February 16, 2016
South Bayview Bulldog

A meeting was held at Greenwood College School at Davisville and Mt. Pleasant Tuesday night to discuss possible concepts and challenges related to a proposed construction of a Midtown Hub on the property of Davisville Public School. The meeting was organized by Josh Matlow (Ward 22) and members of the Midtown Hub Advocacy Group. There were about 50 members of the public present including South Eglinton Ratepayers and Residents Association (SERRA).

SCHOOL PROPERTY

The meeting heard that negotiations for the purchase of about three-quarters of a hectare (or nearly two acres) of the present school site are ongoing. Although snug, it a valuable piece of Midtown property which might fetch $7 to 8 million. It is money that must be found through the auspices of City Hall and public subscription. The land is now occupied by the sprawling footprint of the old Davisville School. The meeting heard that the Toronto and District School Board might break ground for the school in 2020. The intent of the City’s Forestry, Parks and Recreation Department is a Midtown Hub which complements the school and is used by students, but also provides recreational facilities for the public, both youthful and senior.

February 12, 2016
The Mississauga News, Metroland Media

On paper, the Union Pearson Express (UPX) linking downtown Toronto to Pearson Airport looked like a win-win for taxpayers.

All world-class cities have a direct link between their downtowns and major airports.

Besides, UPX would help alleviate some of the congestion that makes getting to and from Pearson such a huge hassle for everyone.

But six months after the launch of the $456 million project, it has been a bust.

From potholes to different subway lines, city council can't agree what to spend federal infrastructure dollars on.

February 7, 2016
Jessica Smith Cross
Metro News Toronto

Toronto's over-burdened transit system could be a potential recipient of federal infrastructure funding.

Ridership has dropped since the Union Pearson Express launched in June, the latest numbers show.

February 5, 2016

Tess Kalinowski

The Toronto Star

Union Pearson Express ridership levels were down significantly from the summer, hitting a low of 65,593 riders in November, 13,000 fewer passengers than the October high of 79,000. Photo: STEVE RUSSELL / TORONTO STAR

Toronto’s new airport train is struggling to attract riders amid continuing criticism that the $456 million Union Pearson Express is simply too expensive.

On Friday, Metrolinx, the provincial agency that runs the train, said it will consider price adjustments among other options for building ridership.

The standard one-way adult fare on UPX is $27.50 but riders paying with a Presto card can board for $19.

January 29, 2016
Oliver Moore
The Globe and Mail

Plans for downtown Toronto’s first subway in decades are taking shape, with the city’s planning department urging that it run below Queen Street.

Details of the long-awaited downtown relief line – a route that has been discussed in various permutations for a century – emerged on Friday. According to information obtained by The Globe and Mail, staff have concluded that the best approach involves a connection from Pape Station near Danforth Avenue to the area around City Hall.

Although the plan is primarily about diverting passengers from the overcrowded Yonge subway line, a briefing for councillors made clear the value of the new line to the city centre as well. According to a draft staff presentation, the subway plan would “fill [a] rapid transit void in the core” and “recognizes that downtown is 24/7.”

Could taking the one-stop subway plan for Scarborough above ground save the city cash?

January 29, 2016
Jennifer Pagliaro
The Toronto Star

The Bloor Viaduct stretch over the Don Valley is among the numerous areas where the Toronto subway already travels in the open air. Photo: TARA WALTON / TORONTO STAR

To bury it or not to bury it? That’s the next big question for the Scarborough subway.

As the city faces ongoing budget pressures, experts and councillors say the city should study whether running the subway above ground instead of below could save significant cash for the same level of service.

“There’s no need to put the whole thing underground,” said senior transportation consultant Edward Levy of the new plan for a one-stop tunneled subway along McCowan Rd.

Historic green space to become public park after two years of battles.

January 28, 2016
Samantha Peksa
Post City Toronto

Councillor Josh Matlow and local resident Derek Tilley stand on what remains of the lawn bowling club

The fate of the 92-year-old Glebe Manor Lawn Bowling Club has finally been decided, following two years of battles arduously fought by its shareholders, the Davisville community and the local councillor. But some questions surrounding the validity of the sale may remain.

The now defunct lawn bowling club was originally founded in 1923, but due to a dwindling membership, club members, led by president Phillip Foubert, resolved to sell its land in 2013.

Now, Ward 22 councillor Josh Matlow has announced that the city has purchased a parcel of the land at 196 Manor Rd. E. from developer Michael Volpentesta, who allegedly beat the city to the punch in a bid to purchase the property in 2014.

January 26, 2016
Paul Johnston
CP24

A view of the city of Toronto's waterfront is seen from Lake Ontario on Sunday, June 25, 2000. (The Canadian Press/Kevin Frayer)

A town hall meeting looking to end the Ontario Municipal Board’s stranglehold on development decisions was held in Toronto Tuesday night.

Organized by Coun. Josh Matlow, the meeting held at North Toronto Collegiate Institute brought together area residents to examine the functions of the board, and whether it should be reformed or eliminated altogether.

The OMB is an unelected provincial body that currently has the final word on all development-related projects across the province, including Toronto. Many contentious development projects initially rejected by the city have later been greenlit by the board, overruling the city’s Official Plan and angering residents and councillors alike.

January 20
Oliver Moore and Marcus Gee
The Globe and Mail

January 9, 2016
Shawn Jeffords
Toronto Sun

Group portrait of Toronto city council 2014-18 at City Hall in Toronto on Thursday December 11, 2014. (Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun)

TORONTO - When Toronto’s 2016 budget hits the council floor in February councillors will have to duke it out to make sure their priorities get the cash.

The Sun asked four councillors what they predict will be the biggest budget battles next month.