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News Release
March 21, 2024
Championing $50 Million Canada Music Fund for Musical Vibrancy
Toronto, ON – Today, Toronto City Council supported Councillor Paul Ainslie in his capacity as Night Mayor, to endorse the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) in their efforts requesting the Government of Canada to increase its annual contribution to the Canada Music Fund to $50 million by 2024-2025, as pledged during the 2021 Federal election. read more here...
News Release
March 21, 2024
Reviewing Cannabis Control Act, 2017 Amid Enforcement Challenges
Toronto, ON – Today, Toronto City Council supported the motion from Councillor Ainslie requesting the Province of Ontario undertake a review of the Cannabis Control Act, 2017, which has not undergone a comprehensive review since it was introduced seven years ago. Cannabis Control Act. read more here...
February 14, 2024
City Council Secures Funding for Winter Windrow Clearing Program
Toronto, ON - Today, City Council reinstated the Winter Windrow Clearing Program for the 2024 year at a cost of $4.1 million, while requesting the Mayor to include the full costs to deliver the Winter Windrow Clearing Program in future year proposed budgets for Transportation Services.read more here...
News Release
February 14, 2024
City Council Approves Funding for Black Creek Pioneer Village
Toronto, ON – Today, City Council voted to increase the 2024 Operating Budget for the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority (TRCA) by $200,000 to support programming at Black Creek Pioneer Village, a heritage museum and cultural attraction in the City of Toronto, and to work together in preparation for consistent funding support within the 2025 budget.read more here...
News Release
February 7, 2024
City Council approves new signage for RapidTO bus lanes on Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON- February 6, 2024, City Council passed Councillor Paul Ainslie’s recommendation to install new wayfinding and transportation signage along the Eglinton Avenue East/Kingston Road/Morningside Avenue RapidTO route.read more here...
News Release
February 5, 2024
Councillor Paul Ainslie Awarded the OPLA James Bain Medallion Public Library Board Member of the Year
Toronto – on Thursday January 25, at the Public Library Awards Gala on-site at the Ontario Library Association (OLA) Super Conference, Councillor Paul Ainslie was honored with the OPLA James Bain Medallion: Public Library Board Member of the Year Award. Councillor Ainslie has been dedicated to public libraries for almost two decades, serving on the Toronto Public Library Board (TPL) and Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL). The award applauds Councillor Paul Ainslie’s outstanding leadership in the governance of public libraries.read more here...
News Release
December 15, 2023
City of Toronto Paves the Way for a Thriving Night Economy
Today, The City of Toronto took bold steps to enhance its nighttime economy, recognizing its crucial role in cultural vitality, livability, and economic prosperity. With the adoption of the Toronto Nightlife Action Plan, various City divisions and agencies have collaborated to strike a balance between fostering creativity and commerce and addressing public health and order concerns in a densely populated city.read more here...
News Release
December 13, 2023
Federal Rapid Housing Initiative Advancing Indigenous Affordable Housing and Reconciliation in Scarborough-Guildwood
Today, City Council adopted two important housing projects in Scarborough-Guildwood, led by Indigenous housing providers. The projects will increase the supply of Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) homes for Indigenous tenants. These two projects increase the housing supply with 62 new homes at 525 Markham Road, and 68 RGI homes at 4201-4203 Kingston Road.read more here...
News Release
November 20, 2023
City of Toronto, Government of Canada and Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes announce funding for 68 new rent-geared-to-income homes “for Indigenous, by Indigenous”
Today, Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood) were joined by the Honourable John McKay, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood, and Crystal Samms, Chair of the Board at Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes, to announce funding for a new affordable housing development to create 68 new rent-geared-to-income (RGI) homes at 4201-4203 Kingston Rd. This announcement is part of the third phase of the federal Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), a capital funding program that helps create new affordable and supportive rental housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. read more here...
News Release
September 21, 2023
Late Night Swimming Coming to Heron Park Outdoor Pool
Toronto, ON – Today, City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie moved a motion at the Economic and Community Development Committee to install better lighting at the Heron Park outdoor to accommodate extended swimming hours.
Located at 292 Manse Rd, Scarborough, Heron Park Outdoor Pool currently closes at 8:00 p.m., not allowing for public night swimming. “The outdoor pool is very popular with the surrounding community of single-family homes, high-rises, and townhouses,” stated Councillor Ainslie. “We need to do a much better job accommodating residents with facilities within walking distance of their homes, especially during summer heat waves.” .. read more here...
News Release
September 20, 2023
Universal Wi-Fi Usage Finally Coming to our Subway!!
Toronto, ON – City Councilor Paul W. Ainslie is happy with the announcement made by the Federal government to force all telecommunications carriers to come to the table to provide wi-fi across the TTC’s subway system.
As a City Councillor and a TTC Commissioner, Councillor Ainslie has been one of the first to strongly advocate for this. This past March, City Council unanimously passed a motion put forward by Councillor Ainslie mandating the TTC's publicly accessible Wi-Fi and telecommunications network be available to all.. read more here...
News Release
August 10, 2023
Call for By-Election in Scarborough Southwest Ward 20
Toronto, ON – Today, City of Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie will request Toronto City Council to call a by-election in Scarborough Southwest Ward 20. This move emphasizes the importance of maintaining an elected City Councillor in Ward 20, ensuring that the voices of the constituents are effectively heard, and their interests are represented at City Council. read more here...
News Release
May 12, 2023
Toronto City Council declares “homelessness emergency”
Toronto, ON – Today, Toronto City Council declared a “homelessness emergency”, recognizing the urgent need to
address the crisis facing thousands of individuals and families in the city who are struggling to find stable and affordable housing.
Councillor Paul Ainslie moved adoption of this Motion, which was approved today. Ainslie stated emphatically "homelessness is a growing crisis in our city, and we need to take bold action to address it. By declaring homelessness an emergency, we are sending a clear message that we are committed to working with all levels of government, community partners, and stakeholders to find solutions to this urgent issue." read more here...
News Release
May 8, 2023
Scarborough councillors support converting the Scarborough RT to a busway
Today, all of the City Councillors representing Scarborough publicly confirmed their support for converting the Scarborough RT to a busway once it is decommissioned and announced the TTC has committed to continuing design work.
The support comes ahead of City Council's debate on a City staff report on Transit Priority Measures to Support Scarborough SRT Bus Replacement.
All six Scarborough councillors are committed to standing up for Scarborough residents and their transit needs. This is why they support the City of Toronto doing everything it can to keep transit moving – on streets across Scarborough and on the decommissioned SRT – while Metrolinx completes the Scarborough Subway Extension.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie met with TTC Rick Leary last Thursday and secured his commitment for the TTC to continue design work on the busway within its existing budget. City staff told Executive Committee this work was at risk of stopping and required an additional $2.9 million to continue.
At City Council this week, Scarborough councillors will be asking their colleagues to approve a motion to ensure the design work for the busway conversion continues and request City staff to provide an update on the total cost of the conversion by the end of this year along with an update on discussions with the province regarding funding.
"I am proud to have fought for the Scarborough Subway Extension and to ensure we are funding the City's share of the Eglinton East LRT. I will never stop standing up for Scarborough and ensuring residents have easy access to transit. We've worked to make sure the work on the SRT conversion to a busway stays on track and will continue to fight to make sure we do everything we can to keep transit moving, frequent and reliable while the subway construction is underway."Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park, Ward 25)
"For almost 40 years Scarborough transit riders have depended on the RT. I am committed to replacing the RT with a BRT in the same corridor that provides a fast and reliable transit option right where it is needed."Councillor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre, Ward 21)
"Scarborough councillors are united in making sure we get the best plan possible for the future of the SRT route. Making sure the TTC continues the design work on the busway conversion is a key step in this process and I hope all City Councillors will join us in supporting this initiative." Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood, Ward 24)
"The Scarborough Subway Extension is being delivered as promised. Now we have to make sure transit keeps running reliably throughout this construction period. I hope all the governments committed to getting transit built will work together to mitigate the impact of construction and the decommissioning of the SRT as much as possible." Councillor Nick Mantas (Scarborough-Agincourt, Ward 22)
"We will keep working with City staff and the TTC to make sure we do everything we can to keep Scarborough moving throughout subway construction."Councillor Gary Crawford (Scarborough Southwest, Ward 20)
"Scarborough's counting on TTC and the City to help provide equitable transit to keep our residents moving and our local economy growing. Our residents already experience the longest commutes in the City, and I am thrilled to see that the $2.9 million needed to finish the design work on the Scarborough Right-of-Way project will be funded by the TTC to keep this important project moving forward. I am also incredibly proud of the residents, stakeholders, and fellow Scarborough Councillors who advocated for our community and the transit that we deserve."Councillor Jamaal Myers (Scarborough North, Ward 23)
News Release
April 25, 2023
Councillor Paul Ainslie requests Toronto City Council declare a “homelessness emergency”
Toronto, ON – Today, City of Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie requested Toronto City Council declare a “homelessness emergency” in the City of Toronto.
During consideration of a “Review of policies and procedures related to Warming Centres” at the Economic and Community Development Standing Committee including tools and policies in place which were trying to deal with homeless people in Toronto, there was a consensus more needed to be done. Councillor Ainslie moved a motion and was unanimously supported by his colleagues who were present, requesting the City of Toronto declare a “homelessness emergency”.
News Release
April 20, 2023
Councillor Paul Ainslie has been elected as the 3rd Vice President of the Good Roads’ Board of Directors
Toronto, ON - City of Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie has been elected as the 3rd Vice President of the Good Roads’ Board of Directors at the annual 129th Good Roads’ Conference. This prestigious appointment reflects Councillor Ainslie's commitment to improving the state of transportation infrastructure not only in Toronto, but across the province of Ontario.
News Release
April 18, 2023
City of Toronto celebrates first year of Clark Centre for the Arts, announces full lineup of seasonal community arts programming
This Thursday, April 20, the City of Toronto is celebrating one year since the opening of the new Clark Centre for the Arts, with a free open house and ceremony at the Centre.
Members of the public are welcome at the one-year anniversary celebration from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 191 Guildwood Pkwy. and can expect an evening of live music, exhibitions, art demonstrations, talks and cake. Attendees will be able to meet past and present artists in residence Charmaine Lurch, Destinie Adélakun, Lorena Diaz and Thomas Brasch and connect with community members.
The Clark Centre for the Arts houses specialized art studios and gallery spaces. The Centre welcomed close to 7,000 people in its first year of operation and is growing to offer more art courses, workshops, camps and rental opportunities. More information is available on the City’s Clark Centre for the Arts webpage
The Clark Centre is one of four city-run cultural centres hosting free, inclusive and educational programming over the spring and summer. The City’s four cultural centres are Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery – both in Etobicoke – and Scarborough’s Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre.
Residents and visitors can get the latest information on all the exciting seasonal cultural centre programming anytime on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage.
Quotes:
“The Clark Centre for the Arts was designed to catalyze community development and personal growth, bringing together community and resident artists to meet, learn and exchange knowledge as they explore and celebrate the arts through exhibitions, workshops and public events. Congratulations to the Clark Centre on its first anniversary and congratulations to the dedicated City teams and community members that ensured the Clark Centre was embraced with passion and care, setting the groundwork for years to come.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)
"I'm delighted to see such a diverse and impactful array of arts programs offered at our city cultural centres and galleries this spring. These programs give all of us the opportunity to learn more about our city and our communities through art. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of this free, inclusive, and educational programming."
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“This is an exciting and historic moment for Scarborough, Guildwood and the City of Toronto! The community has worked hard to bring the Clark Centre for the Arts vision to reality and I am beyond excited to see the progress and enthusiasm from everyone involved. The Clark journey has had incredible support from amazing local community partners and volunteers. Thank you for your ongoing collaboration, support and knowledge sharing.”
– Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood)
April 7, 2022
Dedicated Bus Lane Recommended by TTC to Replace SRT
Commitment is now needed for Elevated New Linear Park and Active Transportation Corridor
Toronto, ON – The Toronto Transit Commission, today released a report recommending an interim solution to address the closure of the Scarborough RT in 2023, leaving a transit gap due to the Province’s delivery of the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE), in 2030. The report named Line 3 Bus Replacement Study Final Recommendations, recommends a dedicated bus lane be built to accommodate transit riders.
Councillor Ainslie continues to be disappointed the closure of the Scarborough RT will not be seamless with the opening of the Scarborough Subway Extension as previously planned.
Councillor Ainslie’s main concerns:
How will the City of Toronto finance such an expensive project?
Will we have money to pay for all the buses the TTC will need?
What capital projects will be pushed off if the province/Metrolinx does not pay its fair share of the project?
“I support the recommendations announced today to implement a dedicated bus service to ensure residents receive uninterrupted service. The dedicated bus corridor also compliments my vision to build an elevated linear park and active transportation corridor upon decommissioning of the SRT”
“My Hope is to repurpose the dedicated bus right of way, when it is no longer required, upon the opening of the SSE. Continued Councillor Ainslie. “We will then be able to further build incorporating a New York City version of the Highline, here in Scarborough”.
Earlier this year the Toronto City Council adopted Councillor Ainslie’s recommendations to explore the feasibility of adaptive reuse of the existing above grade track into a linear park, much like “The High Line” in New York City. The existing 6.4km path could link McCowan Station at the eastern terminus, to Kennedy Station at the western.
February 3, 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
Toronto, ON – City Council today adopted Councillor Paul W. Ainslie’s request to explore the repurposing of the route currently utilized by the Scarborough Rapid Transit line (“SRT”) as a new linear park and active transportation corridor.
The decommissioning of SRT provides a unique opportunity to explore the feasibility of adaptive reuse of the existing above grade track into a linear park. Much like “The High Line” in New York City. The existing 6.4km track could link McCowan Station at the eastern terminus to Kennedy Station at the western. Both Scarborough neighbourhoods are undergoing significant growth and the potential to reuse this existing track could offer the opportunity to provide Scarborough with a wholly unique park. Two City-owned properties bookend the track, one at 2444 Eglinton Ave East, the other at 40 Busby Dr.; both properties have been identified as Housing Now sites.
Councillor Ainslie’s office, working with CreateTO and the TTC has been advancing several exciting initiatives in and around Scarborough Centre, including a new Housing Now site at 40 Busby Drive.
“With the anticipated growth at Scarborough Centre, we have been putting our minds to what creative opportunities may exist to improve the public realm and provide opportunities for the many new residents who will call this part of Scarborough home in the coming years.” stated Councillor Ainslie.
Over the coming months, Councillor Ainslie’s office will work closely with our staff at CreateTO, the TTC and the City of Toronto, along with the residents on this initiative, and better determine how this might integrate with other opportunities to create a complete and vibrant community in this part of ScarboroughDecember 16
, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE
City of Toronto Updates Parking Minimums for New Developments
Toronto, ON – City Council voted to adopt Zoning Bylaw amendments to remove parking requirements for new developments. The goal of the amendment is to assist in building healthy and sustainable communities, manage car dependency, while creating a balance between too much and too little parking availability.
