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.
Join the Federation of Metro Tenants and learn about your rights under the law, meet other tenant leaders and strategize to take action against bad landlords! Tenants and Tenant Association leaders in Toronto are welcome to come to the Tenant School on May 30. This is an intensive training with classes taught by lawyers and community advocates.
A new mural is coming to Central Neighbourhood House, and we need your feedback! In response to community feedback, the site for the mural–a project from my 2024 Participatory Budgeting exercise–has been moved from 237 Gerrard Street East to Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario Street), which offers a larger canvas.
Please fill out this survey to provide feedback on the mural location and theme.
You might not know it from the recent rollercoaster of weather, but spring has arrived in Toronto. Hot on its heels, our first Environment Day is happening at Allan Gardens on May 10, the Underpass Park Farmers' Market is opening May 14, and patio season begins right around the Victoria Day weekend. Let’s get out, enjoy our open spaces, support local businesses, and celebrate the warmer weather!
The pedestrianization of two blocks of Church Street this summer is a major initiative that I have been working on with the Church-Wellesley Business Improvement Area. From June 19 - August 21, Church Street will be pedestrianized between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street. To date, over 2,200 people have signed a petition in support of this, and I invite you to add your support by visiting the Toronto Centre Projects website.