Author: admin

• Good afternoon, everyone. It is truly a pleasure to be here. 

• I’ve often been called a champion for Open Data at the City, and honestly, it’s a title I wear with pride.  

• My involvement started well before the program officially launched in 2009.  

• Back then, the idea of making our data sets available to the public was a radical concept for some, but I saw the potential for a more transparent, efficient, and innovative Toronto. 

• Since those early days, I’ve made it a priority to keep up that momentum.  

• Whether it’s pushing for Ward-level survey data or my recent motion to enhance public reporting on service performance and standards, I am always looking for ways to get more City data into your hands.  
  

• The goal remains the same: the data belongs to the people. 

• Toronto should be immensely proud of what we’ve built.  

• We aren’t just participants in this space; we are unquestioned leaders. 

• In fact, I happen to know that not one, but two other governments nominated our Toronto team for the Canadian Open Data Awards this year.  

• They cited our work as a direct inspiration for their own transparency efforts. 

• When other jurisdictions look to Toronto as the gold standard for empowering their citizens, you know we’re doing something right. 

• Speaking at last year’s inaugural awards was a personal highlight for me. 

• The energy in that room was electric. Meeting the users, hearing about your niche projects, and having the chance to congratulate the dedicated public servants who work behind the scenes was incredibly moving. 

• Being back this year is even more special.  

• The fact that we have enough high-impact, world-class work to host a full awards show every single year is evidence of open data’s lasting impact in Toronto. 

• While open data certainly fosters transparency in government, it’s that impact that matters most.  

• While Open Data is valuable, we have to remember Its true potential is in by how it is used. It matters when it leads to new tools, better services, and tangible, positive impacts. 

• We see it in projects such as the Transit Headway Management Platform, which uses TTC data to fix bus bunching and get Toronto moving!  

• We see it in youth-led apps that help students improve their own neighborhoods, or in tools that help our city’s most vulnerable residents access the services they deserve.  

• That is where the ‘magic’ of the data happens. 

• To the staff who do the hard work of making City data available: thank you. Your commitment to transparency and public engagement is second to none. 

• And to our winners and everyone across the city who has made use of open data: thank you for your curiosity and your brilliance. Your efforts make Toronto a better city—one spreadsheet at a time. 

• Congratulations to you all! 

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release

February 10, 2026

Snowstorm declarations ending, drivers still reminded not to park where temporary orange “Snow Removal” signs are posted

The Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations, which came into effect on Sunday, January 25, will end today at 5 p.m.

The declarations helped to expedite plowing and snow removal after Toronto received approximately 90 cm of snow in two snowstorms in January, which opened up access for emergency and transit vehicles and improved accessibility of residential streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and school bus loading zones.

From January 16 to this morning, crews have hauled almost 300,000 tonnes of snow to designated snow storage sites as part of ongoing snow removal operations. Of this, nearly 240,000 tonnes were hauled away since these declarations came into effect.

Targeted snow removal will continue across the city with a focus on narrow streets, sidewalks and bike lanes. Drivers are reminded not to park where temporary orange “No Parking – Snow Removal” signs are posted in snowbanks as snow removal will take place on these streets within 24 to 48 hours. Vehicles left parked in these locations may be ticketed $100 or towed at the owner’s expense as they can interfere with snow removal operations.

Drivers should consider off-street parking whenever possible to help crews remove snow more quickly and effectively.

Residents can continue to report areas that need extra attention to 311.

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at www.x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityoft or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

– 30 –

Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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February 10, 2026

Dear Scarborough-Guildwood Residents,

Here is a summary of the municipal budget presented to Toronto City Council by Mayor Chow today:

City of Toronto’s 2026 Budget now final — focuses on affordability, service stability and financial sustainability

Today, Toronto City Council considered the 2026 rate- and tax-supported operating and capital budgets proposed by Mayor Olivia Chow. The 2026 Budget prioritizes affordability for residents, strengthens community safety, keeps the city moving, and maintains reliable frontline services while continuing the City’s multi-year approach to long-term financial sustainability. The budget includes a combined residential property tax increase and City Building Fund levy increase of 2.2 per cent.

