Words From Eastern Toronto

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

At the March 5^th General Government and Licensing Committee meeting the Chief of Information Officer, Rob Meikle, gave a presentation on “Delivering Digital Government to Toronto”.

What is Digital Government?

A Digital Government has core capabilities supported by organizational enablers. Capabilities are customer and business facing innovations such as:

• Services that digitize touchpoints and consolidate online access platforms
• The automation of transactional processes
• More accurate and intelligent decisions through advanced predictive analytics
• Data Sharing for greater transparency and strengthening public trust

While enablers are innovations across government systems such as:

• Strategy focus and attention on the needs of populations
• Government and Organization funding mechanism for collaboration, innovation and efficiency
• Leadership and Talent commitment and awareness of trends and opportunities
• Technology and analytic platforms that support efforts in big data and open data

What does Digital Government Deliver?

Digital Government delivers City business modernization and innovation to enhance City Services delivery to the citizens of Toronto.

Digital Government enhances the city’s business process and systems with a focus on opportunities to streamline and integrate.

Moreover, Digital Government also drives improvements with a focus on social and economic benefits through the following examples: 

Open Data

By empowering citizens with access to city information at their fingertips

Vision Zero

Enhancing road safety through technology: enabling motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to make safe routing choices based on reliable road safety instruction

Wellbeing Toronto

Fostering neighbourhood development: empowering citizens to access neighbourhood information through self-serve windows of engagement using the Wellbeing Toronto web application

Equity Lens

Advanced local outcomes: embedding access, equity, diversity and human rights practices into all aspects of the City’s business will lead to greater equitable outcomes for staff and residents

In 2018, the City of Toronto has delivered enhanced City Services through technological innovation through the following examples: 

• 2018 Municipal election results delivered to the public within 15 minutes of closing
• Improve Commuter Safety with the decline in public injuries with quicker reporting and resolution of sidewalk repairs with Vision Zero
• Advancing Social Outcomes through Equity Lens online tool to identify and address equity barriers
• Enhanced Online Self-Service licensing system that enables online application of business licenses and permits

Digital Government drives City business modernization and innovation, focus on opportunities to streamline and integrate the City’s business systems and ensures secure, reliable technology environment.

Please let me know your thoughts and concerns!

All my best,

Paul

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

During the January 14^th General Government and Licensing Committee meeting a comprehensive review of business licences was adopted across the City of Toronto. This review is due to the changing nature and number of existing businesses and licence categories.

This review includes the review of Vehicles-for-Hire bylaw, Payday lending, licensing requirements for Bars, Restaurants and Nightclubs, Body Rub Parlours (BRP) and Holistic Centres bylaw.

At this moment the City of Toronto would like to hear from its residents regarding the Vehicles-for-Hire Bylaw and Body Rub Parlours and Holistic Centres Bylaw.

Vehicles-for-Hire

The Current Licensing of Vehicles-for-Hire Bylaw provides regulations for taxicabs, limousines and private transportation companies (PTCs), such as Facedrive, Lyft and Uber.

There are a number of ways you can be involved and help shape policy:

Attend public consultations

There will be nine public consultations held between March 4 and March 19. Each meeting will focus on a particular area of the Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw. See the Public Consultation Schedule here. Each meeting will focus on a different area of the Vehicle-for-Hire Bylaw, such as the following:

• Accessibility
• Vehicle equipment
• Public safety

Submit feedback by email

Contact vehicleforhirereview@toronto.ca by April 30, 2019.

Subscribe to receive email updates

Visit E-updates to sign up. Click open the Get Involved in Your Community Section, type in your email address and scroll down to select Vehicle-for-Hire Review.

Body Rube Parlours (BRP) and Holistic Centres

The Body Rub Parlours (BRP) and Holistic Centres Bylaw Review is to update the licensing bylaw, to promote public health and safety. Provide the City with your feedback and help shape policy by:

Attend Public Consultations

There will be four public consultations held between March 5 and March 19. The first will be held for the general public, second for Etobicoke, third for Scarborough-Agincourt and fourth for University Rosedale. Find the Public Consultation Schedule here.

