Dear Neighbours,
So much has been happening this summer!
Tuesday’s storm shut down major roads and transit stations, and created traffic chaos across the city. I want to thank the first responders in the EMS and Toronto Hydro who helped people get home and restored electricity and Wi-Fi. If you suffered flood damage and have questions or concerns about your insurance claim, you can reach out for free advice from the General Insurance Ombudsman here. With global warming, we know there will be more of these storms. In this update, you can read SCAN’s Climate Corner on how we need to adapt to this new normal.
Traffic congestion is an issue across Spadina-Fort York, particularly around the Liberty Village area. The summer brings many incredible events, but with the closure of many streets due to ongoing road repairs and construction, getting around has been difficult. I am working with Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik who is looking for solutions that include the use of traffic agents and traffic signal timing modifications. See below for information on the Gardiner Public Information Meeting on July 23. A Congestion Management Report will be going to Toronto Council’s Executive Committee this month and I will keep you updated on this.
The attack on Ontario Place is part of the government's broader plan of giving away our public assets. Starting with the Greenbelt, then Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre, and now the LCBO. We fought and won back the Greenbelt, and we can do it again.
Supporting striking LCBO workers at Front and Spadina
The Ontario Science Centre was abruptly shut down on June 21st. Although the government has claimed that the closure was necessary because of needed roof repairs, this claim was roundly debunked by the Ontario Association of Architects and even by the engineering company that wrote the report on the need for roof repairs. Philanthropists including Professor Geoffrey Hinton – one of the creators of AI – have offered to contribute millions of dollars to keep the Science Centre open. We continue to fight to have the Science Centre reopened.
Ontario Place Protectors filed an injunction in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice. The case is set for this Friday, July 19th, and until then, the government has consented to halt any further demolition at Ontario Place. The hearing is to determine whether Bill 154, which exempts the redevelopment of Ontario Place from Ontario laws, is constitutional. More on this below and I will keep you updated on the results of the hearing.
Billy Bishop hosted two packed townhall meetings on Wednesday to discuss their plans for building buffer zones at the end of the runways. Transport Canada requires the buffer zones to be in place within 3 years. Financing the construction will require an extension on the tripartite agreement for the airport between PortsToronto, the federal government, and the City which expires in 2033. You can read more about this issue and opportunities for public feedback below.
At the Housing We Need Townhall on July 4
Thank you to everyone who joined me for my Housing We Need Townhall on July 4th. It was an informative discussion on rental and owned co-op housing, how we can have more built, and how people can access them. Special thanks to panelists Mike Labbé, Celia Chandler and Michael Norris. You can watch the recording here.
There are lots of exciting events this month. Check out my updated list of Fun Things to Do!
Take care,
Latest News
Ontario Place Construction Halted
On June 24th, Ontario Place Protectors filed an injunction in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice. The case is set for July 19th, and until then, the government has consented to halt any further demolition at Ontario Place. The hearing is to determine whether Bill 154, which exempts the redevelopment of Ontario Place from Ontario laws, is constitutional.
Bill 154 gives the government unprecedented power to commit acts of misfeasance, misrepresentation, bad faith, and breach of trust with impunity. Ontario Place Protectors is rightfully fighting back. This is about much more than just saving Ontario Place – this is now about our democratic rights. If Bill 154 is allowed to stand, it would apply not just to Ontario Place, but it would be a blueprint for future governments that want to put themselves above the law and exempt themselves from judicial controls. Read my op-ed in The Bridge here.
I will continue to keep you updated on the results of the hearing.
Government Closure of Science Centre Not Necessary
You only need to look at the letters written to save the Science Centre, with nearly 80,000 sent and climbing, to know that Ontarians care deeply about this important cultural institution.
The abrupt closure could have been avoided – especially if the government had invested and done the necessary repairs all along. Tearing down iconic architectural history isn’t the answer.
