can track recent snow-clearing activity on PlowTO, which shows where salting and plowing has happened in the past four hours. Learn more about wintering together here.

Here’s to making the most of winter, one snowy day at a time.

Thank you,

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

In this Edition

A new family shelter Is coming — join me in welcoming Red Door Family Shelter to the community
CILT and GTA Disability Coalition to hold City Budget Town Hall
Upcoming St. Clair streetcar service interruptions
Temporary opening of the Paton Road Underpass
Toronto Hydro Construction notice: Harvie - Kitchener reinstatement
Applications for Volunteer Toronto's Civic Spark Microgrant Program are Open Until January 18, 2026
Recognizing Toronto’s changemakers: nominations open for 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award
Applications are open for the Outside Mural and Street Art Grant Program
2026 CaféTO curb lane applications and renewals now open!
Toronto Community Crisis Service campaign launches
Make FitnessTO the resolution that actually sticks
Davenport community member celebrated in Toronto Star
In the Community
More Updates

A new family shelter is coming — join me in welcoming Red Door Family Shelter to the community

We’re excited to share that 108 Harrison Street will soon be home to a new family shelter operated by Red Door Family Shelter, providing a safe, welcoming place for 32 families as they work toward permanent housing. Announced by the City of Toronto on November 12, 2025, the shelter is part of the City’s Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, which is expanding shelter capacity and strengthening communities across Toronto.

Join me at a community drop-in and information night to welcome Red Door Family Shelter to the neighbourhood on January 15. This is a chance to meet Red Door staff, City staff, local community partners, and connect with your Councillor, Alejandra Bravo and learn about services and supports available for families right in the community.

Children are encouraged to attend. The evening will include crafts and activities, light refreshments, and information from local neighbourhood organizations.

Community Drop-In Details

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: Drop-in anytime between 6:00 and 8:00 pm
Location: St. Helen Catholic School, 1196 College Street

I would love for the community to join me! Meet your neighbours, welcome Red Door Family Shelter, and learn more about this new community resource.

More information is available at toronto.ca/108Harrison

CILT and GTA Disability Coalition to hold City Budget Town Hall

The Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) and The GTA Disability Coalition will be holding a City Budget Town Hall that centers disability inclusion and the civic voices of Torontonians with disabilities in the 2026 City Budget. It takes place virtually on January 15 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm.

The purpose of this event is to aid disabled and Deaf Toronto residents to expand budget knowledge and tools for recommending bold investments in service areas that impact their lives, with disability poverty reduction, housing and transit being vital priority areas. Social Planning Toronto and TTCriders will be presenting at the town hall. Learn more by clicking here.

Upcoming St. Clair streetcar service interruptions

The TTC will suspend 512/312 St Clair streetcar service from 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, to 3:30 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, to accommodate the City of Toronto’s emergency watermain repairs on St. Clair Avenue.

St Clair replacement buses will operate between Gunns Loop and St Clair Station’s streetcar platform. Wheel-Trans service will remain accessible in areas where local traffic is permitted.

Service updates will be available at ttc.ca/service-advisories.

Temporary opening of the Paton Road Underpass

As part of the phased approach to the Davenport Greenway, the Paton Road Underpass will temporarily open to pedestrians and cyclists from January 15 to Fall 2026 (dates are subject to change). This new community connection will create an important link in a neighbourhood that has long been divided by the Barrie rail corridor. The pedestrian and cycling connection will be accessible from Paton Road and Wade Avenue on the east side, and from Paton Road and Rankin Crescent on the west side. Find out more here.

Toronto Hydro Construction notice: Harvie - Kitchener reinstatement

Toronto Hydro is reinstating the overhead electrical distribution in the area of Harvie Avenue and Kitchener Avenue. Work is expected to begin January 2026. Find out more at https://www.torontohydro.com/construction-map

Applications for Volunteer Toronto's Civic Spark Microgrant Program are Open Until January 18, 2026

Volunteer Toronto's Civic Spark Microgrant program provides $1,000 microgrants to resident-led groups, grassroots organizations, and informal collectives that are 100% volunteer-run to go towards projects that help build social connections and increase civic participation across Toronto.

What could bring your neighbourhood closer? A community meal? A pop-up art event? A walking group? A cultural celebration? Whatever you imagine — a Civic Spark Microgrant could help make it real. In 2026, 35 microgrant recipients will receive $1,000 each to deliver a local community project. Groups must be made up of 3 or more residents to be eligible to apply. New groups can be formed.

Learn more and apply for a 2026 Civic Spark Microgrant here: https://info.volunteertoronto.ca/civicspark

Recognizing Toronto’s Changemakers: Nominations open for 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award

The City of Toronto, in partnership with United Way of Greater Toronto, has opened nominations for the 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award. Launched in 2023, this annual program celebrates community organizations that strengthen Toronto, support residents and foster inclusion, with a focus on those serving Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups. Residents can nominate organizations based on their lived/living experiences, highlighting the work of non-profit organizations who are making a difference in their communities. Find out more at toronto.ca/communitychampion

Applications are open for the Outside Mural and Street Art Grant Program

Business associations and community groups with strong business participation in their community neighbourhoods can receive one-time funding up to $7,500 for outside mural and street art projects. Eligible expenses include artist fees, materials, installation and equipment rental. Maintenance of the murals and street art is the responsibility of the applicant. Applications close March 26, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more and apply.

2026 CaféTO curb lane applications and renewals now open!

The CaféTO program provides restaurants and bars in Toronto with the opportunity to access public space and expand their outdoor dining space through curb lane cafés. Applications are now open for new and returning curb lane cafés. Returning operators should have received an email communication on Monday, January 5, on how to renew their permit for 2026. The deadline for new and returning applicants is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11. Find more information at toronto.ca/CafeTO

Toronto Community Crisis Service campaign launches

"It’s okay to ask for help”—A new campaign has launched, encouraging Torontonians to reach out if they or someone they know, are experiencing mental health challenges. Residents can call 211 for support or to be connected to Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), a free, confidential and in-person mental health service which is available 24/7 to Toronto residents aged 16+.

Make FitnessTO the resolution that actually sticks

The City of Toronto offers a wide range of affordable, self-directed fitness opportunities and group fitness classes at safe and welcoming community recreation centres across Toronto. Our highly qualified staff provide hundreds of fitness and aquatic fitness classes daily.

Flexible FitnessTO membership options include access to 40 weight/cardio rooms and over 30 indoor pools. With competitive rates starting at $34* per month for adults and $17* per month for youth (13-18 years) and older adults (60+ *excluding tax).

Visit toronto.ca/fitness and try out a fitness activity in your neighbourhood to start a healthier lifestyle in 2026.

Davenport community member celebrated in the Toronto Star

It was wonderful to see one of Davenport’s most dedicated community members in the spotlight. Thank you for all that you do, Erella! Read the Toronto Star article that highlights Erella Ganon’s tireless work by clicking here.