Shelley the Centrist!

Well you know you have truly found the political centre when both the right and the left are mad at you. A week ago I woke to find myself being branded by The Toronto Sun, the ultra right-wing daily, as being part of a group of councillors involved in 'being soft on CUPE 416 and 79' in ongoing negotiations. I'm not on the Labour Relations Committee and have no role in negotiations. Not sure what they are on about there but the Tabloid seems to be worked up about something. Today I helped unveil the pilot project for the controversial 'EUCAN' garbage structure. The lighted advertising panels that stand as tall as a bus shelter advert and hold garbage and recycling containers are being installed in select locations expressly for the purpose of gathering public opinion for the next three months. Downtown left wing community activists, PublicSpace.ca showed up to challenge the pilot process and myself while they were at it. My appearance at the launch to encourage public input somehow offended. It appears publicspace.ca still have very strong objections to the structures but aren't content simply to provide their input on the Pilot hotline. No doubt you will hear more from them as long as the pilot phase continues. You will also hear them speaking out strongly in favour of plastering posters on hydro poles whenever we discuss the postering bylaw. In any case, the most important people for my office to hear from are folks in Ward 33. Our temporary Eucan bins will soon be installed. Each is near a busy TTC stop as we hope to gather feedback from both motorists and pedestrians. The structures will be positioned at Brian and Sheppard, Don Mills and Van Horne and Leslie and Finch. We are happy to hear about them at the Ward 33 office but it is also very important to provide your feedback to the actual study. You will be able to do this by phoning 416-392-6000 or by accessing www.toronto.ca/bintest once the bin is visible in your neighbourhood. Let me just say that no one at City Hall is out to hide the fact that these advertising structures are about marketing. If the pilot succeeds there is no question that Eucan would be looking to turn a profit. Eucan would maintain the tidy appearance of the bins and provide a portion of the advertising revenue to the City of Toronto. The city would use these dollars to offset the cost of collecting waste from the streets. Nothing new in this concept. We have been doing this for some time in an advertising contract with the old silver bins. If we switch to the new Eucan bins, we need you to tell us whether or not you can live with them, whether or not they make a difference to the amount of litter in the area and whether or not you will be inclined to use them. I'm off to chair my first Works Committee tomorrow. On behalf of the whole Ward 33 Team have a very happy Canada Day. Don't forget to enjoy some spectacular and totally legal fireworks displays either at Mel Lastman Square or Downsview Park. Both shows at sundown right here in North York!

Shelley's going community canvassing!!! Want to Join her???

Help us gather a list of community needs and opinions on upcoming issues.

Monday, July 4th- 6:30 to 8:30pm
Monday, July 11th- 6:30 to 8:30pm
Monday, July 18th- 6:30 to 8:30pm
Monday, July 25th- 6:30 to 8:30pm
Thursday, July 28th- 6:30 to 8:30pm

Let us know when you can canvass. We'll call you the night before to confirm where to meet us!

Please call Jenny or Collette at 416 392 4038 to sign up.

Summary of Council Highlights of June 14 to 16, 2005

Review of Toronto’s governance system
Council decided to establish a three-member advisory panel to participate in a review of Toronto's governance system. The City anticipates receiving new powers and a new legislative framework as a result of the joint City/Province review of the City of Toronto Act. The advisory panel, which consists of Centennial College president Ann Buller, University of Toronto law professor Sujit Choudhry, and businessman and community leader Martin Connell, will lead an engagement process to hear from civic leaders, community members and other stakeholders.

Swimming pool strategy
Council supported a general strategy called Everybody in the Pool, which is intended to promote more swimming in the City’s indoor pools. The main thrust of the strategy involves investing in new, larger pools while gradually phasing out City support for old, smaller pools -- many of them in schools and in poor condition. The City wants its pool strategy to increase aquatic activity, as well as to improve the quality and safety of swimming experiences in City pools. As part of the implementation, Council agreed to set up an advisory committee.

Wage harmonization for Local 79 members
Council authorized funding to cover the costs resulting from a recent arbitration award that harmonizes the pay scales of unionized inside workers at the City. The ruling affects about 10,000 members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 79, reducing some 2,500 job classifications (inherited from the pre-amalgamation municipalities) to 335 job classes. The arbitrator also introduced a pay equity system that brings the wages of Local 79’s female-dominated jobs in line with male-dominated jobs involving work considered to be of equal value. The wages of the City’s outside workers in CUPE Local 416 were harmonized earlier.

