E-Blast: Back to School

The first week of school always brings a special energy. Families are settling back into routines, students are finding their classrooms, and teachers are setting the tone for the year ahead. It’s a reminder of how deeply our schools are woven into the life of this community. I like to kick off the first week by reminding everyone to be mindful of school zone traffic, speed limits, and local drop-off rules—and to let you know about some upcoming community events.

Back-to-school week means more vehicles and people moving through our streets, especially around schools. If your children are heading back this week, I encourage you to check out the City’s Safety Guide for School Children and Parents which has helpful advice on walking, cycling, wheeling, driving, or taking the bus safely.

Toronto Police Services has also launched their Back-to-School Safety Campaign from Tuesday, September 2 to Friday, September 12, 2025. Officers will focus on keeping school zones safe through enforcement and community engagement. Parking Enforcement Officers will be out ensuring motorists aren’t putting children and pedestrians at risk, especially around no-stopping and no-parking zones, crosswalks, and school bus areas. You may see police cars in school zones—they’ll be issuing tickets for speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving.

For parents, you may have heard that on June 27, 2025, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) was placed under provincial supervision. This means an appointed Supervisor is temporarily taking over governance, while the authority of elected Trustees is on hold. During this time, if you have questions or concerns about your child’s school, please reach out directly to your school’s principal.

As the school year gets underway, September is also a great time to get involved in our community. From learning about local wildlife to understanding renters’ rights and supporting environmental initiatives, there are lots of ways to stay informed and connected this month.

Coyote Information Session - September 16

Many residents I’ve spoken with along the hydro corridor have raised concerns about the increase in coyote sightings and interactions in our neighbourhood. To help answer questions and share practical advice, I’m hosting a Coyote Information Session on Tuesday, September 16, from 6:30–8:00pm at Hillcrest Library.

Toronto Animal Services will lead the session, providing guidance on coexisting safely with coyotes and other urban wildlife. This is a great opportunity to learn how to respond to sightings, protect pets, and better understand wildlife behaviour in our community.

Tenant Town Hall – September 17

While canvassing this summer, I heard from many renters who wanted to learn more about the resources available to them and better understand their rights and responsibilities. If you are a renter and also have questions or concerns I invite you to join me for a Tenant Town Hall on Tuesday, September 17, from 7:00–8:30pm at Oriole Community Centre.

This is your chance to connect directly with organizations that support renters, including:

• Willowdale Legal Services – guidance on tenant rights and legal supports

• Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA) – advocacy and resources for renters across Toronto

• Toronto Police 33 Division – community safety updates for tenants

• North York Tenants’ Health Project (NYTHP) – health and housing supports

• RentSafeTO – City of Toronto’s by-law enforcement program for apartment standards

• Toronto Fire Services – fire safety information for multi-residential buildings

Whether you’re dealing with building maintenance, concerned about safety, or just want to better understand your rights as a tenant, this event is a chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with resources all in one place.

One of my favourite yearly fall events is Community Environment Day, and I’m excited to invite you to join us! Every year, I hear from residents looking for easy ways to recycle tricky items, donate gently used goods, and give their gardens a boost—and that’s exactly what this day is all about.

Community Environment Day – September 21

On Sunday, September 21, from 10:00am–2:00pm at Enbridge HQ, you can:

• Pick up free compost for your garden (limit of two bags per household, while supplies last)

• Drop off electronic waste and household hazardous waste (up to 50 litres or 50 kilograms) for safe disposal

• Donate items for reuse, from clothing, books, and board games to eyeglasses, walking aids, and non-perishable food for the food bank

 It’s a wonderful way to clear out what you no longer need, keep materials out of landfill, and come home with something useful for your garden.

Please note: Environment Day does not include shredding. But if you’re looking to safely dispose of confidential papers, our friends at the Bayview Village Association (BVA) are hosting their annual Shredding Day on Saturday, September 20.

• Cost: $5 per box for BVA members, $10 per box for non-members

• Boxes: Standard file box (approx. 10"D x 15"W x 12"H). Bring as many as you need.

• No need to remove binders, paperclips, or staples, but please remove plastic bags, CDs, and non-paper materials.

• If you’re not yet a member, you can join BVA at the event to receive the member rate.

  
  

  BVA hosts this annual event to promote recycling, safe data disposal, and prevent identity theft—so bring your confidential papers and help keep your information safe!

I hope to see you at both events!

Oriole Community Garden Harvest Festival – September 26

I’m thrilled to share this event from our friends at the Working Women Community Centre (WWCC). Each year, WWCC’s Oriole Community Garden brings together 145 local families, including newcomers, refugees, and immigrants, to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbours, and build community. The Harvest Festival celebrates the end of the gardening season and all the hard work and dedication of our gardeners.

This is a wonderful chance to meet your neighbours, enjoy the fruits of the season, and connect in person with me as your City Councillor for Ward 17. It’s a festive, family-friendly way to celebrate community spirit and the joys of growing together.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 26

• Time: 4:00–7:00pm

• Location: Oriole Community Garden, 2800 Don Mills Rd.

I hope you’ll join us to celebrate the harvest and the people who make our community so vibrant!

September is a busy month, but it’s also full of opportunities to stay connected and engaged in our community. Whether it’s keeping our kids safe in school zones, learning how to live safely alongside local wildlife, supporting tenants’ rights, or participating in environmental initiatives, there are many ways to make a positive impact. I hope to see you out at these events and look forward to connecting with you in our neighbourhood.

A Growing Concern: Distraction Thefts in Our City

Toronto Police have raised the alarm about a troubling trend: distraction thefts are on the rise. While many major crimes are actually down this year—shootings, homicides, and auto thefts have all dropped significantly, incidents of distraction theft have increased, with 374 reports so far in 2025 compared to just 28 at this time last year.

These thefts often target seniors, especially those wearing visible jewellery and walking alone. The suspects use clever ruses, asking for directions, pretending to spill something, even asking for a prayer, before stealing purses, phones, or jewellery. It’s quick, confusing, and leaves victims shaken.

Police are stepping up patrols and investigations, but they’re also urging us to look out for one another. Staying alert in public spaces, keeping bags zipped and close, and being cautious of unusual interactions are simple steps that can help protect you or someone you love.

If you’ve witnessed or experienced this type of theft, even the smallest detail could make a difference. Please contact Toronto Police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

Read the Full E-Blast Here