DM Ainslie Speaking Notes – School Field Trips Announcement
June 9, 2026 – 10:30 AM – Outdoor Giraffe Habitat, Toronto Zoo
As Chair of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo, I am happy to celebrate today’s landmark announcement.
This pilot program represents a great step forward in making our City and the Toronto Zoo more equitable, inclusive, and forward-thinking for the next generation.
An initiative of this scale is made possible through collaboration, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outstanding community partners.
To the Kiwanis Club of Scarborough,
thank you for your incredibly generous contribution to help cover transportation costs for our local Scarborough schools.
Your dedication ensures that reliable transportation is readily available to connect our local students.
To Mary Dagg and the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, as well as Bella Lam and the Jane Goodall Institute Canada,
Thank you for joining us today and for allowing the fearless curiosity and legacies of Dr. Anne Innis Dagg and Dr. Jane Goodall to serve as the guiding inspiration for this program.
To Dolf DeJong and the entire team here at the Toronto Zoo,
thank you for your tireless work in bringing the Guardians of Wild Strategic Plan to life,
actively breaking down barriers so every student can experience the living classroom.
For our residents right here in Scarborough, and indeed for families across Toronto, this program is incredibly meaningful.
Field trips create lifelong memories, but for too long, the associated costs have put these experiences out of reach for many families.
By removing these barriers, we are ensuring that every child gets to visit a Masai giraffe right here at the Toronto Zoo, find their curiosity, and build a real connection with the nature.
This project is an investment in our youth and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders right here in our community.
Thank you all for being here to celebrate this milestone.
We look forward to welcoming Toronto’s students to the Toronto Zoo.
THANK YOU AND HELLO EVERYONE. I’M COUNCILLOR PAUL AINSLIE. I REPRESENT CITY OF TORONTO WARD 24, SCARBOROUGH-GUILDWOOD, AND I AM THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR SCARBOROUGH.
IN 2022, I WAS APPOINTED AS THE CITY’S NIGHT ECONOMY CHAMPION. SINCE THEN, I’VE BEEN SUPPORTING THE WORK TO BUILD AND SUSTAIN TORONTO’S NIGHT ECONOMY – WHICH OF COURSE INCLUDES LIVE MUSIC, AND ICONIC MUSIC VENUES LIKE THE ONE AND ONLY MASSEY HALL.
MOST IMPORTANTLY FOR TONIGHT, THOUGH – AS A LIFELONG MUSIC FAN, I’M THRILLED TO WELCOME GREG HARRIS AND THE ENTIRE CLEVELAND DELEGATION FROM THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME TO TORONTO.
WE’RE SO GLAD THAT YOU CHOSE TO VISIT TORONTO THIS YEAR. PERSONALLY, I SEE SO MANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE WONDERFUL WORK THAT YOU DO AT THE HALL AND OUR OWN CITY’S RICH MUSIC SCENE.
SINCE ITS OPENING IN 1995, THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME HAS BECOME KNOWN AS THE WORLD’S NUMBER-ONE MUSIC SHRINE CELEBRATING THE GREAT VOICES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT.
THE HALL’S THOUGHTFUL HONOURING OF FOUNDATIONAL GENRES LIKE GOSPEL AND BLUES, ITS EXHIBITS SHOWCASING EXCITING OTHER SCENES ACROSS AMERICA AND THE WORLD, AND ITS INCLUSION OF DIVERSE CULTURES AND STYLES ALL ECHO WHAT WE CHERISH ABOUT TORONTO’S OWN VITAL MUSIC ECOSYSTEM.
TORONTO’S MUSIC HISTORY GOES BACK WELL OVER A CENTURY – JUST LIKE MASSEY HALL. BACK THEN, GROUNDBREAKING BLUES AND JAZZ PERFORMERS PLAYED UP AND DOWN YONGE STREET, JUST OUTSIDE THOSE RED DOORS.
IN THE 1960s, ROCK AND ROLL AND FOLK WERE HEARD ALL OVER YORKVILLE AND THE YONGE STREET STRIP. LATER, MUSIC MIGRATED TO QUEEN STREET AND SPADINA AVENUE, WITH PUNK, COUNTRY, AND INDIE ROCK HEARD AT DOZENS OF SMALL VENUES.
