SPRING 2012 Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong and City of Toronto COUNCILLOR Coffee with COUNCILLOR New Multi-Pad Ice Rink to the Councillor Replace the Don Mills Civitan Arena is back! DenzilDenzil City Narrows Search to Three Possible Locations Progress is being made to find a home for a new multi-pad arena to accommodate the Thursday, May 24, 2012 Donwoods Plaza, 51-81 Underhill Dr. recreational needs of our community once the Don Mills Civitan Arena closes in 2020. 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (north of Lawrence Ave. E.) The Don Mills Civitan Arena needs to be replaced because the City will convey the land Minnan-WongMinnan-Wong ALISTAIR HOY MEMORIAL upon which the arena is located to Cadillac Fairview as part of the redevelopment agreement DON VALLEY EAST COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER BLOOD DONOR CLINIC between the City and Cadillac Fairview for the residential development of the Don Mills Centre. Reuse, Recycle and Safely Dispose Second Annual Do your part to create a cleaner, greener and more liveable Toronto. Since 2008, Parks Forestry and Recreation (PF&R) have been assessing a multitude of possible sites Bring used or unwanted household items to the Community Environment Day event. A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNCILLOR Blood Drive in Memory based on their ability to accommodate a multi-pad facility with two or three ice pads, their size, Every day, things happen in the Spring is in the air! Officially, that is. Mother Nature was certainly kind to us this past winter. This of Don Mill’s Teen shape, and topography and their ability to accommodate sufficient parking to satisfy the zoning Products Available - Fees may apply Items donated to local schools for reuse* Backyard Composter Art supplies (e.g. pencils, markers, crayons, etc.) neighbourhood or in the city and newsletter follows a turbulent but promising 2011 at Toronto City Hall. We’ve tackled some big issues and have On December 13, 2010, following what would by-law requirements. In addition, the land had to be available for acquisition and suitably priced. Green Bin Buttons, keys, and collectors’ coins and stamps decisions are made at both a city achieved successes no other administration has been able to. Here are some of the important initiatives we’ve be the last hockey game he would ever play, the The site that met the criteria the best was the closed on-ramp at the northwest corner of York Kitchen Container Clipboards, corks and cork boards and local level that you may have undertaken or that will be before us in 2012. CDs and cases onset of flu-like symptoms brought 14 year- Mills Road and the Don Valley Parkway. This site was the subject matter of a public meeting questions, comments or concerns AT CITY HALL old Alistair Hoy to his family doctor. He was Children’s books convened by my office at George S. Henry High School in January. The site that scored Costume jewelry including broken/old watches with. As your City Councillor, Curb side collection of garbage, recycling and organics west of Yonge Street has been outsourced. The awarded immediately sent to Sick Kids Hospital where Pick up for FREE second in the evaluation was the Ontario Science Centre parking lot at the southwest corner of Don Green Bin and Kitchen Container and clocks with hands sitting down with you to talk contract will save taxpayers over $100 million over the term of the contract, without seeing a sacrifice in quality he was diagnosed with Leukemia. (with proof of new residency in the last 90 days or in Dress-up clothing (e.g. costumes, prom dresses, about these things is important to of service. Trucks will be rolling in August. At the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, a board of directors Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue. The report is available on my website ward34.com under Notices uniforms, etc.) that had lost public confidence through the squandering and misuse of public funds was replaced along with senior Public Works Chair kicking off major Alistair was admitted to the hospital and started exchange for a damaged bin) and Information. Fabric pieces and yarn me. This is the reason for “Coffee management. New regulations for purchasing have been implemented and a plan is being developed to address the reconstruction of Burnhamthorpe Rd. treatment the next day. He was responding to Leaf Compost At the present time, the Ontario Science Centre parking lot is scheduled to be turned over to Build Toronto (limit of one cubic metre per household) 35 mm cameras and equipment with the Councillor.” It is an $750 million backlog in repairs, beginning with the proceeds from the sale of 78 stand alone units and the treatment, but on New Year’s Eve, he contracted for development. Build Toronto is the city’s real estate and development corporation which is tasked with opportunity for me to sit down potential proceeds from the sale of 618 others. a massive infection and despite three five-hour maximizing the value and economic