Community Update: September 5, 2025

September 5, 2025 edition of Councillor Alejandra Bravo's Community Newsletter

Neighbour --

Last week I wrote to our local Member of Parliament about the serious risks to our shelter system due a recent federal government decision about funding for refugee claimants.

Historically, the costs that the City of Toronto incurs to provide shelter to refugee claimants in our municipal shelter system have been covered by the federal government through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which covers 95% of these shelter costs. As the federal government sets immigration policy and determines the rules for refugees, this is their area of responsibility.

However, the federal government has recently informed the City of Toronto that it will only cover 39% of the City’s costs for sheltering refugee claimants over this year and into 2027. In the first six months of this grant period (January to June 2025) alone, the City has already incurred $126 million in expenses, which is more than the federal government has provided for Toronto for nearly a year and a half.

This means that all emergency shelter services provided to refugee claimants for nine months will be unfunded by the federal government, and that they expect Toronto, through the municipal property tax base, to foot the bill. This is not a sustainable situation, and will have significant impacts on both the City’s finances and our ability to plan for the future.

The City of Toronto has quadrupled funding for emergency shelter in the past decade, and has ambitious plans to build new housing and more sustainable purpose-built shelters to address what is the largest crisis that our city faces. This federal government's decision to cut IHAP funding for refugees sends us back in the wrong direction, and will hurt the City’s ability to build a more sustainable refugee shelter system that would result in better outcomes for refugee claimants.

To address the funding gap caused by the federal government, our Toronto Shelter & Support Services division will have to abandon plans to create specific refugee shelter spaces and to build an enhanced case management program. This will result in poorer settlement outcomes and longer stays in the shelter system, as refugees will not be able to get the services they need to complete their settlement process and transition to housing. It will also be felt across our emergency shelter system, with less capacity to bring new people indoors and to be prepared for any future surges in need.

In short, the federal government is creating a crisis that will be impossible for the City of Toronto to shoulder on our own. I know that Davenport residents care deeply about the dignity of all people who live in our community and across our city, and that the federal government’s decision doesn’t represent our shared values. I hope you will join me in speaking out so that we can continue to build a city that is welcoming and affordable for all.

Sincerely,

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

In this edition

Caledonia Park Road and Davenport Road Safety & Cycling Improvements
Full Closure of Bloor Street West between Dufferin Street & Pauline Avenue
Review of the Street Vending and Street Performing By-laws
Updating Toronto's tree by-laws
Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants
Housing Action Plan: Avenues Phase 2 Study
International Overdose Awareness Day
Free EV Charging Day
Get Fit This Fall
Outdoor Swim Season Ends
Pooch-Friendly Pool Swims
Fall Recreation Registration Dates
No-fee Booking for Community Activities in Parks
After School Care
Facilities and Parkland Survey
Ski & Snowboard Staff Wanted for 2026 Winter Season
Share Your Feedback: Maximum Temperature Standard in Rental Units
Consultation on Commercial Vehicles in Residential Areas Zoning Review
StART Cycle Track Murals Launch and First Ride - Lansdowne Avenue
In the community
Other news

Caledonia Park Road and Davenport Road Safety & Cycling Improvements

The City of Toronto, Transportation Services, is inviting residents to learn more and provide feedback on opportunities for road safety upgrades on Caledonia Park Road from St Clair Avenue West to Davenport Road and on Davenport Road, from Caledonia Park Road to Foundry Avenue. In 2026, road work is planned on Caledonia Park Road between St Clair Avenue West and Davenport Road which provides an opportunity to make changes to these intersecting streets.

The project would improve connections for pedestrians and people cycling and enhance safety at three intersections. Some changes to parking are required to support intersection safety, see details on the next page. There will be no reduction in the number of motor vehicle travel lanes.

Learn More: View project information on the project web page, including event information panels. www.toronto.ca/CaledoniaDavenport

Attend the Event: View information panels, ask questions and discuss with the project team.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Drop-in: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Joseph J. Piccininni Community Centre, 1369 St Clair Avenue West Lobby

Provide Feedback Submit comments by email, mail or phone. Comment deadline: Wednesday September 24, 2025.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416-338-2850
Mail: Maogosha Pyjor, Sr. Public Consultation Coordinator, Metro Hall, 19th Floor, 55 John Street, Toronto, ON, M5V 3C6

Full Closure of Bloor Street West between Dufferin Street and Pauline Avenue

My office has been informed that there will be a full closure of Bloor Street West, between Dufferin Street and Pauline Avenue, to facilitate the dismantling of a tower crane for the residential development project at 990 Dufferin Street. A crane will be set up on Bloor Street West to complete this work.