Witten Consultations

Submit feedback to mlsconsultations@toronto.ca by March 20, 2019

Stakeholder Meetings

There will also be five stakeholder meetings held between March 4 and March 14 to consult different stakeholders governed by the bylaw. The stakeholders include:

• Body Rub Parlours
• Body Rubbers
• Holistic Centres
• Professional Holistic Associations
• Holistic Practitioners

Find the Stakeholder Meeting schedule here.

Your feedback will be used to recommend updates in a report to be discussed at the General Government and Licensing Committee in June 2019.

Follow @GetInvolvedTO for more opportunities to have your say and shape policy in the City of Toronto. Visit the Get Involved page for more public consultations, volunteer opportunities, community initiatives, public appointments and more.

All my best,

Paul

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

At the January 30^th City Council Meeting, Mayor John Tory’s first item of business of implementing the “Housing Now” initiative was approved increasing the supply of new affordable rental housing within mixed-income communities by making municipally-owned properties available to non-profit and private organizations.

The Housing Now Initiative represents a new city-building approach to the disposition of City-owned lands. In December 2018, City Council approved this initiative to activate 11 City-owned sites (the 11 Properties) for the development of affordable housing within mixed-income, mixed-use and transit-oriented communities.

The first phase of this initiative included the following:

• Activating the 11 Properties for the potential to create approximately 10,000 new residential units.
• A proposed minimum of 2/3 of all residential units created on the 11 Properties will be purpose-built rental housing with at least 50 % of the rental units as affordable rental housing.

This phase is in addition to provide affordable rental homes in partnership between non-City sites with non-profit and private housing organizations through the 2019 Open Door Call for Affordable Rental Housing Applications.

Moreover, the next phase provides:

• City staff and CreateTO will undertake more detailed due diligence for each of the 11 Properties.
• Report to the CreateTO Board of Directors on directions and impacts prior to marketing.

In the absence of this Housing Now Initiative, the 11 Properties would be sold at market prices mainly resulting in the development of market condominiums.

In recognition of the urgency to provide affordable rental housing in our city, this initiative sets action to create much needed affordable rental housing in mixed-income communities.

See these links for complete meeting agenda and news release.

City Council and other City of Toronto Committees can be watched live here at this link.

All my best,

Paul

Sunday February 17, 2019

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours-

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day and Happy Early Family Day! I hope everyone had the chance to spread some love this past week and are looking forward to some much needed Family Day fun.

The City of Toronto holds a number of activities and events for Family Day, February 18, 2019!

Right in our backyard, the Toronto Zoo will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30pm daily, including Family Day. Visitors can participate in Keeper Talks and Carnivore Feedings and take part in the National Hippo Day celebrations, enjoy the winter Orchid Oasis and sign up for the family Owl Prowl. More information is available at the Toronto Zoo website.

There are 52 outdoor skating rinks across the city that will be open for use, weather permitting. Along with these outdoor skating rinks are a number of indoor arenas that will be open for use as well. There is no fee for public skating at any City indoor arenas and outdoor rinks. Please remember that CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under the age of six.

Make sure to check out the Nathan Philips Square skating party, sponsored by Tim Hortons from 1pm to 4pm on Family Day for fun-filled skating and hot beverages at the Tim’s House lounge.

Skiing and Snowboarding will be open at Earl Bales and Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centres on Family Day.

From 12 Noon to 4pm on Family Day, visitors can post for selfies, play family board games, warm up by a bonfire and roast some marshmallows at the Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd.

More details on City of Toronto Family Day activities here.

Friendly reminder that the Guild Alive with Culture Arts Festival is returning this July at the Guild Park and Gardens. Be sure to check out their website for details on artists, performers and more. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a vendor or volunteer, contact the festival committee at guildalive@guildalivewithculture.ca

Have a fun and safe Family Day!

Monday February 11, 2019 4:45PM

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

There is more snow on the way tomorrow….and if predictions are correct….a lot of snow…..

