Message from Councillor Mike Del Grande

Dear Friends
As you may know the City is in a middle of turmoil. The conduct of Rob Ford as Mayor has captured the world media. While the agenda of accountability and respect for tax dollars is important it's message has been lost with activities of the Mayor.

I too am disappointed as this controversy has been a no win as the public is divided. I will continue to try to say and do the right thing in the right way but I cannot watch silently and not give voice.

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING ON POLICE STREET CHECKS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013

In recent months, the Toronto Police Services Board has been reviewing the issue of “street checks” conducted by the police (also referred to as “carding” or the provision of contact cards) and has heard concerns raised by the community about racial profiling related to this practice.
At its meeting of October 7, 2013, the Board again discussed this issue and approved a motion to hold a special public Board meeting dedicated to soliciting community input.
As a result, the Board will hold a special public Board meeting on:
Monday November 18, 2013 at 5:00PM
Toronto City Hall (100 Queen Street West)
Council Chambers

The meeting will be based on two documents: (1) the Police and Community Engagement Review (PACER) Report presented by Chief Blair to the Board at its meeting of October 7, 2013 and (2) a report prepared by Chair Mukherjee on the issue of police carding and racial profiling.

An agenda, with links to both documents, will be posted on November 11, 2013.

Specifically, the Board is interested in hearing answers to questions such as the following:
•What are the parameters that should be placed on the practice of street checks and/or community engagement?
•What are reasonable justifications for this practice?
•What tools can be imposed to ensure that street checks are being conducted only when appropriate and justified?
•What is the appropriate retention period for information obtained through such a practice?
•How can the Board ensure that the community plays a meaningful and ongoing role in evaluating this practice and providing feedback to the Board and the Service?

The Board will consider the input received from the community at this meeting in its development of a policy governing street checks. It is anticipated that this draft policy would be placed on the Board’s public agenda at a meeting in early 2014.

Deputations at the special meeting will be limited to 5 minutes in length; to sign up to make a deputation, please contact Sheri Fulton at sheri.fulton@tpsb.ca or by phone at 416-808-8089. In addition, written submissions may be provided by email to this address.

Strong Neighbourhood Strategy 2020 Community Conversations

The City of Toronto is working with residents, businesses and agencies to determine what needs to be considered when identifying the next generation of Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (formerly known as Priority Neighbourhoods).

Have your say by completeing the online survey or by joining a Community Conversation at a location near you. The event closest to our ward takes place on Friday, November 1st, from 7 to 9pm at the Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute (2450 Birchmount Road)

For more information and a complete list of Community Conversations, visit www.toronto.ca/neighbourhoods or download this poster.

UPDATE: The survey conversation kit for this excercise has been released and can be downloaded here.

Toronto Public Health community flu shot clinics

Toronto Public Health will be holding a number of community flu shot clinics at locations across the City, including the Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive). The times and dates for the Scarborough events are below:

November 16, 2013 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
November 22, 2013 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM
November 23, 2013 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
November 29, 2013 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM
November 30, 2013 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
December 7, 2013 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
January 7, 2014 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
January 25, 2014 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM

For more information on other times and locations and how to registrater, please click here.

TTC Open House on the Construction of the New McNicoll Bus Garage - November 27

The TTC will be holding an open house to discuss plans for a new bus garage at McNicoll and Kennedy Road. The event will take place on November 27, 2013 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Kennedy Public School (20 Elmfield Crescent). For more information on the project and the upcoming meeting, please download this poster.

Events and Update from Toronto East Quadrant Local Immigration Partnership (TEQ LIP)

For more information, please click below.

6th Annual Identify 'N' Impact Awards nominations

The TYC is looking to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of young people throughout Toronto. The INI Awards annually recognize the valuable contributions that young people make to making Toronto a vibrant and diverse City. The awards are open to all youth 13-24, youth serving organizations, youth-led groups, and adult mentors.

To apply for a INI Award please download this nomination form before Friday, November 15th.

Youth Leaders in Action (Nov 4)

The North West Scarborough Youth Centre (NWSYC) is looking for youth ages 15 - 17 who are interested in building leadership skills and planning community projects. The 10-week program Youth Leaders in Action will teach skills vital for up and coming young leaders. Graduates will receive volunteer hours and a certificate, snacks and TTC fare will be provided. For more information, please download this poster.

