Friday, January 31, 2014

Toronto's Market Gallery exhibition profiles the Ontario Black History Society

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

Media Advisory:  January 31, 2014
 
Toronto's Market Gallery exhibition profiles the Ontario Black History Society

This evening, Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) will launch a City of Toronto's Market Gallery exhibition featuring the Ontario Black History Society and will present to representatives of the society a framed copy of the City's annual Black History Month proclamation.

Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 5 to 6 p.m. Remarks at 5:30 p.m.
Location: St. Lawrence Market, South Building, 95 Front St. E., second floor

The Ontario Black History Society successfully petitioned the City of Toronto in 1979 for a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month. Toronto, the first Canadian municipality to proclaim Black History Month, has issued the proclamation annually since then.

The Market Gallery's exhibition on the Ontario Black History Society runs from February 1 to April 19. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/marketgallery.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -


Media contact: Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca

Extreme Cold Weather Alert cancelled

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  January 31, 2014

Extreme Cold Weather Alert cancelled

The City of Toronto has cancelled the Extreme Cold Weather Alert that was issued for Toronto on January 25. 

An alert is called when there is danger to homeless people from extreme cold weather or extreme winter weather conditions. It is usually called in the morning when Environment Canada takes any of these actions:
• predicts a coming overnight temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or lower, without wind chill, or 
• issues a wind chill warning for outdoor activity for people in the Toronto area, or
 • predicts extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard, an ice storm or sudden drops in temperature.

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

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -

Media contact: Pat Anderson, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-4328, panders@toronto.ca


Thursday, January 30, 2014

Sexual Assault Alert, Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Avenue, Security camera video of suspects released

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Sexual Assault Alert, Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Avenue, Security camera video of suspects released

Thursday, January 30, 2014 - 12:36 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation and is requesting assistance identifying two men.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, September 22, 2013, between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., a woman was sitting on some steps in the Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street area

Security camera video of the suspects has been released. It has been edited to protect the identity of the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Pat Alberga, Sex Crimes Unit



20th Annual Black History Month celebrations

News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, January 30, 2014, 7 p.m., Headquarters, lobby, 40 College Street, 20th Annual Black History Month celebrations

Thursday, January 30, 2014 - 11:58 AM
52 Division:  416-808-3335

The Toronto Police Service will be hosting the 20th Annual Black History Month celebrations on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 7 p.m., in the main lobby of headquarters, 40 College Street.

Various dignitaries, community members and the first black Toronto Police Service Officer, Larry McLarty, will join Deputy Chief Peter Sloly at the event.

The event will also feature the Revivaltime Tabernacle Youth Choir, MC Bonde "The Voice Of Africa," on-air personality RED, R & B singer Ray Robinson, Jermal Humphrey, Read2Rap, Ricardo McRae, spoken-word artist Dwayne Morgan, and on-air personality Jemeni. The event will also feature Brooke from "It's Brooke's World," a 10-year-old who will give her perspective on Black History Month. An informal reception will follow.

For further information, please contact Sergeant Rodcliff Chung, Officer Rod, of 33 Division Community Response Unit at 416-808-3335.

Constable Sarah Diamond, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Rodcliff Chung, 33 Division

City of Toronto hosting public consultation sessions to review bylaws on sidewalk patios and boulevard cafés

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  January 30, 2014       

City of Toronto hosting public consultation sessions to review bylaws on sidewalk patios and boulevard cafés


The City of Toronto's Municipal Licensing and Standards division has undertaken a review of the City's bylaws governing boulevard cafés/sidewalk patios as well as the operation of sidewalk stalls outside businesses. The goal is to create one bylaw for Toronto.

Each former municipality has a pre-amalgamation bylaw that regulates boulevard cafe and marketing activities. As a result, the requirements, approval processes, permit types and application fees are different depending on the area where the business is located.

As part of this review, the City is hosting a series of public consultation meetings to discuss the existing bylaws and items to consider when drafting the new bylaw.

Topics include:
- the role of residents and local business owners in the permit issuance process
- minimum sidewalk clearance to accommodate pedestrian traffic
- new opportunities for establishing on-street boulevard cafés curbside and in on-street parking spaces where feasible
- requirements concerning separation of the area including fencing, partial and full enclosures, and
- design guidelines for construction.

