Spring 2017
Dear Guildwood Neighbours,
The big decision at City Hall…City Council adopted the next steps in the process to build the Line 2 extension of the subway at the Scarborough Town Centre. In July 2016, City Council voted to have both this station and the Eglinton East Crosstown LRT built together. Last year the budget was $2 billion, and has now risen to $3.5 billion, while ridership projections have gone down 49%. This budget increase for the subway station has taken all the money out of the LRT extension. City Council is asking the Federal and Provincial governments for addition monetary support.
Community Bus Project Cancelled: The increased budget for the subway extension is also leading to the cancellation of the community bus project we have been advocating for at the TTC for over 5 years.
Transit plans and facts on the Eglinton East Crosstown LRT can be viewed on my website. On Monday March 28, I was a member of a panel at a community transportation meeting. During the meeting many residents, including youth made it clear they support the LRT which allowed for necessary, better, public transit travel on local roads networks to work, shop and attend school. Light rail transit would also encourage improved business access along LRT routes, as they are above ground where people can see the community and get off where needed, as opposed to longer stops below ground on a subway. The area known as the “Golden Mile” located along Eglinton Avenue at Victoria Park is receiving light rail transit. The entire area is being revitalized with residential and business opportunities. This is what I will continue to fight for in Scarborough East.
Guild Park and Gardens Guild Inn Estates and Arts Facility Development
The Guild Inn Estates is scheduled to host a grand opening in early June. The building which I had an opportunity to tour, is beautiful, and will be a wonderful main entrance to the park! I look forward to seeing you at the grand opening!
Local residents and community groups have been asked submit names to properly identify the arts structure known commonly as “Building 191”. The list will be sent to residents for a final vote to select the name. Please look for your opportunity to cast your vote. The link will be posted on my website.
An Open House on the arts facility development in Guild Park & Gardens was held on April 4, 2017. City staff along with the architectural team introduced the plans and proposed schematic design for the new centre. If you were not able to attend and have questions please contact Susan Kohler at 416-396-5142 or email Susan.Kohler@toronto.ca<mailto:Susan.Kohler@toronto.ca>.
Metrolinx projects: As a follow-up to my request for noise barriers along the Lakeshore East Corridor expansion between Guildwood GO Station and Pickering GO Station, Metrolinx has advised they have heard our concerns and have moved forward in conducting an additional noise review. This review will focus on reducing the noise at the source including exploring new technologies being developed worldwide, reviewing available technologies placed on the tracks and the trains such as rail dampeners. The noise review is to be concluded by the Fall of 2017.
Toronto Zoo: I am pleased to have been named the Chair of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo. I will work towards making our Toronto Zoo the best in the world. For any news on the zoo please visit www.torontozoo.com.
Disconnecting your downspouts: You may apply for an exemption by calling 416-392-1807. If it is feasible to disconnect your downspout you can do it yourself or hire a reputable contractor.
Your water usage: Residents and businesses can now track their water use online – anytime, anywhere. Log on today at www.toronto.ca/mywatertoronto. <http://www.toronto.ca/mywatertoronto.%20>
Summer registration for recreation programs visit www1.toronto.ca/parks/funguide/<http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/funguide/>.
The Guild Alive with Culture Art Festival being held on July 29 through to July 30, 2017 needs your support. Volunteer and get involved in your community. Please visit the festival site @ www.guildalivewithculture.com<http://www.guildalivewithculture.com>.
And last but not least….I want your feedback! I would like residents to give feedback on my performance as your City Councillor. To contribute to my understanding of how I can better serve all of the people. Please go to my website www.paulainslie.com to fill it out.
I welcome you to continue contacting me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca<mailto:councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca>, Tel: 416-396-7222 or visit my constituency office located in the Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Boulevard 2nd Floor.
Sincerely,
City Councillor Paul Ainslie
Ward 43 – Scarborough East
City of Toronto