There is lots going on in our neighbourhood!
City of Toronto municipal election
We await a ruling from the Superior Court on the legality of the province’s Bill 5 (The Better Local Government Act) to reduce the number of council seats to 25.
In the meantime, the number and boundaries of wards continue to be in flux. In the event of a “25-seat council” election, the SERRA area would see FOUR incumbent councillors plus new candidates canvassing in our area. If a “47-seat council” prevails, we would see only our current councillor, Josh Matlow, plus any new candidates asking for your votes.
Although SERRA does not endorse specific candidates during elections, we would be remiss in not thanking Josh Matlow for his excellent service to our community over the last four years. For example, Josh has been front and centre in opposing inappropriate developments, both mid-rise/high-rises and residential homes. In addition, he has championed the creation of new and renovated parks, and heritage properties in our area are being recognized and protected. Josh has also been advocating for a north-south relief transit line to take pressure off the Yonge Line. Lastly, he has been a critical voice advocating for the abolition of the OMB and for the creation of a new City plan for the Y-E area (“Midtown in Focus,” now in the approval stage at the province).
Josh has invited interested residents to attend his official re-election launch party. Josh Matlow’s Campaign Kick-off – Wednesday, September 12, 2018.
You may not be aware, but if you support a candidate running for City Council, the City of Toronto offers a generous rebate program (almost 75% of your contribution). So a $100 contribution will, in fact, cost you only $25 (after the rebate). Learn more at the City of Toronto “Contribution Rebate Guide for Contributors.”
School trustees
We would also like to thank our school trustee, Shelley Laskin, for her tireless efforts to improve school capacity in our fast-growing area. In addition to securing a brand-new replacement (and larger) Davisville Public School, she has also secured a significant addition to both Hodgson Middle School and Eglinton Jr public school. With Shelley’s support, the TDSB is now also formally on the record for agreeing to secure another elementary school for the Y-E area. Together with Josh Matlow and local residents, Shelley also secured our first community centre in the SERRA area at the Davisville Public School grounds! Lastly, together with the Eglinton Jr parents, Shelley has fought for Crosstown LRT construction safety improvements.
To celebrate Shelley’s achievements, come out to her event. Shelley Laskin’s Campaign Kick-off Sunday, September 9th 2018
Tree for Me
SERRA proudly announces our second annual “TREE FOR ME” event in support of improving our neighbourhood tree canopy. If you’ve been thinking of planting a locally grown tree or shrub (free) at your house or apartment, then click here to read the TREE FOR ME information.
Andy Gort,
President, SERRA
Recent News Articles
The Star.com article by JENNIFER PAGLIARO, Aug. 31, 2018
Judge to decide by Sept. 11 on Tory bill cutting Toronto city council wards from 47 to 25
CBC article by The Canadian Press, Aug 31, 2018: Judge expects to rule quickly on Toronto challenge of council-cutting bill
Update – September 11, 2018
Read the Judge’s ruling and see the ward maps in this Toronto Star article by JENNIFER PAGLIARO, City Hall Bureau and ROBERT BENZIE, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief
Mon., Sept. 10, 2018 Ford plans to invoke notwithstanding clause for first time in province’s history and will call back legislature on Bill 5
CBC News article by John Rieti, Sep 09, 2018 Premier Doug Ford to use notwithstanding clause to cut size of Toronto city council