This 26th edition of the City Update e-newsletter
features the latest news on City services, innovations and accomplishments at
the City of Toronto - Canada's largest city and sixth largest government. If
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City
Update
Volume 8, Issue 1
The
City of Toronto's e-newsletter City Update focuses on the latest services,
innovations and accomplishments in Canada's largest city and sixth largest
government. This e-newsletter is for the public, stakeholders, media, City
Council and staff.
Inside this issue:
Toronto at your service
City taking steps to reduce traffic
congestion
City
Council has approved a five-year congestion management plan aimed at
improving traffic congestion on Toronto streets. Recent studies
show that congestion costs Toronto commuters several billion dollars annually
in travel delays, vehicle operating costs and accidents. Among the key
elements of the congestion management plan are upgrading traffic signal
management software, the co-ordination of about 1,000 traffic signals, the
installation of 100 traffic cameras, and the addition of 13 variable-message
signs along the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway. These changes
will allow the City to better respond to changes in traffic conditions,
provide motorists with updated information, and improve traffic efficiency.
Bendy buses on Bathurst and Dufferin
The
TTC is modernizing its bus fleet and enhancing the customer experience with
the introduction of articulated
buses. At over 18 metres long, the bendy buses started hitting the road
on the 7 Bathurst route late last year, and more recently on the 29 Dufferin
route. These accessible, clean-diesel vehicles are slated for service on the
36 Finch West, 6 Bay, 63 Ossington, 85 Sheppard East and 53 Steeles West routes
by the end of the year. The buses carry 45 per cent more riders than the
TTC’s regular 40-foot buses, and with three doors, they provide quicker
loading and unloading times. All 153 bendy buses are scheduled to be in
service by the beginning of 2015.
New infrastructure projects on City's
website
The
website of the Major Capital Infrastructure Coordination Office has been
expanded to show the location and type of infrastructure that is planned for
construction in 2014 and 2015. New water, sewer, transit and
transportation projects are illustrated, as well as work that will be
performed by utility companies, other City divisions and external agencies.
The MCIC website
also provides a new tool that generates a printable list of infrastructure
projects in each ward. The City has another website, www.toronto.ca/torontostreets,
which contains details on emergency and short-term closures as well as
special events.
Office of Emergency Management ready to
respond
The
recent ice storm highlighted the importance of being prepared for an
emergency. The City's Office
of Emergency Management is prepared to assist Toronto during an emergency
but residents also have a role to play. Residents can be emergency-ready by
preparing an emergency kit, keeping cell phone batteries charged, knowing the
locations of all electrical panels, water and gas shutoff valves in the
house, and keeping flashlights where you can find them in the dark. During an
emergency, residents can keep updated by following the City on Twitter
@TorontoComms.
City offers tips to prevent basement
flooding
With
April showers around the corner, now is the time to flood-proof your home and
basement. Start by clearing eavestroughs and downspouts of debris; disconnect
your downspouts that empty into the City's sewer system (it's mandatory,
where feasible); fix cracks in windows or your foundation; install a
backwater valve and sump pump, and landscape so the ground is sloping away
from your home. More tips and information about what the City is doing to
help prevent basement flooding is available on the City's website.
 Chris Brillinger, Executive Director, Social
Development, Finance and Administration speaking at an Open Dialogue session.
(Photo courtesy of Ranjit Bhaskar, Maytree)
Newcomer Office can help with settlement,
integration
The
Toronto Newcomer Office facilitates the implementation of the City's Newcomer Strategy, adopted by Council in 2013. Staff work
with other City divisions, provincial and federal departments, community
agencies and Toronto residents to make positive changes to newcomer lives and
advance their successful settlement and integration. In January, staff from
the Newcomer's Office organized two Open Dialogue sessions to discuss
permanent resident voting rights and newcomer access to City services. They
also worked with community partners to run information sessions about City
grants and funding.
 Local residents at Grade 8 graduation ceremony
Transition program gives academic lift to
Malvern students
Grade
8 students in the Malvern neighbourhood will have an opportunity to progress
academically this summer by attending a free program planned for the
University of Toronto Scarborough campus. The program is a City initiative in
collaboration with the Malvern Neighbourhood Action Partnership and community
partners. The six-week program begins on July 2 and is targeted to students
who are not working to their academic potential due to their socio-economic
circumstances. The program includes intensive math and literacy learning, in
addition to career, leadership and employment readiness skills, and exposure
to post secondary education options. For more information, contact Claudia
Coore at 416-392-6248 or Leolyn Hendricks at 416-491-5050 extension 44755.
