There are many issues that effect our community. Every month, I will be listing the top issues and how we plan to deal with them.

Memorial Park Field Upgrades - Second Meeting (Community Issues)

On June 12th a second meeting was held to discuss the proposal to potentially upgrade the field at Memorial Park with artificial turf and a sports bubble. The bubble would be installed during winters to facilitate additional use ... (more) of the field.

The following presentations were shared at the June 12th meeting.

Please review my website for further details on this proposal.
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Memorial Park Proposal - Supplementary Information (PDF, 1.9 MB)
Natural Grass vs Turf (PDF, 301 KB)

Joicey Blvd. Watermain Construction - 2009 (Community Issues)

Watermain Construction 2009 (MS Word, 301 KB)

2008 Final Property Tax Bills (City Issues)

News Release

June 18, 2008

2008 final property tax bills are in the mail

All City of Toronto 2008 final property tax bills have now been mailed.

Payment due dates for the ... (more) regular instalment plan and the withdrawal dates for the 6-Instalment Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan are July 2, August 1, and September 2.

For the 2-Instalment Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan, the withdrawal date is July 2.

For the 11-Instalment Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan, the withdrawal date is on the 15th of every month or the nearest business day thereafter from July to December.

There are several ways to pay a property tax bill:

• At most financial institutions (there may be a charge for this service). If paying tax bills through an automatic teller machine (ATM), customers should pay before the due date and retain their receipt.
• Via telephone or internet banking, if this service is provided by a customer’s financial institution.
• By mail to: Treasurer, City of Toronto, P.O. Box 5000, Toronto, ON, M2N 5V1
• In person at the enquiry/cashier counters at all civic centres and City Hall:
- Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
- East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.
- Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
- North York Civic Center, 5100 Yonge St.
- Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
- York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W.

Regular hours at all civic centres and City Hall are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Extended hours are from Friday, June 27 to Wednesday, July 2, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The City also offers the option of paying property taxes through a Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Program (PTP). This plan allows taxpayers to pay their taxes in two, six or 11 installments over the course of the year. The next enrolment deadline is September 12, 2008, for 2009 interim property taxes. Before applying for the PTP program, all installments of the current tax bill just issued must be paid (post dated cheques are accepted). Applications for the PTP program along with a void cheque can be mailed to Box 2500 Terminal A, Toronto, ON, M5W 1H2 or delivered to one of the locations listed above.

Customer service information phone line:
For property tax inquiries, call 416-338-4829. TTY users call 416-392-0719.
Regular hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Extended hours are offered until Wednesday, July 2, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Property Tax information is also available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/taxes/property_tax.

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BBQ Safety (Community Issues)

Fire up Your Barbecues … Safely!

Most Toronto residents will partake in some form of backyard barbecuing this summer, and Toronto Fire Chief Bill Stewart is emphasizing ‘safety’ while grilling.

... (more) “Barbecuing is certainly a highlight of the summer,” emphasized Chief Stewart, “however, keeping you and your family safe from fire should be your first priority.” Here are a few easy tips to help get you off to a good start:

1. Before you begin, is your propane or natural gas barbecue clean? Wash all dirt and debris from your barbecue, including cobwebs and dust that have built up over the winter, particularly in the venturi tubes. Remove your grates and lava rocks and clean them in warm soapy water. Replace defective parts. Ensure that the barbecue hose is free of cracks or holes. Rusty and damaged propane cylinders or cylinders over 10 years of age should be replaced. Call a certified fuel appliance repair person if you do not feel comfortable making safety checks yourself.

2. Secure your propane cylinder properly before opening the tank. Check for leakages prior to lighting your barbecue. If your barbecue connection has an “ O” ring, check it for fractures and cracks every time you replace your cylinder.

3. Open the lid before igniting. Turn the propane cylinder valve to the open position, and then open the individual grill controls. Light the barbecue by pressing the igniter button. If your barbecue does not have an igniter button, use a long match or lighter into the side burner hole - always have the match or lighter lit before you turn on the grill controls. Once ignited, check for a consistent and even flame and make sure that all burner holes are free of debris.

4. Keep children and pets far away from a hot grill, and never leave them unsupervised in the area of an ignited barbecue.

5. Barbecue outside only. Keep the barbecue three metres from windows and doors and away from wooden fences, walls, combustible overhead roofs, and from trees with low hanging branches.

6. Get rid of all grease from the grills and barbecue base - to minimize the chances that you will have a serious grease fire.

7. Keep your distance from the flames by using long handled tongs and flippers. Wear oven mitts and a heavy apron to protect your skin from fire. If you do burn yourself, run the affected area under cool water for five minutes. If your burn is serious (charring, blistering) seek medical attention right away.

- City of Toronto
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TTC - Route Change Update (Community Issues)

7&310BathurstBusRouteInfo (PDF, 64 KB)

Memorial Park - Artificial Turf & Sports Bubble (Community Issues)

May 30th

Thank you to everyone that attended the meeting on May 27th to learn more about the proposal for the possible installation of artificial turf and a sports bubble at Memorial Park field. I believe this is an ... (more) exciting opportunity for the community, the Toronto District School Board and the City.

Though this proposal provides many benefits, we are cognizant of the concerns and inquiries raised by the community:

-Parking problems and enforcement
-Traffic congestion
-Installation of the artificial turf and any related health impacts
-Security and hours of operation
-Permits and field use by the community
-Noise emanating from the field

It is my belief that we can address these issues and arrive at solutions acceptable to all parties.

The next meeting to discuss this proposal will be on June 12th, 2008 at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. At that meeting we will have answers to these inquiries, as well as appropriate staff present to address questions.

Please review the attached presentation for further details about the proposal.

Thank you for your involvement in this project and we look forward to seeing you on June 12th."

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Memorial Park Field Proposal (PDF, 1.4 MB)

Watermain Replacement - Yonge Street, between Eglinton Avenue to Lawrence Avenue (Traffic & Transportation)

May 26, 2008

Beginning in July 2008 until March 2009, the City of Toronto plans to undertake watermain construction work on Yonge Street between Eglinton Avenue and Lawrence Avenue. The purpose of the work is to ... (more) make needed improvements to the watermain infrastructure as part of the City’s Capital Works Program. Work will be co-ordinated to reduce disruptions and accommodate the holiday shopping season for community businesses.
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Watermain Replacement (Unknown document type, 153 KB)

TTC Officially on Strike (Traffic & Transportation)

April 26, 2008

As of 12:01 a.m. the TTC is officially on strike. This is the second TTC strike in as many years. I empathize with TTC riders and I believe Torontonians deserve better service and leadership than ... (more) this.

Please review the attached news release for information on contingency measures that will be instituted during the strike.

Do not hesitate to contact my office if you require assistance or information during the strike. I will do what I can to help.
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Briefing Note - TTC Strike Contingency Plans (MS Word, 440 KB)

Collection of Old Recycling Bins (City Issues)

April 11, 2008

The City will offer a special pick-up day for unwanted blue boxes a few months after you receive your new recycling bin. Please watch your community newspaper and www.toronto.ca/target70 for more ... (more) details. Old blue bins will not be accepted at Community Environment Days.
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Avenue Road Avenue Study - Lawrence Avenue to Wilson Avenue (Ward 16)

April 10, 2008

Attached is the final consultants report for the Avenue Road Avenue Study.

The City of Toronto Official Plan calls for a significant proportion of future growth along the Avenues. Among ... (more) the hundreds of kilometers of eligible streets, Avenue Road between Lawrence Avenue West and Wilson Avenue was selected as an one of three Avenue Studies to be undertaken in 2007.

The intention of this study is to provide a long-term plan for the area that combines a community vision and the City’s intention to update and implement zoning that is defensible and clear for both the local community and respected by the development community.

Please use the following link to download a copy of the report.

www.brookmcilroy.com/public/AvenueRoad/20080407_AvenueStudy.pdf

If you are having difficulty downloading the report through the above link, a compressed version of the report can be retrieved from the following web address:

www.brookmcilroy.com/public/AvenueRoad/20080407_Avenue Study_comp.pdf
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Montgomery & Helendale - Official Plan Amendment & Zoning By-law Amendment Applications (Development)

April 8, 2008

Earlier today North York Community Council voted to uphold the report of the North York Planning Department to refuse these applications.

A special thanks to the Eglinton Park Residents' ... (more) Association (EPRA), the Lytton Park Residents' Organization (LPRO) and the Federation of North Toronto Residents' Associations (FoNTRA) for their efforts to date in fighting these proposals.
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Refusal Report (PDF, 3.1 MB)

Douglas Avenue Watermain Replacement (Ward 16)

April 8, 2008

The City of Toronto Technical Services, under Contract No. 07NY-24WS awarded to Gio Contracting Inc., will be replacing the existing 150mm dia watermain on Douglas Avenue from Avenue Road to Bathurst ... (more) Street. Any questions pertaining to this contract should be directed to Luis De Jesus, P. Eng. at (416) 395-6238.

The watermain replacement will include excavating trench for pipe laying, tunnelling where required, installing the watermain pipes, pressure testing, chlorinating (disinfecting), flushing, transferring the water service connections from the old watermain to the new watermain and restoring all areas disturbed during construction. Owners may elect to have new water services extended from the street line to their homes AT THEIR OWN COST.

