Ward 27 News

August 21, 2013 Welcome Letter from Councillor Wong-Tam Council Updates: June and July Highlights A Toronto First: Parklets on Church Street Murals on Church Street Environment Day Ai Weiwei 11 Wellesley Street West Toronto's Record Summer Storm Welcome Dear Constituents, Neighbourhood planning has been top of mind for many this summer. Ward 27 is being improved, celebrated, and activated in preparation for World Pride 2014 and the Pan Am Games 2015. City Council has once again debated significant transit funding priorities and many of you have written to me with your concerns on this matter and others. This summer marks a Toronto first, with the Church-Wellesley Village's launch of parklets. Currently on Church Street from Maitland to Monteith, parklets are expansions of the sidewalk that allow for new patio seating, community activities, as well as general-use public space and seating. With beautiful plantings, these parklets feature the best elements of similar programs in cities such as San Francisco and Halifax. Pop-up music events will be coming to the Village, sponsored by the Pan Am organizing committee on August 17. Also in advance of World Pride 2014, an ambitious mural program is being rolled out on Church Street from McGill to Monteith. Eleven murals featuring incredible gallery-quality artists' work will be in place for this fall. I look forward to sharing the results in upcoming newsletters! After hearing from many of you and receiving shockingly high cost-estimates that overshadowed earlier reports, I voted at City Council to support the previously approved LRT plan for Scarborough. The proposed upgrade to a subway turned out to be neither cheap nor simple. Not only does Ward 27 struggle to meet immediate transit capacity issues of its own at Bloor and Yonge, but the city has capped or cut-back funding from many other departments and programs that are integral. If we are expected to raise most of the money for a billion-plus dollar plan, it must go towards the city's collective transit needs before spending it on one-off wish lists. Residents and business operators of Yorkville are currently engaged in the 'Yorkville: East of Bay' series of workshops. These meetings are bringing together residents, business owners, developers and municipal planning staff to work towards a vision for development that takes a more comprehensive approach to the record levels of new towers that are being proposed.    I've stated before that Ward 27 is undergoing a parks renaissance and the evidence is appearing across our 14 residential neighbourhoods and five business improvement areas.  New parkland improvements and expansions are under consideration and underway from Moore Park to Moss Park. Please check our website www.ward27news.ca for updates and community meetings. Finally, everyone is invited to this year's Community Environment Day which will be held at Allan Gardens on September 15 from 10am-2pm. This is a great chance to meet neighbours in the ward, dispose of electronic waste, get some valuable compost, and enjoy a barbeque lunch. I invite you to read through the articles that follow. Ward 27 is a remarkably diverse and vibrant place to live, work, study and play. My staff and I have been honoured to lead and assist in many of the ongoing community initiatives from Moore Avenue to Queen Street. I remain yours in service, Kristyn Wong-Tam   2. Council Updates: June and July Highlights Toronto City Council meeting of June 11, 12 and 13, 2013        Electoral reform in Toronto        Council adopted several motions on electoral reform in Toronto. The City will ask the Ontario government to amend legislation and allow permanent residents to vote in municipal elections whether or not they are Canadian citizens. The City will also request amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to permit Toronto to use ranked ballots and instant runoff voting in its municipal elections. Managing traffic congestion        Council endorsed taking steps to better manage Toronto's traffic congestion and improve traffic operations across the city. The plan includes improving the co-ordination of traffic signals at about 1,000 intersections on priority routes over the next three years, along with making technological upgrades and other steps for better traffic flow. Seniors and Toronto Community Housing      Council adopted the recommendations of a report documenting the City Ombudsman's recent investigation into Toronto Community Housing's eviction of seniors on the basis of their rent being in arrears. In addition, Council adopted a series of motions aimed at protecting seniors who are living in Toronto Community Housing units and may face eviction because of difficulties paying their rent. University of Toronto athletic field         After a thorough debate, Council affirmed its support for the University of Toronto's Pan Am Field Hockey Centre/Back Campus Fields Project, including the use of artificial turf at that location. Council directed the City Manager to ask the university to create a project liaison and monitoring committee and to conduct a formal impact assessment after 10 years. Angel Cradles program     Council directed staff to work with provincial health officials to create an Angel Cradles program in a Toronto hospital for the acceptance of newborns from mothers who are unable to care for them. The intention is to provide a safe, anonymous and effective alternative for such mothers. Aboriginal employment strategy       Council adopted a motion calling for the preparation of a City strategy to ensure that more Aboriginal people are employed at the City of Toronto and that the increase mirrors the proportional representation of Aboriginal people in Toronto's population. The plan will include consultation with the Aboriginal Affairs Committee. Funding transit and infrastructure           Council adopted a motion to research the use of various kinds of municipal bonds that could be used to reduce the cost of servicing municipal debt and increase a city's ability to build and maintain its infrastructure. Governments in other jurisdictions, including the United States, have reduced interest rates and the cost of carrying municipal debt by implementing various tax breaks or rebates. The City of Toronto will spend $400 million to service its debt in 2013 and the City faces major costs for infrastructure projects. Managing contracts for road resurfacing    Council adopted Audit Committee recommendations aimed at ensuring adequate, effective management of the City's local road resurfacing contracts. Transportation Services is placing emphasis on preventive maintenance to extend the useful life of roads, and last year spent about $30 million on local road resurfacing contracts. Care of animals in Toronto       Council approved amendments to the City of Toronto Municipal Code that will strengthen the provisions for the care and well-being of animals in Toronto and seek to achieve service efficiencies. The amendments resulted from the findings of the Core Service Review, an Auditor General's review and public consultations. Economic impact of Grey Cup game/festival           Council offered congratulations to the Toronto Argonauts and Chris Rudge, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, on winning the 100th Grey Cup last fall and on hosting a successful 2012 Grey Cup Festival. Council also extended congratulations to Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League, on the successful event. The event generated a total of about $133 million in economic activity in Ontario - $95 million of it in Toronto. Toronto City Council meeting of July 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2013       Support for a Scarborough subway       After two days of debate, Council confirmed its support for a Scarborough subway contingent on the provision of new federal funding equal to 50 per cent of net capital costs and a provincial contribution of $1.8 billion. Council specified that no funding outlined in the Metrolinx/City of Toronto master agreement is to be re-allocated from the Sheppard LRT (light rail transit), the Finch LRT or