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Summer is just around the corner, and I hope you and your loved ones are looking forward to enjoying everything our vibrant community has to offer. We’ve got some exciting events lined up—and important updates to help keep you safe and cool during the warmer months. First, I’m thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Summer Celebration! On Saturday, July 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, we’ll be gathering outdoors at Oriole Community Centre for an afternoon filled with fun, food, and community spirit. This is truly one of my favourite events of the year. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the neighbourhood, it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy a delicious BBQ, take in some live music, play games, and take part in family-friendly activities for all ages. I hope you’ll join us to help kick off the summer season in style! We’re also looking for high school students to volunteer at the event. If you know a student who needs to complete their 40 community service hours, this is a fantastic chance to get involved. Students can sign up here. And don’t forget to save the date for our Outdoor Movie Night! Join us on Thursday, July 31 from 7:00 to 11:00 PM at Parkway Forest Park. Bring a blanket, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a relaxing evening under the stars. We’ll be announcing the movie selection soon—stay tuned! If you can’t wait until July, our friends at the Dallington Pollinators Community Garden are hosting their eighth annual movie night in Dallington Park on Saturday, June 7. Starting at 6:30 PM, they’ll have family-friendly activities including prizes, a scavenger hunt, a colouring contest, and more. The movie—The Wild Robot—will begin at dusk, around 8:45 PM. Keeping Our Streets Neat This Summer Every summer, my office hears from residents about the importance of keeping our neighbourhood green spaces looking their best. I’m pleased to share that the City’s 2025 grass cutting program is now underway, with up to seven scheduled cuts running through to November, weather permitting. These crews handle the basics: picking up litter, mowing the grass to a tidy height, and trimming around poles and signs in the right-of-way. In Don Valley North, that includes our major boulevards, centre medians, and sections of the hydro corridor trails. It’s a big job, and I know how important it is to keep these areas clean and welcoming. If you notice a City-maintained space that’s been missed or needs attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We’ll follow up directly with Transportation Services to make sure it’s addressed. Of course, we also count on residents to do their part. Homeowners are still responsible for maintaining the boulevard in front of their property—keeping grass under 20 cm, clearing weeds and litter, and trimming hedges to a safe height. Staying Cool and Safe in a Changing Climate Each summer, it becomes more and more clear that Toronto is feeling the effects of climate change. Longer, more intense heat waves are becoming the norm, and the risks—particularly for seniors and those with existing health conditions—are growing. That’s why keeping residents safe and comfortable during extreme heat has become a top priority. You might recall that in 2023, I brought a motion to Council asking for a review of our temperature bylaws , because the rules in place simply weren’t keeping up with today’s reality. I still vividly remember visiting three apartment buildings in the ward during an early spring heat wave. Despite outdoor temperatures soaring into the high 80s and 90s Fahrenheit, the heat inside was still blasting. Residents were being virtually cooked in their own homes. The room where I met with tenants was so unbearably hot that I struggled to think clearly—and I wasn’t even the one living there every day. As a result, the bylaw has been updated to allow landlords to be more responsive and to turn off the heat earlier in the season. But, as we just saw with the recent cold snap, fixed calendar dates are not a reliable way to manage indoor temperatures. That’s why the City is still exploring the feasibility of moving to a fully temperature-based system. Staff are gathering real-time data and consulting with public health experts, housing inspectors, and other city divisions to look at the condition of buildings, how work orders are handled, and how city-run cooling centres can better serve not only those experiencing homelessness, but also seniors and other vulnerable residents. The goal is simple: to ensure our policies reflect the actual weather, not the calendar. Residents deserve safe, livable homes that protect their health and dignity in real time. I’ll be following this work closely and will keep you updated as it progresses. While that work is ongoing, I’m proud to support a new initiative aimed at protecting some of our most vulnerable neighbours: the Air Conditioner Pilot Program for Low-Income Seniors . This thoughtful, equity-focused program will provide free portable air conditioning units to eligible low-income seniors who have health conditions that can be worsened by extreme heat—conditions like asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, and even cancer. Applicants will be selected through a randomized draw and the eligibility criteria is pretty specific, so If you are interested, please take a look at the details carefully. Applications are now open and will be accepted until Friday, June 6. Seniors—or their caregivers—can apply in the way that works best for them: • Online at toronto.ca/ACProgram • By phone at 416-397-2220 • In person at one of the following community hubs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM: • Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Dr.): May 27 & June 3 • Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter St.): May 28 & June 4 • Keele Community Hub (1652 Keele St.): May 30 & June 6 If you know someone who might benefit from this program, please help us spread the word. Every unit distributed through this pilot could make the difference between comfort and crisis during a heat wave. Of course, we also know that sometimes you’re just out and about in the city and need a quick place to cool off—especially during a heat wave. While many local businesses have air conditioning, not every space is accessible or clearly marked when you’re in a hurry and the heat is rising. That’s why the City has created a helpful interactive Cool Spaces Map. Just enter an address or nearby intersection, and you’ll be able to locate the closest place to take a break from the heat—whether that’s a swimming pool, library, community centre, or other public building with air conditioning. You can also browse the map directly and filter by location type, available amenities, and days of operation, so you can find exactly what you need. As we head into the summer season, I hope you’ll take every opportunity to get outside and enjoy all that Don Valley North has to offer, from our parks and trails to our upcoming community events. At the same time, please take steps to stay safe in the heat, check in on neighbours, stay hydrated, and make use of the City’s cooling resources if needed. Whether it’s a movie night in the park or a cool afternoon at a local community centre, let’s make this a summer to remember, full of connection, care, and community spirit.

This month’s City Council meeting was another step forward in our ongoing work to build a better, more responsive Toronto. We made important progress on a number of fronts this month, from reducing noise and pollution by limiting the use of gas-powered lawn equipment, to navigating the complex challenge of how we protect access to vital social infrastructure like places of worship, schools, and cultural institutions, while also upholding the essential right to gather and protest. In that spirit of thoughtful, practical policymaking, I brought forward two motions aimed at tapping into the real-world expertise of two key groups: our frontline City staff and our small business community. These are the people who experience the City’s operations up close, and they often have the clearest view of what’s working, and what needs to change. MM30.23 – Establishing an Annual Mayor’s Savings Challenge As you’ve heard me say before, our multi-year budget strategy isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about delivering real value for the big investments Torontonians have already made. Through the 2023 and 2024 Budgets, we asked residents to share their expertise and help us chart a course that protects services while planning responsibly for the future. Now, we’re taking the next step: tapping into the deep knowledge of the people who keep this city running day in and day out. While senior management has already begun the work of reviewing programs for efficiency, we know the people with the clearest line of sight to efficiency are our frontline staff. That’s why I brought forward the Mayor’s Savings Challenge, an initiative that invites frontline staff to bring forward practical, cost-saving ideas that can be implemented in time for the next budget. These are the folks who know the ins and outs of our systems, and they often have the smartest, simplest ideas for delivering better services at lower costs. Those of you who’ve lived here long enough might remember when then–North York Mayor Mel Lastman introduced this kind of challenge right here in our legacy city. It generated real savings and fostered pride in workmanship. It also helped strengthen the relationship between City Hall and its own front-line workers. We’re now working to revive that same spirit of collaboration. This effort isn’t about cutting jobs; it’s about improving how we work and making every dollar count. MM30.24 – Piloting a Red Tape Hotline for Businesses As we continue to carry out Sidewalks to Skylines , the 10-Year Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy adopted late last year, we’re focused on making life easier for our city’s business owners. In a time when local entrepreneurs are already grappling with rising costs, labour shortages, and new threats from