Weston 2021 Design Initiative – ULI Announces Grant for Weston
On October 25, 2011, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) announced the recipients of grants from the ULI Foundation’s Annual Fund which go towards “innovative public-private partnerships that will advance the responsible use of land in building healthy, thriving communities”. I am pleased to announce that ULI Toronto, who played a large role in the Weston 2021 Design Initiative, will be receiving a grant of approximately $24K to assist the City in the development of the design, drawings and phasing for a streetscape plan that will revitalize John Street from a secondary commercial street into a vibrant environment for existing and future neighbourhood retail, restaurants and cafes. Thank you to ULI Toronto for their hard work on the Design Initiative, and for their continued interest and assistance in seeing the ideas that came out of the Design Initiative come to fruition!
Mount Dennis Library Closed for Renovation
The Mount Dennis Library will be undergoing major renovations, with a new and improved Mount Dennis Branch to open in 2013. While the branch is closed, customers can visit the Weston Branch at 2 King Street (416-394-1016). The Toronto Public Library’s Bookmobile will also be in the parking lot of Mount Dennis Legion Branch 31, located at 1050 Weston Road, on Thursday mornings from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Parking/Stopping Amendments on George Street and King Street
Many parents/guardians of students at HJ Alexander Community School and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Elementary School, as well as residents on George Street, have voiced concern over the years with the parking and traffic activity on George Street, where both schools are located. With both schools on the same short street, student pick-up/drop-off activity was occurring on both sides of the street making it impassable at times and dangerous for the children seen darting across the street. For this reason, Transportation Services submitted a report to Etobicoke York Community Council with proposed parking amendments intended to improve the parking and traffic activity associated with student pick-up/drop-off and on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, Community Council adopted the recommendations proposed by Transportation Services to provide “5 Minute Permitted Parking, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday” on George Street, with additional parking on King Street. It is our hope that these changes will make it safer for children when being dropped off/picked up, and will help alleviate the traffic problems on George Street during the week. You can access the report that was approved at Community Council, with the full list of recommended changes, at the following link: http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2011.EY11.22
War 11 Post-Environment Day Report
The numbers have come in.on April 9, 2011, approximately 500 people attended Ward 11′s Environment Day to pick up composters, green bins, etc. and drop off various items for diversion, including electronics, tires and ink cartridges. Ward 11 residents diverted a total of 12,691 kg of waste from our garbage and provided 3,175 kg worth of donations to Goodwill. Thank you to all those who participated!
Georgetown South Project Construction Update
-Lawrence Avenue Bridge Construction-
As of October 11th, sidewalk access under the Lawrence Avenue bridge has been restricted to ensure pedestrian safety while work is being done to widen the bridge. Sidewalk closures will be alternating between the north and south sides of Lawrence Avenue until the end of 2011.
If you have any questions related to the Georgetown South Project, you can contact GO’s Weston Community Office, located at 1631 Weston Road, at (416) 241-2300. You can also email gts@gotransit.com.
Construction at Weston Rd./St. Clair Ave. W
You may have seen recent news reports regarding the construction activity at 30 Weston Road. Residents in the Weston Rd./St. Clair Ave. W area have reported concern with the noise and vibration coming from the work being done to compact the soil at this site, which is being redeveloped for retail and office space. A meeting is being held on Saturday for affected residents to speak to representatives from the City, along with Trinity Development Group (the developers) to address concerns and answer questions.
Upcoming Events
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
-Westminster United Remembrance Service- November 6, 2011
Little Avenue Memorial Park (Weston Rd./Little Ave.), 1 pm
-Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Service- November 6, 2011
Mount Dennis Legion Branch 31 (1050 Weston Rd), 2 pm
-York Remembrance Day Ceremony – November 11, 2011
York Memorial Collegiate Auditorium, 2690 Eglinton Ave. West, 10:45 am
November 9, 2011 – MDCA Town Hall, 1050 Weston Rd., 7 pm
The Mount Dennis Community Association (MDCA) is holding a Town Hall meeting to discuss a variety of topics that fall under the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. Councillor Frances Nunziata, MPP Laura Albanese and MP Mike Sullivan have all confirmed their participation in this meeting. The meeting is taking place at the Mount Dennis Legion- Branch 31, located at 1050 Weston Road.
November 10, 2011 – West Park Health Care Centre Open House, 3 -7 pm
Drop in at West Park’s Main building to celebrate the opening of their Family Health Team and their Rehab and Wellness Clinic. Free activities at their open house include massages, foot screenings and postural analysis, 5pm Zumba and 6pm Pilates classes, a cold laser demo and more. West Park Healthcare Centre is located at 82 Buttonwood Avenue, in the Jane/Weston area. For more information, contact (416) 243-3706.
