Mayor Tory held a press conference on Friday February 10th, announcing he would be resigning.  He submitted his resignation letter to the City Clerk on Wednesday February 15th, which was effective Friday February 17th.   Deputy Mayor McKelvie is temporarily in charge until a new Mayor is elected.
 
City Council declared the Mayor's position vacant on Wednesday March 29th and passed the necessary by-law required under Section 226.10 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006.  The cost of the by-election is estimated to be $13m.
 
The mayoral by-election nomination period opened at 8:30 am on Monday April 3rd and 28 candidates registered.  Nominations remain open until 2 pm on Friday May 12th.
 
Voting by mail will be available.  Advance voting is scheduled for Thursday June 8th to Tuesday June 13th.  Election day is Monday June 26th.  Please research the candidates and exercise your democratic right to vote!  For more information, visit the City's election website: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/by-election/. 
 
A list of the individuals who filed their nomination paperwork on Monday April 3rd and those who have not yet filed the necessary paperwork, but confirmed they would be running for mayor, is attached.

Thanks to everyone who was able to attend our General Members' Meeting on Monday March 20, 2023.  We were fortunate to have some interesting speakers from the City of Toronto; Esther Afriat from Parks, Forestry & Recreation and John Francisco from Strategic Initiatives, Encampment Office, as well as University Rosedale Councillor Dianne Saxe.
 
Councillor Saxe gave a brief overview of her priorities and responsibilities, including parks, snow clearing, sidewalk safety and introduced Rebecca Sullivan as the Constituency Assistant for the Bay Cloverhill area.  Residents are encouraged to sign up for Ward 11 University Rosedale monthly newsletter at www.diannesaxe.ca.
 
Esther Afriat outlined the Parks Ambassador program, wherein teams of 2 connect with unhoused people in parks to build relationships, conduct safety checks, distribute socks or water and provide referrals.  The spring clean up of Breadalbane Park, Clover Hill Park, Dr. Lillian McGregor Park and Opera Place will start in mid-April once seasonal staff are hired.  These parks will be serviced 2 to 3 times weekly.  Parks Ambassadors monitor encampments, store unclaimed items and restore any damage to parks.  There were no overnight sleepers or encampments in Bay Cloverhill parks.  In Toronto Centre and University Rosedale, the number of overnight sleepers and encampments have reduced dramatically.  Citywide there were 1728 referrals in 2021, 1855 referrals in 2022 and 123 referrals so far in 2023.  Portable toilets have been installed in some parks due to the shortage of available washrooms during the pandemic.  Permanent washrooms are cost prohibitive to build but are being considered in park planning.
 
John Francisco provided information about encampment outreach through the Streets to Homes program in our area.  They provide services 24/7 with referrals to temporary facilities, with the goal of finding permanent housing for individuals.  In conjunction with Toronto Paramedic Services, wellness checks are conducted.  Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Teams (MDOT) consisting of outreach workers, case managers, registered nurses, housing workers and psychiatrists offer mental and primary health care support.  The Streets to Homes Assessment and Referral Centre at Queen and Spadina operates as a warming centre during extreme cold alerts.
 
The results from the community survey from January 2023 were reviewed.  75 responses were received and the information provided will help prioritize what is important to the neighbourhood.  A member's report is provided on the website.  An action plan was developed for key areas of concern.
 
Jack Candido presented an update on the walking path in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood, temporarily referred to as the North Downtown Yonge Green Loop.  The route goes through the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood, as well as Church Wellesley, McGill Granby and College Park areas.  Planning is underway with the City.  The City’s naming process will be engaged with the help of the community, Twelve Parks Walk or Twelve Parks Linx are possible names.  Directional signage will likely be a pole wrap with distinctive colours that will need to be designed.
 
Updates on developments under construction:

1. Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre, 100 and 112 College Street was formerly known as Partnerships in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PIE) Complex, Phase 1 or West, is a 12 storey educational building at 112 College that should be complete in 2023.  The east tower at 100 College will be a 20 storey building started once the first phase is operational.
2. 8 Wellesley Residences at Yonge, 8 Wellesley Street West is a 55 storey condo building with an estimated completion date in Summer 2025.
3. Immix, 494 Yonge Street was formerly known as Halo or the Clock Tower, is a 38 storey rental building scheduled for completion in Summer 2023.