TODAY, TORONTO HAS LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF GRASSROOTS LIVE MUSIC VENUES ALL ACROSS THE CITY – PLACES YOU CAN CATCH YOUR NEW FAVOURITE BAND OR TOMORROW’S BIGGEST STAR ON THE RISE.
TORONTO’S SCENE IS STILL GROWING AND STILL THRIVING. IT HAS EVOLVED TO INCLUDE ARTISTS ACROSS ALL CULTURES AND GENRES. THESE DAYS, YOU’LL HEAR HIP HOP, R&B, AND WORLD MUSIC STYLES ALONGSIDE GOOD OL’ ROCK AND ROLL.
THE MUSICIANS ARE AT THE HEART OF IT ALL AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE EXPORTS WE’RE MOST PROUD OF.
LOCAL ARTISTS LIKE GORDON LIGHTFOOT, JACKIE SHANE, THE BAND, NEIL YOUNG, RUSH, BLUE RODEO, BARENAKED LADIES, AND MICHIE MEE LAID THE GROUNDWORK FOR TODAY’S WORLD-FAMOUS TORONTO-AREA VOICES LIKE THE WEEKND, THE BEACHES, JUSTIN BIEBER, AND – OF COURSE – DRAKE.
I’D LIKE TO CLOSE BY THANKING JESSE KUMAGAI (KOO-ma-guy) AND THE MASSEY HALL TEAM FOR HOSTING THIS EVENING’S GATHERING – AND TO ONCE AGAIN THANK THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME DELEGATION FOR SPENDING A FEW DAYS AND NIGHTS WITH US.
I KNOW YOU’VE BEEN BUSY CHECKING OUT LOCAL VENUES, MEETING SOME ARTISTS AND MUSIC INDUSTRY LEADERS, AND HEARING SOME LOCAL MUSIC – WITH MORE IN STORE TOMORROW.
WE HOPE THIS IS THE START OF AN ONGOING RELATIONSHIP WITH TORONTO. ROCK ON!
Tredway Woodworth Public School- 112 Sedgemount Drive
Flyer sent to Canada Post March 30, Flyer emailed to community on
Office Staff Attending: Jennifer
Guests:Neighbourhood Community – names to be provided closer to date
Agenda
7:00- Paul to welcome residents and introduce guests
7:10-7:30- Police to speak and answer questions
7:30-9- 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 –
Community Updates
Road Safety & Traffic Calming
Parking Regulation Changes – Benleigh Drive
Thank you to residents who provided feedback regarding the proposed “No Parking” regulations on Benleigh Drive between McCowan Road and Benroyal Crescent.
The majority of respondents supported the change, which was approved at the April 2025 meeting of Scarborough Community Council.
New signage has been installed.
School Safety Zone – Bendale Junior Public School
A School Safety Zone will be implemented in 2025 around Bendale Jr. P.S. Features include new flashing school zone signs, pavement markings, driver feedback signs, and improved crosswalk markings. Most elements will be installed in 2025, with pavement markings scheduled for completion in 2026.
Traffic Calming Initiatives approved at Scarborough Community Council
Multiple resident requests over the year from traffic calming due to chronic speeding
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.
Parks and Events
Confederation Park Skatepark
A new skatepark is planned, with construction anticipated to begin in late fall 2026.
This will also include relocating the existing volleyball courts, the addition of park lighting, accessible pathways, seating and gathering areas, a new water fountain & bottle filling station and improved site drainage.
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.
Toronto Hydro Projects
Toronto Hydro is completing several infrastructure upgrades in the community to support electrical system improvements and the Scarborough Subway Extension.
Work will occur on sections of Brimorton Drive, Bellamy Road North, Jarwick Drive, Brantwood Drive, McCowan Road, and Hurley Crescent at various times between 2025 and 2026.
Residents may contact Toronto Hydro directly with project-specific questions.
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.
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.
DETAILED INFORMATION
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.
LOCALLY
Benleigh Parking Restriction Request
The request to have the parking regulations on Benleigh Drive, between McCowan Road and Benroyal Crescent was approved at the April 2025 meeting of Scarborough Community Council. Thank you to all the residents who submitted comments or spoke on the item.
Brimorton Drive Roadway Improvement Project
Road work is planned for 2026 on Brimorton Drive, from Brimley Road to Markham Road. Inspections have identified the need for pavement repairs, as well as curb and sidewalk repairs.
