Councillor Nunziata’s Ward 11 E-News Update
Ward 11 Organizations win 2011 Mayor’s Community Safety Award
The 10th Annual Mayor’s Community Safety Awards ceremony took place in November. The Award honours five innovative local projects that have made a unique contribution to community safety in Toronto. Each winning project received a commemorative certificate and a $1,000 cheque from Bell, a long-time sponsor of this recognition program. I am pleased to announce that this year, two fabulous organizations from Ward 11 were among the award recipients. Here is a little information about the two award-winning safety initiatives from Ward 11:
Frontlines Cooks is a project in the Weston community that uses food to attract boys aged 10-15 into a positive healthy environment that teaches cooking, nutrition and manners. “By giving these boys a safe place to be, and giving them a program that feeds their bodies and their spirits, Frontline Cooks can be a deterrent to crime and violence.”
Weston King Neighbourhood Centre’s Drop-In provides a space because “people with minimal money to spend, with strange mannerisms, loud voices, shabby clothing and smelly bodies are not welcomed” in other places. The Centre operates with mostly volunteers and the drop in “offers a variety of spaces – wide open and small and intimate – to socialize, watch TV, read a book, join a discussion on news-worthy topics, take part in crafts and exercise programs,” a space that reduces social isolation by connecting vulnerable people to their neighbours building a safer, happier community.”
Congratulations to Frontlines and to the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre on this great achievement!!!
Councillor Frances Nunziata awarded an “A” by Toronto Taxpayer’s Coalition
The Toronto Taxpayer’s Coalition issued its report card on the performance of all members of Toronto City Council. Marks were assigned according to criteria that included voting record and effectiveness in communicating the case for improved fiscal responsibility at Toronto City Hall. I am flattered to have received an A!
St. John the Evangelist School
On December 11th, the TCDSB held a community meeting regarding the replacement of St. John the Evangelist School; this school has been in need of replacement for some time as their enrolment numbers surpass the school’s capacity. At this meeting, it was announced that the Board has engaged an architect to complete a feasibility/cost-benefit analysis to support the Board’s submission to the Ministry for funding a replacement school. In addition, it was stated that the former Brother Edmund Rice school facility would be best suited to temporarily accommodate the students of St. John’s while construction takes place. A major concern raised by those in attendance at the meeting was the time it would take to get students to Brother Edmund Rice each day. For further information or to receive updates from the Parent Council of St. John the Evangelist School, please contact Dave Bennett, Vice Chair Parent Council, at st.john.evangelist@hotmail.com.
Construction at Weston Rd./St. Clair Ave. W
On December 5th Trinity Developments, under the supervision of the Ministry of the Environment, conducted trial testing which involved compaction activities conducted at various heights and weights at select points throughout the site. On Wednesday of last week, Trinity Developments held another meeting with Residents’ Representatives regarding the soil compaction activity. There was some discussion around extending the agreed upon hours of operation of 8:00 am to 5:30 pm to complete the work sooner; however, it was ultimately decided that the hours will not change. It is hoped that the work will be completed by within the next week and a half, weather permitting. The last day of work before the holidays will be December 22, 2011.
Third Party Ground Signs Located on Rail Lands Public Consultation
CN/Allvision has presented to the City a proposed program for third party ground signs located on certain rail lands within the City of Toronto. Among the locations identified for the installation of a third party sign is the CN Railway Corridor near the intersection of Lawrence Avenue West and Weston Road. The City will be hosting a consultation session from 6 – 9 pm on December 14th in Committee Room 1 of City Hall to hear if there are any concerns or objections with the proposed signs. For more information, please contact Jennifer Cicchelli of my office at jcicche@toronto.ca.
York West Active Living Centre Presents Pearls of Wisdom
Celebrate yourself, honour someone, remember a loved one..above all, be inspired. Donate a minimum of $30 in honour of the York West Active Living Centre’s 30th anniversary and watch as the centre’s “String of Pearls” and “Wall of Wisdom” lengthens and grows. Hand-picked from an oyster shell, each donation package includes a pearl cut-out with the honouree’s name to string up as well as your own inspirational quote to encourage positive thinking during 2012. Just as your donation touches every member in the centre, so will all your pearls of wisdom. For more information, call (416) 245-4395 or visit the Centre at 1901 Weston Road.
