Councillor Gord Perks Ward 14 • Parkdale - Spring 2016

Gord Friends, As the City continues to grow and change, the way we live in our neighbourhoods is shifting. Perks Over the last 9 years as your city councillor, together we have accomplished a great deal. City Councillor On the traffic side, across the City, traffic is a much larger problem than it was a generation Ward 14 ago. With this in mind and along with my colleagues on Council, I have supported changing the rules for traffic speed in our communities. As you read this, the City is posting 30kph Parkdale-High Park speed limits on residential streets throughout the former City of . Ward 14 should see these changes by the fall. I have been advocating for this for a decade and can't wait to see it implemented. OFFICE STAFF We are seeing an increased pace of development in Ward 14. Some applications have been Karen Duffy simply outrageous and as a community we have refused them. Others have been less troubling Executive Assistant and we have worked together to make them a better fit in our community. We have also Meri Newton launched two new major planning studies, one for West and one for Dundas and Executive Assistant Roncesvalles Avenues. I want to acknowledge the many Ward 14 residents who have given up many hours to work on these applications and studies. They have shown what a dedicated Clive Scott Constituency Assistant group of local leaders can do to ensure that the planning process works the way it should. On housing affordability, we are seeing rising housing and service costs put the very idea of Lucas Costello Constituency Assistant mixed income neighbourhoods at risk. While it is not enough, I was able to move to get the former LCBO site on Brock Avenue set aside for an affordable housing project. More information will follow in the coming months about this very exciting project. Having enough room to breathe and enjoy the City is another resource that makes neighbourhoods great. This year several of our local parks have undergone renewals. OFFICE Particularly exciting is the doubling of the size of the park on Dufferin, just south of King. 100 Queen Street West With each park improvement, volunteers in Ward 14 have worked hard on the designs ensuring 2nd Floor, Suite A14 that we get them right. Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 T: 416.392.7919 One deeper conversation underlies all this good work. Toronto's funding model is no longer F: 416.392.0398 sustainable. For years we have been relying on making each dollar go further to keep taxes E: [email protected] low. In each of the budgets that have come before Council this term we have had to use unsustainable accounting to balance the budget. We have reached the point where we have a stark choice, bring in more money or further cut services.

CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Our City Manager has given an unprecedented warning that the current model is digging us Parkdale Public Library deeper and deeper into a hole. I ask you to turn your minds to these questions: Should we 1303 Queen Street West abandon some of the services we deliver, because we can't afford them? Is it time to start Toronto, ON M6K 1L6 asking for more from property taxes so we can keep and even enhance services like the Fridays only ones described above? Do we need to look at new taxes, like a municipal sales tax? This is 9:30 am - 12:30 pm a conversation that we can no longer wait to have. I look forward to hearing you join this Call 416.392.7919 important conversation. for an appointment

Sincerely, Sign up, for my weekly email updates @ gordperks.ca Gord @gordperks

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416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca COUNCILLOR GORD PERKS • WARD 14 PARKDALE – HIGH PARK

Growing Green Spaces in Ward 14

G1 connecting to the main square resulting Planting will begin in the spring. King – in an ample paved walkway. This new area G4 helps connect the park and field house Dufferin with the proposed community centre to Albert Crosland Parkette Park be built at the old Linseed factory. Thanks The Albert Crosland Expansion to a financial contribution from the Parkette underwent community, new benches will be installed playground upgrades The King Dufferin Park is now complete throughout. with new protective with an open green space, armour stone surfacing, junior play amphitheatre, and seat wall, Salvation The Town Square is home to the Sorauren Farmers Market, open most Mondays equipment and proper Army Dedication Plaque, concrete drainage this past fall. stage, new metal trellis, and benches from 3 – 7 PM. placed throughout. G3 Improvements include the replacement of broken and uneven Additional electrical work will occur in Dundas Roncesvalles Peace concrete paving and new permeable the near future to help illuminate this paving throughout the park. The space and new trees will be planted in Garden drinking fountain was replaced by a the spring. The Dundas water bottle filling station. Roncesvalles G2 Peace Garden G5 Sorauren Park Town Square construction is West Lodge Park complete. – Phase 2 The much needed Last summer, permeable pavement This project was brought about through West Lodge Parks was installed around the field house the joint partnerships of engaged local improvements residents, the Roncesvalles Village BIA have seen this park and my office to commemorate the local turn into a vibrant connections to the events of the War of community asset. 1812 and the beautification of the Dundas New picnic tables Roncesvalles triangle. Mark your calendars and benches have for Saturday June 11th. There will be a been installed and march along Roncesvalles to acknowledge the West Lodge Aboriginal Day and to celebrate the Community Garden group had a successful completion of the peace garden. first season. Ongoing Projects & Cycling Improvements in Ward 14

