Words From Eastern Toronto

Re: Toronto needs a long-term solution to homelessness

I wanted to point out a few things your editorial missed when we talk about dealing with homelessness.

Let’s start with the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) which is funded by the provincial government. ODSP is for individuals with disabilities who can’t work. It comes in two payments each month. The “basic allowance” for all your expenses is $649. The “housing allowance” is capped at $479. Ever try to find a place your family, let alone a one bed-room apartment in Toronto for less than $500?

The result? ODSP recipients take money which should go to food and clothing to pay for rent. And that is if you are lucky in this tight rental market to get something so cheap. ODSP recipients who cannot do both, get evicted, and end up in shelters. The ODSP has to be raised. City Council has urged the provincial government repeatedly to do this.

Let’s talk Legal Aid. Another chronically under-funded provincial program. I represent two of the City’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. The number of people I talk with who have mental health and/or addiction issues trying to stick-handle their way through our court system without a lawyer is staggering. No permanent address? No Legal Aid lawyer? These people often end up in jail. The City’s shelter system at 96 percent capacity, sees them staying in jail. (The goal is 90 per cent capacity)

We keep people in jail because there is no public money for a lawyer, they have no home address, and they have health issues, no room at the shelter….so they stay in jail? If they are lucky now they sleep on a cot in a hallway. If they have a family, maybe a cramped room in a strip motel?

As the editors said, we need a long-term solution. Shelter beds are not the answer. Properly funding ODSP, Legal Aid, and our health system are long term goals which should reach!

All my Best,

Paul

Dear Ward 43 Neighbours,

Dear Ward 43 residents,

I am very happy to say that on Monday November 6^th, 2017 at 8am our cheerfully awaited Christmas tree arrived at Nathan Philipps Square. Weller Tree Services is the company that has been in charge of supplying the perfect tree to the City of Toronto since the 1960s.

Also eagerly awaited is the 51^st annual Cavalcade of Lights which will launch the holiday season on November 25^th at 7 pm at Nathan Philips Square. This event will include a skating party, live musical mainstage performances, special pop-up performances, a fireworks display and of course the lighting of Toronto’s official tree. For a full program of the Cavalcade of Lights please visit this website: https://goo.gl/uLx4eh

I am proud to let you know that the City of Toronto has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the second year in a row. This national competition is organized by MediaCorp Canada Inc. and is now in its 18^th year.

The competition evaluates different organizations and identifies those who offer the most progressive and innovative programs and exceptional workplaces for their employees. The areas of evaluation include physical workplace, the workplace atmosphere and social, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development and community involvement.

You can find a full list of Canada’s Top Employers for 2018 and the reason for their selection as well as a schedule of other award announcements posted at https://goo.gl/GCeH

On November 8^th, 2017 Toronto Public Health (TPH) officially opened its doors to the city’s first permanent supervised injection service. This service is located inside The Works at 277 Victoria St.

Research has shown that supervised injection services reduce drug overdoses, save lives and limit the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C related to unsafe injection practices. Aside from supervised injection services those who use these health services will also be provided with sterile injection supplies, education on overdose prevention and intervention, health counselling services and referrals to drug treatment, housing, income support and other services.

I hope you found this brief news recap informative. If you have any questions or comments related or non-related to this post please flip me an email at councilor_ainslie@toronto.ca

Best,

Paul

Dear Neighbours,

As we begin a new fall season I would like to wish each and every one a Happy Thanksgiving! With Halloween and my Annual Halloween Haunt just around the corner I would like to remind all households to keep warm, safe and to keep in mind food allergies when handing our treats. Speaking of Halloween, don’t miss out on my Annual Halloween Haunt on October 28, 2017 at the Guild Theatre in the Guild Park and Gardens from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you’ve missed anything during our quick month of September there’s no reason to worry because here is what you’ve missed so far.

The new arts facility which will be located at the Guild Park and Gardens, in 2020, has been named the “Clark Centre for the Arts” in honour of Rosa and Spencer Clark, the founders of the Guild of All Arts in 1932.

A successful Community Environment Day was held on Saturday September 9^th, 2017 at the Morningside Work Yard from 10am to 2pm. Where we welcomed residents and informed them of many environmental tips when it came to proper disposal of household electronic items. We also welcomed donations of school supplies and old electronic appliances for schools.

The Toronto International Film Festival was scheduled for September 7^th to the 17^th. The lineup of films and starts that graced Toronto with their presence was not a disappointment. This festival definitely turned on the lights in our city leaving portions of King Street closed due to the annual TIFF street festival. Nonetheless the annual festival is a staple for saying goodbye to summer and welcoming fall to our city.