Background:
- An analysis of an initial report suggests the numbers are being cherry-picked
- Claiming both $478 million and $369 million as the cost to repair the Science Centre
- Some costs in these figures appear to have been double-counted
- Numbers also include cosmetic renovations, beyond critical repairs needed to keep the building open
- Actual cost could be as low as $24 million, for priority repairs
- Government’s own report didn’t recommend a closure
My colleagues and I in the Official Opposition have launched a campaign to Save the Ontario Science Centre. We invite all Ontarians to sign this petition and share their story of what the Science Centre means to them.
LCBO Sales Impact Provincial Services
The current LCBO strike has shut down 680 retail stores which bring in nearly 80% of its gross revenue. The situation is having a huge impact on bars and restaurants, but will inevitably also impact our provincially funded services.
According to the LCBO’s 2023 Annual Report, the LCBO brought in $7.41 billion in total sales; $5.87 billion came from retail stores. Of that, $2.46 billion went to the Ontario government that goes directly to our public services.
I am very concerned that the government’s planned changes to alcohol sales in Ontario will take hundreds of millions of dollars away from public funding.
Ontario Failed to Spend $7.8 Billion of Budget
The Financial Accountability Office’s latest review of government spending has revealed that the government failed to spend $7.8 billion of its budget last year, including $1.3 billion less in health care spending than planned.
Less money was spent in all sectors, including $118 million less for justice, $118 million less for children, community and social services, $108 million less for post-secondary education, and $87 million less for education.
It is unacceptable that over billions of dollars have been left unspent while ERs are closing, hospitals are facing deficits across the province, and schools are falling apart. The government has the resources to fix things but has chosen not to.
Runway End Safety Area at Billy Bishop
On Wednesday, I attended the first public meeting on Runway End Safety Area (RESA) at Billy Bishop Airport hosted by PortsToronto. A RESA is a cleared and graded area of land located immediately beyond the end of the runway and is a designated open space designed to be used in cases where aircraft overrun the end of a runway or undershoot and land prior to the runway.
Transport Canada requires Canadian airports that service 325,000 passengers for two consecutive years to implement RESA within three years. Billy Bishop will have met this threshold in June 2024, so the RESA requirement must be met by 2027.
The new RESA will not lengthen the active runway, facilitate the use of new aircraft, or increase operations at the airport. The boundaries and size of the existing Marine Exclusion Zone will also remain unchanged.
PortsToronto is undertaking this project to comply with the new Canadian Aviation Regulation requirements in response to Transport Canada’s safety standards for RESAs. More information on the project is available here.
Rent is Going Up – Again
The province announced that it will be allowing the highest maximum rent increase of 2.5% for 2025, worsening the affordability crisis. Over one million renter households will see an increase next year.
It’s never been more expensive to rent or own a home in Ontario, and 2025 is not going to bring any renter relief. The government’s refusal to bring back meaningful rent control and allowing provincial rents to continue rising by three times the rent increase guidelines clearly tell us that they have no intention of making life more affordable for renters.
We need to implement real rent control and get the government back to work building the truly affordable homes people need. No one should fear being priced out of their home due to unreasonable rent hikes. Sign my petition here.
Changes to Short-Term Rentals Bylaw
The City of Toronto has made changes to short-term rentals which will come into effect in three phases on June 30, 2024, September 30, 2024 and January 1, 2025. Details here.
Changes that have come into effect on June 30, 2024:
- Revised definition of short-term rental, principal residence and dwelling unit to clarify the bylaw and make it easier for operators to understand the regulations.
- Operators need to post a physical copy of the emergency contact information and exit diagrams prominently in your rental for the duration of the guest’s rental period.
- The 40-day registration revocation process has been reduced to a 10-day process. The appeal process remains to allow you to provide evidence and information to explain why your registration should not be revoked.
- Licensed multi-tenant house operators are prohibited from applying for a short-term rental registration.
Changes coming into effect on September 30, 2024:
- Operators will be asked to submit, upon request, at least two documents in addition to government-issued identification to provide additional evidence of principal residence.
- Operators may be asked to attend an in-person interview with the City to present information or documents that may be required to evaluate eligibility to be issued a short-term rental registration.
- The City will have the authority to conduct annual inspections of all registered short-term rentals.