U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration, it’s more important than ever to cut through the delays, duplication, and red tape that too often stand in the way of success. My second motion launches a pilot “Red Tape Hotline” for business owners. Operated by our Economic Development team, this direct line will give local entrepreneurs a way to report inefficient permitting processes, outdated by-laws, or overly burdensome regulations. It’s a chance to collect real-world feedback, fix the small problems that slow down business, and provide immediate help where possible. The four-month pilot will conclude with a report later this year. Ahead of the 2026 Budget Process, staff will bring forward a full summary of the issues raised through the hotline, along with recommendations for administrative and by-law changes to reduce red tape. They’ll also evaluate the pilot’s overall effectiveness, including whether it should be continued or expanded. These two motions are grounded in a simple idea: whether you’re a staff member working on the front lines or a business owner navigating our systems, your experience matters. By listening more closely, we can build a more affordable, efficient, and forward-thinking City. IE21.4 - Transitioning Towards Zero-Emission Outdoor Power Equipment On this item, I really must thank all of my E-Blast readers. I asked for your input, and you responded from every corner of the ward. The overwhelming message was clear: you wanted me to vote in favour of banning two-stroke engine lawn equipment. That strong response likely reflects the thoughtful work City staff have done to bring forward a reasonable proposal. Since 2022, staff have been phasing out two-stroke equipment within City operations as part of our TransformTO climate action strategy. They used the lessons learned from that process to recommend a gradual phase-out for homeowners as well. Despite this, Council chose to move quickly on the item by approving a more limited approach. The approved plan only phases out two-stroke engine equipment used by City services. I called for a recorded vote to highlight the issue, but only five councillors supported extending the ban to residential use. The City will now begin a public education campaign to help residents understand why reducing the use of two-stroke engines is important for our air quality. The goal is to encourage residents to plan ahead and switch to cleaner equipment. Meanwhile, the City’s own phase-out will continue, which still represents thousands of pieces of equipment being upgraded to cleaner alternatives. CC30.5 - Proposed By-law Amendment to Provide Access to Social Infrastructure This was not an easy decision for Council. A great deal of research and legal analysis informed the resulting bylaw to ensure it could be enforced without violating any Canadian’s Charter rights. For the past two years, Toronto Police have worked hard to maintain public order through Project Resolute, but clarity and safety had to come first. Since October 7, 2023, protests have taken place across the city, often targeting vital social infrastructure. I think we can all agree that every Canadian should be able to access these institutions freely—without discouragement, intimidation, or fear. Whether it’s a childcare centre, a school, or a place of worship, people should feel safe and free from judgment accessing those spaces. City staff took this issue seriously and undertook thorough in-person consultations, knowing that online surveys or virtual meetings wouldn’t be enough. Their proposed bylaw aimed to strike a careful balance between community feedback and legal requirements. While Council did make some amendments, I believe staff’s thoughtful approach laid a strong foundation. I’ve listened carefully to the feedback I’ve received from our community and have taken extra steps to gather more information and supplement my understanding. In the end, I support the use of bubble zones around these facilities when operators have applied for them, because we must protect both the right to express oneself and the right to access essential services safely. I continue to hope the Prime Minister follows through on his campaign promise to establish a national approach, but Toronto needs a solution now for sites that face ongoing disruption. I recognize that many people involved in these protests are peaceful. However, we’ve seen time and again that some individuals show up specifically to block access or to provoke until police must step in to restore order or investigate potential hate crimes or mischief under the Criminal Code. Many residents of Don Valley North have never encountered one of these protests directly. What concerns you more are the random, everyday acts of hate and bias that occur throughout the city. I want you to know that the Toronto Police Service and City staff continue to work together across all communities to implement the goals of SafeTO,  our city’s community safety and well-being plan. SafeTO , like we discussed last week, is a broad and evolving plan that delivers the supports, education, and resources our communities need to stay safe. That must always include a firm commitment to addressing and eliminating bias, racism, and hate in all its forms.

I want to take a moment to update you on the work we’re doing—both locally in Don Valley North and citywide—to strengthen safety in our communities. This week, I joined Mayor Olivia Chow and Chief Myron Demkiw to launch Police Week in Toronto. It’s a moment to reflect not only on the important role that police play, but on how we’re building safety together through community programs, crisis response, and stronger partnerships. Here in Don Valley North, one of the biggest steps forward has been the new 33 Division Community Safety Hub at Fairview Mall. This Hub was created after years of feedback from local residents and business owners who wanted to see a greater police presence in the neighbourhood—but also wanted something more than just traditional patrols. This Hub is different. It isn’t a substation for arrests or enforcement—it’s a space for education, outreach, and community connection. At the Hub, officers have a visible, accessible presence where they can build relationships with local youth, talk to residents, and host community engagement sessions. It also gives our local police the chance to learn from the community—to understand what people are seeing and feeling on the ground. This is the kind of community policing we’re working to grow in Toronto: policing that is rooted in trust, transparency, and partnership. And right now, we are showing how this model can work.   That same approach is embedded in the City’s broader SafeTO strategy , which is helping us rethink how we approach community safety. We know that police alone can’t solve every safety challenge. That’s why SafeTO brings together multiple City services—including mental health teams, housing supports, and youth outreach programs—to deliver a more comprehensive response to violence and crisis. For example, we now have mobile crisis teams and specialized call diversion programs that connect residents in distress with trained mental health professionals, not just police officers. That kind of early, compassionate intervention helps reduce harm and build trust—especially in communities where residents may not feel safe calling 9-1-1. These services complement the work being done by the 33 Division, local neighbourhood groups, and school safety programs. We’re also seeing encouraging progress when it comes to crime trends and police response. Through my work on the Toronto Police Services Board, I worked closely with City and Police leadership to develop the 5-Year Hiring and Modernization Pla n adopted in 2024—a plan I outlined in detail in this earlier eblast . Since then, we’ve seen real results: response times are improving, and key crime indicators are moving in the right direction. So far in 2025, violent crimes like robberies and assaults are down, and auto thefts—which hit record highs last year—have dropped significantly. These improvements matter. When residents call for help, they deserve a timely, professional response. At the same time, we’re holding the Service accountable for how it uses resources and how it engages with the public. As Chair of the Toronto Police Service Board, I’ve made it a priority to ensure that this hiring comes with clear expectations around community presence, better data reporting, and stronger oversight. Another area we’re watching closely is hate crimes . In 2024, we saw a troubling rise in reported hate incidents in Toronto—many targeting members of our Jewish, Muslim, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. In 2025, reported hate crimes are trending downward, but we can’t afford to be complacent. We know that underreporting remains a serious issue. Many victims of hate-motivated harassment or violence still don’t feel comfortable coming forward—because they worry they won’t be taken seriously, or because they’re unsure whether what they experienced “counts.” That’s why part of our work at the Board is to improve how we handle these reports. We’re expanding training for officers, improving public education, and making it easier for residents to report incidents in multiple languages and formats. Feeling safe means more than just seeing the crime stats go down—it means feeling welcomed, seen, and supported in your neighbourhood. That’s what community safety really looks like. It’s not just about enforcement—it’s about making sure every resident, regardless of background, feels they have someone to turn to and a community that cares. There’s still work to do. We need to keep investing in youth programming and community spaces. We need to make sure people with mental health needs get help before crisis strikes. We need to continue listening to those who say, “I don’t feel safe,” and work together to change that reality. As your Councillor and as Chair of the Police Board, I remain committed to working with you every step of the way. If you have ideas, concerns, or questions about safety in your neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We’re here, we’re listening, and we’re ready to act.