The closure will run from September 5 at 8:00pm and end on September 7 at 11:59pm continuously. The road will remain open to pedestrians, but all cycling and vehicle traffic will be closed. Diversion signage has been posted to direct traffic around the impacted area.

Review of the Street Vending and Street Performing By-laws

The City of Toronto is reviewing its street vending and street performing bylaws to support vibrant food and entertainment culture in the city, create more opportunities and make the rules clearer and easier to follow. Share your suggestions by completing a short online survey by Tuesday, September 30 or attending an in-person public consultation on Wednesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. at Metro Hall (55 John St.) or a virtual public consultation on Monday, September 22 at 10 a.m.

Find more information and register to attend the public consultations on the City’s Street Vending Bylaw Review webpage.

Updating Toronto's tree by-laws

To protect our urban forest and support the goal of increasing Toronto’s tree canopy by 40 per cent by 2050, the City of Toronto is reviewing its Tree Bylaws. As part of the review, the City is exploring:

Lowering the size threshold for trees protected on private property.
Increasing penalties for violations.
Adding protections for large, healthy trees, building on the former Heritage Tree Program.
Offering incentives for private property owners to maintain large, healthy trees. 
Allowing more flexibility in home design to preserve protected trees.
Introducing fees for removing trees to support permit reviews.

Share your input through an online survey and in-person or virtual public consultations. Find more information on the City’s Tree Bylaw Review webpage.

Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants

Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants provide up to $7,500 in funding for resident-led projects that reduce emissions, raise awareness about climate change and strengthen community engagement. These grants support the goals of theTransformTO Net Zero Strategy and Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy.Application details are available on the Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants – City of Toronto webpage.

Housing Action Plan: Avenues Phase 2 Study

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died without stigma and honour the grief of the family and friends left behind. The City of Toronto and Toronto Public Health (TPH) recognize the significance of IOAD and are committed to raising awareness about harm reduction, educating the public on how to use naloxone kits and supporting those affected by overdose-related loss.

What are the signs of an overdose and how can you prevent them?

Knowing what to do when someone shows signs of an overdose can save lives. If you suspect an overdose:

Step 1: Shout & Shake: Shout their name and shake their shoulders.
Step 2: Call 9-1-1: If the person is unresponsive, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Step 3: Administer Naloxone: 1 spray into the person’s nostril and/or 1 ampoule into the person’s arm or leg.
Step 4: Start CPR: Do chest compressions and/or rescue breathing.
Step 5: Assess if it is working: If there is no improvement in 2 to 3 minutes, repeat steps 3 & 4.

Recognizing an overdose can be difficult. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to treat the situation like an urgent one – you could save a life. Call 911 immediately. Administer naloxone if it’s available. Don’t leave the person alone.

Free EV Charging Day

On Tuesday, September 9th, the Toronto Parking Authority will be holding Free EV Charging Day! From 12:01AM to 11:59PM, you can charge your electric vehicle for free across the entire Toronto Parking Authority’s charging network, including 460+ on-street and off-street Level 2 chargers, as well as Level 3 fast chargers. Standard parking fees will continue to apply.

As Canada’s largest municipally owned charging network in Canada, TPA is proud to play a leading role in advancing the City’s Electric Vehicle Strategy and support TransformTO Net Zero goals.

For more information about our EV chargers/locations, please visit the TPA’s website.

Get Fit This Fall

FitnessTO memberships are available for youth, adults and older adults starting from a month to a year in length. A membership can be purchased online or at local community centres, starting at $175 per year (discounted 50 per cent for youth 13 to 18 years and older adults 60+ years).

A range of drop-in and registered group fitness classes, providing access to more than 40 weight/cardio rooms for self-directed workouts, as well as over 30 indoor pools with lane swims and aquatic fitness programs are available. The program offers safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments where everyone can achieve their fitness goals.

Outdoor Swim Season Ends

Though most of the City’s outdoor and wading pools, and supervised beaches are closed for 2025, 15 outdoor pools will remain open until September 21 on the following partial schedule:

Monday through Friday: from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The City’s splash pads close on September 14.

Pooch-Friendly Pool Swims

Dog owners get one last chance to let their four-legged friends splash about in select City pools to mark the end of the outdoor pool season. The dogs-only swim will take place in the last two hours of the operating season on September 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the following outdoor pool locations: Goulding, Heron Park, McGregor and Riverdale.

Fall Recreation Registration Dates

Registration for our fall recreation activities launches with a wide range of sports and activities for Torontonians to enjoy. Starting October 4.