Please review the attached notice for further details.


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Construction Notice (Unknown document type, 67 KB)

TDSB Pools in Ward 16 (Ward 16)

April 7, 2008

Dear Neighbour,

On April 3rd, Howard Goodman and I met with parent representatives from Allenby, Glenview, Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute and the North Toronto Aquatics Club to discuss ... (more) how we might keep the school pools in our area open.

The TDSB is facing a $40 million deficit and has not been given funding for these pools. The City, which provides funding for 33 TDSB pools to provide programming through Parks and Recreation, has already set its budget for the year. The Province has been clear that no special funding for Toronto's school pools will be made available in the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, the Eglinton-Lawrence community places a high value on our pools, and it is clear to both of us that the community is going to be the key to preserving our local school pools in the both the short and long-term.

As your elected representatives, we already have some promising ideas that we are actively exploring, and we are committed to working closely together to keep these important community assets available for all members of our community. These are valuable legacies built by previous generations, and we do not intend to be the ones who see them abandoned. We have received hundreds of emails from community members who are also committed to ensuring that the next generations have the same opportunities to learn to swim as the previous ones have enjoyed.

Over the next few weeks we will develop proposals that we will bring to the community for consideration. If you would like us to keep you informed of our progress or provide us with your thoughts on these pools, please send an email to either Councillor_Stintz@toronto.ca or Howard.Goodman@tdsb.on.ca.

Sincerely,

Karen Stintz - City Councillor, Ward 16

Howard Goodman - TDSB Trustee

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2008 Operating Budget (City Issues)

March 31, 2008

Yesterday City Council voted in support of the 2008 Operating Budget. The following attachments contain pertinent information resulting from the budget.

Budgt Tax Shifts (MS Word, 41 KB)
2008 Budget Backgrounder (MS Word, 64 KB)

IN THE EVENT OF A POTENTIAL TTC STRIKE (Community Issues)

News Release

March 28, 2008

A special meeting has been called to amend City traffic bylaws in the event of a TTC disruption

Today, Toronto Mayor David Miller called a special meeting of ... (more) City Council for Monday, March 31, in order to approve bylaw amendments to establish emergency routes and improve traffic flow in the event of a TTC service disruption.

The City of Toronto remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached in the ongoing TTC contract discussions. The Amalgamated Transit Union has given assurance that a 48-hour notice period would be given before a disruption occurs.

Should transit be disrupted, the City will immediately adopt certain contingency plans and emergency traffic measures that will remain in effect throughout the disruption. This will ensure that all city roads and services will continue to operate as efficiently as possible. In addition, all City services and programs will continue to operate.

To ensure the highest degree of mobility for emergency vehicles, the changes that would be made to the bylaws allow the City to establish emergency routes where parking will be prohibited between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday as follows:

Avenue Rd./University Ave. between Lawrence Ave. and Front St.

Bloor St./Danforth Ave. between Jane St. and Victoria Park Ave.

Yonge St. between Front St. and Steeles Ave.

Eglinton Ave. between Allen Rd. and Brentcliffe Rd.

Bayview Ave. from Eglinton Ave. to Lawrence Ave.

Finch Ave. from Highway 400 to Jane St.

McCowan Rd. from Eglinton Ave. to Ellesmere Rd.

Lawrence Ave. from Markham Rd. to Brimley Rd.

The Queensway from Roncesvalles Ave. to Parkside Dr.

In addition to the emergency routes, the City would also temporarily designate reserved bus lanes on Eglinton Ave., Bay St., Fleet St., King St. and Pape Ave. as car pool lanes for the duration of any transit disruption. Parking lots at 14 designated City community centres and arenas would be available free of charge, primarily for car pooling.

The City is encouraging employers to proactively consider flexible work hours, car pooling and any other arrangements that may help reduce road congestion during peak periods.

All businesses are encouraged to review their scheduled delivery times to ensure that they have the least impact on traffic on major roadways.

If necessary, the City will promptly communicate to residents and businesses any changes to the delivery of City services via the media, the Citys website, www.toronto.ca and Access Toronto at 416-338-0338.

Toronto is Canadas largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Torontos government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.

- 30 -

Media contacts: Rob Andrusevich, Strategic Communications, 416-397-4149, randrus@toronto.ca , Don Wanagas, Mayors Office, 416-338-7134, dwanagas@toronto.ca .

Parking lots at 14 City of Toronto community centres and arenas will be available free of charge primarily for car pooling, as follows:

West District
Centennial Park - Centennial Park Rd, Renforth north of Rathburn
Chris Tonks Arena - 2801 Eglinton Ave. W., Black Creek and Eglinton
Gord and Irene Risk Community Centre - 2650 Finch Ave. W., Finch and Islington
Downsview Arena - 1633 Wilson Ave., Wilson and Jane
Elmbank Community Centre - 10 Rampart Rd., Martin Grove south of Finch

East District
Kidstown parking lot - Birchmount and McNicoll Avenues
Centennial Community Recreation Centre - Ellesmere Ave. and Markham Rd.
Scarborough Village Community Centre - Kingston Rd. and Markham Rd.

North District
Fenside Arena - 30 Slidell Cres., Victoria Park and York Mills
York Mills Arena - 2539 Bayview Ave., Bayview and York Mills
Baycrest Arena - 140 Neptune Dr., Bathurst, south of 401
Herb Carnegie North York Centennial Centre - 580 Finch Ave. W., Finch and Bathurst
Esther Shiner Stadium - 5720 Bathurst St., Bathurst, south of Steeles
John Booth Arena - 230 Gosford Blvd., Jane and Finch



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IN EVENT OF SNOW (Community Issues)

DURING A SNOW STORM
During the winter months, from December to March, patrollers are continously checking road and sidewalk conditions, as well as monitoring weather forecasts. Their main role is to ensure that roads and ... (more) sidewalks are safe and passable.

When the snow starts to fall, salt trucks are sent out to the expressways and main roads. It is the city’s main priority to ensure that these routes are clear for emergency and transit vehicles. If 5 cm of snow has already fallen and it is continuing to snow,ploughs are sent out to these roads. If 5 to 8 cm of snow has fallen, ploughs are also sent out to collector roads, bus routes or local streets with hills.

If the snow has stopped and there is an accumulation of more than 8 cm, ploughs are sent to the local streets.
Some parts of Toronto have narrow roads with on-street parking. Although roads are ploughed in these areas, snow tends to get pushed back onto streets and sidewalks, resulting in less than ideal conditions.

The city’s goal is to maintain the surface facilities
in a passable condition. Shortly thereafter, smaller ploughs and hand crews clear sidewalks, bus stops, crosswalks, bus shelters and seniors sidewalks.

It’s important to remember that the city’s first priority is keeping the main roads clear, so please be patient. We’ll get to the side streets as soon as possible. Please wait 24 hours after the snow has stopped before calling us to let us know if your street has not yet been ploughed.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM US?
! Every effort will be made to keep the expressways and main roads open during a snowstorm.
! Ploughing on side streets will usually be completed within 15-20 hours after the snow stops falling. An additional 24 hours is spent ploughing difficult areas where snow has not been completely cleared.
! Sidewalks, bus stops and transit shelters will generally be ploughed 48 hours after a snow storm.
! Residential driveway windrows will be opened after a side street is plowed. Please note that our intent is to only plough a sufficient amount of snow from the windrow to permit a vehicle to easily drive across.
Windrow clearing is not provided on narrow streets with no boulevards or where on-street parking is permitted.
! Current snow ploughing information at 338-SNOW (This telephone line will be operational during a snow ploughing operation). Residents may call this number to find out how snow ploughing operations are progressing.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE FOR A SNOW STORM?
! Do not push snow from your property back onto the street. It is illegal and it obstructs the work that our operators are doing.
! If possible, keep parked cars off the street so that ploughs can move through the streets more effectively.
! Use public transit whenever possible. Fewer cars on the street can help us plough the snow.
! Wait until the ploughs have gone by before completely shovelling your driveway. This also applies if you have a sidewalk in front of your property.
! When a snow storm is in the forecast, you should ensure that you purchase any food, medication and household supplies that you might need for the next 48 hours. Try to stay off the streets.

And just a reminder, if you have fire hydrants on your property, please dig them out. Make them visible. Occasionally they will get covered by the ploughs. Every little bit helps.
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PASSOVER COLLECTION - APRIL 18, 2008 (Community Issues)

Solid Waste, once again, are pleased to offer special pick-up from these community locations in Ward 16 and one in Ward 15, that were used in previous years. The collection will be provided between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and ... (more) 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008.

The locations are listed as follows:

1) Torah Emeth Jewish Centre (Ward 15)
1 Viewmount Ave. (west of Bathurst, south of Glencairn)

2) Yeshive Yesodei Hatorah (Ward 16)
77 Glen Rush Blvd. (east of Bathurst, south of Lawrence)

3) Agudath Israel of Toronto (Ward 16)
129 McGillivray Ave. (east of Bathurst, south of the 401)

Mr. Ralph Butera, General Supervisor, Collection Operations will be responsible for overseeing the collection operation on the day of the event. He can be reached at 416-395-0401 should you have any questions.