In September 2020, Councillor Paul Ainslie, Scarborough-Guildwood, successfully moved a motion at the Planning and Housing Committee to request the City Planning Division to Examine Parking Requirements for New Development Applications.
“Recognizing car ownership trends are changing and people are beginning to move around differently, makes it prudent to examine our existing parking by-laws, to ensure they reflect the needs of Toronto in new developments”, stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
“Many cities have moved towards lowering parking requirements in new developments allowing for more flexibility as they take into account the changing needs of their neighbourhoods”, continued Councillor Ainslie. “Working remotely and an increase of public transit use, are examples of changing parking needs which should be reflected in parking requirements.”
The Zoning Bylaw amendments also align with Toronto’s climate action strategy, TransformTO and Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan. The new regulations set Toronto in the right direction to meet aggressive targets to address environmental sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improve liveability for residents and creating healthier communities.
The adapted regulations will help encourage residents to use car alternatives such as walking, cycling and taking transit, to lessens traffic congestion and create space to improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users
April 15, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE
Vaccine Supply for Scarborough Residents and Scarborough Health Network Vaccination Site Closures
Toronto, ON – As of April 14, 2021, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) made the difficult decision to close two of their mass vaccine clinics as a result of the lack of adequate vaccine supply. The Centenary Hospital and Centennial College Progress Campus vaccination sites will be closed through to April 19, 2021, when SHN expects to receive their next vaccine delivery.
These closures have impacted approximately 2,000 vaccine appointments a day at these locations, affecting seniors, essential workers, people of colour and vulnerable members of the Scarborough community.
The Team Toronto Phase 2 vaccination plan focuses on vaccinating the most vulnerable in our city, as quickly as possible. This strategy focuses on vulnerability factors such as illness and age, as well as one’s neighbourhood.
The City of Toronto has declared all of Scarborough’s postal codes as “hot spot” neighbourhoods. Scarborough Health Network Hospitals, SHN Birchmount, SHN Centenary and SHN General, serve over 632,000 Scarborough residents and have seen the highest rate of COVID-19 admissions in the City of Toronto.
The Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences has assessed the rate of COVID-19 cases across 515 postal codes in Ontario, 11 postal codes in Scarborough rank amongst the top 60 rates of COVID-19 infection per 100 Ontario residents.
“I am deeply saddened, shocked and frustrated at the lack of vaccine supply in Scarborough” said City Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood.
Councillor Ainslie added, “Scarborough has seen some of the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission in the City and are faced with a serious threat to their health, safety and protection due to the lack of vaccine supply. Scarborough residents make up 22 per cent of Toronto’s population yet have received no where near 22% of the vaccine. Not even close.”
MEDIA RELEASE
March 8, 2021
City-Run Clinic at Scarborough Town Centre to Open for Mass Covid-19 Immunization Starting March 17
Toronto - Mayor John Tory today announced three of the City of Toronto’s mass immunization clinics will open early to vaccinate residents who are over the age of 80 starting on March 17. The Scarborough Town Centre will be one of the locations. Councillor Paul Ainslie has been advocating for some time for the residents of Scarborough and was happy to hear this clinic has been announced.
“On behalf of all residents of Scarborough, but in particular Seniors, and residents of our Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, with the density of population living in them, there is an urgent need for this clinic.” Stated Councillor Paul W. Ainslie.
Scarborough has been the hardest hit community in Ontario when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. Scarborough hospitals have had the highest COVID-19 inpatient numbers of any other health unit of the province. This is a community where, for every 100 individuals who contract COVID, 5 end up in the ICU.
All the clinics announced today will operate seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with details on how to book your vaccination appointment coming in the next few days.
Residents born in 1941 or before will be part of the first group to register.
A combination of Moderna and Pfizer vaccine will roll out to City-run and hospital partner clinics as follows:
To date, just over 200,000 Toronto residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including those in long-term care homes, their essential caregivers, frontline healthcare workers, those experiencing homelessness and living in an emergency shelter, first responders and residents born on or before 1941.
Along with the Scarborough Town Centre, The Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Toronto Congress Centre will host clinics
MEDIA RELEASE
Executive Committee Commits $1.238 Billion toward the Eglinton East Light Rail Transit
Toronto, ON – Today City Council’s Executive Committee unanimously supported a motion by Mayor John Tory to commit $1.238 billion in funding towards the cost of the Eglinton East Light Rail Transit (EELRT) project, redirecting the remaining original funding from the Scarborough Subway Extension Levy. Scarborough residents will finally have money they have paid through this levy work for them.
The Eglinton East LRT project has a price tag of $4.2 billion. “The commitment made today is a victory for the people and businesses of Scarborough. As the City is now formally providing funding toward this much needed rapid transit project.” stated Councillor Paul W. Ainslie.
“We need to keep vigilant in our demands for proper, modern, rapid transit in Scarborough. I am very happy this funding was tabled by Mayor Tory and supported by my fellow City Councillors” added Ainslie.
The commitment will be heard at Toronto City Council on February 18, 2021.
Now that the City has confirmed their commitment of $1.238 billion dollars the Provincial and Federal Governments will also be asked to contribute to the financing of the LRT.
At the December 2020 City Council meeting, an interim design for the EELRT was approved, with the next design stages approved. Construction could begin as early as 2024. When the provincial and federal governments give their financial commitment, construction for the EELRT would begin, with an approximate construction period of 4-6 years.
“Our voices are being heard, let’s continue! We need to ensure Scarborough is a transit priority.”MEDIA RELEASE
Scarborough SRT Set to Close Earlier Than Planned….in 2023.
Toronto, ON – Today the Toronto Transit Commission released a report which recommends the early closure of the Scarborough RT(SRT) in 2023. Three years earlier than planned. I am thoroughly disappointed but not surprised. The SRT should have closed in 2015 at the end of its useful life. Now it will close before a better, more viable service is in place, negatively impacting Scarborough residents and businesses.
Councillor Paul Ainslie expressed “If we had built the Scarborough LRT as announced in 2007, it would have been operational today serving multiple communities and thousands of residents.”
When first announced the Scarborough LRT had a price tag of $1.26 Billion completely funded by the Province of Ontario. Fourteen years later Scarborough is left without accessible fast public transit in the form of an LRT and soon will be without the SRT. The report speaks on adding as many as 60 buses on a McCowan express route from the Scarborough Town Centre.
It leads us to contemplate “Has Scarborough become the bus capital of the City? Is this what we have become accustomed to…more buses? Scarborough needs funding for modern, reliable, public transit, not more bus transfers.” added Ainslie.
If the SRT closes before the subway extension is complete, people will be riding buses for at least 7 years longer, while waiting for the Province and Metrolinx to get their act together and build the Scarborough subway extension.
The report will be before the TTC Board on February 10, where Commissioners will discuss the report including a recommendation for a public consultation process. It will ask people what alternative would serve them best. “I have the answer”, stated Councillor Ainslie, “Stop ignoring us and fund the Eglinton East LRT, and build the subway extension. We don’t want more bus transfers. Make Scarborough a transit priority.”
MEDIA RELEASE
January 29, 2021
Scarborough Restaurants Need to be in CaféTO
Toronto, ON – The City of Toronto Executive Committee considered and approved a report that recommends an expanded CaféTO program to ensure the program is bigger and better this year. This report also includes details and recommendations for the CurbTO program, another quick-start pandemic response program.
CaféTO and CurbTO launched to support local Toronto businesses by accommodating rapid access to public right-of-way for expanded outdoor dining, customer line-ups and quick parking opportunities throughout the City.
There was very little accommodation and participation from these programs in the Scarborough area and other suburban parts of the City. The lack of support is roughly due to the absence Business Improvement Area (BIAs) representation and/or property right to curbside.
City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie, has requested the City of Toronto, General Manager of Transportation Services, the Executive Director of Municipal Licensing and Standards, and the General Manager of Economic Development and Culture to work with Scarborough City Councillors to develop a component of CaféTO and CurbTO which will ensure more expansive participation in the area for both programs.
“In Scarborough, you can dine anywhere in the world, that is how vibrant the food sector is. There is so much opportunity and potential in Scarborough that needs to be explored to better and expand participation in the area for both programs. I urge Scarborough restaurant and bar owners and operators to get involved.”
More information on this motion can be access at: EX20.6
MEDIA RELEASE
November 18, 2020
Indigenous Community Safety and Mental Health, More Is Needed
Toronto, Councillor Paul Ainslie today at Executive Committee highlighted his support to improve community safety and responses to mental health concerns for Indigenous communities across Toronto. Through a report brought forward by the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee, the city has been asked to identify funding needs and sources to fund Indigenous-led responses to community safety and mental health in Toronto.
Councillor Ainslie commented that “I have been told many residents of Ward 24 do not feel comfortable identifying themselves as Indigenous, this is very unfortunate. It not only impacts the level of the funding needed it also displays we have not done enough to encourage Indigenous communities to proudly identify”. Scarborough-Guildwood is home to a large Indigenous population. “I am proud and want to ensure supports are in place and have the richness of their ancestry recognized throughout our entire City”.
Today, Executive Committee adopted the “City Council request the Director, Indigenous Affairs Office to work with the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and other relevant City staff and divisions, and report to the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee at its next meeting on a process to identify funding needs and sources to fund Indigenous-led responses to community safety and mental health in Toronto.”
Councillor Ainslie stressed City Staff through the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee diligently work with Native Child and Family Services, and communities through consultation on a strategy to encourage residents of Indigenous background to self identify to ensure supports are available to them. Councillor Ainslie would like the workplan to explore a campaign to encourage Indigenous individuals to self identify by improving the City’s efforts to further Indigenous self-determination.
News Release
October 21, 2020
Canada-Wide Approach to Ensure Municipalities are Protected from Cyber Threats
Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie at today’s City of Toronto Executive Committee brought forward an information report as an appointed member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Councillor Ainslie who sits on the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance & Intergovernmental Arrangements, outlined his work to champion the need for a Canada-wide approach dealing with cyber security to ensure municipalities are protected.
At the September 2020 meeting of the FCM Board of Directors, municipal leaders determined further work is required to address the cyber security threat to Canada's local governments. At the request of Councillor Ainslie, FCM will be calling on the Federal government to create a municipally focused cyber security certification program. This will be done in collaboration with municipal governments and addresses the need for Federal support.
A municipal cyber security certification program is one step to help enable municipalities to further their cyber risk management, and overcome limited financial resources, as well as operational constraints. Program development, and sustainment, needs to have a cooperative, collaborative approach among municipalities, the FCM, and the Federal government. This ensures its content, focus, and objectives, address cyber risk mitigation in the municipal government context, and on a united national basis.
Considering the accelerated digital transition due to COVID-19, FCM will continue to work with municipal governments and others to further monitor incidents and identify possible supports required for municipal cybersecurity. FCM staff will also be engaging with the City of Toronto technology staff to advance this important work.
News Release
October 9, 2020
RapidTO priority bus lanes on Morningside Avenue to improve transit reliability and capacity
Mayor John Tory was joined today by Councillor and TTC Board Member, Jennifer McKelvie (Ward 25), Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 24), Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Ward 21), and Councillor Gary Crawford (Ward 20), and Rick Leary, CEO of the TTC, to officially introduce Toronto’s first RapidTO priority bus lanes on Morningside Avenue.
RapidTO is a planned network of transit priority corridors across the city. The new lanes on Morningside Avenue officially begin service this Sunday, October 11 and are part of the Eglinton East Corridor. While the Morningside Avenue lanes will span two kilometres, the new corridor will be fully in place by the end of November and include approximately 8.5 kilometres of new priority bus lanes on Morningside, Eglinton Avenue East and Kingston Road.
Improved reliability and increased capacity of bus routes in the RapidTO network will result in a faster and more reliable commute and improve access to places of work, healthcare and community services.
The new red painted lanes will be accompanied by a public education campaign to raise awareness of this important new initiative, as well as an educational campaign to help drivers, cyclists and pedestrians understand how to interact and manoeuvre with the lanes.
Drivers who enter the red lane improperly or travel in the lane can receive a ticket for improper use of a bus lane which includes a $110 violation amount and three demerit points. This will be enforced by the Toronto Police Service.
Eglinton East, including Morningside, is among the TTC’s most heavily-used corridors and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to play a significant role in moving people around the city. It emerged as the top candidate for the accelerated installation of priority bus lanes based on an assessment of several factors including improvement to transit reliability, available right-of-way and considerations for transportation equity and inclusion of Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.
By late November, the 8.5 kilometre Eglinton East corridor will see painted red lanes that run along Eglinton Avenue East, Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue from Brimley Road, through to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on Eglinton Avenue East will be converted to priority bus lanes, and curbside general-purpose lanes on Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue will be converted to priority bus lanes. The priority bus lanes will be reserved for buses and bicycles 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and identified using red road markings and signage.
The priority bus lane on the Eglinton East corridor is anticipated to increase transit reliability and reduce transit travel time on average between two to five minutes per trip. The decrease in travel time equates to annual savings of $2.5 million in operating costs and a one-time capital cost savings of approximately $6.3 million. These cost savings could allow the TTC to reinvest in other transit opportunities in this corridor, as demand increases or in other areas of the city.
The Eglinton East corridor serves seven of Scarborough’s eight Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Providing the priority bus lane advances Action 7.2.1, to explore bus transit lanes on heavily used bus corridors in the inner suburbs to improve speed and reliability of existing transit service, of the City Council approved Poverty Reduction Strategy 2019-2022 Term Action Plan.
On July 14, the TTC Board approved a report to fast-track the installation of priority bus lanes and other service-enhancing measures on five of its busiest corridors. The report is part of the TTC’s 5-Year Service Plan & 10-Year Outlook, a multi-year action plan for service-related improvements to public transit in Toronto between 2020–2024 and beyond.
The Eglinton East corridor, as part of RapidTO, was first announced by the City and TTC on July 8. On July 28, City Council unanimously approved traffic and parking regulation amendments along the Eglinton East corridor to make way for faster, more efficient and reliable priority bus lanes.
More about RapidTO is available at www.toronto.ca/rapidto
The approved Eglinton East corridor RapidTO bus priority lane report is available at
More information about the TTC’s Bus Lane Implementation plan, including ridership data, graphics and maps, can be found here
Quotes:
“This is a new and very exciting beginning for Toronto’s RapidTO network. We are installing these priority bus lanes as quickly as possible. Soon priority lanes on Morningside Avenue, Eglinton Avenue and Kingston Road will help us quickly improve access and mobility for Scarborough residents and enhance confidence that bus travellers will get where they need to go on time. Building transit rider confidence will help ensure the TTC continues to be a critical part of our pandemic response efforts.”