Fraud and Waste numbers reported
The
City's Fraud and Waste Hotline, operated by the Auditor
General's office, was set up as a practical tool for employees and the public
to report complaints concerning fraud, waste or wrongdoing
that impact City resources. The Auditor General issues an annual report
to Council through the Audit Committee on the activity of the City's Fraud
and Waste Hotline program. The report includes details about the program's operation,
statistics and highlights of substantiated complaints. In 2013, about 1,000
allegations were received.
Planning report looks at priorities and
accomplishments
City
Planning has released its first-ever annual report highlighting major accomplishments for
2013. These include city-building initiatives such as "Feeling
Congested?", The Tall Building Guidelines, Eglinton Connects and the
Harmonized Zoning By-Law, as well as Divisional initiatives, such as the new
Strategic Plan. The report also looks ahead to identify priorities for 2014,
including the creation of new Heritage Conservation Districts, advancing
mid-rise development, planning for new transit infrastructure, and advancing
the Development Permit System and the ongoing Official Plan Review process.
EMS Safe City Program saves lives
Toronto
Emergency Medical Services' Safe City Program places and maintains more than 1,400
Automatic External Defibrillators (AED's) in public buildings including TTC
stations, police stations, recreation centres and pools. Seconds count when a
heart stops beating. Bystanders who see someone in cardiac arrest,
unconscious and not breathing can help paramedics save a life by providing
cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a shock, if needed, from a public
access defibrillator. In 2013 the Safe City Program contributed to saving the
lives of 11 people.
Changes to the Smoke-Free Bylaw
Toronto
City Council approved changes to the Smoke-Free
Bylaw in December. The new restrictions in Toronto's bylaw increase the
areas where smoking is banned. It is now against the law to smoke within nine
metres of an entrance or exit of any building that is used by the public.
Toronto has a history of enacting bylaws that protect residents from the
harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Smoke-free bylaws also help smokers
reduce and quit smoking altogether. For information and support to quit
smoking visit Live Tobacco-Free.
Economy
and infrastructure
City of Toronto's 2014 budget
Council
on January 30 approved the 2014 Budget for the City of Toronto. The 2014 Tax
Supported Operating Budget is $9.6 billion and the 10-year Capital Budget and
Plan for investment in the City's future capital needs/priorities totals
$18.6 billion. The Operating Budget includes a 2.71 per cent property tax
increase for residential properties. The 2.71 per cent residential properties
tax increase translates into an increase of $68.59 for the average
residential property assessed at $499,521, which will pay $2,598 in municipal
taxes in 2014. The total average increase for non-residential properties,
which includes multi-residential apartments, is 0.30 per cent.
Solid Waste and Water budgets for 2014
In
December, City Council approved the 2014 budgets and rates for Solid Waste Management Services and
Toronto Water. The Solid Waste Management Services operating budget is
$354.2 million and the capital budget is $96.5 million. This includes an
increase of 3 per cent to the volume-based rates in order to maintain and
enhance assets and waste diversion programs. City Council also voted to
suspend the collection of solid waste user fees for 2014 from non-residential
customers including charities and not-for-profit organizations. In 2014
Toronto Water has an operating budget of $403.2 million and capital budget of
$613.3 million. The budget also includes a 9 per cent water rate increase. The
total cost for all Toronto Water services – drinking water, wastewater
treatment and stormwater management – for an average Toronto household is
$2.43 per day.
Working together to recover from the storm
Although
the 2013 ice storm created multiple challenges for everyone,
it was an opportunity for City staff to work together for the greater good.
First task was the round-the-clock work performed by the City and Toronto
Hydro, the Province of Ontario, Ontario Hydro and other municipalities' hydro
and forestry crews to remove fallen branches from power lines and restore
power to the city. Transportation crews then focused on clearing debris from
blocked streets and removing hazards from roads and sidewalks. In early
January, Solid Waste Management Services took the lead to co-ordinate ground
wood debris cleanup efforts involving crews from Parks, Forestry and
Recreation (PFR), Transportation Services, Toronto Water and external
contractors. Forestry staff continue to resolve tree hazards and assess the
damage to Toronto's tree canopy. Residents can help rebuild Toronto's damaged
tree canopy by donating to the Recover
the Canopy project.
City plan reduces lead in drinking water
Older
water pipes and some household fixtures are made of lead, a soft metal that
can negatively affect health. The City has a strategy to reduce lead in drinking water that includes lead pipe
replacement and a faucet filter program. In 2014, the City is also
implementing Corrosion Control, a provincially-mandated program supported by
Toronto Public Health that involves adding a small amount of phosphate to
prevent lead from entering the drinking water.