November 13, 2011 – Weston Santa Claus Parade, 2 pm – 4 pm
Organized by the Weston BIA, the annual Weston Santa Claus Parade is a great event for people of all ages. The parade runs along Weston Road, beginning at Church Street and ending at Sidney Belsey Crescent. Hope to see you there!
November 15, 2011 – GS Project Operational Noise and Vibration Public Meeting, 6:30 pm
Metrolinx has developed a Noise and Vibration Mitigation and Monitoring Strategy to address both the construction work over the next few years as well as the operation of the expanded rail service to minimize the impact to surrounding communities. At this meeting, taking place at the York West Active Living Centre (1901 Weston Road) the results of the Operational Noise and Vibration Study will be discussed, as well as mitigation options. Metrolinx staff and their noise and vibration consultants will be in attendance to answer questions.
November 17, 2011 – Mount Dennis BIA’s AGM, 1267 Weston Rd., 7 pm
The Mount Dennis BIA is holding their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the Learning Enrichment Foundation at 1267 Weston Road (Weston Rd./Ray Ave.). Doors will open at 6:30 pm with the meeting to begin at 7 pm. Come meet the Board from your local BIA and hear what they have planned for 2012.
November 21, 2011 – Weston BIA’s AGM, 4 John St., 7 pm
The Weston BIA is holding their Annual General Meeting on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 7 pm at their office located at 4 John Street. Come meet the Board from your local BIA and hear what they have planned for 2012.
November 29, 2011 – CP Holiday Train, 750 Runnymede Rd., 6:15 pm
Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train is coming again this year! The train is set to arrive in front of the CP Lambton Yard Office at 750 Runnymede Road on November 29th. Parking is available in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The goal of the Holiday Train is to collect food and money for local food banks and to raise awareness in the fight against hunger. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a line up of great musical talents and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The Holiday Train is a great event providing free fun for all.
City News Summary
Daytime curbside collection west of Yonge Street
Council approved the selection of GFL Environmental East Corporation – which responded to the City’s Request For Quotations with the lowest bid – to handle daytime curbside waste collection for the 165,000 households in District 2 west of Yonge Street. The contract covers seven years starting August 7, 2012, with the potential of two one-year extensions. The $186-million contract is expected to save the City $11.9 million in the first year and then $11.1 million annually. Council approved several related motions, such as directing staff to report back on a monitoring plan with performance targets, and to track and report on customer satisfaction with collection services.
Toronto Animal Services wants you to fall in love with an adorable cat
This fall, the City of Toronto’s Animal Services is encouraging residents to adopt a cat and make it a beloved member of the family. The “Fall in Love” cat adoption campaign begins today and runs until November 13. Cat adoptions for the two-week period are just $25 – a saving of almost $60 off the regular adoption price. All cats available for adoption are vaccinated, micro-chipped, spayed or neutered, vet checked and de-wormed. Pets are available for adoption at the four Animal Services shelters (open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), as well as from a number of PetSmart locations in Toronto and the surrounding area. PetSmart is one of Toronto Animal Services’ off-site adoption partners.
Adoption locations:
Toronto Animal Services shelters:
West Region – 146 The East Mall, (Highway 427 and Dundas Street West)
North Region – 1300 Sheppard Ave. W., (Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West)
East Region – 821 Progress Ave., (Highway 401 and Markham Road)
South Region – 140 Princes’ Blvd., (Exhibition Place, Horse Palace)
PetSmart locations with adoptions:
835 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto, 416-696-0388
2050 Eglinton Ave E., Toronto, 416-701-0007
7575 Weston Rd., Vaughan, 905-850-8970
225 High Tech Rd., Richmond Hill, 905-764-6116
3155 Regional Rd. 7, Markham, 905- 415-1755
547 Steeles Ave. E., South Brampton, 905-874-9999 – new west location
Pets available for adoption can be viewed at http://www.toronto.ca/animalservices.
Ban on shark-fin products in Toronto
Council voted in favour of a new City of Toronto bylaw that will make the possession, sale and consumption of shark fin and shark fin food products illegal in Toronto effective September 2012. A ban on bringing new supplies of shark fin and shark fin food products into Toronto takes effect immediately, but existing supplies may be used until September 1, 2012. Staff will encourage voluntary compliance with Toronto’s bylaw by working with restaurant and food services associations, local Business Improvement Areas and business owners.
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.
Keeping traffic moving on arterial roads
Council directed staff to report to the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on ways to alleviate traffic congestion on arterial roads during rush-hour periods that is caused by drivers stopping/parking on the roads and in bicycle lanes. One approach to be considered is the deterrent of increasing fines for blocking traffic. In addition, Council asked the City Manager to work with the Toronto Police Service to increase enforcement of existing bylaws that prohibit blocking traffic on arterial roads, including bike lanes.