“Bus priority lanes provide an important pathway to help ensure the TTC surface network remains a fast, frequent and safe option for a growing number of riders who are relying on our services during the pandemic. Priority corridors are in communities that are home to essential frontline workers and where TTC buses are the primary mode of travel. We’re determined on getting more RapidTO bus lanes across the city and keeping our riders in the fast lane.”
July 9, 2020
City of Toronto Launches Online Portal For Business Licencing and Permit Application
Toronto City Hall – City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie, Chair of the General Government and Licensing Committee is pleased to announce the launch of a new online Business Licences & Permits Application portal for business owners to for apply for new licences and permits virtually. The new application process allows for people to fill out an application, submit documentation, and complete payments in one convenient online space!
The new online process is one of the many new tools which will be vital in the safe restart of City services during COVID-19. It changes what was face-to-face, to a completely online process – reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and creating new efficiencies for business owners.
To access the online application, applicants can select the licence or permit they are applying for on the toronto.ca Permits and Licences webpage, review the list of requirements, and an application link will be available on the specific licence or permit webpage. Licensing staff are available by phone at 416-392-6700 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday to assist business owners and operators with any questions.
“Business licencing is an important part of keeping our community safe. Suspending licencing and enforcement was the right thing to do as businesses navigated the pandemic, but now we are in Stage 2 and reopening, we need to make sure businesses are operating safely and legally. This new, virtual solution simplifies the licencing process for businesses, protects licensing staff and applicants, and lets businesses focus on providing services in our communities and helping our economy.” - Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair of the General Government and Licensing Committee. “We need to continue improving the use of technology, and ensure it continues after we have dealt with COVID-19”
The issuance of new business licences and renewal of existing licences has been suspended since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. No business license has been cancelled and no late fees have been charged since March 17.
Municipal Licensing & Standards is resuming business licencing and enforcement as part of the City’s recovery and rebuild efforts. Bylaw officers will be focusing on education and encouraging business owners to visit the online application to apply for new licence or to work with MLS to renew their existing licences.
July 9, 2020
Long-Term Care Homes in Toronto Need Federal Funding
Toronto – City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie requested City Council demand the Federal government to urgently fund and support long-term care home staff and residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many long-term care homes across Toronto. In Ward 24 this includes one of the City operated homes, Seven Oaks. As of late June, 1,809 long term care residents have died as a result of COVID-19 making up 64% of deaths in Ontario.
On June 22, 2020 the Executive Committee requested additional supports from the Provincial government in long-term care homes. Councillor Ainslie’s amendment to the report adding a call on the Federal Government for a substantial increase in: public health funding, careful tracking, the maintenance of infectious disease labs, stronger integration with the National Emergency Stockpile System, and systematic funding for personal support worker so they don’t have to work in multiple long-term care homes to earn a living.
“Ensuring our seniors are well taken care of while supporting our front line works to make sure they have the tools they need is imperative. All levels of government have the responsibility to monitor our long-term care homes and equip them appropriately.” stated Councillor Ainslie.
A collaborative approach between all levels of governments is how we save lives and beat COVID-19. The Federal and Provincial Governments must act and support the vulnerable residents of long-term care homes here in the City of Toronto.
June 30, 2020
Councillor Ainslie Appointed to the LGBTQS2+ Advisory Committee
Toronto – Today, City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie was appointed to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) Advisory Committee. Along with my colleague Krystyn Wong Tam. The committee is made up of 2 members of City Council and 13 community and policy leaders.
On December 11, 2019 I moved that the Executive committee establish an LGTQ2S+ advisory committee after receiving a detailed report from staff. The LGBTQ2S+ Community continues to face inequities and barriers related to health, employment status, income and social support. The role of this committee is to ensure that LGBTQ2S+ voices are heard in the legislative process while working to eliminate barriers and identify trends the community faces when it comes to City programming and services.
June 30, 2020
Toronto Police Services Report on Open Data
Toronto – City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie, successfully had Toronto City Council adopt that the Councillors administrative inquiry requesting that the Toronto Police Services Board report to the July 21, 2020 Executive Committee on the implementation of the Toronto Police Services Open Data Plan.
The Toronto Police Services Board had been requested to report on their Open Data Policy to the September 2019 Executive Committee Meeting, the report was not submitted. On January 22, 2020, the Toronto Police Services Board did table an agenda item to receive a report on the implementation on their Open Data Plan, however, the report had yet to be submitted to the City of Toronto Executive Committee as directed.
Councillor Ainslie expressed that “It is important that the Open Data Plan is addressed at the Executive Committee, to allow for residents to speak on the item and for City Council to debate the implementation plan, to ensure the it serves residents with the information expected.”
In a report entitled “Action Plan: The Way Forward - Modernizing Community Safety in Toronto” recommendation no.17 argues for “more accessible and transparent information and services.” The release of the Police Data is vital for the transparency of the Toronto Police Service and allows for public accountability.
I thank my council colleagues for their support and look forward to receiving the report at Executive Committee on July 21, 2020.
June 23, 2020
Scarborough Restaurants Need to be in CafeTO - Increasing Outdoor Dining Space for Toronto Restaurants and Bars
Toronto – City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie, has requested the City of Toronto to work with local Scarborough restaurants for better financial support. Many Scarborough eating establishments do not qualify under the new CaféTO Program because they are not represented by Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) or have property right to curbside.
On June 22, 2020 the Executive Committee decided to extend more financial support to BIAs across Toronto as restaurants move to the next stage of the opening. CafeTO will allow the installation of sidewalk cafés, curb lane/parklet cafés. for the purposes of adhering to physical distancing regulations from July 1, 2020 to November 15, 2020. The report centres around BIA areas, something which is lacking in Scarborough. “A majority of the eateries are “mom and pop shops”, beloved institutions across our Scarborough communities, these small business’ need our assistances. They are the fabric of our community culture and we don’t want to lose any of them.” stated Councillor Ainslie.
Last June, Councillor Ainslie brought forward a request to have staff explore how Business Improvement Areas could be established within Scarborough, east of McCowan Road to address the unique “mom and pop” shop areas. Mostly situated in plazas along major streets, they attract large numbers of shoppers, diners, tourists and new businesses. They need similar financial supports BIAs receive.
News Release - November 6, 2019
Night Economy Ambassador Moving Forward
Toronto – City Councillor Paul Ainslie. In April 2016, I brought forward a motion to the, then, Economic Development Committee requesting appropriate staff to explore the creation of a Night Mayor Ambassador Program for the City of Toronto. Participating cities across Europe have embraced the installation of such program and have found ties between the program and a growth in economic and civic importance of cultural life in urban areas. Details on this motion can be found here.
In July 2019, I put forward additional recommendations to City Council and supported the staff recommendation requesting the Mayor to designate a Member of Council as Toronto's Night Ambassador. This ambassador would serve as a voice for Toronto's entertainment related and nighttime economy activities. Details on this motion can be found here.
This week Mayor John Tory announced the appointment of Deputy Mayor Michael Thomson as the City's Night Economy Ambassador.
"I am really pleased the Economic and Community Development Committee with the support of Mayor Tory has moved my overall concept forward to fruition. I am anticipating that Toronto's night life will thrive with this collaboration." Stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
The term night time economy describes the social, cultural, and economic activities that take place between 6pm and 6am within the city. The City of Toronto is always striving to boost its entertainment economy through tourism through its vibrant nightlife.
Currently the City's nightlife sector employs tens of thousands of people. Implementing a system to help positively cultivate it will benefit the entire city including our many unique communities that make up Toronto.
The Night Mayor Ambassador role began in Amsterdam, with the concept growing to include Paris, London, the Netherlands and several cities in Belgium.
News Release
October 28, 2019
Toronto taking steps toward a sustainable digital future
The City of Toronto joined 35 other cities around the world on October 17 in signing the Declaration of Cities for Digital Rights to further ensure equitable and safe access to digital technology in Toronto.
This international declaration commits cities to protect and uphold human rights on the internet at the local and global level, and includes five evolving principles:
• universal and equal access to the internet and digital literacy
• privacy, data protection and security
• transparency, accountability, and non-discrimination of data, content and algorithms
• participatory democracy, diversity and inclusion, and
• open and ethical digital service standards.
Signing the declaration supports the City's plans to become more connected through the innovative use of data, technology and policies. It is also in line with Toronto City Council's direction earlier this year to develop a policy framework and governance model associated with digital infrastructure and to prepare an implementation plan.
To help develop the policy framework, the City will launch public consultations in December to discuss the use of digital technologies in public places. Participants will learn more about smart city technologies and related issues while also having the opportunity to provide input on principles that will form the foundation of the policy framework and governance model. This governance model will be developed through further consultations and opportunities for public participation in 2020. An update report including results from the initial consultations will be considered by the Executive Committee at its meeting on January 23.
More information about smart city technologies and the public consultations is available at www.toronto.ca/smartcity Questions or written input on digital technologies can be emailed to digitalfeedback@toronto.ca
More information about Cities for Digital Rights is available at citiesfordigitalrights.org
Quotes:
"With our fast growing technology sector, diversified economy and innovative workforce, Toronto is well-positioned to become a global leader in smart city technologies. The City of Toronto is working to make sure we embrace the benefits of these technologies for our residents while also addressing concerns about privacy and other issues."
- Mayor John Tory
"The City of Toronto has been implementing innovative ways for residents, visitors and businesses to navigate our neighbourhoods, access our programs and services and engage with us. These initiatives are important steps towards our goal of ensuring that people are easily connected and included in our digital city."
- Lawrence Eta, Chief Technology Officer, City of Toronto
"The public's digital rights are imperative in today's digital world. The City of Toronto is progressing towards being transparent and inclusive in the adoption of technology and I look forward to the development of its future framework and governance plans."
- Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood), Chair of the General Government and Licensing Committee
"If private partners are going to pursue technology-focused projects in our city, Toronto needs to first develop its own vision. We need to decide how data should be collected, managed and used to ensure it is in everyone's best interest. The work underway at the City is critical to ensure that we lead, so others can follow."
- Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York)
July 12, 2019
MEDIA RELEASE
Scarborough left out of Bike Share Toronto Expansion into New Neighbourhoods
Toronto, Ontario - July 11, 2019 - City Councillor Paul W. Ainslie is supportive of Toronto's Bike Share system and was happy to hear that an expansion was announced today. He was equally disappointed that the majority of Scarborough would not be benefitting from the additional 1,250 new bicycles, 105 stations or 2,292 docking points.
Last February Councillor Paul Ainslie requested that a pilot Bike Share program in South East Scarborough be launched as the program was downtown focussed and did not extend past Victoria Park Avenue. Councillor Ainslie stressed "The Bike Share program is not available to a majority of Scarborough residents".
Creating a pilot Bike Share program in southeastern Scarborough would help contribute to the: reduction of green-house emissions and traffic congestion through the promotion of biking as another form of transportation, promote exercise and healthy living through more accessible Bike Share stations, generate revenue for the City and incite public interest for the program.
Although today's announcement was good news it left Scarborough out. "Great! Why are there none in Scarborough?" was Councillor Ainslie's reaction upon learning the details of the expansion.
Councillor Ainslie will continue to discuss the matter with staff and awaits a report from the General Manager of Transportation Services to include options for implementing of dockless bike sharing technology across Toronto including Scarborough.
With this expansion the system will grow to 465 stations in Toronto, with a total of 5,000 bikes, and 8,550 docking points it's unfortunate that Scarborough would not have benefited as well.
Councillor Paul Ainslie's February 2, 2018 recommendation is here
More information on Bike Share Toronto is available at bikesharetoronto.com
June 28, 2019
MEDIA RELEASE
Immediate release
Toronto Needs a Skilled Night Ambassador to Enhance the City's Night Economy
Toronto – City Councillor Paul Ainslie, in 2016 introduced the implementation of a Night Ambassador Program to support a safe and lively nightlife for the City of Toronto. The Night Ambassador would be tasked with enhancing the relationships between the entertainment industry and municipal government by promoting Toronto as a tourism destination. This week the Economic and Community Development Committee adopted "Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy", where a City Councillor is being recommended for the job. This is not the true vision of the Night Ambassador program.
With a vision of providing our City an opportunity to excel, I proposed that an individual with the knowledge and ability to work with residents, business and the city hold the position. With the costs for the position to be equally shared cost with the city and the Business Improvement Areas.
The General Manager of Economic Development and Culture has been requested to further explore and report back to committee in 2020 on the key priorities of: nighttime operations working groups, the advice given by the nightlife and creative sector, pilot an arts event permit to host pop up performances, and organize a free annual Toronto Nightlife Industry Town Hall with private sector and community partners.
"As the 4th largest city in North America, I believe that our City is ready to fully participate and thrive with the establishment of an energetic and economically viable night time economy that requires a Night Ambassador to ensure that the residents and business who are directly affected are clearly heard, bringing their concerns to the city to ensure that all parties have a positive relationship." Stated Councillor Paul W. Ainslie.
A nighttime economy describes the social, cultural and economic activities that take place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Toronto's nighttime culture is under threat from increasing business costs and regulatory challenges. Cities like Amsterdam, New York, Berlin, Paris and Sydney are facing similar challenges and are actively taking steps to plan, protect and create nighttime activities.
More information on this motion can be accessed here: EC 6.8 – Strengthening Toronto's Nighttime Economy
June 6, 2019
News Release
City Council Wants to Regulate Firearms & Ammunition
Toronto – City Councillor Paul Ainslie continues to push City of Toronto towards protecting communities by putting forward a strong message guns are not tolerated in our city. Following previous motions relating to the regulation of firearms and ammunition, CC44.14, MM38.8, MM19.41,Councillor Ainslie put forward an additional motion MM44.6 requesting the Province of Ontario to adopt and implement the necessary measures for a seize and destroy procedure to destroy illegal guns and ammunition seized and confiscated by law enforcement agencies.
Today the Executive Committee adopted the "City Powers to regulate Firearms & Ammunition" recommending City Council request the Federal and Provincial Governments send a strong message against gun violence.
City Council requests the Federal Government to:
City Council requests the Government of Ontario to:
These efforts provide a foundation for the protection Toronto's communities while working towards the elimination of gun violence. Councillor Ainslie will continue to work diligently to have the Federal and Provincial Governments take the necessary actions and advocate for a safe and gun-free Toronto.
More information on this motion can be access here: 2019.EX6.7 - City Powers to Regulate Firearms and Ammunition and Update on Related Initiatives
July 26, 2018
MEDIA RELEASE for immediate release
Ainslie sends a strong message against illegal guns
Toronto, July 26, 2018 – MM44.6 - Seizure and destruction of illegal guns motion - by Councillor Paul Ainslie was adopted unanimously at Toronto City Council this week. The Motion sends a strong message in the fight against gun violence and calls on Toronto Police Services Board, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Province of Ontario to adopt and implement the necessary measures for a seize and destroy procedure to destroy illegal guns and ammunition seized and confiscated by law enforcement agencies.
