Public consultation on City of Toronto's response to the 2013 storms and future weather emergencies

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  April 25, 2014                 

Public consultation on City of Toronto's response to the 2013 storms and future weather emergencies

The City of Toronto is looking for public input on the City’s response to the July 2013 flood and the December 2013 ice storm. From May 9 to May 30, residents are invited to tell the City what worked well in their neighbourhoods, what needs improving, and how the City can support its residents in future weather emergencies.

The City has scheduled four public information and consultation sessions at City civic centres and has launched a consultation website at http://www.toronto.ca/weatherprooftoronto.

Each public session will start at 6 p.m. with information and displays about weather and emergency preparedness. At 7 p.m., staff will provide a formal presentation, take questions and hear remarks from the public, and facilitate discussions on the best ways to weatherproof Toronto in the future. Venues are accessible and ASL interpretation will be provided.

• Monday, May 12: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., 6 to 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 13: Toronto City Hall (Rotunda), 100 Queen St. W., 6 to 9 p.m.

• Wednesday, May 14: North York Civic Centre, 5110 Yonge St. 6 to 9 p.m.

• Thursday, May 15: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall 6 to 9 p.m.

All residents, whether they attend the public sessions or not, are encouraged to fill out an online feedback form on the consultation website starting May 9. The website also includes background reports, emergency preparedness resources and further information on how the public can provide input. All public input must be received by May 30.

The City Manager will report back to the City's Executive Committee on July 2 on the outcomes of storm-related reviews undertaken by the City and Toronto Hydro, and this public consultation. Public input will be posted on the consultation website and the City's Open Data website.

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.

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Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8937, wbrown1@toronto.ca