As in the past, promotion of the collection will be the sole responsibility of the community. Please ensure you bring only food waste as normally removed from the home prior to Passover. Staff have been clearly directed to only accept a reasonable quantity of food waste from City of Toronto residents only. All other material will be rejected and will be the sole responsibility of the organizers to arrange for its disposal.
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Toronto District School Board - Pool Closures (City Issues)

March 4th, 2008

Since losing its ability to levy taxes in 1998, the Toronto District School Board has been wrestling with operational funding for school pools. There are three schools in City Ward 16 / TDSB Ward 8 ... (more) (Eglinton-Lawrence) that have pools - Allenby, Glenview and Lawrence Park Collegiate. These pools are used by school students during the day and community groups outside of school hours . None of these schools receive operational funding by the City of Toronto.

The Minister of Education has determined that school pools are not essential to delivering the physical education curriculum. The TDSB has recently announced that budget pressures, combined with the fact there is no dedicated operational funding for school pools, will force the closure of these facilities.

TDSB school trustee Howard Goodman and I met to discuss whether or not the City, the School Board and the community can work collaboratively to keep the pools open in our neighbourhood. We are currently gathering information and intend to set up a meeting in the upcoming weeks to discuss available options.

I want to thank everyone who has contacted me with their concerns and I will keep everyone apprised of the status of our meetings.

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Fixing Potholes in Toronto (City Issues)

February 25th

The City of Toronto will increase the number of crews that fix potholes on city roads as it winds down its snow removal program.

During the last three years, the City of Toronto has repaired ... (more) an average of 165,000 potholes per year. The City spends approximately $4 million per year to fix potholes.

Potholes are created when water penetrates the top layer of asphalt through cracks in the road. After the moisture freezes and expands, sections of the pavement are forced up and the weight of vehicles going over this section of the road breaks the pavement and forces the asphalt up. Potholes are more common during the winter months, especially during repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

You can assist by reporting potholes. Call the pothole hotline at 416-599-9090, push the pound key (#) then 164 to leave a message about the location of the pothole.


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Mayor's Fiscal Review Panel - Report (City Issues)

February 22, 2008

Yesterday the Mayor's Fiscal Review Panel released its report "BluePrint for Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Prosperity - A Call to Action".

I am excited about the ... (more) recomendations made in the report. I believe they will provide City Council with an opportunity and framework to not only improve the financial position of the City, but to also improve accoountability and service delivery to the public and business communities. They will also assist Toronto in better competing as a global city.

The report is attached below.
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Executive Summary (PDF, 890 KB)
Final Report (PDF, 1.4 MB)

1066 Avenue Road - Final Report (Development)

February 20th, 2008

Attached below is the Final Report from the Planning Department regarding 1066 Avenue Road.

Final Report (PDF, 2.7 MB)

Montgomery & Helendale - Planning Department Website (Development)

February 20, 2008

The North York Planning Department has created a web presence for the rezoning application at Montgomery & Duplex. The following website will provide you with up-to-date information on this ... (more) application:

http://www.toronto.ca/planning/north_york.htm


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EARTH HOUR (Community Issues)

Toronto is participating in Earth Hour in March.

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, office towers and many other large buildings, as well as homes across Toronto, will go dark for an hour as people turn off their lights ... (more) for Earth Hour.

The Toronto Environment Office encourages you to join in by signing up online. Help spread the word about this global event signifying a commitment to action on climate change.

For more information:

http://www.toronto.ca/teo/earth-hour.htm

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SNOW REMOVAL FOR WARD 16 (Community Issues)

The City announced plans to remove snow from some of Toronto's residential streets.

Removal of the snow in specific areas is required to ensure public safety for pedestrians and the disabled, provide accessibility ... (more) for emergency and waste collection vehicles, and the proper and safe movement of traffic in areas where narrow roads mean any further snowfall will make roads more difficult to travel. Given the forecast for more snow and continued cold temperatures, the removal of snow in some areas is now required.

Snow removal involves the physical removal of snow from the side of the street after plowing has taken place.

On residential streets that allow parking on one side of the street, the snow will be removed from the opposite side of the street. Residents are asked to move their vehicles to make the street easier for crews to access. Snow will be removed from the side of the street where parking is permitted if the cars are removed. However, moving cars from these streets is not mandatory and vehicles will not be towed.

On residential streets that allow parking on both sides of the street, residents will be asked to move their cars from the street to allow access to snow removal crews. Less than 5% of the streets where snow will be removed have parking on both sides of the street. On these streets, snow will be removed from both sides of the street. Residents will be given 48 hours notice to move their vehicles. Vehicles that remain on the street when crews arrive will be given a "friendly tow" (tow to a new location without a ticket or tow charge to the vehicle owner). Arrangements have been made with the Toronto Parking Authority to permit free parking from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. in the City's "Green P" lots in areas where residents are required to move their vehicles.

Starting next week, flyers will be delivered to affected homes to alert residents that they live on a street where snow removal will take place.

The City of Toronto website will contain a regularly updated list of streets scheduled for snow removal http://www.toronto.ca/snow

The City anticipates this additional snow removal effort will be completed in 10-14 days, weather permitting. Almost 2,000 people and 600 dump trucks will make up 83 crews (up from the usual 20) and will be working 24/7.

Should there be a significant snowfall during this additional effort, crews will be redeployed to plow and clear roads and sidewalks and, therefore, snow removal operations announced today will be delayed. The City's approach to road safety in the winter is focused on plowing and salting roads to allow for safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Large-scale snow removal is only used in extreme situations where public safety or the large scale movement of goods and services is compromised. The anticipated cost of this additional snow removal operation is approximately up to $20 million, which will come from the 2008 winter maintenance budget.

Also, through an agreement reached with Toronto Parking Enforcement, people with street permit parking will be able to move to a different zone temporarily on the days where snow removal is being done on their street. Toronto Parking Enforcement will use discretion in the issuance of tickets during the times where snow removal operations are taking place.

The public will also be reminded that when shoveling their sidewalks to keep snow off the streets to help snow removal efforts. The public is also asked to clear snow from around fire hydrants.

Gary Welsh, General Manager
Transportation Services Division.


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Snow Removal Q & A (MS Word, 53 KB)
Snow Removal Area Map (PDF, 244 KB)

1066 Avenue Road - Update (Development)

Feb 8th, 2008

Given some of the concerns and questions that have been posed to my office through various emails, phone calls and discussions, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some elements of the ... (more) planning process, the role of the city, the councillor and the community.

The Planning Act requires the City to respond and evaluate development applications that require an Official Plan Amendment or a Zoning By-Law Change. When the City is evaluating an Official Plan Amendment, the city relies on the policies of the Official Plan to evaluate the impacts a potential development may have the community. Impacts are typically described as shadowing, privacy, traffic, density with respect to impact on infrastructure, built form, and intended use of the land within its context.

The Official Plan can be amended while the principals of the Plan are defended and remain intact.

From my discussions with ARECA, I am of the opinion that ARECA does not support Official Plan Amendments within areas of the city where there are Neighbourhood designations. While I appreciate and respect that position, that is not a position that the city planners or City Council can take without evaluating the application.

The city has evaluated the application and has found that the impacts of the proposed development can be accommodated with the overall policy context of the Official Plan and have made a recommendation that the Official Plan can be amended and the overall Official Plan will not be compromised. The city planners rationale can be reviewed at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-10245.pdf

I believe at the heart of the matter is a philosophical debate about whether or not the Official Plan should be amended and whether or not it is a policy document to guide development in the City or a document that should be considered binding.

I will respond to this by offering some practical considerations. The city cannot take the position that the Official Plan is binding. That argument is not defensible under the Planning Act or at the Ontario Municipal Board. The OMB has been established for the sole purpose to hear amendments to the Official Plan and Zoning By-Laws. Given that city staff support the application, if City Council were to deny the application it would not guarantee that any development would proceed without amendments to the Official Plan. If a proposed building required an elevator, the Official Plan would need to be amended.

If the developer were to appeal a decision by City Council to the OMB to deny the amendment, it would mean that the OMB would make the decision instead of the city. Furthermore, the city would have to spend $150,000.00 to find a planner and make arguments on a planning basis. The community would then decide if they wanted to be a "party" to the hearing, which would give the community full rights to participate and negotiate the final settlement and if so, would have to raise another $80,000 to $100,000 to make their case at the OMB. The arguments would need to be based on planning merits and not that the Official Plan is binding. I speak to this based on my recent experience.

Finally, I believe that City Council and not the OMB should have the autonomy to make planning decisions. Sometimes this means that the City will make decisions that not all members of the community agree with. I accept this as part of the process. I also take my obligation to the community and to our city very seriously.

I trust this email answers some of your concerns and if you have any questions, I am available at 416-392-4090.
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NEW RECYCLING BINS - INFORMATION (Ward 16)

Home owners (single-family and small multi-unit buildings receiving curbside collection) in Ward 16 will start receiving the brochures and bin order cards on February 11, 2008. The bin order deadline is February 22, 2008 and bin ... (more) deliveries will follow starting the week of March 26, 2008.



