E-Blast: What We're Hearing From You — Seniors Roundtable Update
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
There is something truly special that happens when my team and I sit down with senior residents. My team and I have held a couple of neighbourhood seniors roundtables recently, and these conversations give us an irreplaceable perspective on life in Don Valley North.
Senior residents bring insight into the economic pressures being felt day to day, the accessibility challenges that exist on the ground, and the very real difficulties that come with the pace of change in a maturing city. Senior residents live these realities, and you've had the time to reflect on them deeply. Every conversation leaves us with a concrete list of actions to take and goals to set.
I really look forward to these discussions. Too often, engaging with government feels like a frustrating digital exercise. It genuinely centres me to hear your experiences firsthand. I also use these opportunities to shed some light on how change is being managed and what policies are coming into play.
I know that change can feel overwhelming, and I share that with many of you. I carry my own memories of a North York that grew outward; New streets lined with young trees north of what we now call the 401, a shiny new hospital, room to build recreation centres and libraries from scratch. My parents were among the community members who helped shape some of those first services. There was a lot of room to grow.
Growing is harder in a mature city, but it is still possible, and your voices are essential to making sure we're growing in the right direction. There are plenty of things you told us we could change.
Here is a quick look at what we heard.
You rely on City services — but they need to work better
Seniors told me they depend on services like public transit, snow clearing, garbage collection, community centres, libraries, and health programs to stay active and independent.
At Pleasant View, many highlighted exercise and mobility programs and access to healthcare. At Hillcrest, residents emphasized parks and green space, library programs, and Wheel-Trans.
But the message was consistent: when these services fall short, whether it’s missed snow clearing, inconsistent garbage pickup, or difficulty navigating transit, it has a real impact on your day-to-day life.
My office is here to help. If you're experiencing a service issue, you can report it through 311, but I know that website can be hard to navigate. Don't hesitate to call or email us directly and we'll make sure your concern gets to the right place.
Safety and mobility are top concerns
Safety came up in many forms.
Residents raised concerns about speeding, road conditions, and unclear signage, including specific intersections like Van Horne and Kingslake, and challenges around school zones near A.Y. Jackson.
At both sessions, I also heard concerns about break-ins, illegal dumping, and the need for stronger bylaw enforcement. At Hillcrest, many spoke about traffic volumes, construction disruptions, and the growing challenge of e-bikes and scooters.
Just as important was pedestrian safety, including requests for better sidewalk maintenance, more benches, and safer crossings.
I want you to know that work is actively underway on all of these fronts. Through my work on the Police Services Board, we are making real progress on reducing crime and improving 911 response times across Toronto. And through Vision Zero, we are working in communities across the ward to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and all vulnerable road users.
If there's a specific intersection, stretch of road, or safety concern that worries you, a simple call to my team can set things in motion. We know how to get the right people's attention, and we want to hear from you.
Staying connected and active matters deeply
One of the strongest messages I heard was the importance of social connection.
Many seniors asked for:
More daytime, seniors-focused programming at community centres
Activities like games, fitness, and cultural programming
Programs tailored to mobility, balance, and health needs
At Pleasant View, there was a clear call for more accessible, affordable recreation programs and even dedicated seniors-only social time. At Hillcrest, residents asked for more specialized programs, including chair yoga, Tai Chi, and supports for conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia.
This is really important feedback that we have shared with our colleagues and Parks Forestry and Recreation to consider as they develop their programming for the upcoming budget.
Affordability and access remain challenges
You told me that costs, from transit to recreation programs to housing are a growing concern.
There were also clear calls for:
Better access to family doctors and healthcare services
More reliable and accessible transportation options, including Wheel-Trans
Support to age safely at home
At Hillcrest, residents also raised concerns about property taxes and housing affordability for both seniors and their families.
There are financial supports available for seniors struggling with costs. If this applies to you, please be in touch and my team will work with you to identify the right kind of support.
Communication needs to improve
Finally, I heard clearly that communication from the City — and from my office — needs to be clearer, more accessible, and more responsive.
Suggestions included:
More direct updates tailored for seniors
Clearer explanations of decisions and next steps
Faster response times and better follow-up
Services Available to Seniors in Don Valley North
One of the most important things my office can do is make sure you know what's available to you. Here is a snapshot of key programs and services from our 2025/2026 Don Valley North Seniors Guide:
Recreation & Active Living
Don Valley North has six Community Recreation Centres at Cummer Park, Oriole, Parkway Forest, Pleasant View, Seneca Village, and Ethennonnhawahstihnen' all offering City-run programs, classes, and social activities.
Adults 60 and over receive a 50% discount on adult recreation programs. Call Parks & Recreation Client Services at 416-396-7378 or visit toronto.ca/rec for a full program listing. Low-income residents may also qualify for the Welcome Policy subsidy by calling 416-338-8888.
For outdoor exercise, Don Valley North has several outdoor fitness parks, including a dedicated Seniors Fitness Park in Godstone Park.
Health Care
The City's Homemakers and Nurses Services program provides light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation support to those with limited financial resources — call 416-392-8579 to learn about eligibility. The Seniors Dental Program offers free dental care for eligible seniors 65+ through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program; contact them at 416-916-0204. Seniors also automatically qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefit when they turn 65. For mental health support, the Toronto Seniors Helpline (416-217-2077) and Distress Centres of Greater Toronto (416-408-4357) are available.
Housing
If you need help navigating housing, the Housing Help Centre (416-285-5410) can assist with tenant-landlord issues, eviction prevention, and referrals.
Low-income seniors may be eligible for property tax and utility bill relief — call 311 to learn more.
Willowdale Community Legal Services at 245 Fairview Mall Drive also provides free legal help on housing rights, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, and more. Reach them at 416-492-2437.
Transportation
Seniors 65 and over receive discounted TTC fares and monthly passes. To apply your senior discount to a Presto Card, visit any Shoppers Drug Mart with government-issued photo ID. TTC Wheel-Trans provides accessible shared-ride service for persons with disabilities anywhere in the city — call 416-393-4111 to check eligibility.
Libraries
Don Valley North has four Toronto Public Library branches — Ethennonnhawahstihnen', Fairview, Hillcrest, and Pleasant View ( temporarily closed for renovations!!) offering free books, e-books, computer access, Wi-Fi, and programs like Seniors Socials. Homebound residents can receive free monthly home delivery of up to 20 items through the Home Library Services program.
Learning & Volunteering
The Toronto District School Board's Learn4Life program offers general interest courses for adults and seniors, with a 30% discount for those 65 and over. Visit learn4life.ca or call 416-388-4111.
Volunteer Toronto (416-961-6888) can help you find meaningful local volunteering opportunities.
For a complete copy of the 2025/2026 Don Valley North Seniors Guide, contact my office, we would be happy to send you a printed copy!
What Comes Next
These conversations don’t end here.
I am already working with City divisions on several of the issues raised and I will continue to advocate for improvements that reflect what I heard from you.
Just as importantly, I will continue creating opportunities like these roundtables to hear directly from residents.
Thank you again to everyone who participated and shared their experiences so openly. Your input is shaping the work ahead.
As always, my office is here to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
