Toronto Ward Boundary Review WEB VERSION

Toronto Ward Boundary Review Round One Report - Now Available The Toronto Ward Boundary Review (TWBR) Round One Report detailing the results of the Civic Engagement and Public Consultation process is now available. The report includes summaries of comments on the current ward alignment from Council members, other stakeholders and those received via an online survey and at twelve public meetings. The Round One report will inform the development of options for a re-aligned ward structure. A report on the options for a new ward structure is expected to be available in July 2015. The Round Two process will provide an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the options and is scheduled for August - October 2015. During this time, you will be invited to comment on the options through an online survey and at another set of 12 public meetings. You will be notified when the survey gets posted and as soon as the public meetings are advertised. There are three ways to download this report: click on the black button below, find it on our website or click on the report cover featured in this message. Questions? Please contact Ms. Beate Bowron, TWBR Project Lead via (416) 365-0816 x251. More Information Visit www.drawthelines.ca for more information about this process. Read past Reports, the Round One Consultation Guide and view Maps of Toronto's current ward boundaries here.   ROUND ONE REPORT - CIVIC ENGAGEMENT + PUBLIC CONSULTATION download here

The Toronto Ward Boundary Review is looking at the size and shape of Toronto's wards. To learn more visit us online at www.drawthelines.ca or send us an email at info@drawthelines.ca.

City of Toronto to provide update on rooming house strategy

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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Media Advisory:  April 15, 2015

City of Toronto to provide update on rooming house strategy

City Housing Advocate Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport) will provide an update on the City of Toronto's multi-pronged rooming house strategy tomorrow. She will be joined by Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina) and staff of the Municipal Licensing and Standards division.

Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: 6 St. Andrew St. – outdoors

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: Gil Hardy, Affordable Housing Office, 416-397-4701, ghardy@toronto.ca

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School Crossing Guard Appreciation Night

Media advisory, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 7 p.m., Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, rotunda, School Crossing Guard Appreciation Night

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - 6:59 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 7 p.m., the School Crossing Guard Long Service Awards will be presented at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, in the rotunda.

Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Mark Saunders, Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Mike Federico and Toronto Police Services Board Chair Alok Mukherjee will be presenting the School Crossing Guard Long Service Awards.

Over 110 school crossing guards will be recognized for their service to the community.

One of the recipients will receive an individual presentation for the "Crossing Guard of the Year" award.

The School Crossing Guard Appreciation Night outlines the important work school crossing guards do every day, assisting children safely across in all sorts of weather.

For further information, please contact Constable Angela Herman at 416-808-1903.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clinton Stibbe, Traffic Services

Clean Toronto Together 20-Minute Makeover event

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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Media Advisory:  April 15, 2015

Clean Toronto Together 20-Minute Makeover event

The City of Toronto will celebrate the Clean Toronto Together 20-Minute Makeover with an event at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday. This year's event will feature Michael "Pinball" Clemons and will be attended by City officials and staff, sponsors and members of the local business community.  

Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 12:30 to 2 p.m. – remarks at 1:15 p.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

The event will include games starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by speaker remarks and then the 20-minute litter cleanup.

More information about Clean Toronto Together activities and events across Toronto from April 17 to 19 is available at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca

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: Rosalynd Rupert, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3379, rrupert@toronto.ca 

Weekend event with road closures in Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  April 14, 2015

Weekend event with road closures in Toronto

One special event in Toronto, the Toronto Yonge Street 10K run, will involve road closures this weekend. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy this event. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.

Festivals and other special events are important to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars annually into Toronto’s economy, and they are enjoyed each year by local residents.

Toronto Yonge Street 10K – Sunday closures Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue and Erskine Avenue will be closed from 6 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 19 to accommodate the formation area for the run.

