Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Garden District/Moss Park Community Action Plan Meeting
Shelters, safety top Moss Park, Garden District to-do list
Residents of Moss Park and the Garden District met with local politicians on April 23 to provide feedback and suggestions for the future of their community.
The meeting, held by city councilor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray, is one of five follow-ups to initial meetings held in May and June of last year to draft a community action plan to engage local residents and stakeholders to develop long-term goals for wards 27 and 28.
“This is a period when a lot of change is happening,” said one community member, “and it’s a critical time to look ahead, and to take part in the planning for the neighbourhood. It’s about community building.”
Poverty and related health and safety issues topped the list of concerns for area residents. David Raycroft, director of housing and homelessness services at Dixon Hall, was present, and expressed his desire to see more support for street people. “We have a shelter located on George St., so my interest is in what happens with the folks in the shelter,” he said.
Councilor Wong-Tam said that action is being taken, but that some neighbourhoods—particularly around George St.—are going to need a lot of work. To start, she has begun pushing rooming house owners to bring their facilities up to code, has asked the local police station for more support in troubled areas, and has met one on one with George St. property owners to see how they can help.
14 new affordable housing units are also being built. It’s a good start, says Wong-Tam, but she believes her ward needs more resources if it wants to tackle poverty head on. “10% of all Section 37 funds in the ward is going back directly into [Toronto Community Housing Corporation] housing,” she says, “but that’s only going to scratch the surface.
“How do we ensure that we build more affordable housing and not less, and how do we not displace people? Pushing poor people out of a neighbourhood is not a solution for me, and I’m not interested in gentrification. I’m interested in empowering neighbourhoods, I’m interested in empowering residents.”
The councilor’s primary concern is that condominium developments, if left unchecked, are going to squeeze out the less fortunate. “If we allow the free market forces to run away with the neighbourhood, what we’re going to have is a very polarized neighbourhood of extreme wealth and extreme poverty,” she says, “and that’s not going to work for us. The neighbourhood needs to be cohesively woven together.”
Wong-Tam’s concerns were echoed by those present. Many were worried about building development, and didn’t want to see neighbourhoods losing their sunlight and sightlines to high-rise buildings, which they claim also compromises the historical character of the surrounding area.
Murray acknowledged this issue, and mentioned that the topic had come up in previous community meetings. “Balancing new development with heritage and identity, and preserving our historical architecture is very important,” he says.
Some action has been taken. City council is currently being asked to initiate a Heritage Conservation District Study, which could help to protect designated buildings.
Residents of Moss Park and the Garden District met with local politicians on April 23 to provide feedback and suggestions for the future of their community.
The meeting, held by city councilor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray, is one of five follow-ups to initial meetings held in May and June of last year to draft a community action plan to engage local residents and stakeholders to develop long-term goals for wards 27 and 28.
“This is a period when a lot of change is happening,” said one community member, “and it’s a critical time to look ahead, and to take part in the planning for the neighbourhood. It’s about community building.”
Poverty and related health and safety issues topped the list of concerns for area residents. David Raycroft, director of housing and homelessness services at Dixon Hall, was present, and expressed his desire to see more support for street people. “We have a shelter located on George St., so my interest is in what happens with the folks in the shelter,” he said.
Councilor Wong-Tam said that action is being taken, but that some neighbourhoods—particularly around George St.—are going to need a lot of work. To start, she has begun pushing rooming house owners to bring their facilities up to code, has asked the local police station for more support in troubled areas, and has met one on one with George St. property owners to see how they can help.
14 new affordable housing units are also being built. It’s a good start, says Wong-Tam, but she believes her ward needs more resources if it wants to tackle poverty head on. “10% of all Section 37 funds in the ward is going back directly into [Toronto Community Housing Corporation] housing,” she says, “but that’s only going to scratch the surface.
“How do we ensure that we build more affordable housing and not less, and how do we not displace people? Pushing poor people out of a neighbourhood is not a solution for me, and I’m not interested in gentrification. I’m interested in empowering neighbourhoods, I’m interested in empowering residents.”
The councilor’s primary concern is that condominium developments, if left unchecked, are going to squeeze out the less fortunate. “If we allow the free market forces to run away with the neighbourhood, what we’re going to have is a very polarized neighbourhood of extreme wealth and extreme poverty,” she says, “and that’s not going to work for us. The neighbourhood needs to be cohesively woven together.”
Wong-Tam’s concerns were echoed by those present. Many were worried about building development, and didn’t want to see neighbourhoods losing their sunlight and sightlines to high-rise buildings, which they claim also compromises the historical character of the surrounding area.