Mayor Chow has issued a Mayoral Decision indicating she will not exercise her veto and has shortened the 10-day period for the Mayor to veto any amendments. As a result, the 2026 Budget is now deemed adopted. A Mayoral Decision outlining this has been issued and is available on the City’s Mayoral Decision webpage: www.toronto.ca/city-government/council/council-committee-meetings/mayoral-decisions.

The 2026 Budget is comprised of an $18.9 billion operating budget ($16.61 billion tax supported; $2.25 billion rate supported) and an historic $63.1 billion 10-year capital budget and plan (2026–2035), the largest 10-year capital plan in the City’s history.

The operating budget includes $788 million in efficiencies, reductions and offsets to address financial pressures.

To help inform the 2026 Budget, input was received from more than 25,000 residents through consultations held in October, as well as telephone town halls, speakers to Budget Committee and written submissions in January.

Key investments in the 2026 Budget

Making life more affordable:
– Freezes TTC fares for a third consecutive year and expands service
– Introduces monthly fare capping after 47 paid trips, starting in September, providing 2.1 million free rides
– Provides more weekday hours at Toronto Public Library branches, opening all 100 library branches seven days a week, year-round, starting this summer
– Continues the Rent Bank, helping 2,800 households stay housed
– Expands the Student Nutrition Program, providing nutritious food to approximately 330,000 students per day in 841 schools
– Supports food programming at City-run camps, providing nutritious snacks to approximately 115,000 children per day at 185 camp locations city-wide
– Supports new rental housing supply through a continued 15 per cent property tax discount for new multi-residential properties
– Supports 27,000 new rental homes this year, including 9,700 rent-controlled and affordable units
– Maintains a new multi-residential property tax subclass for newly built purpose-built rental housing, providing a 15 per cent property tax reduction

Supporting community safety:
– Adds 258 new emergency positions (police and paramedics)
– Expands crisis support on the TTC through Toronto Community Crisis Services
– Hires 16,000 young people for jobs in recreation, special events and museums, helping youth build skills and gain job experience

Keeping Toronto moving:
– Hires 27 additional Traffic Agents to improve traffic management and reduce travel times
– Continues investment in smart street signal technology to keep people moving

Providing excellent community services:
– Supports low-income vulnerable residents with 1,000 air conditioning units
– Enhances the basement flooding protection subsidy program and introduces a new furnace replacement program to help homeowners
– Strengthens renter protections through RentSafeTO, including colour-coded ratings for 3,600 buildings
– Increases the property tax reduction for small businesses by five per cent, for a total reduction of 20 per cent, benefiting more than 28,000 small businesses and supporting local jobs and vibrant communities

Building on progress made over the past two budgets, the 2026 Budget reflects ongoing financial stability measures, including $1.23 billion in operating support through the Ontario-Toronto New Deal and the City’s recent credit rating upgrade to AA+.

Despite these actions, the City continues to face significant financial challenges including revenue softening in key areas, emergency services and transit pressures, inflationary increases and limited municipal revenue tools.

Property taxes and relief programs
The tax-supported operating budget is supported by a 0.7 per cent operating levy increase for residential and industrial properties and a 0.35 per cent increase for multi-residential and commercial properties.

A dedicated 1.5 per cent levy increase for the City Building Fund continues to support transit and housing investments.

In total, the combined residential property tax increase and City Building Fund levy represent an increase of 2.2 per cent, or $91.53 per year ($7.63 per month), based on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s average current value assessment of a Toronto home ($692,140).

Property tax relief programs remain available for eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities, supporting an anticipated 11,500 households this year. More information is available on the City’s Tax and Utility Relief webpage: www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/property-tax/property-tax-water-solid-waste-relief-and-rebate-programs/property-tax-and-utility-relief-program.

