Below is an excerpt from WaterSource, a Toronto Water publication for councillors. It details some of the steps that Toronto is taking to reduce the amount of lead in our drinking water.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Long Grass & Weeds
Every summer our office is flooded by calls about neighbours not taking proper care of their lawns. The City's Municipal Code defines long grass and weeds as 20 centimetres (or 8 inches) tall. If grass and weeds are higher than 20 centimetres, it is in violation of the by-law, and is subject to fines.
Please take care to trim your front and back yards, as well as the boulevard portion of your lawn on a regular basis to ensure that your property is not in violation.
If you spot a property in your neighbourhood which has overgrown grass and weeds, please contact our office with the address of the offending party. We will contact the City's Municipal Standards Division, and ensure that the property is inspected.
If during inspection the property is found to be in violation, a notice of violation will be issued along with an order to comply. If the homeowner does not comply in the amount of time stated in the order, the City will cut the grass on their behalf and charge the service to their property bill.
Our office can be reached at 416-392-1374, or fill out the feedback form on our website here.
More info:
Municipal Licensing & Standards Division: Investigation Services
Please take care to trim your front and back yards, as well as the boulevard portion of your lawn on a regular basis to ensure that your property is not in violation.
If you spot a property in your neighbourhood which has overgrown grass and weeds, please contact our office with the address of the offending party. We will contact the City's Municipal Standards Division, and ensure that the property is inspected.
If during inspection the property is found to be in violation, a notice of violation will be issued along with an order to comply. If the homeowner does not comply in the amount of time stated in the order, the City will cut the grass on their behalf and charge the service to their property bill.
Our office can be reached at 416-392-1374, or fill out the feedback form on our website here.
More info:
Municipal Licensing & Standards Division: Investigation Services
Friday, May 6, 2011
Toronto Hydro - Save ON Energy
Toronto Hydro has sent out an e-newsletter to let residents know about some of its latest developments and programs, as well as for providing some tips on how to save energy and money in your household. Click here to view the newsletter.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Budget
Governments around the world face large budget deficits, some of which are structural. Addressing them will require significant fiscal and operations changes within governments. (Source: Mowat Centre and the School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto)
Toronto is not alone in having the same challenges. That is why for the 2012 Budget we will be having a full Operational and Capital Review of what we do, why we do it and importantly how to pay for it.
As Budget Chair, I have directed that we have the discussion of reviewing our expenditures and revenues in a way that has never been done. Standing Committees will need to review and prioritize what is important and how much our money will allow us to spend.
It is not business as usual because we have a $774 million dollar shortfall which has been structural. We will look at spending and revenue and the levels of service that we provide.
We will also have to examine shedding assets to create an income base to offset the $450 of interest and principal costs per year.
As wages comprises 50% of our costs, we will have to examine what is the best way to deliver services that we can afford. Some of our contracts have wording that reduce management's right to manage. Employees play a big role in the life of the City but government employees have been sheltered through the recession and it is difficult to meet the continuing demands for more. Out sourcing will be considered as part of the exercise.
Public consultation can take place at standing committees, town halls, e-mails, deputations and any other vehicle for input.
It will be a change and for some change will be difficult but we cannot do nothing. Our shortfall must be addressed.
Toronto is not alone in having the same challenges. That is why for the 2012 Budget we will be having a full Operational and Capital Review of what we do, why we do it and importantly how to pay for it.
As Budget Chair, I have directed that we have the discussion of reviewing our expenditures and revenues in a way that has never been done. Standing Committees will need to review and prioritize what is important and how much our money will allow us to spend.
It is not business as usual because we have a $774 million dollar shortfall which has been structural. We will look at spending and revenue and the levels of service that we provide.
We will also have to examine shedding assets to create an income base to offset the $450 of interest and principal costs per year.
As wages comprises 50% of our costs, we will have to examine what is the best way to deliver services that we can afford. Some of our contracts have wording that reduce management's right to manage. Employees play a big role in the life of the City but government employees have been sheltered through the recession and it is difficult to meet the continuing demands for more. Out sourcing will be considered as part of the exercise.
Public consultation can take place at standing committees, town halls, e-mails, deputations and any other vehicle for input.
It will be a change and for some change will be difficult but we cannot do nothing. Our shortfall must be addressed.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Basement flooding assessment results
A Municipal Class Environmental Assessment was recently completed in the Ward 39 area. This study investigated the issue of basement flooding and recommends several improvements to drainage and sewer systems in the ward to prevent future problems. For more information, as well as locations in the ward where a full copy of the report can be found, please see the below notice.
Download (*.pdf format)
Download (*.pdf format)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Who qualifies for a PVT refund?
As you know, the City of Toronto has recently rescinded the $60 Personal Vehicle Tax. Depending on your circumstance, you may be entitled to a refund of a portion of what you have already paid. Below is an excerpted portion of a Q&A factsheet published by the City, which lays out the exact scenario in which one is entitled to a refund.
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