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.
The City of Toronto has issued 2026 interim property tax bills. Property owners who pay their interim property tax bill by the regular installment schedule should note that payments are due March 2, April 1 and May 1. Final tax bills will be mailed in May.
On February 13, the City of Toronto welcomed 58 new Traffic Agents to help ease congestion and keep Toronto moving safely. The City now has more than 100 active Traffic Agents who are deployed to some of Toronto’s most congested intersections during peak periods to effectively manage the safe movement of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Spring recreation activities are now available to view and add to your wish list ahead of registration opening in early March. Early Local Registration begins on Tuesday, February 24 for eligible residents living near participating Free Centres. Registration for Older Adult 60+ programs starts on Monday, March 2. Other registrations open on Tuesday, March 3 for Etobicoke York and Toronto East York and on Wednesday, March 4 for Scarborough and North York. Most registered programs begin on Saturday, March 28.
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.