Citizen role in environmental assessment
Council approved plans for the City to assemble a group of up to 25 interested Toronto residents to help undertake an environmental assessment of options for dealing with the city’s residual solid waste. Residual waste refers to trash that cannot be recycled or composted. Toronto currently trucks its residual waste to a landfill site in Michigan. The citizen group will work closely with Council’s Works Committee over the next four to six years. Qualifications for selection as a member of the team include expertise in, or experience with, Ontario’s environmental assessment process.

Schedule for Council meetings
A revised schedule for City Council and committee meetings from September to December 2005, and a meeting schedule for 2006, received Council’s endorsement. The fall schedule will enable Council to approve the 2006 capital budget by the end of this year (2005). Separate review and early approval of the capital budget, an innovation for the City this year, will benefit the management of capital projects. The 2006 operating budget is expected to be approved at the end of March.

Community grants for 2005
Council authorized funding for the allocation of about $20.6 million to fund this year’s City of Toronto grants in support of community service groups, cultural organizations, festivals, community health programs, access and equity initiatives, anti-violence projects and commercial research projects whose applications for support were approved.

Regulation of professional dog walkers
Council agreed to temporarily allow dog walkers to take as many as five dogs a person for walks and exercise in parks. A relatively new City bylaw limits the number of dogs to three and bylaw officers were preparing to enforce the limit by fining offenders. Professional dog walkers have complained that the three-dog limit is unreasonable. The City is reviewing the bylaw, which is designed to help control the large numbers of dogs that sometimes run free in off-leash areas of public parks.

Distribution of old computers
Council approved a policy for the disposal of the City’s information technology assets, modifying an existing Technology Asset Disposal Strategy. The City will distribute its outdated, surplus computers and related equipment at no charge through a provincial program called Computers for Schools Ontario. After the local school boards have an opportunity to take any of the surplus City equipment that they want, not-for-profit organizations that are supported by City grants will be next in line. Then, other not-for-profit groups will have an opportunity to receive any computers that remain available.

Regulating pedicabs
Under a new bylaw adopted by Council, operators of pedicabs (two-wheeled carriages pulled by a person on foot) are no longer allowed on certain downtown streets and must charge standard fares on the basis of time rather than based on the number of passengers. Pedicabs are prohibited on Front, King and Queen streets between Spadina and Jarvis streets, and on Gerrard Street between Yonge and Bay streets in the interests of nuisance control and public safety. Passenger rates are $30 for the first half hour (or less) and $15 for each additional hour.

Council Highlights, a summary of selected decisions that were made by City Council, is produced by Corporate Communications for readers’ convenience. The official documentation of decisions, and related reports, are on the City’s Web site at www.toronto.ca (Accessing City Hall portal)
Address for e-mail inquiries about Council business: clerk@toronto.ca
Questions about this document: Corporate Communications, 416-392-1165 or 416-392-8937

June 21st Party Central in Ward 33

Congratulations to Ward 33 for the most Neighbours' Night Out events in town, 17 in Henry Farm alone and new hosts in the Sheppard Leslie area! Collette, myself and little Marco have just returned home from our tour of parties. We didn't make it to all of them but had lots of great conversations about issues in the Ward. Special thanks to every host who was good enough to register with our terrific Division 33 Community Police and then open their homes to the neighbourhood. Last night we met with Muirhead area residents to update on development of a new playscape for Muirhead Park. The project was delayed from last year when emergency maintenance in another part of the ward required the use of the Budget. Now a new junior playscape is on its way. Muirhead Park fans will see some landscape changes right away. Bushes in front of the playscape will be removed to create better visibility at night. When the new playground equipment is installed later this summer, the greenery will be replaced but behind the playscape instead. This way the area will be easier to police at night. Residents also raised a number of general maintenance concerns and Parks Director, Bill Harding has committed to addressing these as soon as possible. Don't forget to scroll down for details on the two meetings tomorrow night. At 7:00pm Forest Manor P.S. we will be discussing the Parkway Forest Development Application and over at Mitchell Field Community Centre The Province and the City are presenting an evening of consultation on the New City of Toronto Act. More details below.

Neighbours' Night Out - Tuesday, June 21

What is Neighbours' Night Out?