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Bins Q & A (PDF, 111 KB)
Blue Bin & Garbage Bin dimensions (PDF, 116 KB)
Blue Bin & Garbage Bin Information (PDF, 528 KB)

3018 & 3020 Yonge Street - OMB Decision (Development)

February 5th, 2008

On January 10th, 2008 the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) reached a decision on the application for 3018 & 3020 Yonge Street. The original application consisted of a 16 storey building with 198 ... (more) condominium units, and a 6.4 times development coverage.

The OMB decision requires the building to be reduced in height from 16 stories to either 12 stories or the height of the adjacent building at 3000 Yonge (whichever is greater); the density not exceeding 6.3 times lot coverage. Further, the OMB is requiring the revised structure to comply with the angular plane on its west and south faces. Accordingly, the applicant will need to submit revised plans to the City to comply with these directives.

A copy of the decision is attached below.

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OMB Decision - 3018 & 3020 Yonge Street (PDF, 88 KB)

Watermain Replacement on Douglas Avenue (Ward 16)

The City of Toronto, North York District, Technical Services, is in the process of calling public tenders for watermain replacement on Douglas Avenue, from Avenue Road to Bathurst Street.

It is anticipated that ... (more) construction will be initiated in February 2008.

Please review the following attachment for further details.




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Douglas Avenue Watermain Replacement (PDF, 506 KB)

ARTIFICIAL ICE RINK - OPEN!! (Ward 16)

As of December 12, 3:57 p.m. - we have been informed that the artificial ice rink at North Toronto Memorial Community Centre is now OPEN!

Snow Removal Services (City Issues)

November 29, 2007

For information on City snow clearing services, please
review the following web link.

http:/www.toronto.ca/transportation/snow

Land Transfer & Vehicle Registration Taxes (City Issues)

At the October 22nd, 2007 meeting of City Council, Council approved the Land Transfer and Vehicle Registration taxes. Though I voted against the Land Transfer & Vehicles Registration Taxes, I wanted to provide you with an ... (more) understanding of how much revenue these taxes will generate and how they will be implemented.

The land transfer tax takes effect on February 1, 2008. The vehicle ownership tax will be implemented in the fall of 2008. These two new taxes, combined, will generate $175 million in revenue in 2008. In future years, revenue is projected to grow to over $300 million annually.

LAND TRANSFER TAX

For all purchasers:
- one-half of one percent of the value of the consideration on sales up to and including $55,000;
- one per cent of the value of the consideration on sales exceeding $55,000 up to and including $400,000;
- two per cent of the value of the consideration of land containing one and/or two single family residences exceeding $400,000;
- one and a half per cent of the value of the consideration on commercial properties including multi-residential units exceeding $400,000 up to $40 million;
- one per cent of the value of the consideration which exceeds $40 million.

Where the net revenue after transaction fees would result in revenue to the City of less than $2.00, the purchase would be exempt from the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

Purchasers with a Purchase and Sale agreement on or before December 31, 2007 will receive a full rebate of the Toronto Land Transfer tax regardless of the closing date.

Purchasers with a Purchase and Sale agreement signed after December 31, 2007 with a closing before February 1, 2008 will not be required to pay the Toronto Land Transfer tax.

Purchasers with a Purchase and Sale agreement signed after December 31, 2007 with a closing on or after February 1, 2008 will be required to pay the full Toronto Land Transfer tax.

For first time purchasers:
A rebate of up to $3,725 will apply to first-time purchasers of both new and existing homes. This means a full rebate for first-time buyers of homes valued at $400,000 or less. For example, a first-time purchaser of a home valued at $600,000 would pay land transfer tax according to the scale shown above, and receive a rebate of $3,725. A first time home buyer of a home valued at $300,000 would get a full rebate on the land transfer tax.

For all reports and presentations on Toronto Land Transfer Tax please visit our website at www.toronto.ca/finance/revenue_tools.htm

Provincial land transfer tax information: www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/bulletins/ltt/2_2005.html

VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAX

The personal vehicle ownership tax is set at $60 for cars and $30 for motorcycles, annually.
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3018 & 3020 Yonge Street - OMB Hearing (Development)

The hearing for 3018 & 3020 Yonge Street commenced on October 1,2007, and then continued on October 9,10,11 and 12.

The applicant presented their evidence first, with their two witnesses being an urban designer ... (more) and a planner. As expected, the theme of their case was that this was a good site for residential intensification, being 80 metres from a TTC station, and in an established area with abundant parks and other community facilities. Their evidence was that any shadow and other impacts on the neighbouring residential area, and across Yonge Street on the library and park, would not be significant in an urban environment. They also focused the case on various provincial policies promoting intensification and the efficient use of existing infrastructure.

The City also presented evidence from two witnesses, an urban designer and a planner. Although acknowledging that this was an appropriate site for residential intensification, our evidence focused on the Official Plan policies which require that such intensification occur in a way that does not detract from the stable residential neighbourhood, and the library and public open spaces. In particular, it was our evidence that any redevelopment should respect the angular plane provisions of the existing zoning bylaw, and that the proximity to the Lawrence TTC station, in itself, does not lend support to a 16 storey building at this location. We argued that the intensification policies could be met with a significantly lower building in terms of height and within the angular plane controls, and which would be a better fit in planning terms with the residential neighbourhood to the west.

On October 11,2007, the Board member held an extended evening session ( from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) to hear evidence from the participants and residents. Approximately 14 persons spoke at this session, and they did a very credible job of presenting their concerns, which included the visual impact of the building, shadow impacts on the residences, park and library, parking and traffic concerns and precedent.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board member reserved his decision, and advised that he would be issuing a written decision as soon as he could. From past experience, this could mean anywhere from 1 to 3 months, depending on the member's hearing schedule.

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Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program (Conservation & Environment)

The following attachment contains information on the City's Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program.

The deadline for free disconnection service provided by the City was November 20th, 2007.

The second ... (more) attachment outlines the sections of Ward 16 impacted by the Mandatory Downpout Disconnection Program.
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Downspout Disconnection Program (PDF, 195 KB)
Downspout Disconnection Program - Ward 16 (PDF, 52 KB)

TTC Service Advisories Website (Traffic & Transportation)

November 27, 2007

The TTC has launched a new feature on its website that may be useful to residents of Toronto. The Service Advisories page will keep you up-to-date on:

- Subway and RT disruption
- ... (more) Route diversions
- Service changes
- Construction projects
- Elevator and escalator planned maintenance

The Service Advisories website can be accessed at -
http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/serviceadvisories.htm


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Downspout Disconnection Program (City Issues)

November 23, 2007

The attached document provides information on the City's Downspout Disconnection Program.

Downspout Disconnection Q&A (PDF, 195 KB)

Montgomery-Helendale - Official Plan Admendment (Development)

On June 14, 2007 a group acting on behalf of the Conservatory Group came in to see Planning staff to discuss amending the Official Plan designation for the lands bounded by Roselawn Avenue, Duplex Avenue, Helendale Avenue and the ... (more) rear of 2388 to 2444 Yonge Street from Neighbourhoods to Apartment Neighbourhoods. Planning staff advised the proposal is, at best, premature as it would raise many policy implications and have far reaching impacts that would be better considered during the mandatory 5 year revisiting of the Official Plan.

An application to amend the Official Plan seeking to redesignate these lands from "Neighbourhoods" to "Apartment Neighbourhoods" was filed by Top of The Tree Developments Inc. on August 1, 2007. The only material submitted in support of the application was a one page covering letter.

Planning responded on August 31, 2007 that the application was incomplete and asked for further information and clarification. Lawyers for Top of the Tree responded on September 13, 2007 that it was their opinion the application was complete. They subsequently filed a request for Motion for Directions at the Ontario Municipal Board on September 27, 2007 to seek an OMB ruling on the completeness of the application as submitted.

The Board Hearing on the completeness of the application was conducted on October 25, 2007. The OMB ruled on November 6, 2007 (Order No. 2897) that the application as submitted was complete as the City has not yet amended it's Official Plan to outline fully the requirements of a complete application.

The file has now been assigned to Planning staff who will be preparing a Preliminary Report on the application in the new year.

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Leading The Revolution (Community Issues)

I am very proud of the work and accomplishments of the various parties that have contributed to the Avenue Road Avenue Study. Local residents' groups, property owners on Avenue Road, City Planning staff and my office have all ... (more) been actively involved in developing planning recommendations for the "Upper Avenue", between Lawrence Avenue West and Wilson Avenue.

One of the recommendations of the study will be that future development approvals hold to the reasonable and defensible planning regime that is emerging from the study. There will therefore not be an opportunity for Section 37 benefits and the City should be discouraged from entering into S. 37 agreements for extra height and density in this area.

In today's Globe & Mail there is an article on the aforementioned. I also wrote an article in the National Post in 2006 discussing this very matter.

I have attached both articles for your information.
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"We need to campaign on a dull issue" (PDF, 445 KB)
Globe & Mail article (Nov 8, 2007) (PDF, 695 KB)

1066 Avenue Road - Redevelopment Application (Community Issues)

October 22, 2007

Forum Developments recently filed a site plan control application for 1066 Avenue Road, the former site of St. James Bond United Church. As it stands, the proposal for this site is the same as that ... (more) presented a year and half ago.

The submission did not include any planning rationale to justify the height of the proposed building. Until the Planning Department receives this reasoning, they are not in a position to make a decision as to whether or not they support this application.