Murray acknowledged this issue, and mentioned that the topic had come up in previous community meetings. “Balancing new development with heritage and identity, and preserving our historical architecture is very important,” he says.
Some action has been taken. City council is currently being asked to initiate a Heritage Conservation District Study, which could help to protect designated buildings.
Source: The Bulletin
Don't forget to come to the Town Hall meeting!
April 30, 2012: Toronto Centre Plan
What: Ward 27 Community Action Plan Meeting
Who: Everyone!
Where: Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor Street West
Who: Everyone!
Where: Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor Street West
When: Monday April 30, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Purpose/Goals of Meeting:
- Outline results of first meeting
- Provide relevant community updates from Glen Murray and Kristyn Wong-Tam
- Through collaborative group exercices, generate more detailed actionable items for the neighbourhood; what specifically do identified priorities look like?
Friday, April 27, 2012
Give a book. Be the Difference
Our goal is to collect 20,000 books to be distributed to the libraries established by the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation and The Children's Breakfast Club. We hope to inspire children and youth who have not had the opportunity to develop a passion for reading.
Please drop off your book donation at ANY police division between May 13 and June 2, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Spring Edition of Regent Park Life
Great information and tips to use whether you live in Regent Park or anywhere else!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Mobile apps supported by 311 Toronto
311 Toronto recently invited application developers to work with the City using the Open311 standard. Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can now report potholes and graffiti to 311 using the supported apps listed below, with the ability to include a photo. Other apps are in discussion/development.
Get an app now! Visit one of these company sites for details on downloading a supported mobile app:
1. Provide accurate address information.
When the map displayed on your mobile device is "zoomed out", sometimes we don't get a specific address. The crews need to know where to go to fix the problem.
Yes, we'll get your picture if you provide it, but it may not be clear. A few words will really help out.
3. Provide a short description of the location in the text of the report.
This is necessary because the applications don't always give us the correct address automatically. The accuracy is based on the limitations of the phone, the quality of the cell signal, etc. Also, it's helpful to include information like:
For more information on Open311 and the collaborative effort to create an open standard for 311 services, visit the Open311 website (source).
Get an app now! Visit one of these company sites for details on downloading a supported mobile app:
| App & company site | Platform * | Service requests |
| SeeClickFixwww.seeclickfix.com/apps BlackBerry users: seeclickfix.com/bb | Android, BlackBerry, iPhone | Pothole, Graffiti |
| TDOT 311www.publicleaf.com/tdot311 | iPhone | Pothole, Graffiti |
The City of Toronto (the City) has reviewed the mobile applications identified in the list set out above (the Applications) exclusively to try to ensure that they are compatible with the City's internal 311 system. However, the City does not endorse the Applications, guarantee that they will meet your requirements, that their use will be uninterrupted, that there will be no delays, failures or errors or omissions or loss of transmitted information resulting from their use, that no viruses or other contaminating or destructive properties will be transmitted by their use or that no damage will occur to your mobile system due to their use. You have sole responsibility for use of the Applications and you use them entirely at your own risk. The City will not be liable to you or to others for any loss, damage or injury of any type caused or contributed to in any way by use of any of the Applications and any problems or damages arising from use of the Applications are a matter exclusively between you and the Application provider. You release and forever discharge the City from all claims arising from use of the Applications. * Platform names are trademarks of the respective vendor. |
In discussion/development:
Tips on how to be a good "311 Mobile Reporter"
Please follow these few simple tips to help us help you:1. Provide accurate address information.
When the map displayed on your mobile device is "zoomed out", sometimes we don't get a specific address. The crews need to know where to go to fix the problem.
For example:
33 Yonge Street: Good
1-50 Yonge Street: Not good – too general
33 Yonge Street: Good
1-50 Yonge Street: Not good – too general
Solution:
"Zoom In" on the location to provide us with the most accurate address possible.
2. Provide a short description of the problem in the report."Zoom In" on the location to provide us with the most accurate address possible.
Yes, we'll get your picture if you provide it, but it may not be clear. A few words will really help out.
3. Provide a short description of the location in the text of the report.
This is necessary because the applications don't always give us the correct address automatically. The accuracy is based on the limitations of the phone, the quality of the cell signal, etc. Also, it's helpful to include information like:
"near the curb"
"20 feet from the corner"
"in front of the gas station"
"20 feet from the corner"
"in front of the gas station"
About the Open311 standard
Open311 is a set of technologies and standards for providing open, two-way communication around city service- and issue-tracking. More specifically, Open311 enables a web-based application programming interface (API) to connect with existing 311 systems. This permits applications to be built that interface directly with the city.For more information on Open311 and the collaborative effort to create an open standard for 311 services, visit the Open311 website (source).