Let's Build a #healthierTO Youth Forum (Nov. 16)

Toronto Public Health is holding a forum for youth including workshops in a variety of public health, civic engagement, and leadership workshops. The event takes place on November 16 at Metro Hall. For more information and how to register, please download this poster.

Events from the SYRC

The Scarborough Youth Resource Centre (SYRC) will be holding two events in the upcoming weeks. For more information on each event, please download the below posters:

October 23rd - Afro Fusion Dance Workshop
October 25th - Youth Night

For information about regular events and location, please download this poster.

New micro-grant opportunities from Art Starts

If you had up to $1000 to make community engaged art, what would you do?

Art Starts is currently offering emerging and newcomer
 artists up to $1000 to engage our neighbourhoods through the arts!
If you have a great idea for a new and innovative art project 
and could use money to make it happen

For more information and how to apply, please visit Art Start's page here.

City of Toronto holding town hall meetings for street food vending industry review

News Release

October 16, 2013

City of Toronto holding town hall meetings for street food vending industry review

Members of the street food vending industry and the general public are invited to attend town hall meetings as the City of Toronto's Municipal Licensing and Standards Division reviews the City's street food vending bylaws. The goal is to create a harmonized street food vending bylaw that balances the interests of all stakeholders and encourages a vibrant street food experience.

The town hall meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss the current street food experience and examine key considerations to be taken when drafting the harmonized bylaw. Topics to be addressed:

maximum designated area that food carts may occupy on sidewalks
minimum distance that street food vendors must maintain when operating near established restaurants
role of Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in the permit issuance process
current moratorium on street food vending in the downtown area and limiting the number of vendor permits issued
opportunities for vending on public property (city parks, public spaces, right-of-way)
opportunities for vending on private property (parking lots)
improved vending opportunities for mobile food vendors such as food trucks.

Schedule of Town Hall Meetings
Monday, October 21, 2 to 4 p.m., Etobicoke Civic Centre, Council Chamber
Tuesday, October 22, 10 a.m. to noon, City Hall, Committee Room 3
Tuesday, October 22, 6 to 8 p.m., City Hall, Committee Room 3
Monday, October 28, 10 a.m. to noon, Scarborough Civic Centre, Council Chamber
Monday, November 4, 2 to 4 p.m., North York Civic Centre, Council Chamber
Tuesday, November 5, 10 a.m. to noon, East York Civic Centre, Council Chamber

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/streetfoodvending.

Staff will report consultation findings to the Licensing and Standards Committee in the spring of 2014.

Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day - City of Toronto ceremonies - November 10 - 11

City of Toronto ceremonies take place at City Hall and each of the Civic Centres across Toronto, as well as Fort York. One such event will be taking place at the Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive) on Sunday, November 10th at 2pm. Other events will occur throughout the city on Monday, November 11th.

For more information and a full listing of Rememberance Day events, please visit the City of Toronto's Rememberance Day Services page.

Leading for Patients: Online survey seeks community views on possible hospital merger

(September 9, 2013) – Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) and The Scarborough Hospital (TSH) invite the community to participate in an online survey to express their views on the benefits and risks of a possible merger of the two hospitals.

The survey asks several questions and invites questions from the community. The survey is part of a broad set of stakeholder engagement activities to involve the community and inform the hospital boards in their decision making.

The online survey is now available and can be accessed on the “Leading for Patients” website at: http://www.leadingforpatients.ca/community-survey/.

Changes to the 53 Steeles East bus route

Several significant changes have been made by the TTC to the 53 Steeles bus routes effective September 1st, 2013. Most of these changes affect stops in our ward, and riders should be aware of the following changes:

53 Steeles (Finch Station to Pharmacy) Eastbound - The short-turn route will be eliminated, and all local buses will now run as 53B (Finch Station to Markham Road) routes. This will result in increased local service for riders in our ward between Pharmacy and Kennedy Road.

53E Steeles Express and 53F Steeles Express - Because of the above changes, express buses runing both ways will no longer be stopping at non-major intersections from Pharmacy to McCowan. For our ward, this means the express service will no longer serve the following stops: Firebrace Road, Ferrier Street, the walkway west of Warden, Mountcastle Gate, Kelvin Grove, Redlea Avenue, and the Milliken GO Station.

Weekend service will be increased for all 53 routes, resulting in more frequent buses.