Along the route for the run, closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Yonge Street between Castlefield Avenue and Richmond Street 

• Richmond Street from Yonge Street to Peter Street 

• Peter Street/Blue Jays Way between Richmond Street and Front Street 

• Westbound Front Street between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street 

• Bathurst Street from Front Street to Fort York Boulevard, and 

• Fort York Boulevard from Bathurst Street to Fleet Street (closure from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

After all runners pass an intersection, that intersection will reopen to traffic in the area. Bayview Avenue and Avenue Road are alternative routes for drivers.

In addition to road closures related to special events, there is a significant amount of road work taking place in the city. People are encouraged to take public transit as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting to their destinations.

Those who need to drive in the general vicinity of special events should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1OaCCpV

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: Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

Time - Toronto over the last 100 years

Time from Kwan on Vimeo.

If you were to stand in one spot in downtown Toronto for the past one hundred years, what would you experience? Journey through the architectural history of Toronto. See familiar landmarks from the first days of photography transform to full-colour modern day. Some things change, some things stay the same.

A simulated time-lapse created with elements from thousands of pictures, each scene starts with a historical photograph from the Toronto Archives.

Selected for the following film festivals: World Wide Short, Mississauga Independent, Strasbourg, Cabbagetown, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Planet in Focus, Moving Image, Naked Frames, and Brantford.

This also received special screenings for the Toronto City Council, Toronto Heritage Awards, and the St. Lawrence Market 205 Anniversary.

Winner of Best Community Film at Cabbagetown Short Film Festival 2009

Funded by BravoFACT

Public Safety Alert, Stolen medication, Bond Street and Queen Street East

Public Safety Alert, Stolen medication, Bond Street and Queen Street East

Monday, April 13, 2015 - 1:31 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a quantity of stolen medication.

On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at approximately 2 a.m., a grey 2007 Hyundai Accent, with Ontario licence plate BWBR606, was stolen from the area of Bond Street and Queen Street East.

The vehicle contained a quantity of medication called Entecavir and Baraclude.

The pills could be harmful if ingested, especially to children. Common adverse effects from Entecavir and Baraclude include headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

Anyone finding the medication is asked not to handle it, but 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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Gherardt Williams, 51 Division

Volunteer Appreciation Night Celebrations

Media advisory, Monday, April 13, 2015, 7 p.m., Toronto Police Service College, 70 Birmingham Street, Volunteer Appreciation Night Celebrations

Monday, April 13, 2015 - 1:24 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0114

This year, the National Volunteer Week celebrations will be held from Sunday, April 12, 2015, to Saturday, April 18, 2015. This is a very special time set aside every year to honour volunteers and the contributions they make as a fundamental part of each community.

The TPS Divisional Policing Support Unit will be hosting this year's Volunteer Appreciation Night on Monday, April 13, 2015, at the Toronto Police Service College, 70 Birmingham Street at 7 p.m.

The Adult and Youth Corps, Victim Service Volunteers, Volunteer Chaplains, and the Service’s Community Consultative Committee members, will all be in attendance at this annual event.

For additional information, please contact Victoria Shaw, Volunteer Coordinator & Consultative Committees Liaison, at 416.808.0114, Divisional Policing Support Unit, or Victoria.shaw @torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Victoria Shaw, Divisional Policing Support Unit

PC Crispin Barnes Awarded Public Hero Award!

THAT'S 51 DIVISION'S VERY OWN PC CRISPIN BARNES!!!

He's always been a hero to us, now everyone knows!
Thanks to CPLC member Deb Crane for nominating him!

IDI GTA in partnership with Police, Fire and Paramedic Services across the GTA (Peel, Durham, York, Toronto) will be holding the annual Public Heroes Awards Ceremony and Dinner. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 9th, 2015, 6:30pm at Oak Ridges Community Centre, 12895 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3G2.

MP Rob Clarke, who served in RCMP for nearly two decades will offer the keynote speech. MP Clarke currently represents the riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, will be presented a lifetime achievement award for exemplary service to the citizens of Toronto and his advancements in community based policing. Town of Richmond Hill is the co-host of the awards ceremony and Mayor Dave Barrow will attend to offer welcome remarks.

A multi-emergency-services honour guard will also be present to recognize the award recipients.