the Eglinton LRT to fund the proposed extension of the Bloor-Danforth line (the Scarborough subway project), and there is to be no reallocation of City revenues from other services to pay for the subway. Council also approved other actions and conditions for the subway project, including a commitment to fund the City's share of the costs by means that include property taxes and development charges. Loss of provincial pooling funds    Council voted unanimously to urge the provincial government to rescind its recent decision to eliminate Toronto Pooling Compensation funding or, at a minimum, to maintain the social housing component of the funding. The province recently announced that $149.4 million in Toronto Pooling Compensation - most of which Toronto uses for social housing expenses - will be phased out starting next year, ending in 2016. The loss of the funding would result in an increase in property taxes and/or a reduction in services for some of the most vulnerable people in Toronto. Water infrastructure and flood damage     Council adopted numerous motions concerning water infrastructure and damage caused by the July 8 rain storm/flooding. Actions to be taken as a result of the motions include, for example, requesting provincial and federal financial assistance to help pay for damage caused by the flooding, considering an increase in City subsidies available to residents for basement flooding protection, and working on ways to finance increased investment in Toronto's water and sewer infrastructure. Fair wages in Toronto     Council amended the Toronto Fair Wage Bylaw to increase the Schedule C wage rates, which include wage rates for workers performing cleaning services for the City and its agencies. All fair wage schedule rates will now be updated every three years by the Fair Wage Office to ensure they remain consistent with prevailing market rates. Child-care funding model for Toronto   Council endorsed principles and evaluation criteria to guide the establishment of a new child-care funding model for Toronto. The model, tied to a new provincial child care-funding framework, is a made-in-Toronto funding model for child-care programs to support Toronto families. The report considered by Council emphasized that at present, provincial allocations do not support the growing demand for fee subsidies in Toronto. Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Am Games showcase      Council endorsed the Host City Showcase Program for the Toronto 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games, with anticipated expenditures of up to about $20 million for 16 showcase initiatives supporting Toronto's role as the official host city. Council also approved the establishment of a reserve fund for major special events, initially as a reserve for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The Games in August 2015 are expected to draw at least 10,000 athletes and officials and up to 250,000 visitors to the Toronto region. Integrity Commissioner's annual report      Council endorsed a recommendation to move from a part-time to a full-time Integrity Commissioner beginning with the next Integrity Commissioner appointment in 2014. The decision came after Toronto's current Integrity Commissioner, Janet Leiper, gave a presentation to Council with highlights of her 2013 annual report. The City of Toronto established the Integrity Commissioner position in 2004 to provide advice/education to members of Council and local boards to assist them in maintaining a high standard of ethical behaviour. Heritage grants for 2013       Council approved the awarding of grants for restoration work on 24 heritage properties in Toronto. The grants, which constitute the Toronto Heritage Grant Program for 2013, range from $3,000 to $40,000. This year’s grant recipients include homeowners, condominiums, places of worship and commercial heritage properties. Implementing Toronto's recreation service plan    Council adopted an implementation plan for the Toronto recreation service plan that was approved at the end of 2012. The recreation service plan aims to increase overall participation in recreation, decrease financial barriers, and improve local and geographic access. The implementation plan, which covers 2013 to 2017, includes 27 actions addressing the service plan as well as initiatives for community engagement in Toronto's delivery of recreational services. St. Lawrence Market North       Council authorized the continuation of architectural design work for the redevelopment of St. Lawrence Market North and directed the City Manager to prepare a plan aimed at increasing revenue to help offset the project's costs. The building initiative is intended to improve the utility of the market complex, which has been hub of economic activity in the area for more than 200 years. Review of EMS and Fire Services     Council approved a series of recommendations aimed at achieving efficiencies while maintaining the quality of the service in Toronto's emergency medical and fire services. The actions approved follow a study that assessed the possible consolidation of the EMS and Fire Services. The independent consultant concluded that merging the two organizations would not yield enough benefits to warrant consolidating fire and paramedic services. Council directed the City Manager to look into other ways of achieving efficiencies in the two emergency service operations. Long-term strategy for waste management     Council adopted terms of reference for the development of a strategy that will guide decision-making on Toronto's waste management for the next 30 to 50 years. Achieving the established target of 70 per cent waste diversion by 2016 would extend the life of the City's Green Lane Landfill until 2036, but there will be a need for disposal capacity beyond that date. The Solid Waste Management Services division will explore long-term options for Toronto's residual waste. Common-sense parking enforcement    Council committed to taking action to make sure the work of Toronto Police parking enforcement staff is mainly focused on helping achieve City priorities such as relieving traffic congestion and keeping traffic moving. The motion under consideration said that certain kinds of parking infractions do not warrant the same level of police enforcement as others. Truck deliveries on busy streets             Council supported a motion asking for a report on strategies to discourage commercial deliveries and truck traffic on busy routes during peak commuting hours to help relieve congestion. City/school boards task force    Council approved establishing a task force made up of City councillors and Toronto school board trustees to identify issues that would benefit from better co-ordination between the City and the school boards and to advise City Council and school trustees on how to achieve better co-ordination. Invasive species threatening Great Lakes      Council agreed to communicate with the federal and provincial environment ministers, urging their co-operation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to identify a preferred solution to the problem of invasive carp and to move forward quickly to implement that solution. The motion says the Asian carp is one of the most serious invasive-species threats ever presented to the Great Lakes and its connecting waterways. Toronto and Austin music alliance   Council endorsed an Austin-Toronto Music City Alliance that will position Toronto as a leading tourist destination for live music and promote Toronto's music industry. The City of Austin, Texas has committed to the partnership with Toronto. Council also adopted a motion for the City of Toronto to take steps to establish a music advisory committee and create a strategic action plan for the City's support of the music industry in Toronto. Council Highlights is an informal summary of decisions made by Toronto City Council. The City Clerk provides the formal documentation at http://www.toronto.ca/council. 