Guests: Toronto Police 43 Division Neighbourhood Community Officers
Agenda:
7:00PM- Paul to welcome residents and introduce guests
7:10-7:30PM- Police to speak and answer questions
7:30-9PM- Q&A
Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us tonight. It’s always a pleasure to meet with residents, hear your questions, and share what’s happening both at City Hall and right here in our community.
I also want to welcome our guests this evening:
• Our Officers from 43 Division
I wanted to share with you the work that I have been working on in Curran Hall.
Community Updates
1. Road Safety & Traffic Calming
Botany Hill Road – Speed Hump Installation
- Multiple resident requests over the year for traffic calming due to chronic speeding.
- City traffic study: vehicles found travelling 13–19 km/h over the posted 30 km/h limit.
- Request went to Scarborough Community Council (SCC) Jan 13, 2026
Orton Park Road – Community Safety Zone & Enforcement
- Safety review completed; City recommending Community Safety Zone (CSZ) from Merkley Square → Ladysbridge Drive (north).
- CSZ designation enables Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras.
- TPS 43 Division requested to increase enforcement for No‑U‑Turn violations and general speeding.
- Additional geometric road safety improvements to be examined during future reconstruction.
2. Major Infrastructure & Capital Works
Scarborough Golf Club Road – Multi‑Year Reconstruction (Ellesmere to Lawrence)
- Major 2024–2026 capital project improving safety, accessibility, and active transportation.
- Work includes:
- Full watermain replacement
- Road reconstruction
- New cycle tracks on both sides
- Wider sidewalks
- Protected intersections at Ellesmere, Brimorton, Lawrence
- Accessible transit platforms
- Raised crosswalks/crossrides to slow turning vehicles
- Two new traffic signals: Mossbank/Densgrove & Gatineau Hydro Corridor
- Green infrastructure: bioretention planters, green gutters
- Late 2025 progress:
- East side paving between Lawrence → Brimorton completed.
- Two‑way traffic restored in stages once temporary markings installed.
- Paving north of Brimorton to Ellesmere completed week of Dec 8.
- Winter 2025–26: Crew demobilization; work resumes early spring 2026 to complete curbs, top asphalt, and intersection upgrades.
Brimorton Drive – 2026 Roadway Improvements (Brimley → Markham)
- Significant renewal project starting 2026.
- Scope includes:
- Repaving of the full corridor
- Curb and sidewalk reconstruction
- Intersection safety upgrades
- Tree planting & enhanced streetscape greening
- Conversion of existing painted bike lanes into physically separated cycle tracks.
- Phase 1 consultation gathered feedback on safety concerns and improvement ideas.
- Phase 2 consultation (design review) scheduled for residents to comment on proposed layouts.
Planning, Development & Housing
Last December I, removed the following streets from neighbourhood retail and services,
Agenda Item History – 2025.PH25.3
a. Guildwood Parkway from Kingston Road to Morningside Drive;
b. Orton Park Road from Ellesmere Road to Lawrence Avenue East;
c. Scarborough Golf Club Road from Ellesmere Road to Kingston Road;
d. Morningside Avenue from Guildwood Parkway to the GO Transit Metrolinx Rail Corridor;
and I also had adopted at Map 3 review –for a proper review of Toronto’s outdated “major streets” map and continue to press the Province for more local control over pot shops and alcohol serving establishments to better protect neighbourhoods. ‑serving establishments to better protect neighbourhoods.
I tried to have streets removed from allowing Apartments and Town Houses were allowed to be built. This did not pass –
exclude the following major streets:
- Guildwood Parkway,
- Morningside Avenue, from Guildwood Parkway to GO Transit – Metrolinx Rail corridor, and
- Scarborough Golf Club Road to GO Transit – Metrolinx Rail corridor.
Last fall, Council approved new zoning changes for major streets like Lawrence, Eglinton, Markham Road, and Bellamy Road North—allowing more small local services that bring vibrancy to our main roads.
- At the same time, I strongly opposed extending these changes to quiet residential streets, and I’m pleased to share that those “Neighbourhood Interiors” amendments did not move forward.
Over 90% of residents opposed them, and I heard you clearly.
3. Parks, Natural Areas & Local Amenities
Botany Hill Park – Off-Leash Area Improvements
- Offl-eash dog park closed Apr 1 – Jun 1 for aeration, seeding, and turf restoration.
- Maintenance aimed at repairing high‑traffic turf worn down over winter.