On the late morning of September 14, 2017 news of the passing of MP Arnold Chan of Scarborough-Agincourt spread throughout the country. He had endured a two year long battle with cancer. He was a great man and friend and he will be missed.

The application process for the City of Toronto’s sixth cycle of Protégée Program is now live. This program pairs young female Torontonians with female City Councillors for six months. Learn about the opportunities for women in local government, gain hands-on experience and understand the multi-faced rose of a City Councillor and City Staff. The application deadline is October 15, 2017 for more details visit https://goo.gl/bSb81x

There will be a public transit information session with Metrolinx and the City of Toronto regarding New SmartTrack/GO stations on Tuesday October 10, 2017 at the Scarborough Civic Centre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

There will also be a public information meeting on the Guild Park and Gardens Trail Master Plan on Monday October 16, 2017 at the Guild Inn Estate from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

I hope many of you can make it out and give us your input on these two matters.

Looking forward to a crisp and eventful October!

Best,

Paul

Dear Residents of Ward 43,

As summer 2017 is coming to an end I hope all the students of Ward 43 are enjoying the start of a new school year. This summer has been full many events. I hope everyone had a chance to catch up with neighbours at one of our many community BBQ’s, and of course at the annual Guild Alive with Culture Festival which was held on the beautiful grounds of the Guild Park and Gardens!

To kick off the summer we had our annual Seven Oaks BBQ on June 6^th, 2017. Although we did have a wet start, the Seven Oaks community still showed their bright faces to celebrate. I sure enjoyed myself…

Our Elizabeth Simcoe BBQ on June 20^th, 2017 was timed perfectly with school just being let out for the summer, so kids and their families had lots of time to enjoy our BBQ after a long day of school, for an early taste of summer vacation.

The Guild Alive with Culture Festival took place on July 29^th and 30^th, 2017. This year we celebrated the Festival’s 10^th anniversary! We had well over 5000 attendees to celebrate with us. We had many returning artists and community groups and also many new participants for our 2017 line up. For photos and the list of our booth line up and performers please visit www.guildalivewithculture.ca

The Heather Heights Woods Community BBQ and Playground Grand Opening was originally scheduled for June 26^th but due to harsh weather conditions (no surprise this summer!) we had to cancel the event. Our office eventually rescheduled the BBQ and Playground Grand Opening for August 10^th, where we received nothing but good weather and happy attendees.

Our Cornell Park BBQ and Movie Night had an amazing turn out. We had a large number of attendees for the BBQ and later stay for the movie. Thank you to CUP 416 in particular for capping off the evening with popcorn and a well attended showing of “Finding Dory”!

Last but not least was our Mornelle Court BBQ brought to you by Mornelle All-Stars, Toronto Community Housing, Second Chance and my office.

I hope you all were able to make it out to and enjoyed at least one of these events in our home of Scarborough East.

Thank you to everyone for an amazing summer and here’s to the school year 2017-2018!

All my Best,

Paul

July 7, 2017

Dear Neighbours,
I submitted an Administrative Inquiry to seek information regarding the Military Trail Road Closure from Ellesmere Road to Highcastle Road for Emergency Road and Watermain Repair, Contract 16TW-OS-27CWD.

Please review the answers from Toronto Water and Transportation Services:

1. Why is Military Trail not a priority to repair as is being done with other roads in downtown Toronto?

The watermain break discovered on April 3, 2017 had been running for a period of time before it was identified, and as a result significant damage to the road occurred. This damage includes:

• numerous locations where the roadway has broken up (severe cracking and potholes);
• large deviations and distortions of the pavement surface;
• grade depressions and water ponding on the travelled portion caused by the water runoff from the watermain break; and
• pavement edge surface loss with broken edges of pavement at many locations that extend more than a metre inward from the edge of the surface asphalt.

Given the extent of the damage, a geotechnical review of the pavement structure and a permanent repair needs to be completed before the road can safely be reopened to the public.

2. Why did it take several weeks for Toronto Water to advise Transportation Services Scarborough District that a section of the road on Military Trail had collapsed making it unsafe to reopen causing undo delay for repair?
Toronto Water staff have been in frequent communication with Transportation Services staff throughout the initial project and during the subsequent emergency repair without delay.