 
The approved projects where construction is pending are:

1. 1075 Bay Street is 59 storey office and condo building that is not currently active.  Site plan meetings are pending.
2. 2G, 26 Grenville Street/27 Grosvenor Street is 46 and 32 storey apartment building that is waiting for a demolition permit.
3. Integrated Learning Centre, 73 Queen’s Park Crescent East is 5 storey educational building that just satisfied their conditions.
4. 510-528 Yonge Street and 7 Breadalbane Street is a 59 storey condo building where an OLT settlement was resolved.  The site plan process is underway.
5. 95 St. Joseph Street is a 39 storey condo with a 12 storey senior’s residences that has been approved by the City.

 
Proposed development projects that are in the planning process are:

1. 10 St. Mary Street is a new proposal to build a 60 storey condo and office building.
2. 25 St. Mary Street is a redevelopment for a 59 and 54 storey condo/rental building where a tenant meeting was held recently.
3. 646 Yonge Street is a new 77 storey condo building and a community consultation meeting was held on March 16th.  Concern was expressed for neighbourhood institution Ethiopian House at 4 Irwin since that building will be demolished to expand Cottage Lane as part of the development.

 
Highlights from the Wednesday February 1st 52 Division CPLC meeting were passed on.  Guest speaker Community Response Unit Sergeant Richard Bobbis spoke about Crowd Dynamics and Demonstrations.  There are only 3 CRU units (used to be 17) with officers in yellow vests.  Different types of crowds were explained with larger crowds having the potential to be problematic.  ‘Atmospherics’ or types of people in crowd are a signal if there will be physical violence.  Anarchists identify with black flags/signs and communist leaning anti-fascists represented with a red flag – both groups cause issues. There were 500-600 downtown protests last year.  Community reports included pedestrian cyclist collision on Queen’s Park, illegal parking, mental health issues, scams like taxi fraud, delivery cyclists on sidewalks.  Crime analytics showed an increase in crimes, but the area is still safe generally; although there has been increased media attention about TTC incidents.  The new courthouse at Armoury and University will be opening this month to replace the College Park, Scarborough and North York court facilities.  TPS is finding it difficult to fill pay duty assignments, with TTC mandatory overtime (that just finished) costing $60k day.  Encampments in Allan Gardens have been reduced.  There were some protests associated with Ontario Line construction at Osgoode Hall, Moss Park, Don Valley River area.  The auxiliary officer program was rebooted after the pandemic, as the majority of existing volunteers have been hired full time by police departments.
 
Michael L. has spoken to the commercial property manager regarding the community’s concerns about the possibility of alcohol being at the 7/11 at St. Joseph and Bay.  He also reached out to Walk Toronto regarding our sidewalk safety campaign without any response.  Christine D. will contact them.
 
Community feedback for concerns and issues was reviewed from the last meeting.  There was no consensus on the handling of the Sir John A. MacDonald statue in Queen’s Park, so it will be left up to the provincial government subcommittee.  Toronto Park Enforcement has been asked to ticket illegally parked cars on the Bay Street Urban Clearway, including the bike lanes.  Delivery bikes on sidewalk continues to be an issue.  There will be another enforcement/education blitz by Toronto Police Services this Spring for 2 or 3 months.  Illegal parking on Cottage Lane has been brought to the attention of Toronto Parking Enforcement to ticket illegally parked cars.
 
Irene K. explained about a new crime notification service www.mycommunitywatch.org that provides periodic updates on different categories of crime within a selected radius of your address.

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
​

​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.

Infrastructure Ontario and its construction partners have issued a Community Update on the Macdonald Block Complex renovations. They are committed to being a good neighbour and prioritize minimizing the impact of construction on the community.

If you would like more details on the renovation of the provincial government buildings at Bay ad Wellesley, please visit their website: https://www.infrastructureontario.ca/Macdonald-Block-Reconstruction-Project/.

Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM on Monday November 21, 2022.

We welcomed our newest member buildings, Karma Condos at 15 Grenville and The Gallery at 25 Grenville.

The Treasurer announced that we are in a solid financial position.  A motion was passed to waive the preparation of audited financial statements.