Yesterday, the Infrastructure and Environment Committee met at City Hall and considered a long-awaited report on the feasibility of banning leaf blowers and other lawn equipment powered by two-stroke gas engines. For many years, I’ve supported a ban on small equipment powered by two-stroke engines whenever the opportunity arises. These engines burn oil and gas in a way that releases high levels of pollutants, which harm air quality and put people’s health at risk. Leaf blowers used to rely heavily on these engines, but thankfully, that’s starting to shift. Sales of corded electric and battery-powered lawn equipment for homeowners are on the rise, thanks to significant improvements in quality and affordability. In fact, on most consumer retail websites, you now have to scroll quite far to find gas-powered blowers or mowers. The City has the power to propose a ban, but you, the consumer, seem to be leading the way by already choosing cleaner options. Where we can make the most impact now is in the professional use of lawn equipment. The City of Toronto still has 3,500 pieces of gas-powered lawn equipment in our inventory. While some landscaping companies are starting to transition to electric or battery-powered tools, many continue to use older gas models for as long as they remain functional. Most complaints to my office about leaf blower noise and fumes come during the summer months. That’s when lawn care companies, well beyond the leaf-clearing season, use blowers to clean up grass clippings and tidy properties. When these aren’t electric, we are subjected to unnecessary noise and pollution from two-stroke engines. All of this brings us to the report discussed yesterday. City staff have presented two options for Council to consider. Option A: Lead by Example City staff would continue their current practice of not purchasing gas-powered small engine equipment. The existing inventory would be phased out as quickly as budgets allow, just as 24 out of 25 other cities studied have done. This option would also include annual funding for an education campaign encouraging homeowners and businesses to voluntarily move away from two-stroke engines. Option B: Full Ban (Phased-In) Council could still choose to adopt a full ban. This would begin with an education campaign and include a plan to phase out small-engine lawn equipment in stages, starting with certain items in 2030 and reaching a complete ban by 2033. The committee recommended Option A, which stops short of a full ban and calls for a 2027 progress report on the City's equipment transition and education efforts. This gives me a valuable opportunity to hear from you before I cast my vote at Council later this month. It is important to note that this would not apply to larger industrial equipment used by some landscapers. These machines use different types of engines, which ironically have a lower environmental impact than their smaller counterparts, but they can still be noisy. Dealing with the issue of gas-powered leaf blowers—and similar landscaping equipment—has been a long-standing frustration for me. There is an enormous amount of work underway in the space of climate action, and limited resources to get it all done. City Staff have consistently told us this isn't where they feel their efforts can have the most impact, especially when weighed against other, larger emission sources. And truthfully, they are making progress where it counts. Just earlier today, I joined the Fire Chief, Mayor Chow, and our TransformTO climate staff at Station 141 on Esther Shiner Boulevard to celebrate a major milestone—the launch of Toronto’s first two electric pumper trucks. That kind of fleet investment has measurable impact on our emissions targets and is the result of years of careful, strategic planning. I’m proud of what we’re achieving there. But at the same time, I haven’t let go of something I discovered while working from home during the pandemic, when residents were writing to me in growing numbers about the noise and emissions from leaf blowers. I came across a statistic that stopped me in my tracks, and I’ve had it saved on my iPad ever since: So, caught in a dilemma, I turn to you for advice. You may be a regular reader but not someone who usually writes in. This week, I would especially appreciate hearing from you. Please take a moment to reply to this email and let me know how you feel about leaf blowers and Options A and B. You can read the whole report here . It includes detailed research and comparisons with other cities, particularly in the attached materials. If you have other thoughts or concerns as well, feel free to share them. These eblasts are a great time to jot down anything you’ve noticed in the neighbourhood. I always value your feedback.

It’s the start of the fifth month, and for the first time this year, there is no major democratic decision looming over us. That’s a bit wild when you think about it. We came out of the holiday break with pundits churning out endless “Will he or won’t he?” takes about Justin Trudeau. Since then, we have been through a national leadership race, a provincial election, and a federal one. So… what now? With the dust settling from Monday’s election, I am genuinely optimistic. We finally have a window where all three orders of government are in place and out of election mode. That means it's time to bring Toronto’s priorities to the table and push for the strong intergovernmental collaboration our city needs—and is ready for. Our City Manager recently released a document that outlines the Mayor and Council’s shared priorities, those areas where cooperation across all governments is essential. The document is titled Building a Better City for All , and it’s a concise, accessible guide to where our focus lies.These four top priorities are now guiding the work of our senior city staff and Council’s executive team. They also form the foundation for our intergovernmental outreach: Supporting people and businesses through economic uncertainty Building affordable homes faster Keeping Toronto and the GTA moving by accelerating transit repairs and expansion Ensuring a caring and safe city by enhancing public safety and supports for the homeless, the vulnerable, and our children Now, it might sound like Toronto is asking other governments to solve all our problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. What we are asking is for recognition that these priorities can’t be addressed with property tax revenue alone. Back in 2023, Mayor Chow and Premier Ford struck a historic agreement, The New Deal, Part One , that lasts through 2026. It allowed Toronto to begin recovering from the pandemic’s financial impacts, backed by both provincial support and your ongoing contributions through property taxes. What was missing at the time was the participation of the federal government. If we’re going to develop a sustainable financial model for Canada’s largest city, home to more than a million more people than any other, we need revenue tools that grow with the economy. The HST, collected federally, is one such tool. It’s in the long-term interest of both the federal and provincial governments to see Toronto supported by a mature, modern funding framework. I’m eager to discuss this with newly elected federal colleagues from Toronto, including former Councillor Jennifer McKelvie and our new MP in Don Valley North, Maggie Chi. Mayor Chow will, of course, take this to Prime Minister Carney and any new cabinet ministers following a shuffle. One of the other critical areas for renewed collaboration is public safety. Toronto’s size, diversity, and global profile mean our police service faces pressures unlike any other. With a new five-year collective agreement in place and a focused hiring plan underway, we’ve taken real steps to support and stabilize frontline policing. Now, we need federal involvement to match that effort, particularly on complex issues like gun smuggling, organized crime, cybercrime, and other transnational threats that local forces simply can’t tackle alone. Of course, economic development remains front and centre. One of the biggest ballot box issues in the recent elections was the economic fallout from aggressive U.S. trade policies. Even with some tariffs paused or rolled back, the Trade War continues to impact Canadian businesses. In my work with Economic Development staff and the Mayor’s Tariff Response Action Team, I can assure you we are ready to work with both reconstituted governments. Toronto already had an economic plan focused on global competitiveness and diversified trade. We’re now moving faster, building partnerships across oceans and continents. We’ve also been checking in with Toronto-based businesses, large and small, to assess how they’re being affected and help them survive until other levels of government can step in. I recently visited Plastic Plus, a local eyeglass lens manufacturer. Owner Paul Faibish gave us a tour of the factory floor, where we met employees who have been there for 10, 20, even 40 years. One long-time staffer even put their children through university on their wages, including one who became a City Planner. Businesses like these may only employ 100 people, but they are pillars of their communities and can be devastated by unfair tariffs on the goods they import or export. While our powers are limited, we’ve deferred property tax payments for some of these businesses to buy them time. Now, it’s time for Premier Ford and Prime Minister Carney to step up with further supports and ideally, a better trade deal. Our Economic Development team is also laying the groundwork for new foreign investment and helping Toronto businesses expand and prepare to export. During the annual SIAL Conference this week at Exhibition Place, I toured an incredible showcase of food innovators and manufacturers. The City featured 14 startup businesses and 20 larger Toronto brands and many founders told me exactly what they need to grow and reach global markets. The equation is simple: the more these companies can produce and sell internationally, especially in ways that sidestep the Trade War, the more Torontonians they can employ. We’re doing our part at the City. Now we’re looking to the newly elected federal and provincial governments to do theirs. Because when all three levels of government work together, everyone wins—including you.