3. A Toronto First: Parklets on Church Street   The Church-Wellesley Village BIA, in partnership with Councillor Wong-Tam's Office, the 519 Church Street Community Centre, Toronto Planning Partnership, Carpenters' Union Local 27 and the Home Depot broke ground on July 15th for Toronto's first ever parklet project. This innovative project aims to expand public access to green, natural spaces and to create a more walkable and accessible neighbourhood. 'Parklets' ranging from 5 to 22 meters in length have been installed within existing on-street parking areas along Church Street. The parklets consist of licensed and unlicensed patios buffered by green spaces which help to integrate the installations into the surrounding street. The project is part of a broader neighbourhood plan to be released in September 2013 in preparation for World Pride 2014 and the Pan Am/Para Pan Am Games in 2015, and will help gauge the type of public realm improvements that the community wants and will use. The Village parklets will also serve as a model for future Toronto-wide installations. Go check out the up-and-running parklets yourself as you take in the vibrant street life of our Village community. For more information, please visit www.ProudoftheVillage.ca.   4. Murals on Church Street In June 2014, Toronto will play host to World Pride and to hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the country and around the globe. As the historical home to Toronto's LGBT2IQ community, The Church-Wellesley Village will be a central hub for visitors and for World Pride events. StreetARToronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Tourism Toronto, Dulux Paints, The Home Depot, the Church-Wellesley Village BIA, and The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives have partnered together with Councillor Wong-Tam's Office to celebrate this rich history and invigorate the streetscape of the Village in preparation for World Pride through the Church Street Mural Project. The project will celebrate and re-affirm Village identity through a series of 11 publically accessible murals. Thirteen professional, gallery quality artists have been selected from a group of over 50 applicants to bring the history, culture and community stories of the neighbourhood to life for visitors and long-time residents alike. This project will make The Village home to one of the largest open-air galleries and will remain for years to come once World Pride is over. Painting for The Church Street Mural Project has already begun and will be completed by November 1st, 2013. A website for this project is live at www.churchstreetmurals.com. Councillor Wong-Tam will hold a community meeting on April 23 with area residents and stakeholders to discuss the future of Jarvis Street at Jarvis Collegiate Institute. The meeting will start at 6:30 pm. In 2009, work on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for Jarvis was halted, stopping the development of a plan to recognize the street's historic and cultural significance through a comprehensive streetscaping strategy. Though Jarvis was the home to nearly all of Toronto's early residents and prominent families, much of that history has been lost with new development pressures and neglect by the city. Councillor Wong-Tam hopes a new streetscaping strategy can be formulated that accounts for the rich history and present cultural significance of the street – helping to make it a more livable and enjoyable street for the community and the city at large.   5. Environment Day Sunday, September 15, 2013 is the annual Environment Day in Ward 27. Join Councillor Wong-Tam and neighbours at our exciting new location: Allan Gardens! Environment Day events will be set up at the south-west corner of Sherbourne Street and Carlton Street. Visit between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to get your free compost, garbage and compost bins, sustainable shower heads, and much more! Also on September 14, the 51 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) is hosting a BBQ, sponsored by Great Gulf Homes at Allan Gardens from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. When: Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Allan Gardens (at the corner of Sherbourne Street and Carleton Street) If you can make it, make a stop at Allan Gardens in September for the Ward 27 Environment Day! 6. Ai Weiwei On June 18, the reflecting pool in Nathan Phillips Square was transformed into an art installation, as the City of Toronto, in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario unveiled Circle of Heads/Zodiac Animals, by internationally renowned artist and Chinese dissident, Ai Weiwei. The installation is just a taste of what's to come, as later this summer, the AGO will be the only Canadian stop of According to What?,  Ai Weiwei's travelling exhibition, currently at the Smithsonian. I was pleased and honoured to act as master of ceremonies at the unveiling ceremony.  I encourage everyone to visit Nathan Phillips Sqaure and enjoy for free, the work of one of the most vibrant and important contemporary artists in the world.    7. 11 Wellesley Street West The 2.1 acre site was slated in the 1980's to become home to Toronto's new ballet and opera companies. Those plans were subsequently cancelled by the provincial government in 1991 and the lands then sat dormant for over twenty years. In early 2011, Councillor Wong-Tam began working with local residents' associations urging the provincial government to partner with the City of Toronto to turn the property into a much needed public park. After submitting multiple petitions, painting murals and slogans on the construction hoarding boards, passing council motions, writing letters to the Premier and Ministers and even marching onto the Ontario Legislative Assembly – the two year long community campaign ended when the provincial government sold the land to prominent condominium developer Lanterra for $65M. A price so steep - that the City of Toronto and local community could not afford to compete on their own. On June 19, we held our first official public meeting for 11 Wellesley Street West with the Lanterra Developments, local residents, parkland advocates and City planning staff.  Instead of presenting the two tower application (54 and 45 storeys) that was officially submitted to City Planning, Lanterra Development revised their development at the urging of Councillor Wong-Tam.  Lanterra presented their new vision for a very large one-tower proposal that would also provide for over one acre of parkland. Although Councillor Wong-Tam would have preferred to secure the entire site for parkland from the province, she is nevertheless pleased to have the opportunity to work with Lanterra on their evolving application. She remains committed to achieving the best possible outcome for the neighbourhood. This includes responsible and sustainable development with the ambitious expansion of green public space. Councillor Wong-Tam will be working with the Planning Department, Parks and Recreation, as well as Lanterra, to convene future public consultations on park design and implementation, as the development application continues to be reviewed through the planning process. If you would like to be a part of future discussions on green space design at 11 Wellesley and have not already communicated your interest, please send an email to councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca. 8. Toronto's Record Summer Storm On July 8, Toronto was hit by a major weather event. The storm that evening dropped a record 120mm of rain in just over an hour and left 70,000 without power. While Ward 27 was spared disruptions of that scale, many constituents were left stranded where they were at the time of the storm and others experienced property damage. Residents' quick action and reporting of damages significantly assisted in the clean-up operations of the City and identified immediate needs along Ward 27's ravines and trails. If you are aware of outstanding damages that have not been fixed, please contact the City by either calling 3-1-1 or emailing 311@toronto.ca. Copyright © 2012, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Toronto City Hall 100 Queen St. West 2nd Floor, Suite A5 Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2  Councillor_Wongtam@toronto.ca