Metrolinx Community Partnerships Program – Deadline: December 16th!
Metrolinx has created a new Community Partnerships Program designed to support local community-based initiatives across the GTA in areas where transportation improvement projects funded by Metrolinx are underway. Each round of the program will focus on a different geographic area, with Metrolinx now accepting applications for local initiatives in the area surrounding the Georgetown South rail corridor. Funding of up to $1000 per project is available. Key goals of eligible projects are: build communities that are pedestrian, cycling and transit-supportive, promote active transportation, car pooling and other forms of transportation demand management, promote education or dialogue about the role of transit and transportation in city building and beautification or safety initiatives in areas near transit stations or transportation corridors. For more information on the program requirements or to complete an application form visit http://www.metrolinx.com/en/aboutus/inthecommunity/community_partnership_form.aspx
Congratulations to Liliana Angarita, Ward 11 Resident and recipient of Human Rights Award
On December 8, 2011 friends, families and colleagues gathered to honour five award recipients at Toronto’s annual Human Rights Awards ceremony. The ceremony marks Human Rights Day – December 10 – and celebrates advances in human rights in Toronto. The work of the four residents and one organization has contributed to the elimination of violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, homelessness, hate crimes, hunger, poverty and illiteracy in Toronto.
The 2011 recipients of the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards are:
Aboriginal Affairs Award – Rob Lackie
Access Award for Disability Issues – Ruth Stackhouse
Constance E. Hamilton Award on the Status of Women – Liliana Angarita
Pride Award for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Two Spirited Issues – Family Service Toronto’s David Kelley LGBTQ & HIV/Aids Counselling Services
William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations – Leonard A. Braithwaite
Congratulations to all the recipients and particularly, Liliana Angarita, resident of Ward 11 and strong supporter of women, immigrants and Toronto’s Latin community!
Message from MPP Laura Albanese
This December your Member of Provincial Parliament for York South-Weston, Laura Albanese, will begin sending out a monthly e-newsletter to her constituents. If you would like to receive local news, events, updates and information from Queen’s Park directly to your inbox, please send your full name, address, phone number and preferred email address to arobertson@liberal.ola.org. Just put “newsletter” in the subject line.
Upcoming Events
December 14, 2011 – MDCA Year-End Celebration, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Join the Mount Dennis Community Association (MDCA) for their year-end celebration taking place at Mount Dennis Legion Branch 31, located at 1050 Weston Road. The MDCA have planned a community potluck dinner along with arts and activities for both adults and children. For more information contact the MDCA at mountdennisra@hotmail.com
December 16, 2011 – LEF Winter Celebration, 5 pm – 8 pm, 116 Industry Street
Join the Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF) for this family-friendly event! Learn about community connections, resources and enjoy a free turkey dinner. Contact (416) 244-8982 for more information.
December 22, 2011 – York West Active Living Centre’s Annual Holiday Cheer, 1 pm
Join the York West Active Living Centre at 1901 Weston Road for their annual Holiday Cheer festivities featuring their own choir and The Sunshiners. Join them for a day of friendship, fun and yummy treats. For more information, contact (416) 245-4395.
City News Summary
Port Lands Public Meeting Notice
The City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto are working on a development and implementation plan to accelerate revitalization of the Port Lands, and want the public to be part of the process. A public consultation meeting will be held Monday, December 12 from 6:30 pm – 9 pm at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street) in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, 2nd Floor. The meeting will include a summary of the process and goals for the Port Lands Acceleration Initiative and will invite members of the public to ask questions and discuss their ideas for the Port Lands. For further information, please contact Christopher Dunn, Waterfront Secretariat at (416) 395-1211.
