Councillor Shelley Carroll

Find out the latest news and upcoming events in your neighborhood. Politics, news, views, and links from Ward 33 Councillor Shelley Carroll.

Friday, March 31, 2006

Budget Editorial From the Toronto Star

Editorial: Budget marathon becomes a sprint
Mar. 31, 2006. 01:00 AM
The process of passing Toronto's operating budget has traditionally taken day after agonizing day, each one consumed by grandstanding speeches, arguments over minor spending, and rude expressions of frustration.

Fortunately, all that changed this year. While plenty of bickering remained, a new fast-tracked approach has moved the city's budget briskly forward. And this successful effort to streamline the budget debate is worth maintaining in coming years.

In fact, the new approach has been so efficient that it raises the obvious question of why wasn't it tried long ago. Last year, it took city council six days and 62 hours of debate to pass Toronto's operating budget, with councillors finally approving the municipal books at 3.16 a.m.

Clearly, a better, faster way was needed and this time councillors found it. In an unexpected procedural manoeuvre on the first day of debate on Wednesday, several members of council proposed eliminating the traditional item-by-item discussion of the operating budget. Instead, they wanted to focus on the broad thrust of the $7.6 billion spending package.

Rather than examining the document on a department-by-department basis, which typically takes days, councillors were given limited time to deliver a speech on the budget as a whole and to raise their biggest concerns. This broad-spectrum approach was adopted by council in a 24-16 vote, clearing the way for a quicker budget process.

With a 10-cent Toronto Transit Commission fare increase scheduled to take effect tomorrow; a 3 per cent property tax hike looming for local residents, and a 1 per cent increase proposed for businesses, there was much in this year's budget worthy of debate.

Little would be gained by devoting up to a week to thrash out minor matters, especially since councillors have always had ample opportunity to see, discuss and shape Toronto's budget earlier in the long process involved in bringing it forward. City hall's budget committee began meeting months ago, in open sessions that every councillor was free to attend. They all had a chance to raise matters of special concern to their ward and to discuss their overall priorities. There should be no need to wait until the last stage of the process to raise relatively small concerns.

Despite that, some councillors couldn't resist wasting limited time on a series of picayune matters, such as Councillor Rob Ford's bid yesterday to shave $2,500 from a multi-billion-dollar budget by eliminating a community access and equity brochure. That was defeated 40-4.

Such antics formerly devoured days of council's time, turning the budget process into an often embarrassing marathon. This time, thankfully, steps were taken to limit trivial discussion in order to concentrate on the big picture. And the city was well served as a result.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Public Notice - Parkway Forest Re-Development

This is a copy of the notice that was mailed out a few days ago regarding the Parkway Forest Re-development item that is coming to North York Community Council on Tuesday, April 4th. If you are unable to attend and would like to send an e-mail expressing your concerns regarding this item, please e-mail NYCC@toronto.ca. By sending the e-mail to this address, it ensures that your message is part of the official agenda.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 416-392-4038



NORTH YORK COMMUNITY COUNCIL
NOTICE TO INTERESTED PARTIES


Application to Amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law No. 7625
2041098 Ontario Ltd. (El-Ad Group Canada Inc.)
100, 102, 110 & 125 Parkway Forest Drive
120 & 130 George Henry Boulevard
32-50, 65 & 80 Forest Manor Road
File No. 04 194214 NNY 33 OZ

A report from the Director, Community Planning, North York District, regarding the above noted application, will be considered by the North York Community Council at its meeting to be held on:

Tuesday, April 4, 2006
2:45 p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter
North York Civic Centre, Council Chambers, Lower Level
5100 Yonge Street, Toronto


A Key Map outlining the location of the subject properties has been included.

The purpose of the Report is to review an application submitted by the Owner to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit the construction of 2,500 dwelling units and the demolition and replacement of 332 rental apartment building and townhouse units on the above noted properties. The proposal also includes a new public road connecting Forest Manor Road to Don Mills Road and new space for community services and facilities.

To obtain a copy of this material please call (416) 395-0480 or log on the City of Toronto website at www.toronto.ca/legdocs/agendas.htm.

Background information and a copy of the report are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the North York Civic Centre, Ground Floor, City Planning, Information Counter.

