Housing Now in the City of Toronto

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

At the January 30th City Council Meeting, Mayor John Tory’s first item of business of implementing the “Housing Now” initiative was approved increasing the supply of new affordable rental housing within mixed-income communities by making municipally-owned properties available to non-profit and private organizations.

The Housing Now Initiative represents a new city-building approach to the disposition of City-owned lands. In December 2018, City Council approved this initiative to activate 11 City-owned sites (the 11 Properties) for the development of affordable housing within mixed-income, mixed-use and transit-oriented communities.

The first phase of this initiative included the following:

  • Activating the 11 Properties for the potential to create approximately 10,000 new residential units.
  • A proposed minimum of 2/3 of all residential units created on the 11 Properties will be purpose-built rental housing with at least 50 % of the rental units as affordable rental housing.

This phase is in addition to provide affordable rental homes in partnership between non-City sites with non-profit and private housing organizations through the 2019 Open Door Call for Affordable Rental Housing Applications.

Moreover, the next phase provides:

  • City staff and CreateTO will undertake more detailed due diligence for each of the 11 Properties.
  • Report to the CreateTO Board of Directors on directions and impacts prior to marketing.

In the absence of this Housing Now Initiative, the 11 Properties would be sold at market prices mainly resulting in the development of market condominiums.

In recognition of the urgency to provide affordable rental housing in our city, this initiative sets action to create much needed affordable rental housing in mixed-income communities.

See these links for complete meeting agenda and news release.

City Council and other City of Toronto Committees can be watched live here at this link.

All my best,

Paul

It’s Family Day – Time For Some Fun!!!

Sunday February 17, 2019

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours-

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day and Happy Early Family Day! I hope everyone had the chance to spread some love this past week and are looking forward to some much needed Family Day fun.

The City of Toronto holds a number of activities and events for Family Day, February 18, 2019!

Right in our backyard, the Toronto Zoo will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30pm daily, including Family Day. Visitors can participate in Keeper Talks and Carnivore Feedings and take part in the National Hippo Day celebrations, enjoy the winter Orchid Oasis and sign up for the family Owl Prowl. More information is available at the Toronto Zoo website.

There are 52 outdoor skating rinks across the city that will be open for use, weather permitting. Along with these outdoor skating rinks are a number of indoor arenas that will be open for use as well. There is no fee for public skating at any City indoor arenas and outdoor rinks. Please remember that CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under the age of six.

Make sure to check out the Nathan Philips Square skating party, sponsored by Tim Hortons from 1pm to 4pm on Family Day for fun-filled skating and hot beverages at the Tim’s House lounge.

Skiing and Snowboarding will be open at Earl Bales and Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centres on Family Day.

From 12 Noon to 4pm on Family Day, visitors can post for selfies, play family board games, warm up by a bonfire and roast some marshmallows at the Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd.

More details on City of Toronto Family Day activities here.

Friendly reminder that the Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival is returning this July at the Guild Park and Gardens. Be sure to check out their website for details on artists, performers and more. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a vendor or volunteer, contact the festival committee at guildalive@guildalivewithculture.ca

Have a fun and safe Family Day!

City of Toronto Preparations for Winter Weather System

Monday February 11, 2019 4:45PM

Dear Ward 24 Residents,


There is more snow on the way tomorrow….and if predictions are correct….a lot of snow…..

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for a winter storm tomorrow with the possibility of 15 to 20 cm of snow, as well as ice pellets, freezing rain and strong winds. The City of Toronto has a comprehensive snow and ice response plan that prioritizes the safety and movement of residents. Toronto is a vibrant city with more than 5,600 kilometres of roads and 2.9 million people. Proactive measures taken before the storm include:

• Monitoring road temperature using sensors on salt trucks and pickup trucks

• Co-ordinating more frequent access to weather forecasting and meteorologists

• Activating nine road weather information system stations, including two new stations in East York and one in the York-Yonge-Bay ramp, and

• Preparing for winter by maintaining roads, performing on-going pothole repair blitzes, replenishing salt and de-icer supplies, attending training and seeking new ways to address snow. During the storm, winter operations include:

• De-icing, salting, plowing and snow removal as required

• Daily staff conference calls coordinate snow clearing efforts

• GPS on plows power the PlowTO web app at https://www.Toronto.ca/plowTO

• A fixed automated spray technology de-icing system on the York-Bay-Yonge ramp to help keep emergency vehicles and commuters safe

• Access to salt additives like beet juice that melt ice faster when temperatures are frigid, and

• Real-time cameras to see actual conditions on key streets to inform operations. After the storm:

• Crews work around-the-clock to clean-up the remaining snow and ice on city streets, sidewalks, bike trails, laneways, and more.

• Staff respond to resident requests through 311.

• Staff continue to coordinate cleanup efforts via conference calls.