2012 City of Toronto Budget
The preparation of the 2012 operating and capital budgets is underway, with public deputations heard last week on the staff recommended budget for 2012. The City of Toronto’s 2012 Budget web page is updated regularly and is an excellent resource which provides detailed information on the proposed budget as well as access to the briefing notes provided to Councillors to make informed decisions about the budget. All the information on the budget can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/budget2012. The proposed budget, with revisions made by the Budget Committee, will be presented to the Executive Committee for consideration at their meeting of January 12, 2012, with City Council to consider the budget January 17, 18 and 19, 2012.
Unplated vehicles left on City streets
At a recent meeting of the Licensing and Standards Committee, Councillor Nunziata asked staff to crack down on cars parked illegally on City streets without license plates. The Committee was informed that cars without plates cannot be ticketed and therefore, cannot be towed. This prompted the Committee to request a report from staff, in consultation with the Toronto Police Service, on the feasibility of enabling Parking Enforcement to automatically tow unplated vehicles illegally parked/stored on City streets. A report will be brought forward to a future meeting of the Committee.
2012 Solid Waste and Water budgets
Council approved the 2012 operating and capital budgets for Solid Waste Management Services, covering the delivery of waste collection and disposal, and for Toronto Water, covering water and wastewater treatment and delivery. The budgets provide for continued investment in infrastructure renewal and solid waste management diversion while supporting fiscal responsibility and customer service. These budgets are funded by rates that correspond with usage. The 2012 Solid Waste budget consists of an operating budget of $345.8 million and a capital budget of $103 million. The 2012 Toronto Water Budget includes an operating budget of $381 million and a capital budget of $607 million.
Sponsorships and naming rights
Council approved policies for the sponsorship of City of Toronto programs and events, and for naming rights involving City-owned properties. The intention of the policies is to enhance revenue the City receives from sponsorships and naming rights, and to establish a fair, transparent and consistent review process for proposals. Council also adopted an honourific and street naming policy. Proposals for naming rights are subject to Council’s approval. Certain properties and assets such as City Hall and community council locations are not available for naming rights.
Toronto’s child-care system
Council discussed the impact of Ontario’s full-day early learning kindergarten program on Toronto’s child care system when fully implemented in 2014, and decided to communicate to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education about the urgent need for a child-care stabilization and transition plan that ensures the availability of a sustainable child-care system. Analysis by the City’s Children’s Services shows that without the necessary provincial resources, the supply of licensed child-care spaces in Toronto will decrease.
Traffic control at construction sites
Council approved a new memorandum of understanding with guidelines for traffic control at City of Toronto construction sites and street events, replacing the previous memorandum. The new memorandum eliminates the earlier requirement for hiring paid duty police officers, though police may still be hired in certain circumstances. It is estimated that removing paid duty officer requirements for traffic control could save the City about $1.3 million in 2012.
Sale of City assets
Council voted in favour of directing the board of Enwave Energy Corporation to take steps to solicit proposals for the sale of Enwave through a competitive auction on behalf of the City and the other owner, BPC Penco. The City owns a considerable number of marketable assets, including real estate and government business enterprises. Sale/monetization of assets has the potential to offset some of the spending and debt pressures in the City’s capital budget.
Side guards on trucks
Council requested the preparation of a report on the feasibility of the City of Toronto installing safety side guards on the City of Toronto’s fleet of large trucks to help protect cyclists and pedestrians. The report will also address whether or not it is feasible to establish a policy that favours the City doing business with companies whose large trucks are equipped with side guards.
Voluntary financial contributions
Council supported establishing a voluntary contribution option to be offered on property tax bills. Toronto residents will be able to make donations to a specific City of Toronto service or direct a donation to general revenues. The voluntary contribution option on property tax bills will augment donation opportunities already available to residents. Last year, the City received 10,400 donations with a total value of $1.2 million benefitting about 40 programs.
Motorcycle parking
Council directed staff to prepare a report on options for the implementation and enforcement of parking charges and fees for motorcycles and motor scooters – which currently have free municipal parking. The report will include the financial impact of the changes that are recommended.
