Glen Murray MPP September Newsletter

September Newsletter Greetings from Glen August was a month of festivals, in Toronto Centre, that brought people out to the streets to celebrate our community. Whether it was the Bleeker/Wellesley Activity Network hosting their annual BBQ on August 13, the Regent Park community celebrating the Muhtadi International Drum Festival at Daniels Spectrum on August 16 or owning the block at Block-O-Rama on August 17 - these events showcased the dynamic and vibrant pulse of our greater community. As your representative at Queen's Park, I'm happy to announce some new changes to services that will help individuals and families in Toronto Centre. The government of Ontario is improving access to services for children, youth and families, taking action to protect consumers and help them save money on auto insurance, consulting with families and service providers on how to improve our autism services, and taking steps to address concerns about overcrowding and unlicensed centres. Updates from Queen's Park Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing consultations on land use and municipal development changes The government of Ontario understands the real challenges that face municipalities across the province. Starting this fall, the province will begin consultations on our land use planning system, the role of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and municipal development charges. In so doing, we’re hoping to provide the space to foster better cooperation between municipalities, developers, and community stakeholders. The consultations will be a two part process. The first one will address potential reforms to the land-use planning and decision-making process, including the process for land use appeals at the Ontario Municipal Board. The second will focus on the Development Charges Act and other development-related municipal charges and fees that allow municipalities to create the needed local infrastructure for new development, such as sewage and drainage. What this means for you The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will be reviewed and streamlined in order to make the process more accessible and accountable to the public. Community groups and stakeholders will be invited to share their feedback and help us develop solutions, in-person or electronically. Unlicensed Child Care Review – Ministry of Education On July 19, Honourable Minister Liz Sandals, held a press conference to update the public about the ongoing review of unlicensed child car facilities in Ontario. The Ministry of Education is taking steps to address concerns about overcrowding and unlicensed centres. A review of 448 complaints received between January 1, 2012 and July 12, 2013 had found that of the total, 25 had not been addressed with a site visit. Immediate action has been taken to attend to the remaining complaints, ensuring that all providers are in compliance. What does this mean for you? The province will be establishing a dedicated team to investigate complaints about non-compliant unlicensed providers, respond to public inquiries and supply information to parents about unlicensed providers. This information will be available to the public on a searchable online database. If you have concerns or complaints about any child care provider, please contact your local Child Care Quality Assurance and Licensing Office. 477 Mount Pleasant Road 3rd floor Toronto, Ontario M7A 1G1 Tel.: (416) 325-0652 Fax: (647) 724-0942 / 1-888-996-3886 Email: Childcare_Toronto-Central@ontario.ca Improving Access to Services for Children, Youth and Families in Toronto Centre Through the Partner Facility Renewal program, the province is investing $6.5 million to help maintain and improve more than 150 sites at 100 community agencies. It will help us better serve children, youth and families. I’m happy to announce that local agencies in Toronto Centre have been granted the necessary funds to do repairs, renovations or other enhancements. This funding will improve the infrastructure of organizations that support children, youth and their families, while strengthening the local economy. What does this mean for you? These investments will allow non-profit agencies in our community to maintain their facilities and ensure programs are delivered effectively. The following agencies are receiving funds: Operation Springboard Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Turning Point Youth Services The Hincks-Dellcrest Treatment Centre – Growing Together The Massey Centre for Women Autism Services – Family Consultations Over the next few months, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services will be engaging with families of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, other experts and service providers to find ways to improve our autism services. The provincial roundtable will take place on October 9th, 2013 for Toronto. Information provided by families will contribute to the development of solutions for addressing barriers to early identification and improving the family experience with autism services. Auto Insurance Reduction Ontario continues to take action to protect consumers and help them save money on auto insurance. We have a cost-and-rate reduction strategy that will reduce auto premiums for Ontario drivers. Our plan includes: continuing to crack down on fraud, ensuring all regions of Ontario benefit fairly from cost savings, requiring insurers to offer discounts for consumers with safe driving, exploring other cost reductions initiatives including provincial oversight of the towing industry, addressing collision repair practices. What does this mean for you? Drivers can expect to see their first reduction within the first year at a target rate of 8% and the full 15 percent within the second year. Upcoming Events Community Movie Night: Brave Date: September 6, 2013 at 8pm Location: Outside Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne Street) Details: Bring a blanket or chair! Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts Date: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament St. from Wellesley South to Gerrard St. East & Carlton St. from Parliament West to Berkeley St. Details: In its 37th year the Cabbagetown Festival is the longest running festival in Toronto. Organized by the Cabbagetown BIA, this festival offers walking tours, crafts sale, fine dinning, and local entertainment. It has something for everyone, be sure to check it out! Bang & Olufsen Yorkville 5K Run Date: September 8, 2013 Location: Village of Yorkville Park, Cumberland Street at Belair. Details: Lace up and support a great cause at the Yorkville 5k run. Now in its third year, this race attracts thousands of participants to raise funds for the YWCA’s shelters across the GTA. Come and support the work of YWCA Toronto in improving the lives of women and girls in our communities. Ontario Street Party! Date: September 15, 2013 Location: Central Neighbourhood House, 349 Ontario Street (between Gerard and Dundas). Details: Come celebrate the spirit of Cabbagetown at a neighbourhood BBQ organized the Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association. Should your neighbourhood be a Heritage Conservation District? The Cabbagetown South Residents’ Association is conducting a survey to seek local support for designating the area of Carlton to Shutter, Parliament to Sherbourne as a Heritage Conservation District. (see: Cabbagetown Heritage Advisory Committee)