Detailed information regarding the proposal may be obtained by contacting Steve Forrester, Senior Planner, at (416) 395-7126, or by e-mail at sforrest@toronto.ca.

If you wish to address the North York Community Council with respect to this matter, please call the Clerk’s Office at (416) 395-0480 by noon on April 3, 2006.

Each deputation is limited to 5 minutes in order to provide as many people as possible the opportunity to speak. If any organization wishes to address the Community Council, one person should be chosen to represent the group. If you wish to be present for this item, you should attend at the time indicated. However, the Community Council may be delayed in its consideration of items preceding this item and the delay could extend to an hour or more.

A written submission may be presented, but it is not necessary. Written comments may be also submitted without making a verbal presentation to the above address. Please note that any communication that is not signed will not be accepted.

Personal information (written and oral submissions) received at the public meeting or contained in your correspondence to Toronto City Council or its Committees is collected under the City of Toronto Act, 1997, the Municipal Act, 2001, the Planning Act and the City of Toronto Municipal Code. Any personal information you choose to disclose in your correspondence will be used to receive your views on the relevant issue(s) to enable the City to make its decision on this matter. This information will become part of the public record, unless you expressly request the removal of your personal identity information. Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to Steve Forrester, Senior Planner, at (416) 395-7126.


Dated at the City of Toronto this 21st day of March, 2006.



Ulli S. Watkiss
City Clerk


Attendant Care Services can be made available with some advance notice.

Monday, March 20, 2006

Reminder - Parkway Forest Meeting.

Just a reminder.....

The Parkway Forest Re-development report is coming to North York Community Council on Tuesday, April 4th. Councillor Carroll is hosting a community meeting with City planning staff on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at Forest Manor P.S. from 7PM - 8:30PM to discuss the item, the changes and where we go from here. After a long working group process, which was quite successful, we need the input of the entire community as we move forward. The developer will not be attending this meeting.

If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like more information, please feel free to call the office...both Justin and Collette have attended all the meetings and can give you the up to date information.

Monday, March 13, 2006

Fraud Academy

Home Security Academy


HAVE YOU BEEN THE VICTIM OF A BREAK AND ENTER?

The Home Security Academy can "help you put the peices back together."

The 33 Division Toronto Police Service Home Security Academy is a one evening workshop. This session is designed to help you deal with your emotional reaction and give you a chance to :

reduce your sense of violation
understand your reaction
discuss effective coping methods
access support services
It will also focus on crime prevention strategies, both for your home and community. In attendance will be a representitive from DOORSAFE systems bringing with them examples of windows, locks and doors used for helping to prevent a break and enter.

This FREE workshop is being offered to you or someone you know who has been the victim of a Break and Enter. If you have not been the victim of such a crime, but are interested in some crime prevention information, you are also very welcome to attend.

The workshop is being held on :

Thursday April 6th, 2006

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

33 Division, community room, 50 Upjohn Rd

For more information please contact PC Kelly Downie# 5535, 33 Div Crime Prevention officer at 416-808-3395

Community Alert

Frauds/Scams & Identity Theft


Identity theft is the fastest growing consumer crime in North America. The recent increase in this type of crime is largely due to the availability of card skimmming (reading) devices and increased criminal involvement in computer hacking.

Don't let yourself become a victim, you must protect yourself. Here are few tips and suggestions to help you.

never use a public computer for financial transactions
install virus protection software on your computer and update it regularly
visit web sites that only begin with http:/;
report a loss or theft of credit/bank cards to the Police immediately
conduct a yearly credit bureau check of your credit status
shred or destroy personal documents before putting in garbage or recycling
always protect or sheild your PIN number when using bank or credit cards
never give your PIN number to anyone
check your bank account & card status for any unauthorized transactions
carry with you only the documents you need
avoid carrying your birth certificate, passport or Social Insurance Number
If you, or someone you know feels they have been the victim of Identity theft, a fraud or scam call the Police immediately.

PC Downie #5535 33 Division, Toronto Police

Pro-Action Basketball Tournament

Pro-Action Basketball Tournament


We regret to inform you that the Pro-action basketball tournament between the Police and our youth being held this Saturday the 18th of March is CANCELLED due to the strike that is on going at Seneca College, the location in which we were going to have the tournament.

We would like to apologize and hope that this event will just be posponed until a later date. If and when it does resume the Toronto Police encourage your participation and hope to see you all there.