For more information, please see the full TTC service advisory below:

Electricity Conservation

Toronto Hydro would like to reinforce the imporance of electricity conservation while their systems are being repaired. Hydro One, the provincial transmission agency, is working on repairing significant damage to their west end Manby Transformer Station, which will take some time. In the meantime, everyone's cooperation and support is appreciated.

For more information for how to conserve electricity in your home, please click here.

For business owners, please click here.

Red Cross Guide to Flood Recovery

On July 8th, the City of Toronto experienced unprecedented rainfall and flooding. Many residents may be dealing with the effects of this flooding in their homes and businesses in the coming days.

The Canadian Red Cross has expertise in disaster management, including floods. Attached you will find a Guide to Flood Recovery that outlines step-by-step instructions for cleaning up after a flood. Please feel free to share this tool with your neighbours.

Toronto Water In-Store Downspout Disconnection Events at Lowe's

Toronto Water will be holding a series of in-store events to help promote the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program (and Phase 2 deadline of December 3, 2013) are taking place as noted below. These in-store events are being held in advance of the Phase 2 deadline:

Lowe's: July 20
10 a.m. 3 p.m.
6005 Steeles Avenue East

Lowe's: August 24
10 a.m. 3 p.m.
800 Warden Avenue

Lowe's: October 5
10 a.m. 3 p.m.
1300 Castlefield Avenue

Toronto Hydro - Project MORBANK

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited would like to update you of Project MORBANK designed to help improve the electricity system in our ward. The boundaries include Beswick Park Court (North), Morbank Drive (East), McNicoll Avenue (South), and Birchmount Road (West). The work is expected to begin in early July and continue till December 2013. For more information, click here for a notice that will be sent by Toronto Hydro to residents in the affected area.

The Downspout Disconnection Program

Many of you may have received a flyer in the mail claiming to be a FINAL NOTICE regarding the City of Toronto's Mandatory Downspout Disconnection By-law. This flyer is an advertisement from a private company and has not been sent out by the City. The by-law, however, is real and will be coming into effect for most of the ward on December 3rd, 2013. Many residents have called us about this program, so we've compiled some of the most common questions and answers:

What is the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection program?
As part of a series of flood protection measures, City Council approved a by-law making it mandatory for property owners to disconnect their downspouts from the stormwater system.

Why do we have to disconnect our downspouts?
Several years ago there were a series of floods throughout Toronto. Our ward was one of the areas which were hit the hardest. These floods were partially due to the stormwater systems not being able to handle the capacity. When the stormwater systems are over capacity it causes water to back up not only on the streets, but in people's basements as well.

The City has taken many measures to ensure that this does not happen again, including repairing and widening the stormwater pipes throughout the city and the ward.

Currently all rain that falls on houses is sent directly into stormwater system, and as more houses are erected in the city, more water which would have been absorbed into the ground is going into the stormwater system instead. This is not sustainable, and thus the City is asking residents to disconnect their downspouts from the system.

When do need to have my downspout disconnected?
The downspout disconnection by-law is being rolled out in three phases. Phase 1 included the downtown core and came into effect late 2011. Our ward lies mostly in Phase 2 and partially in Phase 3.

If you live in Ward 39 and your house is west of Kennedy Road, you are in Phase 2 and you will need to disconnect your downspout by December 3rd, 2013. If you live in Ward 39 and your house is east of Kennedy Road, you are in Phase 3 and you will need to disconnect your downspout by December 3rd, 2015.

If you live outside of Ward 39, please consult the City's website for more information.

What happens if I don't disconnect my downspout?
Downspout disconnection is mandatory, and if you do not complete the disconnection you may be in contravention of the by-law. While the City will not have a crew proactively inspecting downspouts, contraventions will be handled on a complaint basis and you may be subject to fines if your house is found not to be in compliance.

What kind of work do I need to do? How can I get this done?
The work is simple and can be done with a few simple tools and hardware available at your local hardware store. The City's website has a guide on how to do it yourself.

Otherwise, many private contractors will be able to help you with making the disconnection and rerouting the downspout.

Can you recommend a contractor?
Our office is unable to suggest or recommend private contractors. Please check the Yellow Pages or online for more information.

