Community Update: November 7, 2025

November 7, 2025 edition of Councillor Alejandra Bravo's Community Newsletter

Across Davenport, I hear your frustrations about public services that aren’t providing good value for our property tax dollars. Whether it’s snow piling up and blocking the sidewalk or more expensive garbage collection, private companies are failing to deliver on their promises of better service for less.

Previous administrations at City Hall bought into the idea of “contracting out”: that having private contractors provide services would save us money. Former Mayor Rob Ford pushed to privatize garbage collection, while Mayor John Tory supported a multi-million-dollar deal with U.S. tech company PayIt to process parking tickets and tax payments. And in 2021, City Council extended a massive $1.5 billion snow-clearing agreement to a group of private companies.

But each time, the private contractors have delivered inadequate service, and Torontonians have paid the price (in the case of PayIt, the system never worked and had to be replaced altogether – wasting $8.4 million).

Last winter’s snowstorm revealed big problems with the private snow-clearing contract and with the City’s oversight. This was especially true in Davenport, where both street and sidewalk clearing did not meet standards. During both major snowstorms, I visited neighbourhoods to document that the contractors had left whole streets unplowed. My team worked through the Family Day weekend to record and follow up on all the service complaints that 311 wasn’t receiving.

That’s why I’ve consistently advocated to fix the City’s response, including fixing gaps in the snow contract, and why I supported Mayor Chow’s demands for action. Here’s what we expect will change this winter:

A new unit will lead Toronto’s snow response to help plan and prepare
Increases in fleet, equipment, and resources necessary for snow-clearing
Mobilization of resources from across all parts of the City for major snowstorms
Proactive snow removal in priority areas with TTC routes to keep people moving
Opening 311 to snow clearing calls from residents
Better communications with the public and access for councillors to flag problems in real time

Under Mayor Chow, we’re looking at how we can bring more services back in-house when contracts expire, from tree pruning to garbage collection. It's time we stopped letting private contractors off the hook when they fail to meet service standards. Public delivery of public services means better value for money, but also real accountability.

Sincerely,

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

In this Edition

Community Meeting: Celebrating Earlscourt Park
Improving Transit on Dufferin Street – RapidTO Installation Begins
Road Safety at the End of Daylight Saving Time
Vacant Home Tax Declarations Now Open
Remembrance Day Ceremonies Across Toronto
Women4ClimateTO – Call for Mentors and Mentees
Updated COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines Available Now
Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)
Upcoming CoA and Commenting Partners Public Drop-In Session
11 Division Crime Prevention Webinar
Older Adult Holiday Lunch at J.J.P.

Community Meeting: Celebrating Earlscourt Park

We’re planning anniversary celebrations for two beloved Davenport community spaces: Earlscourt Park and the Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre.

Celebrations had been planned for Earlscourt Park turning 100 years old back in 2020, but were put on hold due to the pandemic. Want to get involved? Come out to our meeting to share your thoughts and help us plan the festivities that will take place next year.

Improving Transit on Dufferin Street - RapidTO Installation Begins

Installation of the RapidTO priority bus lanes along Dufferin Street, from Dufferin Station to King Street West, begins this week. Work on the first segment, Dundas to King, will take place overnight starting November 7th.

Emergency services, TTC and Wheel-Trans will continue operating as usual.

To learn more and subscribe for email updates, visit: toronto.ca/RapidTODufferin

Road safety at the end of daylight saving time

The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours in the evening and reduced visibility for all road users. In Toronto, pedestrian collisions increase by more than 30 per cent during the evening commute from November to March. As the clocks go back, the City reminds drivers to stay alert, obey the speed limit and help keep Toronto’s streets safe for everyone. Learn more: toronto.ca/VisionZero

Vacant Home Tax declarations now open

Do you own a house or condo in Toronto? If yes, then you need to let the City know if it was occupied or vacant by declaring its occupancy status every year. Even if you reside at your property. The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program works to increase the availability and affordability of housing in our city. It does this by encouraging people who own homes that are kept empty to make these vacant properties available for rent or for sale, helping to make sure all homes are lived in.

You can make your 2025 declaration quickly and easily online at toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax

Remembrance Day ceremonies across Toronto

Join your community in honouring the courage and sacrifice of Canada’s fallen heroes at Remembrance Day ceremonies across Toronto. Wear a poppy proudly and come together for a moment of collective reflection and gratitude. Find event details or watch a livestream of the Old City Hall ceremony on the City’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies webpage.

Women4ClimateTO – Call for mentors and mentees

The City’s Women4ClimateTO Mentorship Program empowers and supports emerging women climate leaders working on innovative projects that will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Participants will receive mentoring, training and networking opportunities to help advance their project or business venture. Following the mentorship program, participants will have a chance to compete in a pitch competition for cash awards and other supports to further advance their initiative. Learn more and apply by Thursday, November 20 on the City’s Women4Climate Toronto Mentorship Program webpage.

Updated COVID-19 & flu vaccines available now

Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for everyone aged six months and older at participating pharmacies and primary care offices. Vaccines for children aged six months to four years old are also available at Toronto Public Health (TPH) community clinics. It is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same appointment. Find more information on Toronto Public Health’s Respiratory Viruses webpage.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

The City of Toronto is advancing disability inclusion. Our 2025–2029 Disability Inclusion Action Plan outlines 85 actions we’re taking that will move us towards a city that is free of barriers, discrimination and inclusive for all. Learn more here.

Upcoming CoA and commenting partners public drop-in session

The Committee of Adjustment (CoA) is holding a CoA and commenting partners public drop-in session.

Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: 100 Queen Street W, City Hall, Members Lounge

This session will provide applicants and residents an opportunity to connect directly with City staff and learn more about how CoA applications are reviewed. The evening will begin with a brief introduction from the Director and Secretary Treasurer of the CoA, followed by informal roundtable discussions with representatives from key City divisions.

11 Division crime prevention webinar

TPS 11 Division is hosting a crime prevention webinar on December 3. Topics include personal safety, distraction thefts, break and enter, crime analysis, and a Q&A period. Scan the QR code below to learn more.

Older Adult Holiday Lunch at J.J.P.

An Older Adult Holiday Lunch will be held at Joseph J. Piccininni C.R.C. on Tuesday, December 17th at 12:00 p.m. See the poster below for more details.

In the Community

Thank you to all who trick-or-treated at our Community Office Halloween Party. So many great costumes!

I had a blast visiting Wadsworth Park, Carlton Park, McCormick Park, and MacGregor Playground for their annual pumpkin parades. Amazing work from all of the Jack-o’-lantern artists.