Green
initiatives
Community Environment Days start in April
This
year, the City will hold 44 Community Environment Days (one per ward) from the first
weekend in April to the last weekend of July. At each Community Environment
Day event, residents can donate many types of household items for reuse (arts
and craft supplies, used clothes and household items that are in good
condition). They can also drop off electronics for recycling and household
hazardous waste (batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, propane cylinders and
tanks) for safe disposal. A list of accepted items and the 2014 schedule is
available on the City's website.
Live Green Toronto grant applications due
April 7
Since
2008, Live Green Toronto grants have been helping to fund
community-inspired projects that green our neighbourhoods, reduce emissions
and help us adapt to changes in our climate. Grants of up to $25,000 are
available to Toronto-based not-for-profit groups and organizations such as
resident associations, community groups and parent councils. Projects
eligible for funding include the naturalization of school grounds, the
creation of community gardens and park improvements. The deadline to submit a
letter of interest is April 7.
Eco-Roof Grants extended to residential
buildings
Since
2009, the City's Eco-Roof Incentive program has helped fund the
installation of more than 100 green and cool roofs on industrial, commercial
and institutional buildings. In 2013, residential buildings also became
eligible for funding. Green roofs and cool roofs (light-coloured roofs that
reflect the sun's rays) help reduce energy costs and emissions, and help cool
our air. Incentives available include green roofs up to $75/m2 to
a maximum of $100,000; and cool roofs up to $5/m2 to a maximum of
$50,000.
Planning to improve your home's energy
efficiency? HELP is here
The
City has launched a new pilot program called HELP – Home Energy Loan
Program. If you live in certain areas of the city, you are eligible to
apply now. Through HELP, the City provides low interest loans to qualifying
homeowners who are interested in improving the energy and water efficiency of
their home. Homeowners receive the funding required to complete the
improvements and then repay the City over time through instalments on their
property tax bill. To learn more about HELP, visit the Live Green
Toronto website.
Financing for energy and water improvements
in apartments
The
Tower Renewal Office has launched the High-rise Retrofit Improvement Support
(Hi-RIS) program. Hi-RIS makes financing available for energy and water
improvements in apartment buildings in Toronto and helps property owners to
control costs and improve building conditions. The program has a $10 million
fund available over the three year pilot project. Financing is available at
competitive rates with terms ranging from five to 20 years. To learn more
about the program and how to apply, visit the City's website or contact tower@toronto.ca.
Awards
and recognition
Enter and vote in the Live Green Toronto
Awards
The
City's 2014 Live
Green Toronto Awards are now open for entries and voting. The Awards
recognize the people, groups and businesses that are helping to green our
city. Entrants are required to submit a short video and tell their green
story in 500 words or less, and the public can vote for their favourites
online. Winners will receive $2,500 courtesy of award sponsors and a chance
to share their story on CP24. The deadline to enter and vote is April 28. Winners
will be announced on May 20.
 Rob Meikle, Chief Information Officer, City of Toronto
City wins awards at Government Technology
Exhibition and Conference
he
City won two awards and an honourable mention for Information Management and
Technology in the public sector at the Distinction Awards Gala held by the
Government Technology Exhibition and Conference (GTEC) in October. Chief Information Officer Rob Meikle was the municipal
recipient of the Leadership for the Next Generation Award. The Employment and Social Services Division won an Award for
Excellence in Public Service Delivery for its City Services Benefit Card
project, and the Social Development, Finance and Administration Division's
Social Policy Analysis and Research unit was also recognized for their
project, Wellbeing Toronto.
Interdivisional work pays off
This
past year, City Planning and other divisions were recognized by three
professional associations for advancing leading-edge policy initiatives with
the following awards:
1. The Eglinton Connects Planning Study received the 2013
Project of the Year (Toronto section) Award from the Institute of
Transportation Engineers.
2. The Official Plan Heritage Policies received the2013 Award of
Excellence for outstanding achievement in heritage planning and policy from
the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.
3. The Tall Buildings: Inviting Change in Downtown Toronto
Studyreceived the2013 Excellence in Planning Award (Research / New Directions
category) from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Green Bin implementation recognized
Solid
Waste Management Services was recently awarded the 2013 Management Innovation
Award from the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for its strategy to
promote Green Bin (organics) implementation in apartments and condominiums.
