E-News ~ November 30, 2023

Dear friends and neighbours,

Earlier this week, Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow announced a new deal with significant benefits for Toronto's financial future. The key takeaways from the deal are funds for housing and infrastructure, the Provincial takeover of Toronto's highways, a boost in funding for transit in the City, and conditional funding for the homelessness crisis. This deal will offer much needed financial relief for the City, which is currently facing a $1.5 Billion dollar deficit. You can read the full details regarding this deal in my News section below.

Back in 2020, I passed a motion in Etobicoke York Community Council to conduct a Traffic Study for the Maple Leaf & Rustic Neighbourhood. Due to Covid-19, the study was delayed. I am excited to share that we are finally having a Public Consultation Meeting to gather input from the entire community on safety enhancements for the area. I encourage all residents in the neighbourhood to attend the meeting at 15 Benton Road on Monday December 4th, 2023 at 6 p.m. You can find more information regarding this study in my News section.

On Tuesday December 5th, 2023 at 7p.m., the City will be conducting a Community Consultation meeting at Amesbury Community Centre to gather input from local residents regarding improvements to North Park. I look forward to seeing neighbours and families at the meeting next week.

My office has partnered with Denny's this year to raise donations of Food and Toys for families in need in York South – Weston. All the toys raised will go to Toronto Police 12 Division to distribute to identified families in York South – Weston. Donated food will go to local food bank Weston Area Emergency Support (WAES). Any new toys or non-perishable food can be dropped off at Denny's during their opening hours until December 16. I would like to invite families to join myself, Santa, Denny's staff, TPS 12 Division Community Officers, and WAES at the Denny's Diner on St. Clair on December 16th at 3 p.m. for a special event to close off this wonderful initiative. I kindly suggest each family bring a toy or non-perishable food to donate if they are able to and support this important cause. You can find more information regarding this event and initiative in my News section. I hope to see many of you there!

The City's winter recreation programming will open for registration next Tuesday December 5th, 2023 for Etobicoke, York South – Weston, and Toronto East York districts. This includes new programming at Pelmo Park Community Centre! Registration for March Break programming, including camps, will also be opening. Registration for programming in the rest of the city will open Wednesday December 6th, 2023. You can find the link to view available programs and register in my News section.

Metrolinx will be constructing a new, bi-directional cycle path on the south side of Eglinton Avenue between Jane Street and Black Creek Drive to replace the existing path on the north side of Eglinton Ave. The existing cycle path on the north side of Eglinton Avenue will remain open until the new south side path is completed. Work is set to start in early December. For more information on this project you can read the Notice in the Community Projects & Construction section below.

The Mount Dennis Legion - Branch 31 and the Weston Historical Society have exciting events planned for this weekend and next week. There are also many initiatives happening across York South – Weston for this holiday season. You can find information about these events and initiatives down below.

Wishing you a warm and joyful weekend.

Sincerely,
Frances