Paul Anslie Annual Botany Hill Park – Community BBQ – on July 14, 2026 – starting at 5:30pm – a flyer will be sent to you.
Rouge National Urban Park – Celebrated their 10th Anniversary last November 2025
- Celebrated a decade of North America’s largest urban park.
- Encouraged you to explore nearby trails, creeks, and natural spaces.
4. Recreation, Programs & Community Events
Desjardins is bringing a Skate Lending Library to Ward 24! I and my Staff will be serving Hot Chocolate. offers free access to skates and invites residents to enjoy a fun skate lending event on Friday, March 20 at the Centennial Recreation Centre from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Curran Hall Community Centre – Youth & Family Programs
- CampTO March Break Program
- Ages 6–12
- March 16–20, 9 AM–4 PM
Community Association Programs
- Annual Spring Garden Talk
- March 23, featuring guest speaker Dorothy Grecki.
- Popular educational session for local gardeners.
- Earth Hour “Desserts by Candlelight”
- March 28, 7:30–9:30 PM
- Community social event encouraging sustainable living.
Community Environmental Stewardship
- Clean Toronto Together 2026 is scheduled for April 24–26, marking the city’s largest spring litter cleanup, with registration opening March 19.
A few quick reminders:
• Interim property tax instalments are due March 2, April 1, and May 1
• Relief programs are available for eligible seniors and residents with disabilities
• Vacant Home Tax declarations are due April 30
• Toronto hosts its first FIFA World Cup match on June 12
Thank you
Introduce Constables.
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New FIFAStandard Soccer Pitch – Scarborough Village Park
‑Standard Soccer Pitch – Scarborough Village Park‑standard mini‑pitch at Scarborough Village Park.
- Scarborough–Guildwood is getting a new FIFA minipitch at Scarborough Village Park.
- It will include artificial turf, enclosed fencing, seating, and accessible entrances, with construction finishing this spring and an opening event planned for early June.
- This is a major win for our community and part of Toronto’s preparations as a World Cup host city.
Community Safety & Winter Response
- Community safety remains a priority.
- Over the past weeks, we’ve expanded 311 support, accelerated snow removal on residential streets, and continued to advocate strongly for additional shelter and warming spaces.
- The City recently opened 50 new shelter spaces to support residents during the coldest period of the year.
- You’ll also hear from our 43 Division officers tonight, who continue to support safety initiatives across the area.
Budget 2026 – Thank You
- Thank you to everyone who took part in the Budget 2026 consultations.
- Your feedback directly shapes decisions on transit, recreation, emergency services, libraries, and local programs.
- Council will finalize the budget in the coming days, and your input has been invaluable.
Transit, Transportation & Local Roads
- Strengthening transit continues to be a major focus.
- Council recently adopted my motion urging Metrolinx to reinstate the Lakeshore–Midtown rapid transit line, and I’m continuing to advocate for Toronto’s inclusion in planning for High-Speed Rail.
- Scarborough Guildwood: TTC Route 406 Community Bus Pilot
This new route is designed to bring transit closer to the people who need it most, including seniors, families, caregivers, and everyone who deserves better, more convenient connections in our community. Bus runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30am to 5:00pm, every 55 minute and are fully accessible and open to all TTC Riders
- Locally,
- changes are being recommended on Orton Park Road, in front of George B Little PS to improve safety for all road users.
- Additionally, I have received a request for No Parking on Mossbank, residents on this street will receive a letter (also available at our information table) requesting they provide their feedback on this.
- Speed Humps have been approved on Botany Hill, installation is being scheduled
- Slow Down signs are also available from my office—just give us a call.
Regional Work
- In recent months, I’ve represented Scarborough–Guildwood as Deputy Mayor and TRCA Chair, hosting the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Forum, and at the ROMA Conference as Chair of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries.
- These discussions directly support our work on climate resilience, water systems, and community programs.
I look forward to your questions and hearing what matters most to you and your families.
Thank you again for being here.
Closing (after guests and Q & A)
Scarborough–Guildwood continues to grow, evolve, and strengthen — and it’s your involvement that drives this progress.
Thank you for your continued participation, your advocacy, and your support.
Tonight is about continuing the conversation.
Please visit the table for information that you can take home.
Thank you again for being here.
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Detailed information on community update
New FIFAStandard Soccer Pitch – Scarborough Village Park ‑Standard Soccer Pitch – Scarborough Village Park
- I’m very pleased to share that Scarborough–Guildwood is getting a new FIFAstandard soccer pitch at Scarborough Village Park. ‑standard soccer pitch at Scarborough Village Park.