development potential of properties owned by the City. Fruitful Other Items donated for reuse * with you one-on-one. In 2011, the City completed a three-part service review initiative; a Core Service Review to study which Drop off for recycling or proper disposal surgeries to contain the infection, Alistair died discussion has been ongoing between my office, PF&R and Build Toronto about the possibility of (Please keep separate from others) services the City should be delivering, Program Reviews to study how City services are delivered and to find of multiple organ failure as a result of the Computer Equipment & Peripherals Sporting goods (e.g. skates, hockey equipment, The schedule is as follows: operational efficiencies and aUser Fee Review to look at all current user fees to determine fairness and verify incorporating a multi-pad arena into the future development of the site or a transfer of the property (e.g., desktops, laptops, hand-held portables, bikes, rackets, etc.) that the full cost of providing the service is being collected. These reviews, as expected, generated millions of infection on January 6, 2011. monitors, printing devices, etc.) Thursday May 31st, 1-3pm or 6-8pm back to the city to facilitate the construction of an arena. Books (excluding school/university curriculum books) dollars in efficiencies, cost savings and revenues to help offset a growing structural deficit and help get the city In the 17 days that Alistair was in the hospital, Audio/Visual Equipment & Peripherals Medical equipment in good condition (e.g. Tim Horton’s, 2050 Victoria Park Ave. The Don Mills Residents Incorporated (DMRI) recently suggested a third option. This proposal could living within its means. These reviews should have been completed immediately after amalgamation and were he received 162 units of blood. Within weeks (e.g., telephones, cell phones, pda’s and pagers, eyeglasses, walking aids, hearing aids, etc.) (just south of Cassandra) see the multi-pad arena constructed within the playing field between Norman Ingram Public School cameras, small TVs, radios, receivers, speakers, long overdue. This was followed by a 2012 Budget process in which out-of-control spending was finally of Alistair’s death, his parents, Cynthia and Gary Small household items (e.g. dishes, ornaments, Tuesday June 5th, 1-3pm or 6-8pm halted at City Hall. and Covenant United Church on Duncairn Road which runs off The Donway West in Ward 25. In tuners, equalizers, turntables, projectors, recorders, kitchen utensils, artistic drawings, games, etc.) Hoy, decided to hold a blood donor clinic to DVD players and VCRs, etc.) Tim Horton’s, 860 York Mills Road partnership with Cadillac Fairview, the arena could be part of a larger project that includes the Textiles in good condition (e.g. clothing, linens, etc.) On the transit file, the Eglinton-Crosstown marks the beginning of the largest transit expansion in the city since collect 162 units of blood. It quickly became Household Hazardous Waste Non-perishable foods will be donated to a food bank (at Lesmill) the Bloor-Danforth line in the 1960’s. In what are perhaps our greatest achievements to date, at the time of Denzil and the Bixi Bike Sharing system. a huge community event and resulted in the new community centre secured from Cadillac Fairview in the Don Mills Centre agreement. The city (e.g., cleaning supplies and solvents, motor oil, this newsletter, new collective agreements with CUPE Local 416, representing the City’s outside workers and *All donated items must be in very good condition Monday June 11th, 1-3pm or 6-8pm largest blood donor drive in Toronto last year. secured a minimum of $4.5 million from Cadillac Fairview towards the construction of a paint, batteries, old/unused medication, mercury a majority of the CUPE 79 bargaining units have been ratified. thermometers/thermostats, pesticides, uorescent Tim Horton’s, 1110 Don Mills Rd. replacement arena as well in the same agreement. and compact uorescent bulbs, propane tanks, etc.) AT PUBLIC WORKS The family is working again this year with Visit the Toronto Water (at Lawrence) In this arrangement, Cadillac Fairview would acquire the necessary property from the school board As Chair of Public Works, I’ll oversee the implementation of the first-ever downtown network of Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to repeat the Note: You can recycle plastic shopping bags, foam polystyrene, info tent to learn more Wednesday June 20th, 1-3pm or 6-8pm separated bicycle lanes which were approved in 2011. The first section of the network will be constructed event. CBS expects it will once again be the and church and construct the multi-pad arena and community centre. In return, Cadillac Fairview empty paint and empty aerosol cans in your blue bin. about programs that will Tim Horton’s, 1733 Eglinton Ave. East biggest blood drive in Toronto this year. The would retain the site at the Don Mills Centre, originally slated to accommodate the community centre, help you use water wisely on Sherbourne Street by the end of 2012. This