It was another full week at City Hall, and I want to take a moment to share a few highlights from this month’s Council meeting with you. From tackling traffic congestion and improving how we deliver capital projects, to updating our dog off-leash strategy and preparing for the future of AI in municipal services—there’s a lot happening that directly affects our daily lives here in Don Valley North and across the city. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of these items. EX22.3 - Towards a Beautiful City - A Path Forward   At this month’s Council meeting, we will take another important step forward on something I know many of care deeply about: the beauty, functionality, and vibrancy of our shared public spaces.   In response to a motion called Towards a Beautiful City, senior City staff across Planning, Parks, and Transportation have laid out a thoughtful path forward to strengthen design excellence, improve maintenance, and elevate the experience of the public realm citywide. Why does this matter? Because a beautiful city is about more than aesthetics. Well-designed, welcoming public spaces help foster civic pride and order. They encourage us to spend more time outdoors, interact with our neighbours, and truly feel like we belong. From wide, tree-lined sidewalks to thoughtfully designed parks and public buildings, every detail of our city’s physical environment shapes our daily lives.   In Don Valley North, I’ve long championed high-quality public space through our development work—ensuring new communities come with meaningful public realm investments that reflect the needs and diversity of our neighbourhoods. Whether it’s adding new parkland, upgrading street furniture, or protecting natural heritage, I’ve worked alongside residents and City staff to make sure our growing city doesn’t lose sight of the importance of beauty and function in public design. This new initiative outlines two key themes:   Stronger Leadership in Design Excellence – including improved oversight, better procurement processes, and making high-quality design a priority in public projects.   A Better Maintained Public Realm – including clearer construction guidelines, upgraded service levels, and a citywide “Clean and Beautiful” campaign to build civic culture and shared responsibility.   As we prepare for major international events like the 2026 World Cup, and continue to welcome new residents, investing in the look and feel of our city isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential to our identity, economy, and quality of life.   GG20.10 - Review of Bid Award Panel   Let’s talk about one of those behind-the-scenes City processes that has a big impact on how we get things done—the Bid Award Panel (or BAP for short).   The Bid Award Panel was originally created after amalgamation to play a hands-on role in reviewing bids and ensuring fairness in the City’s procurement process. At the time, it made sense—Toronto was transitioning into one unified city, and we needed strong oversight as we figured out how to handle complex purchases across departments.   For those unfamiliar, a bid is a formal offer from a company or contractor to provide goods or services to the City—whether that’s fixing roads, constructing facilities, or delivering specialized equipment. These bids come in response to posted Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or tenders, and the City awards contracts based on price, quality, timelines, and other factors. But like many things in government, the BAP’s role has shifted over time. As our procurement systems grew more robust, the Panel evolved from playing an active, decision-making role into something more procedural. Today, there are already extensive checks and safeguards built into the procurement process—financial reviews, legal assessments, transparency measures—so much so that BAP has become a duplicated step, adding delays and administrative workload without contributing meaningful oversight.   The recent staff review of BAP made it clear: the current system isn’t working as intended. The Panel’s review functions are no longer adding value, and in fact, they may be slowing down our ability to award contracts efficiently. In light of that, staff have recommended we phase out the Bid Award Panel altogether and modernize our procurement approval framework.   I support this change. Not only will it streamline our processes, but it also allows for earlier engagement in the procurement timeline. As a Councillor, I’ll now have access to the same TO Bids software that staff use to post Requests for Proposals. This means I can better understand what we’re asking contractors to deliver—early in the process—before contracts are awarded.   Of course, we’re not letting go of accountability. We’ll continue to follow a rigorous financial control bylaw, overseen by our finance division and the Auditor General. What will change is our ability to move faster, reduce red tape, and ensure competitive bids stay relevant and cost-effective by the time decisions are made. The industry has told us this will help them bid with more confidence—and that translates into better value for Toronto.   This is a great example of how the City can evolve, improve, and adapt as our systems mature—and I’ll keep a close eye on how this new approach delivers results.    GG20.14 - Establishing The City of Toronto Mayor's Awards for Artificial Intelligence Innovation within City Divisions, Agencies, and Boards   This item comes from a motion moved by my colleague, Councillor Ainslie. While I don’t typically support internal award programs like this one—especially when there are already so many third-party organizations eager to recognize municipal achievements—I do think this item opens the door for an important conversation about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in local government.   As the Mayor’s Economic Development & Culture Champion, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with a range of companies—both local and international—that are doing truly innovative work in the AI space. Their advancements offer exciting opportunities for a city like ours, particularly when it comes to efficiency, cost savings, and improving service delivery for residents. Municipal government is a natural fit for certain types of AI—not necessarily the large language models that you see in search engines or ChatGPT, but smaller, more scoped applications. These tools can help streamline administrative tasks, support decision-making, and improve everything from traffic flow analysis to building inspection processes. Used thoughtfully and responsibly, AI can be a powerful tool to help our staff do their jobs more effectively and make better use of public dollars.   To that end, while the implementation of the proposed awards program itself has been deferred until 2026, Council has endorsed a more immediate initiative: the creation of an AI Use Case Incubator through our Tariff Response Action Team. This incubator will allow the City to partner with the tech sector to explore safe, practical ways to integrate AI into our operations. It’s a smart step toward identifying real solutions—and making sure we’re not just chasing trends but implementing tools that work for Toronto. As this work moves forward, I’ll be paying close attention to ensure it delivers value for residents and that any new technology is deployed transparently, ethically, and with a strong focus on public benefit.   IE20.1 - Enhancing Capital Construction Delivery  & IE20.3 - Congestion Management Plan - 2025 Update     This month, the Infrastructure Committee tackled two big topics that go hand in hand: how we manage congestion on our roads and how we deliver capital construction projects across the city. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic downtown and wondered why half the street is fenced off for construction—this one’s for you.   Let’s start with the basics: congestion in Toronto isn’t just about too many cars. It’s the result of a perfect storm—private development, much-needed infrastructure renewal, and the rollout of major transit projects, all happening at once and often overlapping. The City's traffic data consistently shows that construction-related activity is the single biggest factor contributing to congestion. So, if we’re serious about keeping people and goods moving, we need to get much better at how we coordinate and deliver this work.   Back in late 2023, Council approved a three-year Congestion Management Plan  with a focus on data-driven solutions. We’re already seeing early signs of improvement in journey times, and to keep the momentum going, Council supported the Mayor’s motion to appoint a permanent staff lead—a Congestion Czar, if you will—to focus exclusively on this work. But here’s the thing: you can’t manage congestion unless you’re also managing construction. That’s why we’re overhauling our approach to capital delivery. Last summer, nearly 20% of city roadways were affected by public infrastructure work or construction tied to housing development. That level of activity isn’t going away—in fact, we expect even more capital projects in the summer of 2025, all while preparing for the global spotlight during World Cup 2026.   The difference now is how we plan to deliver. With the support of KPMG, we’ve introduced a new framework for capital procurement, better coordination across departments and utilities, and tougher rules for contractors. Private developments downtown will face significantly higher fees for occupying lanes, and we’ll be incentivizing them to complete their work faster and more efficiently using less of our limited road space in the process. Meanwhile, city-led capital projects will move through the tendering process faster, with stronger on-site management and a new code of conduct for contractors. These changes are about more than project speed—they’re about making sure that every minute a lane is closed, or a street is torn up, it’s truly necessary and well-managed.   It’s all part of a broader strategy: improve the way we build and maintain our city, reduce the burden on our roads, and make it easier for people to get where they’re going. We’ve come a long way from the backlog left by years of underfunding and pandemic delays, but we’re not there yet. These reforms get us one step closer to a city that moves better, works smarter, and serves residents more effectively.    IE20.9 - Toronto's Dog Off-Leash Strategy: A Citywide Approach to Dogs Off-Leash Areas   As this is going out, we are debating the long-awaited update to Toronto’s Dog Off-Leash Strategy, our citywide framework for planning, building, and maintaining spaces where our furry friends can run, play, and socialize safely.   Toronto is home to over 600,000 dogs, and with more people and pups living in denser communities, we need to be smart about how we share our park space. That’s exactly what this Strategy aims to do.   Since the first off-leash area was created under the City's 2010 policy, we've learned a lot about what makes these spaces work well—for dogs, owners, and everyone who uses our parks. This new Strategy reflects those lessons and builds on them with clearer planning guidelines, improved design standards, and a commitment to keeping off-leash areas clean, safe, and welcoming. It also supports responsible dog ownership through education and enforcement and includes new guidance to better accommodate commercial dog walkers.   Here in Don Valley North, we’re already putting this work into action. Our new off-leash area, set to open soon in Parkway Forest Park, was designed using the principles laid out in this updated Strategy. It’s an exciting milestone, and I can’t wait to see it become a beloved gathering space for local residents and their pups.   We’ve gotten better and better at delivering these projects, and this Strategy ensures we’ll keep moving in the right direction—creating thoughtful, inclusive park spaces that work for everyone.