This project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and greenery for all road users. Planned improvements include upgraded intersections and crossings, additional trees and green space, and the conversion of existing bike lanes into cycle tracks with physical separation from motor vehicle lanes.
For questions, please reach out to Rachel Yanchyshyn, Senior Public Consultation Coordinator Brimortondrive@toronto.ca / 416.395.1002.
2025 School Safety Zone at Bendale Jr. P.S.
A School Safety Zone is a designated stretch of roadway which includes a combination of:
New school zone safety signs with flashing beacons.
School zone pavement stencils.
Permanent “Watch your speed” driver feedback signs; and
Zebra markings at school crosswalks.
The typical defined space for a School Safety Zone is a 150-metre buffer around the edge of the school property and will consider walking routes to and from the school, adjacent schools in the neighbourhood and any existing traffic calming or other safety measures installed adjacent to the school. 2025 SSZ locations will receive all SSZ features noted above in 2025, with the exception of pavement markings, which will be completed in 2026.
Traffic Calming Requests
Lynnbrook Drive – Traffic Calming /Speed Humps
The request for traffic calming through the installation of speed humps was approved at the June 2025 meeting of Scarborough Communiffty Council. Thank you to residents who provided their comments. The installation is being scheduled.
Benshire Drive- Traffic Calming/ Speed Humps
Resident requests for traffic calming through the installation of speed humps was adopted for installation at the January 13th meeting of Scarborough Community Council. Residents sent letters of support and initiated the transportation study due to speeding after the 30kmhr speed reduction was in place. The Transportation Study concluded that the request was justified to address safety concerns raised by residents. Installation is being scheduled
Ben Stanton Blvd- Traffic Calming/Speed Humps
The request for traffic calming through the installation of speed humps on Ben Stanton Boulevard was approved for installation at the September 2025 meeting of Scarborough Community Council. Thank you to all the residents who provided their support for the community safety measure. Installation is being scheduled.
Confederation Park is getting a Skate Park
A new community skatepark is coming to Confederation Park. Construction is anticipated to start in late fall of 2026. This will also include relocating the existing volleyball courts, the addition of park lighting, accessible pathways, seating and gathering areas, a new water fountain & bottle filling station and improved site drainage. Updates can be found on the project webpage here. Residents can reach out to the project coordinator with questions: Thevishka Kanishkan 416-394-2995 / Thevishka.Kanishkan@toronto.ca.
Toronto Hydro is updating the electrical distribution in your community
This is to facilitate the construction of the Provincial Scarborough Subway Extension. The boundaries for the project include a section of McCowan Road and Hurley Crescent, from February 2026 to April 2026. The project number is C-210153-E18908-HR001. For questions, contact Toronto Hydro at (416) 542–3366 or email capitalprojects@torontohydro.com and provide the project number.
Toronto Hydro is upgrading the electrical distribution system in your community This includes upgrading overhead electrical cables on city-owned property near your lot. The boundaries for the project include a section of Brimorton Drive, Bellamy Road North, Jarwick Drive and Brantwood Drive from April 2025 – September 2025. The project number is P-250017-ED161003. TOHydroTivoli.pdf (Link to notice). For questions, contact Toronto Hydro at (416) 542–3366 or at capitalprojects@torontohydro.com and provide the project number P-250017-ED161003. Please visit https://www.torontohydro.com/construction-map to find more planned outages and construction projects in your area.
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.
By phone: Call 311 (support available in 180 languages)
In person: Visit a Tax & Utility Payment Counter at City Hall or any civic centre
OTHER INFORMATION
Deputy Mayor Paul Ainslie Appointed President of Good Roads Board of Directors
On April 1, 2026, I was honoured to be formally inducted as President of the Good Roads Board of Directors, a historic municipal association dedicated to advancing the quality, safety, and design of Ontario’s transportation infrastructure.
This appointment follows 14 years of dedicated service on the Board, and I am excited to lead an organization that reflects my strong commitment to building safer, more sustainable, and better‑connected roads across the province.
No ICE in Toronto Motion – by Mayor Olivia Chow, seconded by Councillor Paul Ainslie
This past month at Council, we listened closely to the voices of our community, and your message was loud and clear.
In response, Mayor Olivia Chow, seconded by me, brought forward a motion firmly opposing any involvement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the City of Toronto.