Public consultation meetings
Each of the following four meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, February 6 in City Hall's committee room 2
- Tuesday, February 11 in East York Civic Centre's council chamber
- Thursday, February 13 in Etobicoke Civic Centre's main boardroom
- Tuesday, February 18 in North York Civic Centre's committee room 3

More information or to provide feedback: http://www.toronto.ca/haveyoursay

Staff will report to the Licensing and Standards Committee later this year on the review.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -


Media contact: Tammy Robbinson, Strategic Communications Division, 416-338-3761, trobbin@toronto.ca 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Toronto proclaims February as Black History Month

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  January 29, 2014       

Toronto proclaims February as Black History Month

Mayor Rob Ford has proclaimed February as Black History Month, a celebration of the history, heritage and contributions of African-Canadians in Toronto. Many private events happening across Toronto, and City divisions and agencies have programming throughout the month.

The City of Toronto's Market Gallery is presenting an exhibition on the Ontario Black History Society from February 1 through April 19. For 35 years, the society has expanded the public's awareness and appreciation of black history, and was the organization that first requested a proclamation of Black History Month in 1979. A framed copy of the proclamation will be presented to the Ontario Black History Society at the exhibition launch at 5:30 p.m. on January 31.

The Toronto Public Library will begin Black History Month celebrations with a gala on January 31 and continue with a DJ boot camp, drumming demonstrations and genealogy courses at branches across the city. The Toronto Public Library also holds more than 16,000 items in the Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection.

Community centres across Toronto will host film nights, open mike contests and a three-on-three basketball tournament. More events will be announced throughout February, with details available at http://www.toronto.ca/blackhistory/events.htm.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -


Media contact: David Clark, Strategic Communications, 416-392-7542, dclark1@toronto.ca

Monday, January 27, 2014

The Toronto Police Service would like to alert the public about a quantity of lost medication.

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public Safety Alert, Lost medication

Monday, January 27, 2014 - 12:59 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to alert the public about a quantity of lost medication.

On Friday, January 10, 2014, at approximately 7 p.m., five bottles of liquid methadone were lost in the Bleecker Street and Wellesley Street East area.

The liquid could be harmful if ingested, especially to children.

Anyone finding the medication is asked not to handle it, but to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective David Dickinson, 51 Division

A new event series for Toronto launches February 6th

A new event series for Toronto launches February 6th

Join MPP Glen Murray and friends for an evening with Toronto's former Chief Planner and more recently, Vice-Chair of Ontario's Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel, Paul Bedford. With an extensive background in urban planning and community development, Paul will speak about his experience on the panel and the actions needed to unlock gridlock in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Idea Distillery is a new monthly speaker series in downtown Toronto, lead by Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray, which will bring together thought leaders from all sectors for an informal discussion on the biggest issues facing Torontonians and Ontarians, and how we can fix them. All are welcome as we put the 'pub' into public policy.

Light refreshments will be served starting at 6:30PM at The Foxes Den Bar and Grill located at 1075 Bay Street, right in the middle between Bloor and Wellesley.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

City of Toronto issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert and advises homeless people to seek shelter

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

This news release was issued on Saturday.

News Release:  January 25, 2014

City of Toronto issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert and advises homeless people to seek shelter


CNW - The City of Toronto has called an Extreme Cold Weather Alert to make vulnerable homeless people in Toronto aware of the dangers of staying outside too long in cold weather and to ensure they have safe and warm places to go. The alert is in effect until further notice.

