From April 25 to May 31, hundreds of Ward 13 residents received vital housing support and other essential City services. These clinics provided a lifeline for individuals on the Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing Centralized Waiting List and those seeking assistance in applying for RGI housing.
The May 22 and 23 City Council meeting was a somber affair, as we honoured the life of our late colleague, Councillor Jaye Robinson. Following touching tributes, there was discussion about the City’s Corporate Asset Management Plan and Micromobility Strategy.
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.
Many residents have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new off-leash area (OLA) in Corktown southwest of Underpass Park. While originally planned to open in two phases, City staff have determined that the most efficient method is to do the park in a single phase, which will allow it to open in 2026 rather than 2028 as originally planned
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of spending the day out in the Cabbagetown South neighbourhood, a gem in our ward brimming with history, culture, community spirit and unique challenges that require special attention.
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.
With summer upon us, there has been a resurgence of encampments across the City. Allan Gardens is no exception. Despite falling to a low of three encampments earlier this spring, we continue to see the number of encampments fluctuate in response to the availability of shelter beds.
This Spring, I started hosting a monthly forum series called TC Talks. Every month, I choose a hot topic to discuss in a round table setting. In April we discussed Rental Demolition and Replacement and in May we discussed Community Safety and Well-being.
On May 18, I held my first Community Environment Day for 2024 at Allan Gardens. I was pleased to see so many turn out to drop off their recycling, dispose of electronic and household hazardous waste and pick up free compost. The weather was perfect and it was amazing to see the efforts of City staff.
It was with mixed emotions that I received Dr. Eileen de Villa’s letter of resignation as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health at the end of this year.
Toronto City Council had another full and engaging agenda this past April 16 and 17. There was timely discussion about fixing the Vacant Home Tax, big strides in improving tenant assistance for those impacted by rental demolitions, and plans to expand both its Student Nutrition Program and the Alcohol in Parks program.
On April 3, I attended a heartwarming Iftar event in Regent Park that was a collaboration effort by Mothers of Peace, Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre, Toronto Community Housing, Humaniti Foundation, Tridel Corporation, Daniels Corporation, the Centre for Community Learning and Development and Sam’s Food Store.
