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.

City Council met again last week and has made several important decisions that will affect daily life across Toronto and here in Don Valley North. From major investments in safer street lighting and smarter traffic signals, to improvements in tenant protections, housing access, and community programming, these updates reflect the practical steps the City is taking to improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life. I want to share what these changes mean for you and how they will support our community in the months and years ahead. EX30.1 Critical Investments in Streetlight Infrastructure for Public Safety (Ward All) Often, when we talk about safety in our neighbourhoods, I hear concerns about street lighting, whether it’s lights that are out, areas that feel too dim, or aging infrastructure that simply isn’t keeping up. Good lighting is a basic safety feature and goes a long way towards making our streets feel welcoming. That’s why I am pleased to share some very good news. City Council has approved a significant long-term investment to repair and upgrade Toronto’s street lighting system in partnership with Toronto Hydro, which owns the City’s streetlight infrastructure. Much of Toronto’s street lighting network is aging, and many components such as underground cables and poles require renewal. This new agreement allows the City to move forward with a coordinated program of repairs and upgrades that will bring the system up to modern standards. It represents a major capital investment and a carefully negotiated agreement that will allow this important safety work to move ahead. Through the City’s capital plan, Toronto will invest $577 million over the next 10 years to renew key infrastructure, replace aging equipment, and convert lighting across the city to modern, energy-efficient LED technology. This kind of behind-the-scenes infrastructure work doesn’t always make headlines, but makes a real difference in daily life, and I’m glad to see Toronto making the investment to get it right. EX30.5 FIFA World Cup 2026: Non-Competitive Procurement with the FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto vendor You may have heard discussion about the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival and concerns that fans would have to pay to attend. I’m pleased to say that council has approved a plan that will make about 80% of the 20,000 tickets available, free of charge. A smaller portion of premium tickets ($100–$300) will still be available, helping offset the costs of hosting and supporting enhanced amenities As part of Toronto’s Host City Agreement for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Toronto will host an official FIFA Fan Festival, billed as a global celebration of soccer, culture, and community. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the festival will take place at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, transforming these iconic spaces into lively gathering places where fans can watch live match broadcasts on large screens, enjoy cultural performances, explore interactive art installations, and sample food from Toronto’s diverse local vendors. With capacity currently estimated at up to 20,000 attendees, this will be one of the most vibrant public celebrations our city has ever hosted. I’m excited about what this will mean for Toronto. The Fan Festival will showcase our city’s creativity, diversity, and hospitality to the world. EC27.7 Refreshing Food and Beverage Offerings in Park and Recreation Spaces City Council has approved a new pilot program that will allow mobile food vendors, like food trucks and food carts to operate in select parks across Toronto this summer. This new City-coordinated program, led by Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation, will run from June 25 through approximately October 12, 2026. Vendors will be carefully screened and must meet all City licensing requirements, including DineSafe inspections, waste management standards, and strict operating rules. Depending on the size of a park, this could mean a single food truck in a smaller park or a small group of vendors in a larger one. Alcohol sales are not part of this program. I want to be very clear: no parks in Don Valley North have been identified for this pilot at this time. I will be working closely with Parks, Forestry and Recreation to identify suitable locations, using criteria that consider the character of the park, waste collections, environmental impacts, and how the space is used today. As always, my priority is to ensure that any new initiative enhances our parks while respecting the neighbourhoods around them. Your feedback will help shape which locations are considered as this pilot moves forward. Please share your thoughts with my office so we can ensure any changes reflect what our community wants IE28.1 - Congestion Management Plan - 2026 Spring Update Traffic congestion is one of the most common concerns I hear about when I meet with residents and businesses across Don Valley North. Whether it is signal timing, construction delays, or daily travel times, people want to know what practical steps the City is taking to keep traffic moving. City Council has now adopted a new 2026–2028 Congestion Management Plan, led by Toronto’s Chief Congestion Officer and focused on making measurable improvements to how our roads operate. The plan includes a $299.4 million investment to improve travel times and reduce gridlock through better construction coordination, improved traffic operations, stronger surface transit, and the use of smart technologies. One of the most important local highlights for our area is the continued expansion of smart traffic signal technology, including planned installations along Steeles Avenue East and Steeles Avenue West. When I speak with residents about congestion, signal timing almost always comes up. Many people ask why lights cannot adjust more quickly to changing traffic patterns. That is exactly what this technology is designed to do. Smart Traffic Signals use advanced software and sensors to respond to real-time traffic conditions, allowing signals to adapt automatically as volumes change throughout the day. These systems work particularly well in suburban areas like Don Valley North, where intersections are more standardized and traffic volumes are steady and predictable. The first installations will take place in May along Yonge Street from Mill Street near York Mills Road to Steeles Avenue. In the next phase, smart traffic signals are planned for sections of Steeles Avenue East and Steeles Avenue West. I will be sure to keep you updated as installation moves