Even on the grey days, spring always feels like a fresh start. The days are getting longer, the air is warming up, and Don Valley North is slowly waking up after a long winter. Spring is one of my favourite times of year because it means our neighbourhoods are coming alive again. People are out walking their dogs, tidying up their yards, visiting our beautiful parks, and rediscovering the ravines and trails that make this part of the city so special. But it also means we're starting to notice some of the issues that were hidden under the snow. Every spring, my office sees a spike in calls about everything from snow plow damage to property maintenance standards to missed waste collection. I’d like to take a moment to walk you through a few of the most common concerns we’re hearing right now and share some reminders to help keep our community looking its best. Let’s start with those torn-up boulevards and lawns. We’ve already had conversations about the issues with this year’s snow clearing , and now we’re beginning to see the impact. Right across the ward, we’re seeing damage left behind by plows and sidewalk machines. If your boulevard or lawn was damaged you can report plow damage  to 311, either by phone or online. Once your report is submitted, your address goes into a queue for repair. Crews will come by and restore the area, usually with fresh sod. These repairs are covered by the contractor, not the City’s budget. All this rain means our catch basins are working overtime. Catch basins, the metal grates at the edge of the road, help prevent flooding. But they don’t work if they’re clogged with leaves, garbage, or lingering ice. When that happens, water can start pooling, which creates hazards for pedestrians, drivers, and can cause flooding. If there’s a catch basin near your home and it looks blocked, I encourage you to clear it if it’s safe to do so. If it’s damaged or fully clogged, 311 can send someone out to take care of it . We’re also starting to hear from folks about property standards, especially when it comes to lawns and gardens. As soon as the grass starts growing, the questions come in: how long is too long? If you’ve got a traditional turf lawn, it shouldn’t exceed 20 centimetres. But you’re not limited to turf! The City’s updated bylaw  now supports pollinator-friendly gardens, great news for anyone looking to plant native species to support bees and butterflies. Just remember to keep things tidy and avoid growing invasive or noxious plants like ragweed or poison ivy. If you’re thinking about turning your yard into a pollinator habitat, PollinateTO  is hosting a giveaway for 45 plant kits, containing 10 native wildflower plants, an optional native tree or shrub, and a PollinateTO garden sign. Residents are invited to  enter the contest   by April 30 for a chance to win. If you spot a property in the neighbourhood that needs a little spring TLC from overgrown grass, litter, debris or general disrepair, you can report it to my office or 311.   For more information on property standards and what is allowed, please visit the City’s Website .   One great way to kickstart your garden is with fresh compost. My office is hosting four Compost Days this spring, and you’re invited to stop by and pick some up for free. All events start at 10:00 a.m., and if you’ve been before, you know the compost goes fast. Bring a shovel and a few containers, and we’ll help you load up. The compost you’ll be picking up is created through the City’s yard waste program, which diverts approximately 90,000 tonnes of yard waste from landfill each year. That material is turned into nutrient-rich compost—some of which is offered back to the public for free at Community Environment Days like these. Here’s where we’ll be: Friday, April 26  – Cliffwood Park, 10:00 AM Saturday, April 27  – Bestview Park, 10:00 AM Saturday, May 3  – Clydesdale Park, 10:00 AM Sunday, May 4  – Bayview Village Park, 10:00 AM Spring also means it’s time for some serious spring cleaning, which includes putting out waste properly. Whether it’s yard trimmings, furniture, or just an avalanche of cardboard boxes from winter deliveries, proper set-out keeps our streets clean and helps collection crews stay on schedule. Make sure your bins are out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. If your collection is missed, call 311 within 24 hours so a crew can return. If you’re seeing repeated problems, reach out to my office and we’ll follow up directly with Solid Waste staff. Visit the city’s website  for detailed information on how to dispose of yard waste and oversized items; how to sort your garbage, recycling and organics and more. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our annual Community Environment Day 📅  Date: Sunday, June 8 🕙  Time:  10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍  Location:  Old Cummer GO Station This is your one-stop drop-off for household hazardous waste, electronics, donations, and more free compost. Bring your expired paint, broken gadgets, or gently-used items — and let’s keep reusable materials out of landfill while building a greener city together. And finally, a quick note on parking. As more people get out walking and biking, we see a seasonal uptick in parking complaints. On most residential streets, a three-hour parking limit applies even if there are no signs. Remember not to park in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or bus stops, and never park facing the wrong way. These violations fall under Toronto Police Parking Enforcement and you can report parking issues online , or by calling their non-emergency number at 416-808-2222. vehicle is parked off-street, on a lawn or the paved part of a boulevard, for example, that becomes a bylaw matter. Those reports go to 311 . A reminder that enforcement takes time, starting with warnings but if the problem persists, let us know and we’ll help ensure it gets addressed. I really do rely on all of you as my eyes and ears out in the community. Whether it’s a pothole, an abandoned vehicle, or a property that needs some care, your calls and emails help us act more quickly and effectively. You’re always welcome to reach out — my team and I are here to help, and we’re happy to follow up when things get stuck. Let’s shake off those winter blues and welcome the new season together. I hope to see you out and about — in our parks, on our trails, and at our upcoming community events. We’ve got a beautiful season ahead in Don Valley North, and I’m excited to enjoy it with all of you. Hope to see you there!

Last week at Council, we tackled some big issues that matter to Torontonians. We took a hard look at winter maintenance to make sure our city is better prepared for snow and ice, and we made progress toward a universal student nutrition program—because no child should go hungry at school. We also dug into the economic and community benefits of hosting FIFA 2026, making sure this global event leaves a lasting impact for everyone. Plus, we held contractors accountable and, yes, we reviewed councillor salaries. I know a lot of people have questions about that one, and I’m glad to have the chance to explain why Council made the decision we did. Keep reading for the details! EX21.1 - Review of Toronto’s Winter Maintenance Program When Mayor Chow brought forward a motion at Executive Committee calling for a forensic review of the City’s snow clearing and removal operations following February’s multi-day storm, it was clear that the service provided did not meet anyone's expectations. Over 53 cm of snow fell in back-to-back storms, and as I detailed in my February E-Blast , the challenges of clearing such an extreme accumulation pushed our winter maintenance system to its limits. The impact of poor snow removal was felt across the city, from impassable sidewalks to missed collections and blocked streets. This review is a crucial step in addressing concerns and improving Toronto’s winter maintenance operations moving forward. City Council has directed the City Manager to conduct a full assessment of winter maintenance operations, including the following actions: Improve oversight by optimizing City resources, strengthening contract management, and ensuring private contractors meet their obligations. Enhance winter operations by exploring contract renegotiations, upgrading equipment, improving fleet maintenance, and developing contingency plans for major storms. Conduct a forensic audit of the February 2025 storm response, assess the effectiveness of past recommendations, and review best practices from other cities to improve Toronto’s approach. This review is about more than fixing what went wrong this winter—it’s about ensuring that Toronto is better prepared for the next major storm. We know residents expect better, and this is the first step toward making real improvements.   EX21.8 - Building a Universal Student Food Program in Toronto The City of Toronto has long supported the goal of establishing a morning meal program in every school, but achieving this has required substantial investment from both the provincial and federal governments—funding that is now finally becoming available. Last fall, the federal government announced plans to launch a national school food program, committing $1 billion over five years to support meal delivery in schools. Ontario has agreed to participate, marking a significant step toward improving student nutrition. Currently, student nutrition programs in Toronto provide healthy breakfasts, snacks, and lunches to more than 243,000 students each school day. These programs help students focus, improve test scores, and boost graduation rates. They also play a crucial role in supporting students' mental and physical health by ensuring access to nutritious food in a way that avoids stigma. In December 2024, the City funded the first expansion of student nutrition programs in seven years, adding 23 new school communities and reaching 8,000 more students. The goal is to further expand in the 2025-2026 school year by adding another 25 communities and extending existing programs to reach an additional 13,500 students. With this report, City Council is formally requesting funding from the newly established federal program, along with increased support from the provincial government. Securing these investments is essential to continue expanding the Student Nutrition Program and ensuring every student receives the nutritious meals they need to succeed. To learn more about the program and it’s impacts,  I’m attaching an introductory presentation that Toronto Public Health will be using in intergovernmental meetings .   