Community Update: March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026 edition of Councillor Alejandra Bravo's Community Newsletter

I hear your concerns and ideas for making improvements to our city in emails, phone calls, meetings, at events, on the bus, or just walking around in Davenport. My team and I track these suggestions, meet with City Divisions to ask questions, hold community meetings, research solutions, and work to bring forward policy changes to improve life in Davenport and make an impact across Toronto. This week I want to share some of this work that’s been driven by your voices.

Improving Dufferin and St. Clair

The intersection of Dufferin Street and St. Clair Avenue West is a transit hub located at the heart of a vibrant community connecting residents to nearby schools, services, and local shops. Every day, this intersection welcomes thousands who contribute to Davenport’s local economy and the fabric of our community. This neighbourhood is also my home.

However, over the years, maintenance at Dufferin and St. Clair hasn’t kept pace with growing use and needs at the intersection. Last year, I joined local residents in the community for a neighbourhood walk to hear directly about the issues at Dufferin and St. Clair and opportunities for improvement. A major concern is the impact of inadequate street and sidewalk cleaning, with garbage often accumulating and spreading due to limited servicing. City of Toronto staff that joined the meeting also heard about the need to improve street lighting, signal timing for the St. Clair streetcar, and better street furniture.

In follow-up discussions, my office consulted with City staff, local residents, and resident organizations to develop a plan going forward. This resulted in a motion I brought to Toronto and East York Community Council directing City staff to create an action plan that will improve the Dufferin and St. Clair intersection for residents, businesses, and visitors. These measures will help to improve services and ensure that everyone living in the area or visiting can enjoy the best of our Dufferin and St. Clair community.

Mandatory notice and communication for street closures

Last week, a segment of Dupont Street between Edwin Ave. and Franklin Ave. was suddenly closed down without prior warning for scheduled water main and sewer line repair work. Along with businesses and residents, we were not notified in advance of this road closure, and had to spring into action in response. Thanks to community messages we were able to track down information from Toronto Water and the City’s Transportation Division after two days of intensive work, and to pressure them to complete the work and reopen the roadway as soon as possible.

I recognize how much this disruption impacted local businesses and residents’ lives, and it is not acceptable for this kind of closure on a major road to occur without advance notice.

I visited the impacted businesses to discuss the policy changes I’ll be bringing to City Council to avoid situations like this in the future. The changes will focus on requiring that notice periods are enforced for this type of scheduled work, and that residents and businesses receive clear information and communications well in advance.

Snow Town Hall

Many Davenport residents have shared how difficult it has been to get around your neighbourhood after January and February’s record snowstorms. I saw your photos and heard your stories, and you’re right: Davenport deserves better. I’m committed to accountability and getting answers as a core part of my role as your representative.

Two weeks ago, I hosted a virtual Snow Response Town Hall with City Service Divisions. City staff from Transportation Services, Winter Response, and 311 were there to hear your concerns directly, including some of the most common issues during major snow events. I understand your disappointment and am committed to advocating for improvements. I have reached out to Toronto’s senior Division heads and the City Manager to demand increased service and attention for our community.

I will keep you updated as more opportunities to share your experiences and get involved. I will also continue to push for immediate improvements and advocate for policy changes which include your voices, so that our ward gets a better standard of service we deserve.

My team and I look forward to continuing to act on changes to make life better for everyone in Davenport.

Sincerely,

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

In this Edition

An update on the 47 Lansdowne bus
An update on the Bloor-Dufferin Community Hub
Open House Information Session for Development Applications in the Keele - St. Clair Secondary Plan Area
City of Toronto to begin replacing water meter transmission units in April
Declare your property’s 2025 occupancy status by April 30, 2026
Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 8
Black Mental Health Week
FIFA World Cup 2026™ 100 Days to Go
Spring recreation registration is now open
Report Student Vaccination program
Food Waste Action Week is March 9 to 13

An update on the 47 Lansdowne bus

Recently, many riders of the 47 Lansdowne bus have reported significant delays along the route. Although many have assumed that those delays are due to the recent changes that have come with the opening of the Eglinton Crosstown, they’re actually due to a storm drain construction project that’s taking place at Eglinton and Caledonia.

That project will wrap up by March 14, so in the meantime, I’ve been working with the office of the TTC CEO to make traveling on the 47 faster and smoother, including the addition of more buses when available and implementing a more efficient diversion. You can reach out and let me know if you’re still finding there are significant delays.

After the storm drain project ends, the bus will run on its new route, which will mean riders have to transfer at the new Caledonia Station on Eglinton to go further north or south. This route change was made to help the bus get to its scheduled stops on time.Considering all of this, this spring, we’ll be looking at a much smoother ride for those who take the 47 bus.

An update on the Bloor-Dufferin Community Hub

The mixed-use development at Bloor-Dufferin will feature a ~19,000 sq. ft. Community Hub and an 8,000 sq. ft. Child Care Centre located on the lower two floors of the former Kent School. The Kent School has been wrapped for the winter to permit ongoing exterior/interior heritage restoration. Project completion is projected for 2027. The Community Hub will co-locate five not‑for‑profit organizations and operate under the Council-approved Community Space Tenancy (CST) Policy. An update will be shared in June 2026, including information on the agencies, services, and engagement planned leading up to opening day.

