July City Council Highlights

City Council met for the final time until September on July 23 and 24. While much time was spent discussing the possibility of accelerating the state of good repair work on the Gardiner Expressway, attention was also given to the City’s housing delivery and flood mitigation.

What’s New in Toronto Centre

Bolstered pedestrian safety by upgrading pedestrian crossovers with traffic signals;
Approved 599 new rental units, including 16 affordable rental units at 20-22 Front Street West;
Approved 310 new housing units at 412-418 Church Street and 79-81 Granby Street;
Approved 831 new housing units at 191-201 Sherbourne Street, while retaining the existing 596 rental units;
Released Section 37 funding for public realm improvements at Inglenook Community School;
The catchment area to be eligible for the 519 Board of Directors has been expanded to encompass all of Ward 13;
The Downtown East Action Plan has been renewed for 2025-2030

Targeted Expansion of the Association of Community Centres

The Toronto Association of Community Centres (AOCCs) is made up of 10 City-owned, community-operated service spaces. These centres are distinct from the City’s Community Recreation Centres, which are operated by Parks, Forestry and Recreation. The community-centred AOCCs model aims to foster social connectedness, community resilience and health and wellbeing. In Toronto Centre, the 519 operates as part of the AOCCs program.

City Council has adopted the Association of Community Centres Expansion Framework to drive community development outcomes. As the AOCCs portfolio expands for the first time in 30 years, procedural, financial and legal considerations will be made, as well as considerations regarding equity and location. Currently, most of the 10 AOCCs are located within the boundaries of pre-amalgamation City of Toronto. This expansion will allow more communities to benefit from the AOCCs program.

Toronto Island Park Master Plan

The Toronto Island Park Master Plan has been in development over the past several years and was co-created by the City, Indigenous rights holders, the local community and the public through extensive consultation. City Council has officially adopted the Master Plan, which aims to:

Elevate Equity and Belonging
Reveal an Indigenous Place
Improve Access and Connection
Support the Natural Environment
Enhance Visitor Experience
Honour Queer Significance

Heads and Beds Levy

The Heads and Beds Levy on institutions applies to colleges and universities, public hospitals and correctional facilities. Since 1987, the levy has been fixed at $75 per provincially rated hospital bed, full-time student or resident place. City Council has requested that the Province increase the levy annually by the rate of inflation. Such an increase would bolster tax revenue by $27.2 million for 2024.

Latest posts

Patio Season has Arrived!

Toronto’s streets are once again set to come alive with vibrant outdoor dining opportunities as CaféTO 2025 kicks off this Victoria Day weekend. Like most Torontonians, I'm looking forward to enjoying a bite and a drink outdoors. From May through October, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore CaféTO patios and support local businesses. Below, please find a list of establishments with CafeTO curb lane cafes, sidewalk cafes or private patios for you to visit!

REmarket: May 28 and 29

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is holding its 13th REmarket, a two-day event for the collection of unwanted items. A totally free market (FreeMarket) will also be held on May 28 only. On May 29, Repair Café Toronto will be fixing clothing, jewellery, computers, home electronics, small appliances, housewares, and toys, while CultureLink Bike Hub will be doing small bike repairs and safety checks.

Seasonal Park Washrooms and Drinking Fountains Open!

City crews have been actively working since early-April and most seasonal park washrooms and attached water fountains are now open. Over the next month, standalone drinking water fountains, bottle-filling stations and dog bowls in parks will be activated, followed by the opening of splash pads and pools.