An Extreme Cold Weather Alert is called to trigger additional homelessness services. Alerts are typically called in the morning for the coming overnight period so that community agencies have sufficient time to call in extra staff to provide enhanced services.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert: 
- Shelters are directed to relax any existing service restrictions and are reminded that if a bed is not available at their site, they are to allow the client to stay at the shelter until they are able to find a bed for them elsewhere in the system. 
- The City of Toronto immediately adds 26 shelter spaces for men and women to the shelter spaces available to staff looking to refer a client to a shelter bed. 
- Overnight street outreach is increased in the downtown core, focusing solely on warning people of danger and urging them to get into a shelter or another warm, indoor place. Workers will transport people to warm places if necessary. 
- TTC tokens are available at some drop-ins so people can use public transit to get to shelters. 
- Starting in January 2014 as a pilot, Metro Hall is automatically opened as a Warming Centre at 3 p.m. on the day an Extreme Cold Weather Alert is called. Here, people can get warm, have a hot drink and a light snack, and get assistance to access an emergency shelter bed. Pets are welcome and the Warming Centre remains open 24 hours a day for the duration of the Extreme Cold Weather Alert. 
- More than 100 agencies are advised of the oncoming extreme weather and asked to relax any service restrictions they may have.

An alert is called when there is increased danger to homeless people from extreme cold weather or extreme winter weather conditions. It is usually called in the morning when Environment Canada takes any of these actions: 
- predicts a coming overnight temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or lower, without wind chill 
- issues a wind chill warning for outdoor activity for people in the Toronto area 
- predicts extreme weather conditions such as a blizzard, ice storm or sudden drops in temperature

How to get an emergency shelter bed any day, any hour: 
- Call 311, or 
- Directly contact the City of Toronto's Central Intake line; within the Greater Toronto Area it is toll-free at 1-877-338 3398, or 
- Go in person to the Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre, located at 129 Peter St. (at Richmond Street). 

The Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre is always open and has 24-hour street respite for those who do not want a shelter bed, or for whom one is not immediately available. As well as walk-in access to shelter beds throughout the system, the facility provides housing workers Monday to Friday to assist street-involved people to find permanent housing and operates a 40-bed transition to housing shelter program.

If you see someone who you think requires street outreach assistance, call 311. Note that 311 is not an emergency number. In an emergency, dial 911.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visithttp://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

-30-

Media contact: Pat Anderson, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, panders@toronto.ca 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Pam McConnell - E-Newsletter



Island Airport Proposed Expansion - Public Consultation
On February 4, Executive Committee will consider a request by Robert Deluce to permit extending the runway into the harbour and the use of jets at the Island Airport. This meeting is an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and to have their say on the proposal.

City staff have retained experts to examine the ramifications of permitting this request. Their findings have reinforced the concerns expressed by residents in our waterfront community. The current operations at the Island Airport have created considerable stress on the transportation infrastructure, causing excessive congestion that will only worsen with the introduction of jets. Health impacts from airplane exhaust pose a serious risk for residents and visitors to our waterfront and parks.

The Island Airport is located on the Toronto Islands, an iconic park that is unique among cities and is enjoyed by residents from across the city and visitors from around the world. Torontonians need to decide whether constant jet traffic is compatable with parks, schools, and residential communities.
Start Time: 6:30 pm
Date: January 27, 2014
End Time: 8:30 pm
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers (100 Queen Street West)
Link out: Click here (This web page has the consultant reports prepared for the review by City staff. It also includes responses delivered by the Toronto Port Authority late this afternoon.)
_________________________
TTC to Consider Removing Transit Stops
I was very troubled to learn that at the TTC meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, the Commission will consider a report that will set in motion a process to remove stops on our bus and streetcar routes. This significant move is being undertaken without proper notice or consultation with our communities or the TTC riders who will be affected.

The five page report to the Commission (available HERE) claims that the move is to “improve pedstrian safety” by removing mid-block stops and having them located close to a traffic signal. This will mean that heavily used mid-block stops, such as the one that serves parents and students at Lord Dufferin School, will be eliminated without concern for the passengers or the distances or conditions they will need to walk.

The report also recommends placing stops at minimum distances, stating that the “appropriate distance between stops” offers “less disruptive travel”. One of the examples that is given is the removal of the streetcar stop at Victoria Street, near St. Michael’s Hospital. Anyone who is familiar with that stop at rush hour knows that a significant number of people debark there in the morning. Forcing the passengers to load and unload exclusively at Yonge Street will not improve travel times or rider convenience. Although not in the report, the TTC are proposing to elimnate the Front Street stop for the Sherbourne bus, using this rationale.

