E-News ~ July 20, 2023

Dear friends and neighbours,

This week I addressed the Community regarding the Rent Strike involving tenants at 33 King Street. I remain committed to our community's well-being and have set up a meeting with the landlord Dream Unlimited. I hope to assist in finding a resolution for both the tenants and Dream and ask that both sides remain open minded during this process. You can read my full statement on this issue below.
 
Yesterday I stood alongside my Councillor colleagues and Mayor Chow to announce additional urgent funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments for the refugee crisis in Toronto. I have been listening to my constituents when it comes to this issue and I am happy to have been a voting member on the motion moved yesterday in City Council. This motion ensures that the funding from both levels of Government goes toward ensuring 150 shelter spaces will be allocated to these homeless refugees on our streets. It also guarantees a further 100 spaces for incoming refugees in the future to ensure this crisis does not happen again. You can read the full motion passed in City Council below.
 
Today in Council, we passed a very important Motion to declare gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic in our city. Countless individuals, predominantly women and girls, suffer physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their partners. I invite you to take some time to read my personal experience and comments regarding intimate partner violence below. Together we are stronger.
 
This week in City Council, I supported a motion to have city staff generate a report to create an E-scooter pilot for the City of Toronto. This report will set recommendations for a pilot that will ensure anyone riding an electric scooter in our City follows strict safety guidelines in order to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. You can read more about this motion and its history below.

On Saturday July 22nd, the Falstaff - Rustic - Maple Leaf - Community Network will be hosting a community festival and their second movie in Maple Leaf Park. There will be food, music, games and a live performance. Please see below for more information. I hope to enjoy the weekend film and festivities with you all.

The Mount Dennis Legion Branch 31 will be hosting a Memorial Service on Sunday, July 30th at Westlake Brothers Park. A group of 26 Citizens from France will read 6000 names of WWII's Canadian Fallen. If you would like to volunteer or are interested in attending, please see below. 

The Weston Silver Band will be performing at Little Avenue Memorial Park on July 25th at 7:30PM. You can read more about this exciting event below.

I hope you enjoy the sunny weekend ahead!

Sincerely,
Frances