Community Update: March 24, 2023

Neighbour --

Yesterday, the 2023 provincial budget was tabled by the Ontario government. Unfortunately, much needed support for the City’s $933 million budget shortfall due to COVID-19 impacts was not part of it. 

Federal and provincial funding is a critical piece of ensuring that the City of Toronto is able to continue delivering key public services and avoid reductions to capital spending on essential infrastructure. We need the Ford government to fulfil their responsibility to support Toronto in delivering services which benefit the entire region. 

No other major North American city is left without predictable and consistent reinvestment from the provincial and federal government. Toronto is the economic engine in Canada, but doesn’t see an appropriate amount of that revenue returned in order to invest in capital projects and essential services.

I will continue to advocate for increased funding for the City of Toronto from other levels of government, and a new financial framework to support long-term predictability for Torontonians. 

Earlier this week, the motion moved by Councillor Saxe and myself to extend bikeways on College Street from Manning Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue passed at Infrastructure and Environment Committee. It will go to City Council next week. 

The agenda for next week's meeting of City Council was published today. You can review it here. 

Below, I've included updates about local projects, community organizations, upcoming construction, and more. 

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor, Ward 9
Davenport

In this edition

• Metrolinx Davenport Diamond Track Transfer Delayed
• Reminder: Brockton/Bloordale Traffic Management Committee
• Bloor-Lansdowne Station
• TTC Updates
• Toronto Community Champion Award Recipients
• Ombudsman's Report on 2021 Encampment Clearings
• Pre-Construction Notice: Toronto Hydro, Bloor St W & Concord Ave
• Pre-Construction Notice: Road Resurfacing, Ernest Ave
• Pre-Construction Notice: Road Resurfacing, St Clarens Ave, between Dupont & Wallace
• Pre-Construction Notice: Watermain Replacement and Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Shirley St from St. Clarens Ave to Brock Ave
• In the community
• Community Events

Metrolinx Davenport Diamond Track Transfer Delayed

The switch to running GO trains on the Davenport Diamond elevated guideway as of Monday, March 27 has been postponed.

Over the past week, during planning and commissioning to begin running revenue service trains on the Davenport Diamond Guideway, Metrolinx identified the need for additional tests, training, and procedures prior to running revenue service trains on the guideway.

Given this is a permanent switch from existing tracks to the new guideway, Metrolinx wants to be certain the system has gone through further testing and commissioning so there are no customer impacts.

Construction on the project and service on the Barrie Line will continue while this planning work takes place, including the planned major track closure for the 25^thand the 26^th. During this time, buses will replace Barrie Line GO Trains to allow for maintenance happening between Bradford and Downsview Park GO. 

Metrolinx will provide customers and the local community an update before the trains make the switch to the new guideway.

Reminder: Brockton/Bloordale Traffic Management Committee

Do you live in the area bounded by Dufferin St. in the east, Perth Ave. in the west, Bloor St. W. in the north and College St. in the south? Are you interested in volunteering on a traffic management committee?

The goal of the committee will be to evaluate traffic challenges in our area (e.g., speeding, wrong way driving, dangerous intersections) and propose some solutions (e.g., traffic bumpouts and other traffic calming measures, addition of bike lanes, improved signage, etc.).

The committee will work collaboratively with my office to effect change in our neighbourhood! If you're interested, please complete the interest form before March 31, 2023. 

Bloor-Lansdowne Station

In February 2021, the City of Toronto approved negotiated terms with the Province of Ontario to construct five new GO station in Toronto. Those five stations are Finch-Kennedy, East Harbour, King-Liberty, St. Clair-Old Weston, and Bloor-Lansdowne. 

Since the adoption of those terms, a number of unanticipated factors, such as supply chain issues, market conditions, labour shortages, and other projects have caused the estimated costs of the program to significantly increase. 

Roughly $234 million in additional funding is required to deliver the existing project with five stations—given the City's current financial situation, Toronto is not in a position to assume these costs.

Currently, no contract has been awarded for the planned Bloor-Lansdowne Station and a decision from the province on whether they will fund the additional costs is urgently needed. 

City staff are seeking City Council’s direction to notify Metrolinx that the City will not proceed with the delivery of the Bloor-Lansdowne Station until the Province has committed the additional funding required to deliver the program as set out in the terms. 

I know that our MPP, Marit Stiles, will be advocating for the Ford government to provide this much needed funding to build Bloor-Lansdowne Station. 

TTC Updates

Mental Health Supports on TTC

I'm glad to share that the City of Toronto, TTC, and LOFT Community Services have partnered to better respond to the needs of vulnerable people on Toronto's transit system. 

LOFT and the City's Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team (M-DOT)'s team of case workers and health care professionals will support individuals requiring complex and longer-term supports. This will ensure people are receiving health and social supports after crisis de-escalation and emergency response are complete. 

Last Day to Purchase TTC Tokens from Retail Outlets

TTC will stop selling tokens through retail outlets such as convenience stores, pharmacies and grocery stores today, March 24. TTC stopped selling tickets and tokens at stations in December 2019. Customers can continue using previously purchased TTC tokens or tickets to pay their fare.

You can also switch to PRESTO at any time by purchasing and loading a card with money or a monthly pass at:

• Fare Vending Machines at all TTC subway stations;
• Shoppers Drug Mart locations;
• Online at prestocard.ca;
• PRESTO app (load only) and;
• The TTC’s Customer Service Centre, 1900 Yonge Street, above Davisville Station.

Complimentary PRESTO cards are also available for individuals who do not yet have one, from select Toronto Public Library Branches, while quantities last.   

Service Cuts Starting March 26

I've previously highlighted that the 2023 Mayor's Budget has resulted in service reductions across the City on bus, streetcar, and subway lines. 

