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.

Councillor Mike Del Grande appointed to the Toronto Police Services Board

Toronto City Council has passed an item from the City's Striking Committee which includes the appointment of Councillor Mike Del Grande (Ward 39 Scarborough-Agincourt) to the Police Services Board. Del Grande, who is also Chair of the City's Budget Committee, said he was honoured to receive the appointment:

"My appointment to the Toronto Police Services Board is a privilege and I look forward the challenge.

Toronto Police serves the Public and it's oversight is civilian based. Each member's skill set is required to provide a broad perspective of values and experience.

It is those values and experience that I will bring to the Board. Organizational and Financial experience are just two of the skills that I bring.

As a Ward Councillor representing many ethnic groups I also hope to continue the TPS bridge to all of our communities."

The Toronto Police Services Board is a seven member civilian body that oversees the Toronto Police Service, Canada's largest municipal police service. The Board rules on general management and policy for the Police Service.

A message from Councillor Mike Del Grande

The 2010 Toronto Municipal Election is now over, and I'd like to thank all of those who supported me throughout the campaign. I pledge to continue serving Ward 39 and its residents in the coming four years.

'Smarten up' on bike safety: police (The National Post)

Reprinted from The National Post, August 11th, 2009:

"Police say Torontonians need a refresher on bicycle safety after three accidents in the last week left one person dead and two more with life threatening injuries"

Read more...

No charges in fatal bike accident (The Toronto Sun)

Reprinted from The Toronto Sun, August 11th, 2009:

"It was only a matter of time before somebody on a sidewalk would be killed by a speedy cyclist. It's up to us if we want to stop there being more."

Read more...

Bridlewood Mall Open Meeting

The councillor hosted an open forum meeting today at L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute concerning the status of the Bridlewood Mall redevelopment project. Our office has been in touch with the working group and the city planners over the past months, and wanted to share with you some of the details concerning the developer's revised site plans.

• The tallest building has been reduced from 38 storeys to 33 storeys
• One other building has been reduced from 33 storeys to 29 storeys
• 1370 units have been reduced to 1275, a reduction of only 95 units
• 1495 underground parking spaces will be available, with approximately one allotted to each unit
• 9,000 square feet and $1 million have been offered towards a library, which is not enough (15,000 square feet is the minimum)
• The main entrance will face the intersection of Warden and Finch diagonally
• A new entrance will face the street on Finch

The public opinion was that both the height and density of these buildings continue to be too high. In addition, there were some grave concerns that the stability of the local infrastructure is being overestimated by the city planners. Comparisons were drawn to the Markington project, at Markham Road and Eglinton, in which the number of units was reduced by over 25% before it went to council.

The councillor reminded the people that the decision is not in his hands, but rather that of the city planners, and encouraged people to visit both his own website and Stand Up Bridletowne, and to contact Renrick Ashby, the city planner in charge of the project, to voice their opinion.

Heathwood area graffiti cleanup

The Heathwood Ratepayers Association has organized an ambitious graffiti cleanup project, and over a dozen volunteers helped do their part, including the Councillor and his staff. The back yard fences of homes facing Kennedy from Passmore up to Steeles were completely repainted, and currently look beautiful.

WOW TV Grand Opening

Ward 39 celebrated the grand opening of a brand new specialty channel, and the councillor was there to welcome them.

You can see and watch the festivities for yourself at WOW TV's official website, under "Day Show".