Public Heroes Awards recognize police officers, firefighters and paramedics for outstanding delivery of services in an ethnically and culturally diverse GTA and are selected based on three criteria: “Altruism”, “Dedication” and “Community Involvement”.

This year’s Award Recipients are:

Crispin Barnes - Toronto Police Service
Chris McPhee - Toronto Paramedic Services
Mina Rahravan - York Regional Police
Sarah Salvis - Peel Regional Paramedic Services
Jeff McGrath - York Region Emergency Medical Services
Mandip Bhamber - Peel Regional Police
Shaun Carter - Durham Regional Police Service
Derek McDonald – Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell’s Community Environment Day

Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell’s Community Environment Day
Lower Sherbourne Park (Sherbourne and The Esplanade)

Do your part to create a cleaner, greener, and more liveable Toronto. Bring used or unwanted household items and pick up free compost.

Start Time: 4:00 pm
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015
End Time: 8:00 pm
COT Link: Click here

Products Available – Fees may apply
•Backyard Composter
•Green Bin
•Kitchen Container

Pick up for FREE
•Green Bin and Kitchen Container (with proof of new residency in the last 90 days or in exchange for a damaged bin)
•Leaf Compost (limit of one cubic metre per household)

Drop off for recycling or proper disposal
•Computer Equipment & Peripherals
(e.g., desktops, laptops, hand-held portables, monitors, printing devices, etc.)
•Audio/Visual Equipment & Peripherals
(e.g., telephones, cell phones, pda’s and pagers, cameras, small TVs, radios, receivers, speakers, tuners, equalizers, turntables, projectors, recorders, DVD players and VCRs, etc.)
•Household Hazardous Waste
(e.g., cleaning supplies and solvents, motor oil, paint, batteries, old/unused medication, mercury thermometers/thermostats, pesticides, fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks, etc.)

Items donated to local schools for reuse
•Art supplies (e.g. pencils, markers, crayons, etc.)
•Buttons and keys
•Clipboards, corks and cork boards
•LP records, CDs and cases
•Children’s books
•Costume jewelry including broken/old watches and clocks with hands
•Yarn and dress-up clothing (e.g. costumes, prom dresses, uniforms, etc.)
•35 mm cameras and equipment

Items donated for reuse (please keep separate from others)
•Sporting goods(e.g., skates, hockey equipment, bikes, rackets, etc.)
•Books (excluding school/university curriculum books)
•Eyeglasses, walking aids, hearing aids, etc.
•Small household items (e.g., dishes, ornaments, kitchen utensils, artistic drawings, games, etc.)
•Textiles in good condition (e.g. clothing, linens, etc.)
•Non-perishable foods will be donated to a food bank

Please do not bring: construction waste, garbage, gasoline, wood, cassette and videotapes, commercial/ industrial hazardous waste and scrap metal.

Note: You can recycle plastic shopping bags, foam polystyrene, empty paint and empty aerosol cans in your blue bin.

City of Toronto study looking at planning the Downtown

Toronto's Downtown is in its most active period of residential and employment growth since the 1970s. This growth reflects its success in attracting residents seeking liveable, mixed-use neighbourhoods close to employment opportunities.

TOcore is a City of Toronto study looking at planning the Downtown. How should our Downtown grow in the decades ahead? What infrastructure and services will we need to keep it a great place live, work, learn and play? How can we reinforce Downtown's important economic role while ensuring it remains inclusive?

TOcore will lead to a renewed plan for Downtown. It will also develop strategies to ensure hard and soft infrastructure move in tandem with development:

-        parks and public spaces               -     walking and cycling networks

-        surface transit                             -     community services and facilities

-        water and waste water                -     energy

This event will introduce the study to resident and tenant associations in the Downtown and provide an early opportunity to give us your input.

Details are as follows:    

DATE:   Tuesday, April 21^st, 2015

TIME:    6:30 – 8:30 PM

PLACE:  City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

             Committee Room #2, 2^nd Floor

Parking available underground for a fee.