PC Downie #5535 33 Division.

Monday, March 06, 2006

33 Division Community Bulletin

Unit Commander Robin Breen
The Toronto Anti-Violence and Intervention Strategy (T.A.V.I.S.) has been formed in response to the gun and gang violence that plagued our communities during 2005. The Toronto Police Service initiated this project after receiving a grant from the Provincial Government. In support of our efforts, to make our community streets safer places to live, we have embraced the T.A.V.I.S. initiative.

Officers from 33 Division Community Response Unit have been assigned to assist in this intervention strategy to work solely to combat violent crimes. Recently a number of weapons have been seized in 33 Division as a direct result of this strategy.

We have our officers patrolling our communities on a continual basis. They have worked diligently to affect the arrests of numerous persons for violent crimes. I am very encouraged by the level of commitment to community safety displayed by all members who work at 33 Division.

At this time, I wish to express my condolences to the officers of the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit. The loss of Brigadier, who was struck by a vehicle and mortally wounded in the line of duty on Friday, February 24th, 2006 has been deeply felt by members of 33 Division, and, indeed, by members of the community.

Brigadier’s rider and partner, Police Constable Kevin Bradfield, was also seriously injured when he was thrown from the horse. He is currently recuperating at home. On behalf of all members of 33 Division, I wish him a speedy recovery.

Brigadier will be given a hero’s send-off in a memorial service being held on Monday, March 6th, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ricoh Coliseum on the CNE Grounds.


TRAFFIC TIP OF THE MONTH

Are You A Safe Driver?
For an increasing number of people, multi-tasking has become more than a skill – it has become a way of life. We rush about our days with mile-long to-do lists and are forever trying to increase the number of things we can do at one time. This reality spells disaster on the roads.

60 per cent of all traumas are motor-vehicle related. This is more than enough evidence that our go-go-go mentality can prove to be deadly when we are at the wheel.

We must take a closer look at our driving habits to identify our unsafe practices and do whatever we can to ensure our own safety, the safety of our families and that of everyone travelling the same roads.

100 per cent of your attention must be on the task of driving

Almost 100 per cent of motor vehicle collisions can be avoided if people simply pay attention to the task at hand. Don’t be distracted by changing CD’s, radio, passengers, cell phones, drinking coffee, reading the paper, shaving, applying make-up, eating or changing outfits. These small distractions can have big consequences.

Recognize what it means to be impaired while driving – and don’t be.

Impairment is anything that distorts vision, hearing and co-ordination, or impairs judgment or alters one’s perception or emotions. A driver can be considered impaired if they are fatigued, taking drugs, illegal or over-the-counter, when they are in a state of emotional despair, when they are angry or when they are simply distracted. Impaired driving means driving while under the influence of anything that will distract from your ability to drive safely.

Get your vehicle check-ups

Part of driving safely is being sure that your vehicle is safe and has up-to-date maintenance checks. If you notice anything is wrong with the vehicle, you must have it checked immediately.

Know the laws of the land

Whether you have lived in Canada all your life or you are new to the country, it is important that you know and follow all of the traffic laws. Motorists should educate themselves about any new legislation.

Allow yourself more than enough time to get to your destination

Many collisions are caused by people who know the rules, but are in a rush to be somewhere on time. Recognize that traffic has increased significantly over the years. If it took you 15 minutes to drive somewhere 10 years ago, chances are you should allow double that time now. If you are running late, call ahead and let someone know you will be late. It’s better to arrive 15 minutes late than injured or not arrive at all.

When in doubt, or distress, pull over

If you need to look at a map, make a grocery list, discipline a child, talk on the phone, check your e-mail or anything else that takes your attention away from driving – pull over!

Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

“HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF A BREAK AND ENTER?”




The Home Security Academy can “help you put the pieces back together.”

The 33 Division Toronto Police Service Home Security Academy is a one evening workshop. This session is designed to help you deal with your emotional reaction and give you a chance to:

• Reduce your sense of violation
• Understand your reaction
• Discuss effective coping methods
• Access support services

It will also focus on crime prevention strategies, both for your home and your community.

This FREE workshop is being offered to you or someone you know who has been a victim of a Break and Enter on:

Thursday, April 6th, 2006
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
33 Division, 50 Upjohn Road

Please contact PC Kelly Downie #5535, 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer to confirm your attendance at 416-808-3395.