Reducing the Speed Limit on Dowling Avenue bridges over the electrification. The temporary bridge has Local Roads to 30 km/h Lake Shore East Metrolinx/GO Transit a life expectancy of 10 years. Rail Corridor and the F. G. Gardiner Toronto and East York Community Expressway (FGGE) took place in Fall of C4 Council has approved reducing the 2015. Both bridges have reached the end King/Queen/Roncesvalles/ speed limit on all local roads to 30 of their service life and the installation of km/h. The changes to Ward 14 speed t e m p o r a r y (1 0 y e a r s l i f e s p a n) b r i d g e s a l l o w Queensway limit signs should begin by fall 2016. the City to complete an Environmental I am pleased to report that the work This is a great first step forward Assessment to determine a permanent planned for the King/Queen/Roncesvalles/ in creating safer streets for our replacement plan for the bridges. Queensway intersection has now begun. City staff and TTC are detailing the scope neighbourhoods. More information on The portion of the Dowling Avenue Bridge the reduction to 30KM is available at of work. Community consultation began over the FGGE will be demolished during in 2005 will resume in Spring 2016. bit.ly/30kmTO the 2016 spring maintenance closure, C1 tentatively scheduled for May 14/15, 2016. The work will include the reconstruction of TTC track allowance, road, sidewalk, Railpath West Toronto When complete the functionality of the watermain, sewer, minor platform work The City of Toronto has completed an bridges will change. The Dunn Avenue and beautify the public realm. Environmental Assessment to determine bridge will accommodate vehicles, routing for extending the West Toronto pedestrians and cyclists and the Dowling C5 Railpath south from Dundas Street Avenue bridge will accommodate Dundas/Dupont /Annette/ West, along the rail corridor, to beyond pedestrians and cyclists (no vehicles). This Strachan Avenue and the planned Fort change was recommended and approved Old Weston Intersection York Pedestrian and Cycle bridge. as part of the Western Waterfront Master Short-term measures have been taken to Plan (WWMP), bit.ly/WWMPTO improve the Dundas/Dupont /Annette/ The recommended solution will consist Old Weston Intersection: of a new multi-use trail aligned with C3 the rail corridor under the Dundas Street Bridge • The Old signal timing phase has been changed from a fixed bridge to Dufferin Street and on-street In 2014 a temporary bridge was installed and adjacent to the rail corridor from operation to a pedestrian pushbutton on Dufferin Street over the Metrolinx/GO operation to keep traffic flowing. Dufferin Street further south. For more Transit Rail Corridor. In order to move information: bit.ly/WTOrail forward with the permanent bridge, City • Green pavement markings have been C2 staff are working with Metrolinx on painted at the intersection to allow Dowling Ave and Dunn Ave options: either raising the permanent better visibility of the bike lane. bridge (due to electrification of the • The dashed line which directs turning Bridges Lake Shore West Line) over the tracks motor vehicle traffic is also being Demolition of the Dunn Avenue and or lowering the tracks to accommodate 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca COUNCILLOR GORD PERKS • WARD 14 PARKDALE – HIGH PARK

Growing Green Spaces in Ward 14 Community Art Initiatives

D2 G6 G6 Dundas – Watkinson C5 Parkette Dundas-Watkinson Parkette G7 improve­ments will be taking place in the summer of 2016. Community members have voiced support for a naturalized parkette with a new climbing feature for children. G7 Baird Park A Ping Pong Table is coming to Baird Park in 2016. G8 Community mem­bers have D1 suggested north of the westernmost lawn bowling green on the south­ west corner as the preferred location. G8 Development & Planning Updates in Ward 14 Chelsea Park Funds have been allocated to enhance the Chelsea Park play area in 2016. G3 D1 Community input will be sought 2376 Dundas Street West north of through on-site meetings as we D7 D5 move forward. Our office will post West information as available. Contact my The OMB has approved an 8-storey mid-rise office if you have any suggestions C6 building along Dundas Street West with a or would like to be part of the larger 23 storey component at the rear of the site. C1 conversation around future park Construction is underway. improvement. D3 D2 Ongoing Projects & Cycling Improvements in Ward 14 2803 Dundas Street West at G2 Indian Grove A 7-storey, mixed-use building, adjusted to further encourage D4 safer road use for all. contain­ing retail uses at grade, and a total of 109 residential units is Staff will be conducting a functional near completion. design study to consider the intersection reconfiguration. G5 D3 City staff have advised that Zebra 383 Sorauren Ave markings will be installed to south of Dundas enhance the pedestrian crossing areas at this intersection. A 1 0 - s t o r e y r e s i d e n t i a l building, C6 consisting of 145 units is near Bike Box on Sorauren at completion. Dundas D8 G4 D10 C4 A bike box is coming to the south east corner of Dundas and Sorauren spring 2016. Bike boxes are on-street markings that help motorists and cyclists share the road. D6 D9