EX21.15 - FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto: Economic Benefits of Hosting, Soccer for All Legacy Fund and Community Benefits Plan Updates The decision to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to Toronto was made in the last term of Council. Now, our focus is on making the most of this opportunity—delivering real benefits for the city while keeping costs in check. Major events like this bring big economic opportunities. An economic impact assessment by Deloitte Canada estimates that hosting the tournament could generate $940 million in economic activity across the GTA and create or sustain more than 6,600 jobs through 2026. As this report makes clear, we’re also using this moment to create lasting social and economic impact. Through the City’s procurement process, we’re prioritizing local suppliers, supporting underrepresented groups, and advancing sustainable practices to ensure benefits extend well beyond the tournament itself. To help manage costs, Council has approved the strategic use of hospitality packages as part of our sponsorship plan. This standard approach allows commercial partners to contribute funding in exchange for premium access—offsetting costs without adding to the burden on taxpayers. Bringing the World Cup here was a decision made before this term, but we’re working to make sure Toronto gets it right. This is a global event, and we’re making sure it delivers for our city.   GG19.17 - Suspension of Duron Ontario Ltd. This report is a great example of what it takes for a city government to hold contractors accountable. The investigation began when City staff were alerted to inconsistencies found in various invoices submitted by Duron Ontario Ltd., a construction company that has worked on many City projects. A subsequent internal audit uncovered multiple instances of overbilling, and while the investigation into the full scope of the issue is still ongoing, we believe there is enough evidence at this stage to warrant action. When confronted, the company blamed a single employee and let them go. However, our procurement team continued to monitor the situation and found further discrepancies. At a minimum, there is no dispute that the City was overbilled by more than $161,000 and that Duron lacked proper internal contract management controls. Now the company is barred from bidding on City contracts or acting as a subcontractor for the next five years. City staff will continue to investigate the full scope of this issue to ensure the City is fully compensated. This action sends a strong message that the city is committed to holding contractors accountable and protecting taxpayer dollars.  CC28.6 - Review of Councillor Remuneration The decision to adjust City Councillor salaries is not one I take lightly. Since Doug Ford’s 2018 decision to cut City Council in half, councillors have taken on significantly larger workloads. Each of us now represents more than twice as many residents, covering larger areas and managing more complex challenges. Despite this, our compensation has remained unadjusted for these larger responsibilities for years—first due to the restructuring and then because of the financial constraints brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing these challenges in 2018, Mayor Tory & City Council commissioned an independent, third-party review to assess whether councillors’ salaries remained appropriate given our expanded responsibilities. That report made clear that an adjustment was warranted. I firmly believe that councillors should not be in the business of setting our own salaries, which is why I supported the independent recommendations rather than allowing this to become a political debate. By law, the approval of any City of Toronto expenditure, including salary adjustments, requires a majority vote in the council chamber, so we are the only body authorized to approve this adjustment. The third party review that was undertaken was evidence-based, comparing Toronto councillors’ salaries to those in similar municipalities and recommended that Council salaries be pegged at the 75th percentile (based on a Council policy from 20 years ago to never be highest paid). Even after this adjustment, we will not be the highest-paid councillors in Canada—many counterparts in the GTA, including Mississauga and Markham, will continue to earn more.    Most importantly, this adjustment does not create any new costs for taxpayers. It will be covered through a reallocation within the existing budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship.  It’s never easy to discuss compensation for politicians. For many, the right salary is always, “not one dollar more than I make”, whatever that amount may be. Ultimately, this decision is about how we can attract quality candidates to these important roles. The work of a councillor today is far more demanding than it was before, and the compensation should reflect that reality if we want to ensure that qualified and experienced people from all backgrounds will consider putting their name on the ballot. Farewell Meghana!   I know many of you have had the pleasure of working with Meghana over the years. After years of dedicated service to the residents of Dan Valley North, Meghana is moving on to her next adventure, and we are all going to miss her deeply! We have all come to appreciate her incredible attention to detail, her unwavering commitment to public service, and the warmth she brings to every interaction. Whether she was tackling complex policy issues or ensuring a resident felt heard, Meghana did it all with heart and precision. But while we’ll miss her in our office, she’s not going far—Meghana has accepted a role in the Parks, Forestry, and Recreation division! We can’t wait to see her hard work make our parks even better. We wish her nothing but success in her next steps!

Yesterday, Toronto City Council took decisive action to protect our local businesses, workers, and residents from the economic challenges posed by new U.S. tariffs. We approved the Mayor’s Economic Action Plan in Response to U.S. Tariffs, a clear and strategic approach to safeguarding Toronto’s economy from a 25% tariff on Canadian products and a 10% tariff on energy exports, set to take effect on April 2.   These tariffs will hit industries across the city, from manufacturing to retail, and we can’t afford to sit back and wait. Toronto’s economy is built on resilience, innovation, and strong local businesses, and this plan is about making sure they have the support they need. Protecting the Canadian economy means striking a delicate balance. While we stand firm against the decisions made by the U.S. president, we must also recognize the importance of American tourism and the many U.S. companies that employ tens of thousands of Canadians. In our rightful frustration, we must not lose sight of the fact that many Americans are our friends, families, and neighbors. They are still welcome here, and we must continue to foster relationships that benefit both of our nations.   What This Plan Does This isn’t just a reaction—it’s a forward-looking strategy to make our economy stronger. It’s about striking a balance that supports Canadian businesses, while still welcoming U.S. investments and visitors. We worked closely with the Mayor’s Economic Action Team—business and labour leaders giving us brilliant real time advice, who know what’s at stake—to come up with real solutions. Here’s what’s happening:   ✅  Prioritizing Canadian Suppliers : We’ve changed City procurement policies to prioritize Canadian suppliers and reduce reliance on U.S. goods and services. For certain contracts, U.S. suppliers will be excluded altogether, meaning more opportunities for Toronto-based businesses.   ✅  Property Tax Deferrals for Industrial Businesses : To help manufacturers and industrial businesses through this transition, we’ve introduced a six-month industrial property tax deferral program, letting eligible property owners delay tax payments without penalties until November 30. This will provide breathing room while they adjust.   ✅  Boosting Local Manufacturing : Manufacturing is a key part of Toronto’s economy, and we’re stepping up support. A one-stop concierge service will help businesses navigate city programs, while a new media campaign will highlight the value of Toronto-made goods to encourage more local buying.   ✅  Strengthening Supply Chains : We’re working with regional municipalities, Supply Ontario, and federal agencies to cut reliance on U.S. supply chains and open up new markets for Toronto exporters. The more diverse our trade relationships, the stronger we are.   ✅  Reducing City Spending on U.S. Goods : We’ve directed City staff to limit purchases of U.S. products and services wherever possible and shift to local alternatives. Every dollar spent locally helps our economy grow.   Love Local: Your Role in Strengthening Toronto   Government action is just one part of the equation—your support for local businesses is just as crucial. That’s why we launched the Love Local campaign, encouraging Torontonians to shop, dine, and buy Canadian-made.   The campaign is already picking up steam, with businesses and community leaders rallying behind it. Every purchase made at a neighbourhood store, every meal at a locally owned restaurant, and every choice to buy Canadian-made products strengthens our economy and protects jobs. What’s Next? The economy is constantly evolving, and we are staying ahead of it. This is just the first phase of our actions. We have structured the action plan around 30, 60, and 90-day milestones, and City staff will report back to the July Executive Committee with updates on how the plan is progressing and any additional steps we need to take. This approach ensures we remain flexible and continue supporting Toronto businesses through these challenges.   As Budget Chief and the Mayor’s Economic Development and Culture Champion, I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on City Council to take meaningful action on this issue. This isn’t just about responding to a crisis—it’s about building a Toronto that is resilient and ready for the future.  Now, I need your help. Whether you’re a business owner, a worker, or a resident, you have a role to play in keeping our economy strong. Let’s stand together, support local businesses, and make sure Toronto continues to thrive.   For full details, visit toronto.ca/tariffs .   Stay tuned for a full Council Round-Up e-blast next week, where I’ll break down the key decisions from a packed Council meeting agenda and what they mean for Toronto.