The 4th Annual ESP 3-on-3 Basketball tournament

Not only our youth will spend the day on the court, but the whole family will enjoy the evening with a great concert (Chris Hercules Jazz Poet & Band) and an outdoor movie (Space Jam). Schedule of the day: 11am: tournament starts 8pm: concert + picnic (bring food to share with neighbors, friends & family) 9pm: movie night Location: The whole event, including the concert and movie night, will take place at and around the basketball court. Meet us at The Esplanade & Berkeley Street. Volunteers: If you would like to be involved in the organization of the event: let us know - we need help! Very much looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday! http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001y2sk8oDBK4zO5OESwhuY3SyYSTsYv1KUalVOnq4JhjKL3BmlsNFlrc0T22xnX-mvz_s7Qbz5NZ_IJeRBNaUVNQ3YiCXqWP4X9VIJMQR0Kz1EiVhclTS5KNIp7EVDcgnT

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Security camera of image of man released

Toronto Police Service News Release

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Security camera of image of man released

Friday, August 16, 2013 - 4:11 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Monday, June 24, 2013, a woman attended the Kennedy subway station

- the woman sat down and a man sat down beside her

- the man sexually assaulted the woman

- the man left at the Yonge/Bloor subway station and fled the area

The man is described as brown, 20-30, 5'8"-5'9", medium build with black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, dark pants and dark shoes. He was carrying a dark knapsack.