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Developments Greening Construction Spaces Projects 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca COUNCILLOR GORD PERKS • WARD 14 PARKDALE – HIGH PARK

Community Art Initiatives

Charles G. Williams Park With grants from StreetArt and the Police Division Graffiti Fund, along with donations from the community, the Young Hearts Run Free mural became a reality. Local artist Eli Klein teamed up with other artists to do a live mural painting during the Sorauren Park 20th anniversary event. Keele and Bloor Underpass The Keele/Bloor underpass street art installation was completed by artist Rob Matejka with the support of the Bloor By The Park BIA

Development & Planning Updates in Ward 14

D4 held in January 2016 to provide input to Dundas and Roncesvalles 35 Wabash Ave City Planning staff and the applicant. City Planning Staff are currently reviewing the Planning Studies An application has been submitted to the application. Once available, their Report City that proposes to construct a 4-storey The Dundas and Roncesvalles Planning will be posted at gordperks.ca. apartment building at 35 Wabash Avenue. Study is now underway. The Study will focus on the built form, heritage At print time, a Working Group including D8 City Planning staff, the developer and assessment, streetscape and landscape community members are in talks to 1624 Queen St West improvements on Dundas Street West resolve outstanding concerns. Parkdale welcomes the addition of a 37-space between Boustead Avenue and Sorauren Toronto Parking Authority car park on Queen Avenue and on D5 St West at Callender Street. A great example between Boustead Avenue and Queen 20-66 Howard Park Ave of the city's 'Greening' Surface Parking Lots Street West. More info can be found at guidelines. bit.ly/RoncyDundas Two residential buildings have been approved. Development of the first D9 building is complete. Construction of the West Queen West Planning second building is underway. 1100 King St West Study A development of two mixed-use buildings The West Queen West Planning Study D6 is currently being constructed. is underway. City Planning staff are 1182 and 1221 D10 reviewing the policy context, built-form West and heritage value of the properties on 11 Brock Avenue Queen Street West between Bathurst An application has been submitted to the The Toronto Parking Authority is in Street and Roncesvalles Avenue. City to construct a 21-storey residential negotiation to purchase 11 Brock Avenue building at 1182 King Street West and a (former site of LCBO). The site will be used The Planning Study involves public 19-storey building at 1221 King Street as a temporary parking lot while work consultations to clarify what defines West, located on opposite sides of the is underway to negotiate an application the street character and to develop a Dufferin/King intersection. A public for affordable housing with a permanent community vision for the future. Transit meeting was held in November 2015. City green P lot. capacity and parking supply are also Planning staff are currently reviewing being reviewed. More info available at: the application. Their Report, once D11 bit.ly/WQWplanning available, will be posted at gordperks.ca. 25 Liberty Street/58 Atlantic D7 Changes to CNE Temporary D9 Avenue 422-436 Roncesvalles & An application to construct a 12-storey Parking 76 Howard Park Ave office building with retail at grade, and Temporary parking on residential underground parking at 56-58 Atlantic front yards and boulevards during the An application has been submitted D11 Avenue, 25-35 Liberty Street and 57- Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is no to the City to construct an eight- 65 Jefferson Avenue. The proposal also longer permitted. storey mixed-use building fronting includes retention of the historic corner Roncesvalles Avenue as well as six, building known as 58 Atlantic. A South Parkdale Parking and Traffic four-storey townhouse units fronting Management Working Group, comprised a private driveway off Howard Park City Planning Staff are currently reviewing of staff from City Transportation, Parking Avenue. A Community Meeting was the application. Community input will be Enforcement and community members r e q u e s t e d a s w e m o v e t h r o u g h t h i s p r o c e s s . has been formed to review and manage Legend The first Community Consultation was vehicles in the area during the CNE and held February, 26th, 2016. D G C other events.

Developments Greening Construction Spaces Projects 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca

Gord celebrating His Holiness the Gord & Councillor Doucette Ward Celebrating Canada Day with Gord chairing Toronto's first ever Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Canadian 13 & 14 Climate talk Ward 14 residents Subcommittee on Climate Change Cultural Centre Mitigation and Adaptation public meeting

Saturday, April 23, 2016 | 10am-2pm Gord with MPP Cheri Dinovo at the Welcoming Syrian Refugees to Sorauren Park | Along Wabash Ave. | south of Dundas St. W. Parkdale Community Meeting. Reuse, Recycle and Safely Dispose Do your part to create a cleaner, greener and more liveable Toronto. FOR DROP-OFF Bring used or unwanted household items to the Community Environment Day event.

cell phones small electronics printers & fax machines household hazardous waste

Gord with Councillors Wong-Tam, computer components small TVs unused medications oils, solvents, propane tanks inkjet & Davis and the 2015 Access, Equity pesticides laser cartridges & Human Rights Awards recipients. Products Available – Fees apply Pick up for FREE • Backyard Composter • Green Bin and Kitchen Container (with proof of new residency • Kitchen Container in the last 90 days or in exchange for a damaged bin) • Leaf Compost (limit one cubic metre per household) Note: You can recycle plastic shopping bags, foam polystyrene, empty paint and empty aerosol cans in your blue bin.