Staff from several Divisions (i.e. Toronto Water, Transportation Services, Engineering & Construction Services and Strategic Communications) have been working collaboratively to resolve problems as they have presented themselves. A summary of communication with Transportation Services staff is follows:

• Toronto Water and Transportation Services staff meet during January and February to discuss the initial project and information from the Work Zone Traffic Coordinator in Transportation Services regarding the requirements for traffic restrictions is issued in early February. Worked on the initial project commenced later that month.
• On March 31, 2017, Toronto Water staff were called to investigate a watermain break outside the project limits and turned off the watermain to allow for repairs.
• On April 3, 2017, Toronto Water issues a road disruption notification indicating that repair work will commence and last for a week. As repair work proceeded, staff became aware of extensive damage to the road structure beyond originally contemplated. Toronto Water and Transportation Services staff are in frequent communication during the first two weeks of April assessing the road damage and extending the closure due to safety concerns.
• By the middle of April, Transportation Services staff determine the damage is too extensive and the road is unsafe to reopen. This information is conveyed to the Councillor’s office.
• During the last two weeks of April, Toronto Water, Strategic Communications and Transportation Services staff consult on a public notification strategy.
• During the first week in May, staff from Toronto Water, Transportations Services and Engineering & Construction Services met to develop a strategy on how to proceed with the rehabilitation of the road.
• May 13, 2017 Toronto Water staff issued a Construction Update to area residents and on May 18, 2017 Strategic Communications issued a News Release and an update on Twitter.

3. Why was this road repair not deemed an emergency for repair immediately instead of being pushed to Fall 2017?

Transportation Services and Toronto Water are working as expeditiously as possible to reopen Military Trail. However, there has been significant damage to the roadway surface and sub-surface. As the scope of damage to the roadway has not yet been fully determined, and the watermain rehabilitation is ongoing, it has not been possible to undertake emergency repairs. Furthermore, any interim repairs that could be undertaken might have to be re-done as part of the permanent rehabilitation which would result in an inefficient use of funds.
The full scope of the damage to Military Trail cannot be determined until the geotechnical survey is complete, which in turn cannot be completed until the watermain replacement is finished.
Once the survey has been completed, a repair and rehabilitation plan will be developed collaboratively between Transportation Services, Toronto Water and Engineering & Construction Services. Preliminary timelines suggest that if the road repairs are minor and there are no significant delays to the rehabilitation work, the road may be reopened in late 2017. However, if a major road reconstruction is required, or there are other unforeseen delays, reopening may not occur until 2018

 4. Residents are reporting that no work is currently being done onsite, please advise if this is the case?
This site is essentially now divided into two phases: Phase I being the “original” scope section between Highland Creek and Neilson Road, and Phase II being the “extension” section west of Highland Creek.
Work on Phase I commenced in February 2017 for the segment between Highland Creek and Highcastle Road. With that section now completed, the Contractor is working on the segment between Highcastle Road and Neilson Road. This section has water services which require placement on temporary water bypass. The bypass has been placed and the Contractor is attempting to achieve successful disinfection results so he can turn on the bypass and isolate the watermain. Water quality testing began on April 21, and since then has been unsuccessful on several occasions. Until the bypass is activated, lining activity cannot commence. Therefore, apart from the occasional disinfection and flushing work there will not be much site activity while water samples are undergoing testing. It is reasonable, therefore, for the typical resident to perceive there to be little to no construction activity in this section.
Work on Phase II extension is active since a bypass pipe is not required here. This activity is confined to the section of road that is closed to the public so it may not be obvious that construction is occurring.

5. Why is the road and watermain work in this community not being harmonized to ensure that residents can safely and efficiently travel to and from their homes and are notices in place at the locations?
Given that the required road rehabilitation work was not planned as part of the City’s capital works program, it is difficult to fully coordinate the project as the work will need to be completed under different contracts (one contract is already active and the other has yet to be tendered). Staff from Toronto Water, Transportation Services and Engineering & Construction Services have been working to develop a strategy that is appropriate for the conditions that have occurred.
As a result, the scope of the original watermain cleaning and re-lining project was extended to include the portion from Highland Creek to Ellesmere Road in order to minimize further damage to the road and to rehabilitate the watermain as quickly as possible. A geotechnical investigation of the road structure must be completed to properly assess the road damage and develop an appropriate rehabilitation strategy. Once this is completed, a road rehabilitation contract can be prepared and tendered and further information about the timing of the road work can be communicated.
Regarding notices, on May 13, 2017 Toronto Water staff issued a Construction Update to area residents and on May 18, 2017 Strategic Communications issued a News Release and an update on Twitter. Construction site signage is in place to help motorists detour around the construction area. Further Construction updates will be issued as information becomes available.

6. Advise if the road repairs on Military Trail can be addressed immediately for vehicle access

It is not possible at this time to provide safe vehicular access via Military Trail. Providing this access will be subject to the determination of the full scope of roadway damage and the completion of repairs or reconstruction accordingly.