is to coincide with the removal of bike lanes on Jarvis Street in and around your home! (at Bermondsey) and the reintroduction of the reversible centre lane. This physical separation makes travel safer for both the goal this year is the CBS maximum: 227 units; as additional developable land. What Cadillac Fairview would want to do with the land is unknown at Please call my office at 416-397-9256 motorist and cyclist by eliminating the competition for space that is inherent in travelling on our roadways. about 27 gallons. this time, however I expect they would request permissions for more condos. to arrange an appointment for one of It also recognizes the importance of connectivity in any network. In sadness, we are reminded that life is precious In March, North York Community Council deferred the item to its June 2012 meeting, to allow more time Please do not bring: Construction waste, gasoline, garbage, wood, the times and locations. Public Works Committee will also receive recommendations from a Downtown Transportation Study approved cassette and videotapes, commercial/industrial hazardous waste and scrap metal. and can be taken much too soon. It can also for the DMRI and Cadillac Fairview to formalize their proposal for consideration. When the item is before in September to determine ways to move goods and people in the downtown core better. Add to this agenda, Denzil with CPLC Co-Chair, Ibrahim Meru be a reminder that each of us has inside them, us again in June, we’ll be considering three remaining options: the closed York Mills ramp, the Ontario I look forward to meeting improvements to Front Street at Union Station, the creation of a John Street Pedestrian Promenade and a at Toronto Police Service 33 Division new bikeway trails plan in Toronto, and the work plan is not to let up the slightest. the power to give. In memory of Alistair Hoy, Science Centre parking lot and the Norman Ingram playing field. Visit toronto.ca/environment_days with you! Town Hall Meeting. I hope you will join me in giving blood at this IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD This is an important piece of community infrastructure and we’ll be sure to get it right. year’s event. My work in our neighbourhood, will continue to connect the East Don Trail, invest in our roads and Mail: Toronto City Hall community infrastructure, improve school zones for our children and make our community safer for everyone. April 27, 2012 Keep in Touch. 100 Queen St. W, Suite C55 I have heard from many of you over the past year and it is no secret that some of the initiatives at City Hall Jubilee United Church have been and will continue to be controversial. I would say that the status quo is not an option…doing Your comments are important to future Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2 what is right is not always easy and sometimes there is short-term pain for long-term gain. (40 Underhill Drive) decisions that affect our community and As always, I endeavour to listen and consult as each of you has a vested interest in every issue great or small. 12:00 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Tel: 416-397-9256 our city. Please contact me and share Whether there is unanimity or there is controversy, let’s make certain that every decision is made together. Fax: 416-397-4100 Pre-register with your views on municipal issues: Sincerely, Canadian Blood Services at E-mail: [email protected] Construction under way of Parma Park Splash Pad, scheduled to open this 1-888-2DONATE or Closed York Mills Ramp Ontario Science Centre Norman Ingram P.S. summer 2012. www.blood.ca at DVP. parking lot. playing field. Visit us at www.ward34.com Denzil Minnan-Wong DON VALLEY EAST - SPRING 2012 DON VALLEY EAST - SPRING 2012 DON VALLEY EAST - SPRING 2012 Budget 2012 Balanced, Smart, Fiscally Sound TAXPAYERS WIN IN NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS Eglinton-Crosstown On February 15, 2012, City Council unanimously ratified a new four year Only part-time Long-Term Care Homes and Services employees are without Update deal with CUPE Local 416. The importance of this cannot be overstated; it a contract with the City. These part-time employees will proceed to binding going to get) such as surpluses and handouts from other levels of marked the first time that the taxpayers of Toronto were the true winners in arbitration as they do not have the legal right to strike. Even an impasse Council Votes to Raise the LRT government, to reduce the opening pressure and/or balance the any collective agreements. with the union representing the City’s library staff has come to an end. To- books. At the same time, they kept raising your property taxes, often As a result of a decision of Toronto City Council in At the time this newsletter goes to print, three of the four CUPE Local 79 ronto Public Library Workers’ Union Local 4948, who had been on strike for at rates higher than inflation and continued to spend and borrow. February of this year, the section of the Eglinton- bargaining units, representing full and part-time