These recommendations are a backdoor attempt to reduce service. They do not take into account the way that passengers use the system, transportation needs of the area, or the various uses near the stops in question. Rather than creating a rational terms of reference to examine the service in neighbourhoods, the staff are relying on a cheap and cheerful cookie cutter approach. Although the report promises a follow up report on the implications and a “plan for consulting with affected Councillors” there is no plan for consulting with the affected riders. This approach also sets a piecemeal justification for each stop.

I am committed to ensuring that our transit works for our community, and that all changes receive proper input from residents. I invite you to make a your voice heard at the Commission.

Members of the public may make deputations at the TTC meeting. Requests to appear as a speaker will be accepted in writing until Noon on Monday, January 27. You may send an email to gso@ttc.ca. You may also make a written submission.

The TTC meeting is on Tuesday, January 28, at 1:00 pm in Committee Room 1, City Hall.
======================

Contact Information
Mailing Address:
100 Queen Street West, Suite A7
Toronto ON M5H 2N2

Phone: 416-392-7916
Fax:416-392-7296
councillor_mcconnell@toronto.ca

Public Safety Alert, Hotdogs located in two parks frequented by dogs, Balfour Avenue and Spanbridge/Linkwood Lane

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public Safety Alert, Hotdogs located in two parks frequented by dogs, Balfour Avenue and Spanbridge/Linkwood Lane

Friday, January 24, 2014 - 12:04 PM
54 Division:  416-808-5400

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of two separate incidents where hotdogs were found in areas frequented by dogs.

On Friday, January 17, 2014, at 12:18 p.m., a man was walking his dog in an off-leash park in the Linkwood Lane and Spanbridge area, when he located hotdogs in the park.

On Thursday January 23rd, 2013 at 12:30 p.m., a woman walking her dog in a park at 90 Balfour Avenue located hotdogs.

At this time, there are no reports of any animals who have consumed any hotdogs at either location, and there have been no reports of any animals falling ill.

The items have been recovered and sent to Forensic Identification Services for testing.

Anyone finding hotdogs or any other food out of place in a park is asked not to handle it and call police at 416-808-2222.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact police at 416-808-5400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Olga Iwanska, 54 Division

Thursday, January 23, 2014

City of Toronto seeks input on proposed regulations for electronic and illuminated signs

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  January 23, 2014 

City of Toronto seeks input on proposed regulations for electronic and illuminated signs

The City of Toronto is holding a series of public consultation sessions from February 3 to 12 to gather public input on proposed changes to regulations for electronic and illuminated signs and billboards.

In 2013, the City of Toronto initiated a comprehensive research project that included a planning and design review, an update of traffic safety implications and a poll to assess public opinion in Toronto on electronic and illuminated signs.

Based on the study findings, changes to Toronto's sign regulations with respect to the location, size, and brightness of electronic and illuminated signs have been proposed, and were introduced at the December 4 meeting of the City's Planning and Growth Management Committee.

The staff report and background material are available at http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2013.PG29.4

Public consultation is an essential element of this process. All Toronto residents and businesses are encouraged to participate and provide the City with feedback about this important issue. Members of the public are invited to attend one of the workshops for a brief presentation and to speak with City staff to share thoughts and ideas on this subject.

Public consultation sessions will be held from 6:30 to 8:30p.m. on the following dates and include a staff presentation at 7 p.m.:

-Monday, February 3: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, Council Chamber -Tuesday, February 4: York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W., Council Chamber
-Wednesday, February 5: City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., Council Chamber 
-Monday, February 10: East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., Council Chamber           
-Tuesday, February 11: North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St., Council Chamber            
-Wednesday, February 12: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., Committee Rooms 1 and 2

For those unable to attend in person, comments can also be emailed to the City at signbylawunit@toronto.ca. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/signbylawunit.

 Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -


Media contact: Bruce Hawkins, Strategic Communications, 416-392-3496, bhawkin@toronto.ca

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Glen Murray MPP - News From Queen's Park



News from Queen's Park

Children of low-income families receive FREE dental careIn April of 2014 Ontario will be expanding eligibility for free dental care to 70,000 more children and youth in low-income families, to help break down barriers and provide them with more opportunities for success. Services such as cleanings, diagnostic services and basic treatment will be administered by the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. Providing free dental care and helping to break down barriers for low-income children and youth is part of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and delivers on Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, by providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

Improving access to routine health proceduresOntario is improving access to routine health procedures by establishing non-profit community-based specialty clinics in communities across the province. These specialty clinics will offer select OHIP-insured, low-risk routine procedures. The focus of these specialty clinics will be on providing high-volume services, such as cataract and colonoscopy procedures. Moving low-risk routine procedures from hospitals to community-based specialty clinics will help improve the overall patient experience and will result in better value for taxpayers.

Healthy people, healthy environment: Ontario is helping the Evergreen Brick Works protect the lower Don River with a $25,000 grant from the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. This financing will support community plantings, shoreline clean-ups and invasive species pulls to help protect habitats, fish and water quality in the lower Don River which flows into Lake Ontario. The Great Lakes Basin ecosystem is one of the most biologically rich regions in Canada.

Eating healthy and local: The Government will be releasing the Foodland Ontario Winter Recipe Book in early February. These recipes are all locally sourced, nutritious and delicious. Copies will be available for distribution, free of charge, from our office at 514 Parliament st.

Supporting Midwifery: The Toronto Birth Centre located on Dundas and Parliament will be opening its doors to give moms-to-be with low-risk pregnancies a new option for natural childbirth. This will support women should they choose to have their babies with midwives in a more community oriented environment. This Birth Centre is one of two pilot programs the Ontario Ministry of Health is supporting with $6-million financing. Should this pilot program be successful, it could pave the way for similar centres across the province.

Better medical access for refugees: The Ontario Government is stepping in to fill the gap left by the federal government’s cuts to Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program by reinstating access to essential and urgent health care for refugee claimants. The Ontario Temporary Health Program (OTHP) protects refugee claimants who are not eligible for health care under the new federal rules or through other government programs and gives them access to primary care, medications and urgent hospital services. Caring for refugee claimants is a federal responsibility, and Ontario opposes their decision to abdicate their responsibility. The fact remains that refugee claimants are in our country, and until the federal government determines their status, someone has to pay for their care.
 

Upcoming Events and Holidays

Community Meeting: Reviewing the Land Use and Planning Appeals Process
Date: To be determined (February/March)
Details: After a series of community meetings in Toronto Centre soliciting your opinions on the land use appeals process, Glen Murray has submitted his report of findings to the reviewing committee. This committee will devise a plan to re-conceptualize the current appeals process and table legislation soon thereafter. When this legislation is devised, Glen Murray will be holding a meeting to review the community consultations and present the new direction for appeals in Toronto.

Holiday: Chinese New Year
Date: January 31, 2014
Location: Various
Details: Celebrate the Year of the Horse by attending one of the various cultural events organized by the Chinese community. The Royal Ontario Museum will be hosting a party from 11am to 4pm on January 25 including performances and arts and crafts. To find out more about the events coming up visit the ROM websiteor www.chinatownbia.com

Event: Free Concert Series with the Canadian Opera Company
Date: January 21 and 23, 2014, 12-1pm
Location: Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts, 145 Queen St
Details: Welcome to the 2013/2014 season of the Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, one of Toronto's most breathtaking and intimate spaces. The diverse city that inspires and unites us is the ever-changing backdrop seen from the beautiful Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, where artists from around the world share their talent and passion in six series:vocal, piano, jazz, dance, chamber and world music

Event: Free Family Skating organized by Glen Murray
Date: Every Tuesday from now until March 18, 2014, 4-5 pm. (March 18th is 3-5 pm with a pizza party)
Location: Moss Park Arena, 140 Sherbourne St
Details: Enjoy a free public skate at Moss Park Arena for all your friends and family. Some skates will be available to rent for free on the day. Skates are rented on a first come first serve basis.
 