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for a winter storm tomorrow with the possibility of 15 to 20 cm of snow, as well as ice pellets, freezing rain and strong winds. The City of Toronto has a comprehensive snow and ice response plan that prioritizes the safety and movement of residents. Toronto is a vibrant city with more than 5,600 kilometres of roads and 2.9 million people. Proactive measures taken before the storm include:

• Monitoring road temperature using sensors on salt trucks and pickup trucks

• Co-ordinating more frequent access to weather forecasting and meteorologists

• Activating nine road weather information system stations, including two new stations in East York and one in the York-Yonge-Bay ramp, and

• Preparing for winter by maintaining roads, performing on-going pothole repair blitzes, replenishing salt and de-icer supplies, attending training and seeking new ways to address snow. During the storm, winter operations include:

• De-icing, salting, plowing and snow removal as required

• Daily staff conference calls coordinate snow clearing efforts

• GPS on plows power the PlowTO web app at https://www.Toronto.ca/plowTO

• A fixed automated spray technology de-icing system on the York-Bay-Yonge ramp to help keep emergency vehicles and commuters safe

• Access to salt additives like beet juice that melt ice faster when temperatures are frigid, and

• Real-time cameras to see actual conditions on key streets to inform operations. After the storm:

• Crews work around-the-clock to clean-up the remaining snow and ice on city streets, sidewalks, bike trails, laneways, and more.

• Staff respond to resident requests through 311.

• Staff continue to coordinate cleanup efforts via conference calls.

• Services delivered are reviewed to inform future improvements. Service LevelsThe following are the City’s winter operation service levels:• Anti-Icing – Salt brine is applied to expressways, hills and bridges up to 24 hours before snow falls

.• Salting – When the snow begins to stick, expressways, major and local roads are salted and must be completed on all serviced roads between one and 24 hours from the end of snowfall

.• Plowing – Expressways are plowed first at 2 cm of snow accumulation (within two to three hours). Major roads are plowed at 5 cm of accumulation (within six to eight hours). Collector roads are plowed between 5 and 8 cm of accumulation (within 14 to 16 hours). Local road plowing starts when accumulation has reached 8 cm and the snow has substantially stopped falling.

• Windrow opening – For areas where it is mechanically feasible (not in the central core), driveway entrances are cleared to an opening of three metres within two hours following the end of road plowing.

• Sidewalk and transit stop clearing – High pedestrian volume areas are cleared first, starting after 2 cm of accumulation. After the snow has stopped falling, sidewalks can take six to seven hours to be cleared and transit stops can take up to 48 hours to be cleared.

• Cycling routes – Salting begins on cycling routes at the same time as salting on the adjacent road. Plowing is completed after 5 cm of accumulation.

• Seniors and persons with disabilities – In areas of the city where mechanical sidewalk snow clearing is not feasible the City offers a free snow-shovelling service for those in need. Business and property owners are responsible for ensuring that all ice and snow are cleared from sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces, steps, ramps and landings within 24 hours of snowfall to provide safe access for people and vehicles. The City will clear snow from sidewalks within 12 hours of snowfall, where it is possible to safely drive a plow. Property owners who fail to clear their snow and ice could be subject to a fine. More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/road-maintenance/winter-maintenance/clearing-snow-and-ice-from-your-property/. Autos that block streetcar tracks or impede emergency vehicles will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense. Blocking streetcar tracks can inconvenience thousands of commuters and put at risk the safety of others in an emergency. Emergency preparednessThe combination of snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and strong winds may create hazardous conditions and cause power disruptions. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take precautionary steps to protect their property and ensure their safety.

During severe weather, the public are reminded to:

• Try to keep children and pets indoors.

• Stay away from rivers and streams and from downed wires and trees that may have an electrical charge.

• Take public transport and avoid driving if possible. If it is necessary to drive, do so cautiously and slowly. Keep the vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times.

• Offer to help elderly neighbours or those individuals who may need assistance.