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
UNITED video from CPLC 51 Division's Town Hall Meeting
UNITED - a powerful music video promoting tolerance and peace to young people the world over.#CPLC51DTownHall youtube.com/watch?v=nptzg2…
— CPLC - 51 Division (@CPLC51Division) April 18, 2012
Keep alert and stay safe - Town Hall Meeting
It was one of the messages coming to the residents of 51 Division during an April 18 townhall session at St. Lawrence Hall designed to prevent people from becoming victims of crime.
“There have been street robberies across the division and we want to make people aware of their surroundings so they are less likely to be victimized,” 51 Division unit commander Supt. John Tanouye said, of the thefts that often target young people with electronic devices.
Presentations were also made by the Family Violence Unit, Crime Stoppers and the 51 Division crime analyst. All officers were involved in a panel afterwards open to questions from the 70 residents on hand.
Tanouye said elder abuse and domestic violence was a topic police wanted to address in order to encourage people to report the crimes.
“Some victims of abuse can’t see a way out of their situation,” he said. “We want them to know that the police can assist them in ending their abuse and connecting them with social services and other resources.”
Tanouye said the townhall was a “unified approach” to addressing victimization that allowed the community direct contact with the officers who do the job every day.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Public Safety Alert, ATM tamper devices at hospitals
Broadcast time: 14:49, Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Financial Crimes Unit: 416−808−7300
Financial Crimes Unit: 416−808−7300
On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit held a news conference.
Police would like to make the public aware of ATM skimming devices affixed to ATMs within hospitals.
In the past six months, tamper devices from ATM machines have been seized from the following hospitals:
1) The Scarborough General Hospital
2) North York General Hospital
3) Oakville−Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
4) Lakeridge Health Bowmanville
5) Southlake Health Centre (Newmarket)
6) Toronto East General Hospital
7) Toronto Western Hospital
8) Hospital for Sick Children
Tamper devices are equipped with a secondary card reader and a pinhole camera. Customer PIN and card data are recorded and stored on the devices for the production of counterfeit credit and debits.
This tamper devices are placed on top of legitimate components of the ATM.
Members of the public who use any ATM, at any location, are reminded to always cover your PIN.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−7300, 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.
ID: 23251 1 / 6Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans, Financial Crimes Unit
On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit held a news conference:
Police would like to make the public aware of ATM skimming devices affixed to ATMs within hospitals.
In the past six months, tamper devices from ATM machines have been seized from the following hospitals:
1) The Scarborough General Hospital
2) North York General Hospital
3) Oakville−Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
4) Lakeridge Health Bowmanville
5) Southlake Health Centre (Newmarket)
6) Toronto East General Hospital
7) Toronto Western Hospital
8) Hospital for Sick Children
Tamper devices are equipped with a secondary card reader and a pinhole camera. Customer PIN and card data are recorded and stored on the devices for the production of counterfeit credit and debits.
This tamper devices are placed on top of legitimate components of the ATM.
Members of the public who use any ATM, at any location, are reminded to always cover your PIN.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−7300, 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.
ID: 23251 1 / 6Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans, Financial Crimes Unit
On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit held a news conference:
Thursday, April 12, 2012
TPS offers opportunity for more community input with online polling
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Corporate Planning, 416−808−7770
To expand the opportunities for community input, the Toronto Police Service has included online polling on its website.
Questions will be posted on various policing issues and the results published at the end of the period. Results from previous polls are also available.
A new poll began on Wednesday, April 11, 2012; the survey asks your opinions on gridlock in Toronto – is it getting better or worse and what is the best way to ensure efficient traffic flow during rush hours.
The TPS is encouraging the people of Toronto to visit the “Have Your Say” section on the TPS website, and provide the Service with their opinions.
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Susan Deane for Donald Bevers, Corporate Planning
Corporate Planning, 416−808−7770
To expand the opportunities for community input, the Toronto Police Service has included online polling on its website.
Questions will be posted on various policing issues and the results published at the end of the period. Results from previous polls are also available.
A new poll began on Wednesday, April 11, 2012; the survey asks your opinions on gridlock in Toronto – is it getting better or worse and what is the best way to ensure efficient traffic flow during rush hours.
The TPS is encouraging the people of Toronto to visit the “Have Your Say” section on the TPS website, and provide the Service with their opinions.
Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Susan Deane for Donald Bevers, Corporate Planning