It's just a few neighbour's getting together in a driveway, a parkette, a backyard, on their block, or wherever else that it is convenient. This event, held annually on the third Tuesday of June, brings together thousands of neighbourhoods for one common purpose: community safety. We believe that crime does not thrive in a healthy, strong, caring community. Having a fun evening with the people on your street or in your building can help by sharing information and concerns. Since 1985 this has been very successful in North York. In 2003, over 145 block parties with over 12,000 participants were reported across Toronto. Last June, nearly 20,000 people and 200 different communities joined in on Neighbours' Night Out celebrations.

The purpose for this program is to encourage residents to become more involved and responsible for their overall safety and that of their Neighbourhood, while at the same time strengthening the cohesiveness of the community. The end result is an atmosphere of unity and purpose, improved community spirit and a reduction in crime. By coming out, we can show that this new Toronto is still made up of strong neighbourhoods who want to make this the safest city in the world.

The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at different registered locations in Toronto. For more information, please check http://www.crimeconcern.org or contact Crime Concern/Neighbourhood Watch at 416-225-1102 and ask for Lindy Rocke, Community Safety Coordinator.

Sunny Weekend to Tour the Ward

Early this morning my poor husband went off to work on Father's Day. My daughters are busy studying for exams so I toured the Ward, walking some of our parks and driving most of the streets. First let me say that I saw some wonderful gardening, so wonderful that when I got home I spent a shameful hour digging up dandelions on the front lawn. In a very few areas, abandon articles and household garbage are hanging around in the front yard. This is neither attractive nor safe in neighbourhoods where children play. Please be advised that your neighbours are encouraged to call us at 416-392-4038 whenever something like this persists. As for my stroll in the parks, I have a list of requests to forward on to our Parks Staff. There are some things we need to do such as trimming along pathways, repairing fencing, clearing away broken glass, etc. Call us whenever you see these things. In order to get to a truly Clean and Beautiful City, there are some things I need you to do as well. I don't need to single out any particular neighbourhood when I ask that we all please stoop and scoop for our dogs. I spotted dog leavings once or twice in the four parks I walked. Maxx Carroll, our 3 year old Golden Retreiver leaves very large presents so I do know what I am asking of you. It isn't our favourite part of dog ownership but we knew that when we brought him home. If you are allowing young children to walk the family dog, ask questions if they return home from a very long run with an empty poo-bag. We want our dogs to continue to be welcome in our city. Snacking and picnicing in parks is fantastic in weather such as today, but please take the wrappings to the garbage container. I saw far too much litter along pathways and up against Park Fences. I'll be in touch with staff about it but we shouldn't drop it in the first place. Parks and Rec has a program to gradually increase the number of garbage containers and even recycling containers around parks. I didn't see illegal household garbage in Ward 33 Park containers today so I'll be asking for more containers. It is beginning to look like Don Valley East residents know that Parks containers are for Parks garbage only so it may be safe to put them back now. You may remember that a number of containers were removed a few years back because illegal dumping was making them an eyesore. Tomorrow night, Monday, June 20th, we will be meeting with a small working group to look at a staff proposal for enhancements to Muirhead Park, particularly around the playscape and surrounding landscaping. Be sure to pick up after your dogs tomorrow because the Ward 33 Team are stopping by to look at the area in question before the work group meeting. All doggy walkers should have the telltale baggy in one hand and of course a leash in the other. Happy Fathers Day to All Ward 33 Dads. Don't forget about Wednesday, June 22nd, whichever meeting you choose. Scroll down for details on the NEW CITY OF TORONTO ACT Meeting and the PARKWAY FOREST DEVELOPMENT MEETING. Or better yet, call us at 416-392-4038 and we will tell you all about it. We need you all!

JUNE 22nd , JUNE 22nd , JUNE 22nd

Here in Don Valley East we are torn between two crucial events on June 22nd.

Parkway Forest Redevelopment

At Forest Manor P.S. at 7:00 p.m. all residents with an interest in the Parkway Forest Development Application are asked to attend. The original application has been refused by Toronto Council members. The applicant has now requested a hearing with the Ontario Municipal Board(OMB). While awaiting their hearing date, the developers are meeting regularly with City Planning Staff to try to adapt their application to satisfy the City and local residents before their hearing with the OMB.

On June 22nd, we will be showing whatever revisions the applicant has so far to the local community. Over the next few months we will need to organize a community working group to continue to prepare for the OMB Hearing. Even if you are busy, please drop by the meeting for a moment to add your name to the list of residents who will receive regular electronic updates in order to follow this process to the end. This process decides the future of Parkway Forest and intensification in Ward 33.