SAVE THE DATE April 22nd 20 Minute Makeover COMMUNITY SERVICES April 23rd Environment Day 10am-2pm Housing Connections (416) 981-6111 More info: bit.ly/enviroday14 FMTA Tenant Hotline (416) 921-9494 April 23rd & 24th Community Clean Up Days Contact Councillor Perks Office Parkdale Community Legal Services (416) 531-2411 to let us know what you have planned: West Toronto Community Legal Services (416) 531-7376 [email protected] Romero House (416) 763-1303 City Council Meetings 2016 Supportive transitional accommodation and refugee help March 30th-31st services. May 3rd-4th Four Villages Community Health Centre (416) 604-3361 June 7th-8th Parkdale Community Health Centre (416) 537-2455 July 12th-13th JobStart (416) 231-2295 October 5th-6th November 8th-9th Parkdale Community Information Centre (416) 393-7689 December 14th-15th Helps people living in Parkdale to access community and government resources and services. Toronto East York Community Council 2016 CultureLink (416) 588-6288 April 5th Committee Room 1, City Hall Provides programs which assist newcomers to settle in Toronto. May 10th Committee Room 1, City Hall Kababayan Community Centre (416) 532-3888 June 14th Committee Room 1, City Hall September 7th Committee Room 1, City Hall Parkdale Intercultural Association (416) 536-4420 October 13th Committee Room 1, City Hall Provides settlement programs and services to refugees and new November 15th Committee Room 1, City Hall immigrants. Polycultural Immigrant and Community (416) 533-9471 All City Council and select Committee meetings can be Services streamed live at: bit.ly/TOcouncil2016 Settlement services and language instruction for newcomers.

For a complete list of City Council Meetings, Agendas and Many more services available at: 211toronto.ca or call 211 Minutes go to bit.ly/2016TMMIS

416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca 416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca City Hall Updates Subcommittee on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation/TalkTransformation The Subcommittee on Climate As Chair I have hosted Talk Change Mitigation and Adaptation Transformation! events across Toronto, was established by the Parks and as part of a two-year project that will Environment Committee to report engage Toronto residents and businesses on a review of City policies, expert in discussing the transformative advice and international best changes needed to reduce the city’s practices to mitigate and adapt greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to climate change, as it relates percent while also improving public to the mandate of the Parks and health, enhancing the local economy Environment Committee. and reducing social inequalities. More info here: bit.ly/DDAOWi

Gord currently sits on the Parks and Environment Committee, Subcommittee on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (Chair), Tenant Issues Committee, Tribunal Nominating Panel, Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board of Directors, Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, and Agricultural Action committee.

Ward 14 Resident Associations: Ward 14 Business Improvement Areas:

(416) 570-4959 Bloor by the Park BIA – bloorbythepark.com [email protected] High Park Residents’ Association highparkra.org Liberty Village BIA – LVBIA.com (416) 516-1723 (416) 533-0044 Parkdale Residents’ Association (416) 767-9068 parkdale.to BIA – thejunctionbia.ca [email protected] Roncesvalles-Macdonnell rmra-to.org Residents’ Association Parkdale Village BIA – (416) 536-6918 parkdalevillagebia.com [email protected] Sunnyside Community Association (416) 533-3830 Roncesvalles Village BIA – (416) 537-2701 (416) 766-5509 roncesvallesvillage.ca [email protected] West Bend Community Association thewestbend.ca

Friends Of Parks City Hall Office: Join your neighbours at one of these 100 Queen Street West, Suite A14 Frequently called numbers: Friends of Parks groups, or contact my Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 Call 211 for information and referral office for assistance in starting a 'friends to social services in Toronto. of ' group for your local park. Ph: 416-392-7919 'Friends of Parks' works with City [email protected] staff and other local organizations and businesses to improve park conditions Constituency Office: and helps create safe, attractive and Fridays from 9:30am - 12:30pm enjoyable programs. 1303 Queen Street West - Parkdale Friends of Masaryk Park Public Library, Meeting Room B masarykfriends.com Call (416) 392-7919 to make an [email protected] appointment. Friends of Charles G. Williams Park Call 311 for information and referral [email protected] Toronto Public Library to city services in Toronto. Friends of Ritchie Parkette (416) 393-7131 ritchieparkette.blogspot.ca TTC Customer Service Friends of Watkinson Parkette (416) 393-3030 watkinson.ourpark.ca

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416.392.7919 • [email protected] • gordperks.ca