Last spring, I began advocating to City Staff on the exciting prospect of using curb lanes in Toronto for outdoor dining to address the indoor capacity restrictions restaurants and bars were facing due to the public health emergency. I was thrilled to see this initiative come alive and transform our streets into vibrant and safe [...]
I’m pleased to announce that the advocacy from so many of you last summer resulted in meaningful action at Council this past week. Council approved a pilot project that will see teams of mental health professionals become the first response when Toronto residents are in crisis. It is estimated that the Toronto Police Service responds [...]
Due to politics coming before people, Scarborough residents will be left on long bus rides for years to come. Even today, the 7-stop Scarborough LRT would provide more service, for fewer dollars, and can be up and running sooner. It’s finally time for Council to make the right decision to serve Scarborough residents. The LRT [...]
The RentSafeTO initiative approved by Council in 2017 is one of the most comprehensive, progressive, and rigorous municipal tenant protection initiatives in North America. The new multi-residential apartment by-law was the result of years of hard work with local tenant advocates and city-wide organizations, including the Federation of Metro Toronto Tenants’ Associations, ACORN, Advocacy Centre [...]
As Toronto's Seniors Advocate, I'm pleased to announce that the TCHC Seniors Housing Unit is moving forward with implementing the first stage of the Integrated Service Model (ISM) for seniors housing this month. Starting on December 11, the Seniors Housing Unit will begin to implement the model in 18 buildings in the south east area [...]
At this month's City Council meeting, Transportation Services reported back to Council on a number of road safety initiatives that me and my colleagues had requested updates and action on. Out of the six items, I wanted to share some good news on one of them, which relates to improving road safety of school-age children [...]
The City of Toronto is now accepting applications for its PollinateTO Community Grants. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Launched [...]
The City of Toronto has formed a COVID-19 Immunization Task Force as part of its pandemic response and recovery efforts. While it is not yet clear when a safe and effective vaccine will be available, this Task Force will ensure that the City is ready to play its role in helping Torontonians get vaccinated. This [...]
Ontario is seeking individuals interested in new opportunities - specifically those who are unemployed or have been displaced from the retail and hospitality industries or administrative roles as well as students in education programs - to re-enter the workforce and make a difference by helping seniors living in long-term care homes. The Ontario Workforce Reserve [...]
While it is important to stay home during these unprecedented times, I also recognize that folks are advised to exercise outside with members of their household to maintain their physical and mental health. The Welcome T.O. Winter plan provides safe ways for people to get outside in Toronto’s parks, including ice rinks, the new Walk [...]