Councillor Ainslie became deeply concerned upon learning that an Ontario man, charged with the possession of 60 illegal rifles and shotguns seized by police from his home 5 years ago, had regained possession of the same firearms. The very thought of seized firearms finding their way back to the streets is highly disturbing. "Any illegal gun which is taken off of our streets by law enforcement officials must be destroyed" said Councillor Paul Ainslie.
The City of Toronto has experienced a number of gun related offences this year. The Toronto Police Services are doing a commendable job to bring those responsible to justice and keep our City safe. "The proper way to assist in eliminating gun violence is not for illegal guns which are seized, to be given later to someone to resell on the open market. A properly seized and destroyed process need to be implemented for police to act up it" stated Councillor Ainslie. "Weapons and ammunition which are seized and confiscated by our law enforcement agencies should be destroyed in a similar fashion to alcohol and narcotics." added Councillor Ainslie.
A seize and destroy regulation enforced across all law enforcement agencies would assist in working towards the elimination of gun violence and Councillor Paul Ainslie will continue to advocate for a safe and gun-free Toronto.
June 26, 2018
MEDIA RELEASE
for immediate release
Ainslie Advocates for illegal guns to be seized and destroyed
Toronto, June 26, 2018 – City Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43) is deeply concerned to read in the news today about Ontario man charged with possession of 60 illegal rifles and shotguns, which were also seized by police from his home 5 years ago. Police are now investigating how these firearms allegedly got back into possession of the same individual. The very thought of seized firearms ending up back in the wrong hands is highly disturbing.
"Any illegal gun which is taken off of our streets by law enforcement officials must be destroyed" said Councillor Paul Ainslie.
The City of Toronto has experienced a number of gun related offences this year. The Toronto Police Services are doing a commendable job to bring those responsible to justice and keep our City safe. "The proper way to assist in eliminating gun violence is not for illegal guns which are seized, to be given later to someone to resell on the open market. A properly seized and destroyed process need to be implemented for police to act up it" stated Councillor Ainslie. "Weapons and ammunition which are seized and confiscated by our law enforcement agencies should be destroyed in a similar fashion to alcohol and narcotics."
May 10, 2018
Civic Hall Toronto creates a new home for civic innovation in the city
Today, Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee, was joined by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Government Management Committee, and project partners Code for Canada and the Centre for Social Innovation to launch Civic Hall Toronto.
"Civic Hall Toronto will bring together City teams and outside innovators to collaborate on solutions to better serve our residents,” said Mayor John Tory. “I look forward to seeing the results of this work and the introduction of new tools and approaches to improve the way we work on behalf of the people of Toronto.”
Inspired by Civic Hall in New York and Paris’ Superpublic, Civic Hall Toronto offers a unique mix of services for members, including hot desks in the collaboration space, networking opportunities, training, events and custom support – including user testing, design sprints and more to help accelerate civic innovation projects.
"Around the world, entrepreneurs are finding success and sustainability delivering technologies that inform, engage and connect residents with government and one another to advance civic outcomes," said Councillor Thompson. "Civic Hall Toronto will grow the commercial civic tech sector in the GTA by helping civic entrepreneurs connect and collaborate with technologists, public servants and potential users."
“New ideas need new spaces where collaboration and outside the box thinking are encouraged,” said Civic Hall Toronto Program Manager Shea Sinnott. “Civic Hall Toronto will break down siloes, unite passionate and talented people with an interest in civic innovation, and enable the best ideas to be shared across sectors.”
Civic Hall Toronto will be managed by Code for Canada, hosted at the Centre for Social Innovation's Spadina location at 215 Spadina Ave. and welcome members from governments and communities across the GTA. Information on membership is available at civichallto.ca
"This new home for civic innovation in the city will foster collaboration by creating a safe space for learning and testing ideas while engaging residents in improving government service design and policies," said Councillor Ainslie. "We are excited to see how this collaboration between the City, Code for Canada and the Centre for Social Innovation will evolve and encourage everyone to find out more about what Civic Hall Toronto is about."
"Civic Hall is bold and will bridge the gap between the City and citizens," said Adil Dhalla,
Executive Director of the Centre for Innovation. "It is unlike anything Toronto has ever seen and will be a hub for social innovation and new thinking. We can't wait to get started.”
Code for Canada is a national non-profit that enables governments to deliver better digital public services and empower communities to solve civic challenges using technology and design. More information is available at codefor.ca
May 10, 2018
City of Toronto launches new Open Data Portal
City Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), the City's Chief Information Officer, Rob Meikle, and other City staff launched Toronto’s new Open Data Portal earlier this evening at an event at the Toronto Reference Library. The Portal is a key outcome of the City’s new Open Data Master Plan and Roadmap.
“Open and transparent government are hallmarks of a modern and progressive city,” said Councillor Ainslie. “This new Open Data Portal will benefit everyone, especially our thriving and evolving tech and business communities, both of which understand the value and potential of government data that is made available.”
The portal, which will be updated and enhanced in phases, is a user-friendly web page that is available to anyone, regardless of technical knowledge or background. Members of the public can use the portal to access and visually interact with meaningful government data in a way that’s never before been made available by the City.
“The most exciting part about this portal is that it was co-created with the public. Thank you to everyone who made this a reality, especially Toronto’s open data community, Toronto City Council, and the City of Toronto Open Data team," said Rob Meikle. "Together, we have developed a tool that will visually showcase data, build narratives and tell stories. Data is essential for Smart Cities initiatives, and this portal will activate government innovation and inspire the release of meaningful data that can solve civic issues.”
Key features available to the public in the first phase include simplified search capabilities, the ability to tell stories related to the available data, application program interfaces and a new community showcase section that demonstrates the work the public is doing using open data.
The Open Data Portal is available at www.toronto.ca/open
Videos about open data at the City are also available on a YouTube Playlist here
April 13, 2018
Meadoway Opening the Scarborough Hydro Corridor for Public Use
Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation announcement to transform the hydro corridor Meadoway formally known as the Gatineau Hydro Corridor.
"This section of the hydro corridor is well known to Scarborough residents as it sits prominently just south of Highway 401. Having the area easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists upon its completion, will bring a great avenue of beautiful greenspace with a renewed natural habitat across the City of Toronto" stated Councillor Ainslie.
When complete the Meadoway will link downtown Toronto to the Rouge National Urban Park providing an over 500 acres east-west link for residents where they will be able to experience a "meadow habitat on a scale never seen in Toronto" as expressed by the TRCA. The segment will also expand the cycling network as it will connect the East Don Trail to the Rouge National Urban Park.
"I would like to express my appreciation to The W. Garfield Weston Foundation for their contribution to the City of Toronto. Their dedication to the environment in contributing to long-term change is monumental." Expressed Councillor Ainslie.
The Meadoway project marks the first phase through the corridor with a potential to expand into one of the largest urban linear parks systems anywhere in the world with over 500 kilometers and 4000 acres of transmission corridors in the Toronto Region.
April 12, 2018
Ainslie Advocates for Bike Share Southeastern Scarborough
Toronto – City Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43) was successful in his request to have the General Manager of Transportation look at creating a pilot project for a bike share program in southeastern Scarborough. The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee requested staff to look at making a bike share program available in Scarborough, as well as exploring new bike share technologies.
"Introducing a bike share program to southeastern Scarborough will have many benefits for residents. It brings a mode of transportation widely available in the downtown core to the suburbs. It makes available access to bikes to everyone, at any time, at different locations. Residents have asked for me to bring the program to Scarborough, and I am pleased to see work can finally begin." stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
Southeastern Scarborough is a vibrant part of Toronto with a diverse demographic. It includes a large number of students attending the University of Toronto Scarborough, and Centennial College. Introducing a bike share program into the community is a positive step forward, offering another transportation option which will help ease road congestion, and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
"Listening to my colleagues from across the city supporting bike share, and requesting they too be included in the study speaks about the need to offer people more options to get people around Toronto" added Councillor Ainslie.
A list of supporters who extended Councillor Ainslie their support include:
- University of Toronto Scarborough
- Centennial College,
- Pan Am Sports Centre Inc.
- Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) Air Partnership
- The Scarborough Storefront,
- The Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough
- The Toronto Public Library
- Metrolinx
City Staff will consult with potential private and public partners and report back to the Public Works and Infrastructure committee in early 2019.
April 6, 2018
30 KM Limits in Scarborough School Zones Student Safety Comes First!
Scarborough – City Councillor Paul Ainslie has requested Scarborough Transportation Services staff to examine reducing speed limits to 30 km/h on all local roads around schools throughout Scarborough. The request was made and approved during the April 4, 2018 Scarborough Community Council meeting. The vote was unanimous amongst the City Councillors present.
The staff report will be heard at the May 2, 2018 Scarborough Community Council meeting.
Councillor Ainslie along with his Scarborough Council colleagues are experiencing a surge of requests from their residents and school communities about the appropriateness of the posted speed limits, as well as a need for better police enforcement. Pedestrian safety in particular of children is the key concern behind this request.
"In the last few years' there has been a steady increase in the number of incidents across my Ward and Scarborough, involving school children, and those accompanying them. Under the City's current system it is left to Councillors and residents to circulate petitions to lower the speed limit on a specific street.
"The system is antiquated! We need to have one strong voice to ensure our children and their caregivers are safe as they journey between their homes and schools...a 30km speed limit achieves this. The safety of our children should be a priority" stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
The adopted recommendation states: "The Director of Transportation Services, Scarborough District to report back to the May 2, 2018 meeting of Scarborough Community Council on the reduction of the speed limit from 40 km/h to 30 km/h on all local roads around schools within the confines of the Scarborough Community Council area, excluding those roads that bound more than one community council area."
This request comes at a time when the City is enforcing the “Slow Down Toronto” initiative as part of the School Safety Zone project which reminds everyone to pay attention to their surroundings, especially in school zones.
"Having a Scarborough- wide speed limit of 30km/h with proper police enforcement on all our local roads in school zones makes sense. It will be a clear consistent message to all motorists. It will ensure all our schools are provided with the same attention and safety measure" added Councillor Paul Ainslie.
To view the agenda item please click here
March 19, 2018
Scarborough School Zone Safety Measures a Priority
Scarborough – City Councillor Paul Ainslie joined Mayor John Tory this morning at Cornell Junior Public School located in Scarborough East Ward 43 to speak on road safety in school zones, enforcing the message “Slow Down Toronto”. The program, part of the City's $86-million Vision Zero Road Safety Plan will include the Toronto Police Service school zone safety campaign which began today.
"Student safety should be a priority for everyone. My office has been working closely with Vision Zero, the Toronto District School Board and Green Communities Canada on a School Traffic Management Program at Cornell Junior Public School and Willow Park Junior Pubic School to ensure safety measures are implemented." Stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
A number of meetings have already taken place at Cornell Junior Public School and Willow Park Junior Pubic School to discuss the implementation of traffic calming tools: permanent watch your speed monitors, new parking and traffic flow signs and regulations, cross walk installation, zebra painting on intersections as well as requests for street light audits. There has also been a push for an onsite educational campaign for those accompanying their children to school specifically motor vehicles.
"I am fully committed and supportive of the School Zone Safety program. Everyone needs to slow down and be aware of their surroundings. Operators of motor vehicles need to be aware that community school zones have young people, parents, and caregivers using the street and sidewalks to access their local school. Let's all slow down and be proactive in keeping our communities safe. As a Father of three I too have walked and driven my children to school, I have seen the issues first-hand. We all need to be diligent in keeping our communities safe." added Councillor Ainslie.
The Toronto Police Service's two-week “Slow Down Toronto” campaign in school zones began today. Among many new innovative tools being utilized are new flexible in-road traffic calming signs in 12 school zones. These signs will be placed in the middle of the roadway as a reminder to motorists that they are in a school zone and to slow down.
September 7, 2017
Clark Centre for the Arts
New Guild Park and Garden Art Facility
Toronto – Councillor Paul Ainslie would like to announce that yesterday at Scarborough Community Council the new art facility, located in Guild Park and Gardens was named the "Clark Centre for the Arts" in honour of Rosa and Spencer Clark who founded the Guild of All Arts on the site in 1932 creating Canada's only artists' colony during the Great Depression.
Over the last year the site has undergone a wonder transformation with the newly renovated Bickford Residents into a banquet hall and restaurant facility. The next phase in the revival is to reawaken the sleeping building previously known as "building 191" with the new name "Clark Centre for the Arts" where the City will begin offering art programming starting in 2020.
"As in the past visitors are returning to the site to see the rejuvenation, park monuments and the beautiful view of Lake Ontario. The highly anticipated "Clark Centre for the Arts" and renovated cabins will bring the entire park alive." remarked Councillor Paul Ainslie.
"The community and I have worked hard to bring this vision to a reality and I am very happy to see the progress and enthusiasm from everyone involved." added Councillor Ainslie.
Led by Councillor Ainslie with the Parks Forestry and Recreation Division and the Economic Development and Culture team, all the planning to continue with the restoration is currently underway. Community consultation and working closely with community groups has been a key in the restoration work.
The Clark Centre for the Arts name was selected through a highly advertised public consultation process where 154 submissions were received. A naming selection committee was formed representing a variety of perspectives: Guild stakeholder groups, youth, seniors, community organizations, arts community and First Nations all with a connection to Scarborough and/or Guild Park and Gardens.
Councillor Ainslie's Interview on The John Oakley Show: to listen click here
September 6, 2017
Seamless Transit
City of Toronto to Durham Region
TORONTO - Councillor Ainslie has again requested that the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) permit Durham Region Transit access to the transit hub at Scarborough Town Centre for the purposes of transporting passengers seamlessly to and from Durham Region and the Scarborough Town Centre Transit Hub.
TTC Commissioners voted to support that discussions continue between the City of Toronto and Durham Region Transit for the possibility of allowing Durham Transit access to a bus bay but only when the Scarborough Subway Extension is implemented. This decision places this request on the backburner.
The Scarborough Subway Extension process will be a lengthy one taking several years. The expansion plans for the addition of bus bays at the Scarborough Civic Centre could accommodate access to Durham Transit but the wait does not address the current needs of residents who are finding it difficult to commute specifically for work purposes. Placing a hold on a simple request for residents to move to and from Durham Region should not be this complicated.
"I am pleased that the TTC sees merit in my request for seamless transit by allowing Durham Region Transit to travel to the Scarborough Civic Centre. I am however not pleased that TTC staff have tied this project with the Scarborough Subway Extension instead of dealing with the issue at hand". Stated Councillor Ainslie.