Reminder to change batteries in smoke alarms when setting clocks this weekend
As clocks are turned back an hour this weekend, the City of Toronto’s Fire Services division reminds residents to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Most home fires start when people are asleep. Instead of waking you up, smoke from a fire can put you into an even deeper sleep. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and immediately sound to alert you. This early warning will increase your chances of survival by providing more time to escape. The majority of fire deaths occur in homes that do not have working smoke alarms. Installing and maintaining home smoke alarms cuts that risk in half. Smoke alarms are inexpensive and easy to install. They should be tested regularly by pressing the test button. In addition, gentle vacuuming of your smoke alarms will help avoid the accumulation of dust that has the potential to activate false alarms or prevent an alarm unit from detecting smoke from a fire. In addition to maintaining smoke alarms, families should have a step-by-step home escape plan so that all members, especially children and older adults, know how to escape in the event of a fire.
More information about smoke alarms visit: http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention/smoke_alarms.htm
Use of expressways for events
Council endorsed a guideline designed to minimize and manage the closure of sections of the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway for privately sponsored events. In a related decision, Council approved a request to use the eastbound lanes of the Gardiner Expressway and the northbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway on a Sunday morning next July for the bicycle leg of an international Ironman triathlon competition.
Sale of 706 TCHC Scattered Houses
The Toronto Community Housing Corporation Board approved the sale of 706 homes, the proceeds of which will go entirely to State of Good Repair. TCHC is facing a $650-million repair bill and the demand for housing continues to rise. Selling the 706 houses, some of which are vacant because they are in such poor condition, will raise $335 million for capital repairs in our buildings. Tenants who are currently living in houses that are among those to be sold will be offered the choice of another unit in TCHC’s portfolio. TCHC will also pay for their moving costs and offer other supports.
Official Plan Review – Heritage Town Hall Meeting
The City is reviewing its Official Plan. As part of this review, staff are doing a full examination and updating of the Official Plan’s Heritage policies with the assistance of a team of consultants and a Citizen’s Heritage Advisory Committee. A City-wide Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for December 1, 2011 from 6 pm – 9 pm at Metro Hall, Room 308-309 (55 John Street). Attend to join the conversation on new heritage policies for Toronto’s Official Plan. For the full story of the Official Plan Review and our public consultation to date, please visit the website at: www.toronto.ca/opreview
Licensing household movers
Council directed the City Manager to ask the Province of Ontario to give Toronto the authority to license and regulate household movers. Recent police investigations have found that some companies and individuals claiming to be household movers have been using unfair and fraudulent business practices in Toronto. The licensing of moving companies in Toronto will help to protect consumers by setting out standards of practice and a framework for dealing with complaints.
Powering up your neighbourhood
Toronto Hydro will be holding a series of town hall meetings to discuss the current state of the City’s electricity system and some of the improvements being made. Representatives from Toronto Hydro will be on hand to inform the public about work Toronto Hydro is doing in the community, and will also allow the opportunity to learn more about key construction projects in your area, power outages, smart meters, billing and more. The town hall meeting for our area of the City will be taking place on Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Etobicoke Civic Centre (399 The West Mall) from 6 pm – 8 pm. For more information, visit www.torontohydro.com/townhallsessions
Council’s 2012 meeting schedule
Council adopted a schedule for next year’s City Council and standing committee meetings. The schedule includes a special meeting of Council on January 17, 18 and 19 devoted to the 2012 capital and operating budgets.
Bicycle Licensing
Discussion around bicycle licensing has come out of a meeting of the Police Services Board. The Chief of Police, in his report on the enforcement of cycling in the City, noted that the lack of a licence makes enforcement of traffic offences as they pertain to cyclists difficult. The Chief also noted that licensing bicycles would also make it easier for the police to return recovered stolen bicycles to their rightful owners. Police recover thousands of bicycles yearly which have to be auctioned off on eBay because no one comes forward to claim them. The Board members voted to ask City Council to look at creating a comprehensive bike policy for the whole city; this may or may not include licensing bicycles, but I can assure you that the development of such a policy would not be done without consultation with stakeholders and without carefully weighing the pros, cons and implications of any changes to existing practice.
Mandatory downspout disconnection program
In 2007, Toronto City Council approved amendments to Chapter 681 of the Toronto Municipal Code making downspout disconnection mandatory in the combined sewer service area of the City and, in 2008, approved the amendment for all other areas of the City. Rollout of the program will be taking place in three phases, with Ward 11 in the first phase. The first phase will require property owners served by combined sewers (stormwater and sanitary sewers combined into a single pipe) to disconnect their home’s downspouts from the City’s sewer system, if feasible, by November 20, 2011. You can find more information on the City’s website at http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout.htm