• Services delivered are reviewed to inform future improvements. Service LevelsThe following are the City’s winter operation service levels:• Anti-Icing – Salt brine is applied to expressways, hills and bridges up to 24 hours before snow falls

.• Salting – When the snow begins to stick, expressways, major and local roads are salted and must be completed on all serviced roads between one and 24 hours from the end of snowfall

.• Plowing – Expressways are plowed first at 2 cm of snow accumulation (within two to three hours). Major roads are plowed at 5 cm of accumulation (within six to eight hours). Collector roads are plowed between 5 and 8 cm of accumulation (within 14 to 16 hours). Local road plowing starts when accumulation has reached 8 cm and the snow has substantially stopped falling.

• Windrow opening – For areas where it is mechanically feasible (not in the central core), driveway entrances are cleared to an opening of three metres within two hours following the end of road plowing.

• Sidewalk and transit stop clearing – High pedestrian volume areas are cleared first, starting after 2 cm of accumulation. After the snow has stopped falling, sidewalks can take six to seven hours to be cleared and transit stops can take up to 48 hours to be cleared.

• Cycling routes – Salting begins on cycling routes at the same time as salting on the adjacent road. Plowing is completed after 5 cm of accumulation.

• Seniors and persons with disabilities – In areas of the city where mechanical sidewalk snow clearing is not feasible the City offers a free snow-shovelling service for those in need. Business and property owners are responsible for ensuring that all ice and snow are cleared from sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces, steps, ramps and landings within 24 hours of snowfall to provide safe access for people and vehicles. The City will clear snow from sidewalks within 12 hours of snowfall, where it is possible to safely drive a plow. Property owners who fail to clear their snow and ice could be subject to a fine. More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-maintenance/winter-maintenance/clearing-snow-and-ice-from-your-property/. Autos that block streetcar tracks or impede emergency vehicles will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense. Blocking streetcar tracks can inconvenience thousands of commuters and put at risk the safety of others in an emergency. Emergency preparednessThe combination of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and strong winds may create hazardous conditions and cause power disruptions. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take precautionary steps to protect their property and ensure their safety.

During severe weather, the public are reminded to:

• Try to keep children and pets indoors.

• Stay away from rivers and streams and from downed wires and trees that may have an electrical charge.

• Take public transport and avoid driving if possible. If it is necessary to drive, do so cautiously and slowly. Keep the vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times.

• Offer to help elderly neighbours or those individuals who may need assistance.

• Pick up critical medications before the storm. More information about emergency preparedness, including how to pack an emergency kit and go bag, is available athttps://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/emergency-preparedness/. Assistance for vulnerable peopleThe City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance, 911 if the situation is an emergency. The declaration of an Extreme Cold Weather Alert activates additional City services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside.

A warming centre is opened at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Pets are welcome. Service restrictions at shelters are also relaxed and additional overnight street outreach teams are deployed.

More information about 24-hour respite sites, shelters, housing help, drop-ins and Out of the Cold programs is available at http://toronto.ca/homelesshelp. Basement flooding and frozen pipes with possible rain and snow accumulation, residents are encouraged to do the following to prevent basement flooding:

• Shovel the snow and ice away from the foundation and onto a lawn, not the road.

• Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of snow, ice and other debris and are working properly.

• If it is safe to do so, clear debris from roadside catch basins to help melting snow and rain enter the storm sewer. During cold winter weather, water pipes can freeze. Property owners are encouraged to take steps to protect pipes from freezing and learn what to do if they freeze, at http://www.toronto.ca/frozenpipes. Power outagesPower outages can be reported to Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000. Toronto Hydro will work to restore power as quickly as possible. During an outage, residents are reminded to follow these safety precautions:

• Unplug or turn off all appliances to avoid possible damage when power resumes.

• Don’t use barbecues, propane heaters or portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, covered porches and sheds – they generate carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal.

• Never leave candles unattended. Use a flashlight instead.

• If electricity is restored to your area, but your home still does not have power, call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-800 (press 1) to speak with a dispatcher.

• Plug in only the most essential appliances first, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to give the electrical system time to stabilize before connecting other items. After power is restored, the public should limit electricity use to help relieve potential strain on the system by these measures:

• Turn off all non-essential internal and external lights

• Limit the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers and dryers. Contacting the City and other agenciesResidents are reminded that 911 is for emergencies only, including downed power lines. For all other incidents where police are required, call 416-808-2222.

***Residents are asked not to call 311 to ask when their street will be plowed. ***

Local roads are plowed 14 to 16 hours after snowfall is over. To watch plows working in real time visit http://www.toronto.ca/plowTO. Staff are available at 311 Toronto, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to City-related inquiries and service requests, including non-working traffic signals, other road and sidewalk problems, as well as damaged trees on City property. To contact 311 Toronto Dial 3-1-1, email 311@toronto.ca or visit http://www.toronto.ca/311.

For damaged trees on private property, residents should contact a private tree service company. For updates during an emergency event and other City information, follow @cityoftoronto on Twitter. For updates on winter operations follow @TO_WinterOps on Twitter. For the most up-to-date weather information, visit Environment Canada’s website at https://weather.gc.ca/.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 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 http://www.toronto.ca call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on

Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto,

on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto

or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto


If you have any questions or concerns before, during, or after this snow arrives, please reach out to me by email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca Phone: 416-392-4008 Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24 Instagram: @cllrainslie or this Facebook Page.


All my Best, Paul