Service cuts made as a result of the 2023 Mayor's Budget will take effect on March 26. Learn more here. 

TTC To Resume Ticketing on March 27

Starting March 27, 2023, TTC will resume ticketing customers for fare evasion. Fare Inspectors will focus ticketing on busy streetcar routes in the downtown core. Ticketing will also resume in subway stations downtown, many of which have multiple entry points.

Earlier this year, I wrote a letter to the TTC Board with questions about the resumption of ticketing. At next week's meeting of City Council, I've seconded a motion by Councillor Paula Fletcher to balance the fines for fare evasion with the fines for parking. Currently, the fine for fare evasion is $195 (and up to over $400), but the average parking ticket is only $30. 

New Fares Coming April 3

The single cash and pay-as-you-go PRESTO fares for youths and adults will be increasing by 10-cents on April 3, 2023. The fares for seniors, Fair Pass Transit Discount Program users and monthly pass customers will remain the same as they have been since 2019.

Toronto Community Champion Award Recipients Announced

25 recipients of the Toronto Community Champion Award were announced at an award ceremony at the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library. Part of the Stronger TOgether initiative, the Toronto Community Champion Award recognizes organizations that provided exceptional support for Torontonians through the pandemic.

FCJ Refugee Centre and The Bike Brigade from Ward 9 were recognized! Congratulations to both of them. 

Ombudsman's Report on 2021 Encampment Clearings

Today, Ombudsman Addo released the report from his investigation into the city's processes for clearing encampments in 2021. The report makes 31 recommendations to ensure that the City's future actions are fair, transparent, and prioritize the wellbeing of those living in encampments. 

The Ombudsman’s report confirms the violent clearing of encampments was wrong.

Respecting human rights, and enacting a commitment to the right to housing, is the only way to respond to homelessness. I believe the City must adopt this approach moving forward. 

Pre-Construction Notice: Toronto Hydro, Bloor St W & Concord Ave

Toronto Hydro will be completing overhead civil & electrical upgrades at Bloor St. W. & Concord Ave. The work will begin in April 2023 and last until October 2023. 

Project Name: Bloor-Concord
Project Number: P-220365-WD164002

The work on this project will generally take place from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 7pm. However, some weekend work may occur. 

Planned power outages in the area may be necessary when switching from old to new electrical systems. Affected residents will always be provided with advance notice of these outages. In addition, some tree trimming and occasional sidewalk/road restrictions may be required. 

If you have questions, you can view Toronto Hydro's Construction Map, call 416-542-3366, or email [email protected]

Pre-Construction Notice: Road Resurfacing, St Clarens Ave, between Dupont & Wallace

The City of Toronto will be completing road resurfacing work on St. Clarens Avenue between Dupont Street and Wallace Avenue.  This work will start as early as May 30, 2023 and end by August 23, 2023. 

The project is part of the Council-approved 2023 Capital Works Program to renew aging City roads and sidewalks for current and future needs. The timeline is subject to change. 

All residents on affected street(s) will or have already receive(d) a notice with additional information. If you have questions, ask for the Site Inspector on-site, call 647-802-8601, or email [email protected]. 

Pre-Construction Notice: Road Resurfacing, Ernest Ave

The City of Toronto will be completing road resurfacing work on Ernest Avenue, between Perth Ave and the west end of Ernest Ave. This work will start as early as May 30, 2023 and end by August 23, 2023. 

The project is part of the Council-approved 2023 Capital Works Program to renew aging City roads and sidewalks for current and future needs. The timeline is subject to change. 

All residents on affected street(s) will or have already receive(d) a notice with additional information.  If you have questions, ask for the Site Inspector on-site, call 647-802-8601, or email [email protected]. 

Pre-Construction Notice: Watermain Replacement and Sanitary Sewer Replacement, Shirley St from St. Clarens Ave to Brock Ave

The City of Toronto will be replacing the watermain and sanitary sewer on Shirley Street, from St. Clarens Avenue to Brock Avenue. This work will start in May 2023 and last until July 2024. 

The project is part of the Council-approved 2023 Capital Works Program to renew aging infrastructure and ensure that sanitary waste is transported to treatment facilities efficiently. The timeline is subject to change. 

You can view the full notice online for this project. If you have questions, ask for the Site Inspector on-site, call 647-299-8601, or email [email protected]. 

In the community

Had an exciting meeting with the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Lands Corporation, Safehaven, and our TDSB Trustee Alexis Dawson to discuss the redevelopment of Safehaven's Bloor Site and the exploration of a partnership with Bloor Collegiate Institute.

Last week, I was glad to welcome Jagmeet Singh to Davenport for coffee with seniors at First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre. We have some important conversations about the cost of living crisis, investing in public services, and supporting the Portuguese-Canadian community.

I welcomed Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council's School4Civic program to City Hall to get a tour and learn more about municipal government.

On the weekend, I joined many Davenport residents in a march organized by Migrant Workers Alliance for Change calling on the federal government to grant status for all!

I joined Asas do Atlantico to celebrate their 50th anniversary. It was a pleasure to celebrate their role as a promoter of Portuguese culture and voluntary service to the community. 

I also had the opportunity visit the team at St. Clair/Silverthorn Library to hear about their latest programming and vital role in our community. Several years ago, I worked with a community coalition to save this branch from closure by increasing circulation and promoting library use.

This morning, I had the opportunity to host members of Bread and Bricks, Davenport Perth Community Ministry, and the United Church outside my community office to host a vigil for Guaranteed Livable Income. 

This afternoon, I joined parents and students at Perth Ave PS to see the results of their project to create signs that ask drivers to stop idling on local neighbourhood streets. 

Community Events