Open House Information Session for Development Applications in the Keele - St. Clair Secondary Plan Area

The City of Toronto’s Development Review Division has received multiple applications for Official Plan Amendments, Zoning By-law Amendments and Draft Plan of Subdivisions in Ward 9 within the boundaries of the Keele - St. Clair Secondary Plan area. The purpose of the Information Session is to update the public on the status of these applications.

On July 22, 2022, City Council adopted Official Plan Amendment 537, which introduces the new Keele - St. Clair Secondary Plan. On August 15, 2025, the enacting By-law 1107-2022 was approved without modifications by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Time: 6:00 to 8:00pm

Location: St. Matthew Catholic School, 18 Lavender Road

City of Toronto to begin replacing water meter transmission units in April

The City of Toronto will launch a three-year program in April to replace all 470,000 water meter transmission units for customers. The small devices that automatically send water-use readings to the City for billing purposes are failing earlier than expected in municipalities across North America. Replacing them will help ensure customers continue to receive timely and up-to-date water bills.

The water meters (the circular device) continue to accurately measure and record water use. However, the transmission units (square device), which relay that water-use data to the City for billing, are failing prematurely.

Although water meters continue to record water use accurately, failed transmission units mean the City no longer receives that water-use data. When this happens, the City issues estimated bills based on a property’s past consumption until an actual water meter reading is obtained.

The approximately $103‑million replacement program is funded through the City’s budget and helps maintain the automated meter reading system that has already saved more than $350 million in operational costs since its full implementation in 2015. These savings come from a more automated process that reduces manual work and improves overall efficiency.

There is no separate charge or installation fee for customers, and a dedicated customer support team will be available to help throughout the program.

Declare your property’s 2025 occupancy status by April 30, 2026

The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program requires homeowners in Toronto to let the City know if their property is occupied or vacant by making a declaration every year. The goal of the program is to increase the supply of housing by encouraging owners of vacant residential properties to sell them or rent them out. Owners who choose to keep their properties vacant are subject to a tax, with the revenue allocated to affordable housing initiatives.

Declare your property’s 2025 occupancy status by April 30, 2026 using one of the following methods:

through the online declaration portal at toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax
by calling 311 (Multilingual support is available in more than 180 languages.)
by visiting a Tax and Utility counter at City Hall or any civic centre
by mail to:

City of Toronto, Revenue Services
Vacant Home Tax Complaints/Appeals
5100 Yonge St., Lower Level
Toronto ON M2N 5V7

Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday, March 8

The start of daylight saving time this Sunday, March 8 means fewer daylight hours in the morning hours and reduced visibility for all road users. As the clocks “spring forward”, the City reminds Torontonians, especially those driving, to stay alert, obey the speed limit and help keep Toronto’s streets safe for everyone. Learn more about the City’s Road Safety Plan at toronto.ca/VisionZero

Black Mental Health Week

Next week marks Black Mental Health Week in Toronto (March 2 to 8), a time for our city to come together in raising awareness about the impacts of anti-Black racism on mental health and to promote access to culturally appropriate supports for Black communities.

The City of Toronto is proud to reaffirm its commitment to advancing Black mental health and wellbeing. This year, we are once again partnering with TAIBU Community Health Centre to lead this important initiative, alongside many local community organizations. Together, we will be animating spaces across the city with events, conversations, workshops, and healing-focused programming designed by and for Black communities.

Residents are encouraged to participate, learn, and show support.

Explore events and activities at toronto.ca/BlackMentalHealthWeek

FIFA World Cup 2026™ 100 Days to Go

The countdown is on! Tuesday, March 3, marks 100 days to go until the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Toronto is ready to welcome the world and deliver an unforgettable tournament, including memorable fan experiences, legacy initiatives that leave their mark long past the final whistle and, of course, the historic opening match on June 12 featuring Canada’s Men’s National Team at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place. Stay up to date at torontofwc26.ca

Spring recreation registration is now open

Registration for spring recreation activities are open across the city. Toronto residents will be able to register for more than 16,700 courses with more than 151,000 spaces offered in swimming, arts and crafts, sports, fitness and much more, including adapted and accessible programs. Most registered programs begin on March 28.  

Learn more at toronto.ca/SpringRec

Report Student Vaccination program

Toronto Public Health has updated its Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) program for 2025–2026. ISPA suspensions are paused for the remainder of the school year and as a result, students will not be suspended. Requirements remain in place, with a focus on helping families report records and get students up to date, minimizing learning disruptions while strengthening immunization coverage in school communities. Learn more by clicking here.

Food Waste Action Week is March 9 to 13

The average Canadian household wastes more than $1,300 worth of edible food each year. Knowing the difference between best before dates and expiration dates can save money, reduce food waste and protect the environment. The best before date is a guide, not a goodbye. Learn more on how to reduce food waste at toronto.ca/FoodWaste

In the Community

It was fun to chat with neighbours at our Skating Party at Wallace Emerson Park.

I visited the businesses impacted by the sudden construction work on Dupont last week.

Thanks to all who came out to the Community Meeting for the new family shelter at 108 Harrison St. Formerly the Carmelite Day Nursery, this location will be operated by the Red Door and continue to serve families and children with wrap-around services and supports. I look forward to continuing conversations with neighbours.

Last week, Fire Services and Toronto Paramedics teams successfully completed a five-hour rescue of a worker who was pinned under a piece of concrete at a construction site at Lansdowne and Davenport. I visited the scene of the rescue to speak to the worker’s family and to thank our first responders for their incredible work.