News and Updates

Toronto and Hamilton drive environmental change at GFX 2009

Today, Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30-Toronto-Danforth, Chair of Parks and Environment Committee) and Hamilton Councillor Bob Bratina were joined by Burlington Deputy Mayor Rick Craven to showcase the importance of municipalities using green fleet initiatives at the Green Fleet Expo 2009 (GFX). Representatives from over 30 municipalities across Canada converged at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington to exchange knowledge on the latest technologies used to reduce carbon footprints.

Food fight hits street

Hot dog sellers steamed at new A La Cart project starting today

By JENNY YUEN, SUN MEDIA

There's potential for fireworks today -- but not only in the sky as vendors behind new ethnic food carts compete for business with those selling traditional street meats.

Toronto Public Health, the driving force behind the A La Cart pilot project, said four of eight vendors slated to sell street food other than traditional hot dogs and sausages will make their culinary debut today in three areas of the city.

Toronto releases most recent lead test results

The results of the most recent round of lead tests conducted by the City of Toronto show that seven of the 100 residential locations tested exceeded the recommended limit for lead in drinking water. The tests, regulated by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), were carried out from December 2008 to April 2009. These results were anticipated for samples taken during the winter and are consistent with tests taken at the same time last year.

New charter highlights 10-year affordable housing plan

The opportunity for every resident to obtain safe, secure affordable housing throughout Toronto would be recognized under a proposed new Toronto Housing Charter, a key component of the Housing Opportunities Toronto (HOT) Action Plan 2010-2020 introduced today by Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, Chair, Affordable Housing Committee.

The Toronto Housing Charter - Opportunity for All would be the first of its kind in Canada. The charter is designed to guide City Council and staff in their efforts to assist those who often face challenges finding affordable housing, from newcomers and single parents to seniors and those with disabilities. It states that all residents have the right to equal treatment in housing without discrimination as provided by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

East-enders urged to soak up the sun

Offered incentives to install solar hot water heaters

By BRYN WEESE, SUN MEDIA

A new City of Toronto program will make it easier for Toronto houses to heat their water systems with solar energy. Play VideoIn an ongoing battle against climate change, City Hall is encouraging some east-enders to harness the power of the sun.

The city yesterday launched Solar Neighbourhoods, a pilot project that will offer a $1,000 discount to 150 homeowners -- located in the area bounded by the lake and Danforth, Coxwell and Bayview Aves. -- to install solar hot water heaters.

Council Highlights - City Council meeting of April 29 and 30, 2009

City of Toronto’s accountability officers Council adopted a consolidated policy framework for Toronto's four accountability officers (auditor general, integrity commissioner, lobbyist registrar and ombudsman) that sets out their features of independence, accountability mechanisms to City Council, and the administrative and operational supports for their offices. Council approved the establishment of a new chapter in the Toronto Municipal Code for the accountability officers, which reflects their independent status in the City's government and reinforces their separation from the City's administration.

Mayor, Fletcher unveil new solar energy option for Torontonians

City helps residents tap the sun for hot water

Residents of Toronto’s Ward 30 (Toronto-Danforth) will be leading the way in using the sun for home water heating thanks to a new program announced today by Toronto Mayor David Miller and Councillor Paula Fletcher.

The Solar Neighbourhoods program is providing additional financial incentives, technical assistance and support for residents who install Solar Domestic Hot Water systems (SDHW) for their homes. Combined with recently enriched federal-provincial "ecoENERGY" incentives, the program makes solar water systems a very attractive choice for homeowners looking to reduce utility bills and their environmental impact.

Councillors suggest way to save Riverdale pool

Former trustees want profits from surplus property sale By JOANNA LAVOIE (RIVERDALE-BEACHES MIRROR)

Two east-end councillors have come up with a proposal they believe would put an end to ongoing concerns that Riverdale Collegiate Institute's (RCI) pool could be drained. Councillors Paula Fletcher (Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth) and Sandra Bussin (Ward 32, Beaches-East York), both former school trustees, drafted a letter to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) on April 20 offering "a helpful suggestion to the ongoing dilemma surrounding the continued operation of the swimming pool at RCI."

New walking map encourages Toronto residents to explore city parks and trails

Today, Mayor David Miller and Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth) unveiled the new Exploring Toronto’s Parks and Trails map - a free resource from Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation that encourages residents to discover the city’s parks, trails and ravines.

"The City of Toronto is committed to increasing opportunities for Toronto residents to become more active," said Mayor David Miller. "We know the value in living a healthy lifestyle, and the Exploring Parks and Trails map is a terrific tool to help enhance the physical, psychological and social health of the people of Toronto."

Mayor David Miller plants trees at sixth annual Trees Across Toronto event

Mayor David Miller joined Councillor Paula Fletcher, Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth), City of Toronto representatives and hundreds of tireless volunteers at McCowan District Park today for the sixth annual Trees Across Toronto event.

"By volunteering their time and efforts to plant trees today, Torontonians have stepped up to increase our urban forest," said Mayor Miller. "Trees Across Toronto is a great example of corporate sponsors, City staff and the community working together to fulfil our commitment to environmental stewardship and make Toronto a beautiful, greener, more liveable city."