- Operator registration will be tied to the principal residence address. When a registration is revoked, an operator will not be able to apply for a new registration for one year and no other person will be able to apply for a registration related to your address for one year.
- Only one registration will be allowed per dwelling unit.
Operators can find more information on the updated Good Operator Guide.
ODSP and GAINS Rate Changes
ODSP Rate Increase
In 2023, the Ontario government agreed to raise Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates every July. On July 31, ODSP recipients should see a 4.5% increase to their monthly payment from $1308 to $1368. The increase only applies to core amounts and does not apply to several other ODSP benefits, including the Remote Communities Allowance, Special Diet Allowance, and the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance.
GAINS Program
The Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) is a program run by the Government of Ontario for seniors living on a low income. On July 1, 2024, the most a single senior can get went up from $83 to $87 a month. For couples, the amount went up from $166 to $174 a month.
Single seniors with an annual income of $4,176 and senior couples with an annual income of $8,352 can qualify for the GAINS program. Seniors do not have to apply for GAINS. The Ontario government decides who qualifies based on information they already have.
If you think you qualify for GAINS but are not receiving it, call the Ontario Ministry of Finance at 1-866-668-8297, TTY: 1-800-263-7776.
Coffee Cups Now Accepted in Blue Box
As of July 3, 2024, Toronto residents are able to recycle beverage cups at home and other eligible locations. Full details here.
Please follow these instructions for easier sorting and processing at the recycling facility:
Rinse the cup: Empty your cup of any remaining liquids and give them a quick rinse to remove any residue.
Separate components: Remove lids, sleeves, and any other accessories from the cups and place them loosely in your recycling bin.
Loose placement: Place the cups loosely in the recycling bin, without stacking or nesting them together.
Gardiner Rehabilitation Public Meeting Jul 23
Construction on the Gardiner from Dufferin to Strachan began in November 2023 and is anticipated to be completed mid-2027. Details about the project can be found here. The City of Toronto is holding a virtual meeting on Tuesday, July 23 from 6-7:30 pm to provide the public with information about the ongoing construction activities. Register here.
Road Closure for Honda Indy Jul 16-21
This year’s Honda Indy race is taking place from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21. According to the Toronto Police Services advisory, road closures for the event are as follows:
Beginning Wednesday, July 17:
- Southbound Strachan Ave will be closed from Fleet St to Lake Shore Blvd W
- Lake Shore Blvd W will be closed from Strachan Ave to British Columbia Dr
Roads are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 11 pm.
Due to the extensive road closures, motorists can expect significant delays in the area and are strongly encouraged to plan alternate routes. Anyone attending the Honda Indy should take public transit, and both the TTC and GO Transit will provide increased service to Exhibition Place.
Join the Bentway’s Community Advisory Committee
The Bentway and the City of Toronto will be advancing the design for a new site called “Bentway Islands” which will convert the under-used traffic medians below the Gardiner Expressway between Dan Leckie Way and Spadina Avenue into new public space. Details here.
A civic lottery will be used to form a Community Advisory Committee. Interested individuals must live near the site in the M5V postal code and will be randomly selected to form the committee. Complete the application here.
New Border Rules for Travellers with Dogs
Starting this August 1st, new rules will be in place for Canadians with dogs crossing the U.S. border. Full details here.
While the Canadian government is asking to be exempted from these new rules, in the meantime, here is what you need to know before you head south:
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old
- Dogs must be microchipped
- Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies
Import Form
- You must complete a CDC Dog Import Form.
- You will require a clear photo of the dog showing its face and body.
- Dogs younger than one year old must have the photo taken within 10 days.
Rabies Documentation
- Dog owners must have a Documentation of Canadian-Issued Rabies Vaccination signed by a Canadian licensed veterinarian.
- Dogs must be microchipped and certified that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies.
Canadian dogs that have visited a high-risk country in the last 6 months will be denied entry. If you do not meet the requirements, your dog will not be allowed to enter the U.S. and will be sent back at your expense.
Provide Feedback on Canada Disability Benefit
The federal government recently announced a maximum of only $200 per month for the new Canada Disability Benefit. This amount is much lower than what was recommended by the community and does not meet the needs of people with disabilities living in poverty.
