News and Updates

City Council meeting highlights of January 27 and 28, 2009

New downtown transit line a high priority

Council decided to encourage Metrolinx, the regional transportation planning agency, to make the construction of a downtown relief transit line a higher priority. Council sees merit in building a new downtown relief line before the more expensive construction of a Yonge Street subway extension north from Finch Station to Richmond Hill. The proposed relief transit line would address rider capacity challenges that will be intensified by an extended Yonge Street subway bringing many more transit riders into the system. Council also confirmed major features of the planned, provincially-funded 6.8-kilometre extension of the Yonge subway line north from Finch Station.

Toronto Council endorses plan to prohibit smoking at playgrounds in City parks

Toronto City Council approved a plan yesterday to make changes to the Municipal Code, Chapter 608, Parks, to prohibit smoking at playgrounds and other child-centred areas in City of Toronto parks.

"The health and well-being of children in our public spaces is a priority for the City," said Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth), Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee. "Banning smoking in playgrounds ensures that children have healthy environments in which to play."

Toronto's bed bug infestation getting worse

Nov 17 - Public Health reports dramatic increase in Bed Bug calls, as funds are proposed to help vulnerable residents dealing with the pests.

Chinatown east to get traditional archway

Nov 24 - Toronto Star article on the Chinese Archway

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Chinatown East archway reaches construction milestone

Toronto Mayor David Miller and Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto Danforth) today joined Madam Zhu Tao-Ying, Consul General of China, and Mr. Dale Cheung, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Toronto East, to mark the completion of the foundation of the Zhong Hua Men archway near Gerrard Street and Broadview Avenue.

The Zhong Hua Men archway is being built in the tradition of archways that stand as a symbol of welcome at the entrance to market areas in China and in Chinatowns around the world. When completed, the archway will stand almost 13 metres tall and feature engraved Chinese messages of goodwill and wisdom. It will also incorporate a sculpture that pays tribute to the Chinese workers who were instrumental in building the railways that spurred the economic development of Toronto and Canada.

City Events

Christmas flower shows at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatories

Usher in the spirit of the season with the annual Christmas Flower Shows at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park Conservatories. From December 7 to 30, both conservatories will showcase many of the newest varieties of poinsettias, all lending a Victorian flavour for the holiday season. The conservatories will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit both Conservatories by Candlelight December 15 to 23 and December 26 to 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The City of Toronto will host an opening event each location that will feature Victorian carollers, hot cider and cookies, children’s activities, horse and carriage rides and a visit from Father Christmas. The grand opening of the Allan Gardens Conservatory Christmas Flower Show is on December 7 from noon to 5 p.m. The grand opening of the Centennial Park Conservatory Christmas Flower Show is on December 14, noon to 7 p.m.