"Residents need to be provided with options to travel on public transit in a smart seamless manner. It should not be this difficult. We as a City need to move forward and work with other municipalities to address and relieve traffic congestion which we all face on a daily basis". added Councillor Ainslie.
The request was introduced by Councillor Paul Ainslie at the January 18, 2017 Toronto Transit Commission meeting as it would be beneficial to implement interregional transit to allow Durham buses to transport residents to and from the Scarborough Town Centre Transit Hub.
In an effort to minimize congestion it would be valuable for both cities to allow public transit to their respective municipalities to provide residents with a choice to travel to and from the Scarborough Civic Centre Transit Hub and Durham Region. This would ease the number of vehicles on our roads and create a positive relationship with our neighbours.
July 6, 2017
Microbeads ban regulations published by Government of Canada
TORONTO - Councillor Ainslie welcomes the Government of Canada's published Microbeads in Toiletries Regulations on June 14, 2017. The regulations were published in the Canada Gazette (PDF version 4,285 K), to prohibit the manufacturing, importing, and sales of plastic microbeads in toiletries, non-prescription drugs and natural health products.
"I strongly support the newly established legislation prohibiting the use of plastic microbeads in personal care products" added Councillor Paul Ainslie.
Timeline for implementation: Please refer to Frequently Asked Questions - Microbeads in Toiletries Regulations
Background:
In May 2015 the Toronto City Council adopted a motion put forward by Toronto City Council Paul Ainslie to support the banning of microbeads.
The main purpose of the motion was to ask Toronto City Council to request the Government of Canada, as well as the Province of Ontario to establish legislation prohibiting the use of microbeads in personal care products.
Microbeads are tiny particles of plastic often found in personal care products. Most commonly made from polyethylene, which is the same type of plastic used to make plastic shopping bags, milk crates and trash bins. Microbeads are very tiny in size, bypassing most screening systems in filtration sewage treatment plants. They enter directly into Lake Ontario, floating just below the surface of the water becoming food for fish and birds. Simply put they cause serious detrimental harm to our environment.
March 8, 2017
Ensuring City Hall Is Accessible
TORONTO- Yesterday, City Councillor Paul Ainslie had the Executive Committee adopt his recommendation to implement Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliance measures for Committee Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Toronto City Hall. This was done to ensure all residents have the same opportunities when addressing our municipal government.
"Updating the City's Multi-year Accessibility Plan" was adopted by the Executive Committee yesterday. The plan directs City staff to proactively remove barriers to access in City services. The civil service-wide implementation, training, accountability and compliance with a completion date of 2025. The plan however does not include addressing immediate and long overdue needs in Councillor Ainslie's opinion when accessing City Hall committee meeting rooms where residents attend to speak throughout the month.
"All residents have the right to address Standing Committees. I had noted for some time that residents who require additional support to accommodate physical disabilities are not being given the support they need to make their comments to City Councillors", stated Councillor Ainslie. "An immediate change is necessary to provide all speakers the ability to address committees confidently."
Residents will now see interim measures instituted to achieve access for Committee Rooms 1, 2, 3 and 4 at City Hall.
The updated multi-year plan spans from 2017 -2025 to include full compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Compliance measures into all City operations; along with strategic identification, prevention with removal of barriers by 2025 will be done. The plan will also include collecting data from employees to ensure all barriers are addressed.
"I will also be requesting that the Scarborough Civic Centre along with all Civic Centre meeting rooms implement similar interim measures to achieve AODA compliance", added Councillor Ainslie.
September 12, 2017
City of Toronto launches Civic Innovation Office to enhance service to the public
The City of Toronto has created the Civic Innovation Office, which will help solve municipal service delivery challenges by creating a bridge between City divisions and Toronto’s growing innovation and technology communities.
Mayor John Tory, joined by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the Government Management Committee; Councillor Michelle Holland (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), the Mayor’s Advocate for the Innovation Economy; and City Manager Peter Wallace, announced the new office today at Normative Inc., an innovation company located in Toronto.
“Toronto is home to a large population of innovators, startups and tech companies who can help the City deliver better services to the public, while promoting a new approach to problem solving within government,” said Mayor Tory. “I look forward to working with Bloomberg Philanthropies, City divisions and our civic technology community to launch this exciting new Civic Innovation Office.”
The Civic Innovation Office will be housed within the City Manager’s Office and apply technology, data analysis and design thinking to develop and test solutions to challenges faced by Toronto residents. The office is fully funded through Bloomberg Philanthropies, a collective that works to address pressing urban challenges to improve the quality of life for local residents. Recently, Bloomberg selected Toronto as the first Canadian city to join its global network of Innovation Teams.
“Innovation Teams bring 21st century problem-solving skills to City Hall,” said James Anderson, head of Government Innovation programs for Bloomberg Philanthropies. “The teams implement creative solutions by breaking down silos within city halls, engaging residents to jointly understand citizen needs and testing ideas before taking them to scale.”
The Civic Innovation Office will work with City divisions and agencies as required to identify major challenges to be solved through innovative partnerships with external teams, who will work through 16-week stints to deliver real solutions that can be procured by the City.
“Governments can learn so much from the innovation community when it comes to how they solve problems through data, design and agile development,” said Councillor Ainslie. “I look forward to seeing the solutions developed through the Civic Innovation Office and the culture shift this will produce inside Toronto City Hall.”
The Office will work closely with Bloomberg Philanthropies and actively collaborate with other Innovation Team grantee cities, including Anchorage, Alaska; Durham, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Detroit, Michigan; and Be’er Sheva, Israel.
“Toronto is an emerging centre of innovation and technology and home to so much diverse talent,” said Councillor Holland. “This is a city where people can have an impact and create new solutions, building their lives and their companies, while helping us build a great city.”
The City of Toronto has begun a search for a Director, Project Manager and Design Strategist to lead the Civic Innovation Office. More information about the postings can be found at www.toronto.ca/jobs
The City of Toronto is an emerging global centre of technology and innovation. Technology-related jobs account for 400,000 jobs in Toronto and the sector has been growing at twice the rate of overall jobs.
About the Innovation Team
Launched in 2012, the Innovation Teams Program is one of eight Government Innovation offerings at Bloomberg Philanthropies. Innovation teams (i-teams) function as in-house innovation consultants, helping agency leaders and staff go through a data-driven process to assess problems, generate responsive new interventions, develop partnerships, and deliver measurable results. The City of Toronto is one of more than 20 cities around the world that is participating in the program. Starting in May, Toronto’s i-team will begin to work closely and supportively with their colleagues across city government – offering them a different set of tools and techniques to innovate more effectively. In partnership with these colleagues, the Toronto i-team will aim to deeply understand the problem they are trying to solve by building empathy for the people impacted by it and then work quickly and creatively to co-create and test solutions that deliver meaningful results for residents.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto will honour Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada with Love," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter and on Instagram
January 10, 2017
Toronto Public Health launches program to track all homeless deaths in Toronto
Toronto Public Health has launched a new tracking system to address the limited data collected for individuals who have died while homeless and not living in City-funded shelters. The new initiative will gather better data to provide a more fulsome understanding of the scope of this complex issue, which remains a significant issue in Toronto that contributes to health inequities for many vulnerable residents across the city.
"Until now, death data for homeless people in Toronto has been limited to those who were living in City-funded shelters. As a result, the scope of this problem has been unknown," said Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Toronto's Acting Medical Officer of Health. "This new data will help guide efforts to improve the health of our most vulnerable residents."
The initiative represents a collaboration between health and social service agencies that support homeless people and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario who will help to verify the data with Toronto Public Health. Data including the deceased individual's age and gender, along with date, location and unofficial cause of death will be collected for homeless people who die while living on the street, at a friend or family member's place, at a shelter or at other locations in Toronto. All individual-level data will be treated as confidential.
"I am very pleased to see this new initiative launched as it will provide us with a more fulsome understanding of this issue and the true impact on individuals, families and in our community," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), the City's lead on this homelessness-related issue. "Until now, gathering data on individuals who have died while living beyond the City-funded shelter system proved very difficult and often involved incomplete information that didn't tell the whole story. I'm confident that this positive step will help us to begin addressing this very complex issue."
More information about the City of Toronto's efforts to protect and promote the health of vulnerable groups including homeless and marginally housed individuals is available at Here
Councillor Paul Ainslie's Motion to Ban Microbeads From Our Water Supply Supported by Canadian Federal Government
TORONTO - December 9, 2016, In May 2015 Councillor Paul Ainslie brought to the attention of Toronto City Council the harmful effects microbeads have on our environment, their potential negative impact on the quality of our drinking water. The motion before City Council by Councillor Ainslie advocated for them to be banned in the manufacturing process of cosmetics. With the adoption by City Council on May 5, 2015, and the support of the Toronto Board of Health the Federal Government was asked to do the same. The Federal Government has announced their decision to ban the use of microbeads in personal care products.
"I wanted to ensure all levels of government across Canada recognize the hazards microbeads have on our environment," stated Councillor Paul Ainslie. "It is about time the hazards have now been recognized by Canada's Federal government and acted upon."
As of July 1, 2018, the Federal Government will ban the sale of shower gels, toothpastes and facial scrubs containing plastic microbeads. A year later July 1, 2019, microbeads found in natural health products and non-prescription drugs will be also be prohibited from manufacture and sale in Canada.
Microbeads are tiny particles found in a variety of personal care products are often made from often include polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or nylon. These same microbeads are used to make plastic shopping bags, as well as milk crates! Microbeads which end up in our water system, when flushed down the drain can bypass the filtration process in our sewage system due to their very tiny size. This allows them to enter directly into Lake Ontario, where they are ingested by fish, birds and plant species. Lake Ontario is also the primary source of drinking water for the City of Toronto.
In 2013 a study was done which found 1.1 million plastic particles per square kilometre in Lake Ontario. Large quantities of microbeads were found in the St. Lawrence River creating a severe contamination to the major drinking water source for municipalities adjacent to the Great Lakes....not just Toronto.
"I am very pleased with the action by the Canadian Government to prohibit the use of microbeads in personal care products, natural health products and non-prescription drugs, " Added Councillor Ainslie.
Councillor Ainslie also gave a special thanks to a petition organized through www.change.org with over 22,000 signatures in the support of "Protect Our Waters: Enforce a Ban on Plastic Microbeads" presented to Environment Canada, and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, the Federal Minister of Environment for the Government of Canada.
November 22, 2016
Office Modernization to Save Estimated $15 Million Annually
TORONTO - Today, City Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 - Scarborough East joined Mayor John Tory and Budget Chair Gary Crawford in the Government Modernization Announcement outlining how the City will save $15 million annually by modernizing how services are delivered at the City of Toronto.
As Chair of the Government Management Committee, Councillor Ainslie is focused on making government more functional to deliver services effectively and responsibly by ensuring modern methods are put in place to save money and time while respectfully serving the needs of Torontonians.
"I am pleased to see Committee work being implemented as we move forward in modernizing the way we deliver services at the City of Toronto" stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
In 2012 the Government Management Committee adopted measures to support the creation of an Infrastructure Office to co-ordinate standards across all divisions including information technology, purchasing and standard services. "Today's announcement is an indicator of the important work our standing committees perform with the help of citizen participation and the motivation to modernize our City, as Mayor Tory announced the creation of a Chief Transformation Officer". Added Councillor Ainslie.
The Government Management Committee will continue its work as the City moves forward to hire a Chief Transformation Officer, continues to improve service modernization on the City of Toronto website, on-line services, and service counter reduction at an annual projected saving of $8 million. Along with an annual savings of $7 million for office modernization and a real estate review.
We are working towards service excellence in a modern cost effective way.
November 24, 2016
Repealing the Vacant and Derelict Buildings Rebate Saving $22 Million Annually
TORONTO - Today, City Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 - Scarborough East is pleased to see Mayor John Tory acting on repealing the Vacant Building Rebate program put in place in 2001. During an address at the Toronto Board of Trade Mayor Tory expressed his support to repeal the practice which is costing the City of Toronto millions of dollars.
In a request to the Licencing and Standard Committee in 2012 Councillor Paul Ainslie requested that the tax be repealed for vacant and derelict buildings as it provided the land owners with an incentive to have the properties remain abandoned negatively affecting the surrounding community.
"I am very pleased to see that my request to act is being considered. Across the City we have great neighbourhoods with hard working small business owners trying to keep their business prosperous while having to contend with empty and derelict buildings". Stated Councillor Ainslie.
Councillor Ainslie's 2012 request asserts, "Vacant buildings in the City of Toronto, particularly those with storefronts are contributing to the dilapidation of neighbourhoods. Thriving communities with an abundance of residents, and businesses that are working hard to keep their doors open to customers are being affected." 2012 LS12.5 Introduction of Vacant and Derelict Buildings By-law
Repealing the practice will benefit everyone as the incentive to keep the buildings empty would be lifted with the push to rejuvenate them having a positive effect for all while saving the City $22 million annually.
"I will be supporting and advocating to have the vacancy tax rebate practice repealed providing a number of businesses and residential communities the support they need to improve their neighbourhoods encouraging a growing economy" added Councillor Ainslie.
September 28, 2016
Emergency Way-Finding Stations in Morningside Park
TORONTO - Today, City Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 - Scarborough East along with the Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, the Toronto Paramedic Services, and Toronto Fire Services, have completed the installation of 16 Emergency Services Lifesaving Stations in Morningside Park.
"The emergency way-finding stations will provide residents with security, knowing if emergency services are required, staff will now be able to locate people easily within our park and ravine system." stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
The 16 stations are highly visible and easy to read with instructions to call 911 in the case of an emergency, or 311 to report non-emergency concerns. Located along multi-use trails, waterways, and areas of high use, the signs will have a Park Location ID number to help identify the specific location. Each site utilizes geo-spatial data, with key park location points, both of which are stored in the City's emergency services mapping systems.
In 2012 Councillor Ainslie brought this matter to the forefront, recommending the City implement a Global Positioning System (GPS) Emergency Service Response System in City of Toronto Parks. "I knew the City could do more to aid emergency services locate emergency occurrences in our large parks. The introduction of the lifesaving stations in Morningside Park make sense, I'm pleased they have finally been installed" added Councillor Ainslie.
Councillor Ainslie also gives credit to the creation of this system to the 1st Centenary Scout Group, of which he is a Cub Scout Leader. In 2012, during an all-sections hike in which community safety was discussed, youth members of the group offered alternatives to the standard life rings placed periodically along the Highland Creek. The Emergency Way-Finding Stations was the outcome of the discussion.
The lifesaving stations and GPS data will improve safety in Morningside Park. Also being installed in High Park, as well as Centennial Park, the program is a welcome addition to our large park system in the City of Toronto.