ahead! PH29.4 - RentSafeTO Update Report Last September at our Tenant Town Hall, many renters raised concerns about building conditions and enforcement for bad landlords. Council has now approved the final steps to introduce colour-coded rating signage for apartment buildings through the City’s RentSafeTO program. Modeled after the well-known DineSafe system for restaurants, landlords will soon need to post green, yellow, or red signs in visible locations to show the results of their most recent inspection. These updates also strengthen how the City scores violations, improve audit processes, and introduce new tools to address repeat non-compliance. The new signage system takes effect June 15, 2026, and will give tenants clearer, at-a-glance information about building conditions while helping the City hold landlords accountable. PH29.5 - Advancing the City’s Affordable Housing Access System Accessing affordable housing was another issue that came up again and again at the Tenant Town Hall. Many residents shared that trying to find and become eligible for affordable housing lotteries was confusing, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate. We heard you! last week, Council approved a new centralized application system so residents can apply for both Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing and Affordable Rental housing in one place through the MyAccesstoHousingTO portal. Right now, applicants often have to apply separately to individual buildings and keep track of multiple waiting lists. Under the new approach, you will submit one application and be considered for available homes across the system. This change will make the process more transparent and consistent, help available homes fill faster, and give the City better oversight to ensure housing opportunities reach those who need them most. It will also introduce a standardized random draw system for Affordable Rental homes, creating a clearer and fairer way to allocate units. Implementation is expected by late 2026, and I will continue to share updates as the new system rolls out. Making affordable housing easier to find and access remains a key part of our HousingTO Action Plan and our work to ensure every Torontonian has access to safe, stable housing. Whether it’s upgrading infrastructure, improving housing systems, or creating more welcoming public spaces, I will continue to advocate for investments that make a real difference in people’s daily lives. As always, I welcome your feedback—please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office to share your thoughts or questions.

At next week’s North York Community Council meeting, one of the most important items for Don Valley North residents will be the Peanut Streets Plan report. I want to take some time to explain how we got here, remind everyone what a Neighbourhood Streets Plan is, and what I will be recommending as we move forward.   You might remember from an E-Blast I wrote in 2024 that The Peanut neighbourhood was selected for the 2023–2024 Neighbourhood Streets Plans (NSP) program cycle.   Neighbourhood Streets Plans are a relatively new City service that takes a holistic approach to transportation planning in areas where traffic patterns may be affecting safety and mobility. Instead of adding safety measures one at a time, City transportation staff study the entire neighbourhood, work with residents to identify concerns, and recommend a coordinated set of changes. This approach helps maximize safety improvements, anticipate knock-on effects on surrounding streets, and strike an important balance between improving safety and maintaining traffic flow.   We began community consultations in March 2024, and last November we held a second consultation where residents were able to review the proposed interventions developed by staff. It was a cold, snowy night, and only a handful of residents were able to attend, but those who did had a very thoughtful discussion with us.   That conversation reminded me why this neighbourhood deserves careful attention and strong community involvement.   At that November meeting, one resident asked me why I always refer to this neighbourhood as “The Peanut.” Did the nickname come first, or did Peanut Plaza create the name?   Because my family’s roots go so far back in this neighbourhood, I was able to answer.   The community around the peanut-shaped island at Don Mills Road was originally intended to be known as the Oriole Community, hence the name of Oriole Arena and community centre.   But in the early 1960s, when the Sitzer family was designing the shopping plaza, one of the children looked at the drawings spread across the dining room table and said, “It looks like a giant peanut.” The name stuck. From the moment the sign went up, everyone simply called the area The Peanut.   Years later, after I was first elected, a heritage architect showed me an original North York Borough plan for the area. I was surprised to discover that parts of the road network and pedestrian safety design were never fully completed.   Why? Because as the city grew rapidly, the extension of the Don Valley Parkway beyond Highway 401 was delayed, and commuters began  using Don Mills Road as an express route to Markham and Richmond Hill. The needs of the local community, and especially children trying to get to school safely, got pushed aside.   Now, finally, we have the opportunity to finish that work and put safety back into the fabric of the Peanut Community.   Based on community feedback, technical studies, and City policy review, four major safety concerns have been identified:   Lack of direct and safe pedestrian crossings, especially along Don Mills Road Long wait times at signals, making pedestrian crossings frustrating and unsafe Limited cycling infrastructure, which can push cyclists onto sidewalks Motor vehicle speeding on neighbourhood streets, a major contributor to serious collisions   These findings reflect what many of you have told me directly over the years.   The report includes many recommended changes. Some of these are widely supported and address urgent safety needs. The need for safer pedestrian crossings was identified early in the consultation process, and I have heard clearly from residents that these improvements are a top priority. These are safety upgrades we should not delay.   I will be supporting approval of three new protected pedestrian crossings, located at:   Don Mills Road West, approximately 135 metres north of Fairview Mall Drive Van Horne Avenue, approximately 55 metres east of Deerford Road Don Mills Road West, approximately 75 metres south of Van Horne Avenue, between the concrete island and the pedestrian access to the shopping centre   Other proposed measures, including proposals for new speed humps, zebra crossings, all-way stop controls, additional crosswalks and curb radius reductions will require more community input before final approval.   