Capital Renewal
The 2026–2035 capital budget and plan totals $63.1 billion ($42.6 billion tax supported and $20.5 billion rate supported). The 10-year plan focuses on fixing and maintaining aging infrastructure, with 53 per cent dedicated to state-of-good-repair projects. Major investments continue in transit and mobility, housing and community improvements, and stormwater management and basement-flood mitigation.

Toronto Water and Solid Waste rates
To support critical services such as waste management and water treatment, the 2026 Budget maintains the interim rates approved by City Council in December, including:
– A 3.75 per cent increase to Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management Services rates and fees
– A 1.25 per cent increase for participants in the Industrial Water Rate Program

More information is available in the City’s news release: www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-approves-2026-interim-rates-and-fees-for-toronto-water-and-solid-waste-management-services.

Additional information
More information about the 2026 Budget, including Budget Notes, Briefing Notes and presentations, is available on the City’s 2026 Budget webpage: www.toronto.ca/budget.

Additional details about the process are outlined in the 2026 Budget backgrounder: www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-2026-budget-process.

The Major Snowstorm Condition and Significant Weather Event declarations remain in effect to assist crews in removing snow as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Snow piles can create challenges for safe travel, parking and businesses, and the parking restrictions help expedite cleanup efforts.

Snow removal operations continue around the clock and today and overnight crews will continue to remove snow from popular cycling routes on Bloor Street, Davenport Road, Yonge Street, Danforth Avenue and Huntingwood Drive.

The City has completed clearing more than 95 per cent of Toronto’s school bus loading zones, with the remainder in downtown and East York to be cleared over the next few nights. Snow removal in school locations can only be done overnight for student safety.

Since January 15, snow removal has been completed on 812 kilometers of roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, which has resulted in 188,120 tonnes of snow moved to snow storage sites.

Approximately 150 surge staff are assisting with snow removal operations today.

With snowfall in the forecast later this week, crews are preparing equipment and materials for salting and plowing.

⚠️ Top 311 service requests

311 answered approximately 4,400 calls yesterday, achieving a 72% service level, with call volumes down 31% from the prior week. Winter-related issues dominated demand, representing 54% of service requests, led by sidewalk snow clearing. Urgent winter requests (136) primarily impacted residents with mobility challenges, while snow clearing for bus stops and bike lanes continued to trend upward.

Today at 9:30 a.m.:
• 610 calls answered with a service level of 50%
• High volume on Tax, Utility Billing and VHT is impacting the Service Level due to the automatic phone calls by Revenue Services /tax calls. Average time to answer under 2 minutes.

Responsiveness and Service Levels – February 3 end of day
• ~4,400 calls answered at 311 with a service level of 72% on the main line
o ~3,400 calls on the main line (~31% decrease from the previous week)
o ~1,000 Tax, Utility Billing and VHT calls answered yesterday
o Average Speed to Answer of 42 seconds and Average Handle Time of 5:18 minutes

Service Requests, Inquires & Trends – February 3 end of day
• ~2,600 service requests created and ~3,100 general inquires
o ~1,400 (54%) winter-related requests being sidewalk snow clearing still at the top with 563 requests. Most impacted wards continue to be Davenport (166 Winter SRs), Beaches-East York (163 Winter SRs) and Toronto-Danforth (130Winter SRs).
o 136 winter SRs were tagged as urgent, mainly from residents who cannot use their mobility device due to snow.
o 36 bus stops snow clearing were created. ~400 created since January 25, 66% already completed.
o 126 bike lane winter maintenance requests were created yesterday being the top 3. ~570 created since January 25
o Tax, Utility Billing and VHT related inquires were at the top.

Good Afternoon Ward 24!