New City of Toronto Act

At the exact same time, across North York at Mitchell Field Ctre, M.P.P. David Zimmer is hosting the town hall meeting re: The New City of Toronto Act. This new piece of Provincial Legislation has the potential to change everything for local residents from how we decide stop signs to planning process to the very methods by which we are taxed.

It is not, in my view, as simple as a choice between the governance models of Strong Mayor/Weak Mayor. On June 22nd we hope that Torontonians will come out in huge numbers to send a message to whichever Government Members are there to hear you. If there are Toronto Area M.P.P.s absent, they must be asked by their local ridings to hold their own meetings to discuss the New City of Toronto Act. The Province must understand that if they want to download responsibility to tax for the social services they have downloaded to us, we will expect them to create the tax room on the Provincial side to balance your tax bill.

As Premier Dalton McGuinty himself said last fall at the hub-City Mayors' Dinner, "Toronto exists in a legislative straight jacket that would baffle Houdini. There must be a New City of Toronto Act before the House by the end of 2005." I would add to the Premier's remark that no other act of Provincial Parliament will be as important to the way this city is governed and the way the people of Toronto will be taxed.

I will have to split my time between Forest Manor P.S. and Mitchell Field because we can't re-arrange either date. The Ward 33 staff team will also be divided between to 2 meetings to help me follow both meetings in their entirety. If you are not going to the development application meeting, please join the City of Toronto Act Meeting at Mitchell Field over on Church St. All of the details are in the entry immediately below.

For more info: Justin, Jenny and Collette are at 416-392-4038

New City of Toronto Act Consultations - Register Now!

Date: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2005
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Doors open and sign-in at 6:30 p.m.)

Please choose one of the following locations:

TORONTO EAST
Mid-Scarborough Community Centre
2467 Eglinton Ave. E.
(next to Kennedy Subway/RT/GO Station)

TORONTO SOUTH WEST
Etobicoke Collegiate
86 Montgomery Rd.
(just north of Bloor, west of Royal York Rd. - Royal York Subway)

TORONTO NORTH
Mitchell Field Community Centre - Gymnasium
89 Church Ave.
(east of Yonge St., south of Finch Ave. E., Yonge 97 Bus to Church Ave., walk east from Yonge St.)

TORONTO NORTH WEST
Elmbank Community Centre - Gymnasium
10 Rampart Rd.
(east side of Martin Grove Rd., south of Finch Ave. W., Martin Grove 46 Bus to just north of John Garland Blvd. or Finch 36 Bus to Martin Grove Rd., walk south)

TORONTO SOUTH
St. Lawrence Market - North
Front St. and Jarvis St. (northwest corner, King 504 Streetcar to Jarvis St., walk south one block)

REGISTER NOW!

Call Access Toronto, 416-338-0338 (TTY 416-338-0889). Space is limited. Participants MUST pre-register.

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekdays
Saturday, June 11 & Sunday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Starving the Golden Goose

The second floor of City Hall is abuzz with talk about the Conference Board of Canada Report released Yesterday which pegs Toronto as underfunded by $1.1 billion dollars. The report coincides with a recent update on the ongoing negotiations with Queen's Park for a new City of Toronto Act.

The Conference Board's third party study of Toronto's potential growth and economic outlook over the next 20 years is quite startling in its findings. Imagine your City in 2025 with 40% of your property tax dollar going to Debt service charges. If you can't imagine the assumptions authored by Ann Golden and a team of Canada's leading economists, contact us at the office to get a copy emailed to you. 416-392-4038 or councillor_carroll@toronto.ca

Some of my colleagues will suggest a way out that we all wish would do the trick; namely cutting staff and services to fill the funding gap. Problem is we already have. While Toronto has absorbed downloaded services as well as the staff to deliver them over the past five years, Council have also made a total of $256 million in cuts to balance the books.

The cuts never totally offset the big three budget woes which are:
1) Annual inflation
2) Population and service growth
3) Shortfall in cost-share payments from the Province for Downloaded Social Services.

You have told us you want the kind of programs, services and infrastructure Canada's biggest economic engine deserves. You want the kind of municipal benefits that property tax systems were meant to support. New community centres and libraries wherever there is need and state of good repair to all roads. I believe you are right. We need to be the kind of City that attracts investment. As Canada's largest City, when we attract investment we are attracting it to the Country. When we do well economically, the whole Country benefits.

