Community Update: July 31, 2026

Today marks the final day of the 2022-2026 term of City Council, and I want to thank every resident who contacted my office, attended community meetings, and spoke to me at events and in the community over the past four years. Serving and representing Davenport at City Hall has been a privilege for which I have boundless gratitude. 

I want to start off with some great news for all us who want to preserve and grow cultural spaces in our ward. The new Junction Triangle Toronto Public Library branch at Campbell and Dupont has been extremely popular since it opened. At the same time, many residents have been wondering what would happen to the building that was home to the former Perth branch at 1589 Dupont.

After working diligently with City staff over many months, I am happy to share that the former library branch’s building will be retained by the City for ongoing community use. This means the space will continue to serve local residents and support community-building activities in our neighbourhood. Later this fall, the City will launch a Request for Expressions of Interest through the Community Space Tenancy Program to identify a new non-profit tenant for the space that will deliver arts and cultural programming in the building. Organizations interested in learning more about this opportunity and other City-owned spaces available for lease can sign up for updates through the Community Space Interest Registry.

Highlights from our last City Council meeting

Winning the fight against Billy Bishop expansion and free ferry rides in August 

I want to thank everyone in Davenport who stood up against the Ontario Government’s hostile attempt to take over and expand Billy Bishop Airport. Whether it was reaching out to your local MP, filling out the federal government’s survey, or signing a petition, it worked – last week, the federal government, whose support is needed to move forward with the expansion, confirmed that they were not on board. This is people power at work: we came together to preserve our beautiful waterfront for future generations in Davenport and across Toronto. To celebrate this win, Council voted to make the Toronto Island Ferry free for kids and youth under 19 and seniors, for the month of August. 

Tackling surveillance pricing 

When Council met for the last time this week, it unanimously approved my motion with Mayor Chow that takes aim at surveillance pricing. Surveillance pricing is when corporations track individual user data and use it to manipulate prices based on your activities and needs. This should never be allowed when it comes to groceries and other essentials that people rely on every day. I worked with the Mayor on this, and am encouraged that we have now directed City staff to look at all the tools and levers we have to restrict this type of predatory pricing. By bringing this work forward, I also hope to spur the federal and provincial governments into action, as many of the levers to protect the public are in their hands. 

Traffic safety and parking improvements across Davenport 

In Davenport, my team and I are pleased to have set the citywide record for most actions on road safety and parking improvements! 

This month I worked with City staff to advance new speed humps to limit dangerous speeding on Rochdale, Pelham, Greenlaw, and other residential streets; reduced speed limits from 40 km/h to 30 km/h on numerous residential streets to support safer travel; and put in permit parking improvements to address long-standing parking challenges. 

I have also heard from many residents about difficulties of finding on-street parking in certain areas in Davenport, and the growing pressures for parking space as our city grows. At this meeting of Council, I directed a review of the City’s on-street permit parking program. The review will look at whether current permit eligibility rules still make sense in growing downtown areas and explore reasonable limits on the number of permits that can be issued to a single household. The goal is to ensure on-street parking remains fair and accessible, while balancing neighbourhood parking demand as our communities continue to grow and evolve.

Holding Metrolinx accountable for noise and emissions 

As the new Bloor-Lansdowne GO Station moves forward, the surrounding community has expressed concerns from increased train noise, vibrations, and emissions. Council approved my motion calling on Metrolinx and the Province to better protect nearby residents from these negative effects. Our community supports improved transit service, but it is important that expansion is paired with measures that maintain quality of life and keep neighbourhoods healthy and livable.

Pushing for answers on real impacts of AI data centres 

I have long been concerned about the growth of AI data centres in the absence of federal and provincial policies to guard communities against great risks. Over the past few weeks, many residents have also reached out expressing concern about these proposals. Large-scale digital infrastructure like these centres are being proposed at such a rapid rate that municipalities are now on the frontlines of exploring regulatory limits.

At Council I called for City staff to conduct an expanded review on the real impact of AI data centres on our city, including on water and hydro supply, utility rates, and the environment, health, and safety of communities. I also demanded an assessment of the impact on local jobs and concerns about data privacy with American companies, as well as clear measures for how the public should be informed about and engaged on any new proposals. As this was the last meeting of the Council term, the report will come forward in the first half of 2027. I am seized of this issue and look forward to continuing to push for a full understanding of the risks of data centres and opportunities for action. 