This venue is wheelchair accessible.

Please send one representative from your association. Please also RSVP by Thursday, April 16^th by emailing George Pantazis, Assistant Planner, gpantaz@toronto.ca, with who will be attending from your association.

Can't attend this event?

Visit www.toronto.ca/tocore for all project materials.

________________________________________________________________________________

TOcore: Planning Toronto's Downtown is a three-year project that is looking at how Toronto's Downtown should continue to grow, ensuring that it has the necessary hard and soft infrastructure to remain a great place to live, work, learn and play.

Book launch of FORTY-ONE Neighbours

Hello Esplanadians!

I would like to invite you and guests to the book launch of FORTY-ONE Neighbours. It would be an honor if you could come to this event, and see how our community came together around this unique project. 

Book launch: Tuesday, April 14th - 6pm -St Lawrence Hall, 157 King St E., Toronto

Fifty-three students/authors from The Esplanade neighbourhood were given the challenge to discover the essence of a resident in each of the forty-one countries/territories participating in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The student-driven narratives inspired accompanying commissioned pictures taken by forty international photographers. The result is one moving book, which both celebrates cultural differences between neighbouring countries and illuminates our common identity: yours to discover on April 14th, 2015, at FORTY-ONE Neighbours' book launch.

RSVP here: http://fortyoneneighbours.eventbrite.ca

It would be an honour if you could join us for the evening. 

Sincerely,

Isorine

FORTY-ONE Neighbours is the product of a common initiative from The Esplanade Neighbourhood. The project is co-produced by Jamii & CORPUS, in partnership with Market Lane Public School, St. Michael's Catholic School, St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA, St Lawrence Market, St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre, Toronto Public Library -St Lawrence Branch, Young People's Theatre, Canada Running Series, Prologue to the Performing Arts, Berkeley Castle, Concert Properties.

FORTY-ONE receives the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Ignite.

Isorine

Executive & Programming Director

www.jamiiesplanade.org

City of Toronto to use traffic data to get Toronto moving

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  April 7, 2015            

City of Toronto to use traffic data to get Toronto moving

The City of Toronto is taking steps toward investing in the power of data to help understand how, where and when people travel and how the City can use this information to better assist the public in moving around Toronto.

"The availability of travel data has improved dramatically over the past few years and is at a point where the City can – and should – be using it to better understand travel patterns, evaluate the City’s investments and monitor performance. With this information, we can get Toronto moving smarter," said Mayor John Tory. "This will be a game changer and will establish Toronto as a leader in running a truly smart city."

"Learning about how we can better use travel data – by all modes – is a huge step forward," said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "We need to be investing in projects that tap into the power of big data. This type of work will serve as a foundation for improving commutes for all Torontonians, whether you travel by transit, bike or car."

Transportation Services is announcing the creation of a Big Data Innovation Team. The team will be spending the first few months developing a strategy for how the City can and should use big travel data to improve travel by all modes. 

The Innovation Team will be building on some of the current big data work of Transportation Services, including:

• partnering with McMaster University to analyze historical travel data on city expressways and streets 

• working with the TTC to closely analyze surface transit data to identify operational improvements to further improve streetcar service 

• releasing a report from the Cycling Unit of Transportation Services evaluating cycling travel patterns based on data collected from its cycling tracking app -- showing the impacts of Cycletracks 

• developing a Big Travel Data strategy for Transportation Services to determine ways to make this type of information available, and 

• vetting products and services that might be useful in assisting the City in better decision making and investments.

The City will be seeking a team lead for this unit who understands both transportation and big data.

The City recently posted a Request for Information (RFI) for vendors that have proven products for monitoring and measuring travel and traffic in the urban environments. Interested vendors will take part in an event on April 14 and 15 to showcase their technology, products and solutions for City staff and show how travel data can be collected and turned into actionable information for improving mobility and managing congestion.