• Pick up critical medications before the storm. More information about emergency preparedness, including how to pack an emergency kit and go bag, is available athttps://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/emergency-preparedness/. Assistance for vulnerable peopleThe City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance, 911 if the situation is an emergency. The declaration of an Extreme Cold Weather Alert activates additional City services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside.

A warming centre is opened at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Pets are welcome. Service restrictions at shelters are also relaxed and additional overnight street outreach teams are deployed.

More information about 24-hour respite sites, shelters, housing help, drop-ins and Out of the Cold programs is available at http://toronto.ca/homelesshelp. Basement flooding and frozen pipes with possible rain and snow accumulation, residents are encouraged to do the following to prevent basement flooding:

• Shovel the snow and ice away from the foundation and onto a lawn, not the road.

• Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of snow, ice and other debris and are working properly.

• If it is safe to do so, clear debris from roadside catch basins to help melting snow and rain enter the storm sewer. During cold winter weather, water pipes can freeze. Property owners are encouraged to take steps to protect pipes from freezing and learn what to do if they freeze, at http://www.toronto.ca/frozenpipes. Power outagesPower outages can be reported to Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000. Toronto Hydro will work to restore power as quickly as possible. During an outage, residents are reminded to follow these safety precautions:

• Unplug or turn off all appliances to avoid possible damage when power resumes.

• Don’t use barbecues, propane heaters or portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, covered porches and sheds – they generate carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal.

• Never leave candles unattended. Use a flashlight instead.

• If electricity is restored to your area, but your home still does not have power, call Toronto Hydro at 416-542-800 (press 1) to speak with a dispatcher.

• Plug in only the most essential appliances first, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to give the electrical system time to stabilize before connecting other items. After power is restored, the public should limit electricity use to help relieve potential strain on the system by these measures:

• Turn off all non-essential internal and external lights

• Limit the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers and dryers. Contacting the City and other agenciesResidents are reminded that 911 is for emergencies only, including downed power lines. For all other incidents where police are required, call 416-808-2222.

***Residents are asked not to call 311 to ask when their street will be plowed. ***

Local roads are plowed 14 to 16 hours after snowfall is over. To watch plows working in real time visit http://www.toronto.ca/plowTO. Staff are available at 311 Toronto, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to City-related inquiries and service requests, including non-working traffic signals, other road and sidewalk problems, as well as damaged trees on City property. To contact 311 Toronto Dial 3-1-1, email 311@toronto.ca or visit http://www.toronto.ca/311.

For damaged trees on private property, residents should contact a private tree service company. For updates during an emergency event and other City information, follow @cityoftoronto on Twitter. For updates on winter operations follow @TO_WinterOps on Twitter. For the most up-to-date weather information, visit Environment Canada’s website at https://weather.gc.ca/.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on

Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto,

on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto

or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto

If you have any questions or concerns before, during, or after this snow arrives, please reach out to me by email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca Phone: 416-392-4008 Twitter: @Ainslie_Ward24 Instagram: @cllrainslie or this Facebook Page.

All my Best, Paul

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

I thought I would provide a bit of an update on what the City of Toronto has been doing with Open Data……..

• January the Toronto City Council unanimously voted to support the City’s first Open Data Master Plan to provide a framework and roadmap to guide the City’s next phases of open data.

 

• Throughout the year there was a deliberate focus to launch a new Open Data Visualization Portal on Toronto.ca, realized in May 2018. The portal improves overall accessibility to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• The City’s work and investment in open data is a key contributor to the success of Smart Cities, Civic Innovation, and Open Government.
• The open data movement, and increased engagement partnership building through initiatives like the Civic Innovation Office and Toronto Civic Hall have broadened collaborations around open data are thriving.
• These efforts have led to nearly $200,000 savings in development costs by focusing on open source and collaborative development in the creation of a new Open Data Visualization Portal, and the development of an automated dataset publication process that will increase the speed and quality of open data publishing.
• City Divisions and Agencies are releasing high-value datasets – over 30 new datasets (including 145 new data files and numerous updates to the catalogue) were published in 2018, bringing the total to 292 datasets and 1326 data files.
• Partnerships with Agencies and Corporations are being enhanced, like the Rocketman App

that uses TTC Next Arrival Open Data, the most widely used open dataset in the City of Toronto. Accessed approximately 1.5 million times per year and powers an entire ecosystem of apps and products around transportation and mobility throughout (and around) the City.