Anyone with information is asked 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.

A sexual assault is defined by the Criminal Code of Canada as any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes Unit website.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Bertrand Barretto, 51 Division

News Releases

Above: Security camera image of man wanted in sexual assault investigation

Aug 16, 2013, 04:11 pm
Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted,
Security camera of image of man released

51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Monday, June 24, 2013, a woman attended the Kennedy subway station

- the woman sat down and a man sat down beside her

- the man sexually assaulted the woman

- the man left at the Yonge/Bloor subway station and fled the area

The man is described as brown, 20-30, 5'8"-5'9", medium build with black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, dark pants and dark shoes. He was carrying a dark knapsack.

Anyone with information is asked 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.

A sexual assault is defined by the Criminal Code of Canada as any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes Unit website.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Bertrand Barretto, 51 Division

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Gerrard Street East Area

Toronto Police Service News Release

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Gerrard Street East Area

Friday, August 16, 2013 - 4:10 PM
Sex Crimes Unit:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., a woman was walking in the area bounded by Gerrard Street East, Bay Street, Dundas Street East and Jarvis Street

- the woman was approached by the man and he pushed her into an alcove

- the man sexually assaulted the woman

- after a struggle, the woman was able to break free

The man is described as white, 50-60, 5'10"- 6', 185-190 lbs., round head shaved but with a couple of days growth of red/brown/grey hair, patchy short facial hair, light-coloured eyes, noticeably lined/furrowed brow, ruddy skin on cheeks, nose and chin, big stomach and skinny legs. He was last seen wearing khaki grey/brown shorts, navy blue/black crew-neck T-shirt and black flip flops.

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.

A sexual assault is defined by the Criminal Code of Canada as any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Marilyn White, Sex Crimes Unit

Community Movie Nights: August 29 and September 6

Free Workshops with Jamii Esplanade

Bonjour,

 You have been following Jamii for a few years now; you watched a movie in the park with your family, came to a dance/theatre performance with a friend, participated in one of our projects, or volunteered with us.

 Thank you: Jamii's success is measured by community engagement in our programming. 

 This is only the beginning: we have three projects we'd like you and/or your child/friend to take part in.

 CATWALKERS:

A few months ago, we sent a call for women to join us in the creation of a "fashion line". Five fantastic Esplanadians have since been working at elaborating very creative "outfits". On the night of Nuit Blanche (Oct 5th), we are wearing their creations during a catwalk show on The Esplanade. As you guess, it's nowhere close to a traditional catwalk show... and we need as many models as possible, especially families (yes: dad, mum, kid #1, kid #2 and kid #3!!). Open to all. Contact us as soon as possible: info@jamiiesplanade.org

  PHOTO PROJECT: 

Are you between the ages of 12-16 years old? Are you interested in capturing precious moments through the art of photography?

Take part in our photography workshops starting this Thursday, Aug 15th! You will learn the basics of documentary photography and take action and candid shots at the ESP Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Saturday, August 24th.

 POETRY ON MUSIC:

If you are between 12 and 16 years-old and interested in expressive writing, this is for you.

On Tuesday, Aug 19th, during a workshop, Chris Hercules will guide you to write a poem and put it to music. On Saturday, Aug 24th, you will be invited on stage to perform it in the park in front of an audience! Professional musicians will accompany your words.

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND 

and DO NOT REQUIRE SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE.

These three projects will only be successful if you're part of it. Contact us for more information: info@jamiiesplanade.org.

We thank you in advance for passing on the word to whoever you think might be interested.

Isorine

Executive & Programming Director

www.jamiiesplanade.org

Police request assistance with personal injury collision, Lower Jarvis Street, at The Esplanade

Toronto Police Service News Release

Police request assistance with personal injury collision, Lower Jarvis Street, at The Esplanade

Monday, August 12, 2013 - 12:27 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Friday, August 8, 2013, at 9:48 a.m., police responded to a call for a personal injury collision on Lower Jarvis Street, at The Esplanade.

It is reported that:

- an 86-year-old woman was crossing The Esplanade on the west side of Lower Jarvis Street

- a 48-year-old man was driving a 2003 Ford F650 eastbound on The Esplanade, turning south onto Lower Jarvis Street

- the 86-year-old woman was struck by the truck

She was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, 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 Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

There are no files attached to this release. 