This includes rejecting any participation or activity during the FIFA World Cup 2026 and formally communicating this position to the Toronto Police Service Board. I fully support this decision.
Toronto is a proud, welcoming, and inclusive city, and there is no place for ICE involvement here, at any time. Our residents deserve to feel safe, respected, and protected, whether in their neighbourhoods or during global events hosted in our city.
Grocery Store Pilot Project
This month at City Council, I supported a motion to explore a municipally operated grocery store pilot program aimed at improving access to affordable, nutritious food across Toronto.
The proposal calls for opening four City‑run grocery stores, one in each Community Council district, with a focus on neighbourhoods facing food insecurity and limited access to full‑service grocery options.
Operating under a not‑for‑profit model, this pilot would help reduce costs for residents while addressing rising food prices and supporting healthier communities.
AI Awards
This month at Council, Mayor Chow and I celebrated the inaugural Mayor’s AI Awards, recognizing City‑led initiatives that use artificial intelligence to improve public service delivery, efficiency, and accessibility for Torontonians.
I was pleased to bring this initiative forward to highlight how AI and data can enhance City services and improve the resident experience.
The awards highlighted innovative work by City staff across areas such as 311, Parks and Recreation, and Toronto Building.
Recognized projects included the 311 Virtual Assistant, the Building Permit Application Pre‑Check, and internal tools like TechAssist and Data‑Enabled Recreation Planning.
Innovation is not about technology for its own sake; it’s about making government work better for people.
Endorsement for Hosting a National Hockey League Stadium Series Game or equivalent Outdoor Game in Toronto at Rogers Centre
I brought forward a Motion for City Council’s consideration to endorse Toronto as a host city for a major outdoor NHL game, like the NHL Stadium Series.
The proposal celebrates Toronto’s rich hockey legacy and aligns with the Toronto Maple Leaf’s 100th anniversary in 2027.
Hosting an event like this, potentially at the Rogers Centre, would spotlight Toronto on the global stage while generating strong economic, tourism, and cultural benefits for our city.
Looking around this room, I am reminded of why our neighborhood is so special, it is the dedicated people who show up, year after year, to ensure our community’s voice is heard.
I want to start by sharing some good news.
We are in the home stretch of approving the Guildwood Neighbourhood Design Guidelines, they are with the Chief Planner for final refinement.
I cannot thank those of you who participated in the consultation process enough; your comments were the foundation of this process, and they ensure that as Toronto grows, the unique character of the Guildwood remains protected.
That commitment to our local identity extends directly to Guild Park and Gardens.
Working alongside the Friends of Guild Park, the GVCA, and our City staff, we’ve been making steady, thoughtful improvements.
You may have already noticed the new benches along the West Trail and the additional seating at the Sculptor’s Cabin.
We are also moving forward with critical heritage conservation, new public washrooms, and a wayfinding plan to make our park more accessible.
We are currently designing the “Switchback” trail replacement, which is slated for construction in 2027.
My goal remains the same: to improve how we use this space while strictly protecting the sensitive natural areas that make the Guild a sanctuary.
Of course, stewardship also means standing up for the community when outside proposals don’t align with our vision.
I know many of you are deeply concerned about the Provincial Guildwood GO Transit Oriented Community proposal.
As it stands, the Province is proposing six residential towers ranging from 30 to 60 storeys.
Because they are using a Ministerial Zoning Order as final approval, the City’s role is only advisory,
but be assured I have raised significant concerns regarding the height, density, and traffic impacts of this project. I will continue to advocate—loudly and persistently—on your behalf against the project in its current form.
The City has also resumed the Kingston Road Study to ensure we are planning for growth rather than just reacting to it.
We expect to share draft recommendations later this year, with a final report to the Community Council in 2027.
I would also like to let you all know, there is a community consultation on April 7th 7:00 PM at Sir Wilfrid Laurier, for the proposed 9-storey Long-Term Care facility at 60 Guildwood Parkway
and I encourage you to attend so we can review the plans together
As we look toward the warmer months,
I hope to see you out in the neighborhood.
I’ll be hosting Environment Days on June 20th and July 18th,
a perfect time to clear out the garage and grab some fresh compost for your gardens.
And, of course, mark your calendars for July 25th and 26th for the Guild Alive with Culture Art Festival.
It is always a highlight of the year, and we are looking for volunteers of all ages to help make it a success.
If you know a high school student looking for their volunteer hours, please send them our way.