Solid Waste implemented an education and outreach campaign to increase the
number of buildings participating and improve diversion rates at buildings
already enrolled in the program. A new Customer Service Implementation Team
was created to support the rollout to multi-residential buildings. By the end
of 2013, Solid Waste surpassed its target with close to 3,000 buildings (over
180,000 units) participating in the Green Bin Program.
Out
and about
Explore Toronto's buildings at Doors Open,
May 24-25
The
15th annual Doors
Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf will offer free access to 155
architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings
across the city. This year's theme is Secrets and Spirits… Exploring the
Mysteries Behind the Door. Secret spaces and stories exist all over Toronto
from an underground bowling alley in one downtown church and a secret tomb in
another, to the hidden nooks and crannies at the University of Toronto and
the little-known ghosts that haunt the Historic Distillery District. This year's
event includes walking tours, a speaker series and art exhibits.
Discover Scarborough as a Cultural Hotspot
From
May to October, the Cultural Hotspot project will shine a spotlight on arts,
culture and community in south Scarborough inspiring new ideas about where
culture thrives in Toronto. This City of Toronto and partner-produced
initiative will feature a series of projects that will include art in
storefronts and restaurants, streetscape art, gateway murals, youth
mentorship and employment, local festivals and more. This project will help
locals and visitors to discover Hotspot neighbourhoods and the places within,
to experience arts, culture, heritage and parkland as well as where to get
fantastic food.
New direction for Library services to
school-aged children
In
January, Toronto
Public Library unveiled a new framework for the services it provides to
Toronto’s children ages six to 12 and their families. Based on the
latest research, and building on the programs and services currently offered,
the library’s Middle Childhood Framework provides a blueprint for
supporting the healthy growth and development of school-aged children as they
transition into independent learners. The framework is built around three
core library service pillars: making reading fun, encouraging self-directed,
interest-driven learning, and promoting fun and play as an important part of
a child’s development.
Library launches series of Digital
Innovation Hubs
Toronto
Public Library’s first Digital Innovation Hub officially opened at the Toronto
Reference Library in February and more hubs are planned to open this year at
Fort York and Scarborough Civic Centre branches. These hubs will be flexible
places that house a range of digital technology (including 3D printers) that
will allow people to learn, create and explore in a welcoming environment.
The Hubs are also intended to be collaboration spaces for people to connect
and learn from each other. There will be monthly meet-ups, speaker and
networking events, and free classes on everything from 3D design to computer
programming.
Downton Abbey costumes on display
The
City's Spadina Museum, in partnership with VisionTV/ZoomerMedia, will present
the Canadian premiere of Dressing for Downton: Costumes from Downton Abbey. Twenty
costumes worn by the characters of the award-winning British television
series will be on display until April 13. The exhibition features costumes
and photographs from the series, Downton-themed tours and teas. The tour
takes visitors through the museum's family and servants' spaces and links the
characters and events from the TV show to real Toronto history.
 Portrait of William Peyton
Hubbard, c. 1907, Photograph (courtesy of Heritage Toronto)
Market Gallery profiles Ontario Black
History Society
The
City's Market Gallery is presenting an exhibition on the Ontario
Black History Society (OBHS) through April 19. The exhibit provides an overview
of the society's 35-year history using photographs and historic materials. A
portrait of William Peyton Hubbard is one of the many important historic
persons featured in the exhibit. Hubbard was the City of Toronto's first
Black councillor. He held office from 1894 to 1913, and was Deputy Mayor in
1906 and 1907. The City honours his influence then and now with the annual William
P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations.
So cute! New babies at the Zoo
Spring
has sprung at the Toronto
Zoo, and with it has come many wonderful Zoo babies including a
four-month-old polar bear cub, Humphrey, who can be seen exploring his
outdoor den and maternity area in the Tundra Trek. Other youngsters include
zebra foals, Luke and Leia, and a giraffe named Mstari. There is also a young
gorilla in the African Rainforest Pavilion. Toronto’s favourite giant panda
pair, Er Shun and Da Mao, are also at the Zoo. Their exhibit includes an
Interpretive Centre featuring interactive themes such as Eating Bamboo, Threats to Giant
Pandas and
Saving Giant Pandas.
Get ready for the Toronto Challenge
Start
training now for the Toronto Challenge on Sunday, June 8. Whether you
complete the 5k run, 5k walk or 1k walk, you will be raising funds for
Toronto Long-Term Care Homes & Services residents and for other
non-profit organizations. Support seniors in your community and visit www.toronto.ca/challenge
to register. For 23 years, the Toronto Challenge, presented by
MonsterMortgage.ca, has been bringing together participants from all ages and
abilities to raise funds to improve the quality of life for seniors.
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