In order to address flooding concerns in the Beaconsfield community, the City has initiated an environmental assessment to identify sewer and drainage system improvements. The initial step of this study is data collection, which is currently being conducted. The City has created an email for residents so they can directly share their experiences and ask their questions. This email is: [email protected]

Once the data has been collected, the City will return to the community to present a variety of solutions for the identified issues and to consult on the best proposals for the neighbourhood. For more information or to get involved, please visit toronto.ca/BFEA and click on Study Area 42.

Progress on the improvements to Dufferin Grove Park's Northwest corner have been steady, with a lot of input from the community. Through extensive community consultations dating back to 2016, what began as a 'state of good repair' project evolved into one which addresses not only safety and accessibility, but sustainability and usability of the area.

One of the major renovations is to replace the rink slab and refrigeration equipment, which was originally installed in 1993 and is prone to failure. The new equipment will make the facility more reliable so the community can enjoy this rink throughout the winter season and for years to come. In addition, the renovations will create larger and fully accessible gardening beds, a more functional kitchen, a green roof with a pollinator focus for the Zamboni shed, additional basketball nets, a larger multi-purpose room with a gas fireplace, more bike parking and improved skate storage.

Due to COVID-19, the construction procurement process and tender was extended. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2020 with completion in spring 2022. The ice rink is anticipated to reopen in November 2021.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this process. With nearly 300 hours of volunteer time and hundreds of residents participating, it is clear that Dufferin Grove is one of the most beloved parks in Toronto. If you want learn more about this project or get involved, you can do so at: toronto.ca/DufferinGroveRevitalization.

After public consultations we have reached a solution that will allow residents to enjoy this Silverthorn area park by having a playground and a shaded area to sit down and relax. Work on this project will start this fall. 

On February 14 we officially dedicated the laneway behind St. Clair Avenue West and Dufferin Street to Sam Ciccolini, a noted member of the Community in the Corso Italia area. Sam has been supporting this community for decades by creating employment opportunities, hosting charity events and through youth sports and camps. 

Throughout the pandemic, Sistering has been operating to serve vulnerable women in Toronto. While their Bloor Street location was offering only limited service until July, they were operating all of their services out of a community centre in Parkdale to allow for social distancing.  

In July, I joined the Sistering team to unveil their new mural, which was created by a local artist and inspired bycommunity input. The quote it features "Until all of us have made it, none of us have made it", isfrom Rosemary Brown, the first black women MPP in Ontario, a recipient of the Order of Canada and a social worker.

I am pleased to see the work on Pessoa Park has finally been completed. Like many of you, I had frustrations with the delays on this work by the contractor. In order to address this, I worked with City staff, with the developer and contractor to resolve the issues, express the community's disappointment and expedite the work. Despite these challenges, I am excited that our community has this much improved green space to enjoy.

In July, 80 participants joined a virtual meeting to discuss the Green Line park proposal as an expansion of Geary Avenue Park. We received good feedback on the greenery, amenities and on a Dog Off Leash Area. This work is being coordinated with Transportation Services at the City to implement traffic calming measures as well. Construction is scheduled for 2021-2022. More details on the project can be found at www.toronto.ca/greenline, including with respect to the next public consultation this fall.

Little Portugal on Dundas new logo [ADV] Potential remove
Little Portugal and Dundas West Business Improvement Areas have joined together to form the Little Portugal on Dundas BIA. Their new logo reflects their history, while embracing the future.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Earlscourt Park. I brought together local organizations and residents to plan our celebrations but unfortunately due to COVID-19 these had to be significantly scaled down. The group is working with Heritage Toronto to move forward with some form of recognition, including the installation of a plaque detailing the park's history, the painting of a mural and some smaller events. Stay tuned!

This year there has also been progress on park improvements. In late August we held a public meeting to present information on a new splash pad and to gather input from the community. We want your feedback to inform these upgrades! Please visit the project website to learn more and fill out the online survey: toronto.ca/EarlscourtSplashPad.

The fieldhouse washrooms, which began as state of good repair work, will also now be receiving accessibility upgrades as well. Construction is planned for winter 2020.

I am pleased to share that a new parkette will be created at 177 Caledonia Road. Working with the community, we have submitted names for the parkette to ensure it reflects the neighbourhood's wishes. Currently, staff are reviewing potential names.

An online survey with the shortlisted names will be available for three weeks for residents to provide input, before a motion is presented at Community Council to approve the winning name.

This park will be built by the developer of the site as part of the development approvals. This work is scheduled for construction in the spring and summer of 

I am pleased to share that the design of the splash pad project at 18 Foundry Avenue has been completed and the construction has begun. It is great to see this important addition moving forward for the families in the community who can enjoy this new feature. Thank you to all the residents who have put in time to consult on the design of this work. To see the design work, please visit: www.anabailao.com/FoundaryAve_SplashPad.