To view the way-finding emergency locations in Morningside Park please click here
September 8, 2016
Growing PCard program results in savings for the City
The City of Toronto implemented its Purchasing Card (PCard) program in 2005 to provide a more efficient and cost-effective means of procuring goods and services from vendors. Since the program began the city has received rebates in the sum of $565,094.99 a substantial savings.
"Not only does the PCard program simplify and streamline the payment process, it also makes it much more cost efficient," said Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 Scarborough East, and Chair, Government Management Committee. "The PCard program has proven tremendously successful, increasing by almost 32 per cent in transactional value in 2015 over 2014. City has earned over $0.5 million rebate from the PCard program, in 2015 the rebates alone totaled $105,183"
The main benefit however is to the residents of Toronto with the program being extended to the City Services Benefit Card. "Residents on social assistance without a permanent address no longer have the burden of renting a postal box or attending a cheques cashing location where they would be charged a fee, the PCard allows them the ease of making purchases safely" stated Councillor Ainslie.
Incorporating the City Services Benefit Card use to Toronto residents on social assistance was spear-headed by Councillor Paul Ainslie in 2011. This use has now also been implemented by both the Province of Ontario, and Canada's Federal government.
Other benefits to the City of the PCard program include a reduction in time spent acquiring goods and services; fewer cheques, direct deposits and wire payments issued; improved purchase transparency and accountability; and reduced need for petty cash.
While resulting in cost efficiencies for the City of Toronto, the PCard program also benefits vendors. Some of the chief advantages include cost reductions due to the elimination of invoices and mailing; faster receipt of payment; and increased sales thanks to the growing number of organizations using suppliers that accept PCards as payment.
September 7, 2016
The Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Complete Removal of Rebar below Guild Park and Gardens
TORONTO – Today the Toronto Region Conservation Authority advised that they have completed the construction phase of the maintenance work below Guild Park and Gardens. With the heavy work completed there will no longer be any requirement for truck traffic or disturbances to the access route to the base of the bluffs.
"Residents routinely use this passage to access the waterfront they may now do so safely". Stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
A large portion of this hazardous material was moved from its previous position to the toe of the bank slope and used to provide erosion protection to at-risk portions of the TRCA construction access route. This rebar-laden material was then covered with clean material to eliminate any safety concerns and provide additional protection to the slope.
Rebar material along the shoreline that could not be used as bank protection was capped with 2-3 tonne armour stone to hide the remaining hazard and to provide adequate erosion protection to the backshore.
"With the removal of the rebar the area's natural beauty welcomes visitors to enjoy the beautiful vista the Scarborough Bluffs has to offer. The TRCA will also be planting additional trees this Fall" added Councillor Ainslie.
September 7, 2016
Councillor Paul Ainslie Celebrates Open Government
Inaugural Toronto Open Government Celebration
Launching Toronto Democracy Week
TORONTO – On September 12, 2016 Councillor Paul Ainslie, Chair of the Government Management Committee will take part in the Inaugural Toronto Open Government Celebration to help launch Toronto Democracy Week. The event will take place at the Toronto Metro Hall Rotunda, 55 John Street, from 6pm to 8pm.
The Toronto Open Government Celebration is an open and free public event that will provide an opportunity for people to learn about Open Government & Open Data. Everyone will have an opportunity to engage with Toronto’s senior public service, elected representatives, and the rich community of civic leaders.
“Open Government is a great tool to explore new avenues on how government, the public, and private sector could collaborate to solve issues the City faces,” stated Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 Councillor and Chair of the Government Management Committee. “The Open Government Celebration is a wholly collaborative effort between myself and community organizer Richard Pietro.”
“Our goal is to demonstrate how the government and the public can work together and make something that would not be possible if done separately,” says Pietro who heads the Open Toronto Meetup Group and is the founder of OGT Productions.
The Toronto Open Government Celebration will feature an Open Data Family Feud, a dotmocracy, videos, mandalas, and an innovative dynamic panel where attendees of the event will dictate the direction for the conversation.
The event will be hosted by none other than Jennifer Hollett, former MuchMusic VJ and current Head of News and Government at Twitter Canada. Other guests include Toronto CIO Rob Meikle, Ryerson Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Special projects, Pamela Robinson, and Manager of the MaRS Solution Lab, Jerry Koh.
The event also launches Toronto Democracy Week, an initiative with the purpose to show Torontonians how they can engage with their government. “Participating in your Democracy goes well beyond meetings in church basements or picketing at City Hall,” says Pietro. “Now, everything from analyzing data to creating engagement platforms can directly influence public policy.”
Councillor Ainslie adds, “With both the Open Government Celebration and Toronto Democracy Week, we want to profile and encourage the great things taking place inside our city that promote innovation and create the change we need to have a better government.”
Toronto Democracy Week features a number of free events and meetups that have been organized by local and national organizers as well as provincial & national governments.
For more information and a complete event listing for Toronto Democracy Week, please visit torontodemocracyweek.org
August 22, 2016
Outdoor Ping Pong Table for Morningside Park
TORONTO - City Councillor Paul Ainslie will be welcoming The Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill in a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled to be held on Tuesday August 23, 2016 at 11 am in Morningside Park, 390 Morningside Ave. to commemorate the donation of a concrete outdoor ping pong table. The ceremony will be held at the table location in Morningside Park beside the splash pad and play ground near the first parking lot.
"The Ping Pong table is welcome addition to the latest improvements in Morningside Park, which will bring more opportunities for outdoor activities in the community," said Councillor Ainslie.
The outdoor ping pong table was donated to the City of Toronto by the Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill with special contributions by longtime Club members Chako Setoyama and James Matsumoto.
“Outdoor Ping Pong Tables for Parks” is an initiative being spearheaded by Dianne Moore of The Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill. The intent is to provide an additional positive outlet for the energy of youth and opportunities for physical exercise for persons of all ages.
The Rotary Club of Toronto-Forest Hill has partnered with the City of Toronto in promoting and facilitating the placement of concrete outdoor ping pong tables in parks and other public places throughout the city. In the past three years more than fifty tables have been installed.
The concrete ping pong tables were developed by Alpha Precasts of Brampton and Owen Sound, Ontario. The tables are regulation size with a smooth playing surface, a rugged steel net and spherical concrete legs that look like giant ping pong balls. The concrete tables are virtually indestructible and easy to maintain. They were designed to stand up to Canada’s winter climate and to the wear and tear inevitable in a public park.
Toronto Police Services Board Requests Chief Saunders to Report on City Councillor Paul Ainslie's Open Data Recommendations
TORONTO – Today the Toronto Police Services Board supported City Councillor Paul Ainslie's request to Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders to report back on a number of recommendations on the Toronto Police Services Open Data strategy report. The recommendations are to be addressed at the November 2016 TPB meeting. The intent of the recommendations are to improve the implementation process to release Open Datasets to the public.
Applauding Chief Saunders recognition of the importance of open data Councillor Paul Ainslie put forward 11 recommendations to improve the proposed open data implementation strategy. Including releasing Open Data via the Existing City of Toronto Open Data and Province of Ontario Open Data portals and not create a stand-alone portal for the TPS and releasing Open Data on 9-11 calls and Crime-Incident Reports at the cross-street geographic level (Similar to Vancouver and Montreal).
Councillor Ainslie put forward a request for a report at the Toronto Police Services Board on April 21, 2016 requesting that Chief Saunders implement a strategy executing the use of standard dataset formats to allow public information to be uploaded for viable productive use.
"Standard datasets known as "Open by Default" make sense, there is no need to reinvent the wheel dataset formats are already being utilized by municipalities following the Province of Ontario's Open By Default standard. The Toronto Police Services Board only needs to implement the strategy and carry it through in an efficient swift manner. The Toronto Police Services Board (TPSB) should be a leader not playing catch up ". Explained Councillor Paul Ainslie
The current public information format on the Toronto Police Services Board website is not offered in datasets making it difficult for the information to be uploaded onto mobile phones and other devices. "The public has asked for the capability to view information on their devices to map the information they need. Most of the information is already available on the website it only needs to be formatted into proper datasets for compatible use." Commented Councillor Ainslie.
The information currently available on the TPS website includes shooting & homicide statistic charts and maps, crime indicators and annual statistical reports as maps and graphs with no associated datasets. Open data is a positive tool of communication ensuring that information is released to the public in a viable format.
April 21, 2016
News Release: City Councillor Paul Ainslie Asks Toronto Police Service Board For Open Data
TORONTO – On Wednesday April 20, 2016 The Toronto Police Services Board supported City Councillor Paul Ainslie, and directed Toronto Police Chief Saunders to report back at the July 21, 2016 Board meeting on an improved policy implementation process to release Open Datasets.
The Toronto Police Services website contains public information, which is not in a proper useable format expected of an Open Dataset. Today governments are moving towards a standard dataset format. If information is not uploaded in the proper format the viability of productive use of it becomes very limited.
"The Toronto Police Services must release raw data, within a historical context, which is easily transferable. The format must conform to the Province of Ontario's OPEN BY DEFAULT standard, which is not being done today." Informed Councillor Ainslie. The information currently available on the TPS website includes shooting & homicide statistic charts and maps, crime indicators and annual statistical reports as maps and graphs with no associated data.
"When viewing information residents want the capability to view it on their devices while mapping the information they need. If we are already collecting the data and making it publically available, we need to now format it into the proper datasets for compatible use." Commented Councillor Ainslie.
City Council last month adopted two similar recommendations put forward by Councillor Ainslie requesting that Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Emergency Services to provide for an Open Data format for public use.
"Open data serves as a positive tool communicating relevant information to the public. It provides for a transparent dialogue where accurate information would be accessed assuring the public the Toronto Police Services along with all emergency services are serving the public to the best of their ability." Added Councillor Ainslie.
April 4, 2016
News Release: Accounting for Homeless Deaths Outside Our Shelters
On Friday April 1, 2016 Toronto City Council adopted Councillor Paul Ainslie's recommendation to commence collecting data to count all the city's homeless dead for the purposes of producing real data required in influencing decision making through policy and legislation.
Toronto City Council also committed to reaching out to the Province in an effort to work collectively to ensure that accurate information is available in making sound and realistic proposals in addressing homelessness. "If we don't know the real numbers, how can we make any real change?" stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
Not collecting the real data prevents the implementation of policies to position the City of Toronto or the Province of Ontario in addressing real statistics when formulating legislation, as well as preparing preventative measures. The City collects data when addressing issues that affect our City from transportation issues to economic indicators, cycling deaths, pedestrian deaths and much more. "Recognizing the members of our community who live on the street and perish every year must be a priority otherwise we have a false account of the true circumstances facing those who live on the streets of Toronto" cited Councillor Ainslie
"Accurate data provides us with information to identify areas in policies and legislation that need to be improved to properly address this issue. Torontonians die in and outside of shelters every year, we must count all our homeless dead to address the issue head-on" added Councillor Ainslie.
To date, 217 homeless deaths have been documented inside of the physical homeless shelters in the City of Toronto since 2007, deaths outside the shelters are not included. The adopted recommendation will commence the collection of real data. Letter from Ms. Leilani Farha UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing" click for PDF here
March 8, 2016
Councillor Paul Ainslie Calls for Public MeetingOver Rouge Valley Health System Break-up
TORONTO – Today, Toronto City Councillor Paul Ainslie called for a public meeting over the potential Rouge Valley Health System break-up through a letter to Councillor Chin Lee, Chair of Scarborough Community Council.
In a letter dated March 8, 2016 to Councillor Lee, Councillor Ainslie advises:
I am following up on both the debate we had during last month's Scarborough Community Council, as well as meetings I have had during the month since.
Scarborough Community Council passed by a slim margin of 4 - 3 a motion put forward by yourself to support the findings of the Expert Panel with regards to a proposed hospital merger, including the dissolution of the Rouge Valley Health System.
During the debate I questioned the validity of doing so without hearing from the members of the Panel, representatives of the Rouge Valley Health Service, and also the Central East LHIN.
You responded your staff had spoken with Rouge Valley Health System and there were no concerns.
Since our meeting I have met with the Andrée Robichaud the Rouge Valley Health System CEO, Joan Wideman the Past Chair of the hospital's Board of Directors, doctors, and local politicians from Durham.
The result of these meetings is there is a lot of unease, and many unanswered questions about what is taking place around this Expert Panel. This could have lasting implications for health care in the area we all represent for a long time.
During the meeting with Andrée Robichaud I was told the hospital had been invited to depute at our next Scarborough Community Council meeting on April 5, 2016.
By this Letter I am respectfully requesting for you to call a Special Meeting of Scarborough Community Council prior to then, with representatives of both hospitals present, the Expert Panel, the Central East, and Minister Hoskin's office. As you yourself stated "This is an urgent healthcare matter for our community.
If this is not possible I respectfully request all of the parties be invited to be at the April 5, 2016 meeting of Scarborough Community Council.
Councillor Ainslie concludes the letter by advising that he is looking forward to a reply.
October 19, 2015
Survey for Torontonians to provide input on new way to resolve parking ticket disputes
The City of Toronto is moving toward a new process to resolve parking ticket disputes that will remove the parking bylaw dispute process from the provincial court system.
Members of the public are invited to complete an online survey about the customer service features they would like to see in the new Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS).The AMPS survey is available online until October 30.
The new process using an administrative structure will make it easier for drivers to resolve parking related disputes, providing a convenient alternative to the formal court process.
"Administrative penalty systems exist in many areas and are designed to include a fair, accessible and impartial review process," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the Government Management Committee. "This streamlined system will eliminate the inconvenience and expense of attending court to dispute a parking ticket. Court resources should be used for more significant matters."
Under the new system, screening officers with legal training will provide an objective dispute resolution through a screening review process. If a person is dissatisfied with the screening officer's decision, he or she can request a second review by an independent hearing officer. Both officers have the authority to uphold, reduce or cancel a parking penalty. The decision made by a hearing officer is final.
In the Greater Toronto Area, Brampton, Mississauga, Oshawa and Vaughan are using an AMPS system for parking violation disputes. In 2012, Toronto Ombudsman Fiona Crean recommended Toronto's adoption of a similar system. In July 2015, the province provided the regulatory authority for this system under the City of Toronto Act.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
Toronto Medical Officer of Health Recommends Harmonizing
Swimming Pool Bylaw Across the City of Toronto
TORONTO – Today Toronto's Board of Health Committee unanimously adopted a motion put forward by Toronto City Council Paul Ainslie to harmonize former City of Scarborough By-law No. 23204. The matter will be considered by Toronto City Council on May 5, 2015.
On March 9, 2015, Councillor Paul Ainslie through the Board of Health requested the Medical Officer of Health repeal Scarborough By-law 23204 requiring residential rental building owners to provide lifeguards for pools located in buildings with residents younger than 16 years of age. This would allow Scarborough to adopt the same rules administered across the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario.