City asks residents to help keep streets safe by reporting vegetation growth near stop signs, traffic signals

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

News Release:  August 7, 2013

City asks residents to help keep streets safe by reporting vegetation growth near stop signs, traffic signals

The City of Toronto is asking residents to contact 311 to report locations where summer vegetation growth is obstructing traffic signals and stop signs.

Callers should be able to provide the precise location of the vegetation that needs to be cleared such as nearest cross streets, closest street address and/or other relevant details so staff can be dispatched to clear the obstruction.

"To protect public safety, we are asking residents to act as our eyes on the street to help us identify and address situations that are potentially unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Staff from Transportation Services and Parks, Forestry and Recreation routinely perform proactive maintenance, but the large volume of rainfall has led to more vegetation growth than usual.

"Toronto has a healthy urban forest and we have to manage the impact of the large volume of rain we've had this year," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "This summer our trees and plants are seeing tremendous growth, so we may need to do some pruning to keep things safe for those travelling within the City."

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Steve Johnston, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

Police play mas

For the first time ever, the Toronto Police had a visible and competitive presence in the annual Caribbean Carnival parade.

The Service was part of Jamaal Magloire’s Toronto Revellers, which finished third in the large band category in the 46th annual parade showcasing the Caribbean’s contribution to Canada’s rich multicultural mosaic in a kaleidoscope of colour and glittering images.

“I have been attending the parade for over 20 years, but this was by far the best experience for me,” said Sgt. Rod Chung, who was on the float in his uniform.

“It was the first time I was on a float and to actually feel the vibes while being surrounded by thousands of people was an experience I will never forget. I had so much fun during the nearly 13 hours I spent being part of a fantastic parade.”

Joining Chung in uniform at the parade were Det. Gail Regan; Sgt. Chris Gordon, the DJ on the Service’s float, Diversity in Motion; and Deputy Chief Peter Sloly, who spent nearly five hours with the revellers.

“I have worked the festival for the last 15 years, but this was the first time I was part of a float and also in the staging area where I saw, first-hand, how much effort and detail go into getting people organized and ensuring the costumes fit right,” he said.

“They wear their culture and personal commitment to this festival on their chests.”

Sloly heaped praise on Magloire for the Service’s presence on the float that was attached to one of the top mas’ bands.

“That was a great visual and there was a lot of connection with Jamaal and his amazing contribution to the carnival itself and his willingness to have us almost lead his parade,” Sloly said.

“That was just great context as well as his personal effort to be available to the officers and meet the kids. Jamaal physically established himself with our presence and that gave us a lot of street and carnival credibility in the whole thing.”

Sherene Jattan of the Diversity Management Unit designed 51 costumes for the float.

“She has had a history of designing our float and the costumes,” Sloly said.

“Like all the other people who put their costumes together for their kids or themselves, she has that pride-of-ownership piece going. No matter how hot or noisy it got, she had a permanent smile on her face.”

This is the 22nd year the Service has fielded a float in the parade. The Breakfast Club, with Rick Gosling at the helm, has been the major investor in the float.

Several Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) participants joined Service members, including Donna Scantlebury of Psychological Services, on the parade route.

This is part of my culture and the one day when you could really get out and have fun,” said Toronto-born Scantlebury who also played mas’ in Barbados.

“I enjoy the camaraderie and it’s just a great experience.”

This was the first time that Gordon – a popular DJ –played on a float in uniform.

“It was not difficult for me to do that and play in front of thousands of people, because I have always said that music is one of the tools this organization could make much more use of as an outreach to get to our young people,” said Gordon, who is in his 22nd year with the Service.

“It’s an opportunity for them and the general public to see us in a different light and what better way to do that than in front of almost a million people on Carnival Saturday.”

More photos of this event are available on the Toronto Police Service Facebook page.

Source

City asks residents to help keep streets safe by reporting vegetation growth near stop signs, traffic signals

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

News Release:  August 7, 2013 

City asks residents to help keep streets safe by reporting vegetation growth near stop signs, traffic signals

The City of Toronto is asking residents to contact 311 to report locations where summer vegetation growth is obstructing traffic signals and stop signs. 

Callers should be able to provide the precise location of the vegetation that needs to be cleared such as nearest cross streets, closest street address and/or other relevant details so staff can be dispatched to clear the obstruction.

"To protect public safety, we are asking residents to act as our eyes on the street to help us identify and address situations that are potentially unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Staff from Transportation Services and Parks, Forestry and Recreation routinely perform proactive maintenance, but the large volume of rainfall has led to more vegetation growth than usual.

"Toronto has a healthy urban forest and we have to manage the impact of the large volume of rain we've had this year," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee. "This summer our trees and plants are seeing tremendous growth, so we may need to do some pruning to keep things safe for those travelling within the City."

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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Media contact: Steve Johnston, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

2013 Street Needs Assessment - Preliminary Results

1. The total estimated homeless population in Toronto on April 17, 2013 was 5,219 – relatively stable with the estimate from 2009.