Your Government - Moving Forward on Healthcare


Since 2002 the Ontario Government delivered:
  • 2.1 million more Ontarians have family doctors
  • 23 Hospitals have been built
  • St. Michael's Hospital expansion serves people more efficiently at the new and improved state of the art facility
  • More than $300 million supporting the expansion of home care service for seniors - serving 46,000 more seniors each year
  • Expansion of Health Sciences at Ryerson University with an investment of $57 million towards construction
  • Base funding of $17.3 million towards the Grace Hospital - an increase of 23%
  • $61.5 Million in funding towards the George Brown Health Sciences Campus

City of Toronto launches congestion-reducing parking regulations

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  January 21, 2014                      

City of Toronto launches congestion-reducing parking regulations

The City of Toronto together with the Toronto Police Service have launched a series of new initiatives to improve traffic flow and compliance with the City's parking regulations. The initiatives include:
• increased fines for unlawful stopping, standing, and parking on rush-hour routes 
• implementation of a fixed fine system for parking offences 
• increased ticketing for expired licence plate validation stickers, and 
• towing of habitual parking ticket offenders when found parked illegally.

"This program includes important strategies to help keep traffic moving on our streets," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "These initiatives will help reduce traffic delays and fuel consumption for drivers, as well as reduce the impact on our environment. Getting our road system clear of illegally parked vehicles will improve traffic flow and the quality of life for all residents."

Illegally parked and stopped vehicles contribute to traffic congestion, which has a considerable impact on residents, businesses and visitors. Recent studies have indicated that congestion costs Toronto commuters billions of dollars annually in travel delays, vehicle operating costs and accidents.

These changes, along with other congestion management initiatives, will allow the City to better respond to traffic conditions and improve traffic efficiency along key corridors.

Fines of $150 for unlawful parking, stopping or standing on rush-hour routes, combined with heightened enforcement, will encourage traffic flow on key routes during rush-hour periods. Residents will benefit from unimpeded traffic flow between the critical rush hours of 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. on key routes.

A system of fixed fines for parking offences will improve compliance with Toronto's parking regulations by ensuring that fines continue to deter illegal parking while preserving an efficient and fair dispute process.

The City is also introducing a vehicle-towing initiative for habitual parking ticket offenders. City bylaws currently permit the towing of any vehicle when parked illegally, but vehicles are generally towed only when necessary. A new Habitual Offender Program will provide a further deterrent to illegal parking by towing any offender who owes three or more parking tickets and whose tickets remain outstanding for 120 days. The penalties for having a vehicle towed include towing fees of up to $200 plus daily storage fees of up to $81.

A related initiative includes recent bylaw changes that provide authority to ticket vehicles displaying expired licence plate validation stickers. This enhancement to the bylaw will act as a deterrent to illegal parking and provide a further incentive for vehicle owners to renew their licence plate validation sticker with the Ministry of Transportation.

All of these changes, which take effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 23, along with other congestion management initiatives, will allow the City to improve traffic efficiency on key rush-hour routes, streamline the court process for parking ticket disputes and deter illegal parking.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Anthony Fabrizi, Revenue Services, 416-392-5880, afabriz@toronto.ca Deborah Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-392-9305, dbrown3@toronto.ca

Monday, January 20, 2014

City of Toronto issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert and advises homeless people to seek shelter

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  January 20, 2014    

City of Toronto issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert and advises homeless people to seek shelter 

The City of Toronto has called an Extreme Cold Weather Alert to make vulnerable homeless people in Toronto aware of the dangers of staying outside too long in cold weather and to ensure they have safe and warm places to go. The alert is in effect until further notice.

An Extreme Cold Weather Alert is called to trigger additional homelessness services. Alerts are typically called in the morning for the coming overnight period so that community agencies have sufficient time to call in extra staff to provide enhanced services.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert: 
- Shelters are directed to relax any existing service restrictions and are reminded that if a bed is not available at their site, they are to allow the client to stay at the shelter until they are able to find a bed for them elsewhere in the system. 
- The City of Toronto immediately adds 26 shelter spaces for men and women to the shelter spaces available to staff looking to refer a client to a shelter bed.
- Overnight street outreach is increased in the downtown core, focusing solely on warning people of danger and urging them to get into a shelter or another warm, indoor place. Workers will transport people to warm places if necessary.
- TTC tokens are available at some drop-ins so people can use public transit to get to shelters. 
- Starting in January 2014 as a pilot, Metro Hall is automatically opened as a Warming Centre at 3 p.m. on the day an Extreme Cold Weather Alert is called. Here, people can get warm, have a hot drink and a light snack, and get assistance to access an emergency shelter bed. Pets are welcome and the Warming Centre remains open 24 hours a day for the duration of the Extreme Cold Weather Alert.
- More than 100 agencies are advised of the oncoming extreme weather and asked to relax any service restrictions they may have.

