Dear Residents,
Here are some Questions and Answers from my recent Town Hall Meeting in Curran Hall. Many can be applied right across Ward 43 so I thought I would publish them here….
Questions: Does the City consider increased traffic & congestion when developers submit a plan for new condos/other developments?
Answer: There is a process in place to consider all impacts that new developments will have on the community. Increased motor vehicle traffic is why there is a push for better/increased public transit and in order to have improvements with public transit the City requires additional funding from the Provincial and Federal governments
Question: Where do you stand on the privatization of Garbage Collection?
Answer: I originally voted for the Privatization in the west as it would be good to have both systems in place to ensure better quality of service.
The reports that have come out do not show that there is going to be much savings to privatize east of Yonge Street.
Privatizing east of Yonge would leave the City with an excess of new equipment, an increase in calls to 311 for quality of service and there will need to be re-deployment of unionized workers, which may result in some requiring to be retrained or laid off.
Question: Why are not all the items in our Green Bin not being collected?
Answer:The City does not have enough trucks presently with the forks to pick up the bins but the workers should be taking everything that is in the bin. If this doesn’t happen you should contact my Constituency Office at 416-396-7222.
Question: Why is there gradual Increases of my Property Tax? This is very difficult for seniors who are on a fixed income.
Answer: The City’s portion of your Property Tax is not going up but it is MPAC, a Provincial body that sets the rate.
Question: What do we do if we feel it is not feasible to disconnect our downspouts?
Answer: You can still apply for an exemption, see this link for the application and more information:<http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=d490ba32db7ce310VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD>
If it is feasible to disconnect your downspout you can do it yourself or hire a reputable contractor. If you have any questions that are not answered on the City website please call my Constituency Office for assistance at 416-396-7222.
Question: Is there is a By-Law that requires people to pick up after dogs on public property?
Answer: Yes. Call 311 to report an incident. Residents are required to clean up after their dogs on Public Property. If excrement is not removed on private property you can may also call 311 to report as a property standards issue. Or call my Constituency Office for assistance at 416-396-7222.
Question: What can we do about the 3 hour Street parking by-law in Scarborough?
Answer:This issue has been addressed at Council many times and is always rejected. There has not been a high demand for permit parking in Scarborough. In other parts of Toronto permit parking is practiced as they have limited parking space on their private property. One of the issues raised is that as no time limit is placed on permit parking that it could encourage illegal rooming houses.
Question: What can be done about a School Bus at Orton Park Drive that is not setting the flashing lights or the stop sign when operating?
Answer: I have reported this matter and have requested that the Bus driver follow the proper protocol. If you should encounter this situation again please contact my office at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca<mailto:councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca> with the bus company name, bus number, time and location of incident.
Question:Can we have the speed limit reduced on Orton Park Drive in front of GB Little Public School?
Answer:My office has put in a request to have the speed limit reduced on Orton Park Drive. We are waiting for the report from Transportation Services.
Question: Can the Crossing Time at cross walks and intersections be increased?
Answer: A request to review will have to be made. Please call my office with the intersection and time of day reflected for an increase in crossing time.
Question:When will the lights at Heather Heights Playground be working?
Answer:The lights have now been electrified by Toronto Hydro.
Question: What can be done about damage to my front lawn by the sidewalk snowplow?
Answer: Please contact my office and provide your residential address. all reported damage will be repaired by the contractor in the Spring.
I hope you found these qquestions and the associated answers helpful?
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns>
All my Best<
Paul