The Planning Department will issue a decision once this information is received and reviewed.
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Speech at The Economic Club of Toronto (City Issues)

October 18, 2007

The Economic Club of Toronto was kind enough to afford me the opportunity to speak at the National Club today and share my perspectives on some of the important issues Toronto must address if we are to ... (more) become a liveable and competitive city on the global stage.
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Economic Club of Toronto Speech (PDF, 1.3 MB)

RIOCAN Decision July 4, 2007 (RIOCAN)

Please see the attached file further details.

Confidential Information & Recommendations (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Rosewell Ave Environmental Assessment (Traffic & Transportation)

On May 2nd City staff and Councillor Stintz met with local residents to review the Environmental Assessment for Rosewell Ave and the surrounding area. Please open the attacment below for more details.

Avenue Road Study (Development)

On May 1st, City Planning staff and Councillor Stintz held a public meeting in the community to review the Avenue Study that has been initiated for Avenue Road, from Lawrence Avenue to Wilson Avenue.
Please open the ... (more) following link for more details about the study and how you can be involved.
http://city-dev.toronto.ca/planning/avenue_road.htm

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Notice of Motion - Traffic Report for RioCan Project (RIOCAN)

On Tuesday May 1st, Community Council approved a Motion moved by Councillor Stintz to ask Transportation staff to prepare a report for the May 29th Community Council regarding traffic attenuation measures that were agreed to by ... (more) RioCan and the Ratepayer Associations. Please open the link below for a copy of the Notice of Motion.
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Notice of Motion - May 1 (PDF, 697 KB)

3018-3020 Yonge Street (at Lawrence) OMB - update (Development)

On April 17, 2007 the Ontario Municipal Board heard preliminary evidenc for the development application located for 3018-3020 Yonge Street, just south of Lawrence. The application consists of a 16 storey building with 198 ... (more) condominium units, and a 6.4 times development coverage. The City is opposing the application.
The Board has set a 9 day hearing starting on October 1, 2007.
For more information, please open the web link below.
http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/ea-cgi/dtchttp.dll?OMB_ESTATUS_CASE_DETAIL:CASE_NO=PL060944&lang=eng

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Ontario Municipal Board Update - RIOCAN - April 13, 2007 (RIOCAN)

At its meeting held on February 5, 6, 7 and 8, 2007, City Council considered a report from the City Solicitor dated January 25, 2007, regarding an upcoming OMB prehearing. The directions given by Council included one which, in ... (more) accordance with normal practice, remained confidential as it authorised the City Solicitor to negotiate a settlement. The City Solicitor has now determined that Riocan has modified the proposed development in accordance with that direction and has therefore negotiated Minutes of Settlement with Riocan that will be presented to the OMB upon the commencement of the hearing on April 16, 2007.
Please open the attached Briefing Note and Minutes of Settlement for more information.
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OMB Update April (PDF, 2.6 MB)
Minutes of Settlement (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Watch Your Speed Program 2007 (Ward 16)

Watch Your Speed Program (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Bathurst Street and Douglas Avenue Intersection Improvements - Dec. 1 2006 (Development)

The City of Toronto, North York District, Technical Services, under Contract No. 06NY-23RD, awarded to Ferpac Paving Inc., will be constructing intersection improvements on Bathurst Street at Covington Road. Any questions ... (more) pertaining to this contract should be directed to Luis De Jesus, P. Eng. at (416) 395-6238.
Please open the attachment below for more details.
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Intersection Improvements on Bathurst St at Covington Rd & Douglas Ave (PDF, 1 MB)

1066 Avenue Road - Re-development Application - November 29 (Development)

On November 16th, a formal application was made by Forum Developments to the City of Toronto to redevelop 1066 Avenue Road (former St. James Bond Church site) into a retirement residence. The application includes the following ... (more) details:
- 120 units (ranging in size from 400 sq. feet to 680 sq. feet)
- 7 storey building (23.5 metres)
- 17 below grade parking spaces (including 1 disabled spot)
- 4.0 times coverage and lot coverage of 58.5%
A public meeting will be held in the New Year, prior to the application going to Community Council. We will update the community on the details of this meeting.
* Please note that a decision will be made on this application only after public consultation and community input.
For further details on this application please contact Cathie Ferguson, City Planner, at 416-395-7117.
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Widening and Reconstruction of Bathurst Street from Shallmar Boulevard to Lawrence Avenue West - November 28, 2006 (Development)

Widening and Reconstruction of Bathurst Street from Shallmar Boulevard to Lawrence Avenue West.

Public Open House and Information Session

Widening and Reconstruction of Bathurst Street (PDF, 4.8 MB)

UPDATE - RIOCAN development application at the OMB (RIOCAN)

On October 10th, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) held a pre-hearing to review the relevant issues pertaining to the RIOCAN development application on Avenue Rd. As a result of this meeting, a number of dates have been scheduled ... (more) in order for the OMB to make a decision.

- a three week OMB hearing has been scheduled, starting on Monday April 16, 2007, through Friday May 4, 2007, including.

- An evening meeting will be held on the evening of Wednesday April 25/07 starting at 7:00 pm (In this regard the OMB has directed that members of the public who wish to attend this evening session must, in advance of the hearing, provide me with a statement outlining their issues, opinions and the reasons for those opinions - they can be mailed to Mr. Stephen Bradley at Metro Hall, Legal Services Division, 26th floor, 55 John Street, Toronto M5V 3C6);

- There will also be a further prehearing before the OMB on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at the OMB offices at 655 Bay Street 16th floor.

* This schedule will provide the City Solicitor with sufficient time to defend the community against this application.

We will keep this website updated with the latest information on this important community issue.
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Open Letter to Minister Wynne to urge the Provincial Government to keep School Pools open (Community Issues)

On October 6th, Councillor Stintz wrote an open letter to the Minister of Education, Kathleen Wynne to ask her to provide additional funds to the Toronto District School Board in order to keep school pools open.
Please open ... (more) the link below for a copy of the letter.

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Open Letter to Minister Wynne (PDF, 658 KB)

City Council opposes RIOCAN development application on Avenue Road - Sept 27 (RIOCAN)

After a full morning session debate about the RIOCAN development application on Avenue Road, City Council overwhelmingly supported Community Council’s recommendation to oppose the application (attach). The City Solicitor and an ... (more) outside planner will now be attending the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to defend the community against this application.

There will be a preliminary hearing at the OMB on October 10th. Please open the following website link for details: http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/ea-cgi/dtchttp.dll?OMB_ESTATUS_CASE_DETAIL:CASE_NO=PL060411&lang=eng

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents who took the time to express their opinion about the application and those who attended the meeting. I would also like to acknowledge the Resident Association members from BPRO, NARRA, Old Orchard Grove and SARA who dedicated so much of their time to assist us in this effort.

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City Council Vote - RIOCAN (PDF, 261 KB)

Avenue Road Resurfacing - Aug 9, 2006 (Development)

Attached is the latest update on road resurfacing and streetscape improvements on Avenue Road between Lawrence Avenue to Wilson Avenue. The work is scheduled to begin on August 16, 2006.

Streetscape Improvements on Avenue Road (PDF, 1.3 MB)

Open Letter by the General Manager of Parks Division regarding Dogs in Parks (Community Issues)

The following letter was sent to all Councillors regarding enforcement of the Dogs on Leash policy.

Open Letter from Brenda Librecz (PDF, 50 KB)

Noise By-law Changes approved at City Council (City Issues)

On June 14th, the City of Toronto officially endorsed the changes to the Noise By-law that will limit construction noise on Sunday's and Statutory holidays. This was an initiative that started with a Notice of Motion by ... (more) Councillor Karen Stintz to ban construction noise on Sundays and Statutory holidays. Previously, construction was permitted to take place between the hours of 9am to 7pm on Sunday and Statutory holidays.
Councillor Stintz would like to thank the number of residents that assisted her in making this important change. The following link will provide details of the report that was approved at Council.
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2006/agendas/committees/plt/plt060501/it009.pdf

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Avenue Road Resurfacing Project Update (Development)

Avenue Road from Lawrence Avenue to Wilson Avenue will be undergoing road, sidewalk and boulevard improvements this Summer/Fall in order to help revitilize the area.
The project will begin in July and end in November in ... (more) order to limit the impact on businesses during the December shopping season.
This project is a coordinated effort with other City of Toronto Departments and Utility companies.
Attached is the notice that was circulated to the community.
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Avenue Road Resurfacing - Public Notice (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Councillor Stintz provides commentary in the National Post (Community Issues)

Councillor Stintz was recently asked to provide the National Post with her perspective on a range of municipal issues for their Toronto Section.
Her commentary can now be found on a regular basis in the National ... (more) Post. Please open the links below to read her submissions on City issues.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/toronto/story.html?id=6b6e210a-29cb-4a1d-b6e1-b398bd3c00b4

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/toronto/story.html?id=7377d4ef-911a-4dd2-83aa-7766916782c1
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St. James Bond United Church - Update (Community Issues)

Earlier this year, St. James Bond United Church, located at 1066 Avenue Road, just north of Eglinton Avenue West was sold to a Seniors residential developer named Foram Developments. The congregation decided to sell the church in ... (more) order to the merge with the Fairlawn Heights Church congregation. All of the funds that were generated from the sale of the church were donated to Affordable/Supportive Housing initiatives across Toronto.
Foram Developments has not submitted a formal application to the City of Toronto, however they have indicated that they intend to apply to redevelop the site to create a seniors residential facility. They have recently informed our office that they are attempting to incorporate some of the concerns expressed by myself and local residents in their plans.
We will update our website when a formal application is submitted.
Please contact our office if you have any questions in the interim.

