Over the course of the summer we have seen encampments pop up in parks across Toronto Centre. I wanted to provide an update in response to the concerns I have heard and the questions about what can be done to make our parks accessible to everyone.
Cluster 6: Canary District, Corktown and Distillery District Neighbourhood Town Hall
I am delighted to announce the return of our annual Neighbourhood Town Halls!
Hosted in six different areas of the ward, these town halls will take place in venues that are fully accessible, allowing every resident to select the event location closest to their home. Participating in these town halls is a great opportunity for you to hear about the work I have been undertaking at city hall and throughout our communities.
More importantly, these town halls are not just about me speaking — they are about listening, too. Each event is structured to include ample open mic time, providing each of you with a platform to ask questions, voice concerns, and contribute to the conversation shaping our ward.
This year, we are stepping up our game in an effort to ensure as many of our residents can participate as possible with the introduction of a fully hybrid event model. We are striving to allow community members to not only tune in online but also to participate by asking questions and speaking virtually. My team is hard at work handling the logistics of this hybrid setup, aiming to provide a seamless and inclusive experience for everyone.
Coming together as a community is a powerful thing. That is why I encourage you all to attend, meet your neighbours, engage in insightful dialogues, and learn more about what is happening at city hall.
And of course, what's a community event without snacks? Light refreshments will be provided.
So mark your calendars and join us in building a stronger and more connected Ward 13. I look forward to meeting you all there!
Statement: Pedestrian Death at Queen and Sackville
I join our community in mourning the loss of Bilkis Khanam and extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family.
June City Council Recap
Toronto City Council held another lively meeting on June 26 and 27. The agenda included governance and operations reviews of both Sankofa Square and Moss Park Arena, as well as several items that addressed housing affordability and homelessness.
May City Council Highlights
The May 22 and 23 City Council meeting was a somber affair, as we honoured the life of our late colleague, Councillor Jaye Robinson. Following touching tributes, there was discussion about the City’s Corporate Asset Management Plan and Micromobility Strategy.
Corktown Off-Leash Area Update
Many residents have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new off-leash area (OLA) in Corktown southwest of Underpass Park. While originally planned to open in two phases, City staff have determined that the most efficient method is to do the park in a single phase, which will allow it to open in 2026 rather than 2028 as originally planned
April City Council Highlights
Toronto City Council had another full and engaging agenda this past April 16 and 17. There was timely discussion about fixing the Vacant Home Tax, big strides in improving tenant assistance for those impacted by rental demolitions, and plans to expand both its Student Nutrition Program and the Alcohol in Parks program.
PB 2023 Funding Approved, PB 2024 Launches April 13
I want to extend a warm thank you to all residents who joined my first annual Participatory Budgeting (PB) exercise in 2023; we could not have done it without you!
March 2024 City Council Update
Toronto City Council had a jam-packed and exciting session this past March 20 and 21. Aside from lively discussion about the 2026 FIFA World Cup, section 37 funds were released for projects coming from my office’s Participatory Budgeting 2023 exercise.
The Year Ahead
In this special update, I explain what this year’s adopted budget means for us in Toronto Centre and the work to be done in the year ahead.