Here is what is being planned for this weekend across Toronto:

Identifying and addressing winter-storm-related ‘hot spots’
The City’s snow removal crews will be out in full force this weekend to plow and remove snow from residential roads, highway ramps, bridge decks, hospital routes and transit corridors across Toronto. Crews are also removing snow from Gerrard and Queen Street streetcar routes to keep Torontonians moving.

Please note that parking restrictions remain in effect to help prioritize safe and efficient snow removal.

School bus loading zone snow removal blitz
A school bus loading zone snow removal blitz took place overnight and continues throughout the weekend at schools across the city. As the storm lasted from Sunday into Monday, crews have had limited ability to address these areas sooner because this work needs to be done outside of school hours to ensure the safety of students.

Strengthening our on-the-ground response
Transportation Services, supported by additional staff from multiple City divisions, continues to strengthen field operations through internal and external surge deployments. A total of 150 surge staff are in the field today.

As of January 30 at 6 a.m., the City has removed 8,200 truckloads of snow. Some 82,000 tonnes of snow have been removed from 360 kilometres of streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and 120 bridges.

Parking restrictions and notice
While a Major Snowstorm Condition is in effect, parking is prohibited on snow routes.

Where possible, the City provides advance notice of snow removal operations, typically 24 to 48 hours, through:
· Temporary orange “No Parking – Snow Removal” signs placed in snowbanks
· In some cases, door-to-door notification by City staff

Once the Major Snowstorm Condition is lifted, parking may resume on snow routes provided no orange snow removal signs are present.

Residents are encouraged to continue reporting problem areas by calling 311 or submitting a service request online. These reports help crews identify locations where conditions have changed or where repeated clearing is required.

What residents can do to help
· Watch for temporary orange No Parking – Snow Removal signs on your street
· Clear snow from and around vehicles
· Move vehicles whenever possible
· Permit holders may park anywhere within their permit area during snow removal operations
· Stay well back from heavy equipment, which has limited visibility and maneuverability

Warming Centres and winter supports
The City’s Warming Centres remain open, providing a warm place for individuals to rest, access meals and get referrals to community services. Further programming is available through the Winter Services Plan. Spaces remain available.


All my Best,

Paul

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

Here are the latest statistics from Toronto’s 311 on the clean-up of last week’s huge snowfall.

January 31, 2026, 8:30 a.m. update:

311 is experiencing a reduction in call volumes as of now. End-of-day results from January 30 show continued stabilization, with total calls down 11% and winter service requests declining by 36%, though sidewalk snow clearing remains the leading driver and Davenport continues to be the most impacted ward followed by Toronto-Danforth, and Beaches-East York.

Currently 219 calls answered 95% Service Level.
~200 Service Requests Created (SRs)
From Jan 25 to Jan 30, Total Winter SRs 15,425 (52% Completed)
From Jan 15 to Jan 24, Total Winter SRs 9,451 (92% Completed)

Responsiveness & Service Levels – January 30th end of day
~4,400 calls received at 311 ( including tax line ) with a service level of 88% in the main line
~3,400 main line calls, 11% less compared to previous day (~430 calls)
~1,000 Tax, Utility Billing, and VHT calls
Average Speed to Answer of 34 seconds and Average Handle Time of 5:25 minutes
Service Requests, Inquires & Trends – January 30th end of day
~2,700 service requests created and ~3,100 General Inquires
~1,500 (55%) Winter related requests being Sidewalk Snow Clearing still at the top with 588 requests. Most impacted wards were Davenport, Toronto-Danforth, and Beaches-East York
52% of the winter service requests are completed for the requests created between January 25th – 30th
Property tax billing, vacant home tax, and utility bill payments are most of the general inquires.
160 winter SRs have been tagged as urgent, mainly from residents that cannot use their mobility device due to snow.
27 Bus Stops Snow Clearing were created. ~290 created since January 25th, 37% already completed.

Additional Service Information:

The contact centre experienced a shift away from Winter Operations and a strong concentration of Revenue Services calls, with ongoing activity in Solid Waste, Snow Clearing, Property Standards, and miscellaneous municipal inquiries.
Storm related impacts on Solid Waste continued during the day, specially on bin placement during snow accumulation.