"Residential buildings are now one step closer to having the same options available to them across all of the City of Toronto. The outdated bylaw has been cost prohibitive and has led to the reduction of pool hours and in some cases the closure of swimming pools in privately owned residential buildings. Property management have been faced with a difficult dilemma, either forego morning pool activities for seniors or after school pool hours for younger residents as the cost for a full-time lifeguard has not been financial affordable." commented Councillor Paul Ainslie.
The Board of Health Report states that Toronto Public Health (TPH) has been unable to determine the reason for the stricter requirement in the By-law when it was proposed. This creates an inconsistent regulatory environment across the City of Toronto for which there is no readily apparent justification. Repealing the By-law would bring all public pools in the City of Toronto under the authority of the Regulation making requirements for public pools consistent across the City.
Ontario Regulation 565/90(Public Pools) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for class B swimming pools states that either a lifeguard be on duty in privately owned residential rental buildings or that notices be posted stating that the pool is unsupervised and is to be used at one's own risk. Scarborough By-law No. 23204 made it mandatory for lifeguards to be on duty.
The matter will be considered by Toronto City Council on May 5, 2015, if supported Scarborough will have in place the same regulation for public pools consistent across the City.
The agenda item may be viewed here
April 23, 2015
Banning of Microbeads Supported at Toronto Executive Committee
TORONTO - Yesterday the City of Toronto's Executive Committee unanimously adopted a motion put forward by Toronto City Council Paul Ainslie to support the banning of microbeads. The matter will be considered by Toronto City Council on May 5, 2015.
The main thrust of the motion asks Toronto City Council to request the Government of Canada, as well as the Province of Ontario to establish legislation prohibiting the use of microbeads in personal care products.
Microbeads are tiny particles of plastic often found in personal care products. Most commonly made from polyethylene, which is the same type of plastic used to make plastic shopping bags, milk crates and trash bins. Microbeads are very tiny in size, bypassing most screening systems in filtration sewage treatment plants. They enter directly into Lake Ontario, floating just below the surface of the water becoming food for fish and birds. Simply put they cause serious detrimental harm to our environment.
"Currently there is a failure to recognize the negative effects of microbeads as they enter the food chain, ultimately causing dangerous health effects in humans, wildlife and our water system. It would be irresponsible for governments not to address this issue." stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
A 2013 study found a concentration of 1.1 million plastic microbeads per square kilometre in Lake Ontario. This is a severe contamination of one of our major water sources. Large quantities of microbeads have also been found in the St. Lawrence River. The banning of microbeads is spreading in American states, banned most recently in Illinois and Michigan. In our country, the Government of Canada has directed Environment Canada to study the dangers microbeads have on wildlife and the environment. Provincially, Marie-France Lalonde M.P.P. (Ottawa-Orleans) is putting forward a Private Members' Bill for a similar study to be done.
"I want to ensure other levels of government, including municipalities across Canada recognizes the City of Toronto views the hazard to our environment caused by microbeads." added Councillor Paul Ainslie.
With the posting of the Executive Committee agenda item to ban microbeads on the City of Toronto website, a petition with over 22,000 signatures was made available to Councillor Paul Ainslie by the organization change.org. The petition presented to Environment Canada and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Environment for the Government of Canada is entitled "Protect Our Waters: Enforce a Ban on Plastic Microbeads"
June 12, 2014
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 – Scarborough East yesterday Toronto City Council supported my Notice of Motion to recognize and support the D-Day Tribute Campaign in their work to install tribute markers at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy France. There is one trail marker in honour for every Canadian soldier who died on June 6 1944, during World War II.
Toronto residents can be proud to they sponsored tribute markers at the memorial site for 22 fallen soldiers from Toronto which did not have sponsors. Of the 359 Canadians killed in action during D-Day, 50 of these men had called Toronto home. Toronto now joins 24 Cities across Ontario who sponsored markers for their fallen soldiers in addition to the hundreds of Canadians from coast-to-coast who have committed to honouring our D-Day soldiers.
"The D-Day Tribute Campaign is a wonderful project dedicated to honour all of our fallen Soldiers from coast-to-coast. I am honoured to have brought a motion forward to give our residents an opportunity to contribute to say thank you and acknowledge the brave soldiers or perished on June 6, 1944 and the days following." proudly stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
Marking the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, the tribute markers have added to the gratitude we all feel towards all the soldiers who fought in World War II. The tribute markers are made of Canadian maple, stand a metre tall, and are topped with a plaque indicating the soldier’s name, regiment, and hometown as well as the sponsoring individual/organization. The Juno Beach Centre also plans to have QR codes attached to each marker to link directly to a biography of the soldier produced by the Lest We Forget Program. to be found on the Internet
"All Canadians should visit Juno Beach to have a real appreciation to what occurred so many years ago and how the bravery of our men came to win the war," added Councillor Ainslie.
"The City of Toronto's recognition of the Juno Beach Centre Associations D-Day Tribute Campaign demonstrates the continued support of our Canadian soldiers and their families."
For further information visit www.junobeach.org
April 9, 2014
Revitalizing a City Landmark in Scarborough East
"Guild Inn Revitalization"
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 – Scarborough East. . City Council has granted authority for the City to enter into a Letter of Intent with Guild Inn Estate Inc. to sublease the Guild Inn building and certain surrounding lands to construct and operate the proposed restaurant and event/banquet/conference centre. This approval is one in many steps in creating the magnificent restaurant and banquet feature the community has long desired.
Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group has been negotiating with the City of Toronto since last July when City Council approved their application to move forward to revitalize the main building of the former Guild Inn Property.
Councillor Ainslie has been working with the community for a number of years to help shape a revitalization of the site to serve the community and respect the grounds, "I would like to thank all the residents, the Guildwood Village Community Association, the Guild Renaissance Group the Friends of Guild Inn Park & Gardens, and the Friends of Elizabeth Simcoe Park for working with myself and City Staff throughout this process. Together we have developed a strategy for the Guild Inn." stated Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 City of Toronto Councillor.Dynamic Hospitality and Entertainment Group are planning to design, build, finance and operate a new restaurant and banquet/event centre at the former Guild Inn site with a series of capital improvements to the original Bickford Residence. Included in their goal for the site is restore both the exterior of the original building and interior, preserving the heritage attributes in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act. "Being able to restore the original building is welcoming news as it has greatly deteriorated over the years. Displaying, the Bickford Residence as the anchor ads substantially to the development as do the community meeting rooms, a feature residents were asking for" added Councillor Ainlsie.
When complete the Bickford residence will have four separate event spaces, with the capability to be combined as one space for larger events, a restaurant with an adjoining patio and meeting spaces featuring floor to ceiling widows to capture the view of the surrounding grounds.
The overall vision for the Guild Inn Park and Gardens is being formed in coordination with local residents groups, the City's Culture division, the arts community and Parks Forestry and Recreation to develop the remaining parkland around the Bickford Residence as a Cultural Precinct. The Park houses a number of architectural fragments and sculptures, nowhere in Toronto are as many works displayed in a public park. All will be restored in an active arts and crafts programming atmosphere to be re-established in the other historic buildings on the Park site.
When complete this cultural attraction will honour its history as a Guild of All Arts.
December 18, 2013
Programming in Toronto Community Housing
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 – Scarborough East, Councillor Paul Ainslie has requested that Toronto Community Housing waive parking fees for community organizations that provide programming in Toronto Community Housing buildings. The motion was passed at City Council on December 17, 2013.
Programming is an essential component to all residents in the City of Toronto. A number of organizations provide much needed free programming to those who reside in Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), the providers are then charged a parking fee by TCHC. "Resources are needed in programming to enhance the services to our residents, having funds taken from programming for parking does not benefit anyone", stated Councillor Ainslie.
Providers who serve our residents have been asked to pay for parking at the Toronto Community Housing buildings. This added expense has been a strain on all organizations budget, as they struggle to provide essential programming to educate and guide our children.
This added fee has deterred organizations to enhance and increase their programming as the parking fees have reached $3000.00 per annum or more. Parking fees for community organizations recognized by the City of Toronto should be waived. "The City of Toronto, through Toronto Community Housing, should not be charging program providers for parking fees in lieu of increased programming," added Councillor Ainslie.
The City Council item may be viewed click here
December 12, 2013
Social Services Benefits Card is a Success
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 – Scarborough East, Councillor Paul Ainslie, reported that the Social Services Benefits Card project is doing very well. Introduced in 2012 following Councillor Ainslie request that the City implement the program to replace paper welfare cheques with a reloadable debit card the program has already saved City of Toronto residents $6.2 million and will continue to do so annually with room to grow. Realizing the program's success City Council adopted Councillor Ainslie's recent motion to expand the program to include other division for further savings.
"The card is a success for everyone by cutting red tape and service fees" stated Councillor Paul Ainslie. The program, the first of its kind in Canada was the recipient for the Excellence in Public Service Delivery Award handed out in October of this year by GTEC, Canada's Government Technology Event.
The reloadable cards will be expanded to include a Drug Benefit Card, Shelter Support and Housing Administration (SSHA), Toronto Public Health for emergency dental needs for further savings, It is estimated that the further implementations could save residents a further $700,000 annually.
The card looks and works like any other debit card, using secure PIN and chip technology. Cardholders receive Ontario Works payments on the reloadable card and are able to withdraw funds at ATM's, make purchases at retailers, and access a number of other online services. The card eliminated expensive cheque-cashing fees and provides a more secure option over carrying cash. "The City Service Benefit Card has reduced the time spent on onerous administrative processes, staff can concentrate on value added activities: helping residents to find jobs, and improve their incomes; and for City government, which has reduced costs." Stated Councillor Ainslie
The Card also supports the city's low income residents in another important way, where welfare cheques stigmatize people, the card will treat residents like many other Torontonians who use cards everyday in the marketplace, as well as reducing eliminating expensive cheque-cashing fees social assistance recipients cannot afford.
Better service for residents, better use of staff time and better value for the money we spend to deliver valuable City services.
December 5, 2013
Torontonians Receive $5.63 of value for every dollar invested in Toronto Public Library
First-of-its-kind Canadian study illustrates library’s economic impact on Toronto
Toronto (December 5, 2013) – Toronto Public Library recently commissioned the Martin Prosperity Institute, part of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, to conduct the first Canadian study to measure the library’s economic impact on Toronto. Results clearly demonstrate that Toronto Public Library delivers a strong return on investment through the delivery of library services that enhance Toronto’s competitiveness and prosperity and contribute to a better quality of life for all.
Key findings include:
- The total economic impact of the Toronto Public Library on the city of Toronto is $1 billion.
- For every dollar invested in Toronto Public Library, Torontonians receive $5.63 of value.
- For those who use the library, the value of their library membership is as much as $500.
- On average, one open hour at any one of the library’s 98 branches generates $2,515 in benefits for the city of Toronto. The average cost of one open hour is $653, so the average benefit is almost 4 times the average cost.
- Beyond tangible benefits outlined in the report, the library delivers value to Toronto’s communities and residents in ways that are not easily quantifiable but nonetheless support Toronto’s economy, increase its competitiveness and prosperity and contribute to the city’s livability and quality of life.
“For the first time, we can demonstrate the library’s economic impact on our city, in addition to the powerful impact on individuals and communities that isn’t as easily quantifiable,” said Paul Ainslie, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board. “We think Toronto residents will be very interested to hear that for every dollar invested in the library they receive almost six times the value. A dollar invested in the library has a significant return for the city.”
The Toronto Public Library Board, as well as City Council, requested this study to measure the return on investment for public library service and the value provided to Toronto residents. The study was funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, thanks to a generous donation from TD Bank Group and a contribution from the Estate of Norman G. Hinton.
“The prospect of looking at the economic impact of the Toronto Public Library offered the MPI an exciting challenge. We knew that being the first in Canada to bring a carefully documented and objective evaluation of economic impact and benefits would be an important step,” said Kevin Stolarick, Research Director, The Martin Prosperity Institute, Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. “We are encouraged that even the lowest, most conservative estimates show significant benefits for Toronto.”
Measuring the value of programs and services in economic terms only tells part of the story. The report also includes analysis of some Toronto Public Library programs and services that make a difference to the city, going beyond the numbers. These services are not easily quantifiable, but create significant value for residents, including opportunities to improve literacy skills, engage in lifelong learning and enhance educational and employment opportunities. These outcomes deliver a lifetime of value to residents and increase the economic competitiveness and prosperity of Toronto.
The study methodology quantified the total economic impact and return on investment of Toronto Public Library services based on analysis of direct tangible benefits, direct spending and indirect tangible benefits. Full study methodology is available in the report.
About Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library is one of the world's busiest urban public library systems. Every year, 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates on what's happening at the library, follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
About Martin Prosperity Institute
The Lloyd & Delphine Martin Prosperity Institute is the world's leading think-tank on the role of sub-national factors - location, place and city-regions - in global economic prosperity. It takes an integrated view of prosperity, looking beyond economic measures to include the importance of quality of place and the development of people's creative potential.
April 10, 2013
Artifacts in Scarborough Civic Centre to be Honoured
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 – Scarborough East, Councillor Paul Ainslie, reported on the Scarborough Civic Centre ground-floor exhibits during yesterday's Scarborough Community Council meeting. Wayne Reeves, Chief Curator, Museum Services at the City of Toronto led a team to examine the artifacts located in the Civic Centre rotunda and has struck at plan to revive the exhibits.
"As you enter the Scarborough Civic Centre all visitors have for years been greeted with the Hastings Buggy and Cutter a wonderful piece of Scarborough heritage earning its spot as the centre piece in the Civic Centre. I am encouraged that our Chief Curator, Wayne Reeves acted on my requests to inventory and review the long standing exhibits in the Civic Centre his assessment that all the artifacts require attention to ensure their preservation is commendable", stated Councillor Paul Ainslie.
There are many exhibits in the Scarborough Civic Centre Rotunda with historic significant to the City. The Thomson Bible showcased for years in the rotunda is one of Toronto's oldest books circa 1815. The book was brought to Councillor Ainslie's attention by a resident who observed its location as odd as it sat in a case under the main staircase, out of site. The Chief Curator has deemed it an artifact and will be accessioned into the Historical Collection where its conservation needs will be reviewed at the Collections and Conservation Centre.
The Hastings Buggy and Cutter will remain on-site where some deterioration issues will be addressed. An interpretive panel will accompany the exhibit for visitors to learn about the significant piece. In 1973 the then City of Scarborough was visited by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. Several objects are on display at the civic centre these pieces will be assessed by Museum Services to determine if they are to be included into the Historical Collection. Other artifacts include sculptures and other documents on display. Cultural Services' Arts Services will explore opportunities to showcase work of current local artists, community arts organizations and businesses to enhance civic centre.
