News & Updates

Cavalcade of Lights - November 29 to January 7

Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Desjardins Financial Group, is a free, annual winter festival that transforms Toronto City Hall and its surroundings into a dazzling wonderland from Saturday, November 29 to Wednesday, January 7. Attend the opening night celebration on November 29 starting at 6:00pm for a festive lineup of live entertainment including a Candlelight Concert, headline performance by Tyler Shaw, the lighting of Toronto’s official Christmas tree and more. Enjoy public outdoor skating, light and sound installations and more.

 

Weather Winter, Together

As we move into winter, snowfall and high winds will become more frequent and lead to adverse conditions for travel. Learn more about the City’s winter plan, stay updated on winter operations and find everything you need to make the most of the season at toronto.ca/winter.   

St. Lawrence Library Branch to Move to Parliament and Queen

As a big supporter of public libraries, I’m thrilled to announce that the St. Lawrence Library Branch will be moving to 339 Queen Street East! For many years, the Toronto Public Library (TPL) has been working to relocate the branch, currently located at 171 Front Street East, elsewhere as the space was relatively small and the building itself was subject to frequent water leaks and heating issues. The new space will allow the library to transform into a larger district branch and bring exciting new opportunities to the Corktown, Regent Park, and St. Lawrence neighbourhoods it borders.

A Message from Deborah Williams, Your Elected School Board Trustee

I hope everyone is well. As the weather gets colder and winter gets closer, let’s use this time to recharge, stay connected, and keep showing up for each other, our schools, and our communities.

Dundas and Sherbourne Community Action Plan

The Dundas and Sherbourne Community Action Plan is part of the City's broader Dundas–Sherbourne Neighbourhood Revitalization Plan, which focuses on creating social and economic equity as the neighbourhood grows and develops. Working with the Moss Park Coalition, this plan brings together residents, agencies, and service providers committed to safety, wellbeing, and inclusion. 

October City Council Updates

The October City Council meeting involved lengthy discussion about the Automated Speed Enforcement program which, which was recently banned by the Provincial government. Despite this focus, we discussed several other ways to enhance safety; on the TTC, on our roads and sidewalks, and at home.

Neighbourhood Town Halls 2025 Wrap

I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the residents who joined us at our six town halls across Toronto Centre as well as virtually. It was fantastic to connect, hear your concerns, and discuss our shared vision for a more livable, inclusive community.

The conversations were open and thoughtful, even when the questions were challenging. Together, we discussed important issues such as homelessness, addiction, traffic safety, and street cleanliness. While some of these matters extend beyond the City’s authority, I remain committed to advocating strongly on your behalf to other levels of government to ensure your voices are heard.

Updated COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines Available Now

Updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for everyone aged six months and older at participating pharmacies and primary care offices. Vaccines for children aged six months to four years old are also available at Toronto Public Health (TPH) community clinics. It is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same appointment.

Participatory Budgeting Project Update - November 2025

Participatory Budgeting has been a long-term project from my office since 2023. Following the lead of Councillor Shelley Carroll, Ward 13 is the first downtown ward to have this type of resident engagement style community project. Each year, we select different neighbourhoods to participate. Today, I’m glad to bring you updates on recent successful projects that are being or have been installed in our neighbourhoods. 

Parliament Street Rooming Houses Open Their Doors!

On November 4, I was excited to join community members and Dixon Hall for the opening of new housing at 504 to 508 Parliament Street. With 31 new homes now open at 504, 506, and 508 Parliament Street, the City is  taking an important step toward providing much-needed affordable housing in our community.

Powering a Sustainable Regent Park

I recently had the opportunity to tour the Regent Park Energy District, an innovative facility that plays a vital role in powering our community sustainably. Owned by Toronto Community Housing and operated by a contracted partner, the Energy District supports our shared commitment to building a greener, more resilient city.

Councillor Update - November 2025

I hope you and any little ghouls and ghosts in your life had a tremendous Halloween this past Friday. Also, I want to especially thank everyone who attended one of my six town halls over the fall. I host these town halls because I think it’s important to give you an opportunity to ask me tough questions and voice your concerns directly to me. Thank you again for coming out. 

A recent report by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)–where I am a Caucus Chair–predicts that homelessness in Ontario could triple by 2035. I’ve heard a lot of concerns at my town halls about homelessness–which has doubled since 2021–and associated issues with addictions and mental health. Residents, even those that express sympathy with those living on our streets and in tents in parks, are understandably furious about the perceived lack of action on these issues. The rise in complaints has followed several supervised consumption service sites being shut down by the province last April.