News and Updates

Let it snow... let it snow... let it snow

What happens when it snows (and before it snows, too)

It’s that time of the year again.

Winter.  And a Canadian winter means snow – sometimes a lot of snow.  However, the City of Toronto is ready for anything that old man winter can dish out.

Here are a few things that you can expect as we gear up for another winter in Toronto.

As soon as the snow begins, Transportation Services sends out its fleet of salt trucks to the expressways, main roads and local roads.  If the City receives five centimetres of snow, the plows are sent to the expressways and main roads and plowing will take place for the duration of the storm. 

FREE Family-Friendly Swims Every Saturday

Earl Grey Pool would like to thank the community for donating generously in time and money to Saving Our School Pool.

To celebrate the pool staying open, the centre is running 12 free, family-friend Saturday swims.

• Saturday November 20th 2-4 pm
• Saturday November 27th 2-4pm
• Saturday December 4th 2-4 pm
• Saturday December 11th 2-4-pm
• Saturday January 8th 2-4 pm

Leslie Street Safety Audit - Comments and Ideas Welcomed

A Safety Audit Walking tour of Leslie Street organized by SoDa Bikes, SET BUG and The South Riverdale Community Health Centre took place on Saturday, November 20. Leslie Street is the proposed connecting route to Queen Street for the new streetcars (LRVs) and as a result will be undergoing redesign and construction. This presents an opportunity to enhance many elements including the safety and streetscape. It is also the gateway to Tommy Thompson Park more commonly known as The Spit which is one of North America's largest urban wilderness areas.

City of Toronto partners with Toronto Hydro and Enbridge to launch Home Energy Help for those in need

The City of Toronto, Toronto Hydro Electric System (Toronto Hydro) and Enbridge Gas Distribution today launched Home Energy Help, a new program offering free home improvements to help those in need conserve electricity, gas and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money. 

Low-income residents, including seniors on a fixed income, may have difficulty providing the up-front financing and managing the contractors needed to complete home energy improvements. As a result, their homes may be less energy efficient, causing them to spend a higher percentage of their income on energy costs.

Toronto Bed Bug Project

Letters to The Environment Minister regarding LRV Facility at Ashbridges & the Leslie Street Connecting Route

The 30 day review period for the Environmental Project Report for the Ashbridges Bay Maintenance and Storage Facility for the new streetcars and the Leslie Street Connecting Tracks project ended on November 1, 2010. More information and the report itself can be found at www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/lrv

Many of you have submitted your letters and concerns to the Ministry and I thank you for continuing to play an active role in our community. I fully support Transit City and understand the need for infrastructure to house and maintain the new streetcars. This project and all others must be undertaken with the utmost care being given to the health and safety of residents living and working in the communities where they are being constructed.

First meeting of City Council of the new term

The first meeting of City Council following the October 25 election will take place on December 7and 8 in the Council Chamber at Toronto City Hall.

The new Mayor and Council officially take office on December 1, 2010 marking the beginning of the new term.

The City of Toronto Act requires Members to take the declaration of office before taking their seats for the first meeting. The Clerk will administer the declaration to Members individually between Election Day and the first meeting.

Three Sisters around the Greek Table

The authors of "Three Sisters around the Greek Table" will share their stories of growing up on the Danforth, give a cooking demontration and sign copies of their book.

The Riverdale Historical Society will hold a bake sale to raise funds for heritage plaques in Riverdale.  They would appreciate donations of baked goods. If you would like to contribute please contact Susan at [email protected]

630 Queen Street East - Community Consultation Meeting

Toronto City Planning is hosting a community meeting on a planning application for a new condo development by Streetcar Developments at 630 Queen Street at the North West corner of Carroll and Queen. 

The city's notice of this meeting goes to all businesses and residents within 120 metres of  630 Queen.  However, as many in Riverside are interested in planning matters,  I want to make sure that everyone knows about this meeting. 

Put Food in the Budget

The Do the Math Challenge asks participants to rely on a diet that a person on social assistance might receive from a food bank for three days to a week.It is the latest stage in the Put Food in the Budget campaign for an immediate increase of $100 a month for every adult in Ontario receiving social assistance so that they can afford more healthy food.