News & Updates

Zoning for Major Transit Station Areas: January 21 and 27, Februrary 12

For many years, how the City should grow near transit stations has been a growing topic. Following provincial direction, the City of Toronto is beginning the process of implementing new zoning changes that can increase building heights and the amount of housing that can be developed near 120 transit areas including TTC, GO and LRT stations. The City is hosting a virtual consultation on January 21, an open house on January 27, and an in-person consultation on February 12. Come out and let the City know how you want your neighbourhood to grow!

REmarket: February 11 and 12!

The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 15th REmarket event on Feb 11 & 12, 2026! If you have never attended, this is a fantastic event that aims to make a direct, tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities. Whether you are looking to recycle electronic waste, get your household times--including bicycles--repaired or want to donate unused clothing, glasses or cell phones, you can do it all at REmarket!

Councillor Update - January 2026

2026 has arrived! I hope you and your loved ones had a chance to relax and celebrate this past holiday season. While the weather continues to be erratic, one thing you can count on is local drop-in skating rinks being open this winter, such as at the Regent Park Athletic Grounds, Moss Park Arena and Toronto Metropolitan University Square. Grab your skates, consult the City's online map to see the rink's status, and let’s make the best of the cold weather while it lasts!

Today, City staff released budget briefing notes for the 2026 City Budget, and it appears there will effectively be a 50% funding cut from what was originally promised for the 2025-2030 Downtown East Action Plan (DEAP). If you attended any of my town halls over the past three years, you’ve heard me speak about how important and valuable this plan is. Toronto Centre is a ward with a growing population and the largest concentration of social services in the City, which puts significant pressure on our roads and open spaces. The DEAP provides more supports to keep our vulnerable residents safe and our streets and parks clean. That cannot happen without the funding it requires, and I have significant concerns that the DEAP will receive about half the funding it was promised for this year.

Black Excellence Panel - February 7

Join me on Saturday, February 7, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM as we celebrate Black Excellence in Ward 13, Toronto Centre. This event offers residents and youth of our community the opportunity to meet local leaders who operate our city’s vital services, to gather career advice, and to be part of a network with other community members.

Nominations Now Open: Toronto Community Champion Award

The Toronto Community Champion Award, made possible through the support and partnership of United Way of Greater Toronto, recognizes the extraordinary contributions that community organizations make to support the health, interests and well-being of Toronto residents, particularly those from Indigenous, Black and other equity-deserving groups, communities and areas. The deadline to nominate an organization is Sunday, February 1.

Toronto Community Crisis Service—It’s Okay to Ask for Help

"It’s okay to ask for help”—A new campaign has launched, encouraging Torontonians to reach out if they, or someone they know, are experiencing mental health challenges. Residents can call 211 for support or to be connected to Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), a free, confidential and in-person mental health service which is available 24/7 to Toronto residents age 16+. 

Make FitnessTO the Resolution That Sticks!

Looking to make 2026 the year you get in shape? With a flexible FitnessTO membership you can get access to a wide range of affordable, self-directed fitness opportunities and group fitness classes at safe and welcoming community recreation centres across Toronto. Our highly qualified staff provide hundreds of fitness and aquatic fitness classes daily.   

2026 CaféTO Curb Lane Applications and Renewals Now Open!

The CaféTO program provides restaurants and bars in Toronto with the opportunity to access public space and expand their outdoor dining space through curb lane cafés. Applications are now open for new and returning curb lane cafés. Returning operators should have received an email communication on Monday, January 5 on how to renew their permit for 2026. The deadline for new and returning applicants is 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 11. 

Ward 10 & 13 Budget Town Hall - January 13

On Tuesday, January 13, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, join me, Deputy Mayor Malik, and Budget Chief Councillor Shelley Carroll, as we have an important annual discussion of the 2026 Budget.

 

A New Year Message from Trustee Deborah Williams

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a joyful and hopeful start to 2026. Even in moments when governments fuel despair, we have the power to choose hope instead. Together, we can reject fear and division, lift one another up, and ensure that the most vulnerable among us are never left behind.

$26.8 Million in Community Benefits Coming with Regent Park Phase 4 and 5 Revitalization

I am pleased to share an important update on the Regent Park revitalization and a major investment secured for the community. Toronto Community Housing and Tridel have finalized a Community Benefits Agreement for Phases 4 and 5 of the Regent Park revitalization. Through this agreement, 26.8 million dollars will be invested directly into programs and supports for Regent Park residents.

Regent Park Youth Safety Forum – December 10, 2025

On the evening of December 10, 2025, Toronto Community Housing hosted the Regent Park Youth Safety Forum at the Centre of Excellence in the Regent Park Community Centre, in collaboration with the City of Toronto and my office. The event was led by Toronto Community Housing Tenant Services Coordinator Felicia Whyte and supported by multiple teams across Toronto Community Housing and the City, including Parks and Recreation and Social Development staff. Youth, parents, City staff, and community partners came together for an open and collaborative conversation focused on youth safety, wellbeing, and prevention.