City staff will also lead the Scarborough Museum Youth Collective to identify Scarborough stories and artifacts that could be added to the exhibits as it represents an excellent educational opportunity related to exhibit conception, design, production, installation and maintenance.
Councillor Ainslie has been working to improve the rotunda bringing installing a permanent display to showcase Terry Fox's visit to Scarborough in July 1980 with a wonderful assortment of photographs. In 2008 Councillor Ainslie worked with the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and Sara Williamson, daughter of famous Sculpture Elizabeth Fraser Williamson to display a number of her wonderful pieces, still on display today.
January 28, 2013
Ward 43 Youth Summit
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 – Scarborough East, Councillor Paul Ainslie presents Ward 43 Youth Summit, bringing all the youth related organization together to strengthen our ability to deliver the services more directly and efficiently.
A youth work group was created in Ward 43 to research the level of awareness youth have about the organizations and services in the Scarborough East. On January 28th, the working group will deliver the information to the organizations to highlight trends, and if they are being addressed.
It is vital for our community to understand and develop our youth. Over the past few years we've seen many positive changes in the youth services and development, however not always youth themselves are aware of them and can benefit to the full potential.
I strongly feel that by bringing all the organizations together at the Youth Summit will strengthen our ability to deliver the services more directly and efficiently. The group created has the greatest ability and potential to perform research and development of the information gathered as they are the once who benefit from the services the most.
Date: Monday January 28, 2013
Time:6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location:Scarborough Civic Centre,
150 Borough Drive, Scarborough, ON
(in Council Chambers)
Youth Panel will make a presentation to the following:
Toronto Youth Council, KGO Safety Committee, United Way, East Scarborough Storefront, Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough,Toronto Community Housing, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, TDSB Newcomers Services for Youth, Tropicana - Scarborough Youth Resource Centre (SYRC), YMCA of Greater Toronto, Toronto Police Service, Rosalie Hall, 4Life Foundation, City of Toronto - Community Development Office, Residents Rising, Toronto Youth Cabinet, Toronto Public Library, Youth Link
February 23, 2012
Creation of Policy to Preserve Structures with Architectural and Historical Significance
TORONTO - Councilor Paul Ainslie, Scarborough East Ward 43, the Economic Development Committee heard a motion from Councillor Ainslie on February 21, 2012 to Creation of Policy to Preserve Structures with Architectural and Historical Significance.
The motion recommends that a policy and process be developed to preserve architectural and historical significant structures and fragments from buildings within the City of Toronto undergoing demolition or renovations, by placing them in appropriate locations throughout the grounds of the Guild Park & Gardens. This would carry on the tradition started by Spencer and Rosa Clark in the Guild Park & Gardens adding to the existing on site collection.
The Guild Park & Gardens situated in Scarborough East Ward 43 contains a number of architectural and historical structures from buildings across the former City of Toronto and southern Ontario. " The concept of restoring and preserving our architectural history by displaying them in our city-owned parks and buildings will add texture and interest to our city spaces while respecting the pieces by giving them the audience they deserve." Councillor Paul Ainslie explained.
The gardens are a unique display of Toronto's architectural history currently house a number of structures including: six animal panels from the Bank of Montreal Building, Angel Panels from the North American Life Assurance Company, Margueretta Stone from the University Avenue Armories, Art Deco base-relief blocks from the Toronto Star building, lamps from Sunnyside Boardwalk, Ionic Capitals from the University of Toronto, a wall of decorative stone elements from the Canadian Bank of Commerce, the Provincial Paper building, and Abitibi Building to name a few.
Staff are to report back to the Economic Development Committee with their strategy to Creation the Policy.February 1, 2012
Scarborough Deserves an Underground LRT
TORONTO - Councilor Paul Ainslie, Scarborough East Ward 43, supports Mayor Ford's position on public transit converting the planned Eglinton LRT into a truly rapid transit line reaching from Scarborough City Centre clear across to Etobicoke which fully interconnects with Toronto's subway network. The Metrolinx analysis showed this plan, envisaged in their Memorandum of Understanding, will move four times as many people up to twice as fast. This is exactly the type of rapid transit Scarborough needs.
In a letter to TTC Chair Karen Stintz dated January 30, 2012, Councillor Paul Ainslie expressed his and other City Councillors representing Scarborough concerns with the possibility of changes to the current plans to build the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown Line.
"Scarborough is the fastest growing community in Toronto and is home to 625,000 people, we as elected representatives need to give Scarborough residents the mechanism to travel efficiently" Stated Councillor Paul Ainslie. The only way to garner increased ridership in the suburbs is to make public transit faster which can only be accomplished if the LRT is underground.
One-quarter of Toronto's population resides in Scarborough yet we are the most poorly served by the current transit system. Like most Torontonians, Scarborough residents travel to work across Toronto yet it is the only section of the city's four community council areas with no access to real rapid transit.
"Scarborough residents are major contributors to our economy and deserve an underground public transit line", noted Councillor Ainslie. The average ride on the Eglinton Crosstown would have people travel in half the time as the above surface travel time. The City is advocating to decrease traffic congestion not increase gridlock. Building the LRT underground would solve traffic issues, an above ground build would further congest our roads making travel time impossible.
An underground LRT will meet Scarborough's community needs and the city's needs. It is the only real solution to address our growing population. Residents want this dealt with now, they do not have an appetite for a "make-do," interim solution that may last 20-30 years.
The old "Transit City" plan did not offer a rapid transit solution for Scarborough. Councillors representing the area have always insisted that plans continue to build a proper, rapid, underground subway to Scarborough. Having now seen the devastating impact the St. Clair Ave. transit project had on local communities. Construction of the current Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown Line is already underway and plans to move forward on a Sheppard subway extension to Scarborough Town Centre, Scarborough will finally be part of Toronto's rapid transit network.
"The Scarborough LRT must be replaced by a rapid transit solution the only solution is an underground LRT. Let's get going, we don't need further delays." stated Councillor Ainslie.
Councillor Paul Ainslie Elected Chair of Toronto Public Library Board
TORONTO (Tuesday, October 18, 2011) – At its October 17 meeting, the Toronto Public Library Board elected by acclamation Councillor Paul Ainslie to the position of Board Chair. Councillor Ainslie has been a member of the Board since December 2006. PDF
February 14, 2011
Off shore Wind Turbine Moratorium in Lake Ontario
TORONTO - Councillor Paul Ainslie Ward 43 - Scarborough East. The Province of Ontario's announcement on Friday February 11, 2011 is being celebrated by many. I along with a number of groups have been working diligently since 2008 in opposition to a wind turbine proposal on Lake Ontario off the Scarborough Bluffs...click here for details also available in PDF
September 19, 2010
Toronto Region Conservation Authority Supports Moratorium on Wind Turbines on Lake Ontario
Scarborough: City of Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie was successful in having the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) support his motion for a moratorium of construction of wind turbines on Lake Ontario, during their Board of Director’s meeting...click here for more details
June 25, 2010
Guildwood Community Benefits from Councillor Ainslie’s negotiations with the Province.
New regulations should eliminate any wind turbine projects close to shore such as the one proposed for the Scarborough Bluffs.
June 25, 2010 (Toronto City Hall) – In keeping negotiations on-going with the Province of Ontario Councillor Paul Ainslie has successfully represented the community of Scarborough East. Today the Ministry of Environment announced the Province has decided on a 5 kilometer setback for offshore wind farms. This means the proposed wind farm off of the Scarborough Bluffs is not viable...click here for details also available in PDF
June 8, 2010
Ainslie Demands Wind Turbine Standards From Province
June 8, 2010(Toronto City Hall) - On Friday June 4, 2010 City Councillor Paul Ainslie, met with two provincial Cabinet
Ministers, the Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure (Scarborough Centre) and the Honourable
Margarett Best Minister of Health Promotion (Scarborough - Guildwood)...click here for details also available in PDF
April 20, 2010
Toronto Hydro's Wind Turbines project update
March 24, 2010
Mornelle Community Celebrates “Safewalk”
Councillor Paul Ainslie’s Ward 43– Scarborough East is celebrating today with Angela Bracket Chairperson of the Mornelle Court Residents Action Coalition, Ken Morden, Principal at Military Trail Public School Principal, Patrick Bolanda Communtiy Support Worker for the Toronto District School Board, Stephen Linton and Scott McKean of the City of Toronto’s Crisis Response along with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and the children of the “Safewalk” Program...click here for details also available in PDF
More News.....
March 22, 2010
COMMUNITY SIGNS STOLEN IN GUILDWOOD
It has come to the attention of Toronto City Councillor Paul Ainslie, after numerous phone calls that community signs are being stolen off of the front lawns of homes in the Guildwood area of his Ward 43...click here for details also available in PDF
March 11, 2010
Prohibiting the Industrialization of Crown lands
I have put a motion forward to Scarborough Community Council to be heard on April 27, 2010 entitled "Prohibiting the Industrialization of Crown lands"...click here for details
March 2, 2010
The Structural Deficit Continues At City Hall
Toronto City Hall - The structural deficit continued yesterday in Toronto’s City Hall as the Executive Committee rejected a request by Toronto City Councillor Paul Ainslie to review the composition of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Transit Commission...click here for details also available in PDF
March 2, 2010
Ballet brought to Mornelle Court Children
Toronto City Hall - Children in the Mornelle Court community (Morningside Rd & Ellesmere Roads) have been chosen to participate in a very special program. Created in partnership with the National Ballet School of Canada and the Boys' and Girls' Club of East Scarborough, they will receive an opportunity to be introduced to the art of dance...click on PDF for details
March 2, 2010
Request to bring Guild Sculptures to the Residents...click here for details also available in PDF
January 6, 2010
City Councillor Paul Ainslie sees Stimulus Funding Arrive for New Day Care Centre for Kingston Road & Galloway Rd With Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Toronto City Hall – On December 17, 2009 City of Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie witnessed the fruition of many phone calls and letters as the Federal and Provincial governments announced an investment in partnership with Native Child and Family Services ...click here for details also available in PDF
November 13th, 2009
Construction of the Wind Anemometer
I confirmed with Toronto Hydro Renewable Energy Resources the object currently in Lake Ontario is the barge being used to work on the construction of the wind anemometer ...click here for details
November 9, 2009
Scarborough Girls Return from a 'Journey of a Lifetime'
Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East): Will on Tuesday November 10, 2009, welcome Principal Wendy Blain together with Maedy and Shunice as they share with Scarborough Community Council Members their experiences during their 14 days in Africa...click here for details also available in PDF
November 6, 2009
Recommencement of Construction - Guild Inn Shoreline Regeneration Project
October 23, 2009
Wind Testing to Go Ahead Despite Opposition from Councillor Paul Ainslie & Community Members
Scarborough East - Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East) today received word that Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc. has received the final approval they required from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to build a wind research platform (anemometer) in Lake Ontario, approximately 1.2 km offshore (Toronto Hydro Release)... click here for details also available in PDF
October 23, 2009
Notifcation from Councillor Ainslie on H1N1 vaccinations
Councillor Ainslie would like to notify that the H1N1 Vaccination will be available to the public commencing on November 2, 2009. at the Scarborough Civic Centre on the following dates...click here for details
October 13, 2009
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations for People Aged 65 or Older
Councillor Ainslie would like to notify that the seasonal flu vaccination for seniors will be available free of charge at the Scarborough Civic Centre on the following dates...click here for details
October 13, 2009
Tam Heather Curling & Tennis Club Opens New Four Court Indoor Tennis Facility in Scarborough East
Scarborough - Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East) will on October 17 open the new tennis facilities at the Tam Heather Curling & Tennis Club together with the clubs board of directors...click here for details also available in PDF
September, 2009
Emerald Ash Borer update:
Forestry continues to monitor City-owned ash trees for looking for signs and symptoms of EAB, updating our database on ash tree condition, removing and replacing ash trees when required and identifying presently available tree planting locations in areas of known EAB infestation. ...click here for details
August 05, 2009
City Council approves Centennial College redevelopment plans for the Guild Inn
Toronto City Council has approved an important initiative that will create a vibrant new future for the Guild Inn site in Scarborough. An agreement in principle has been reached between the City of Toronto, Centennial College and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority that allows the college to construct a new home for their Cultural and Heritage Institute ...click here for details also available in PDF
June 25, 2009
Ainslie Will Not Attend City Council In Convention Centre
Scarborough East: City Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough East Ward 43) has questioned the location of tomorrow’s Special City Council Meeting. A notice was sent out today advising Members of Council and the public that Toronto City Council is to hold a Special Meeting of Council to consider TTC Streetcar Report on: Friday June 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Room 105, North Building. ...click here for details also available in PDF
June 8, 2009
Municipal Road Damage Deposit (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743)
Scarborough East: Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough East Ward 43) will on Tuesday June 9th, 2009 introduce a notice of motion at Scarborough Community Council to seek support from his colleagues to have the responsibility of paying for and obtaining a permit for the Municipal Road Damage Deposit (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 743)...click here for details also available in PDF
April 14, 2009
Guild Inn Hotel Tower Demolition
Scarborough East: Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough East Ward 43) together with Ann Buller, President of Centennial College, Timo Puhakka, President of the Guildwood Village Community Association, and Sandy Muir, Chair and Janet Heise, Director of the Guild Renaissance Group mark the beginning of a new phase for Guild Park & Gardens, and a new relationship with Centennial College...click here for details also available in PDF, Intinerary
April 14, 2009
Toronto Hydro Proposal for Wind Turbines off the Scarborough Bluffs.
Project Evaluation Report documenting Toronto Hydro's Class EA Process.
April 02, 2009
Councillor Paul Ainslie Donates Cost of Living to Community
April 2, 2009- Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East) has donated his Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) directly to the local community...click here for details also available in PDF
March 27, 2009
Councillor Ainslie's Press Release on Lack of Child Care funding in the Provincial budget
Scarborough - Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East) attended a "Post-Budget" Breakfast this morning in Scarborough East....click here for details also available in PDF
March 10, 2009
Emerald Ash Borer Update
I would like to thank the many residents who attend the March 10, 2009 information session on the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and invasive plants ...click here for details also available in PDF
February 27, 2009
Board boss ripped for 'frivolous' zoo trip.
By BRYN WEESE
A $2,000 fact-finding trip to Ottawa, Quebec and the Adirondacks in New York state is "frivolous," according to a new member of the Toronto Zoo's ...click here for details also available in PDF
February 20, 2009
Friday February 20, 2009- Yesterday at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Public Library announced the expansion of its Sun Life Financial Museum + Arts Pass....click here for details also available in PDF
January 28, 2009
Toronto Council endorses plan to prohibit smoking at playgrounds in City parks, .... click here for details
January 26, 2009
At its January 19, 2009 meeting, the Toronto Public Library Board adopted the following motion... click here for details also available in PDF
January 13, 2009
Making an impact at Community Development and Recreation Committee,.... click here for details
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