Open Data Awards Showcase
Tuesday, March 4, from 4-6pm ET
The Metro Hall rotunda (55 John. St.).
Approximately 60 attendees, including award winners, Councillor Paul Ainslie, City DCM David Jollimore, CTO Sonia Brar,
Good afternoon Everyone,
I’m truly delighted to be here today to talk about something I’m deeply passionate about: the City’s open data program.
We’re here to celebrate its history, its evolution into an award-winning initiative, and most importantly, the crucial role you, the public, play in transforming data into tangible value for our residents.
My involvement with open data at the City predates the program’s official launch in 2009. I’ve been a champion of this initiative from its very inception. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the growth and evolution of our open data portal. It’s been a remarkable journey.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the milestones.
In 2015, Toronto Open Data was ranked second in Public Sector Digest’s Open Cities Index, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
More recently, in 2023, Toronto was named the third smartest city in the world by Juniper Research. And what was a key factor in this prestigious recognition? Our use of open data, particularly in identifying and resolving civic issues. This is a source of immense pride for our city.
As a Councillor, I’ve consistently advocated for greater access to City data. I’ve put forward numerous motions at Council and committee to ensure that more information is made available to the public. Because open data is far more than just about transparency. It’s about fostering innovation.
When we unlock government data, we unleash its potential for re-use and analysis by civic technologists, community advocates, researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses.
This collaboration is what truly drives positive change and improves the lives of our residents.
However, open data’s true value lies in its utilization. It’s in the creation of new tools, services, and the resulting positive impacts.
That’s why I’m so thrilled that Technology Services and the Open Data team have launched the Toronto Open Data Awards. This initiative is a celebration of the remarkable tools, services, and impacts that users of open data are creating for their fellow citizens.
Whether it’s helping them navigate the TTC with ease or planning a safe and enjoyable swim in Lake Ontario, these projects are making a real difference.
On behalf of myself and my colleagues on City Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Toronto Open Data Awards. Your work, whether it’s a part of your daily job or a passion project, truly matters. You are the driving force behind the transformation of data into a better future for our city.
Thank you!
Seven Oaks Town Hall
Speaking Points for Community Meeting
Opening
- Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming out tonight. I am Paul Ainslie, your City Councillor for Ward 24.
- Tonight, we will be discussing various local topics, including community safety.
- I want to acknowledge our special guests from 43 Division’s Neighbourhood Officers Wesley Corbie and Todd Parker who are here to answer any of your community safety concerns.
Constituency Updates
- Completed work in Seven Oaks Community 2024
- Basketball Court in Seven Oaks Park
- Speed Humps on Keeler Boulevard
- Military Trail reconstruction
- New Parking Regulations on
- Oakmeadow Boulevard (at north entrance and by Highcastle Road to improve safety on the road)
- Military Trail by St. John Paul Catholic Secondary School
- Ellesmere Reservoir Park Sports Field Improvements
- Meadoway Multi-Use Trail between Military Trail and Morningside Ave.
- Speeding and Traffic Calming
- Received resident requests for Traffic Calming on Pineslope Crescent and on Pickthall Terrance to address cars speeding on both streets.
- Please call my office to provide your feedback on these requests or email 416-392-7222 / councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca
- We have requested 43 Division provide more speed enforcement on these streets.
- Received resident requests for Traffic Calming on Pineslope Crescent and on Pickthall Terrance to address cars speeding on both streets.
- Councillor Ainslie on Snow Removal
As we move into warmer months, it’s crucial we remember the severe disruptions caused by February’s record snowfall. The lingering impact wasn’t just about the storm itself, but the flawed 2021 snow removal contracts that left our city unprepared, which I strongly opposed and voted against.
Those contracts, totaling $981 million, included deals with inexperienced, unaccountable companies and sole-sourced agreements, bypassing standard bidding. Experts warned of inadequate resources, and their concerns were validated when streets remained impassable for weeks, impacting vulnerable residents.
The City’s response was further hampered by reduced penalties for contractor failures, as confirmed by Auditor General reports. While the snow is now gone, the lessons remain. We must hold contractors accountable, consider renegotiating these contracts, and ensure future winter preparedness. This isn’t just about past failures; it’s about ensuring our city is ready for the next winter season.
A.Sod damage from snow plowing
- Call 311 to report damage to have your address added to the contractor’s repair list and keep record of your reference number
- Contractor will begin repairs in late Spring/early Summer
- If your sod is not repaired, please reach out to our office, sharing your reference number and photos of the damage
- Scarborough Golf Club Road Watermain Replacement & Road Reconstruction
(notice available at info table)
Starting March 2025, the City of Toronto will replace the watermain, reconstruct the road, sidewalks and replace the City-owned portion of substandard water services on Scarborough Golf Club Road from Ellesmere Road to Lawrence Avenue East.