Transportation Services is also working with partners on hosting an open data "hackathon" planned for later this year.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1DGJ2NE

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 contacts: 

Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca Keerthana Kamalavasan, Mayor’s Office, 647-460-7507, keerthana.kamalavasan@toronto.ca

Residents and businesses in the Ryerson area invited to attend Pan Am/Parapan Am Games information sessions

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  April 2, 2015  

Residents and businesses in the Parkdale, Ryerson and Etobicoke areas invited to attend Pan Am/Parapan Am Games information sessions

Toronto residents who live in the Parkdale, Ryerson and Etobicoke communities, as well as local businesses, are invited to attend information sessions to learn more about how their community may be affected by the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games taking place this summer.

The Parkdale sessions will focus on the race routes for marathon, triathlon, cycling and race walk along Lake Ontario; Ryerson on the Ryerson Athletic Centre’s hosting of basketball and wheelchair basketball; and Etobicoke on bowling and BMX competitions, as well as aquatics training at three venues in the area.

These information sessions, which will provide tips, tools and information to help residents and local businesses get around during the Games, will be held at the following times and locations:

Parkdale
Wednesday, April 8
Parkdale Public Library, 1303 Queen St. W.
Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m.

Etobicoke
Monday, April 13
Etobicoke Olympium, 590 Rathburn Rd.
Business session: 3 to 5 p.m.
Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m.

Parkdale
Wednesday, April 15
Parkdale Public Library, 1303 Queen St. W.
Business Session: 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Ryerson
Thursday, April 30
The 519 Church Street Community Centre, 519 Church St.
Business session: 3 to 5 p.m.
Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m.

Note: Space in these sessions is limited; groups are encouraged to send representation.

For more information about these information sessions, or for requests regarding accessibility requirements, residents may email residentinfo@toronto2015.org and businesses may email businessinfo@toronto2015.org.

These information sessions are hosted by the Pan Am Transportation Team (PATT), consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, the Integrated Security Unit (ISU), the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Toronto.

The City of Toronto is proud to host the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games this summer. It will be the largest international sporting event ever hosted in Canada.

Additional detail about the information sessions is available at http://www.toronto.ca/panam2015.

More information about the Games is available at http://www.toronto2015.org/.

This information is also available on the City website at: http://bitly.com/1BUDtoN

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 www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contacts:
Jennifer Robinson, TO2015, 416-957-2105, jennifer.robinson@toronto2015.org Jaclyn Carlisle, Strategic Communications, 416-712-1310, jcarlis@toronto.ca 

City of Toronto consulting with Toronto residents on review of rooming houses

News Release:  April 2, 2015

The City of Toronto is presenting a series of consultation sessions on a Rooming House Review initiative addressing issues related to the conditions and regulation of rooming houses in Toronto. The review is led by the Municipal Licensing & Standards and City Planning divisions in partnership with other City divisions.

The consultation component of the review begins April 9. The goal of the consultation process is to uncover diverse perspectives on rooming houses and begin a constructive conversation about possible solutions for all stakeholders.

The Rooming House Review will identify:
• the issues affecting regulation and enforcement of standards in rooming houses
• opportunities to improve conditions in rooming houses, and
• ways to minimize the impact rooming houses have on surrounding communities.

The following stakeholder groups will be engaged in the process:
• tenants and landlords of rooming houses
• residents and resident groups in communities with rooming houses
• agencies that serve clients looking for affordable housing such as rooming houses, and
• post-secondary school administrators.

Members of the public are invited to engage in the consultation process by attending one of the neighbourhood consultations listed below:
• Thursday, April 9, Parkdale Library (Auditorium), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, April 13, Lilian H. Smith Library (Auditorium), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 14, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (gym), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, April 20, Stephen Leacock Community Centre (Main Hall), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 21, Pan Am Sports Centre (Leadership Room), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 22, North York Central Library (Room 1), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, April 23, Atkinson Building, York University (Harry Crowe Room), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, April 27, L'Amoreaux Community Centre (Studio Room 1), 7 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 28, Elmbank Community Centre (Multi-Purpose Room), 7 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 29, location to be announced
• Thursday, April 30, Wellesley Community Centre (Room A), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 4, Jimmie Simpson Community Centre (Multipurpose Room – Upper Level), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 5, New Horizons Tower (Auditorium), 7 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, May 7, Francis Libermann Catholic High School (cafeteria), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Municipal Licensing & Standards and City Planning expect to report on findings from the consultations at the June meeting of the City's Executive Committee.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/roominghousereview. A survey will be made available on that web page in the days ahead.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1IsrpPp