• Waze App: An app that identifies Road Restrictions throughout the City, enhancing mobility for drivers on City streets.

 

• Recyclewizard: Enhances smartphone optical recognition through Open Data to identify whether an object is waste, recycling, organics, or electronics.
• The City continues to be a recognized leader and trusted partner in the Open Data community participating:
  • OneEleven’s Safer Neighbourhood Hackathon – CodeAcross2019 CivicTech Hackathon and ElevateTO’s Smart Connected Communities Hackathon
  • In addition to these events the Open Data program continues to be recognized at Awards Events and has received an:
    • Open Data for Democracy Award from Public Service Digest; a Small Team award at Technicity
    • and a Grass Roots Marketing Award for their engagement work on the Open Data Master Plan.

 

• Toronto embraces and nurtures innovation, known as an international centre for innovation and technology a reputation that has been growing and expanding.
• The Toronto Region is drawing international attention demonstrating that it is a disruptive force and fertile ground for emerging technologies and opportunities.
• Toronto’s richness in post-secondary institutions, computer science advancements and financial institutions are key to our Innovation Ecosystem.
• We have a growing number of powerful incubators & accelerators:
  • Ryerson’s DMZ (Rated #1 in North America)
  • the Toronto Stock exchange
  • and big hospitals and research networks that all contribute to this innovation ecosystem.
• In 2019 the Open Data Program will continue to evolve and focus on community engagement and collaboration activities as it continues to implement the Open Data Master Plan through to 2022.

 

All my Best,

Paul

Good Morning Ward 24!

For the snow event of January 27, here is an update on Transportation Services’  winter operations plans as of January 28 at 9AM.

 ​

***Note:  These plans are estimates only and subject to changing conditions such as timing of the event and the amount of precipitation.****

Weather:  Dry conditions are likely to last through much of Monday morning before a clipper system brings substantial snow. This could be preceded by a few flurries off the lake from mid-late morning into the early afternoon due to easterly winds but more persistent snow is going to set in by mid-afternoon and continue through Monday evening and into the night. The heaviest snowfall will be from mid-afternoon through the rush hour into the evening and the early overnight, tapering to flurries second half of the night and ending near dawn. Accumulations of 7-12 cm are forecast by midnight with some pockets up to 15 cm possible. An additional 2-5cm is possible from midnight to the pre-dawn before tapering off, so a few locations could see up to 20 cm. Wind gusts of 40-60 km/h will also produce some blowing and drifting snow. Tuesday will have a mixture of sun and cloud with a few scattered flurries developing. Winds will ease but it will start to turn much colder. Bitterly cold for Wednesday with a chance of a few flurries again but sunshine in between.

Roadway Salting:

– Currently salting local roads only as a followup to local road plowing.

– Local salting to be completed by 11am.

Roadway Plowing:

– Plowing operations on local roads were completed by approx 2am in all areas.

Trails & Separated Bike Lanes:

– Cleanup operations on the Martin Goodman Trail resumed this morning at 7am.

– Cleanup operations on the separated bike lanes resumed this morning at 7am.

Sidewalks & Bus Stops:

– Mechanical sidewalk clearing on high & low volume routes was completed by approx. 10:30pm in all areas

– Bus stop clearing was completed at approx. 7am Monday.

I will post more information as it becomes available from City staff

For up to the minute updates please follow Transportation Services on Twitter at @TO_WinterOps and on our real-time public GPS site at  http://www.toronto.ca/plowto  ​

All my Best,

Paul

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

I was happy to Chair the inaugural meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee of the new term, this past Monday, January 14^th. This committee focuses on city government, assets, resources, and business licensing.

