I would like to begin by thanking each of you for the countless hours of volunteer time you contribute to children and youth across the City. Our recent discussions and email exchanges regarding the newly instituted Sports Field Permit fees have been especially helpful and I am writing to invite you to join me and my colleagues at a Town Hall to continue the discussion and to get your input on a solution that works for everyone.
2011 was the best year since 2002 for Toronto's film, television and commercial production industry, with more than $1.13 billion in direct expenditures contributed to the local economy. Toronto's film, television and digital media sector is essential to Toronto. Beyond employing more than 25,000 people and annually contributing in excess of $1 billion to the city's economy, it adds to the Toronto brand, internationally attracting investment and talent to the city.
A settlement has not been reached between the Toronto Public Library Board and the Toronto Public Library Workers' Union Local 4948.
During the labour disruption:
- All library branches and facilities are closed, and bookmobile and home library services are suspended.
- No fines will be charged during the labour disruption on overdue library materials.
- All book drops are closed. Borrowers are asked to hold onto their library materials until the labour disruption is over.
As of 12:01 am on Saturday March, 24 the City of Toronto will be in a legal lockout position, and CUPE 79 will be in a legal strike position.
In the event of a labour disruption, the City announced its contingency plan the facilities and services affected. For extensive and up-to-date information about services, please visit http://www.toronto.ca/labourdisruption/index.htm
Last fall City Council decided unanimously to have Waterfront Toronto lead a process to determine if the development of the entire Port Lands could be accelerated. The second round of public consultation is beginning now and I am encouraging your continued participation.
Information Open House 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Saturday, March 31 Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street
This summer the City of Toronto is proud to host the 2012 Ontario Summer Games from August 16-19. We will be welcoming 3,300 athletes, coaches, managers and officials from throughout the Province, along with their families and friends.
More than 1,000 volunteers will be required to assist with the Games. Volunteers are needed for the opening ceremonies and throughout the weekend. Volunteering will be a great way to support young athletes from across Ontario, and make sure this event is a success.
Welcome back from March Break! We've all been hard at work at City Hall and in the community and I'm excited to share some updates with you:
- You can read in detail all the Council highlights here: http://www.toronto.ca/council_highlights/, and I've included some key developments below:
- Change to Toronto Transit Commission: I voted with Council to reform the Toronto Transit Commission with 7 Councillors and 4 citizens. Councillor Karen Stintz will be the chair, with Councillors Maria Augimeri, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Peter Milczyn, and John Parker joining the commission.
Project Neutral's Saving Money & Energy: A Home Upgrade Workshop
- Interested in saving money on your energy bills?
- Want to boost the market value of your home?
- Passionate about reducing your impact on the environment?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, come to Project Neutral's Neighbourhood Monthly Workshop: Saving Money & Energy: A Home Upgrade Primer!
I'd like to share with you this new set of reports on the Port Lands which have
been developed as part of the Port Lands Acceleration Project. Last September
City Council reaffirmed our confidence in Waterfront Toronto as the lead agency
for the development of Toronto's Waterfront and the Port Lands. City Council
also authorized Waterfront Toronto in co-operation with City staff to review the
