Starting January 1, 2026, the City of Toronto will no longer manage recycling collection. Under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act of 2016, this responsibility will shift to producers, with Circular Materials taking over Blue Bin collections for all residential properties, schools, long-term care facilities and retirement homes.
At our April City Council meeting, we adopted a comprehensive Congestion Management Plan which includes a series of measures designed to keep everyone's commute safe and efficient. Here are a few key highlights of the plan which have the most impact on Ward 13:
I am happy to share that after years of advocacy and a year and a half since my motion was adopted by Council, we now have a comprehensive City-Wide Dog Off-Leash Strategy in place. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Toronto Dog Park Community, Paws for Parks, and the residents of Toronto Centre for their persistent advocacy and input throughout this process.
Lace up your skates and join the Friends of Regent Park, Parks and Recrearation and me for a free Family Day Skate in Regent Park! Saturday, February 14, 2026, 12:00-6:00 pm at the Regent Park Ice Rink, 480 Shuter Street.
A huge thank you to everyone, including residents, business leaders and their associations, who wrote to Mayor Chow and the Budget Committee to demand that the Downtown East Action Plan (DEAP) be fully funded. Thanks to your support, funding for the DEAP will increase from $756,000 to $1.4 million this year. The plan will need a full $2.2 million in 2027, so I hope you will continue to support this significant work next year. This critical funding supports our Clean Streets teams and Community Safety initiatives to ensure our neighbourhoods are clean, safe, and welcoming.
Last December, I wrote about the impact of Premier Ford’s Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025’s impact on renters. The impact of Bill 60 goes beyond the Premier’s fight against bike lanes in Etobicoke; it threatens to derail any current or future transportation project in Toronto that dares impact a lane of traffic.
The City is accepting applications for its new Material Exchange Directory, a user‑friendly online resource that will showcase local programs helping Torontonians sell, buy donate or trade materials instead of sending them to landfill. Launching later in 2026, the directory will help residents, community groups and businesses find local organizations that support the reuse, resale or donation of excess goods and materials, including household items, equipment and building materials.
Help shape Toronto’s waste future by sharing what matters to you. Your feedback in the final phase of the City’s Long-term Waste Management Strategy Update consultations will help inform the 10-year (2026–2036) Reduction and Diversion Plan to increase waste diversion, reduction and reuse through implementation of policies, programs and education. Join the virtual consultation on Wednesday, February 11 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm and take the online survey before Sunday, March 8.
On January 26, the City of Toronto relaunched the “Make the Right Call” campaign. In addition to informing residents of when to call 9-1-1, 3-1-1 or 2-1-1, the campaign includes a new way to connect with the police non-emergency line by dialing *-8-7-7 from a mobile phone. Those calling from a landline can continue to use 416-808-2222.
The City is reviewing its tree maintenance programs to ensure they reflect best practices, operate efficiently and provide equitable service across communities. Maintaining City trees is an important part of having a healthy and resilient urban tree canopy. Take the survey or attend a virtual meeting on February 11 or 12 to share your thoughts on what matters most to you when it comes to how City-owned trees are maintained.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is launching four NEW African Heritage classes that students from kindergarten to Grade 8 can attend. Students in the African Heritage program will explore the history, culture, traditions, and contributions that people of African descent have made to Canada and the world. Please visit the TDSB's website at www.ileahprograms.ca to learn more. See below for more information on dates, times and locations (note: locations are outside of Toronto Centre).
The City of Toronto is looking for residents with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, qualifications, and experiences to help oversee a wide range of important programs and services. You can apply by February 11 to join the TO Live board, and February 17 to join the Moss Park Arena Board, amonst other opportunities. Read on to find out more about new opportunities and deadlines to get involved in the City's boards.
The City of Toronto offers 170 summer day camp programs for children and youth aged four to 16 across the city. The camps range from general interest to more specialized programs. Families can begin to plan out their summer camp options once the program listings are visible online, as of February 19 so they are ready once registration begins on March 31. Programs are offered in July and August, for the duration of the public-school board summer break.
Winterlicious has returned! Until February 12, enjoy three-course prix fixe menus at more than 240 restaurants across Toronto. From hidden neighbourhood gems to celebrated downtown favourites, Winterlicious is your chance to explore diverse flavours while supporting the city’s vibrant dining scene. Read on to learn more and to find a list of participating restaurants in Toronto Centre.
There are only two weeks left for restaurants and bars to apply or renew for the CaféTO curb lane program. The program offers restaurants and bars the opportunity to expand outdoor dining, attract more guests and boost revenue. Applications are due February 11 at 11:59pm.
February is Black History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of people of African descent. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding of Black Canadian history, recognize the impacts of anti-Black racism and celebrate the vital role Black communities have played in shaping Toronto and Canada.
The theme “Roots, Resilience & Renewal” celebrates the lasting contributions of Black communities, acknowledges their continued leadership and innovation despite systemic barriers and reinforces the City’s commitment to ongoing antiracism efforts and inclusive, forward-looking growth. The City has curated a list of events happening this month, which you can read below.