So, the question arises from Golden's report, why would you starve the Golden Goose? No one would argue the importance of sending some of our tax wealth out to other levels of government to distribute to the nation. Ann Golden and the Conference Board are simply suggesting that out of the $11 billion a year in tax wealth that leaves Toronto every year and never returns, a scant 10% should remain here, making Toronto a world class sustainable city that will strengthen the whole nation.

Ward 33 Environment Day - Saturday, June 11th

Get ready to clean out your basement, closets and garage of all the items you no longer use because Environment Day is coming to Ward 33!

Date: Saturday, June 11th, 2005
Time: 10am - 2pm
Place: Victoria Park Transfer Station
3350 Victoria Park Avenue
(corner of Victoria Park Ave. & McNicoll Ave.)

What can you do at an Environment Day?

Purchase:

• Apartment Recyclebox ($3)
• Recycling Box ($6)
• Backyard Composter ($15)
• Yard Waste Bin ($7)
• Green Bin ($18)
• Kitchen Container ($5)
• Indoor Water Efficiency Kit ($15)
• Rain Barrel ($70)

Pick up for FREE:

• Recycling boxes (with proof of new residency in the last 90 days or in exchange for a damaged box)
• Free leaf compost (bring your own shovel and containers/bags)

Drop off for recycling or proper disposal:

• Cell Phones
• Computers and other electronics
• Household Hazardous Waste (cleaning supplies and solvents, motor oil, paint batteries, old medication, mercury thermometers/thermostats, etc.)
• Inkjet and Laser Cartridges
• Polystyrene
• Used tires (off the rim, limit of 5)

Donate for re-use:

• Buttons
• Clipboards
• CDs, cassettes, VHS tapes and all cases
• Children's books
• Corks and cork boards
• Costume jewelry including broken/old watches
• Dress-up clothing (costumes, prom dresses, etc.)
• Fabric pieces, yarn
• Keys
• National Geographic Magazines
• Pencils, markers, crayons and other art supplies
• Sporting goods including skates, hockey helmets and jerseys

More items to donate for reuse: (keep these separate from others)

• Books
• Medical equipment in good condition (eyeglasses, wheelchairs and walking aids, hearing aids)
• Non-perishable foods
• Small household appliances in working condition
• Textiles in good condition (clothing, linens)

For more information about this event please call Councillor Carroll at 416-392-4038 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/environment_days

Don Valley Corridor Transportation Master Plan - Updates

The Don Valley Corridor Transportation Master Plan and is accompanying Staff Report were adopted at City Council on May 18th, 2005. The Master Plan Summary Report and Staff Report are available on the study website at http://www.toronto.ca/planning/dvp.htm

City Council, at its meeting of May 16, 17, and 18, 2005, endorsed 9 Key Initiatives, an Environmental Assessment studies, and High Priority Elements of the Master Plan which includes:

• Complete a feasibility study for commuter parking increases at Old Cummer Station and Oriole Station;
• Investigate potential commuter parking expansion opportunities near Leslie Station on Sheppard Subway line;
• Complete a feasibility study for a new GO Rail Station at Eglinton Ave. and Richmond Hill GO line;
• Complete a feasibility study for bus shoulder-lane operations on the Don Valley Parkway (DVP);
• Initiate an Individual Environmental Assessment in the Don Mills Road Corridor to determine routing options, transit technology and design concepts and traffic operations strategies;
• Complete an Environmental Assessment on the DVP between York Mills Rd. & Hwy 401;
• Work with York Region Rapid Transit and York Region to implement new crossboundary transit services;
• Complete a feasibility study for carpool lot at Finch Hydro Corridor and Gordon Baker Rd;
• Work with Police Services to discuss enforcement strategies for existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes;
• Work with the Smart Commute Association to initiate a Transportation Management Association in the Consumers Road area;
• In consultation with TTC, complete a Traffic Operations Strategy study to review and identify a work program for traffic control (i.e. transit signal priority, adaptive traffic control) in the area bounded by Bayview Ave, Victoria Park Ave, Steeles Ave and Eglinton Ave;
• Develop a work program to accelerate integration of services and protocols between the City's RESCU system and MTO Compass system;
• Prepare a report to Council on expanding on-street peak period parking restrictions on Bayview Ave south of Eglinton Ave and on Eglinton Ave west of Laird.

These High Priority Elements will be completed over the next few years by the agency or agencies that have jurisdiction and/or interest in the study. Should you have any question or concerns, please contact Rod McPhail 416-392-8100, or Joanna Musters, Project Manager 416-392-8572.

