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.