 Background

What was the original scope of work to be performed?

The scope of work included the cleaning and structural re-lining of the watermain on Military Trail from Neilson Road to Highland Creek as part of the Council-approved Capital Works Program. It also included the replacement of the City-owned portion of any substandard water service pipes. See attached February 6, 2017 Construction Notice.

Why is the road closed?

During construction, and unrelated to the project, a section of the watermain (west of the original work location) broke which caused significant damage to a section of the road. For this reason the road closure was extended on April 3, 2017 because it was no longer safe for vehicular traffic.

What work must be done before the road can be open for vehicles?

The scope of the original watermain cleaning and re-lining project was extended to include the portion from Highland Creek to Ellesmere Road in order to minimize further damage to the road and to rehabilitate the watermain as quickly as possible. This work is currently underway and expected to be completed this fall. See attached May 3, 2017 Construction Update.

In addition, while the watermain is being rehabilitated, a geotechnical investigation of the road structure must be completed to assess damage and develop an appropriate road rehabilitation strategy. Once this is completed, a road rehabilitation contract will be prepared and tendered and further information about the timing of the road work can be established and communicated to the public.

All my Best,

Paul Ainslie

City of Toronto Councillor

Scarborough East – Ward 43

Hey Torontonians!

It was a pleasant watch of the Noon news today to see our municipal government being one step of the provincial government!

During the Government Management Committee held yesterday (which I also happen to be the Chair of) we dealt with an update report on the creation of a “job assessment tool”.

The link to the report is here:

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2017.GM21.13

The text of the important amendment to this report put forward by myself & supported unanimously by the Committee ( I also want to give credit to my Councillor colleague Anna Bailão  from Ward 18 –Davenport for her input, and a great discussion on this report last week in City Council!) is here.

1. The Chief Corporate Officer and the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration report to the Government Management Committee in the fourth quarter of 2017 on options for requiring the following standards in City contracts:
2. Paid Sick Days – workers can accrue at least 7 paid sick days a year.
3. Fair Scheduling – workers are provided their schedules at least two weeks in advance of their shift, with penalties and premiums applied for last minute changes or on-call work.
4. Equal Pay for Equal Full-time Work – part-time, casual, contract, temporary, and seasonal employees have a right to the same pay and level of benefits (pro-rated) of comparable full-time workers.
5. A Living Wage – workers are paid at a rate which provides sufficient income to predictably meet their needs based on the Toronto cost of living.
6. Getting Paid on Time – workers, whatever their status (permanent, temporary, contract etc.), get paid within 30 days of doing the work.
7. A plan and required resources for monitoring and enforcing these new standards in City contracts, including a penalty system.
8. Plans, programs or policies needed to ensure fair and equitable hiring practices are being employed by contractors, as well as the City, to provide equity-seeking communities and historically disadvantaged groups access to decent jobs.

Many of the components of this motion have been discussed at various times in the 11 years I have been a Toronto City Councillor.

In particular they are important to myself and the community I represent.  While we often refer to Toronto as a ‘world class city”, we cannot escape the fact we have a lot of poverty in our City.

If you compare the demographics of our city the gap between the well off and those considered living on the poverty line is increasing….do diminishing.  This is very evident if you take the time to read the 2016 Vital Signs Report.  The link is here to help you out!

http://torontosvitalsigns.ca/main-sections/gap-between-rich-and-poor/

In eastern Toronto< below Highway 401 we are faced with seven…..yes seven….Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.  Four of those are either in my Ward, or residents who live in my Ward go to work in them.

The biggest complaints I hear?  People not only having to work not one, but two part-time jobs.  Youth who are forced to drop out of school to support their families and work an endless cycle of short-term contract.  Benefits?…..Forget it.  Come to work and do your thing or don’t bother punching the time clock at all.

Nobody can raise a family in the City of Toronto on minimum wage.  If you don’t believe me I will refer you back to the Vital Signs Report which is linked above. Don’t even get me started on the concept of “equal pay for equal work”.  I can’t believe in 21^st Century Toronto this is even an issue for people to worry about, but it is.

I could go on more….and I probably will at a later date.  I have been told by many to not make my blog postings too long…..

So I was happy to put the above motion forward at Yesterday’s Government Management Committee and see it get passed on a unanimous vote.

In a 21st Century Toronto….we should be leading by example and not following others!

Even happier today to see on a number of the points in this motion, the government of Premier Kathleen Wynne moving forward this motion. Let’s all work to see it become a reality!

All my Best,

Paul