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Avenue Rd and Duplex Watermain EA - Preferred Route (Development)

The City of Toronto has initiated a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the replacement of a watermain constructed on Avenue Road and Duplex Avenue from the High Level Pumping Station at Rathnelly Avenue and McMaster Avenue to ... (more) Chamber 3 at Jedburgh Road and Lawrence Avenue.

For more information please open the link below
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Watermain EA (PDF, 319 KB)

Councillor Stintz moves successful Motion to address Building Permits that cause Building Code violations (Community Issues)

As several neighbourhoods in our community go through residential redevelopment, some existing homes are receiving code violations as a result of insufficient exhaust clearance with their chimneys. Unfortunately the City ... (more) has no authority to deal with this issue. I have therefore moved a successful motion to enter into discussions with the Provincial government to resolve this issue.
To view the motion, please open the link below.
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NOM - Building Code Infractions (PDF, 863 KB)

RIOCAN Development Application - Update (RIOCAN)

On Friday May 19th, RIOCAN appealed their residential application for 1717 Avenue Road to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). City planning staff were working on a report to be tabled and debated at Community Council which would ... (more) have provided a democratic forum for deputations and comment from you and your neighbours, however the appeal to the OMB will minimize the community's input.
I will be meeting with City planning staff later this week to discuss next steps. We have no further information at this time. We will update our website regularly with the latest news on this issue.
OMB hearings usually take place approximately 3 to 4 months after the appeal date, so we are expecting a battle in the Fall.



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Councillor Stintz provides commentary to the National Post on Urban Issues (Community Issues)

Councillor Stintz was recently asked to provide the National Post with her perspective on a range of municipal issues for their Toronto Section.
Her commentary can now be found on a regular basis in the National ... (more) Post. Please open the links below to read her submissions on City issues.

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/toronto/story.html?id=7377d4ef-911a-4dd2-83aa-7766916782c1
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3018 - 3020 Yonge - Toyota Property (Development)

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the status of the application for 3018 and 3020 Yonge Street, which is the site currently occupied by the Toyota Dealership. The current application is for a 16-storey building with a ... (more) height and density that exceeds the current Official Plan and zoning by-laws. I have told the applicant that I cannot support their application.

Recently, Planning staff met with the applicant to discuss their application. Planning staff have advised the applicant that the current plans are not supportable due to the height of the building, massing, setback, and negative impact on the community. The staff are preparing to write a negative staff report to Community Council on the application but staff have not confirmed the date the report will be at Community Council.

I will advise the community when the report is expected to come to Community Council and I will support staff recommendation that the application be denied.

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Construction Noise to be limited in the City of Toronto (City Issues)

Our community has experienced a high volume of redevelopment. In some areas, construction noise exists 365 days a year, including the holidays.
In September of 2004, I had moved a motion to request City staff to review ... (more) the Noise By-law in an effort to limit construction noise on Sundays and Statutory Holidays.
Currently, the noise by-law permits construction 7 days a week, including Statutory holidays.
I believe that it is important to give the community a reprieve from construction noise, which is the reason for my motion. I am happy to report that the recommendations from City staff concur with this perspective.
In addition to eliminating construction noise on Sundays and Statutory holidays, the report recommends to require developers to post specific info signs in front of a property that is being developed. The information on these signs will include:
- The restrictions found in the noise by-law
- The name and contact information of the general contractor
This recommendation will increase the builders accountability to address and resolve any questions or issues that local residents may have regarding the construction site.
Please refer to the attachments for more information.
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Planning Report - Construction Noise (PDF, 2.6 MB)
Notice of Motion re Noise By-Law (PDF, 805 KB)

Avenue Road Resurfacing Q and A (Development)

As a result of a public meeting held on April 4, 2006 to discuss the Avenue Road resurfacing and streetscape improvements between Lawrence Avenue to Wilson, several questions were raised by residents and businesses.
For ... (more) more information on these questions and answers as well as the construction notice, please open the following attachments.
Work will begin this Spring and is scheduled to be completed by the Fall of this year.
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Construction Notice (PDF, 90 KB)
Avenue Road Resurfacing Q and A (PDF, 678 KB)
Avenue Road Resurfacing Supplementary Q and A (PDF, 559 KB)

Ledbury Ramp and Stairs Upgrades (Community Issues)

Please be advised that Mopal Construction will be mobilizing on site April 24th, 2006, to undertake the concrete repair work and ramp installation at Ledbury Park. Work will be completed by the end of May, weather ... (more) permitting. Signs will be posted to advise park users of the work and to inform them that only the ramp will be accessible.
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Avenue Road Resurfacing & Streetscape Improvement Presentation (Development)

April 6th, 2006

Avenue Road Resurfacing & Streetscape Improvement Presentation (MS Word, 368 KB)

Avenue Road Resurfacing & Streetscape Improvements (Development)

April 4th, 2006

Beginning in May 2006 and continuing through to November 2006, the City of Toronto will be carrying out road resurfacing and streetscape improvements on Avenue Road, from Lawrence Avenue to Wilson ... (more) Avenue. The project will also include curb and sidewalk replacement, boulevard improvements, tree planting and upgrades to some of the existing traffic control plants.

Public consultation is important for the successful implementation of this project. Councillor Karen Stintz and the City of Toronto staff invite you to attend a Public Open House and Information Session to view displays on the proposed road design and to find out more about the construction phase.

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Public Open House & Information Session (Unknown document type, 49 KB)

Avenue Road - Avenue Study (Development)

In the spring of 2005, I had requested that the City of Toronto conduct an Avenue Study for Avenue Road between Wilson Ave. and Lawrence Ave.
Funding was approved for this project this year and the process will start this ... (more) spring. Avenue studies involve local residents, businesses and other stakeholders and will set out the mix of uses, heights, setbacks and other zoning standards, along with priorities for investment that may enhance open spaces, street amenities and community services.
The preliminary report can be attained by opening the link below.
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Avenue Study - Avenue Rd (PDF, 2.4 MB)

224 Lytton - OMB decision (Development)

On January 4, 5 and 6 the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)reviewed the redevelopment and severance application for 224 Lytton Boulevard. Several parties were present at the hearing, including the applicant, a lawyer representing the ... (more) local residents, a City of Toronto lawyer representing the Committee of Adjustment (CofA), planners and several residents including Councillor Stintz.
On February 9th, the OMB issued its decision to approve the application. I was extremely disappointed with this decision considering the time and energy used to defend the Committee of Adjustment.
I would like to acknowledge the local residents who donated their time and money at the Committee of adjustment and at the OMB to fight this application.
A copy of the Notice of Motion requesting City representation can be found by opening the link below.
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Notice of Motion - 224 Lytton (PDF, 424 KB)

RIOCAN Development Application Meeting - Feb 15 (RIOCAN)

On Feb 15th, over 300 local residents attended a public meeting held by Councillor Stintz to discuss the resubmitted application from RIOCAN for their site located at 1717 Avenue Road. An overwhelming majority of residents have ... (more) voiced their opposition to this proposal and Councillor Stintz will be opposing this application when it is debated at a Community Council meeting in the Spring. (date has not been confirmed)
Attached is the Briefing Note and the powerpoint presentation that was provided at the meeting.
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Briefing Note (PDF, 751 KB)
Powerpoint Presentation (Unknown document type, 2.3 MB)

Ombudsman of Ontario - Reply Letter (Community Issues)

Ombudsman of Ontario - Reply Letter (PDF, 464 KB)

Feb 2006 - Ward 16 Newsletter - Hot off the Press! (Community Issues)

The 2006, Ward 16 Newsletter has been printed and distributed to the Community. Attached is a copy of the Newsletter.

Ward 16 Newsletter Feb 2006 (PDF, 437 KB)

2006 Utility & City Capital Works Programs (Community Issues)

2006 Utility Capital Works Program (PDF, 1.3 MB)
2006 City Capital Works Program (PDF, 1.3 MB)

MPAC Presentation for Ward 16 (Community Issues)

The following presentation was shown at our fall Town Hall meeting regarding property assessment and property taxes.
You can access the presentation by opening the link below.

MPAC - Ward 16 Presentation (PDF, 521 KB)

3018 - 3020 Yonge Street (Toyota Dealership Site) - Update - Jan 12, 2006 (Community Issues)

You may recall that I had held a public meeting in September of 2004 to provide the community with an opportunity to review and comment on the residential development application for the site located at 3018-3020 Yonge Street ... (more) (Toyota Dealership site). The vast majority of residents and I indicated our objection to the application at this meeting. As a result, the applicant decided to revise their application in an attempt to accommodate the concerns of the community. It has recently been brought to our attention that the applicant has resubmitted their application for redevelopment of the site.

The following changes have been made to the application:

- density reduction from 7.51 to 6.42 times the lot area
- height reduction from 19 to 16 storeys
- reduction of units from 258 to 215

Planning staff have circulated this application to various departments for their comments.
From my perspective, the revisions do not address the concerns expressed by myself and the community and I am therefore informing the applicant and planning staff of my strong objections to this proposal.
I will provide the community with additional details when they are available.
Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding this issue.
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City Council Motion to demand an increase to Mandatory Minimum Sentences for gun related crimes - Dec. 14/05 (Community Issues)

As a result of our UTAG rally and the support received from several community groups, faith leaders, business professionals and individuals, a motion was passed at City Council in December demanding tougher sentences for gun ... (more) crime.
The motion was moved by myself and seconded by Deputy Mayor Mike Feldman.
A copy of the motion is available below.
You can assist our initiative by accessing our UTAG website at www.utag.ca and completing our online petition.
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Motion - Tougher Sentences (PDF, 1.2 MB)

UTAG Petition for Tougher Sentences (Community Issues)

The increase in gun related crimes in Toronto is threatening our security and way of life. Toronto has experienced 48 gun related homicides and countless shootings on our streets, compared to 27 gun murders last year. It is ... (more) clear that Toronto is in a crisis and we need to take action to stop the violence! We must send a strong message to the Federal Government that gun violence is unacceptable and the criminals that perpetrate these acts must be punished accordingly.

As you may know, a group of concerned Torontonians have united to form UTAG - Uniting Toronto Against Guns. The group is co-chaired by Senator Jerry Grafstein, Peter Kent and myself. A successful rally was held on November 13th, and a petition was circulated demanding changes to the Criminal Code of Canada and the Parole Act to increase sentencing for criminals convicted of gun violence. This petition will be introduced at Toronto City Council on December 5 for a formal endorsement, then sent to the Federal Government.

So...how can you help? Please log onto our website at http://www.utag.ca and complete the online petition located on the left side of the home page and encourage your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours to also complete the petition.

Please contact our our office if you have any questions or comments.

United we can make a difference!


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RIOCAN Development Application - Resubmission Update - November 2005 (Community Issues)

On Friday October 28, RIOCAN resubmitted their residential/commercial development application to the city. To learn more about the resubmission please open the link below. More details about the application will be posted on ... (more) this site at a later date.

You can learn more about the history of the application and the Working Group process by scrolling down to the 'RIOCAN Development Application - Background' section below.
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RIOCAN resubmission update (PDF, 492 KB)

Property Assessments (Community Issues)

Many constituents have contacted our office recently to express their concerns and frustration regarding the increase in property assessments that they have received over the last several years. As a resident of Ward 16, I am ... (more) equally frustrated with the seemingly endless increase in assessment value that we must endure.

I believe that the Provincial Government must consider capping the amount a property assessment can increase each year in order to limit the tax pressure on residential property owners. Please see the attached letter that I have sent to Andre Marin, the Ontario Ombudsman, to address this issue.

I strongly encourage you to download a copy of the letter for you to personalize, sign and mail to Andre Marin. I urge you to download a copy of the petition that I have included for you to circulate to your neighbours and mail to the Ontario Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s office is currently conducting a review of the assessment practices and it is imperative that they hear from as many Ward 16 residents as possible.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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Letter to Andre Marin (MS Word, 30 KB)
Letter Outlining Letter to Andre Marin (PDF, 485 KB)
Letter from Councillor Stintz to Andre Marin (PDF, 645 KB)
Petition to Andre Marin - November 2005 (PDF, 619 KB)

NEWS RELEASE - Oct 12/05 Stintz calls on Police Board to show leadership (Community Issues)

Please see the attached News Release for more details

NEWS RELEASE October 12, 2005 (PDF, 531 KB)

Reconstruction of Avenue Road (Community Issues)

The reconstruction of Avenue Road is scheduled to continue next year, 2006. Roadwork is anticipated to begin in the spring, likely the second week of April, and continue until the end of October.

The following public ... (more) notice provides a summary of the work that will be carried out.
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Reconstruction of Avenue Road, from Lawrence to Wilson (PDF, 90 KB)

Eglinton Park Pilot Project for Dogs - Working Group works towards Consensus (Community Issues)

After a lengthy discussion with members of the Working Group for Eglinton Park Dogs, the group agreed to work towards consensus on the terms of reference and code of conduct for the pilot project for off leash hours in Eglinton ... (more) Park. We will also be developing an agreement on what criteria will be used to assess the pilots success. The code of conduct will be aggressively enforced by the City by-law staff as well as the "dog" walkers in the park.
The existing by-law that requires dogs to be leashed at all times is currently being enforced in Eglinton Park.
We will update the website when the project attains final consensus. Thank you to all those individuals that attended the public meeting and the volunteer members of the working group.
** The resolution for Eglinton Park will take place when the Dogs in Parks strategy is debated and approved at City Council.
Please visit http://www.karenstintz.com/dogs to send your comments!

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Minutes of Meeting - August 18th 2005 (PDF, 786 KB)
Minutes of Meeting (PDF, 507 KB)
Constituent Survey Responses (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Working Group Members (PDF, 281 KB)

Renewals of On-Street Parking Permits Delayed (Community Issues)

May 4, 2005

Renewal notices for on street permit parking have been delayed and will be sent to residents who pay for the service during the week of May 24, 2005.

The reason for the delay is that the City ... (more) is reviewing its 2005 permit parking fees. Arrangements have been made to have the current permits, which expire on May 31, 2005, honoured until June 30, 2005. Toronto Police Service has been notified about this extension and will not be issuing tickets during this time.

"We want to remind residents that, once they get their renewal information, going online is an easy and effective way to renew their parking permit," said Les Kelman, Acting General Manager, Transportation Services. "We’re hopeful that many residents will take advantage of this convenient service."

The online service is available at www.toronto.ca/transportation. A current permit holder requires just a permit number or licence plate number and a valid credit card to make the payment. By following the online instructions, a permit can be renewed in just minutes from home without having to line up and renew the permit in person.


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Crime Concern - Neighbour (Community Issues)

Tuesday, June 21st, 2005

Crime Concern is a community-based crime prevention organization that assists and empowers neighbourhoods, businesses, and individuals to take action to reduce crime.

In order ... (more) to fulfill its mandate, Crime Concern has brought together a network of crime prevention practitioners, including members of the Toronto Police Service, to reduce crime through education and the sharing of resources and expertise.

Crime Concern runs an annual event know as Neighbour's Night Out (NNO). Last year NNO had 199 events with almost 18,000 participants. This year NNO will be held on Tuesday, June 21st.

For further details, please review Crime Concern's Newsletter attached below.
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Crime Concern Newsletter (PDF, 2.9 MB)

Expansion of Blue Box Recycling Program (Community Issues)

April 1, 2005

Effective April 1, 2005 residents can now kick their recycling efforts up a notch by including all plastic food jars, tubs and lids in their blue boxes.

Items include plastic peanut butter ... (more) jars, margarine, cottage cheese and yogurt tubs and plastic ice cream containers and lids, to name a few. These plastics will be recycled into a variety of products such as pallets, irrigation pipes, trashcans, plastic lumber, flower pots and even items for automotive applications.
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Blue Box Expansion Backgrounder (PDF, 42 KB)

RIOCAN Development Application - Background (Community Issues)

Latest Update - September/05
* After several meetings with the Working Group and representatives from RIOCAN, the applicant will be resubmitting plans to the City in October. Once the revised plans are submitted to the ... (more) City, we will assess the proposal and hold another public meeting.
No decision has been made by the Councillor or the City with respect to this application.
The Working Group has provided a valuable service to this process and we would like to thank them for their time and efforts.
Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.

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Detailed Preliminary Planning Report (PDF, 1.4 MB)
Feb 16 - Public Meeting Notes (MS Word, 23 KB)
Independent Traffic Study (PDF, 988 KB)
RIOCAN Working Group Members (PDF, 23 KB)
April 28 Meeting - Minutes (PDF, 38 KB)
May 12 Meeting Minutes (PDF, 20 KB)
RIOCAN Working Group Timeline (PDF, 14 KB)
March 29 Meeting Minutes (PDF, 23 KB)
June 9 Meeting Minutes (PDF, 22 KB)
June 30 Meeting Minutes (PDF, 20 KB)

Hot Off The Press - 2005 Newsletter (Community Issues)

In January, our office distributed the 2005 North Toronto Newslettter. It is full of helpful community information as well as a survey for residents to complete.
If you did not receive our newsletter, please give us a call ... (more) and we will mail you a copy.
The following link is an online copy of the newsletter.

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2005 Newsletter (PDF, 1.2 MB)

On-Street/Off-Street Parking Renewals Available Online! (Community Issues)

Toronto residents can now renew their off-street parking permits from the comfort of their homes.

Permits can be renewed online as part of an ongoing City of Toronto program, eService, which is aimed at providing ... (more) 24/7 access to many City services. The renewal of off-street parking permits is the second project to be provided under this program.

The renewal of on-street parking permits, the first project available under the eService program, was introduced in April 2003.

The online service is available at www.toronto.ca/transportation. By following the online instructions, a permit can be renewed in just minutes.