- The soccer mini pitches will feature an artificial turf playing surface that is 18 metres by 36 metres in size and will be fully enclosed by triple wire fencing.
- Each pitch will also include stands for spectators, and smart lighting that aims the light down, uses warm colours and has motion sensors to ensure the lights are on when needed.
- All pitch entrances and seating options will be accessible, ensuring that the facility can accommodate users of all abilities.
- Construction will be completed in May with an opening event anticipated for early June.
This is part of Toronto’s preparations as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city and will bring a worldclass recreational facility to our community — supporting youth leagues, local programs, and community events.
Community Safety & Winter Response
Community safety continues to be a top priority.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been closely involved in the City’s response to extreme winter weather:
- Expanded 311 support
- Accelerated snow removal on residential streets
- Strong advocacy for additional shelter spaces, warming centres, and respite sites
I am encouraged that the City has opened 50 new shelter spaces this month to support vulnerable residents during the coldest part of the season.
You’ll also hear from 43 Division NCOs tonight, who continue to support safety initiatives across South Cedarbrae and the broader ward.
Budget 2026 – Thank You for Your Input
Thank you to everyone who participated in the City’s Budget 2026 consultations.
Your input directly influences our decisions on:
- Transit
- Recreation
- Emergency services
- Libraries
- Local programs and infrastructure
City Council will finalize the budget in the coming days, and your feedback has played an important role.
Transit, Transportation & Local Roads
Strengthening transit and transportation remains a major focus of my work.
- In December, City Council adopted my motion urging Metrolinx to reinstate the Lakeshore–Midtown rapid transit line, a priority made more urgent by last week’s GO train derailment.
- I continue working to ensure Toronto — including Scarborough — is fully included in planning for HighSpeed Rail from Québec City to Toronto. ‑Speed Rail from Québec City to Toronto.
TTC Route 406 Community Bus (flyer at table)
This route is designed to bring transit closer to the people for more convenient connections in our community.
🔹 Runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
🔹 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every 55 minutes
🔹 Fully accessible and open to all TTC riders
🔹 Stops include – Scarborough Town Centre, Guildwood GO Station, FreshCo, Masaryktown, and more!
Locally:
Changes on Orton Park Road
Traffic Operations, school staff, member of St. Marks, TPS and the Councillor’s office met to observe and examine the traffic issues on Orton Park Road in front of George B Little.
Drivers were observed stopping in the School Bus loading zone, not adhering to no parking/no stopping zone and make unsafe u turns on the street.
As a result and to address these issues, the following changes will be recommended at an upcoming meeting of Scarborough Community Council for implementation:
- U-prohibition between Merkley Square and Ladysbridge
- Prohibition of westbound through and left turn movements from the school driveway.
Speed Humps on Botany Hill
- Traffic Operations conducted a study of the requested Speed Humps on Botany Hill Road.
- Study reported that 85% of drivers were travelling at 43-45 km/h and 95% of drivers were travelling between 47-49km/h in a 30km/h zone.
- Installation is being scheduled
Road Resurfacing
Road resurfacing is scheduled in 2026 for Gondola Crescent and Point Grey Crescent. Resident will receive a construction notice in the mail from the City
Residents may also pick up Slow Down signs from my office at the Scarborough Civic Centre with a quick call or email in advance.
CityWide Information & Deadlines ‑Wide Information & Deadlines
- City of Toronto issues 2026 interim property tax bills have been mailed out
Property owners who are not signed up for pre-authorized payment must make their interim bill payments monthly by Monday, March 2, Wednesday, April 1 and Friday, May 1. The last three instalments, based on actual Budget 2026 rates, are due on Thursday, July 2, Tuesday, August 4 and Tuesday, September 1. Property owners can make payments online, through financial institutions, by mail or in person. Pay Your Property Tax Bill – City of Toronto
- Property Tax, Water and Solid Waste Relief programs
The City supports eligible low-income seniors and low-income people with disabilities through its Property Tax & Utility Relief programs, including property tax deferrals and cancellations and utility rebates. Check your eligibility Property Tax, Water & Solid Waste Relief – City of Toronto
- Vacant Home Tax Reminder – Declare Your Property’s 2025 Occupancy Status by April 30, 2026.
- Online: toronto.ca/VacantHomeTax
- By phone: Call 311 (support available in 180 languages)
- In person: Visit a Tax & Utility Payment Counter at City Hall or any civic centre