While City staff have done strong technical work, I am not satisfied that we have heard from enough residents yet. That snowy consultation night, during the height of the Canada Post strike, simply did not capture the full range of voices in this neighbourhood.   For that reason, I will be deferring parts of the plan so that we can return to the community, share the proposals more widely, and hear directly from more residents about what you support and what concerns you may have.   This report represents meaningful progress, but we must get it right. Over the coming months, my office will be working with City staff to hold additional consultations and gather more feedback before bringing the remaining elements back for approval.   In the meantime, please review the report and let me know your thoughts!   If you’re reviewing the North York Community Council Agenda you might have questions about some other items impacting us here in Don Valley North   NY32.18 - Adra Grado Way and Okra Tomar Crescent - Pay-and-Display Parking   For years, my office has been working to manage excess street parking on Adra Grado Way. Too often, limited visitor parking has led to vehicles parking on both sides of the street. Despite ongoing enforcement, illegal parking has continued, creating safety concerns by limiting emergency vehicle access.   Last summer, I met with Transportation Services and Toronto Community Housing staff to explore creative ways to increase available parking while keeping the roadway clear and safe. This report proposes introducing pay-and-display parking, which will not affect traffic flow and is expected to create approximately 34 new on-street paid parking spaces.     NY32.19 - Francine Drive - Traffic Calming (Speed Humps)   This report was initiated after residents on Francine Drive requested measures to address speeding. Staff have confirmed that warrants are met and are recommending eight speed humps between Zircon Court and Janus Court. However, we are also consulting with the parent council and administration at A.Y. Jackson Secondary School, who have raised safety concerns during pick-up and drop-off times. I plan to defer this item to allow more consultation and bring forward a holistic plan that addresses both neighbourhood speeding and school safety concerns.   NY32.20 - Ruddington Drive - Traffic Calming (Speed Humps)   This report was initiated after residents on Ruddington Drive requested measures to address speeding. Staff have confirmed that warrants are met and are recommending the installation of three speed humps on Ruddington Drive between Cummer Avenue and Wyvern Road. We have received strong community support for this change, and I will be recommending approval.   As always, your input plays an essential role in shaping the decisions we make at City Hall. Whether it’s large neighbourhood plans like the Peanut Streets Plan or smaller traffic and parking changes on local streets, hearing directly from residents helps ensure we get the balance right between safety, mobility, and community needs. I encourage you to stay engaged, review the items that matter to you, and reach out to my office to share your feedback.     Statement on Fairview Mall Shooting   Many residents have reached out following Tuesday morning’s shooting at Fairview Mall, a place where so many families in our community shop and gather every day. My thoughts remain with the victim and their loved ones, and I am relieved to hear that the injured security guard is now reported to be in stable condition.   Later Tuesday, police issued a news release identifying the suspect as a 53-year-old Montreal man with ties to Toronto and Vancouver. He is also wanted in connection with a break-and-enter investigation in Durham Region dating back to August 2023. I am grateful for how quickly investigators were able to identify the suspect, and I remain in close contact with 33 Division as they continue their work to locate and apprehend him.   While the investigation is still ongoing, the available evidence suggests this was not a random act of violence. This incident appears to have resulted from a smash-and-grab attempt gone wrong, a targeted criminal event and is not considered a threat to the general public. While this does not make it any less serious, I hope it provides some reassurance to those who are understandably concerned about their safety in the area.   I also want to recognize that Fairview Mall is supported by a range of established safety measures, including the Division 33 Police Hub on site, along with dedicated security and ongoing coordination between Toronto Police and mall management. I encourage anyone who is visiting the mall to drop by the safety hub, and talk to our officers about everything they are doing to keep the area safe. I know speaking directly to the experts makes me feel more secure.   Residents can expect a significantly increased police presence in and around the mall in the coming days as officers continue their investigation and work to reassure the community.   I want to thank the first responders, security personnel, and mall staff who acted quickly in a frightening situation. I urge anyone with information, to contact Toronto Police Service immediately at 416-808-3300, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.   If you or anyone you know has been impacted by this event and you require access to resources or support, please contact Christene Lewis, a Community Development Officer with the City’s Violence Intervention and Support Unit (VISU) by telephone (437)-551-1173 or email Christene.Lewis@Toronto.ca. You can also contact my office directly.     North York is a strong, resilient community. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as they become available.

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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Contact Us Contact (416) 338-2650 Councillor_Carroll@toronto.ca It’s my job to be your voice at City Hall. Please stay in touch with to let me know how things are going in your neighbourhood. Use the graphic below as a quick reference to remind you what my team can help you with. Even if you aren't sure if we can help you, contact us anyway – we'll know someone who can. We are here to listen, solve problems, and bring your voice to City Hall. Toronto City Hall 100 Queen St W, Suite A3 Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2 North York Civic Centre 5100 Yonge St Toronto, ON, M2N 5V7 *By appointment only