What if my downspout is too close to the house/driveway/neighbour/walkway?
There are many options available for disconnection of the downspout. Our office has seen constituents who have connected their downspouts to rain barrels, irrigation systems, employed weeping tile, or even created underground trenches to route their downspouts under their walkway tiles. Each house is unique, and there are many solutions that are available, some of which are discussed on the city's website (near the bottom)

However, there are many situations where a logical option for disconnection is not feasible. In those cases, please download a copy of the downspout disconnection exemption form from the City's website and describe why your house requires an exemption.

I'm a senior / a person with a disability, is there any assistance the City can provide?
The City has a financial assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities. Work done by a contractor to disconnect downspouts may be reimbursed for up to $500. For more information on this program and to download an application form, please see the City's website.

I was signed up with the City's Voluntary Downspout Disconnection program and work was done by the City, do I need to do anything else?
If you were on the City's Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program, please download a copy of the exemption form and fill out the check box on the front page that says your property has already been assessed under the program.

I've signed up for the Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program, but the work was never done. Is there anything that can be done?
The Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Project was cancelled by City Council in 2011, and unfortunately there are no provisions for those who were on the waiting list. You will be required to proceed with Mandatory Downspout Disconnection as per normal.

I'm not able to print out the forms
Please give our office a call at 416-392-1374 and we will make sure that you receive a printed copy of the relevant forms.

I have another question which is not addressed here
Please take a look at the City's website on the downspout disconnection program. There is a large variety of information and resources to help you out. The City's website also has a Frequently Asked Questions section which goes into a lot more detail.

If you still have any further questions, feel free to give our office a call at 416-392-1374 and we'll be happy to assist you.

Community Leadership After-School Program

The City of Toronto's After-School Recreation Care division will be hosting CLASP, the Community Leadership After-School Program, for students between the ages of 10-15 years. The program takes place from school dismissal to 6pm at Ernest MacMillan SPS. For more information on the program and how to register, please download this poster.

Road resurfacing on Kennedy Road

Our office has been informed by the Transportation Division that road resurfacing work will be commencing this summer on Kennedy Road in the area betwen McNicoll Avenue and Finch Avenue. For more information please click here to download the public notice.

Hydro Toronto - Project RIDGECREST

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited would like to update you of Project RIDGECREST designed to help improve the electricity system in our ward. The boundaries for the project include McNicoll Avenue (North), Warden Avenue (East), Sheppard Avenue East (South), and Victoria Park Avenue (West). The work is expected to begin in late April and continue into 2014. For more information, click here for a notice that will be sent by Toronto Hydro to residents in the affected area.

Bridlewood Mall Development Update

Negotiations are underway to have Target open up at the former Zellers location. At the moment they do not own the location. I believe this will be a great benefit to the area and give new life to the mall

There is also unfounded speculation that the Mall is up for sale.

One of the major issues is parking. This was the same issue that I had raised with both the mall owner (Fishman Group) and the condo developer (Malibu). Target is also concerned about its visibility, as the planned condos which will block the view of their signage from the street.
When the Mall decided to go condo they did not fully consult their Tenants nor was Target of their plans for development.

We are told that the north section condos have pre-sold about 300 units.

Things are currently in flux until some resolution among the parties is resolved.

Update on the Glendinning Plaza

This plaza is losing it's vigour and life. Preliminary discussions have taken place with the mall owner.

An application will be made to allow for a drive thru Tim Hortons with the possibility of some seating capacity. It will occupy the area north of where the spa is presently located.

I have stressed to the applicants that they will be responsible for cleaning all garbage on the street related to this activity.

In speaking with the owner, I have asked them to install proper lighting and cameras to discourage loitering and criminal activity. I have also asked if they will work to bring in a walk in clinic and small pharmacy. A request to remove the clothing box was also discussed.

Re: Porter Airlines Proposal

We would like to share this letter we received from a concernced citizen regarding the proposed plans for the Toronto Island Airport

Councillor Del Grande,

The proposal by Porter Airlines to operate Bombardier C-Series jets from Billy Bishop airport has generated widespread reaction. Because this proposal has tremendous potential to quickly become embroiled in sensational rhetoric, I respectfully ask you, as a city councilor, to fully investigate the facts before forming an opinion on this matter.

