This week at Economic and Community Development Committee, we received an important update on Toronto's daytime drop-in network and the work underway to strengthen these services across the city. Last summer, I wrote about Toronto's plan to build new shelter spaces. The City's Street Needs Assessment showed that more than 15,000 people rely on shelters and emergency supports, and it confirmed the need for additional shelter infrastructure in every part of Toronto, especially as the number of people experiencing homelessness in North York and Etobicoke continue to grow. However, shelters and daytime drop-ins serve different purposes. Shelters provide temporary overnight accommodation, meals, case management, healthcare supports and housing assistance 24 hours a day. Their goal is to help people move into permanent housing. In 2025, Toronto helped 4,754 people move from shelters into permanent homes. The City is also advancing 11 new shelter sites that will add more than 1,000 spaces to the shelter system while replacing large temporary programs with smaller, purpose-built facilities integrated into neighbourhoods. Daytime drop-ins provide a place for people to spend time during the day while accessing meals, showers, laundry facilities, healthcare supports, recreation programs, referrals and housing services. For many people, they are the first point of contact with the supports that can help prevent homelessness or connect them with housing. As the weather gets warmer, my office receives more calls about people sleeping in parks or spending extended periods of time in public spaces such as libraries, community centres and shopping areas. For many people in Don Valley North, seeing individuals experiencing homelessness in our local parks and neighbourhood public spaces is a relatively new experience, and while I am proud that so many residents understand the challenges people experiencing homelessness face, they are also concerned when someone appears to be in crisis, struggling with mental health issues or using drugs in public. Residents are also telling me they are increasingly concerned about public intoxication, drug use, discarded needles and other dangerous paraphernalia in places where families should be able to enjoy parks, playgrounds, and transit safely. These concerns are real, and they deserve to be acknowledged and addressed. People experiencing homelessness need support, but families, seniors, and transit riders also deserve to feel safe in public spaces. We cannot accept a status quo where vulnerable people are left in crisis while residents are left feeling unsafe. Investing in access to safe, supportive spaces where people experiencing homelessness can receive help, connect with services and work toward stable housing means that all users of public spaces can feel secure, welcomed and well-supported. That work must be paired with clear expectations around public safety and public order. The goal is not simply to move people from one public space to another, but to connect them with meaningful supports while ensuring parks, transit, and community spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone. That is why daytime drop-ins are such an important part of Toronto's homelessness response system. Demand for these services continues to grow. Visits to City-funded daytime drop-ins increased 27% since 2022. Between April and September 2025 alone, daytime drop-ins provided more than 618,000 visits, served over 536,000 meals onsite and distributed more than 163,000 take-out meals. Many drop-ins are also responding to increasingly complex needs. Many of these challenges have become more visible in public spaces over the past year. The closure of supervised consumption services by the Province has altered where some people access supports, with municipalities and transit systems increasingly managing the consequences in parks, stations, and other public spaces. The report before committee outlines ongoing work between the City and the drop-in sector to stabilize these services. A joint working group is reviewing staffing, funding and long-term sustainability so organizations can continue meeting growing demand while supporting workers who provide these critical services every day. At the same time, the City is now pursuing new approaches to address the impacts residents are seeing every day. This includes work with the Toronto Police Service and TTC on a dedicated TTC Safety Strategy, as well as a new pilot at Union Station that to move people more quickly in crisis to supports and away from the station. I was especially proud to see the role that North York organizations continue to play in this work. Through the Creating Health Plus program, operated by North York Harvest Food Bank, food is purchased and distributed to 47 daytime drop-in programs across Toronto. This local leadership helps ensure that thousands of meals reach people who need them every week. While the City continues to invest in shelters, housing supports and daytime drop-in programs, the reality is that Toronto cannot address these challenges on its own. Our social safety net needs strengthening, and that work requires all orders of government at the table. No single municipality can solve a homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis on its own. Toronto is investing heavily in shelters, housing supports and outreach services, but lasting solutions required coordinated action from all levels of government. We need the Province to invest in Rent-Geared-to-Income housing, mental health and addictions services, and social assistance programs that reflect today's cost of living. We need the federal government to fulfill its commitments to support refugee and asylum claimant shelter programs and transition services, which continue to place significant pressure on Toronto's homelessness response system. We also need both governments to expand investments in programs that are already delivering results, including the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, which has helped thousands of people move from shelters into stable housing. Continued capital funding for new shelters and affordable housing is equally important as we work to replace temporary emergency hotel programs with permanent, purpose-built facilities across the city. Every day, I see the dedication of frontline workers, community organizations and residents who want to be part of the solution. Their efforts are essential, but lasting progress will require sustained commitment from every level of government. When people have access to housing, healthcare, income supports and community services, everyone benefits, and our neighbourhoods become stronger, healthier and more connected. Compassion and public safety are not competing priorities. Residents deserve to feel safe taking the TTC, visiting a park or bringing their children to a playground, and vulnerable people deserve access to the housing, treatment, and supports they need. I will continue advocating for a common-sense approach that moves people from crisis to care, addresses the growing challenges we are seeing in public spaces, and restores confidence that our parks, transit system and neighbourhoods are safe, welcoming places for everyone. My Statement on the Death of Officer Marc Pinizzotto Today is a heartbreaking day for Toronto. Emergency Task Force Training Constable Marc Pinizzotto of the Toronto Police Service tragically gave his life serving and protecting our city. As Chair of The Toronto Police Service Board, I extend my deepest condolences to the officer’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. Their loss is unimaginable, and I mourn alongside them. Every officer understands the risks that come with the badge. Today, one of Toronto’s officers made the ultimate sacrifice in service of others. This loss will be felt across the Toronto Police Service and throughout our city. Toronto stands with the officer’s family and the entire Service during this difficult time.

Every summer, I spend time visiting parks, community centres, neighbourhood events, and youth programs across Don Valley North. Some of my favourite conversations are with young people who are trying something new, whether it's their first summer job, a leadership program, a basketball league, or a community arts project. I remember speaking with a young resident last summer who told me that a recreation program had completely changed the course of his summer. Instead of spending long days feeling isolated, he found a place where he could learn new skills, make friends, and connect with mentors who believed in him. His story was a reminder that safety is about much more than enforcement. It is about creating opportunities, building connections, and ensuring every young person feels they belong. That is why I am pleased to share that the City of Toronto has launched its 2026 Summer Safety Plan, backed by more than $5 million in funding for youth violence prevention and community well-being programs, offset by funds secured from the Federal Government. A big thank you to our local Member of Parliament, Maggie Chi, whose advocacy work helped secure this federal funding through the Building Safer Communities Fund. I am grateful for, and echo Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw’s endorsement of the plan. He said that in addition to its law enforcement role, the Toronto Police Service prioritizes intervention, prevention and programs that foster trust and strengthen communities. As part of the Summer Safety Plan, our Neighbourhood Community Officers will lead a series of programs and activities ranging from education and sports to community-building. This City-led initiative demonstrates the impact of working together to support youth, prevent violence before it happens, and deliver meaningful results for our communities. Building on the success of last year's initiative, the Summer Safety Plan brings together more than 200 programs, services, and events designed to help young people stay active, supported, and connected throughout the summer months. These opportunities include sports and recreation programs, arts and leadership initiatives, job training and employment opportunities, mentorship programs, mental health supports, and extended access to safe community spaces. The City expects to engage thousands of young people and families across Toronto this summer, while providing mental health supports and training to more than 5,000 youth and supporting hundreds of parents and caregivers through violence prevention programs and workshops. The Summer Safety Plan is also making it easier than ever for families to find local opportunities. A new online search tool allows residents to browse programs by neighbourhood and area of interest, helping connect young people with activities and supports close to home. This work is part of the City's broader SafeTO strategy, which recognizes that strong communities are built through prevention, early intervention, and meaningful investments in people. Following a rise in youth violence in 2024, Toronto brought together community organizations, school boards, Toronto Police Service, City divisions, and residents through the Mayor's Youth Safety Task Force to take coordinated action. The results from last year’s Summer Safety Plan were strong and measurable. In summer 2025, Toronto saw a 40 per cent reduction in gun violence, alongside a continued decline in incidents involving youth and shootings. Youth employment remains a cornerstone of the City's approach. Each year, the City and its partners create more than 16,000 employment opportunities for young people. These jobs provide more than a paycheque. They help young residents build confidence, gain experience, develop skills, and establish connections that can shape their futures. What makes this work so important is that we are already seeing the impact of targeted investments in our own community. Through a pilot program supported by youth safety funding, Toronto Police Service's 33 Division worked directly with families and at-risk youth using a holistic, community-based approach. The program focused on building trust, creating connections, and providing young people with positive pathways to success. Building on that success, 33 Division’s Superintendent Donovan Locke partnered with Councillor Burnside and me to help create a new opportunity for local youth. This summer, Toronto Police Service and the City of Toronto are collaborating to deliver the Emergency Services Academy, a paid experiential learning program for 40 upper-level high school students. Participants will spend eight weeks at Seneca College earning a micro-credential while gaining firsthand exposure to careers in policing and firefighting. The program is designed to introduce young people to rewarding career paths, break down barriers between youth and emergency services, build stronger relationships with public institutions, and create meaningful employment opportunities. This is what prevention looks like. When we invest in young people, we strengthen both individual futures and community safety. Other local programs include a Grade 6–8 Literacy and Numeracy Program at St. Timothy Catholic Elementary School, which provides summer school programming offering Language and Mathematics support for students in Grades 6 to 8. Additional opportunities include CampTO Youth Day Camps at Seneca Village Community Centre, where children and youth up to age 16 can stay active, learn new skills, and make lasting memories close to home. These camps feature a range of activities, including physical recreation, arts and crafts, nature-based programming, outdoor park activities, and more. The Summer Safety Plan sets the foundation for a safe, active, and connected summer across Toronto, and I am grateful to everyone who helps make this work possible. It reflects what we know to be true in Don Valley North: safety is built through prevention, opportunity, and strong community partnerships. I encourage families to explore the many opportunities available through the Summer Safety Plan. Whether it is a recreation program, leadership opportunity, summer job, mentorship initiative, or community event, these programs help create the conditions for young people to thrive. As we move through the summer months, I also want to share several upcoming local events and opportunities I am hosting. These gatherings are a chance to connect directly, celebrate our neighbourhoods, and highlight the programs and partnerships that are making a difference for residents of all ages. Don Valley North Youth Soccer – This Saturday! A reminder to join me at Van Horne Park this Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m for my DVN Youth Soccer Event, hosted in partnership with the City of Toronto’s Youth Development Unit. We’ll have: FIFA giveaways A free community BBQ Music and entertainment Community activations and engagement opportunities Interactive booths and activities from local partners 7-a-side soccer mini pitches set up with rolling drop-in games throughout the day Ethennonnhawahstihnen' CRC indoor play space opening Event I am excited to invite you to the grand opening of a new indoor play space at the Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library. Back in 2023, I began working with the community to design a space on the third floor that reflects what families told us they needed most: a safe, welcoming, and joyful place for children to play, especially during the colder winter months. That feedback shaped every part of this project. The result is a bright and creative indoor play space designed for children ages five to twelve, with equipment and features that support physical activity, imagination, creativity, and social development. It is a place where children can learn, grow, and simply enjoy being kids. Please join us to celebrate this exciting new addition to our community, the first of it’s kind in North York! Grand Opening of the Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Indoor Play Space Saturday, June 27 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library Families and youth are invited to enjoy light refreshments, music, and interactive activities throughout the space. Everyone is welcome, and I hope to see you there as we open this wonderful new place for children and families in our community. A reminder that the Community Center is TTC accessible, with paid Green P parking available on site. RSVP here https://www.shelleycarroll.ca/events-1/indoor-play-space Summer Celebration Returns I am so excited to officially announce that Summer Celebration is returning once again this year! Join me on July 4 at Oriole Community Centre, for a free, joyful afternoon hosted by my team for residents of Don Valley North. This annual event is our way of kicking off the summer season together, with good food, great entertainment, and the most important ingredient of all, community. Enjoy free BBQ, an ice cream truck, games, activities, and plenty of space to connect with neighbours and friends of all ages. This is a true highlight of the summer calendar, and I am always grateful for the chance to gather with so many of you in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Save the date, and I hope to see you there. More details will be shared soon. Outdoor Movie Night in Parkway Forest Park I am looking forward to seeing you ay my annual Outdoor Movie Night, returning once again this summer. Join me on July 7, in the evening at Parkway Forest Park, for a relaxed community screening under the stars. Bring a blanket, gather your family and friends, and settle in for a fun summer night outdoors. We’ll have popcorn, a welcoming community atmosphere, and plenty of space to enjoy the evening together. The movie selection will be announced soon, so stay tuned. This is one of my favourite summer traditions in Don Valley North, and I look forward to sharing a great night with you. Park Pop-Ups Are Back This Summer You may remember back in 2021, as the weather warmed up, my team and I began popping up in local parks to hear directly from you about what was happening in your neighbourhood. I am happy to share that our Park Pop-Ups are back again this summer! Throughout the summer, my team and I will be visiting parks across Don Valley North for informal drop-ins. These pop-ups are a simple way to come say hello, raise questions, share ideas, and talk about what matters most in your community. We will be dropping flyers in advance of each visit, so please keep an eye out for a notice letting you know when we are coming to a park near you. And if you see a big pink tent in your local park this summer, please come by and say hello. I look forward to seeing you there!

Back in 1982, when Italy won the World Cup, my husband and I were young newlyweds. When the tournament began weeks earlier, I quickly discovered just how passionate my husband and father-in-law were about “The Beautiful Game.” By the time the final match arrived, I was completely swept up in the excitement right alongside them. As soon as the game ended, we jumped on the subway and headed to St. Clair Avenue West and Dufferin Street to celebrate with thousands of Torontonians filling the streets with flags, singing, cheering, and pure joy. I have never forgotten that feeling of community and excitement. So when Toronto began preparing its bid to take part in the first North American FIFA World Cup, I was all in. I know firsthand how deeply this city loves soccer and how powerfully these moments can bring people together. This summer, Toronto will host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the FIFA Fan Festival from June 11 to July 19. That includes the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match played on Canadian soil, featuring Canada’s Men’s National Team taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. As Toronto prepares to welcome the world, I want residents here in Don Valley North to feel part of that excitement. Whether you are attending a match, joining a local celebration, visiting the Fan Festival, or simply moving around the city during the tournament, I want to make sure you know what to expect and how to take part in this once-in-a-generation moment. Don Valley North Youth Soccer Event Before the tournament officially kicks off, I hope families will join me for a special community soccer celebration right here in Don Valley North! Join me at Van Horne Park on Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for our DVN Youth Soccer Event, hosted in partnership with the City of Toronto’s Youth Development Unit. This afternoon is all about getting outside, staying active, connecting with neighbours, and celebrating the excitement of the beautiful game together. We’ll have two 7-a-side mini pitches set up with rolling drop-in games throughout the day. One field will be for youth ages 11 and under, and the second will be for ages 12–18, so everyone has a chance to get in the game. Players can arrive with friends, join a team when they get there, or simply come out and cheer from the sidelines. Volunteer referees will help keep the games running smoothly and make sure everyone has a fun and positive experience. There will also be:• FIFA giveaways • A free community BBQ• Music and entertainment• Community activations and engagement opportunities• Interactive booths and activities from local partners We are excited to welcome several fantastic community partners and special guests, including AFC Toronto, DARBY Magazine, MP Maggie Chi’s Office, Toronto Police 33 Division Neighbourhood Community Officers, and Parks and Recreation’s Play Mobile program in partnership with Nike and more. Whether you are chasing goals on the pitch, cheering on friends, grabbing a burger at the BBQ, or simply enjoying the atmosphere with your family, there will be something for everyone. So lace up your boots, bring the kids, and come kick off Toronto’s World Cup celebrations with us at Van Horne Park, located at 561 Van Horne Avenue. RSVP here and I hope to see lots of youth and families out on the pitch! FIFA Fan Festival If you can’t make it to games, the FIFA Fan Festival will give residents and visitors a chance to experience the excitement of the tournament together through live match screenings, entertainment, music, food, and cultural programming. The FIFA Fan Festival will be hosted at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, and will run between Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, July 19, 2026, featuring live match broadcasts on large screens, diverse cultural performances, interactive art installations and a wide variety of local food experiences. This celebration will highlight Toronto’s diversity, talent and global appeal, reinforcing our city’s reputation as being "The World in a City”. While free general admission tickets are currently sold out, paid tickets are still available for some experiences and activations. Getting Around During the Tournament During the festival, we’re expecting the city to be a lot busier than usual, especially around the stadium, downtown, and key event areas. That means more visitors, more activity, and yes, more pressure on our roads and transit system. The City has been working closely with the TTC, Metrolinx, the Ministry of Transportation, Toronto Police Service, and Toronto Emergency Management to put a detailed Mobility Plan in place. The goal is simple: keep people moving safely and as smoothly as possible while still supporting major events and making sure emergency services can get where they need to go. That said, I want to be really honest with residents, there will be delays, detours, and some temporary closures during the tournament period. It’s all part of hosting an event of this scale. The best thing we can all do is plan ahead. Give yourself extra time, check routes before you travel, and consider transit, walking, or cycling where you can. Road closures around Toronto Stadium will be in effect on match days beginning approximately five hours before kickoff and ending up to three hours after matches conclude. Match Day Road Closure Schedule: • Friday, June 12 – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Wednesday, June 17 – 3 p.m. to midnight • Saturday, June 20 – noon to 9 p.m. • Tuesday, June 23 – 3 p.m. to midnight • Friday, June 26 – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Thursday, July 2 – 3 p.m. to midnight A little preparation will go a long way in making the experience easier for everyone. For help planning your journey, please check out the Getting Around Toronto webpage. FIFA Beyond the Games One of the most meaningful parts of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is the legacy it is helping build across Toronto, well beyond the six matches the city will welcome. Across neighbourhoods, there are investments in community programs, expanded access to sport and recreation, support for local businesses, skills development, and environmental initiatives that will continue long after the tournament ends. The approach brings together equity, economic inclusion, and community vibrancy as part of how the city is preparing and what it leaves behind. Residents will see that legacy in many forms. The City’s Community Celebration Support Fund is helping deliver more than 60 local events across Toronto, reflecting the diversity and energy of our communities and creating opportunities for residents to come together close to home. I hope to see many Don Valley North residents at two exciting local events. The first is the 2026 World Soccer Block Party at Parkway on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by the Parkway Centre Business Association. It will take over the Parkway Place parking lot at 243–255 Consumers Road and bring together families, neighbours, and soccer fans for an afternoon of soccer-themed games, bouncy castles, kids’ activities, live performances, local food vendors, and more. It is a great chance to enjoy the energy of the World Cup while supporting local businesses and connecting with the community. The second is The Entrepreneur’s Fiesta, hosted by the Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council, taking place at Mel Lastman Square on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This free community event will celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of Canada’s Hispanic and Latin American communities through music, dance, food, games, storytelling, and cultural performances. Across the city, there are also many other FIFA-related events to explore. An interactive events tool is available online for residents to find celebrations happening in their neighbourhoods throughout the tournament. Behind the scenes, there are also important investments in people and skills. Through procurement and partnerships, the City has supported workforce development and training programs that connect young people to opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and event operations. These partnerships are being built to continue well beyond the tournament and strengthen long-term career pathways. Sport and recreation are also a key part of this legacy. The City is expanding access through free youth soccer programs, leadership opportunities, and improved community facilities. This includes new mini-pitches in neighbourhoods across Toronto, as well as revitalized spaces like Centennial Park and the Visa Street Soccer Park at Nathan Phillips Square. The first of four Soccer for All Legacy mini-pitches has already opened, with additional sites at Apted Park, Amesbury Park, Grandravine Park, and Scarborough Village Park. These spaces offer enclosed, illuminated turf fields that support year-round play, free programming, and open community access for residents of all ages. Taken together, these investments reflect a city building opportunity, strengthening communities, and creating more ways for people to connect long after the final whistle. Toronto is ready to welcome the world, and I know Don Valley North residents will help show visitors the very best of our city. I encourage everyone to take part in the celebrations, support local events and businesses, and enjoy the incredible energy the FIFA World Cup will bring to Toronto this summer. I hope to see you on the pitch at Van Horne Park and throughout the city as we celebrate this historic moment together. North York General Hospital Long-Term Care Groundbreaking A quick additional note to celebrate this week’s groundbreaking for the new North York General Long-Term Care Development, a major milestone for seniors’ care both in our community and across Toronto. I am especially proud that this transformative project is happening right here in North York. From the very beginning, I worked closely with North York General Hospital to help move this project forward as quickly as possible. By working together to cut through delays and keep the process moving, we were able to save years in timelines and millions of dollars in costs so this much-needed care can reach residents sooner. The new development will include a 528-bed long-term care home, one of the largest in Ontario, along with two floors dedicated to seniors-focused services and parking that will support both the long-term care development and North York General Hospital. It will deliver some of the most advanced safety, infection prevention and control, and quality standards in the province. Most importantly, every resident will have the comfort, dignity, and privacy of their own bedroom and private bathroom.

Sheppard Avenue Road Reconstruction Sheppard Avenue East is in need of road resurfacing and reconstruction due to the poor condition of the road. In Toronto, roads are resurfaced every 25 to 35 years and reconstructed every 50-100 years, presenting a unique once-in-a-generation opportunity for the City to improve the design of the street with consideration to updated policies and design guidelines, as well as future needs of the community. The following changes are planned along Sheppard Avenue East from Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street: Reallocation of some vehicular lanes and narrowed lane widths to improve safety. Intersection improvements, including protected intersection elements at signalized intersections. Widened sidewalks and enhanced crossings to improve the experience of people walking and to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). New transit stop features, including accessible bus stops, new transit shelters and seating areas. Raised uni-directional (one-way) cycle tracks on the north and south side of the road. New plantings and green infrastructure. Thank you to everyone in the community who has taken the time to share their feedback on the proposed plan for the road reconstruction on Sheppard Avenue. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin this year. We will share more updates on this website as they become available. For more information about the project, visit the City’s website below: Learn more

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