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: Bruce Hawkins, Strategic Communications, 416-392-3496, bhawkin@toronto.ca

Partial closure of Lower Sherbourne Street until June

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  April 2, 2015

Partial closure of Lower Sherbourne Street until June

The northbound lanes of Lower Sherbourne from Lake Shore Boulevard to Front Street will be closed from April 6 to June 15 for road construction and to make modifications to the intersection of the westbound Gardiner Expressway ramp to Sherbourne Street.

Northbound traffic on Lower Sherbourne Street will be diverted to Parliament Street and Lower Jarvis Street during the construction period. One lane of southbound traffic on Lower Sherbourne Street will be maintained.

Pedestrian access will be provided on the west side of Lower Sherbourne Street when work is taking place on the east side of the road. That will be reversed when work takes place on the west side of the road. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained.

Work on this project will pause during the Pan Am Games, when the site will be cleaned up and all lanes of traffic will be restored. Work will resume following the conclusion of the Games.

More information about TTC route diversions is available at http://www.ttc.ca.

The City's T.O. INview map at http://www.toronto.ca/inview provides information about planned capital construction work taking place across the city.

This work is part of the City's comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy to rehabilitate and upgrade Toronto roads, transit and underground infrastructure for current and future needs.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1GkqqSo

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: Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

City of Toronto announces annual Clean Toronto Together campaign

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  April 2, 2015

City of Toronto announces annual Clean Toronto Together campaign 

The City of Toronto today announced the details of its 2015 Clean Toronto Together campaign. Every year, tens of thousands of Toronto residents, schools, businesses and community groups take part in the spring cleanup to help keep the city clean and green. 

At the same time, City divisions are conducting inter-divisional cleaning activities across Toronto, including removing graffiti vandalism, cleaning up litter and hauling away dead trees and branches from City property.

“We all need to do our part to keep our city clean," said Mayor John Tory. "I encourage all Torontonians to participate in the annual Clean Toronto Together spring cleanup.”

The City will deploy over 300 pieces of equipment to conduct the cleanup, including 60 litter vacuums, 37 sweepers, 13 front-end loaders, 16 dumptrucks, 73 pickup trucks, 20 sidewalk sweepers, a power washer, 62 parks vehicles, 30 forestry vehicles, and several water trucks.

The corporate and school 20-Minute Makeover has returned for 2015. At 2 p.m. on April 17, students and businesses are encouraged to work together for 20 minutes to improve the city by cleaning up litter and recycling around their places of work or schools. 

 

Community Cleanup Days will be held on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at locations across the city. Torontonians are encouraged to gather a group of friends, family or a community group to meet and clean an area in their neighbourhood.

The deadline to register an event is April 13. Registration at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca enables the City to arrange litter pickup and ensure there are no conflicting cleanup events.

"GLAD Canada is the lead partner of the program for the fifth year. We are proud to continue our support for this initiative in Toronto and contribute to making our communities cleaner and greener," said Soula Kioussis, General Manager of Glad Canada. "We believe that by working together, we can all make an impact, even in just 20 minutes."

CP24 returns as the campaign broadcast partner. Other sponsors and partners include the Toronto Star, 680 NEWS, Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza, Park People, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board and Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1F6uW2R

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: Rosalynd Rupert, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3379, rrupert@toronto.ca

City of Toronto's family activities for Easter weekend

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  April 1, 2015  

       

City of Toronto's family activities for Easter weekend

The City of Toronto will offer many fun activities at its recreational facilities and attractions, as well as at City historic sites, during the coming Easter weekend.