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Conserve Energy – Save Money! (Community Issues)

Conserving energy is a practical step that everyone can take to be environmentally friendly, and it saves money! The City of Toronto through its Energy Efficiency Office (EEO) can give you practical steps towards energy efficiency ... (more) practices that everyone can apply in their daily lives. Energy efficiency is a responsible way homeowners to save money, conserve our natural resources and protect our environment. In fact, many environmentalists recognize energy efficiency as a win-win opportunity for all parties. The Energy Efficiency Office at the City of Toronto has a mandate to develop and implement a comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation strategy for the city.

Green$aver, a not-for-profit, community-based organization has been helping homeowners in our area. It’s mission is to motivate and facilitate the process of maximizing the energy efficiency of Toronto homes. During a three-hour appointment, a Green$aver advisor will conduct an Energuide for Houses energy evaluation using computerized blower-door technology and other measuring devices to gauge air flow exchanges, identify energy losses and areas of potential improvement. This, now national, program provides cash incentives of up to $3,348 to individual homeowners who qualify by having an assessment and making the recommended energy efficiency improvements.
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Renovating This Year? - 2005 (Community Issues)

As Spring roles into Ward 16, residents are thinking about renovations and home improvements. If you are planning to renovate you may need a building pemit. In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your ... (more) behalf. But remember, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.

By obtaining a permit, you can take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.

You need a building permit if you plan to:

- construct a new building
- renovate, repair or add to a building
- demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
- change a building's use
- install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
- make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
- build a garage, balcony or deck
- excavate a basement or construct a foundation
- install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
- reconstruct a chimney.

The dates and locations of the 2005 Renovation Forums are as follows:

- Wednesday, April 13 - East York Collegiate, 650 Cosburn Avenue
- Tuesday, April 19 - Scarborough Civic Centre
- Wednesday, April 20 - Toronto City Hall
- Thursday, April 21 - Etobicoke Civic Centre
- Friday, April 29, York Civic Centre
- Monday, May 2 - North York Civic Centre

To register, call 416-338-0338 or visit www.toronto.ca/reno for more information.

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Renovation Forum - 2005 (PDF, 123 KB)

Finding a home for your old Batteries (Community Issues)

Throughout the year, we all rely on alkaline batteries to operate many appliances and household gadgets. When batteries run their course and are no longer useful, many of us throw them in the garbage. We need to always keep in ... (more) mind that batteries are corrosive and can be dangerous to our environment. Household batteries are responsible for between 50% and 70% of all heavy metals found in landfills.

The best environmental tip and cost effective way to reduce batteries in landfill is purchasing rechargeable batteries. However, if you do decide to buy non-rechargeable batteries, the City provides several locations and flexible hours to drop them off.

The following attachment provides a detailed description of the several City depots that are available to the public to drop off batteries and other household hazardous materials

Give our office a call if you have any questions about this service.
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Solid Waste Drop-off Depots (PDF, 113 KB)

Green Bin - Ward 16 goes "GREEN" (Community Issues)

On October 18, 2004 residents in the former City of Toronto started the green bin program (see map). Homes in the old municipality of North York—will not be participating in the Green Bin Program until 2005. This new program ... (more) allows residents in those areas of the ward that will be receiving this service to put organics (fruit and vegetables scraps, paper towels, coffee grounds, etc.) out for separate collection along with garbage and recycling.
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Green Bin Details (PDF, 27 KB)

Toyota Dealership Site Development (Community Issues)

Public meeting for Residential Development Application (Toyota Dealership) September 22 at 7pm.

Meeting Notice (PDF, 8 KB)

Avenue Rd Repairs (Community Issues)

Avenue Road repairs starting July 26.

Construction Notice (PDF, 100 KB)

Rosewell Avenue Safety Measures (Community Issues)

Open Letter to the Community - July 23, 2004.

Open Letter to Community (PDF, 77 KB)

Yonge Eglinton Focused Review (Community Issues)

On Tuesday June 22, the City, in conjunction with Councillor Walker, Councillor Jenkins and our office held a public meeting regarding the Yonge Eglinton Focused Review. This review has been conducted with regard to current and ... (more) past City Planning policy, the sensitivity of the adjacent stable neighbourhoods and the importance of the Yonge/Eglinton intersection to the City and to the Region. The goal is to bring forward new Secondary Plan policies and Urban Design guidelines to direct future development in the Yonge-Eglinton area in a manner which is compatible with the existing surrounding neighbourhoods. In our opinion, given these parameters, City staff and the Working Group have done an excellent job at devising a plan that will ensure that development based on sound, realistic planning occurs here.

The primary focus of this review has been the TTC's lands on the south side of Eglinton just west of Yonge Street. The City and the TTC have long anticipated the redevelopment of these lands and with the deterioration of the concrete slab which forced the relocation of the Bus Terminal to the Bus Garage located to the south, this redevelopment is necessary and desirable. Once the City has finalized this review of the urban design and planning guidelines, the TTC will issue a Request For Proposals to the development industry to select a concept plan and developer.
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Handout 1 (PDF, 829 KB)
Handout 2 (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Handout 3 (PDF, 690 KB)
Handout 4 (PDF, 536 KB)

Traffic Congestion (Community Issues)

Traffic congestion is an increasingly frustrating problem not only in Ward 16 but throughout the City of Toronto. A number of residents have contacted our office to express their concerns and frustration with the traffic in their ... (more) area. Traffic congestion in Toronto costs the City and its residents Millions of dollars in lost time and productivity. As a member of the Planning and Transportation Committee, I have been working with City staff on strategies to reduce congestion in Ward 16.

In order to arise at some solutions to the traffic problems that all of us face, I decided to try to understand the root causes and what the City is currently doing to combat congestion. On January 22, 2004, I took a tour of Toronto’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC). I met with Bruce Zvaniga and Les Kelman, managers at the TMC to fully understand the City’s role in traffic management.

The TMC is responsible for a number of tasks including urban traffic control systems, street and expressway lighting and red Light camera operations. One of the strategies that the TMC is using to fight congestion is the Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique (SCOOT). SCOOT is a signal system that measures traffic flows on a 24/7 basis and adjust traffic signal timing in order to minimize delays and unnecessary stops.

This center is vital to the efficient flow of traffic on our streets and it is important that the City dedicate the resources necessary to maintain and improve that efficiency.
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Pot Holes (Community Issues)

Everyone knows the frustration of pot holes on main roads and residential streets. If left unattended potholes can grow bigger and deeper causing potential significant damage to vehicles.

Potholes are created when ... (more) water penetrates the top layer of asphalt through cracks in the road. After the moisture freezes and expands, sections of the pavement are forced up. The weight of vehicles going over this section of road breaks the pavement and the asphalt is forced out. Potholes are more frequent in the spring, after the freeze/thaw action following winter.

To combat the problem, the City of Toronto’s Transportation Division has a number of work crews that are assigned the job of fixing potholes and similar road defects.
Last year, more than 53,000 potholes of all shapes and sizes were fixed by city staff. It’s also an expensive job. It costs the city about $2.5 million each year to fix the problem.

If you see a pothole on a city street, please call our office with the location and we will send out a crew to fix it
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Guns and Gangs (Community Issues)

On February 18th, Ward 16 hosted the first Crime Town Hall broadcasted live on CFRB 1010 radio. The meeting was attended by 100’s of concerned citizens from across Toronto and listened to by 1000’s of radio listeners. The Town ... (more) Hall was the result of the recent rise in gun crime in the City and my endorsement of fellow Councillor Michael Thompson’s Anti-Gang initiative. The meeting was emotional and timely considering the rash of violent gun crimes the City has recently experienced. It included comments that were both genuine and practical, creating a productive dialogue on the Guns and Gangs problems throughout the City.

Karen Stintz
David Lockett (PACT), Karen and Police Chief Julian Fantino
Special thanks to the Chief of Police, Julian Fantino, Mayor David Miller and MPP David Zimmer for attending and providing constructive dialogue to the meeting.
It will take a concerted effort from all three levels of government to rid the City of Guns and Gangs. We must work cooperatively with the police and the public through communication and respect to deal with the problem.

Together we can make our streets and our homes safer for our families and friends.
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Lytton Park Sunken Gardens Re-opening (Community Issues)

Recently, I have had several discussions with local residents about the Lytton Park Sunken Gardens (East of Avenue, off Lytton Boulevard). Local residents had expressed concerns and frustration with the neglect and subsequent ... (more) closure of the park. As you are well aware, Lytton Sunken Gardens is a wonderful community park that requires extensive safety refurbishments in order to be re-opened for all to enjoy. The closure of the park is a concern that I share with you and it has been one of my priorities.

Our parks are vital to the success and well being of or our community. Parks not only add to the character of the neighbourhood but also promote a healthy lifestyle for our families. For this reason, I have been pursuing much needed funding from the City to refurbish and reopen the park.

After several discussions with the City's Finance and Parks Department, I am pleased to announce that I have secured $200,000.00 for upgrading Lytton Park Sunken Gardens in order to re-open the park for all to enjoy.

The following PDF is a diagram of the plans for the park work that will be planned for the Fall. Not all work will be done this year but the park will be re-opened this year for all to enjoy.
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Park Work Plan Diagram (PDF, 711 KB)