workers, have ratified 11 days, have voted to accept an offer from the city and library staff are Crosstown LRT, which was to have been constructed This “free for all” spending and borrowing has helped bring the city agreements with the City as well. It means that, when combined with back on the job. underground from Laird Drive in North York to Kennedy to the point of not being able to do all of the things it should. employees represented by Local 416, approximately 90 per cent of the Council’s approval of these agreements was a result of many months of Road in Scarborough, is now once again proposed to Predictable and Sustainable Revenue Sources full-time equivalent employees represented by CUPE have ratified bargaining between the City and CUPE representatives. It seemed that a be constructed at street level, with the exception of an elevated portion through the Don Valley. The current administration moved in a new direction, one where agreements in place. labour disruption was inevitable. Unlike 2009 however, with the excep- the budget is determined based on predictable and sustainable Highlights of the agreements include: tion of library staff, inside and outside workers stayed on the job. There There has been much debate on transit in recent months revenue sources and doesn’t require dipping into the piggy bank year Four-year terms providing labour peace until December 31, 2015; was to be no garbage strike. The majority of public services in Toronto Denzil, Angela Kennedy, Tony Wagner, The Honourable Jim Flaherty, as the city grappled with the reality that transit funding • continued without interruption including, child care services, long-term care Principal Susan Baker, and Paul Farrelly celebrating the completion after year or counting on money that you don’t know is coming. Modest wage increases in the second, third and fourth year is not infinite. We struggled with the decision on how • homes, public health services, planning applications and building permits, of Phase One of the restoration of the O’Connor House. best to spend the $8.4 billion committed by the province. The use of city reserves and one-time operating surpluses to add or of the four-year deal; Denzil holds a Budget Town Hall Meeting for residents at employment and social services, court services, Toronto water services, maintain permanent expenses to the budget has been reduced from I think we’d all prefer to bury rapid transit, but when $8.4 Don Mills Collegiate with City Manager, Joe Pennachetti. Employment security protection provisions regarding contracting out shelter and housing support, by-law enforcement and all other important billion is all you have and it is to be swallowed up by the $346 million (used to balance the books in 2011) to $102 million. • (“Jobs for Life”) have been reduced to employees with 15 years City services. And, unlike previous administrations, city negotiators did not construction of only one line, the decision is not so simple. This is a major breakthrough in bringing the City’s expenses more O’Connor Irish Heritage House of seniority or more; cave to the unions. The unions were not permitted to stall until they could As you know, On January 17, 2012, Toronto City Council approved in line with its revenue and addressing the growing structural deficit. I voted for underground transit. I want my Constituents New streamlined redeployment processes to reduce the time go on strike in the hot summer months and hold Torontonians hostage. Soon to Open its Doors to reap the benefits of rapid transit without the added a balanced 2012 Operating Budget of $9.4 billion and a 2012-2021 • Using reserves and one-time operating surpluses to add or to place an employee in a new position; To renew old collective bargaining agreements was not an option. Jobs for traffic congestion that comes with the permanent loss of Capital Budget and Plan of $14.8 billion. It was not without struggle On October 28, 2011 the O’Connor Irish Heritage House celebrated maintain expenses in the budget masks the reality that we’re spending New or revised shift schedules to meet operational needs life are simply not realistic or affordable. A union having a veto on measures two lanes of traffic, one in each direction, on Eglinton and not without having to make difficult decisions. I am pleased that • the completion of Phase 1 of its restoration project. The restoration more than we can afford. It doesn’t add one-time operating and improve productivity and customer service; designed to improve customer service, respond to customer needs better work began in March 2011 following the commitment in 2010 of Avenue. My hope was that my Constituents could avoid so many of you took time out of your busy schedules to attend my expenses, rather those that will continue year after year, guaranteeing Streamlined bumping process for layoff and recall; or carry out the work more efficiently and at a lower cost, is not in the best $2.1 million from the Federal Government to save the historic 1930’s the years of “St. Clair-like” construction that will plague Budget Town Hall at Don Mills Collegiate last December to learn • their commute to work and their drive home to be with the continuance of the financial pressures that come with them. Minor changes to the employee benefit plan; interests of management or the taxpayer. That’s what the old agreements mansion and coach house that belonged to the late Senator of the challenges facing our city, to ask questions, tell me what city • with the City’s workers would have guaranteed. I would argue that what their families. I believe subways are the right choice for Reducing the Debt Recognition of EMS as an essential service. Frank O’Connor. services are important to you and be part of the solution. • the unions have given up, they should have sooner. Collective agreements the future. Spending Less In this budget, the bulk of the surplus is being applied to unfunded This is a huge victory for the taxpayer. These agreements are fair and should have been more at par with the private sector a long time ago. All The restoration in Phase 1 has stabilized the mansion, restored the I think we need to ask ourselves whether residents and capital projects (as is city policy, as a matter of fact) to reduce the reasonable, especially given the City’s economic and budgetary position that was needed was determination and political will. exterior of the Coach House, Maintenance Building and the main transit users 50 years from today will be happy with the I supported the 2012 Operating Budget because it was balanced, debt. Specifically, the money is going to help pay for unfunded and meet all of the City’s objectives at the start of negotiation. We were Estate residence as well as renovated the main floor interior of the Coach Governments have to come to terms with the realities of having to find decision to build transit down the middle of the road. smart, fiscally sound and made great strides in rebuilding TTC capital projects so as to avoid an increase in debt servicing costs, successful in eliminating or amending many of the restrictive conditions House. Phase 2 of the restoration project is under way and it is focused ways to provide quality service that is affordable, sustainable and Imagine if my predecessors had decided not to build Toronto’s fiscal foundation, all while enabling the City to which you may know are over $400 million a year, paid out of in the existing collective agreement, such as “Jobs for Life” as well as on the first and second floor of the main residence building. respects the fact that the taxpayer’s pocket is not bottomless. This has to be Canada’s first subway on Yonge Street in 1949? Would we maintain the core services that residents value. It was accomplished the operating budget. It is the third largest expense we as taxpayers introducing many cost containment provisions. At the same time, the city be happy today with that decision? I think not. Transit reflected in the collective agreements that are negotiated with all public Once the O’Connor House is fully restored, its uses will include a while spending less of your money than the year before; this is was able to provide modest wage increases over the term of the contract. planning requires a vision for 50 years, not 10. have after police and TTC. Imagine the money that becomes service unions. This is what the City of Toronto accomplished in its new four year community cultural centre, community schools learning centre and a happening for the first time since amalgamation. It was achieved The four-year term also means that the collective agreement will not expire available for services when millions in debt charges are eliminated agreements. Today, City managers can manage better, services can be museum. The Toronto Catholic District School Board will be using One of my Constituents wrote to me recently and said while limiting the residential property tax increase to the rate of until after the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games have concluded. year after year. improved to meet the demands of a 21st century public and the City has the main floor of the Coach House for much needed classroom space, it best; “At every turn in our society, 99.9% of the time, inflation. The 2012 Budget set the stage for a future Toronto that can The agreements secured with CUPE so far are estimated to save the city Investing in the Future furthered its progress on the road to fiscal sustainability. in particular for drama and arts classes. In the evenings and on the decisions are made on cost-benefit evaluations; however, do all of the things it should...and better. I supported the 10-year $150 million over four years. weekend, the main floor will be available for community, cultural and one must know when this evaluation system should be put capital plan because it achieves a proper balance between maintaining The City will move forward on fiscal sustainability in 2013 and 2014 heritage groups on a paid permit basis. The O’Connor House Board aside, the 0.1% of the time.” This should have been one existing City assets in a