Backyard hens
A councillor’s motion on the viability of allowing Toronto residents to keep a limited number of hens in their backyards to produce eggs for personal consumption was not discussed by Council. Instead, the motion was referred to the Licensing and Standards Committee for its consideration.
Vapour lounges
Council directed staff to review the legality of Toronto businesses operating as “vapour lounges” that permit clients to use water pipes and vaporizers to smoke/inhale substances such as marijuana and herbal mixtures.
Outdoor ovens in parks
Council approved a policy that will guide the City’s handling of requests to install or use outdoor ovens in City of Toronto parks. The policy, which includes safety requirements, was developed by the Parks, Forestry and Recreation division in consultation with community operators of bake and tandoor ovens that are already established in several parks.
City Toy Drive
Earlier this month, Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto City Manager Joseph Pennachetti along with a few young helpers kicked off the 2011 City of Toronto Toy Drive in the City Hall Rotunda. Together they started building the first pile of toys to be collected over the next few weeks. “I hope to see this small pile of gifts grow into a giant pile of toys,” said Mayor Ford. “It’s our goal to help make this holiday season a festive and memorable one for everyone.”
Residents and City staff are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys and gift cards to any of the following toy drive collection locations, during operating hours, until Friday, December 23:
. City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
. Metro Hall, 55 John St.
. Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
. North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
. East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
. Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
. York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W.
The toys and gift cards collected will be equally distributed through established toy drive programs run by Global Toronto/Toronto Firefighters and CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish. Donations will help Toronto children and families in need during the holidays. All toy donations are appreciated. It should be noted that there is typically a shortage of toys for boys and pre-teen boys and girls. Gift cards for grocery and department stores also go a long way to help make the holidays enjoyable for families who need help.
Toronto’s War of 1812 Bicentennial program announced
A series of major events and legacy projects will define the City of Toronto’s two-year-long War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration, which kicks off next month. From January 2012 until June 2013, hundreds of events and programs will take place at locations across the city. Among the bicentennial’s key historical heritage projects is the ongoing revitalization of Fort York National Historic Site, a major battleground during the War of 1812, which now contains the largest collection of authentic 1812-era buildings in Canada. In addition, a virtual heritage trail network is being built.
Toronto will mark the anniversary of the official declaration of war on June 18, 1812 by hosting a number of free events from June 15 to June 24.
• In David Pecaut Square, the Luminato festival will present a free outdoor concert by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”
• At Fort York, artists Thomas & Guinevere will create “The Encampment,” an interactive installation of 200 tents, each detailing the stories and lives of civilians touched by the war. The installation is presented by the City of Toronto and Luminato.
• Courtesy of the St. Lawrence Market Business Improvement Area (BIA), visitors to Toronto’s Old Town will have the opportunity to meet actors dressed in period costume who will relate events of the day.
• In St. James Cathedral, an overnight vigil, starting on Saturday June 16, will honour those who died during the war and reflect on the meaning of their sacrifices.
• From August 17 to September 3, members of the Canadian Forces, Canada Company, the CNE, Exhibition Place and the Canadian International Air Show will collaborate to produce events under the banner of By Sea, By Land and By Air.
• In October, as part of a national focus on the War of 1812, Fort York will feature family programming, an outdoor 1812-related film festival, a lecture series about the untold stories of the War of 1812, and a Regency Ball.
• The Battle of York will be honoured on April 27, 2013 at Fort York with a sunrise ceremony led by First Nations representatives followed by a commemorative service. On April 28, a large military parade will travel from Queen’s Park to City Hall to Fort York.
• In June 2013, the Fort York Festival will feature Canada’s best re-enactors, who will recreate life at the Fort at the time of the war.
Further details on Toronto’s Bicentennial Commemoration programs and events will be announced in the coming months. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca/1812
Toronto Water’s winter-wise tips for residents
Winter, with its colder temperatures and snow, is just around the corner. Here are a few tips the City of Toronto is providing to help you get ready for the wintry weather.
• Turn off the outdoor water supply and drain taps before the first freeze to prevent pipes from bursting, which can waste water and cause damage.
