Each month, my team and I visit a different neighbourhood in Toronto Centre to see areas of concern firsthand and to imagine new ways to enhance the public realm.
In July, we toured Corktown with help from the Corktown Residents and Business Association, local business owners and representatives from Good Shepherd Ministries.
We started our walk at Good Shepherd Ministries, a local organization offering hot meals, shelter beds and a range of other support services for people experiencing homelessness. We heard from neighbours about challenges in the area including loitering, graffiti and litter. While not a catch-all solution, the renewed Downtown East Action Plan will provide enhanced cleaning service levels on streets and in laneways.
Our next stop was the pathway behind St. Paul’s Catholic School. This is an unofficial pathway that runs from the northeast corner of Richmond Street East and Power Street to the southwest corner of Sackville Street, behind the Richmond Street East Bridge. Because the pathway is unpaved and unlit, it welcomes unwanted activity that raises safety concerns. Neighbours in the area also dedicate a large amount of time to cleaning up litter here, including sharps. Findings from a recent feasibility study conducted by Transportation Services indicates that the path could be converted to a multi-use trail. However, if the City decides to undertake this project, it will have to wait until the rehabilitation of the Richmond Street East Bridge finishes.
Emerging from the west end of the path, we arrived at the intersection of Richmond Street East and Power Street. The frequency of cars speeding off the highway onto Richmond Street East has been a frequent concern for pedestrians. Last year, we initiated the process of installing traffic signals at this intersection, as well as at Adelaide Street East and Power Street. They are expected to be installed in spring/summer 2025.
Finally, as a downpour of rain began, we stopped at the northeast corner of King Street East and Power Street to imagine the transformative potential of a wider curb. This adjustment, originally proposed by a Corktown resident on Toronto Centre Projects, would make the intersection more pedestrian friendly by shortening the turn radius for drivers, forcing them to slow down. A widened curb would also provide opportunities to beautify the corner and enhance the public realm on this charming street.
Thank you to Coralina Lemos, President of the Corktown Residents and Business Association, for helping to identify these areas of concern and for joining us on the walk. It is only with insight from residents that we are able to better understand the unique strengths and challenges within each neighbourhood in Toronto Centre.
November 18 was a day I had anticipated with a heavy heart since Dr. Eileen de Villa first announced her retirement earlier this year. That day, we sat at the table together for the final Board of Health meeting with her as our Medical Officer of Health.
On November 16, I gathered at the Toronto Public Library’s Parliament Street Branch to celebrate the Moss Park Community Cookbook launch. The event brought together residents, community leaders and food lovers to honour the incredible stories and recipes that make Moss Park such a vibrant place. Below, please find my recipe for banana bread with ginger and blueberries!
City Council made progress in addressing the housing crisis at its meeting on November 13 and 14 by implementing a Rental Renovation Licence By-law and expanding incentives for purpose-built rental housing. They also had important conversations about the City’s economy and cultural plan.