Thank you for hearing me tonight and thank you for your tireless work for Guildwood.
Thank you to Mayor Ryan Sorenson, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin for that incredibly kind introduction !
I am deeply honored to stand here tonight to accept the Impact Award.
To be recognized by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative—an organization that represents the collective voice of over 425 communities—is truly humbling.
While my name may be on this award, the impact we are celebrating tonight is never the result of one person’s work.
It is the result of the tireless efforts of our municipal staff,
our Indigenous partners, and the environmental advocates
who understand that our shorelines do not stop at jurisdictional borders.
In Toronto, we often look out at Lake Ontario and see it as the heart of our city.
But through this alliance, we are reminded that it is part of a much larger, more vital circulatory system that sustains 40 million people.
This year’s conference and our focus on the Fresh Coast Economic Corridor is a testament to how far we’ve come.
We are proving every day that environmental stewardship and economic transformation are not competing interests—they are two sides of the same coin.
As we look toward the implementation of the Economic Transformation Action Plan, our work is only beginning.
We must continue to champion innovative solutions for water quality and ensure that our “Fresh Coast” remains a source of prosperity for current and future generations.
Thank you again to the Cities Initiative for this incredible honor.
Let’s continue to work together to protect these waters that define our region and our future.
My name is Paul Ainslie, and I am the Deputy Mayor of Toronto, here today representing Mayor Olivia Chow.
Toronto is widely recognized as Canada’s economic capital. But too often, our waterfront and port assets are treated as separate from our growth story. In reality, they are deeply connected.
Toronto’s waterfront is one of our greatest competitive advantages. It is where business investment, housing growth, tourism, innovation, culture, and trade all come together. The Port of Toronto plays a vital role in moving goods efficiently, supporting construction activity, regional supply chains, and sustainable transportation.
That is exactly why Toronto strongly supports the Cities Initiative’s Economic Transformation Action Plan and its vision of a Fresh Coast Economic Corridor. This region is already one of the most powerful economic areas in the world, generating approximately $9.3 trillion USD in annual economic output and representing nearly 30 percent of all U.S. and Canadian economic activity. Few regions anywhere can match that scale, talent, freshwater resources, and industrial strength.
As our city grows, these assets become even more important. Global talent and investment are drawn to cities that are connected, livable, dynamic, and efficient. Toronto’s waterfront helps deliver all of that.
Toronto’s own waterfront transformation shows what is possible when cities think boldly. Since that vision was launched, revitalization efforts have contributed $7.1 billion in gross economic output to Canada, with full buildout projected to generate an additional $75 million annually in property tax revenues. It has already delivered 4,941 housing units, with the next phase expected to create 14,000 more homes. And every dollar invested in flood protection is expected to prevent five dollars in future flood damages. That is what smart city-building looks like.
We are continuing to revitalize former industrial lands, invest in infrastructure, improve transit, and build complete communities that strengthen both quality of life and economic productivity.
Large cities also have a responsibility to lead regionally. Toronto’s prosperity is tied to the prosperity of our neighbors across the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence region. When ports grow stronger, corridors function better, and supply chains become more resilient, all of our cities benefit.
The Economic Transformation Action Plan sets an ambitious course: attract half a million new businesses, create over 18 million new jobs, and strengthen maritime commerce across our shared corridor. Toronto believes that by investing in ports, waterfronts, and regional connectivity, we can build a stronger and more competitive future together.
The message is simple: our waterfront is not the edge of Toronto. It is one of the engines of Toronto’s future prosperity.
I’m Paul Ainslie, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Ontario — Canada’s largest city, a major financial hub, and one of the most trade-exposed urban economies on this continent. We have a large industrial base, a significant port, and deep supply chain ties to the United States. And that is precisely why I want to speak this morning, because the trade war is not only a story about bilateral diplomacy and macro forecasts. It is showing up in our city — in our budgets, in our businesses, and in conversations I’m having with residents and employers who are worried about what comes next.
Let me ground this in what the data actually tells us, because we need to walk away from this conversation with a clear, credible case to bring to our federal partners.
Start with the macroeconomic picture. The Bank of Canada has been direct: Governor Macklem stated that a long-lasting trade war poses the greatest threat to the Canadian economy, warning of reduced growth and increased unemployment. RBC Economics has confirmed that the impact is geographically concentrated — GDP growth in Ontario and Quebec is expected to be at the bottom of all provinces in 2026. That is us. That is this room.
