News & Updates

Councillor Update - April 2025

Warmer days are still ahead, but I hope that you and your family had a chance to enjoy some time for yourselves in March as we leave winter and enter spring. I for one cannot wait to see the trees and gardens in full bloom! 

A federal election has been called, with election day coming April 28. This comes shortly after the provincial election. I would not blame anyone for feeling some election fatigue, but this election will be important too. In February, I spoke to issues I felt needed to be raised on doorsteps with provincial candidates, and want to likewise encourage you and your network to engage with federal candidates knocking on your door this month.

Love Local: Support local businesses!

The City of Toronto’s Love Local campaign encourages Torontonians to shop local and support Canadian products and businesses. This is just one of ten immediate actions in the Mayor’s Economic Action Plan in Response to United States Tariffs aimed at protecting small businesses, strengthening local supply chains and ensuring economic resilience. More information about the Action Plan can be found on the City’s Responding to United States Economic Policy webpage.   

Prevent the Spread of Measles – Get Vaccinated!

The measles virus continues to spread in many parts of the world, including in Canada. Residents are encouraged to stay up to date with their routine vaccines to help prevent the spread of measles. Vaccines are available from your primary health care provider or at a Toronto Public Health community clinic for school-aged children. Learn more on the City’s Measles fact sheet and book an appointment at TPHbookings.ca. 

Children’s Spring Poetry Contest: Entries due May 5!

Calling all budding poets! To celebrate spring, the City of Toronto is hosting its first Children’s Spring Poetry Contest! Children ages six to 14 are invited to write a poem about what they love most about Toronto’s parks. Children are encouraged to be creative and expressive in their poems to highlight their favorite memories at a local park.

Happy Easter!

I hope you will be able to join me, my staff and the Easter Bunny on Friday, April 19 for our Toronto Centre Easter Events in Allan Gardens and the newly completed North St. Lawrence Market. Please RSVP! I hope to you there!

Monday, April 21 will be a statutory holiday so my offices will be closed. Happy Easter!

Vacant Home Tax Declaration Due April 30!

After struggles with the Vacant Home Tax (VHT) last year, I'm please to announce that 94.5 per cent of residential property owners have confirmed for the 2024 VHT declaration. However, despite the dramatic improvement that still equates to thousands of homeowners that are set to be taxed on the assumption that their home is lying empty for most of the year. If your property is being used by yourself or tenants, it's imperative that you declare before Wednesday, April 30 to avoid a hefty charge. 

March City Council Highlights

Amidst the trade war with the United States, developing an Economic Action Plan was a top priority for City Council on March 28 and 29.

Growing with the City: Cultural and Capital Projects in Allan Gardens

Recently, the Friends of Allan Gardens (FOAG), in partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation department, released the newest iteration of the envisioning document that will serve as the masterplan for the future of Allan Gardens. This initiative, "Growing with the City," reflects our shared and ongoing commitment to engagement, fundraising and stewardship in the development of cultural and capital projects within the park and in service of the people that use it.

Preparing for Safe Consumption Site Closures

At the end of March, five safe consumption sites across Toronto are slated to close as a result of the Community Care and Recovery Act, which prohibits safe consumption sites within a 200 metre radius of schools and child care centres. As we prepare for this change, I wanted to provide an update and answers to some frequently asked questions. 

Moss Park Community Information Fair - March 6

I'm excited to invite you all to the Moss Park Community Information Fair on Thursday, March 6 at the John Innes Community Recreation Centre. If you're seeking job prospects, housing assistance, health services, or community programs, this fair will provide you with necessary connections.

CUPE Local 79 Strike: What You Need to Know

On March 8, 2025, CUPE Local 79 and the City reached a tentative 4-year agreement, averting a strike. The union membership will vote on the agreement in the coming days and if ratified, it will be adopted at City Council.

March Break 2025

I hope you and your family will all be enjoying this year's March Break (March 10 to 14). My staff will be working from home this week, and my constituency office will be closed. Please click through to learn about what will be happening across the City.