Recreation programs, services and permits Regularly scheduled recreation programs and permits at all parks and recreation facilities are cancelled on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday), with the exception of scheduled tournament or league play at indoor arenas. Programs and services will operate as usual on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.

Residents can contact their local community centre or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks for more information about individual facilities.

The following City attractions will be open with activities each day of the Easter long weekend, April 3 to 6.

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm features a variety of farm animals, including some new arrivals: Cotswald lambs, a Nubian kid goat, and 10-week-old Tamworth pigs. Visitors can stroll the grounds, visit the barns and paddocks, and meet the farmer at 11:30 a.m. for a farming demonstration on the lower level of the Francey Barn. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information: http://bit.ly/1FDujmN

Toronto Islands: The Toronto Islands are just minutes away from the downtown core by ferry. The islands are a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy views of the city skyline, offering fun for the whole family. Franklin Children's Garden is open daily: http://bit.ly/1AP32H7. More information: www.toronto.ca/parks/island

High Park Zoo (on Deer Pen Road): The High Park Zoo is home to domestic and exotic animals, including spring babies. Visitors can hand-feed the llamas on weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (April to October). The animal attraction is open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo  

Easter flower shows: Easter flower shows are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory. Both shows feature Easter lilies and numerous varieties of hydrangea, and will be available until April 26. The two conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288.

Easter weekend at Toronto's Historic Sites The City's historic sites will offer events, activities and tours during most of the Easter long weekend – but will be closed on Friday, April 3. Program highlights for selected locations are listed below. Times, admission fees and participant details for activities will vary by location. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events. Easter weekend highlights follow.

Colborne Lodge (High Park, Colborne Lodge Drive): Families can take Easter-themed tours and engage in egg-dyeing activities on April 4 and 5.

Gibson House Museum (5172 Yonge St.): In addition to taking the regular tours of Gibson House, visitors are invited to relax in the historic kitchen on Sunday afternoon (April 5) from 1 to 4:30 p.m., with tea and homemade cookies served.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.): Fort York will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Easter Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy Everything Easter @ Fort York, a day of fun and games, including an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, meeting the Easter Bunny, and egg races. This charitable event supports Ronald McDonald House and the George Brown College Foundation. Details: www.everythingeasterto.com

Guests of all ages can take a guided Fort York tour through original War of 1812 buildings. The new Visitor Centre presents the art exhibition Gertrude Kearns: The Art of Command, Portraits and Posters from Canada's Afghan Mission.

Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.): Families visiting Mackenzie House this weekend can print a seed packet on the vintage printing press and take some seeds home for spring planting.

St. Lawrence Market and the Market Gallery (95 Front St. E.): Families can visit the South St. Lawrence Market's west mezzanine kitchen on Saturday, April 4 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to decorate cupcakes. The Market Gallery at the same location will offer an arts and crafts activity on Saturday.

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W.): In addition to offering its regular tours, Montgomery's Inn will host Easter Tea Time on Sunday, April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring chocolate bunny cookies and other fancy treats.

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.): Families looking for fresh air and exploration can engage in a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including a scavenger hunt, between noon and 5 p.m. on April 4 and 5.

McCowan Log House in Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.): Visitors can take part in a reading circle on Saturday, April 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. to share favourite children's books and stories.

Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens (285 Spadina Rd.): Open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday, Spadina Museum welcomes adults and children to the six-acre estate overlooking the city. Inside the restored house, visitors can see how it looked in the 1920s and '30s, and can take a Meet the Austins tour at 12:15, 1, 1:45, 3:15 or 4 p.m. The Austins were a prominent family whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto in the early 20th century.

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd.): On Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m., families can enjoy an outdoor tour of the beautiful Todmorden Mills property. On the walk, participants will hear the stories of Todmorden and the Don Valley – from the locations' use by First Nations inhabitants many years ago to the establishment of Todmorden Mills as a heritage site in 1967.

City of Toronto administrative offices and service counters will be closed on the April 3 and 6 holidays.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1DtRIW3

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 contacts:

Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca