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Joe MihevcNEWSLETTER

City Hall:100 Queen Street West Toronto ON M5H 2N2t: 416.392.0208councillor_mihevc@toronto.ca

Community Office:747 St. Clair Avenue WestToronto ON M6C 4A4t: 416.392.7460

Spring 2015 | Ward 21, St. Paul’s West

Dear Neighbours,

This is my first hard copy newsletter since the 2014

municipal election. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to continue serving as the Councillor for Ward 21. I am grateful for your trust and support. I have great expectations for the future and I have no doubt that together, we will continue the good work in our community and at the city level.

We are just a few months into the new term and there is optimism that the newly elected Council will be able to work collaboratively and implement

progressive changes. There is a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the tasks at hand and certainly the 2015 Budget review and approval process has reflected this.

Please continue reading this newsletter for updates on some of the ward and city projects: the Eglinton Crosstown, the Wychwood Library development, park upgrades including the new Cedarvale warming room, the laneway naming proposals and the tree planting project. Read about our capital and transit projects, the Student Nutrition Program, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is already

busy and we are moving forward at a fast pace!

I have recently introduced a proposal for a committee of academic representatives from universities and colleges across the city to collaborate on city-wide issues. This is really exciting as I believe that there is so much value when the political and academic arenas work together for the good of a city. You will be hearing more on “Towns & Gowns” this year.

With the Pan Am Games taking place in Toronto this summer, there is going to be tremendous energy and excitement. We will experience this first hand in our

ward during Salsa on St. Clair in early July.

Let’s renew our commitment and active engagement as we continue to build on the solid foundation that makes Ward 21 such a great community in which to live, work, and play.

Sincerely,

Councillor Joe MihevcWard 21, St. Paul’s West

Join Me in Replacing Our Tree Canopy!

When the 2013 ice storm hit Toronto, the city lost 20% of

its tree canopy. In addition, the most significant threat to the urban forest today is the Emerald Ash Borer which will reduce the number of trees even more. Restoring the lost tree canopy is vital to our city and I am inviting you to join me in planting a new tree in both your front and back yards to replenish and expand our urban forest.

The City will gift you a tree for the city’s portion of land in your front yard and we are partnering with the non-profit organization LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) who will work with you to plant a tree in your back yard.

Over the spring months we will be distributing flyers to you with more information on this initiative. If you are interested in helping us distribute the flyers and/or would like more information on the project, please contact Beth Gosnell: 416.392.7460.

Hydro Updates a Priority for Ward 21

I meet regularly with the President’s office at Toronto Hydro to

pursue the improvement of hydro infrastructure in our area. During our most recent meeting in late March, Hydro representatives reported on areas in our ward which have been experiencing

problems, and noted other areas which have seen improvements with infrastructure investment and enhanced system management. We discussed possible avenues to continue to build reliable, forward-looking infrastructure. There are a number of projects planned

for Ward 21 in the near future, presently subject to Ontario Energy Board approval. Once approved, I will make the list of projects publicly available. Hydro reported in mid-March that a main feeder on Ava Road is being monitored and that capital work on that

feeder should help improve service reliability. Hydro is also monitoring the Cedarvale and west Forest Hill areas (south of Eglinton Ave. east of Bathurst St.) for proposed future infrastructure upgrades. Hydro hopes to perform this work in the next two to three years.

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Three Points Where Two Lines MeetCONCEPT DRAWINGS - PHASE 2

“Three Points Where Two Lines Meet” to be installed at the Bathurst and Vaughan

triangle, falls somewhere between architecture, urban design, and sculpture, creating a structural system of triangles crowning this extraordinary public space. The project traces the city, which is a series of intersecting lines and most of these intersections occur at 90-degree angles, making a system of squares and rectangles.

The triangular space-frame is punctuated by white LEDs, gently illuminating the site and helping to create an energetic urban character of triangular spaces. A subtle LED lighting system will harmonize the artwork with the movement and ebb and flow of the city. A colour scheme has been introduced to the sculpture, which enhances its site presence. Blue oat grass will be planted in the small area underneath the sculpture. “Three Points Where Two Lines Meet” will become a key marker of Bathurst Street and Vaughan Road when travelling on Bathurst either uptown or downtown.

Construction is tentatively scheduled for September 2015.

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Our Ward Green Spaces and Recreation Centres

I look forward to seeing families and friends out enjoying our parks this

spring. This summer the Recreation Department is offering an adventure camp in Cedarvale Park which will be based out of the new multi-purpose room that opened this winter in the rear of Phil White Arena. The room has a community kitchen and washrooms now accessible to park users during the day.

New stairs will be built on the parking lot embankment and will provide easy access for people to use

the new facilities while at the water play area, tennis courts, or taking part in field sports.

Residents north of Eglinton can look forward to West Prep School rejuvenating its grounds to include new play equipment and an outdoor classroom. I will be contributing funds from community benefits received from new developments in the ward and a portion of the budget will be received through community fundraising. The TDSB will host a community consultation to show the concept designs soon. The project is planned for 2016.

For those who appreciate being able to stretch and do some circuit training as part of their exercise routine, the Heath Street Parkette at the south entrance to Cedarvale Ravine will have a few pieces of fitness equipment installed this spring. This project is able to happen from a thoughtful donation by a local family, the Zeiler family, in memoriam to their father, John Zeiler. The gift honours many of John’s values in life: family, community, fitness, education and nature. The family hopes that it is well used and enjoyed by all. A sincere thank you is extended to the family for this contribution to the city that our community will enjoy.

Of final note, the St. Clair Reservoir immediately under Sir Winston Churchill Park will be undergoing extensive restoration with waterproofing and structure rehabilitation work beginning this summer. A portion of the park will remain open. In 2016 the remainder of the park will need to be closed until completion of the project in Winter 2017. A community consultation will be held to learn more about the project.

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Developments in Ward 211486 BATHURST ST. – THE BARRINGTONAn 18-storey, 93-unit building has been approved at the Ontario Municipal Board. To date, there is no construction schedule.

925-935 EGLINTON AVE. W. – CHINA HOUSEA 9-storey mixed-use building containing 91 dwelling units and retail on the ground floor is well under way. The anticipated completion date is mid to end of 2016.

836 ST. CLAIR AVENUE WEST (FORMERLY HUNGARIAN HOUSE)The developer has proposed an 8-storey mixed-use residential and commercial building consisting of 138 residential units. A total of 83 parking spots is proposed in a below-grade parking garage. The proposal is still with the Planning Department with a City decision expected in early Summer 2015.

501 ST. CLAIR AVE. W. - THE RISEThe construction of a 23-storey residential building with 300 residential units and 950 square metres of commercial space on the ground floor has begun. Parking will be provided in a below-grade parking garage containing a total of 243 parking spaces, including 42 Toronto Parking Authority parking spaces. Construction will be completed in 2017.

829 ST. CLAIR AVE. W. - THE NESTConstruction has begun on a 9-storey building and the completion date is anticipated for 2016.

PETRO CANADA SITE/ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOLThe land where the Petro Canada gas station previously existed belongs to St. Michael’s College High School. They have decided not to sell the land but to keep it for school purposes. At present, we have no information as to the specifics of their plans.

109 VAUGHAN RD. (FORMERLY THE OCCULT SHOP)A 9-storey residential building consisting of 51 total units, with a total of 30 parking spaces has been approved by the Committee of Adjustment. Construction is expected to begin in the near future.

350 VAUGHAN RD. (AT CHERRYWOOD AVE.)This development proposal consists of 9 units – 7 detached units and 2 semi-detached units. Community Consultation Meetings have been held and the application will go before Council in the Spring of 2015.

230 VAUGHAN RD. (AT KENWOOD AVE.)A 3-storey residential building with 10 residential units has been approved by the Committee of Adjustment. As of now, we do not have a construction timeline.

155 WYCHWOOD (CORNER OF WYCHWOOD AVE. AND ST. CLAIR AVE. W.)A development application for a 9-storey condo with commercial space on the ground floor has been submitted to the City’s Planning Department. It is at the very beginning of the planning process and Community Consultation Meetings will be held this year.

Overview of Ward 21 Infrastructure Projects

Upgrades to city infrastructure within the ward are a key

priority. I have been working with city departments and agencies to ensure that these upgrades are on track.

In this past year we have seen some major projects completed. Sidewalk improvements were completed outside of Humewood House, speed hump construction was recently completed on Lonsmount Drive, the Frankel Lambert Park construction was completed, and the first stage of resurfacing of Chiltern Hill has been completed and the next stage will commence this summer.

This spring and summer we will see some much needed upgrades and construction projects being undertaken in our ward. The paths in Humewood Park will be resurfaced this summer, the stairs in Cedarvale Park will be constructed, water main rehabilitation will be taking place very shortly on Elm Ridge Dr., and we are looking forward to building allotment gardens along the Hydro corridor by Bathurst and Dupont. We are also looking forward to construction on the Wychwood Library expansion project later this year.

Road and laneway resurfacing will be taking place in a variety

of locations between May 2015 and November 2015. These include: Chiltern Hill Rd. (from Ava Rd. to Dewbourne Ave.), Glen Cedar Rd. (from Heathdale Rd. to Strathearn Rd.), Winnet Ave. (from Vaughan Rd. to Durham Ave.), Elm Ridge Dr. (from Newgate Rd. to Bathurst St.), Newgate Rd. (from Elm Ridge Dr. to Ridelle Ave.), Fairleigh Cres. (from Eglinton Ave. W. to Hydro Pole 50), Park Hill Rd. (from Fairleigh Cres. to Citizen Lane), Shaw St. (from Dupont St. to Wychcrest Ave.), Christie St. (from Melita Ave. to Davenport Rd.), Montclair Ave. (from Spadina Rd. to Montclair Ave.), and Spadina Rd. (from Eglinton Ave. W. to Thelma Ave.).

Construction of elevators at the St. Clair West subway station is already underway. They will be operational by 2016. The City’s rehabilitation of the Spadina Road Bridge over Nordheimer Ravine is underway. This project will be complete in early summer. More information about this and other projects in Ward 21 can be found here: www.toronto.ca/improvements/ward21

For more details and updates on the Ward 21 2015 Capital Projects: www.joemihevc.com/capitalprojects

Wychwood Library Senior Centre and Library Expansion

In 2016, the Wychwood Library will be celebrating its centenary.

Not only will we be honouring the library and its devoted staff, a renovation and expansion project will be under way. Funding for this

project will be directed from the Library Capital Budget as well as through Section 37 funding from nearby developments.

The Library itself will get a much needed face-lift and expansion.

In addition, we will be adding a Senior’s Centre on the site. Like the rest of Toronto, we have an aging population in Ward 21, and a need for more services for older residents.

One final broad Community Consultation Meeting will take place this year to review the plans and get the community’s input. The project is expected to commence in 2016.

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The Eglinton Crosstown

The Eglinton Crosstown is a 19 kilometre light rail transit (LRT)

line that will run along Eglinton Avenue through the centre of Ward 21 and our city, with a 10km underground central section from Keele Street to Laird Drive. The line will connect Mount Dennis in the west to Kennedy Road in the east, and the new service will be up to 60% faster than bus service today.

The Crosstown construction is on schedule for a 2020 opening.

The tunnel boring machines are scheduled to be lifted over the University-Spadina subway line at the Allen Road intersection on the weekend of April 17th where they will continue their journey eastward to Yonge Street. Tunnel boring machines are also busy digging the eastern underground portion from Laird Drive to Yonge Street. Tunnelling is to be completed by the end of 2016 when both sets of machines will meet at Yonge Street.

Current construction at Bathurst Street to build headwalls which will support the future station, will be completed late this spring. The remainder of work for Ward 21 over the next 18 months will be focused in the vicinity of the Allen Road.

Metrolinx is entering into the station design phase of the project and will choose a contractor for each of the station sites by June 2015. Concept designs will be developed until the end of the

year. To keep up to date about the Crosstown project, sign up to receive email updates at www.thecrosstown.ca. You can also follow the site’s interactive map highlighting construction activities across Eglinton Avenue, or follow the project on twitter @CrosstownTO.

Thank you for your patience and support during the building of this critical piece of transit infrastructure for our city.

Overview of big issues at the city

Faith in the City

This year Faith in the City’s annual symposium at City Hall will be held on Thursday April 30. “Faith, the City & a Child Poverty Reduction

Strategy” will draw many participants: faith leaders and congregants from a wide range of religious traditions, social activists, senior city staff, and political leaders. This year’s symposium will focus on the issue of child poverty and the development of a comprehensive Poverty Reduction Strategy for the City of Toronto. The keynote speaker this year will be former Canadian Senator Hugh Segal.

The symposium will gather a team of workshop facilitators and community experts to help draw out the expertise that everyone brings to this conversation and the important work that will follow over the next few years. The vision and direction of Faith in the City is set by a team of faith leaders and community partners seeking to actively engage faith communities in issues of common social concern.

For more information please contact Director, Joe Abbey-Colborne: joe.faithinthecity@gmail.com

Budget 2015: Towards an equal, healthier, and more connected city

After weeks of public consultation and deliberation, City Council

passed the 2015 Budget on March 11. Residents will notice a number of improvements to City services as a result of funding priorities established in the Budget. For instance, you may already have benefited from TTC enhancements: kids aged 2-12 can ride for free as of March 1, off-peak bus and streetcar service will increase to ten minutes or better, and new express route network services will be established. The WheelTrans program continues to expand in accordance with AODA, with 24 hour service and improved customer service

The Budget includes $25 million for poverty reduction initiatives, including new shelter beds for the homeless, 3 new youth lounges, additional funding for childcare subsidies, enhanced shelter warming centres during extreme cold weather events and expansion of recreation priority centres. The 2015 Budget was a good down payment for what will be a larger and longer effort. The long-term Poverty Reduction Strategy will be released alongside an Implementation Plan and Evaluation this fall.

Children’s needs have been prioritized, with continued development of the 8 existing After-School Recreation and Care sites. $760,000 has also been included for program expansion. The Student Nutrition Program continues to grow, now in the third year of its expansion plan. It will see a budget increase of $1.3 million to cover the cost of inflation for food, as well as adding up to 27 new schools this fall. One of these will be our very own McMurrich Public School!

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Ward 21 Spring and Summer Events for 2015ENVIRONMENT DAYApril 26 | 10AM-2PMWychwood Barns Park along Wychwood Avenue

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAY MAY 3

Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail9AM -10AM (meet at Old Park Rd. entrance)

Cedarvale Park10AM-11AM (meet at the bottom of the Glen Cedar footbridge)

Hillcrest Park10AM-12PM (meet at the corner of Hillcrest Dr. and Christie St.)

Nordheimer Ravine11AM-12PM (meet at the stairs, corner of St. Clair Ave. W. and Wells Hill Ave.)

COMPOST DAYS

St. Bruno’s Catholic SchoolMAY 4 | 4pm – 6pm

St. Alphonsus Catholic SchoolMAY 7 | 4pm – 6pm

McMurrich Public SchoolMAY 8 | 5pm – 7pm

Humewood Community SchoolMAY 11 | 4pm – 6pm

Cedarvale Community SchoolMAY 12 | 4pm – 6pm

J.R. Wilcox Community SchoolMAY 13 | 4pm – 6pm

MOVIE NIGHTSHalf hour before sunset

Marian Engel Park Despicable MeMAY 30

Laughlin Park Cool RunningsJUNE 5

Ben Nobleman Park Remember the TitansJUNE 13

Wychwood Barns Park Camp RockJUNE 26

“WE ARE CITIES” SERIESRoutable discussions on important urban issues

Co-Sponsored with Evergreen CityWorks and Wychwood Barns Community Association

At Artscape Wychwood Barns

MAY 5 | 6:30pm - 9:30pm Transportation and Infrastructure

MAY 12 | 6:30pm - 9:30pm Housing

MAY 19 | 6:30pm - 9:30pm Civic Engagement and Governance

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Questions about:

Waste collection | Water & sewage | Roads & sidewalks | Graffiti & litter | Trees & parks | Complaints & feedback

211 service providing Information and Referral (I&R) for callers to community and social services 24/7 for Central Region (Toronto, York Region and Durham Region), and overnight and on weekends for all the other Ontario Regions (with the exception of Dufferin-Peel): Dial 211

The Ward 21 boundaries are Briar Hill Ave. to the north, the rail corridor near Dupont St. to the south, Winona Dr. to the west and Spadina Rd. to the east.

“Shop Local!”

There are four BIAs in our ward and they are instrumental in keeping the major corridors of Eglinton, Spadina and St. Clair West buzzing

with events, streetscape and street furniture improvements. The BIAs put their talents to use to promote local shops and attract shoppers and pedestrians to their neighbourhoods.

Please support our local stores and help stimulate business and improve economic vitality! This is especially important along Eglinton during the Crosstown LRT construction.

The Wheels are Turning in Ward 21

I recently met with Ward21 Cycle Toronto

and am impressed by the energy and enthusiasm that this group brings to advocating for bike-friendly infrastructure for Ward 21. We continue to work together on route connectivity and other improvements to cycling infrastructure.

Cycle Toronto organizes social events around cycling. Last year a family friendly ride explored the laneways of Ward 21. Toronto Police cyclists joined in and provided cycling safety tips along the ride. The ride ended at the lane behind Dutch Dreams to enjoy some ice cream. Please

consider joining at one of their upcoming monthly meetings. Look up “How To Get Involved” to find out about the Ward21 chapter at www.cycleto.ca

or email ward21@cycleto.ca. On a related note, Bike

Share Toronto is eager to expand their bike stations north of Bloor. I have committed funds from condominium and rental developments to bring

a number of stations to Ward 21. Cycle Toronto

provided a list of preferred locations by surveying city cyclists.

Some possible locations, still to be assessed for feasibility are: George Brown College, Tollkeeper’s Park, Davenport Library, and St. Clair West Subway.

Adding Character to our Laneways

A recent initiative to name the many laneways that wind through our ward, was an unique opportunity to celebrate and honour personalities

that have contributed in some way to the life and times of Ward 21. The Laneway Naming Committee (comprised of ward residents) reviewed the numerous nominations and after much deliberation, selected 11 submissions. These have been submitted to the City of Toronto’s Engineering and Construction Services Department who will present them to Toronto East York Community Council and the nominations will finally be submitted to City Council for approval.

The first round for nominations was closed end of October 2014. If you are interested in submitting a nomination or joining the Committee in the future, please stay tuned. We will continue this project later in the year and will advise residents closer to the time as to when the second round commences.