During the meeting another of my Scarborough colleagues, Councillor Jim Karygiannis was elected the Committee’s Vice-Chair.  Moreover, items discussed include a comprehensive review of business licensing across the City as well as a review of the City of Toronto’s Clothing Drop Boxes.

In 2015, the Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) began modernizing business licensing to better reflect the current and evolving business environment, to develop efficiencies and to reduce regulatory burden.

This review is being conducted in stages due to the changing nature and number of existing businesses and licence categories. Early stages included the transformation of business licensing and operational processes and technology.

The next stage includes an update and review of the Vehicle-for-Hire bylaw, a review of payday lending businesses and the review of licensing requirements for bars, restaurants and nightclubs and more. This work is expected throughout 2019.

The next stages for this review include the following:

• Streamline, simplify and modernize operational processes to reduce red tape and regulatory burden, while ensuring consumer protection and public health and safety objectives are met.
• Modernize business licensing requirements and processes to better meet and adapt to today’s evolving and emerging businesses; and
• Move to a risk-based approach to business licensing

 

Sadly, on January 8, 2019 Toronto Police reported a woman had passed away in a clothing drop box near Bloor St. and Dovercourt Rd.  Due to this incident the General Government and Licensing Committee was asked in writing by Mayor Tory to speed up the review of the Clothing Drop Box bylaw which was intended to be completed by MLS in September 2019.

This review will focus on the following:

• Options on how to improve the safety of clothing drop boxes;
• Methods other than drop boxes that are used to collect clothing donations and the effectiveness of each option;
• Review of the rules that guide where drop boxes are permitted to be located; and
• Review the enforcement of clothing drop boxes, particularly those that are illegally placed and without permits

 

These items will be brought forward at the May 21, 2019 meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee.

The review of clothing drop boxes is not singular to the City of Toronto. The Toronto Star reported Vancouver City Councillors are also looking into the safety of local clothing drop boxes after a man passed away in a donation bin on December 30, 2018.

Some City official’s suggestions include removing the donations bins until they are completely safe for the public, motions to explore better regulations, safer designs or alternative drop-off points. Find the full article

More details on this meeting of the General Government and Licensing Committee can be found here.

The General Government and Licensing Committee, City Council and other committee meetings can be watched live on YouTube at this link.

If you have any questions of comments please let me know!

All my Best,

Paul

 

 

Good Evening Ward 24 Residents,

For the forecast snowstorm of January 19 & 20, here is an update on City of Toronto Transportation Services’  winter operations plans as of Sunday January 20 at 6pm.

 

***Note:  These plans are estimates only and subject to changing conditions such as timing of the event and the amount of precipitation.****

 

Fair weather for the rest of the day. Temperatures will hold steady or slightly fall through the day ranging between -18 to -15C with wind chill between -30 to -25. For tonight, expect temperatures in the low minus 20’s with wind chill near -35. Dry conditions are forecast for Monday but only slightly warmer. More seasonal for Tuesday ahead of the next system. It’s looking like more snow developing after midnight into Wednesday and then likely mixing with rain at some point during the day. A preliminary estimate would be something around 5 cm of a denser snow, but it’s far too early to say for sure.

Note:  While the snow has mostly moved out, high winds combined with cold temperatures will prolong our cleanup operations particularly on the main roads.  We are working to clear as many roads, sidewalks and cycling lanes as possible in advance of the Monday am commute.

 

Roadway Salting:

– Salting operations commenced Saturday morning and are continuing in association with roadway plowing.  All local roads have been salted.

– Multiple rounds (4 – 5) of salt have been required on the main roads since the snow began

 

Roadway Plowing:

–  Plowing operations on the main roads commenced at approx. 4pm Saturday and continued through the overnight period.  Multiple rounds (3 – 4) of plowing have been required due to drifting.

– Cleanup operations will continue overnight as required and through Monday or until the winds dissipate

– Plowing operations on local roads commenced at approx. 11pm Saturday.  This operation will be completed in all areas by approx. 6pm Sunday evening.