Christine Dingemans was elected as President and Norm Waite was re-elected as Treasurer, starting January 1, 2023.  The vacant Director position will be up for appointment at the January General Member's Meeting and anyone interested is encouraged to volunteer.

Our keynote speaker, Karen Chapple of the School of Cities had an interesting presentation on Planning for Toronto's Future: Old Challenges, New Solutions.  The main challenges for our area are the affordable housing crisis, the Strong Mayor Act and U of T campus.  Population growth is uneven in the GTA, with downtown and 'exburbs' seeing strong growth.  4.3 million new Ontario residents are estimated by 2043, with 1/3 settling in the GTA.  Auto-oriented suburban growth is drive by immigration, where residents have no local job opportunities.  Bills 23 and 39 do not resolve this issue, or housing affordability.  Expanding neighbourhood housing options has been minimally successful in the short term, likely taking at least 10 years to gain any momentum if Portland's reforms are used as a model. Gentle density is the missing little, see www.gentledensity.ca for details. The University of Toronto is rethinking campus design by building new housing and repurposing office space for residential use for staff and students.

The Fall 2022 update on the Bay Cloverhill was presented, see below for the details.

Newly elected Toronto Centre Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise is looking forward to working with the neighbourhood and has fully transition from his previous position as Toronto District School Board Trustee.

Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong Tam has taken on the judicial and LGBTQ2S+ portfolios.  She is in the process of arranging media and community consultation on Bill 39, Better Municipal Governance Act before the bill is passed at the end of the week.  MPP Wong Tam noted that provincial mandates have not be released and is concerned with the super strong mayor powers.

University Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell spoke about the land reform Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act and its many challenges for the City, including waiving of developer fees for overpriced 'affordable' housing and the resulting financial shortfall of $230m to the city for infrastructure and amenities for the numerous new residents moving into the area. Some amendments have resulted in allowing third party appeals for the Ontario Land Tribunal, but the potential of legal costs being assessed could result in huge financial awards against third parties.  The elimination of site plan control eliminates many beneficial green building standards.

Constable Anthony Lamanna discussed the new sidewalk safety initiative launched in our area.  The provincial courts at College Park will be closing and should result in a safer neighbourhood.  There were over 1,100 protests at Queen's Park over the year that Toronto Police Services managed.  He appreciated the community alerting the authorities to the noisy after hours activities at the nightclub on St. Joseph, resulting in charges and operations closing in the near future.

The history and community activism that resulted in the creation of Dr. Lillian McGregor were relayed and a timeline of the events were presented.

Hello Bay Cloverhill Community Association members, neighbours and friends!  The Bay Cloverhill Community Association Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on Monday November 21, 2022 starting at 7 pm.  We encourage all building representatives to attend, and extend the invitation to interested residents.  Voting is assigned to the individuals who are the primary Delegates for member buildings.
 
There will be an interesting presentation on affordable housing and the Strong Mayors Act by Karen Chappelle of the School of Cities, as well as local politicians.  You can hear what’s happened in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood over the past year and plans for next year.  The history of how Dr. Lillian McGregor Park came to be will also be explained.  Primary delegates will be asked to vote on a motion to waive the need for an auditor to prepare financial statements.
 
AGENDA

1. Welcome 
2. BCCA Reports
3. Nominations/Elections
4. Keynote speaker Karen Chappelle, School of Cities on affordable housing and Strong Mayors Act
5. Fall 2022 Update
6. Speakers

• Chris Moise, Toronto Centre Councillor Ward 13 introduction
• Kristyn Wong Tam, MPP Toronto Centre MPP update
• Jessica Bell, University Rosedale MPP update
• Constable Anthony Lamanna, Community Relations Officer, 52 Division, Toronto Police Service

1. Dr. Lillian McGregor Park
2. Wrap up

 
HOW DO I ATTEND THE MEETING?
 
You can join the online Google Meet session at the following link: https://meet.google.com/ofo-ztie-opt.  If you want to join by telephone, call 1 289-319-9518 PIN: ‪642 736 190#.  More phone numbers are available at: https://tel.meet/ofo-ztie-opt?pin=4322052267822.  This meeting link is also on the Calendar of Events on www.baycloverhill.com.
 
Please RSVP to info@baycloverhill.com to receive a personalized email invitation.  We look forward to (virtually) seeing everyone!  Thank you.