• The 2013 homeless population estimate represents a 1% increase from 2009.

	2006		2009		2013
Location	Count	Share of total	Count	Share of total	Count	Share of total
Outdoors	735	14.8%	362	7.0%	447	8.6%
City-administered shelters	3,649	73.4%	3,990	77.2%	3,970	76.1%
Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters	171	3.4%	306	5.9%	356	6.8%
Health & treatment facilities	275	5.5%	223	4.3%	236	4.5%
Correctional facilities	139	2.8%	288	5.6%	210	4.0%
Total	4,969	100.0%	5,169	100.0%	5,219	100.0%

2. Average length of homelessness is about three years, similar to 2009.

• The average duration of homelessness reported by survey respondents is 3.1 years, however, as shown in the table below, this varies significantly based location.

Location	Duration of homelessness (avg. years)
Outdoors	7.5
City-administered shelters (family)	0.4
City-administered shelters (non-family)	3.1
VAW shelters	0.5
Health & treatment facilities	4.0
Correctional facilities	4.4
Total	3.1

3. The number of homeless individuals sleeping outdoors on April 17 is estimated at 447, a 24% increase from 2009.

• The outdoor population estimate from the 2013 SNA represents a 24% increase from 2009, but is 39.1% below the outdoor population observed in 2006.
• Approximately 39.6% of all respondents (including those sheltered on the night of April 17) indicated that they had spent at least one night sleeping outdoors during the preceding six months. This result (which is comparable to the rates observed in 2006 and 2009) implies that the point-in-time outdoor homeless estimate captures, at most, a quarter of the total number of individuals that experienced outdoor homelessness in Toronto over a six month period. As such, it is reasonable to expect that the actual outdoor population will vary due to periodic and irregular movements between indoor facilities and outdoor sites and, therefore, the variance observed between 2009 and 2013 may be a result of this movement as well longer-term trends. 

4. More than one-third of the outdoor homeless population identifies as Aboriginal, an increase of 18% since 2009.

• 16% of Toronto's total homeless population self-identify as Aboriginal as compared to 15% in 2009.
• As indicated in the table below, the highest rate of Aboriginal self-identification was observed among the outdoor homeless population and correctional facilities.

Location	Identify as Aboriginal	Do not identify as Aboriginal	No answer
Outdoors	33.9%	65.4%	0.8%
City-administered shelters (family)	9.2%	89.8%	1.0%
City-administered shelters (non-family)	14.9%	84.1%	1.0%
VAW shelters	8.7%	86.6%	4.7%
Health & treatment facilities	17.0%	81.0%	2.0%
Correctional facilities	28.6%	71.4%	0.0%
Total	16.0%	82.7%	1.2%

5. 15.6% of the outdoor homeless population claim Canadian military service.

• The rate of military service among the outdoor population is more than twice that observed for the total homeless population (7.2%). This question was not asked in previous SNAs.

6. Nearly 20% of homeless youth identify as a part of the LGBQT community, more than twice the rate for all age groups.(Questions about sexual orientation were not previously asked.)

• 19.3% of homeless youth identify as a part of the LGBQT community compared to 9.5% for the total homeless population.
• The rate of identification with the LGBQT community is higher among the female homeless population (11%) than the male population (7%).

Age	Identify as part of LGBTQ community	Do not identify as part of LGBTQ community	No answer
Under 21	19.3%	79.0%	1.7%
21-30	13.6%	84.5%	1.9%
31-40	8.8%	88.2%	2.9%
41-50	8.9%	89.7%	1.4%
51-60	5.7%	93.4%	0.9%
61-65	4.0%	91.9%	4%
Over 65	5.9%	91.8%	2.4%
Total	9.5%	88.6%	1.9%

7. The share of seniors in the homeless population has more than doubled since 2009.

• 10% of the homeless population is 61 or older, compared to 4.7% in 2009.
• A further indication of the aging trend is the fact that those aged 51 and above represent 29.1% of the homeless population, compared to 19.6% four years ago.

Age	Share of total respondents in 2009	Share of total respondents in 2013
Under 21	8.0%	6.5%
21-30	22.8%	20.1%
31-40	22.1%	20.2%
41-50	27.6%	24.1%
51-60	14.9%	19.1%
61-65	1.9%	5.4%
Over 65	2.8%	4.6%

8. Health care services, particularly acute care services, are the most commonly accessed services by homeless individuals in Toronto.

• Almost half (47.8%) of the homeless population visited a hospital during the six months prior to the 2013 SNA, and more than a quarter (26.1%) indicated they had contact with an ambulance.
• The five most frequently used services by the homeless population are listed in the table below.

Service	Share of respondents who used the service
Hospital/ ER	47.8%
Drop-ins	46.0%
Health clinics	44.9%
ID	39.6%
Food bank/community kitchen	33.9%

9. The vast majority of those who are homeless want permanent housing.

• 93% of those experiencing homelessness indicate a desire to get into permanent housing, an increase from 2009 (88.9%).