As of this April, the landscape remains volatile. While CUSMA-compliant goods remain exempt, our businesses are navigating a minefield of tariffs: 25 percent on automobiles and parts, 35 percent on softwood lumber, and 50 percent on steel and aluminum. Even small-scale trade is under fire, as goods valued under $800 that previously qualified for de minimis exemptions are now subject to full duties.
Scotiabank Economics has tracked the trade diversion in real time. The share of Canadian exports bound for the U.S. declined from 76 percent in 2024 to 72 percent in 2025, while exports to other regions — particularly Europe — rose significantly. That diversification is a rational business response, but it does not come for free. Reorienting decades of supply chain integration requires new infrastructure, new logistics relationships, and new capital. As Canada’s primary gateway for trade in services and financial flows, Toronto feels that adjustment cost acutely — and the businesses absorbing it are the same employers our residents depend on.
At the municipal level, the impacts are concrete. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario, working with Oxford Economics, estimated that tariffs could increase infrastructure costs by over $1 billion on nearly $50 billion in planned municipal expenditures across Ontario over the next two years — a 2.1 percent cost increase on every road, water system, and public building we are trying to build.
For a city already managing one of the most ambitious capital plans in North America, that means harder choices. But in Toronto, we aren’t just waiting for the dust to settle; we are acting. Through our US Response Secretariat, we’ve launched a suite of relief measures to keep our industrial base competitive:
We’ve boosted the Small Business Property Tax reduction to 20 percent.
We are providing a 100 percent tax growth grant for eligible projects under our EDGE Incentive Program through 2027.
We’ve even adjusted our Industrial Water Rate Program to provide a 35 percent benefit for large users to offset these external pressures.
This brings me to the CUSMA/USMCA joint review — the most important trade policy moment our two countries will have this year. While we work toward the July 1st deadline to confirm the scope of this review, we are hearing from the U.S. that negotiations may extend further, potentially shifting toward separate arrangements with Canada and Mexico.
Local governments cannot negotiate trade agreements, but we are the ones who absorb the consequences when they fail. Toronto’s size gives us a platform, and we intend to use it. Through initiatives like TradeTO, we are helping our businesses double non-US exports over the next decade, ensuring that while we value our Great Lakes partners, we are never again so vulnerable to unilateral protectionism. Our federal partners need to understand that trade instability has a municipal price tag — and in a city of three million people, that price tag is very large.
(With Ontario’s Minister of Transportation Prab Sarkaria)
During this past week’s annual conference, I was formally formally installed as the President of Board of Directors of the Ontario Good Roads Association! This historic municipal association, which was founded in 1894, and is the precursor to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, is dedicated to the quality and design of Ontario’s municipal transportation infrastructure. The appointment follows my over 10 years of dedicated service on the organization’s Board of Directors.
Good Roads, as it is commonly known, represents more than 400 of Ontario’s municipalities and a growing number of First Nations. The Association is a leader in advocacy, research, and specialized training for the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of President after more than a decade on the Board,” I said during the Annual General Meeting. “My commitment to building safer, more sustainable, and highly connected road networks has grown over the years. I look forward to leading an organization which has become the backbone of municipal tranportation infrastructure in Ontario.”
My Presidency comes at a critical time for urban and rural infrastructure. I also noted my leadership at Good Roads will provide a direct benefit to the City of Toronto by fostering stronger partnerships and sharing cutting-edge research in asset management, road safety, and environmental innovation.
“What we achieve at Good Roads—through our intensive research and premier annual conferences—filters directly back into how we manage our own city’s streets,” I added. “By advancing the interests of all members, we ensure that Toronto remains at the forefront of transportation technology and infrastructure efficiency, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.”
I was also able to express my sincerest gratitude to the outgoing President, Mayor Cheryl Fort of the Township of Hornepayne. “I want to thank Mayor Fort for her incredible leadership and the significant strides she made for this association,” said Ainslie. “Her dedication to provincial infrastructure has left a lasting impact, and I am grateful for the solid foundation she has built as I take on this new responsibility.” I was also very proud a few year to nominate Mayor Fort for the position of 3rd Vice-President of Good Roads, which lead to her becoming the first Indigenous President in the history of the Ontario Good Roads Association!