The fact is that the aircraft being proposed, Bombardier¹s new C-Series regional jet, uses a new engine technology known as GTF, or Geared Turbo Fan. The bottom line is that an aircraft powered by these GTF engines will emit lower noise and vibration levels than the turboprops presently operating from Billy Bishop airport. The engine type has been in development for more than 10 years by Pratt & Whitney Canada, and will also be used on next-generation Airbus and Boeing jets as well as the Bombardier product. The engine is a Canadian high tech success story.

The turboprop aircraft presently operating from Billy Bishop airport are, in fact, jet powered. Their turboprop powerplant uses a small jet engine that spins a turbine, which in turn drives the propeller. So there are two sources of noise from this arrangement - from the internal jet engine itself, and another from the propeller. The GTF engines on the C-Series would, in approximate terms, equal the sound of the turboprop¹s jet engine, minus the additional propeller noise. In practical terms, the sound of traffic on the Gardiner Expressway would easily drown it out.

The benefits associated with GTF technology go beyond noise abatement, however. The new engines produce considerably lower carbon emissions compared to the jet engines currently in use on most civil aircraft - up to 55% less. And because these new engines are designed to be fully compatible with biofuels (Air Canada began experimenting with these last year), there is potential to reduce carbon emissions even further with the adoption of biofuel products.

Since a significant proportion of passenger traffic through Billy Bishop airport is business travellers coming into Toronto, eliminating hundreds of long taxi rides downtown from Pearson airport each day can only help lower carbon emissions still further.

In short, the new Bombardier C-Series aircraft are nothing like the loud, smoky jets we all grew up with. The aircraft are extraordinarily quiet, and far cleaner than anything else in the sky - including the turboprops already in use.

I encourage you to investigate this technology in greater depth before forming a firm opinion on this matter. For your interest, these links can give you a good starting point:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratt_%26_Whitney_PW1000G

http://www.purepowerengine.com/

http://cseries.com/en

http://www.flycseries.com/

Full disclosure - I have absolutely zero connection to Porter Airlines, Pratt & Whitney Canada or Bombardier. My interest in this comes as someone who travels on business extensively, and who fully supports a couple of outstanding Canadian-made products. If we can facilitate business travel into downtown Toronto while reducing noise pollution and carbon emissions simultaneously, we all win.

Regards

City Manager's report on new casino and convention development in Toronto

Toronto City Manager Joe Pennachetti recently released his report, New Casino and Convention Development in Toronto, available by clicking here.

The Executive Committee will consider the report at a special meeting commencing on Monday, April 15.

Clean Toronto Together program begins in April

From our friends at the Clean Toronto team:

Clean Toronto Together program begins in April
The warm weather is fast-approaching, revealing a winter’s worth of debris and litter. This is our opportunity to get involved and help keep Toronto clean.

Students and businesses are invited to participate in the Corporate and School Clean-up Day on Friday, April 19. Make the area near your school or business shine.

The following day, it's time for a Toronto tradition. Mayor Rob Ford's annual Community Clean-up Day is a great way to get together with friends, neighbours and co-workers to reduce everyday litter. What better way to turn your ideas into action than to get involved.

It only takes minutes to make a difference. The event takes place on Saturday, April 20 (the alternative date if your group prefers or if the weather doesn't cooperate is Sunday, April 21). Get together with family, friends and neighbours and clean a public space that is important to you – it could be a park or a local street.

Participating groups can pick up their GLAD garbage and recycling bags at Toronto Community Centres, Civic Centres, and participating Pizza Pizza locations starting April 2 while supplies last.

We ask groups to register before April 15 so the City can coordinate where City crews can pick up the collected litter. You can register for your clean up event or get more information at toronto.ca/cleantoronto. If the internet is not an option, call 311.

And don't forget, if you see graffiti vandalism or illegal postering, report it by calling 311.

For information about the clean-up events, visit toronto.ca/cleantoronto.

Let's all Clean Toronto Together.

Mandatory Downspout Disconnect is getting close

An important announcement from our upcoming Spring 2013 Newsletter:

Downspout disconnection in the area of Ward 39 which is west of Kennedy Road must be completed by December 3, 2013. If you live east of Kennedy Road, you must disconnect the downspout by December 3, 2016.

If you have considered all the options and find it is not technically feasible, you could apply to the City for an exemption by completing a Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Exemption Application.

Financial assistance (up to a maximum of $500), is available for low-income seniors or individuals with disability who apply for the assistance and meet the criteria.

For more information and to obtain a copy of the exemption application, please check the website at http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout.htm or call my office for more information.