Community Update: May 16, 2025

Neighbour --

Recently, a number of concerned families reached out to me following a letter received from Ascot Avenue Community Daycare. The child care centre was going to have to close for the summer because of TDSB construction at Oakwood Collegiate Institute, leaving many families scrambling. 

I know the stress that being without child care can create, especially in this time where finding alternative affordable options is harder and harder. In response, my team and I got to work alongside Trustee Alexis Dawson, and staff from the TDSB and the City’s Children’s Services division. Together, we were able to build a plan that will keep Ascot Avenue Community Daycare open through the summer. 

I’d like to thank all the families who reached out to my office for your advocacy—this result is a major relief for our community and I’m grateful we were able to work together to reach this positive outcome. 

I know that access to child care remains a top priority for many families in our community. The Licensed Child Care Growth Strategy guides our City’s work to build more public and not-for-profit child care spaces across Toronto—prioritizing the communities where new child care is needed most. 

Last year, I hosted a city-wide roundtable discussion with child care operators, child care workers, and experts in the field to talk about the ongoing roll-out of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program. A key part of this discussion revolved around what Toronto needs to build and operate more affordable child care spaces, like capital funding, fair wages for child care workers, and more predictable funding. I will continue to advocate for our community on these priorities. 

In Davenport, I’m excited to see substantial progress on the Wallace Emersonproject, which includes a new community centre, park, and child care centre. The new child care centre will create ​​spaces for 32 preschoolers, 20 toddlers and 10 infants and include various outdoor play areas. My team and I also continue to look for new opportunities to bring additional child care spaces to our local community.

Below, you can find updates on a number of key local and city-wide issues. As always, reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns—we’re here to help!

Sincerely,

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

In this edition

• Community Office Hours at Wallace Emerson CC
• RapidTO: Help Shape Transit on Dufferin Street
• New EV Chargers & Bike Share E-Stations in Davenport
• Community Environment Day at Loretto College School
• Help Shape the Future of Toronto's Civic Centres
• Fireworks Safety this Victoria Day
• Patio Season Has Arrived! Support Local with CaféTO
• Supporting Safer Neighbourhoods: IMPACT Symposium for Parents & Caregivers
• Doors Open Toronto Returns May 24-25
• Automated Vehicle Pilot
• Seasonal Park Washrooms & Fountains
• FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York & The Beltway
• In the community

Community Office Hours at Wallace Emerson CC

The closure of my community office at 1240 Bloor Street West has been extended until June 13th due to unforeseen construction delays. The construction includes asbestos abatement and state-of-good-repair work.

During this closure, Davenport residents can continue to access community office services from our team at a temporary location. Every Friday from 12-5pm, residents can drop-in to access community office services at Wallace Emerson Community Centre (1260 Dufferin Street.).

Service at this temporary community office location will be available on the following dates:

• May 23, 12-5pm
• May 30, 12-5pm

Regular community office hours will resume as soon as possible. Further hours at Wallace Emerson Community Centre will be scheduled as needed. Appointments at City Hall are also available.

RapidTO: Help Shape Transit on Dufferin Street

The City of Toronto and TTC are exploring the possibility of introducing priority bus lanes on Dufferin Street, between Eglinton Avenue West and King Street West, to ease congestion and improve transit reliability.

Dufferin is a key north-south route for thousands of transit riders each day — especially during major events at Exhibition Place. Unfortunately, bus service along this corridor is often slow and inconsistent due to mixed traffic. The proposed transit priority lanes would help make service faster, more reliable, and a better choice for our community.

📣 Have your say
There are multiple opportunities to share your feedback with the City:

📝 Take the survey before May 26: toronto.ca/RapidTODufferin

📍 Join an in-person drop-in event:
• Tuesday, May 20 – St. Mary Catholic Academy (66 Dufferin Park Ave.), 4:30–8:30 p.m.

For more background on the City’s RapidTO Surface Transit Network Plan, visit toronto.ca/RapidTO.

New EV Chargers & Bike Share E-Stations in Davenport

I am pleased to share that the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) is adding new Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers to our community at the Green P parking lots at 9 Emerson Avenue, 7 Norton Avenue, and 7 Bartlett Avenue.

The work is expected to be completed in the summer, bringing a total of 20 new EV chargers to our neighbourhood – 16 Level 2 chargers, and 4 Level 3 DC fast chargers. As part of the project, TPA will also be adding a new Bike Share E-station to the parking lots.

These investments highlight my commitment to meeting the City’s environmental goals and makes it easier for our community to choose sustainable travel options.

Throughout the EV charger construction, each parking lot will remain open and available for customers. For more information about this project, please reach out to [email protected].

Community Environment Day at Loretto College School

Join me and the City of Toronto to help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Drop off household items for donation, electronics for reuse or recycling and household hazardous waste for proper disposal.