When I was very little, my dad loaded my sister and I into the car and we drove over to Leslie and Sheppard to tour something entirely new called a ‘Con-Do-Mini-Um’. I had never heard that word before. It was a townhouse in the Shepways. Dad got transferred to Calgary before he could buy one but by the time he and Mom returned in 1976, he did buy a condo. This time it was on the thirteenth floor of a high rise on Bridletowne Circle in Scarborough.   Suburbs, and particularly North York, really led the way when condominium housing began. Today, from downtown towers to vibrant condo communities across Don Valley North, condo living is key to meeting the housing needs of our growing city. some of our best quality rental homes are in condominium buildings that have been well run for decades.  I hear from residents and condo board members all the time about the unique challenges of condo living—whether it’s dealing with unexpected maintenance issues or fee increases, navigating board governance, or addressing safety concerns in shared spaces. I’ve met families who love their condo community but struggle at times with who to call. Is this a Condo Act issue, or a Board issue or does the city have any role in the matter at hand? I’ve spoken to young professionals excited to own their first home but frustrated by unclear rules and fees. These challenges directly impact people’s quality of life. That’s why I encourage condo residents to join us on March 23 from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Parkway Forest Community Centre for our Toronto Condo Clinic- an informative and practical session designed to equip you with the tools and resources you need. Experts from Toronto Fire, Revenue Services, the Condominium Authority of Ontario, Toronto Police Service, and Toronto Building will be on hand to provide valuable insights on key issues such as property standards, waste management, and emergency preparedness.   This is your opportunity to get answers to your biggest condo-related questions and connect with professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of condo living. To make the most of the event, we encourage you to complete a short survey beforehand —your input will help shape discussions and ensure we focus on the topics that matter most to you.   Don’t miss this chance to gain expert advice and practical solutions to enhance condo living in Toronto. Register today  and help us tailor the event to your needs!   Standing Up for Toronto’s Economy in the Face of U.S. Tariffs   This week, the Mayor’s Economic Action Team—composed of business and labor leaders that I co-chair—unveiled a bold new action plan to protect Toronto’s businesses, workers, and residents from the impact of rising U.S. tariffs. The action plan outlines both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen local supply chains, support affected industries, and ensure the resilience of our economy. One key step: prioritizing Canadian suppliers in City procurement, as demonstrated by Toronto Fire Services' commitment to purchasing Canadian-made fire trucks and protective gear. Other actions include property tax deferrals for industrial businesses, a “Love Local” campaign to promote Canadian-made goods and expanded global market access for Toronto companies.   This plan made a stop at the Executive Committee on March 19, and we can only hope that Mr. Trump has no more surprises for us before City Council adopts the plan at the end of this month. With Toronto facilitating $123 billion in U.S. trade annually, standing up for our economy is more critical than ever. More details to come following Council’s debate—because protecting Toronto means standing up for Canada.

As February winds down, I want to share a conversation that came up at the Don Valley North Winter Bash back in January. Around a warm campfire, the topic of the recent Los Angeles wildfires surfaced, and residents asked, “What if something that devastating happened here? It’s an important question—so let’s talk about emergency management in Toronto. When we think about emergencies, each of us recalls a different event. The one that sticks with us is often the one we lived through or played a role in responding to. For me, it’s the Toronto Propane Explosion on August 10, 2008. That summer, City Hall was in its annual August recess, and our top leaders—the Mayor, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and City Manager—were on vacation. Mayor’s Office had asked me to be on call as Acting Deputy Mayor, saying, “Nothing will happen.” Famous last words. The morning after the explosion, I found myself at the table of Toronto’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), representing the Mayor. The OEM is activated in major crises, bringing together designated leaders from across city services to coordinate an immediate response. The process is clear: a leader is appointed from those present, and they must stay at the head of the table throughout the crisis to maintain continuity. That day, the Deputy City Manager took on that role, allowing the Fire Chief’s team to focus on responding to the explosion itself, including the tragic loss of one of their own firefighters. The system works because we plan ahead. The OEM is called together in a crisis, but the permanent team at Toronto Emergency Management (TEM)  works year-round to review every emergency, learn from it, and refine our response. Because of this continuous learning, we’ve improved our handling of everything from apartment transformer explosions to citywide power outages. TEM also helps residents prepare, offering tools and resources to get emergency-ready. If your group is interested, we can arrange a session to learn more. Toronto’s preparedness showed in 2020 when COVID-19 hit. Having learned from the SARS outbreak in 2003, we swiftly activated the OEM, with Fire Chief Matt Pegg leading the emergency response while Dr. Eileen de Villa focused on public health. What we didn’t know then was just how long that emergency structure would be needed. So, does every crisis require the OEM? Not necessarily. Let’s take this month’s snowstorm. Snow, in a Canadian city, doesn’t typically pose a mass fatality risk, so an OEM-level response wasn’t triggered. But that doesn’t mean we couldn’t have done better. Here is my take: Hampered mobility isn’t necessarily a reason to evoke the OEM and haul all leaders into a room. Snow in a Canadian city may not have the potential to cause mass fatalities. But it is possible to take the learnings that TEM keeps on hand for us and put them to use in a crisis of lesser scale. I do believe that along with telling you how much plowing was underway, as Transportation Services were doing on television on February 14th, I believe we should have had a leadership team telling you how bad the snow was going to be after the repeated storms that were forecasted. A joint leadership announcement telling you that you should make plans to stay off the road all day Saturday and Sunday and where possible, work from home on Monday, could have made all the difference. It tells you the coming storm is no joke. It allows the services to get through. Telling people that they should get provisions and be prepared for a power outage sends a message. Moreover, I would have been more blunt about needing all parked cars off the road and out of the way of the transit system. Rather than warning of tickets, I might have announced that folks have until sundown February 14th to dig their cars out and get them off the road or these will be towed. That way we might not have lost crucial clearing service priority in the suburbs to all of the difficulties downtown that continued for days.   There will be a review of the snow-clearing contracts, but we also need to examine how well we communicated with the public. When we see an extreme storm coming, we should be prepared to say so—loudly, clearly, and with direct instructions. That’s something I hope Toronto Emergency Management documents and reinforces for next time. We are prepared for emergencies in Toronto. Something on the scale of the Los Angeles wildfires would be devastating anywhere, but there are plans in place here. We can always learn and improve.   Help Us Improve Emergency Preparedness   The Office of Emergency Management  wants to hear from you! Your input will help shape how we prepare for and respond to future emergencies. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey:   OEM Emergency Preparedness Survey   If there’s community interest, we can also arrange a local meeting to discuss emergency preparedness in Don Valley North. Let me know if your group would like to host a session!   Let’s keep learning, planning, and improving—because the next emergency will come, and Toronto needs to be ready.