	Want permanent housing	Don't want permanent housing	Don't know	No answer
Total	93.0%	5.1%	1.3%	0.6%

10. Almost half of the homeless population is on a waiting list for subsidized housing – but have yet to be housed.

• 48.7% of respondents indicated that they were on a waiting list for housing, an increase from 2009 (45.4%).

	On a waiting list	Not on a waiting list	Don't know	No answer
Total	48.7%	46.3%	4.3%	0.7%

11. According to respondents, the most important supports in finding housing are programs and services that help with housing affordability. (This question was not asked previously.)

• To the question "What is the one most important thing that would help you get housing," 30.1% of respondents indicated "more money from OW (Ontario Works)/ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)," 21.5% indicated "Subsidized housing or a housing allowance," and 15.6% indicated "Help finding an affordable place."

12. Four out of five homeless individuals have lived in Toronto for more than a year. (This question was not asked in previous surveys.)

• 81% of respondents say they have lived in Toronto for more than one year.
• The highest percentage of respondents reporting residence in Toronto for at least a year were those in correctional facilities and among the outdoor population; the highest percentage of respondents reporting less than a year of residence in Toronto were those in City-administered family shelters.

Location	Lived in Toronto > 1 year	Lived in Toronto < 1 year	No answer
Outdoors	89.3%	10.7%	0.0%
City-administered shelters (family)	60.8%	39.2%	0.0%
City-administered shelters (non-family)	81.9%	18.0%	0.1%
VAW shelters	83.2%	16.8%	0.0%
Health & treatment facilities	82.9%	15.8%	1.3%
Correctional facilities	93.0%	7.0%	0.0%
Total	81.0%	18.8%	0.2%

  
Source

Toronto food truck pilot project begins today

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

News Release:  August 1, 2013

Toronto food truck pilot project begins today

Twenty-four food trucks offering a variety of menu options will be stationed at five City of Toronto park sites from August 1 to October 1 as part of a City of Toronto food truck pilot project. The food trucks, selected and scheduled by the Ontario Food Trucks Association, will rotate weekly. Two trucks at a time will be stationed at each of the five city-owned parks: Woodbine Park, Roundhouse Park, Canoe Landing, Sherbourne Commons and Allan Gardens.

"The food truck industry is an emerging one and we understand the public's desire to access these diverse food choices," said Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17 Davenport), Chair of the Licensing and Standards Committee. "We're using this summer to gauge the impact that food trucks have on the existing industry to come up with a balanced approach moving forward."

All food trucks are required to be licensed by Municipal Licensing and Standards and must obtain a permit to operate in a City park. Under existing bylaws, new food trucks are not permitted to operate on the public right of way (streets, boulevards and sidewalks). Operators negotiate with private-property owners for locations. City Council has directed staff to consider expanding permission for food trucks to operate on the public right of way.  

Participating food trucks in the pilot project are Beach Boys Food Truck, Beaver Tails, Bestia, Blue Donkey, Buster's Sea Cove, Caplansky's, Choco Churros, Curbside Bliss Cupcakes, Crossroads Diner, Dobro Jesti, Fidel Gastros, Gourmet B1tches, Gourmet Gringos, Hogtown Smoke, Per Se Mobile, Pretty Sweet Bakery, Smoke's Poutinerie, Stuft Gourmet Sausages Sweet Snow Shave Ice, The Feisty Jack, The Food Dudes, The Rome'n Chariot, Tiny Tom Donuts and Urban Smoke.

More information is available at http://ontariofoodtrucks.com/.

Many stakeholders, including existing street food vendors, brick-and-mortar restaurants, local businesses and the general public have an interest in the future of street food vending.

The Street Food Working Group made up of representatives from the Toronto Street Food Vendors Association, the Ontario Food Trucks Association, the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association, the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas and City staff is working to develop an approach that balances the interests of all stakeholders and encourages a vibrant street food experience.  

In addition to its work on the food truck pilot project, the working group is addressing issues associated with harmonizing the licensing and regulatory framework for street food vending across the city.

The results of this project, along with recommendations related to improving street food vending for food carts and food trucks, will be reported to the Licensing and Standards Committee in advance of the spring 2014 vending season.

Members of the public are invited to fill out a survey about street food vending at http://cityoftoronto.fluidsurveys.com/s/streetfoodsurvey.

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

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

Music in the Park

Please join the SLNA this evening for an evening of "Music in the Park", sponsored by the St. Lawrence Market and the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association.  Our musical guests will be "Hobson's Choice", a chamber jazz quartet.

The concert runs from 7 - 9 p.m. at the gazebo in St. James Park.  The Market will be hosting a free corn roast beforehand starting at 5:30 p.m. so come early so you can enjoy the tastes and sounds of "Music in the Park".

Hope to see you there!