– Cleanup operations on local roads focussing on SR response, missed streets, driveways and parked car locations will continue on Monday.

 

Trails & Separated Bike Lanes:

– Salting & plowing of the Martin Goodman Trail & Humber Bay Waterfront Trail commenced Saturday morning.  Three rounds of salt with plowing have been applied.  Operations will continue overnight as required in response to drifting locations.

– Salting & plowing of the separated bike lanes commenced Saturday morning.  Three rounds of salt with plowing have been applied.  Operations will continue overnight as required in response to drifting locations.

Sidewalks & Bus Stops:

– A second round of sidewalk clearing on high and low volume sidewalks commenced in all areas at approx. 8am Sunday and will be completed by approx. 12am Monday.

– A third round of sidewalk clearing may be required on Monday due to high winds, drifting snow and cold temperatures.

And  a reminder to look in on your elderly neighbours and those who may have mobility issues.

For up to the minute updates please follow Transportation Services on Twitter at @TO_WinterOps and on our real-time public GPS site at  http://www.toronto.ca/plowto

The City IT staff are currently experiencing some technical difficulties with the plowTO app and are working to resolve these as quickly as possible.

 

All my Best,

 

Paul

 

Good Morning Ward 24 Residents,

For the forecast of this weekend’s snowstorm, here is an update on City of Toronto Transportation Services’ winter operations plans as of January 19 at 9am.

Note:  ***These plans are estimates only and subject to changing conditions such as timing of the event and the amount of precipitation.***

Weather:  Flurries will linger through the morning before intensifying to periods of snow for the afternoon lingering into the early evening then tapering to scattered flurries for the remainder of tonight into early Sunday morning.  Snowfall amounts of 3-8cm are possible by this evening with another trace – 1cm through the overnight.  Winds will increase to gusts of 50-60 km/h for the afternoon lingering through the day Sunday resulting in blowing & drifting snow.  Temperatures will be in the low to mid-minus teens for the evening with wind chills near -25.

Given the forecast accumulation, it is possible that multiple rounds of salting and plowing may be required on expressways, arterial and collector roads.  Local roads will also be plowed when snowfall has reached 8cm and has substantially stopped.  High & low pedestrian volume sidewalks, as well as separated bike lanes, will also be cleared/salted.

Patrol:

Transportation maintains a 24/7 patrol to constantly monitor road and sidewalk conditions.

Roadway Salting:

–          Transportation has approximately 200 salt trucks on standby that can be on the road within one hour of notification.

–          Salting operations will begin on Saturday morning when snow begins to accumulate

–          Multiple rounds of salt will be required.  Salting will continue through Saturday until plowing thresholds are met.

Roadway Plowing:

–          Plowing operations on expressways will commence at 2cm of accumulation

–          Plowing operations on arterial and collector roads will commence at 5cm of accumulation – approximately 7pm – 9pm Saturday

–          Plowing operations on local roads will commence when accumulations have reached 8cm and are substantially complete – approximately 12am – 1am Sunday

Trails & Separated Bike Lanes:

–          Salting & plowing of the Martin Goodman Trail & Humber Bay Waterfront Trail will commence Saturday morning when snow begins to accumulate

–          Salting & plowing of the separated bike lanes will commence Saturday morning when snow begins to accumulate

–          Multiple rounds will be required

Sidewalks & Bus Stops:

–          Mechanical sidewalk clearing on high pedestrian volume sidewalks will commence at approximately 2pm – 4pm Saturday

–          A second round of sidewalk clearing will be required on Sunday

–          A third round of sidewalk clearing may be required on Monday due to high winds, drifting snow and cold temperatures

I will send more information out as it is received.

***Please remember to check on elderly neighbours and those who may have mobility issues***

For up to the minute updates please follow Transportation Services on Twitter at @TO_WinterOps and on our real-time public GPS site at  http://www.toronto.ca/plowto​

All my Best,

Paul