Residents can browse the activities, create a wish list and pencil in important dates on their calendars. Registration takes place on the following dates:

Tuesday, September 9 at 7 a.m. – Early local registration at six select locations
Monday, September 15 at 10 a.m. – Registration for Older Adult (60+ years) programs
Tuesday, September 16 at 7 a.m. – Etobicoke and Toronto East York registration
Wednesday, September 17 at 7 a.m. – North York and Scarborough registration

No-fee Booking for Community Activities in Parks

It’s now easier and more affordable than ever for communities to activate their local parks. Since June, individuals, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations have been able to book space in parks for free to host smaller-scale, single-day activities that benefit their local communities.

Activities must be free, open to the public, and non-commercial in nature such as guided nature walks, family fun days with games and story time, park socials connecting youth and seniors, and wellness days featuring meditation and tai chi. Booking guidelines and the application form are available on the City’s website.

After School Care

Parks and Recreation's After School Recreation Care (ARC) programs started on September 2, providing vital recreational childcare services to families across the city.

The initiative provides low cost, fun and active after school programming to over 1,800 children from their local neighborhood at 49 different programs by hiring local staff to provide high-quality care. A small number of spaces are still available at select locations.

Facilities and Parkland Survey

There is still time for Torontonians to provide feedback to a survey on proposed updates to the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan and Parkland Strategy. The survey is available in English, Bengali, Chinese, Filipino, French, Hindi, Spanish and Tamil, and will be open until September 14.

We encourage Councillors to share the online survey with constituents and interested stakeholders via their communication channels. Attached to this email is a shareable e-flyer. You can also share this promotional Facebook post and this promotional Instagram post with your networks.

Ski & Snowboard Staff Wanted for 2026 Winter Season

Recruitment is underway for ski and snowboard instructors to work during the winter season at Earl Bales Ski Hill, which is set to open in January 2026.

More than 80 staff are needed to fill positions for instructors, attendants, operators and shop technicians this winter. Some positions require skiing and snowboarding experience and/or certification. Applicants are encouraged to email the division's hiring team at [email protected].

Share Your Feedback: Maximum Temperature Standard in Rental Units

Climate change is affecting us globally and locally. Toronto has been experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves beyond historic norms. The City is currently looking for input from tenants and landlords for establishing a maximum temperature standard for rental units and cooling rooms during the summer. An online survey is now open for feedback until September 8. Learn more at toronto.ca/IndoorTemp.

Consultation on Commercial Vehicles in Residential Areas Zoning Review

City Planning is reviewing the city-wide zoning rules that regulate and limit where commercial vehicles are permitted to park in Residential and Residential Apartment zones.

Learn what’s proposed and help steer the conversation!

District	Date	Time	Meeting Information
Scarborough	September 16, 2025	6:00-8:00 pm	Toronto Public Library – Agincourt
North York	September 17, 2025	6:00-8:00 pm	Toronto Public Library – Downsview
Etobicoke York	September 25, 2025	6:00-8:00 pm	Toronto Public Library – Humber Summit
Toronto and East York	September 29, 2025	6:00-8:00 pm	Toronto Public Library – Yorkville
City-wide (virtual)	October 8, 2025	6:00-8:00 pm	Microsoft Teams (visit our meeting registration page for the registration link).

Can't make any of the above? Take the survey at https://ca.mar.medallia.com/?e=457511&d=e&h=D95D4B8E6351527&l=en.

StART Cycle Track Murals Launch and First Ride - Lansdowne Avenue

The City of Toronto, StreetARToronto (StART) initiative together with Cycling Toronto and Pedestrian Projects will be holding a cycling track mural unveiling. The event takes place this Sunday, September 7th from 1-3pm at West Lodge Parklocated at 165 Lansdowne Avenue, south of Rideau Street, north of Seaforth Avenue on the east side of Lansdowne Avenue.

The ‘unveiling’ is also combined with a ‘First Ride’ for any interested cyclists. The first ride meeting spot is at 12:30pm just south of the north entrance to High Park on Bloor Street, and the route can be found within the QR code.

Participants please be sure to wear your helmet and safety gear. If there’s rain, the ride will be cancelled and we’ll be meeting directly at West Lodge Park (165 Lansdowne Avenue) at 1pm.

Toronto Public Library Events

In the community

It was an honour to join the TTC's raising of the Every Child Matters flag in anticipation of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation later this month.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our movie night in Dufferin Grove Park on the last Friday of August before the long weekend. Great to connect with people in the neighbourhood over park oven pizza and popcorn.

It was another Labour Day Parade for the books! I will always stand with working people as we build a better city, together.

This week, I convened a roundtable alongside Mayor Olivia Chow with refugee-serving organizations to discuss the federal government's funding cuts and the impacts their decision will have in Toronto.

I visited North York Harvest Food Bank to discuss their plans, including important work that will contribute to the Universal Student Nutrition Program that Toronto is building city-wide.