It has been a busy winter at Toronto City Hall, where I have been hard at work on your behalf. Below are just some of the accomplishments that I have strongly supported and that City Council has approved:

Province declares the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) an
Essential Service.
As you may know, I was the first City Councillor to strongly advocate for the Essential Service designation. Our City simply cannot function without the TTC. Transit strikes grind the entire GTA economy to a halt and causes immense environmental and social damage. By declaring the TTC an essential service the TTC and its workforce must resolve their differences through arbitration, not through strikes which only victimize the riders.

Elimination of the Personal Vehicle Registration Tax.
I never supported the introduction of this regressive tax under the previous administration and I was happy to vote to repeal it. The charge was $60 per motorist – it has now been eliminated.

Millions of Dollars found in Internal Savings and Efficiencies. Finding administrative and internal City Hall financial efficiencies has just begun. I have always insisted that Council cannot ask Toronto residents to pay more for services when internally the City is not being run as efficiently as possible – I am in full support of fiscal restraint and accountability.

City of Toronto Budget Passed with No Property Tax
Increases. For the first time, in many years, this year’s Operating
Budget did not include a property tax increase which I supported.
This is a tax on housing that drives up the cost of housing for homeowners, particularly tenants who pay the highest property taxes through their rent. Furthermore, my office has been very busy helping hundreds of seniors on fixed incomes appeal their property tax assessments, and know first hand how devastating the cumulative impact of these annual increases can be on those with limited incomes.

Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre Addition.
A ground-breaking ceremony for this great new Community Health
Centre (near Symington Ave and Davenport Rd) took place on
March 10th 2011. This new project will include an upgrade to the
Community Health Centre. This welcoming freestanding addition to
our local community will be completed this year. Congratulations to
all involved!

Street Improvements. Our ward continues to get upgrades
on our many laneways, roads and sidewalks that are in need of resurfacing. If you see any potholes or debris on public places please
call my office or 311.

Declaring War on Graffiti Vandalism.
As Chair of the Licensing & Standards Committee I have been asked to lead the charge against graffiti vandalism across the entire City of Toronto. Graffiti vandalism signals neighbourhood neglect and hurts businesses, the neighbourhood aesthetic, and property values. It has no artistic value and often contains offensive language and gang messages. Graffiti Art, authorized by the property owner, such as a mural, continues to be exempted from this bylaw. Please call 311 to report graffiti.

Subway Expansion Made a Priority Again.
Subways are considered to be world-class transit systems. The previous administration gave up on building subways entirely with the exception of the York University extension which is already underway. The plan was not to build more subways for the next generation, relying instead on St. Clair-style “light rail” (with far fewer stops than St. Clair). If Toronto is to succeed - it needs a strong subway system, plain and simple! Our current system is one that is no longer adequate for a City our size. 80 years ago a similar debate took place, our existing Yonge Subway line was almost turned into a ground rail line instead. My belief is that 80 years from now the next generations will be grateful that we had the foresight to build subway transit lines.

Reduced Councillors’ Office Budgets by 40%.
Although this is a relatively small part of the overall City Operating Budget it is highly symbolic. I pushed for a reduction in Councillors’ budgets to send the right message to citizens and especially City Staff; we all have to do our part in tightening our belt if Toronto is to succeed.

Volunteer Recognition.
Ward 17 is home to hundreds of dedicated hard working volunteers that spend countless hours investing in our local neighbourhood. Volunteerism creates a strong community and can enrich the lives of those around us. Whether it is spending time helping keep our streets or parks clean during Community Clean–Up Days, or participating in the numerous community festivals, you help make a difference. Please call, write or e-mail my office with candidates you feel are deserving of such recognition.

Turnberry Community Improvements.
The new gateway entrance at Turnberry and Alentejo welcomes residents to the community. Additional Improvements to the North and South Parkettes will include new plantings, grading and turf restoration. The new extension to the ambulance station at 100 Turnberry will include extensive landscape improvements to the City Boulevard.

Earlscourt Park Improvements to the North Soccer Field.
I am pleased to report that over $1.6 million dollars has been
invested toward a state of the art revitalization of the North Soccer
Field; it has been completed and looks fantastic!

Dog “Off-leash” Area.
In consultation with the Joseph J. Piccininni Advisory Council, Parks & Recreation City Officials, and dog owners – a new dog “off-leash” area in Earlscourt Park has been created. The location is properly fenced-off and will make the park safer for all users. Dog owners now have a space of their own.

New Volleyball Court at Earlscourt Park.
I am also pleased to report that a new state of the art “sand volleyball court” has been completed at Earlscourt Park.

Keeping TCHC Board Members and Management Accountable.
A recent Auditor General report found senior Toronto Community Housing Management accountable for a “blatant” disregard concerning – rules around expenses; the procurement process; and abuse of taxpayers’ money –which is simply outrageous! I voted for sweeping changes.

Nairn Park New Playground Completed.
The new children’s playground at Nairn Park has been completed and replaces the old, unsafe, structure. This project is a culmination of several years of my work lobbying at City Council and listening to the needs of the local community. Children in the Nairn Park area will be enjoying this playground for years to come!

Canada Day Celebrations.
On Friday July 1, 2011, my office along with Parks Forestry & Recreation will host our “Annual Canada Day BBQ” celebration at the Earlscourt Park. Thousands of area residents attend this fun-filled day of excitement. You can count on amazing entertainers who help make this event a true success. Congratulations to the Regal Heights Community for organizing their annual joyful Canada Day parade!

Reducing Your Property Taxes.
My staff and I have helped thousands of residents to reduce property tax assessments on which their property taxes are based. Often residents can save hundreds of dollars a year. This is a free service for homeowners in Ward 17.

Business Improvement Associations.
Our Business Improvement Associations of: St. Clair Gardens, Corso Italia, Regal Heights Village and Fairbank Village, have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve our commercial areas. For example, along St. Clair Avenue West, enhancements such as new store facades, pedestrian lights, piped-in music, and marketing campaigns are creating a vibrant shopping and dining area. By working together, we can replace years of struggle, due to the St. Clair Right of Way construction, with years of success.

Oakwood Arts District.
Oakwood Avenue, from St. Clair Ave to Eglinton Ave, was designated a new “Arts District” by the City. This designation will bring new investment to the area and create a more vibrant and sustainable Art Community.