Effective January 1, 2026, all residences with a fuel-burning appliance (such as a gas stove), fireplace or attached garage require a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm on every storey, in addition to the existing requirement of having alarms near all sleeping areas. The new rules also apply to multi-unit residential buildings such as multi-tenant houses, apartments and condominiums, as well as care facilities and certain group homes. These residences now need CO alarms in more locations, such as in all suites and some public corridors.
From foxes, to racoons, coyotes and deer, Toronto shares its landscape with wildlife every day. Seeing coyotes in the city is a normal part of urban life. As warmer weather brings more outdoor activity, learn how to safely share outdoor spaces, reduce the risk of negative encounters and protect people and pets. A few simple safety tips go a long way in protecting everyone and helping residents and pets enjoy Toronto’s shared spaces.
The City of Toronto’s CaféTO Grant provides restaurant, bar and café owners with a matching grant of up to a maximum of $7,500 covering 50 per cent of the cost of eligible improvements to patios in the curb lane, on sidewalks and on private property. Eligible businesses must apply before May 7, to be considered. Funding is limited, so apply today!
We’re at an exciting time for our waterfront - investing in a more sustainable future for Toronto. The City is renewing its aging ferry fleet with two new, fully electric vessels that will deliver increased capacity, improved accessibility and a smoother, quieter, more comfortable ride for residents and visitors travelling to and from the Toronto Islands. Now it’s your turn to help shape this exciting new chapter.
It was such an honour last month to adjudicate and co-host the 2026 TMU SPROUT Case Competition. From the early brainstorming and mentorship sessions to the final polished presentations, these undergraduate teams demonstrated that their incredibly bright minds are ready to take on the challenges facing our city.
Toronto Public Health has updated its Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) program for 2025–2026. ISPA suspensions are paused for the remainder of the school year and as a result, students will not be suspended. Requirements remain in place, with a focus on helping families report records and get students up to date, minimizing learning disruptions while strengthening immunization coverage in school communities
Registration for spring recreation activities are open across the city. Toronto residents will be able to register for more than 16,700 courses with more than 151,000 spaces offered in swimming, arts and crafts, sports, fitness and much more, including adapted and accessible programs. Most registered programs begin on March 28.
Mark your calendars, as we'll be hosting our fourth annual Community Environment Day at Allan Gardens on May 10 and Regent Park on July 4. Every year, I’m so happy to see so many community members come to drop off and recycle their hazardous waste, electronics and shredding. This year, for Allan Garden, we will have loose compost provided, and for Regent Park this year, we have bagged compost again. Last year, it was so popular that we ran out by 1:00 pm, so mark your calendars and come early!
This is an update and Call to Action. Ontario school board takeovers are a distraction from chronic provincial underfunding. By not even keeping up with inflation since 2018, Ontario schools have been underfunded by $6.35 Billion - leaving many school boards in deficit, facing rising costs, growing student needs, and major special education shortfalls.
This year, the clocks “spring forward” at 2:00am on Sunday, March 8. The start of daylight saving time means fewer daylight hours in the morning hours and reduced visibility for all road users. As the clocks “spring forward”, I am reminding all Torontonians, especially those driving, to stay alert, obey the speed limit and help keep Toronto’s streets safe for everyone.
St. James Town Community Arts (SJTCA) is looking for new board members to build a stronger foundation and increae the impact to the community. Board members would be supporting their mission to make arts education free and accessible to children and youth. By empowering the next generation of artists, you can help uplift the St. James Town community.