The Trump tariffs are now in full effect, and while much of the conversation has understandably centered on their wider economic impacts, I want to shift the focus and talk about the important work we’re doing right here in Toronto—particularly when it comes to traffic, congestion, and road safety and why it’s also a crucial part of our broader economic strategy. This isn’t just about improving your daily commute; by tackling gridlock, enhancing road safety, and ensuring we have a reliable transportation network, we’re not only supporting residents, but also helping local businesses thrive. In the face of these tariffs, our work on the ground remains a vital piece of Toronto’s overall resilience. Let’s start with Vision Zero , as it has the most direct local impact. Last week, my team and I met with Transportation staff for an update on the Vision Zero plans for Don Valley North and the next steps to make our streets safer. Since 2017, the City has had a dedicated Vision Zero team focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities on our roads, using internationally recognized traffic design principles which emphasize that no loss of life on our roads is acceptable. The data in Toronto was clear—while overall collisions were decreasing, fatalities, especially among pedestrians, were rising. That’s why City Council committed to Vision Zero, and why this work remains a priority today. Vision Zero policies recommend a range of interventions to make our streets safer, including reducing speed limits, creating school safety zones, and making physical changes to roads and intersections to deter unsafe driving.  Some changes were implemented citywide right away, such as lowering all 60 km/h roads to 50 km/h. In Don Valley North, this transition has been relatively smooth since we’re never far from a high-speed highway. School safety zones, which include lower speed limits and additional safety measures, have been rolled out based on collision data. Most of our local schools already have these zones in place, with the few remaining ones set to be completed later this year. Physical road and intersection changes are prioritized using collision data and aligned with scheduled roadwork. When a road is due for resurfacing, the Vision Zero team steps in to assess intersections and high-risk areas, recommending upgrades to improve pedestrian safety, as seen in the recent Steeles Avenue reconstruction. More intersection improvements are planned as part of the Sheppard Avenue Complete Street project . Other safety projects, including in-road flexible speed signs, more automated speed enforcement cameras, and new traffic signal installations, are lined up in Don Valley North for this summer and next, ensuring that safety improvements happen where they’re needed most. The biggest change coming with Vision Zero is the reduction of speed limits on all local neighborhood streets to 30 km/h. In the old City of Toronto, this shift took place back in 2017 and 2018. However, here in Don Valley North—and Don Valley West—we’ll be the last wards to see this change because, believe it or not, we’ve had some of the lowest collision rates. Our speed limit reductions will begin closer to the end of 2025. You’ll know speed limits are changing when you start seeing new signs at specific neighborhood intersections, marked “30 km/h area begins.” Once fully implemented, 30 km/h will be the default speed limit on all local residential streets. If you drive a newer car, there’s another helpful way to keep track—many vehicles now display the speed limit right on the dashboard or touchscreen. This feature is becoming more common, so it’s a great tool to help you adjust to the changes. In addition to the Vision Zero update, at Tuesday’s Police Services Board meeting, we received new information on the agreement between the Police and City staff to assign constables to the downtown Traffic Agent Program . If you’re a daily commuter to downtown, you may have already noticed our new Traffic Agents program. Launched as a pilot project by Mayor Tory in the summer of 2019, the program deploys trained special constables at high-traffic intersections. These uniformed agents actively manage the movement of people driving, biking, and walking through key Toronto intersections, reducing delays and improving safety. Right now, most of the traffic agents are stationed downtown along the Lakeshore, where many commuters are trying to access the Gardiner Expressway or find other quick routes out of the core. If you’ve tried to drive through there recently, you know how challenging it can be. First, there’s extensive repair work along the Gardiner and some urgent fixes on Lakeshore Blvd. Much of this work was delayed during the pandemic, but it all needs to be completed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Second, the growing population south of Lakeshore Blvd means that pedestrians are playing a major role in the traffic flow at key intersections leading onto the highway. The traffic agents are there to actively manage traffic flow by enforcing traffic signals, clearing blocked intersections to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible. This year, the Traffic Agents program is expanding with additional funding, and I’ve moved a motion to have some of the key congestion spots in the suburbs reviewed for potential traffic agent deployment. I’ll keep you updated as we identify new locations where this program can help ease local traffic bottlenecks. So, how do the tariffs tie into this? As I mentioned earlier, tackling congestion is an economic priority for us. That’s why it was a key topic at the Mayor’s first Action Team meeting on the tariff response. At that meeting, business leaders asked whether we’re still committed to the actions outlined in the Economic Action plan I launched last fall, Sidewalks to Skylines . This ten-year plan focuses on building Toronto’s economy, even as we recover from recent economic challenges. The answer to the Action Team’s question is absolutely yes—we’re moving forward on it. Sidewalks to Skylines starts with a set of actions we call “Getting The Basics Right”.  We cannot attract, expand, and retain businesses—and help them thrive internationally—if we can’t ensure their employees can travel safely and efficiently around the city.  Today, moving goods is only part of the equation. Employers also need to attract and retain the best talent. Congestion and housing are central to that economic plan, and tariffs won’t change that.    As we move forward, our focus on tackling congestion and improving road safety remains steadfast. We're committed not only to keeping Toronto’s streets safe and efficient but also to ensuring our city's resilience amidst economic pressures. With support from our partners at the provincial and federal levels, we’ll keep pushing ahead on key infrastructure priorities that drive growth, mobility, and a strong economy. We’re prepared for the challenges ahead, and we’ll continue working relentlessly to build a safer, more connected Toronto for everyone.   A quick note to say that there will be no E-Blast next week over march break. However, if we get any updates on the potential strike action, we will keep you informed.    Toronto Won’t Back Down in the Face of U.S. Tariffs   Let’s be clear—this is not where we wanted to be. The U.S. decision to slap a 25% tariff on Canadian goods is a blow to our workers, our businesses, and our economy. But Toronto won’t sit on the sidelines while our city takes the hit.   Last week I joined Mayor Chow at the inaugural meeting of the Toronto Action Team, bringing together business experts, labour leaders, industry professionals and government officials. Together we are doing everything we can to protect jobs and stabilize our economy. That means strengthening our local supply chains, reviewing procurement policies to support Toronto businesses, and pulling together our largest employers and labour leaders to respond strategically.   We’re also making our case directly with U.S. trade officials and businesses operating here in Toronto because stability in cross-border trade is in everyone’s best interest. And at home, we’re doubling down on a “Buy Canadian” push to make sure Toronto businesses and workers have the support they need. We are working closely with our Federal and Provincial governments to put up a united, Team Canada approach.   This is a tough moment, but Canadians don’t back down from a challenge. We stick together, we stand up for our workers, and we get through it—just like we always have. Now’s the time to support local and keep our economy strong.   If you're a business owner, we need to hear from you. The City of Toronto is gathering input to understand how these tariffs are affecting local businesses. Your responses to this five-minute survey  will help shape our advocacy and inform business support programs.   For more information on how the City of Toronto is responding to the tariffs, ways you can support Team Canada or get resources to help your business, visit the City’s website .    CUPE Local 79 Bargaining & Potential Labour Disruption Toronto’s frontline workers keep this city running, and we value the hard work they do every day. That’s why the City has been at the bargaining table with CUPE Local 79 since December, working in good faith to reach a fair and responsible agreement—one that respects our workers while ensuring residents continue to receive the services they rely on. We remain committed to getting a deal done, but as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, Local 79 will be in a legal strike position, and the City will be in a legal lockout position. We are doing everything we can to reach an agreement before that deadline. If a labour disruption occurs, essential services—Toronto Police, Fire, Paramedics, and crisis response—will continue. TTC, shelters, and snow clearing will also remain operational. However, City-run child care centres, recreation programs, and March Break camps will close, with refunds provided where applicable. Our priority is to avoid disruption, and negotiations are ongoing. I encourage residents to stay informed through the City’s official updates as we work towards an agreement that keeps Toronto moving. You can learn more about Potential Service Impacts here , and get updates on the bargaining process here.      Encouraging News from the Police Services Board This week at the Police Services Board, we received some encouraging news about the state of community safety. Crime indicators for 2025 are showing a positive trend, with decreases across several major categories, including robberies, auto thefts, break-ins, shootings, intimate partner violence, and hate crimes. While we celebrate these reductions, we remain vigilant, particularly with regard to auto thefts, as carjackings have been on the rise.   In addition to crime trends, we discussed improvements in call response times. Through strategic deployment of new recruits and effective management of resources, we’ve made significant strides in reducing response times. At the beginning of 2024, Priority 1 average response time was 19.6 minutes. This year, we've cut that down to 12.6 minutes, representing a remarkable 35% improvement.   Though it's still early in the year, and weather and other factors can influence these numbers, we’re committed to sustaining these positive trends. I want to express my gratitude to the Mayor and the Board for approving the 2025 Budget, which allows us to continue hiring new officers and support our multi-year hiring plan. This plan will be pivotal in maintaining our progress and enhancing public safety.   Lastly, a heartfelt thanks goes to our frontline officers, whose dedication and hard work make a real difference in the community every day. We are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.