Last Night Tough/Tomorrow Fun in the Sun

Last night was really tough. The Latest in a long series of community meetings on the Bloorview Site Development Application. Community members at large had a look at the new revisions after the working group process which included a range of community members reviewing the application for 7 meetings.

Tomorrow will be more fun, with Peanut Town Festival shaping up in the field behind Oriole Community Centre. Saturday, June 4th, 11:00 to 4:00 Lots of activities, displays, free lunch and some BONUS Door Prizes.We have had a whale of a time putting this one together with the Ward 33 office team, many kind community business partners Like Enbridge, Peanut Plaza,Ontario Early Years Centre and many volunteers from Vanier and the Working Womens Community Centre.

Scroll further down in this Blog to see the details on the poster. I'll be there with the whole Ward 33 Team all day from 11:00 to 4:00 so come and bend my ear over a free hot dog!!!!!!

Lots of calls and emails today to say that while they were hoping the buildings at Bloorview would be shorter, they read the paper today and understand what I was saying last night about being between a rock and a hard place with the OMB. Here is the article they were referring to:

OMB okays massive projectAlderwood residents shocked to see 990 condos get green lightCity council rejected the 4-building, highrise development last February

CATHERINE PORTER AND PAUL MOLONEYCITY HALL BUREAU
South Etobicoke residents responded with shock yesterday when a four-tower condominium development they thought they killed was given the go-ahead by the Ontario Municipal Board. The four "Sherway Gardens" condominiums will soon rise 19 to 32 storeys near the Sherway Gardens shopping mall at Highway 427 and the Queen Elizabeth Way, given the board's decision that it will have "no negative impact" on the nearby community.
"We're dumbfounded," said local resident Gregory Wowchuk. "The decision appears to have given the developer absolutely everything he asked for."

Toronto City Council voted against the 990-unit project last February, after vociferous protest from the residents of Alderwood, who live on the south side of the QEW from the proposed towers, which will be built on the northwest corner of Evans Ave. and Sherway Gate where a vacant Sheridan Nurseries building currently sits. Alderwood residents were worried the buildings would be an eyesore and bring more traffic into their neighbourhood. They also complained the buildings would crowd local schools, contribute to pollution and burden area grocery stores.

They had pushed for a smaller, less dense set of buildings, such as townhouses, a community centre or housing for seniors. "I'm very, very disappointed," said Councillor Mark Grimes (Ward 6, Etobicoke-Lakeshore), who fought against the buildings at council. "This is another case of the community getting screwed by the bogeymen at the OMB." However, Peter Milczyn (Ward 5, Etobicoke-Lakeshore) said the towers, together with 250 square metres of commercial space, will draw some much-needed new residents and businesses to the community, as well as new and improved parklands.

The developers agreed to spend an extra $500,000 in developing a local park, and committed $400,000 to improving the nearby Etobicoke Valley Trail. Sherway Gate will start marketing the condominiums immediately, said company lawyer Steve Diamond. "There's nothing further standing in the way," he said yesterday.

Meetings and events of Interest

For Grown Ups:
The City of Toronto is working to establish standardized designs for new Residential Streets and Lanes. Meet with members of the project team and share ideas at a facilitated workshop. We will be absorbing new streets and private lanes in our Ward as a result of recent development.

North Region Public Workshop is June 21st, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Fairview Mall Library in Room A

And also thru Planning and Transportation
A consultation is being held by the Sub-Committee to Recommend Improvements to the Planning Process. As you know this is a timely topic for us in Ward 33. Invitations are required for this session as Chair Filion is hoping to have each residents association represented and has space limitations. If your Neighborhood Association has not received an invitation call 416-392-0178 to reserve a spot.

The session will be held at North York Civic Centre, Members Lounge
5100 Yonge St, June 13th, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

For Kids:
Here's something Fun coming up at the Zoo

Sunday, June 26th, The second Annual WILD TOY HOSPITAL
Children 12 and under can bring their favourite stuffed animal to the vet. Each toy will receive the best care- an examination, x-ray and vaccination. Bandaging and surgery where required. Zoo staff will be assisted by St. John's Ambulance so Mom, Dad and kids can meet some very important people. Examinations from 10:00 until 2:00 with the last "appointment" being made at 1:30.