Help Shape the Future of Toronto's Civic Centres

As part of a City-wide study to improve the use of public-facing spaces in our Civic Centres, Corporate Real Estate Management is launching a series of public engagement activities to hear directly from residents and community groups.

Your input will help shape how these important civic spaces better serve the public in the years ahead.

📅 Key Engagement Opportunities:

• Community Workshops (In-Person)
  • North York Civic Centre: Monday, May 26 | 6–8 p.m.
  • Scarborough Civic Centre: Monday, June 2 | 6–8 p.m.
  • City Hall: Wednesday, June 4 | 6–8 p.m.
• Indigenous Engagement: A dedicated in-person session in June for Indigenous-led organizations and community members.
• City-wide Public Survey: Launching in June.
• Pop-up Events: Coming soon to neighbourhoods across Toronto — including right here in Davenport.

🔗 Visit the Civic Centre Engagement Project Webpage to stay up to date.

Fireworks Safety this Victoria Day

Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park return on Monday, May 19 at 10 p.m. — a fun way to cap off the long weekend!

If you’re planning your own backyard celebration, please make sure to follow City safety rules:

✅ Fireworks are only allowed on private property on Victoria Day (May 19) and Canada Day (July 1) until 11 p.m.
🚫 They are not permitted in parks, on beaches, balconies, or any public spaces.
♻️ Used fireworks should be soaked in water overnight before disposal — never put them in the blue bin.

Permits are required on any other date. Learn more: toronto.ca/Fireworks

Patio Season Has Arrived! Support Local with CaféTO

As the weather warms up, our local main streets come alive and CaféTO is back to help! Over 280 restaurants and bars across the city, including here in Davenport, are participating in the program this year.

From May through October, I encourage you to explore our curb lane cafés, support small businesses, and enjoy time with neighbours outdoors.

Business owner? You may be eligible for a grant of up to $7,500 for patio upgrades. Apply by June 4 at toronto.ca/CafeTOGrant

Measles Is Preventable — Make Sure You're Protected

Cases of measles have been confirmed in Toronto. This is a highly contagious virus, but it can be prevented with vaccination.

✔️ Check your records to ensure you’ve received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)
✔️ Talk to your doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if you’re unsure
✔️ Learn more about symptoms and steps to take if exposed: toronto.ca/Measles

Supporting Safer Neighbourhoods: IMPACT Symposium for Parents & Caregivers

Parents and caregivers of Toronto youth are invited to attend a free IMPACT symposium on either Saturday, May 24 or Saturday, May 31.

These sessions are part of the City’s work to support safer, stronger communities. Topics will include:

• Youth safety and risk factors
• The impact of social media
• Missing youth
• Local supports and funding opportunities available to families

Let’s work together to ensure every young person in our community has the safety, guidance, and support they deserve.

Doors Open Toronto Returns May 24-25

Doors Open Toronto is back next weekend and it's one of the best ways to experience the city. Over 150 sites across Toronto will open their doors to the public for free on May 24 and 25, including historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and unique spaces not usually open to the public.

This year’s theme, “Hidden Histories,” invites us to look at our city in new ways. Browse the full list of sites and register for guided tours and talks at:

Automated Vehicle Pilot

You may soon see small, three-wheeled automated vehicles delivering packages in parts of Ward 9. This new pilot, approved by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (not the City), includes up to two driverless vehicles in the west end—potentially expanding to 20.

Unfortunately, the City of Toronto and local Councillors were not given any ability to shape how this pilot is being run. The decision was made entirely by the provincial ministry. My office will be monitoring community concerns about this pilot and providing our community's feedback to the operator as needed.

These vehicles must obey all traffic rules, travel no faster than 32 km/h, and are overseen remotely by a human operator.

Seasonal Park Washrooms & Fountains

Seasonal park washrooms are now open across Toronto and will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Water fountains and bottle-filling stations are being turned on through May, followed by splash pads and pools in June.

Before heading out, check the status of your local park amenities:

FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York & The Beltway

Exciting news! Fort York and The Bentway have been named official venues for Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival™ during the 2026 World Cup. The Fan Festival will offer live match screenings, food, music, art, and family-friendly activities—all free and open to the public. No ticket needed to attend.

More details will be announced in the coming months, including opportunities for residents and local businesses to get involved.

In the community

My team and I were out on Dufferin Street knocking on doors and talking to neighbours about the plan for transit priority lanes. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughtful feedback.

I joined team ATU113 for Second Harvest's annual Truck Pull Fundraiser! We brought the muscle for a great cause. 

Thanks to all the Oakwood residents who joined me on Wednesday evening to discuss the local sewer main project and traffic issues. There were lots of good ideas which my team and I are working on now.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first Community Environment Day of the year at Dufferin Mall! 

It was great to join the South Asian Women's Centre for their Mother's Day celebration! Thanks for having me, and for the wonderful community building that happens at SAWC every day.