Balancing Neighbourhood Growth and Community Safety in Don Valley North

There are a couple of topics to touch on this week. The first one is a bit of a brag about another great library asset for Don Valley North. A New Chapter for Fairview Library

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining Toronto Public Library staff, community members, and a lot of very excited students for the grand re-opening of Fairview Library’s brand-new third floor — a space dedicated entirely to youth. The energy in the room was contagious. I chatted with a group of high-schoolers who told me this was already their new favourite study spot, partly because of the bright open space — but mostly, they said, because “it finally feels like a place made for us.”

As development has continued along the Sheppard subway line, our community has seen important investments flowing back through Section 37 community benefit funds to our local library system, expanding access to services that residents rely on everyday. The new Ethennonnhawahstihnen Branch is already proving to be a community favourite. Open seven days a week and offering enhanced spaces for studying, tutoring, and children’s programming, this branch is a shining example of how growth can deliver real community benefits.  Meanwhile, Fairview Library has long been one of the most-used branches in the city. At one time, it offered the largest multilingual collection outside of the Toronto Reference Library — and while materials are now more digitally accessible across the system, Fairview remains a hardworking hub for residents.

The most recent renovation has transformed the third floor into a modern youth space, complete with a glassed-in programming room, group study areas, tutoring booths (including accessible ones for wheelchair users), a soundproof studio for music remixing and podcasting, and a large 3D printing studio. Oh, and plenty of books, of course!  Looking ahead, construction on the Pleasant View Library Branch is set to begin in 2026, supported by contributions from nearby development projects. These are exactly the kinds of community upgrades that our area deserves — and our high branch usage shows how valued these spaces are.  It’s always surprising when I hear questions during pre-budget consultations about whether all library branches need to be open seven days a week. Here in Don Valley North, every time we’ve expanded library hours, usage has increased significantly — especially in study areas and at Hillcrest Library. It’s a clear reflection of how dedicated and engaged our local learners of all ages are.

EHON Retail and Services: Balancing Growth with Neighbourhood Character

Earlier today, City Planning staff presented their updated recommendations to the Planning and Housing Committee as part of the EHON (Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods) Retail and Services report, which explores how Toronto can make it easier for residents to access small-scale retail and services closer to home. The first version of this plan, released at the end of last year, proposed allowing small shops and cafés on nearly any neighbourhood corner. That approach raised understandable concerns from residents — including many of you who reached out, as well as from myself and several Council colleagues. I also convened an EHON Reference Group of local residents and community leaders earlier this year to discuss these ideas in depth, and their feedback continues to inform my approach.

City staff were directed to go back to the drawing board, and come back with updated recommendations that address Council and residents concerns. At a high level, the new proposal aims to:

• Modernize rules for home-based businesses, reflecting how people work today and allowing small, low-impact businesses to operate more easily from home;

• Permit local retail and services along major streets like Bayview, Leslie and Don Mills, where some stretches are still zoned residential, helping residents shop locally while supporting small business growth; and

• Explore limited permissions for small retail and service uses within neighbourhoods, such as corner-lot cafés or local shops.

These first two changes make a lot of sense. Allowing home-based businesses (think of the local piano teacher or psychologist) and small retail on major streets supports entrepreneurship and walkable communities without disrupting neighbourhood character.

But when it comes to expanding retail inside residential streets, I believe more work is needed. Over the years, residents have been clear with me about the challenges that come with certain types of businesses — like bars, cannabis shops, or massage parlours — especially when they open too close to homes or schools. Those kinds of uses are best located on main streets, where there’s stronger oversight and enforcement.

 When I picture how this could succeed, I think of small, neighbourhood-serving spaces: a local doctor’s office, a small convenience shop, or maybe even a cozy café with a walk-up window. These kinds of uses can add life to our neighbourhoods without disrupting them — but only if we have the right safeguards in place.

I’ll be working with my colleagues to find the right balance between convenience and community safety — one that fits the character of our suburbs here in Don Valley North, protects residents, and supports the local businesses that help our community thrive.

Update on Bill 60: Protecting Tenants in Ontario

Last week, the Province introduced Bill 60, a far-reaching bill that included a proposal to explore changes to Ontario’s lease expiry rules. Right now, once a lease expires, it continues on a month-to-month basis, with limits on annual increases. The proposed bill would look to remove this – allowing for landlords to significantly increase rents and more easily turn over tenants - threatening thousands of affordable housing units. This would be devastating for those already struggling with cost of rent or saving to buy a home.

After swift pushback from municipal leaders, housing advocates, and renters across Ontario, the government has suggested that it will not proceed with those consultations.

I’m relieved to see the Province back away from that idea — it’s a reminder of why tenant protections must remain strong as we look for new housing and retail options in our neighbourhoods. Just this week, we held a community consultation for a proposed redevelopment at 2600 Don Mills. This proposal would tear down and replace the existing building, an affordable place where hundreds of our friends and neighbours live. The City has long had strong rental replacement policies, which ensure that all rental units must be replaced in a redevelopment, at a similar rental rate, and provisions be made for current tenants as the building is developed. The development industry and Province have long had their eye on weakening this policy, so it is critical that whenever rental is threatened, that we push back.

If we want to solve our housing and homelessness crisis, more affordable rental housing is the only solution.

As we head into Halloween, I want to wish everyone a safe and fun night of trick-or-treating! Please keep an eye out for little ghosts and goblins on our neighbourhood streets, drive carefully, and enjoy all the creativity and community spirit this season brings. Happy Halloween!

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