May 28th Strangling Heritage Language Programs

I took a trip down memory lane Saturday when I joined old friends from the TDSB at a dinner to celebrate International Languages programs. I'm always happy to go back for that visit. In Don Valley East, M.P.P. David Caplan and I joined forces to fight cutbacks proposed to the weekend programs at Woodbine JHS and Georges Vanier S.S. as well as other classes throughout the area.

It was wonderful to enjoy the many student performances but not so wonderful to ask around and learn that many of the cuts that were made despite our protests have not been reversed. Worse still, the rejigging of staffing formulae continue to slowly strangle the programs.

For my money, one of the saddest losses was the TDSB Saturday Secondary credit program at Georges Vanier S. S. in Mandarin. Students were traveling from all over the City to obtain an extra credit (Sometimes a much-need credit) in the Mandarin language spoken at home. For adolescents in particular, it is crucial that cultural ties to parents and grandparents are maintained. Assimilation should never divide a family unit. For students who are not yet totally proficient in English, it was a chance to get one credit without the ESL struggle.

In a secondary system where students are overloaded during the week, it is almost impossible to add on a weekday evening class at the end of a long bus ride across town. But that is what the Previous Government, Provincial Supervisor Paul Christie and TDSB Director Dave Reid all recommended at the time. The Saturday Credit program was moved to a Wednesday night and the enrollment dropped to a tiny fraction of what it had been on Saturday mornings.

Margaret Mead once said, "In education there is only one thing you can do quickly: Damage. Fixing it takes a lot of time."

May 24th Chicago Comes to Regent Park

I rode along on the Bus Tour around Toronto with Mayor Miller and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. I must be honest about my dismay at one of the most obvious symbols about what happens with an American Strong Mayor Model.

Here was a man touring our City to share ideas, get ideas and generally build relations with another City. He had an entourage much the same in size as we put together whenever Toronto goes on a trade mission. Only difference here was: No Ward Councillors, just Mayor Daley, some staff and a some business people.

We took them to Regent Park where members of the Regent Park Reconstruction Committee presented the concept recently approved for conversion of Regent Park back into a mixed use, street grid redefined community. The Chicago contingent were inspired. And well they should be. Toronto City Council was happy to approve this brilliant 10 year project developed by the community itself. Too bad Mayor Daley didn't bring along any neighborhood-based politicians to help him transplant this inspiration to Chicago.

Note to the Provincial Folks: Don't propose a New City of Toronto Act that creates a gulf between Toronto's Mayor and the Councillors that represent its neighborhoods.

