We want your input on priorities for the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.  We also want to encourage participation at our General Member Meetings by ensuring that meetings are conveniently scheduled, and find out if there is a preference for meetings to be held in person or virtually.  We’re also interested in what social media people prefer.  Please fill out this brief online survey, it will be open until the end of January.

BCCA Survey Link
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​Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the virtual General Member’s Member on Monday January 16th.  An interesting presentation on personal safety was made by Constable Anthony Lamanna, Community Relations, 52 Division, Toronto Police Service.  The two elements of personal safety are being free from physical harm, as well as fear.  Always have a plan and pay attention to your surroundings without being distracted by your phone or music.  When you are travelling, do some research in advance to find the location of safe places that are open 24 hours, e.g. fire or police stations, hospitals, retail stores or condo/office buildings with concierges. If you are confronted by a person who may have mental health issues, de-escalate by holding your hands in front of your face and speak slowly and calmly in short, simple sentences.  Always be aware of your environment and remove yourself if you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Anthony reminded everyone he is available for on site security review and neighbourhood risk assessments.
 
Meeting highlights:
 
Changes to the Constitution were approved by Primary Building Representatives.  The major changes were renaming Delegates to Building Representatives, and Associate Member to Community Partner, along with changing the fiscal year to October to September.  Frequency of meetings was made more flexible, along with the ability to hold meetings virtually.  The requirement to file a T2 return was eliminated.  To be a member in good standing, membership dues must be current.  Before being eligible to be an Executive Officer, the person must have served as a Building Representative for a minimum of 6 months.
 
There is a vacant Director position available.  Any interested candidates should contact the Executive Board.
 
The year end report was presented, as was a letter of support for the ActiveTO Midtown Complete Streets Pilot.
 
A brief survey will be sent out shortly to help determine areas of priority, review the most convenient meeting day/time and encourage engagement through volunteering on committees, following on social media or being added to the mailing list.

Community feedback on various issues included the thoughts regarding removal of the Sir John A. MacDonald statue with an indigenous memorial, problems with blocking of Bay Street bus lane clearway, the stabbing of a woman at Yonge and Alexander last weekend, illegal parking in Cottage Lane and St. Nicholas Street, Fantuan food delivery ebike couriers always driving on St. Joseph sidewalk and the closing of a disruptive nightclub in the neighbourhood.  A discussion on the possibility of alcohol being served at local 7-11’s raised concerns about loitering and criminal activity.
 
Announcements were made for upcoming events.  A City Budget Meeting will be held on Tuesday January 17th from 9:30 am onward in person or on the City’s YouTube channel.  FoSTRA is hosting an education webinar on Affordable Housing on Thursday January 26th at 6:30 pm.  The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on Sunday March 19th with road closures from 8 am to 2 pm along Bloor/Yonge/Queen.  The 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee will be held Wednesday February 1st at 6:30 pm.