If you have an area in your neighbourhood you are still concerned about, please contact 311, or my office at councillor_ainslie_C)@toronto.ca. You can also call at 416-396-7222


All my Best,

Paul

Advancing Indigenous Housing in Scarborough-Guildwood 4201 to 4203 Kingston Road and 120 Galloway Road.  Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes.

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.SC14.5

I was pleased to see the application for affordable housing come before council this week. This project, a partnership between Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes and the City, will deliver 68 new units for Indigenous residents in our community.

It’s exactly the kind of project we need to support – one that provides stability and opportunity while making good use of existing resources.

The focus on one and two-bedroom units aligns perfectly with local needs, and the commitment to sustainability is commendable. This infill development maximizes existing infrastructure and promotes sustainability, directly addressing the lack of accessible housing for Indigenous residents.

I fully endorse this project and am pleased that Council adopted the item on June 26.

Project Overview

• 4-storey building with 68 affordable rental units for Indigenous community managed by Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes
• Mix of one-bedroom (79%) and two-bedroom (21%) units
• Funding endorsement: the project received Open Door incentives and $28M from Rapid Housing Initiative
• Existing 3-storey buildings with 80 units to be maintained.

The current project is an addition to the 62 Indigenous housing at 525 Markham Road in Ward 24.

As your representative, I am proud to be part of a council that prioritizes the well-being of all its citizens. I look forward to seeing the positive changes this project will bring and to continuing our work towards creating a city that is welcoming, inclusive, and full of opportunity. City of Toronto and Government of Canada supporting non-profit partners to rapidly deliver 260 new affordable and supportive homes in Toronto – City of Toronto

I want to thank Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes, all my fellow council members, city staff, and the community members who have engaged with us throughout this process. Your input and support are invaluable.

Paul

Here are my comments on the new EV charging stations which were unveiled at 1 Toyota Place today in Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood:

• Good afternoon everyone,
• It is a pleasure to be here today in Scarborough for the unveiling of Jule’s new EV Fast Charging System.
• This is a proud moment for our community, and I want to thank Jule, Toyota Canada, and Mitsui Canada for their leadership and investment in clean technology right here in Scarborough,
• and for helping to shape the future of transportation not just in Toronto, but across Canada and North America.
• As many of you know, transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto.
• In 2022, passenger vehicles alone accounted for 23% of our city’s emissions.
• That is why the City of Toronto has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 through our TransformTO Net Zero Strategy.
• One of our key targets is for 30% of all registered vehicles in Toronto to be electric by 2030.
• But to get there, we need the right infrastructure and that is exactly what today’s event is about.
• Public EV charging, especially fast charging, is essential for people who can’t charge at home.
• It’s also vital for encouraging more people to make the switch to electric.

• This new fast charging system is more than just a piece of technology, it is a symbol of progress.
• It represents cleaner air, quieter streets, and a more sustainable future for our city.
• Thank you again to Jule, Toyota, and Mitsui for your partnership and your commitment to innovation.
• Your work in battery energy storage, EV charging, and EV vehicles is important to our city’s climate goals and economic growth.
• And thank you to everyone here today for supporting a greener, healthier, and more connected Toronto.
• Let’s keep moving forward together.
• Thank you!

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!

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

1. Completed work in Seven Oaks Community 2024
   1. Basketball Court in Seven Oaks Park
   1. Speed Humps on Keeler Boulevard
   1. Military Trail reconstruction
   1. New Parking Regulations on
      1. Oakmeadow Boulevard (at north entrance and by Highcastle Road to improve safety on the road)
      1. Military Trail by St. John Paul Catholic Secondary School
   1. Ellesmere Reservoir Park Sports Field Improvements
   1. 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.

• 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 1^st to June 1^st 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 30^th.
• 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