On May 7, I had the opportunity to meet and listen to Winchester Park residents regarding their thoughts and opinions on proposed improvements to Ontario Street, between Wellesley Street East and Carlton Street.
Road resurfacing work is planned in 2025 that will include the construction of new sewers to improve system performance and the replacement of the City-owned portion of substandard water service connections.
The streetscape design plan involves fixing up trees and adding a permeable surface between the sidewalk and curb. The sidewalks on the east side between Wellesley Street East and Prospect Street will be reconstructed and both sides of the sidewalks between Prospect Street and Winchester Park will also be improved.
City staff plan to formalize a parking area to prevent illegal parking, install rubber sidewalk panels to reduce obstructions and improve accessibility and add a small island at Carlton Street for cyclist safety. Residents shared their thoughts on the current plan and suggested several other improvements, including new planters, flashing lights to guide drivers and extending the bike lane.
The final design is planned to be presented later this year, with construction scheduled for 2025 and completion expected by June 2026. Construction notices will be provided closer to the start of construction.
I was delighted residents from across Ward 13 come together for a festive evening this past December 11 at the St. Lawrence Hall.
The reconstituted Historic Queen East Business Improvement Area (BIA) held its first annual general meeting (AGM) with business owners and commercial property owners between Victoria Street to River Street on December 4, 2024. While the BIA was unable to pass a budget, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our volunteer-based board of management. Their tireless efforts in organizing this event and articulating their visions at the AGM were instrumental in recruiting new board members for its 2025 strategic plans.
The final City Council meeting of 2024 was momentous as we bid farewell to Dr. de Villa as our Medical Officer of Health and attended to items that addressed housing, rental standards and road safety.