An alert is called when there is increased danger to homeless people from extreme cold weather or extreme winter weather conditions. It is usually called in the morning when Environment Canada takes any of these actions:
- predicts a coming overnight temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or lower, without wind chill
- issues a wind chill warning for outdoor activity for people in the Toronto area
- predicts extreme weather conditions such as a blizzard, ice storm or sudden drops in temperature

How to get an emergency shelter bed any day, any hour:
- Call 311, or 
- Directly contact the City of Toronto's Central Intake line; within the Greater Toronto Area it is toll-free at 1-877-338 3398, or 
- Go in person to the Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre, located at 129 Peter St. (at Richmond Street).

The Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre is always open and has 24-hour street respite for those who do not want a shelter bed, or for whom one is not immediately available. As well as walk-in access to shelter beds throughout the system, the facility provides housing workers Monday to Friday to assist street-involved people to find permanent housing and operates a 40-bed transition to housing shelter program.

If you see someone who you think requires street outreach assistance, call 311. Note that 311 is not an emergency number. In an emergency, dial 911. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 –

Media contact: Pat Anderson, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-4328, panders@toronto.ca 

Sunday, January 19, 2014

2014 Budget Town Hall - hosted by Councillor McConnell

2014 Budget Town Hall


Councillor McConnell is hosting a Budget Town Hall meeting to offer
residents the opportunity to learn more about the budget, ask questions,
and voice concerns.

Date: Monday 20 January
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: St. Lawrence Hall, Great Hall (157 King Street E. at Jarvis)

On January 29, 2014, City Council will consider the 2014 Operating and
Capital Budgets. These budgets have a direct affect on important aspects
of our community. Whether it is access to recreation programs and student
nutrition, the condition of our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, or
the capacity of emergency responders and transit service, the budget sets
the priorities. Details of the recommended budget, including an overview,
staff presentations, analyst notes by division, and briefing notes, can
be found HERE:

http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=92c11764e70e1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD

Friday, January 17, 2014

City of Toronto celebrating Middle Childhood Day

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

Media Advisory:  January 17, 2014
  
City of Toronto celebrating Middle Childhood Day with an evening of kids' programs

City Councillor Anthony Perruzza (Ward 8 York West), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee, and Ian Edwards, Chair of the Middle Childhood Matters Coalition and Executive Director of Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club, will join participants to celebrate Middle Childhood Day and to highlight the City's out-of-school programs for children aged six to 12. City councillors and staff, doctors from the Hospital for Sick Children, middle childhood champions and parents will also be participating in this event. 

Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: Drop-in activities are available from 4 to 7 p.m. The speaking portion and performance by children enrolled in the Sistema Toronto music program will take place from 5:30 to 6 p.m. 
Location: Toronto City Hall Rotunda and Committee Rooms 2 and 3

About 60 children will participate in innovative programs designed to cultivate their imaginations and ingenuity. Members of the media are invited to watch children participate in the Robot Wars and Create your Own Comic activities from 6 to 7 p.m. in the committee rooms.

Children and adults can also participate in various activities, including learning how to use a loom from the Textile Museum of Canada and participating in 3D printing by MAKELAB. 

A complete event schedule is available online athttp://www.middlechildhoodmatters.ca/portfolio/middle-childhood-matters-edu/. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

- 30 -

Media contacts: 
Aggie Fortier, Strategic Communications, 416- 397-5326, afortie@toronto.ca 
Amanda Penrice, Middle Childhood Matters Coalition Toronto, 647-462–5227,Amanda@middlechildhoodmatters.ca