If you live downtown, you already know the feeling. You're walking outside past a pile of garbage that's been sitting on the sidewalk for days, or you spot a discarded needle near a park bench and wonder: who do I even call about this?
I hear you. And I present the better way: DowntownEast.ca.
Ward 13 – Toronto Centre is one of the most dynamic and densely populated wards in the city. Over the past several years, we've seen a significant increase in harm reduction waste — discarded needles and drug-use materials — appearing on sidewalks, in parks, and in laneways across the ward. This is a reflection of a broader public health crisis affecting cities across North America, and it requires a compassionate, coordinated response. At the same time, illegal dumping of furniture and waste on both public and private property can make our city look like, well, garbage.
Clean streets aren't just an aesthetic concern. They are a matter of public health, safety, and dignity — for everyone who lives, works, and moves through our neighbourhoods. That's why, as part of Phase 2 of the Downtown East Action Plan, the City of Toronto is investing significantly in the people and tools needed to respond faster, more effectively, and more equitably to the waste challenges we face every day.
For years, the default answer to street cleanliness issues was: call 311. And 311 is a valuable service, but it was never designed to handle the complexity and volume. For harm reduction waste in particular, the standard 311 pathway often isn't the right fit at all. Those reports need to go to the Community Care Project, a specialized team trained to handle these situations safely and with care for everyone involved.
The result? Residents gave up. Reports went unfiled. Issues sat unresolved. And the streets stayed dirty longer than they should have.
Today, I’m proud to announce the launch ofDowntownEast.ca — a single, simple portal built specifically for Ward 13 residents to report street cleanliness issues quickly and without the guesswork.
Here's how easy it is:
Once you submit a report, DowntownEast.ca automatically triages it to the right team based on what you've reported and where it is. This triage happens automatically, in the background, the moment you hit submit. No phone calls. No wrong departments. No starting over.
I want this tool to grow with the community's needs, and I’ll be looking to your feedback to shape what comes next.
Bookmark DowntownEast.ca today. The next time you see a pile of garbage, a discarded needle, or an abandoned couch on your street, you'll have the right tool in your hands in seconds.
Cleaner streets in Ward 13 are within reach. My office built this tool because you asked for a better way — and together, we're going to make it work.
Have questions or feedback about DowntownEast.ca? Reach out to my office at [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you.
It has been a tremendously busy summer! Between Pride and FIFA on one end, the final Toronto and East York Community Council and City Council of the term later this month on the other, and the ongoing Church Street Pedestrianization Pilot, my team and I have been working hard to continue delivering results. Despite the stress, despite the heat, and especially despite the province’s ongoing work to make the City of Toronto miserable, for this final proper Councillor Update of the term, I want to provide positive vibes only.
The celebration on Church Street continues! The Church Street Pedestrianization has officially launched, with the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) and my team installed patios and more seating on Church Street post-Pride to make it an even better place to visit. The pedestrianization lasts until August 21, so come on out and experience The Village like never before, enjoy the beautiful weather, and help me advocate for more pedestrianization across the City and to make this pilot permanent!
Join the Friends of Old City Hall for a screening of A Thing of Beauty: The Early Years of Toronto's Old City Hall at City Hall, Council Chambers, on July 15 and 6:30pm. Please click here to register!
Enjoy free popcorn & free ice cream and a screening of Zootopia 2, courtesy of TCEU Local 416, plus drinks and entertainment from our office. It's a night out for the whole family — and it won't cost you a thing. We’ll even be giving away kids' CNE passes for kids under the age of 13!