Here are the comments from my monthly Town Hall Meeting. The one last night was in the Cedar Brook Community Centre:
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:
• Louise O’Neill from the Friends of Cedarbrook & Thomson Memorial Parks
• Our Neighbourhood Community Officers from 43 Division
Thank you for your partnership and the work you do every day.
Community Updates
We have a number of local updates to share:
New BIA
Our newest Business Improvement Area — the Cedarbrae Markham Lawrence BIA — is now officially underway, and I’m looking forward to seeing this great team strengthen the local business community.
Speed Hump Feedback: Eastpark Boulevard
We’ve heard concerns about possible traffic diversion once speed humps are installed on Crusader Street.
If you live on Eastpark Boulevard, I’m asking for your feedback on whether speed humps should also be considered for your street.
Please email my office — your input will guide next steps.
Road Work Coming Up
Starting Spring 2026 through Spring 2027, Banmoor Boulevard, Hillock Place, and Landfair Crescent will see road resurfacing.
Sewer rehabilitation is also planned for Alpaca Drive, Eastpark Boulevard, and Landfair Crescent.
New FIFA Standard 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.
• Locally, speed hump installations are progressing, road resurfacing and hydro upgrades continue, and the new traffic lights at Guildwood Parkway and Rowatson are on track to be activated this spring.
• Slow Down signs are also available from my office—just give us a call.
Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
• Early Local Registration is expanding in our ward.
o This program is very important to me. Several residents approached me, asking that they have early access to programming close to their residents. I drove this initiative with a request to City Council to implement this program.
o Centennial and Scarborough Village Recreation Centres were the first to be added, and now Cedarbrook Community Centre will join the list for CampTO 2026.
• Grant Faulkner Park
o I worked with the City and family of Grant Faulker, who is very supportive of this initiative, to have the park named in honour of him, a Toronto resident who tragically died in 2015 while experiencing homelessness.
o The name not only commemorates his life but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and addressing homelessness in the community.
o Construction begins this summer on a new park named in honour of Grant Faulkner. The park will include a playground, soccer fields, a cricket cage, accessible seating, and shaded areas.
Planning, Development & Housing
• 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.
• I’ve also called 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.
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CityWide Information Wide Information
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
• Tree Maintenance Review survey is open until February 28
• Toronto hosts its first FIFA World Cup match on June 12
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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.
Welcome Louise O’Neill to share her presentation on Friends of Cedarbrook and Thomson Memorial Parks Group
Welcome NCO’s to speak on community safety and answer any questions residents may have.
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.