May Council Highlights

Council Highlights
for the City Council meeting of May 17 to 19, 2005
The text below is also attached in Microsoft Word format for print purposes.
Organic waste from highrise buildings
Council supported plans for a one-year pilot project involving the collection and composting of organic waste, such as kitchen scraps, in residential highrise buildings. Thirty condominium and apartment buildings will be chosen to participate in the project. The City must find ways to increase recycling and composting by residents of Toronto’s 5,100 highrise buildings in order to end the City’s shipment of waste to Michigan for landfill disposal and to meet the diversion goals set by Council. The green bin program for organic waste is already available to most single-family homes in Toronto.
Garbage disposal contract
Council decided to renew the City’s contract with Wilson Logistics Inc. and Republic Services Inc. for hauling and disposing of Toronto’s residual solid waste (the waste not separated for recycling or composting). The garbage has been trucked to Republic’s landfill site in Michigan since January 2003. That arrangement will continue to the end of 2008 under the renewed three-year contract.
Controlling portable signs
Council approved a new bylaw to regulate the design and display of temporary signs through a permit process with strict guidelines and enforcement. The rules are designed to manage and reduce self-standing A-frame signs and mobile signs on sidewalks, boulevards and private property. Under the new regulations, businesses that install, lease or rent temporary signs must be licensed. The new standards will increase public safety and reduce street-side clutter.
Residential parking fees
Council approved fees for on-street permit parking and off-street residential parking (the latter involving locations where the parking space in front of a house extends onto the City boulevard) for 2005. The on-street parking fee increases from the current $8.50 to $10 a month for the first vehicle and $25 a month for a second vehicle. The fee for off-street parking also increases from $8.50 to $10 a month for the first vehicle.
Revitalizing the West Don Lands
Council endorsed the West Don Lands Precinct Plan as a guide for the area’s future environmental assessments, development application decisions, and agreements with government partners and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. The plan anticipates about 6,000 residential units, non-residential development, and the construction of a park (in conjunction with a flood protection land form) and community facilities over the next 15 years.
Guidelines for 2006 budget process
Council approved guidelines for the preparation of the City’s 2006 operating budget and 2006-2010 plan for the capital budget. The guidelines include interim measures required to balance the operating budget in light of financial challenges. One such step entails using Toronto Hydro as a source of revenues. The 2006 budget process is the second phase of the City’s budget improvement exercise.
Cutting grass and shovelling snow
The City will review the funding of its grass-cutting and snow-shovelling services for seniors and people with disabilities. Council wants the review to advance efforts toward making the two services consistent ("harmonized") in neighbourhoods across the city. At present, there are still variations inherited from the pre-amalgamation municipalities.
Membership in standing committees
City Council appointed members of Council to standing committees, agencies, boards and commissions for the remainder of this term. The appointments take effect after the mid-June meeting of Council. Details are provided in the City’s May 17 news release, which is available through the "News Releases" link on the main page of the City’s Web site at www.toronto.ca.
Permits at recreation facilities
Council approved harmonized rates (consistent across the city) for the public’s use of City-run recreation centres’ gymnasiums, kitchens and other rooms, and dry pads (indoor arena floors), as well as for children’s use of sports fields. The new rates take effect in January 2006. Most children, youth and seniors will still be able to use recreation facilities for free or at a nominal cost.
Emergency shelter on Edward Street
Council approved funding to keep an emergency shelter and referral program operating at 110 Edward St. until next spring. The building’s owner has agreed to a month-to-month extension of the lease. The shelter, which opened last winter, was originally scheduled to close this month.
Transition to a green fleet
The City will establish a policy requiring its replacement vehicles to be alternative-fuel or hybrid vehicles. In adopting the recommendation, Council agreed that replacement vehicles will have to meet yet-to-be-set technical standards. The City will take steps to ensure that corporate and emergency services fleet operations, as well as those of City agencies, comply with the policy.
Regulation of taxicabs and limousines
Council approved a series of regulations to manage taxi and limousine operations in Toronto. The City will establish a new category of business licence for livery services (luxury limousines) among other measures to improve the standards for limousine operations and to deter direct competition with regular taxis for business. Other actions by Council taken deal with driver safety, driver training, airport taxi service and advertising on taxicabs.
Internet hotspot project
Council approved plans to undertake a test project that will provide a "wireless hotspot" on Nathan Phillips Square. The hotspot will provide wireless access to the Internet. The pilot project will be conducted on the square commencing this summer.
Ideas from City employees
At its one-day meeting on May 4, Council’s actions included support for the concept of an Ideas Day involving the Toronto Public Service later this year. Employees will be encouraged to submit their ideas for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of City operations. Council also expressed interest in establishing an ongoing program to collect and assess employees’ suggestions.
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Volume 8 Issue 3
Council Highlights, a summary of selected decisions that were made by City Council, is produced by Corporate Communications for readers’ convenience. The official documentation of decisions, and related reports, are on the
City’s Web site at www.toronto.ca (Accessing City Hall portal)
Address for e-mail inquiries about Council business: clerk@toronto.ca
Questions about this document: Corporate Communications, 416-392-1165 or 416-392-8937

Second Annual Peanut Town Festival - Saturday, June 4th, 2005 / 11:00am - 4:00pm - FREE !!! 

Peanut Town Festival - Saturday, June 4th, 2005

Aims to Build Community amongst Don Valley East Families

Hundreds of residents in the Don Mills area will join Councillor Shelley Carroll on Saturday, June 4th, 2005 for the 2nd Annual Peanut Town Festival. The festival is being held at Oriole Community Centre at 2975 Don Mills Road, from 11am until 4pm. Its purpose is to bring together the Don Valley East community in a process of community building.
Councillor Carroll’s Peanut Town Festival is free for all to enjoy. It includes:

- Over 40 city and community information booths, whose purpose is to educate the families of the Peanut town Community.
- Police and Firefighter demonstrations, designed to teach families more about safety.
- Carnival games for children, featuring a giant inflatable fire truck and obstacle course.
- Arts and Crafts organized by the Ontario Early Years Centre and the Peanut Plaza.
- Animals from the Toronto Zoo
- Live Music
- Free BBQ and much more!

"The Don Valley East Community is so incredibly diverse, and have so much to offer one another. The Peanut Festival is an opportunity for them to get out of their homes and back in touch with their community", says Councillor Carroll.

Don’t miss the "Peanut Town Festival". Come out and celebrate the Don Valley East Community with your neighbours!