The draft regulations to the Canada Disability Benefit are now available online. Feedback is being accepted until September 23, 2024 11:59 pm.
PRESTO Card Now Available in Apple Wallet
As of July 16, transit users can add a PRESTO card to Apple Wallet. This digital version is available at no additional charge. This new feature allows users to tap to ride using their iPhone or Apple Watch. Details here.
Justice of the Peace Vacancies
The Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee (JPAAC) is inviting applications for vacant justice of the peace positions in the province of Ontario in a number of court locations, including Toronto. Details here.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications as set out in the Justices of the Peace Act. Candidates must have at least 10 years of paid or volunteer experience, and:
- have a university degree;
- have a diploma or advanced diploma granted by a college of applied arts and technology or a community college following completion of a program that is the equivalent in class hours of a full-time program or of at least four academic semesters;
- have a degree from an institution, other than a university, that is authorized to grant the degree; or meet the educational equivalency requirement set out in s.2(1.3) of the Justices of the Peace Act.
To apply for an appointment as a justice of the peace, refer to the current application form and instructions for completion and submission here. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
MPP Scrolls for Special Occasions
Turning 30, 40, 80, 90 or 100? Celebrate a significant birthday with a certificate from my office.
Is there a new addition to your family? Send the name of your baby, the parents’ names and other relevant information and we’ll send a “Welcome to the World” certificate to celebrate this special event.
Chris in the House
Below are some of my recent statements at Queen’s Park:
Ontario Place
- Will Ontario taxpayers be on the hook if Therme goes bankrupt? Watch here.
- MPP Bhutila Karpoche and I ask the government to work with Ontarians on the redevelopment of Ontario Place. Watch here.
- Calling for more transparency on the redevelopment. Watch here.
- Questioning the Therme timeline. Watch here.
Education Cuts
- Decades of budget cuts to our schools. Watch here.
- Petition from our local schools regarding staff cuts. Watch here.
Environment and Bill 69
- Climate Critic MPP Peter Tabuns and I debating Bill 69, Reducing Inefficiencies Act and how development is taking priority over the environment. Watch here.
- Impacts on Ontario Place and the environment. Watch here.
Health Care Privatization
- The government’s funding of private, for-profit clinics will only worsen the health care crisis. Watch here.
Arts Funding
- Culture Critic MPP Jill Andrew and I address the cuts to arts funding in Ontario. Watch here.
International Women’s Day
- Actions the government can take for pay equity, including repealing Bill 124. Watch here.
Bill 39: Red Tape Reduction and Democracy
- Is it not possible to build housing while still respecting the outcomes of our recent municipal elections? Watch my question here.
Debate on Bill 26: Misogyny in Post-Secondary Institutions
- Statistics show that 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault on campuses. It’s a difficult discussion we need to have to raise awareness so we can change the culture. Watch my statement here.
The Impact of Interest Hikes on Student Loans
- Ontario students have the highest debt rate and the lowest per-student funding in the country. We need to eliminate interest on student debt. Watch my question here.
Double ODSP Rates & Improve the Homelessness Crisis
- CTV recently reported that at least two Ontarians with disabilities are choosing to die through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) because they could not pay for housing that would reduce their suffering from their disability. Current monthly ODSP payments are 47.5 per cent short of the municipal poverty line in Toronto and 30 per cent below the province's poverty line. It is not possible to survive on these amounts in Ontario and many on ODSP are ending up homeless. I asked the Ford government to double ODSP rates. Watch my statement here.
Affordable Housing
- Rents in Toronto rose 14.5% in 2021. Those in non-rent-controlled buildings are facing rent increases of $500/month. To say that housing under the Ford government is unaffordable is a huge understatement. Watch my statement here.
Environment
- In January, my daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! Becoming a grandparent has further put into perspective how urgently we need to act on the climate crisis so future generations can have a sustainable world to live in. Watch my statement here.
Ukraine
- We need to do everything we can to support the people of Ukraine in these incredibly difficult times. Watch my statement here.