state of good repair and accommodating using the same strategy; working to eliminate the City’s structural of Directors were recently awarded a $500 thousand Grant from the of those times. deficit by providing services more efficiently and securing additional Toronto’s growing population. City Services Highlighted SURVEY RESULTS Ontario Trillium Foundation Community Capital Fund which will be Time will tell how the Finding Efficiencies predictable revenue sources, while using surpluses to fund capital used to help make the buildings accessible. see-saw battle between projects and reduce the debt. In the end, the city will have surpluses Community Supports Minor Change The O’Connor House has come a long way from having fallen into LRT and Subway plays This year, improvements were made on both the expenditure that come from being efficient and fiscally responsible. Just WASTE WIZARD - Learn What to do at Brookbanks and Underhill out. For now, City disrepair and being in danger of demolition. The progress could and revenue side of things. Toronto’s 2012 Operating Budget was think of the investments we could make in the City. I for one am Council has made a With Your Waste Materials. A 2011 survey asked residents in the community whether they not have been made without funding, and certainly not without the balanced through a combination of $271 million in budget looking forward to the future. decision on Eglinton, We’ve all experienced the confusion in not knowing how to dispose of supported the installation of an all-way stop control at the intersection commitment and hard work on the part of the Board of Directors, reductions and efficiencies, $56 million in service level on Sheppard, on Finch. Of course, getting the City on a sustainable path will not be without something; asking ourselves, Which bin does it go in? Is it household of Brookbanks Drive and Underhill Drive. This was in response to adjustments, $327 million in increased revenue. The budget also included Board Advisors and the many volunteers. Dennis Timbrell and Tony They are not decisions sacrifice. We will surely face some of the same difficult decisions for concerns in the neighbourhood about pedestrian safety and right an updated debt forecast that reduces the City’s long-term debt hazardous waste? What do I do with it if it doesn’t go into the bin? Wagner deserve special recognition, as without them, none of this we are all happy with, 2013 and 2014 that we did this year. I know that not everyone of way concerns at the intersection. Surveys received were Two LRT lanes will run requirement by an estimated $700 million. The City’s website has a new and useful online search tool – would have been possible. I am proud to have played even a small part but I respect these deci- will agree with how we’re tackling the fiscal troubles here at City overwhelmingly in favour of leaving the intersection as is, with the down the middle of the road Waste Wizard – to help you learn what to do with your waste materials. in preserving this neighbourhood treasure. Much remains to be done sions. I hope that as a city The City has been on an unsustainable path for years and that is exception of the replacement of the northbound Brookbanks Drive, Hall. But, one need only look at our higher levels of government to Even the most enthusiastic of recyclers and waste diverters can make a but the future is bright. we can move forward on building much needed rapid transit why we face these difficult decisions now. $774 million was the see that they too are making the same difficult decisions themselves. right-turning yield sign at Underhill Drive, to a stop sign. The addition mistake…and mistakes can contaminate the waste stream, damage If you want to learn more about this project or if you are interested to areas of the city that have never had access to it and have opening operating pressure for 2012, which is, the incremental cost The end goal is the same…to keep taxes down while providing of the stop control is meant to provide right-of-way to pedestrians who equipment and cause workplace injuries. Learn how to put things in being a volunteer, please send an email to [email protected] been waiting a long time for it. of providing 2011 services and service levels in 2012. wish to cross the street. quality public service and investing in the future. in their place. Waste Wizard can help. or contact the Chair of the O’Connor House Board of Directors, For more information on the Eglinton-Scarborough The previous administration’s budget strategy was to raid the reserves Thank you to all who participated in the survey and for supporting We’re on the right path. Information on the 2012 Budget can be Go to www.toronto.ca/recycle or call 311. Tony Wagner at [email protected] Crosstown, please visit www.thecrosstown.ca and use non-recurring revenues (revenues we didn’t know we were found on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/budget2012 this small measure to improve safety in the neighbourhood. DON VALLEY EAST • SPRING 2012 DON VALLEY EAST • SPRING 2012