Changes include:
- New one-way/two-way separated bike lanes (cycle tracks) on both sides of Scarborough Golf Club Road from Ellesmere Road to Lawrence Avenue East
- New protected intersections at Ellesmere Road, Brimorton Drive and Lawrence Avenue East
- Wider sidewalks on both sides of Scarborough Golf Club Road
- Accessible platforms at transit stops
- Raised crosswalk/crossride at several intersections along Scarborough Golf Road to slow vehicles travelling through the intersection and increase the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists
- Two new signalized intersections at Mossbank Drive/Densgrove Road and the Gatineau Hydro Corridor
- New bioretention planters and green gutters to capture stormwater runoff and increase green space.
Road and Sidewalk Access: To complete the work in a safe manner, there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the work zone.
Traffic Management: Road users should expect delays and increased traffic on nearby main and side streets. Motorists are reminded that bicycles and cars will be sharing the lane. When driving, please be mindful of vulnerable road users.
Construction work will start at Lawrence Avenue East. Work will require reduced travel lanes to at least one lane in each direction from Lawrence Avenue East to Ellesmere Road.
- Botany Hill Park Off Leash Dog Park Closure
The City will be closing the Botany Hill Off Leash Dog Park from April 1st to June 1st to allow for staff to provide aeration and seeding and enable staff to perform maintenance. There will be signage posted at the park regarding this closure.
At City Hall
PLEASE REMEMBER- Annual Vacant Home Tax Declaration
- Deadline to declare your property’s occupancy status is April 30th.
- Ways to declare:
- Online: toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax
- By Phone: call 311 (available in 180 languages)
- Visit a Tax and Utility counter at any Civic Centre or City Hall
Relief Programs
- Property Tax, Water and Solid Waste Relief Programs provide financial support to eligible low-income seniors and residents with disabilities in Toronto.
- This support includes property tax deferrals, cancellations, and utility rate rebates. More information is available on the Property Tax and Utility Relief Program webpage. Call our office for more information.
Responding to U.S. Tariffs
- Amid the U.S. tariffs battles, I had the honor of representing Mayor Chow and the City of Toronto as a delegate at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s “Advocacy Days” in Washington, D.C.
- This event brought together Canadian and American Mayors from Ontario, Quebec, and various U.S. districts to advocate for the protection of our economy and precious natural resources within the largest watershed in the world.
- Our mission was not only to champion environmental conservation but also to address the new tariffs imposed by the United States government.
- The City of Toronto is part of a Team Canada approach in responding to these tariffs. Business owners, employers, and labor leaders can find out more about how Toronto is responding to United States Economic Policy – City of Toronto.
EVENTS:
- Environment Day – Morningside Yard April 12, 10am-2pm
- Compost Day for Seven Oaks Community-Tam Heather Tam Heather Curling Club 12:30pm-1:30pm
- Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival- Guild Park and Gardens July 26/27
CITY WIDE INFORMATION
Clean Toronto Together: Annual Spring Cleanup Takes Place April 25 to 27
Clean Toronto Together is an annual spring cleanup event where community groups, families, individuals, and businesses in Toronto come together to clean up litter in local parks, beaches, ravines, and other natural spaces. This year’s event will take place from April 25 to 27, and participants are encouraged to spend 20 minutes picking up litter to help keep Toronto’s public spaces beautiful1. It’s a great way to contribute to the community and make a positive impact on the environment!
SLOW DOWN SIGN CAMPAIGN
The City is running a “Please Slow Down” Lawn Sign Campaign to improve road safety in residential areas. By encouraging residents to display signs from April 1st to November 30th. These signs serve as a friendly reminder to drivers to reduce their speed and be more mindful of pedestrians and children playing. Together, let’s make our neighborhoods safer!
You can pick up a sign directly from my Constituency Office located in the Scarborough Civic Centre at 150 Borough Drive. Please contact my office in advance to arrange pickup at 416-396-7222/councillor_ainslie_co@toronto.ca.
Committee of Adjustment Annual Stakeholder Update and Engagement Session on May 6
City Planning staff from the Committee of Adjustment (CoA) office are excited to invite you to their Annual In-Person Stakeholder Update meeting! This year, we’ll be discussing the implementation of the KPMG CoA Review recommendations, our work plan, and the KPMG Service Delivery Model review. We’ll also be gathering your feedback on new COA participation materials.
- Location and Time: Tuesday May 6, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at City Hall (100 Queen Street West), Council Chambers/Members Lounge. Please note there will be no virtual option for participation.
- Please Register Using the Following Link: https://ca.mar.medallia.com/?e=440499&d=l&h=1A8007903B0865C&l=en
We are asking participants to register in advance. Due to room capacity, please limit registration to 1 – 2 individuals per organization.
Thank you everyone who attending last night’s meeting
Paul