• Insulate pipes that are most susceptible to freezing, especially near outer walls and in crawl spaces and the attic.
• During especially cold weather, consider leaving a tap open enough for a trickle of water to continuously move through pipes that might be vulnerable to freezing.
• Clear debris from eavestroughs and downspouts.
• Seal window wells and fix any cracks in basement walls, because cracks can lead to leaks.
• Keep rain and snow away from the building’s foundation.
• Clear roadside leaves and other debris off sewer grates near your home to ensure snow melting during winter thaws can drain freely into the sewer.
• Clear snow from around fire hydrants to keep them visible and accessible to Fire Services and Toronto Water personnel.
• Avoid piling snow around a fire hydrant or throwing it onto the road when shovelling the driveway and sidewalks.
• Disconnect your downspouts from the sewer system.
A bylaw (Municipal Code, Chapter 681, Sewers) that makes it mandatory for property owners to disconnect their downspouts from Toronto’s sewer system is currently coming into effect across the city in three phases. Mandatory disconnection started in the central area of Toronto on November 20 and will apply to other parts of the city on a multi-year schedule that is detailed on the web (link is below).
Disconnecting downspouts helps reduce the risk of basement flooding and the release of polluted rainwater into local waterways. Where disconnection is not technically feasible or would create a hazard, you can apply to the City of Toronto for an exemption. More information about downspout disconnection is available at http://www.toronto.ca/water/downspout.
For more information about all the winter tips, visit http://www.toronto.ca/water or call 311.
Let It Snow. Let It Snow. Let It Snow
It’s that time of the year again.Winter. And a Canadian winter means snow – sometimes a lot of snow. However, the City of Toronto is ready for anything that old man winter can dish out. Here are a few things that you can expect as we gear up for another winter in Toronto:
• As soon as the snow begins, Transportation Services sends out its fleet of salt trucks to the expressways, main roads and local roads. If the City receives between 2.5 and five centimetres of snow, the plows are sent to the expressways and then the main roads. Plowing then takes place for the duration of the storm.
• When the snow stops and if the snow accumulation reaches eight centimetres, plows will be sent to the local roads. Normally, local road plowing will be completed between 14 and 16 hours after the storm has ended.
• The City will clear snow from sidewalks on local roads where it is mechanically possible to do so after eight centimetres (five centimetres in January and February) of snow has fallen. In the central core of the city, property owners are required to clear their sidewalks of snow 12 hours after a storm has taken place.
• The City of Toronto’s levels of service for snow clearing meet those set by the Province of Ontario for municipalities and road authorities. These levels of service were adopted by Toronto City Council in 2009.
Residents who have questions about snow clearing efforts in their area can call the City at 311.
If you need more information about the city’s plans for snow clearing, visit http://www.toronto.ca/transportation
Here’s an important tip about shovelling snow – please don’t push snow back onto the road. It’s against the law, hampers snow clearing efforts and is very dangerous for motorists. Winter, and the snow that comes with it, is a part of what makes us Canadians. By working together, we can make sure that Toronto continues to be a safe and accessible city in which to live, work and play.
City of Toronto seeking public input for a new five-year plan for parks, trails and natural areas
The City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation division is seeking public input for the new five-year Parks Plan. As directed by Council, the plan will guide decision-making and investment in City parks in order to meet the diverse needs of Toronto residents, including: designing beautiful, unique and sustainable park spaces; protecting and expanding natural areas; balancing park uses to include play spaces, natural areas, sport activities, urban agriculture and cultural expression; engaging the community through stewardship, volunteering and partnerships and ensuring that the City’s parks and trails are available and accessible to all residents. I urge you to give your input into the City’s new parks plan by completing the online survey or attending one of four public consultation sessions being held throughout the City. For more information or to complete the online survey, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/parksplan.
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Councillor Frances Nunziata
Ward 11, York South -Weston
100 Queen St. W., Suite C49
Toronto, On M5H 2N2
416 392 4091
http://www.toronto.ca/councillors/nunziata1.htm