33 DIVISION’S
OPEN HOUSE
AND
CHILD AND SENIOR SAFETY DAY


SATURDAY JUNE 17th
10:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
33 DIVISION
50 UPJOHN ROAD
TORONTO
416-808-3300

FREE HOTDOGS AND DRINKS

Face Painting, Balloons, Clowns, Elmer the Safety Elephant, Child Fingerprinting, Police Displays, Poison Control, Special Displays for Seniors, Tours of the Police Station, and other activities.

Anyone interested in participating in or making a contribution towards this event, please contact
Staff Sergeant Rob Morris
at 416-808-3392


GOOD POLICE WORK OF THE MONTH

On Wednesday February 1st, 2006 at 10:00 a.m., officers from 33 Division attended at Seneca College, 1750 Finch Avenue East, to patrol for on-going drug activities. The officers observed a group of males sitting in a vehicle.

When officers approached and spoke with the driver, they detected a strong odour of marihuana coming from the vehicle. Further investigations and a search revealed a loaded .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver located in one of the suspect’s front pants pocket. Officers also located quantities of marihuana and crack cocaine. All suspects were charged accordingly.

* * * * * * * * *

On Friday, February 10th, 2006 at 6:00 p.m., officers from 33 Division responded to a call at Parkway Forest Drive. The accused’s mother contacted Police, reporting that she had located a large quantity of marihuana in the apartment.

The mother had confronted her 24 year old son, who admitted that the marihuana belonged to him. Officers attended and located 12 individually wrapped packages of marihuana, over $800.00 in cash and weigh scales, were seized. The accused male was arrested and charged accordingly.

Three men went into a store to rob it. There were several customers shopping at the time. While waiting for the customers to leave, one of the robbers picked up a cell phone, examined it and took a picture of himself. After the customers left the store, the three men proceeded to rob the store, leaving the cell phone with his picture, on the counter. Police now have a picture of the dumb crook and put it on t.v. for everyone to see.

THE VOLUNTEER VOICE
… by Linda Averill


The Volunteers of 33 Division will be continuing with Purse Patrols during the month of March at various shopping malls throughout 33 Division. They will be distributing information pamphlets with various safety tips on how to avoid a Purse Snatching.

Child Fingerprinting will be held at Toys R Us
Located at Victoria Park Avenue and Lawrence Ave E.
On Sunday March 19th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Child Car Seat Inspection Clinic will be held on
Saturday, March 25th at 54 Division, located at
41 Cranfield Road and will be by appointment only.

Volunteers will be attending Seniors Day held at
Shoppers Drug Mart on Thursday, March 30th at the
Don Mills Centre and at Nymark Plaza
And will be handing out information pamphlets.

For more information or to make a child car seat inspection appointment, please call
Volunteer Co-ordinator Linda Averill at 416-808-3325 #2.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Tenant Forum

On Thursday, March 9, 2006, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, City Council is hosting a public Tenant Forum to hear tenants views on the rental housing situation in Toronto. You are cordially invited to attend the event. The event will take place at Toronto City Hall, Council Chambers.

The aim of the Tenant Forum is to encourage the Provincial Government to move forward on their pledge "to repeal the misnamed Tenant Protection Act and replace it with an effective tenant protection law. Helping people access and keep safe, rental housing is one way in which we can help to reduce homelessness in the City of Toronto.

Attached is a Tenant Forum poster for display and distribution. Please feel free to tell your constituents about the Forum. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information on the event or how to register as a speaker, please visit www.toronto.ca/housing , call 416-392-0108, or e-mail tenantforum@toronto.ca . Extra copies of the Tenant Forum poster are also available online.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Election Year Employment Opportunities

It's that time again. Three years has passed in almost an inkling and there is a Municipal Election in Cities all over Ontario on November 13th.

As always, there are employment opportunities attached to the election process. Some pertain to Election Day itself and some begin shortly to cover the whole election period. The link below will take you to instructions on how to apply in the City of Toronto. Ward 33 residents may also want to pursue this with the GTA Municipalities to the North since we have the transit connections to get there. We can't tell you how to follow up in other cites but a check of their websites will lead the way.

http://insideto.toronto.ca/elections/opportunities.htm