The TTC's 29 Dufferin bus route is one of Toronto's most highly used surface transit routes. Over the years, we have secured improvements on this route by introducing longer articulated buses and through service changes to improve speed and service.

However, this important transit corridor is also under pressure from a growing number of current and future developments along the route. If fully built out, the Dufferin Corridor north of Bloor St W to just north of Wilson Ave could see a growth of population of up to 54% if all active and potential residential developments are built out. South of Bloor St W to the CNE Grounds, there is the potential to see residential population growth of up to 69% if all active and potential developments were built out. South of Bloor St W, the possibility of employment related development could also expand the number of jobs there by 41%.

While the growing number of development proposals along the important Dufferin corridor is a sign of the vitality of our city, the lack of any plans for higher order transit along Dufferin St will only increase congestion and crowding. The goals of reducing congestion, creating more livable communities and producing more economic growth and opportunity are important to me and our City. In order to fulfill these goals, it is critically important that we support them with investments that enhance public transit in order to expand access to jobs and move people across our city more efficiently.

It is critical that new developments be considered with respect to their impacts on transit capacity and mobility in Toronto. That is why this month at City Council, I moved a motion with TTC Chair Josh Colle in order to address this issue on Dufferin. We have requested that the TTC and City Planning examine what improvements can be made to this route in order to accommodate the projected growth and improve the transit experience for the many customers who rely on this route each and every day. I look forward to reviewing their recommendations with you as we move forward to enhance transit service along Dufferin.

The Dufferin Street Bridge in Toronto has re-opened for vehicular traffic. The bridge, which is south of Springhurst Avenue and goes over the GO Transit/Metrolinx Rail Corridor, has been closed to traffic since last June.

The purpose of the closure was to ensure public safety. The bridge was scheduled for replacement, but as a result of inspections done in 2013, the City made the decision to expedite the closure and install temporary bridges before the construction of a permanent bridge.

The temporary bridges will remain open to traffic until the permanent bridge is completed in 2019.

"As City Councillor for Ward 18, I have made the vitality of our arts community a key priority. In May 2012 my office conducted a census/survey at 442 Dufferin. The survey was intended to better understand the needs of the artists in this space as well as provide information to protect and promote art production spaces in Ward 18. I am also working with organizations like Artscape in all new developments where there is a possibility of integrating affordable artistic production spaces."

- Ana Bailão