With the Council term wrapped up, as of August 1 we are officially in a Recess Period until the next municipal election. During this time there are restrictions on Councillors’ offices and activities, so this will be our last e-newsletter of the term. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer, and if you need assistance during this time please reach out to my office, which is still available to provide help with and answer questions about City services.

Sincerely,

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

In this Edition

• West Toronto Railpath Reopening at Bloor
• Bloor/Gladstone branch is temporarily closing for repairs
• Music Compass: Discover Toronto’s music scene
• Biidaasige Park is bigger, better and more beautiful!
• DineSafe25 has helped reduce foodborne illness
• Identify ‘N Impact youth grants

West Toronto Railpath reopening at Bloor

I am delighted to announce that as of noon on July 31, the Railpath has been reopened near Bloor Street. The reopening marks a significant milestone, with the full Railpath from Dundas to Cariboo now open, restoring a well-used route that connects neighbourhoods, and supports active transportation and recreation for pedestrians and cyclists.

I also want to acknowledge that these closures, which were caused by Metrolinx’s Kitchener Line Expansion and Bloor GO/UP Station Improvements Project work, were challenging for our community. Delays to work and uncertain timelines were frustrating, and I shared these concerns with Metrolinx directly and appreciated advocacy from Davenport residents and Railpath users.

Bloor/Gladstone branch is temporarily closing for repairs West

Toronto Public Library’s Bloor/Gladstone branch will close from Monday, August 17 to early October for essential roof repairs.

The book drop will also be closed. Library materials can be returned to any TPL branch location. Holds ready for pick up will be transferred to the Dufferin/St. Clair branch at 1625 Dufferin Street.

You can change your holds pick up location to another branch during the closure. More information about managing your holds is available on TPL’s website.

TPL staff look forward to reopening and welcoming you back soon.

Music Compass: Discover Toronto’s music scene

Explore Toronto’s vibrant music scene with Music Compass, a self-guided experience created by the City of Toronto and Destination Toronto. Scan QR codes on sidewalk decals located in neighbourhoods across the city to browse a list of live music venues, record stores and listening lounges in the area. Explore participating neighbourhoods and discover local music on Destination Toronto’s Music Compass web page.

Biidaasige Park is bigger, better and more beautiful!

Opened last year, Biidaasige Park is expanding with 10 more acres of public waterfront space at 238 Cherry Street on Ookwemin Minising. See what’s happening this weekend and beyond, including free guided kayak tours, walking tours and art-making workshops. Learn more: toronto.ca/Biidaasige.

DineSafe25 has helped reduce foodborne illness

For 25 years, Toronto Public Health’s award-winning DineSafe program has helped reduce foodborne illness through inspections, transparency and education. Recognized with the Samuel J. Crumbine Consumer Protection Award, DineSafe provides accessible food safety information, helping residents make informed dining choices and supporting safer food establishments. Learn more at toronto.ca/DineSafe.

Identify ‘N Impact youth grants

The City of Toronto’s Identify ‘N Impact community grant helps promote youth engagement and community safety by providing up to $17K for youth-led (15-29) initiatives that help with violence prevention, mental health and well-being, skills development, arts and youth-friendly spaces. Applications are now open until September 15 at 12 p.m. Identify ‘N Impact Grant Program – City of Toronto.

In the Community

It was lovely to celebrate the small businesses of Bloordale at the Best of Bloordale Awards at the BIG on Bloor festival. Keep up the amazing work!

Brazilfest 2026 at Earlscourt Park was bigger and better than ever! I’m so pleased organizers were able to use the new hydro installation open to events and championed by the JJP Community Advisory Committee and delivered after my team’s work with the Parks division.

More Updates

• City of Toronto announces 2026 Toronto Book Awards longlist
• City of Toronto updates on the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™
• Toronto Public Health confirms first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in 2026
• City of Toronto, Government of Canada, Missanabie Cree First Nation start construction on 294 rental homes in Davisville