​Have your say on Toronto Centre Projects on the best locations to put sidewalk decals asking cyclists to walk their bikes or scooters on sidewalks.  You can suggest locations until Friday July 25th .  Decals will be installed at the 100 top locations from Saturday July 26th to Sunday August 10th.
 
https://torontocentreprojects.ca/en/projects/walk-your-bike-or-scooter-campaign
 
Let’s make the sidewalks safer for pedestrians!

Merrick Sherman, Acting Supervisor, Public Spaces Central, Bylaw Enforcement, Municipal Licensing & Standards explained that his division looks after bylaw enforcement in public parks, including noise complaints in parks.  He is aware of the history of illegal raves and posters in Queen's Park North and his officers have been briefed of the situation in order to prevent a similar event this year during Nuit Blanche.

There are many new staff in the department and they work two rotating compressed shifts from 7 am to 4:45 pm and 2:15 pm to midnight.  These hours can be adjusted as needed.

Another division responds to general noise complaints and tend to work more evenings when the noise is above acceptable volumes.

Kathryn H. asked how Bylaw Enforcement would handle an unruly crowd in Queen's Park North.  Merrick responded that bylaw enforcement officers will increase their presence to take action in the middle of an event and gather information ahead of time.  Any information about attendance levels, locations, activities should be sent to Bylaw Enforcement at [email protected].

Christine D. asked about the illegal mushroom dispensary on Yonge, but business bylaw enforcement is not handled by Merrick's division.

Councillor Moise reported that the new traffic lights at Yonge/Breadalbane-Maitland and Yonge/Grenville -Wood were activated May 22nd and May 15th respectively.

The Allan Gardens Palm House opened 1 1/2 week ago after a $12.5M renovation.  At the last City Council meeting, a motion was passed to allow Toronto Centre staff to work with Friends of Allan Gardens.  Funding was provided for a popular Saturday farmers' market.

The official launch of St. Lawrence North Market was a week prior and was attended by thousands of people.  The park beside the North Market will be upgraded.  Market Street has been pedestrianized for a 2 year trial period.  Councillor Moise is looking at making Scott Street pedestrian only as well.

The Alexander Street Parkette re-opening was May 22nd, with the linear parks opened a few weeks earlier.

Councillor Moise initiated a citywide Off Leash Dog Park Area (OLA) strategy.  As a result any OLA within 20 minutes of a residential property will have daily hours shortened from 7 am to 10 pm, instead of the standard 6 am to midnight.  Marzio Silva stated that Breadalbane Park should be quieter with the new hours.

Sherwin Lau gave an update on Participatory Budgeting 2023 projects.  8 new tree planters on St. Nicholas Street and 9 new tree planters on Irwin Street will be designed between June and September, with installation this year from October to December.  The design for the St. Joseph Street bumpouts will be finalized by the end of June, with installation by the end of July.  The funds for the cancelled St. Luke Lane mural project will be rescinded.

Councillor Moise announced that the parking lot across from the Wellesley TTC station will be turned into a park.

yongeTOmorrow Phase 1 construction will be delayed until 2030, due to the Ontario Line construction.  In addition, no construction is allowed in the City during FIFA in 2026.

Dundas TTC station will be renamed TMU.  Toronto Metropolitan University will cover all renaming costs and provide research.

Councillor Moise gave permission last year for Bar Volo to have their CafeTO patio without having to re-apply.  He is an advocate for small business and supported the business opportunity for Bar Volo.  Transportation is investigating issues with pedestrian and delivery truck access restrictions next week.  Joyce D. lives at 5 St. Joseph and while in favour of pedestrianization, finds the pedestrian access narrow and has safety concerns.  Councillor Moise responded that prior to 5 St. Joseph being built, complaints were received that St. Nicholas was being used as a shortcut for vehicles to get to Wellesley Street.  Kathryn H. inquired how the patio permission could be revoked if it was given in perpetuity.   She also asked if the delay in yongeTOmorrow was because of money issues, but Councillor Moise clarified it was because of the construction conflicts.  Michael L. wondered if there were open mechanisms to slow traffic while allowing delivery truck access and make wider pedestrian passages.  Christine D. said about 300 students move in and out of 5 St. Joseph every May and August/September, during the May to October patio street closure.

Eddie LaRusic is the Deputy Chief of Staff and explained that there are plans to purchase a community hub for 2SLGBTQ+ community organizations that have been forced out of the Village because of rising rent.  Historically, Section 37 benefits were negotiated with developers for community benefits that are enshrined in a bylaw.  He found some locations where money was left over, such as unspent funds from the Wellesley Community Centre pool that was built last year.  Unspent/unallocated funds can be used in proximity to the development and in line with the City's Official Plan policies.  There is $1.4M of unallocated money for 454 Yonge that is being redirected towards the purchase of the building that would become the home for queer community organizations.  Due diligence is underway on the potential building site and the money can be reallocated if the building purchase doesn't happen.  Marilyn T. asked how ongoing maintenance would be paid for.  Eddie answered that the City would rent out the space at market or below market rent to cover maintenance costs, with The 519 responsible for managing the building.  Councillor Moise explained that the City has several assets run by community organizations, such as Buddies in Bad Time Theatre and Young People's Theatre.

Following up on a prior report where a resident didn't report a break in to the police because the locksmith would not change the locks while a police investigation was ongoing, Cathy C. confirmed with Toronto Police Services that investigations for residential break ins is a priority and normally completed the same day.

City Council voted to accept a $50M donation from the Weston Family Foundation for enhancements and maintenance of Queen's Park North.  Plans are to have programming with museums and U of T.  Features like a skating rink, cafe and washrooms are possible.  A private board would manage the park.  Everyone was encouraged to complete a survey at https://forms.gle/2F5sp2imKTZ2XjHE7 and visit the Queen's Park North page on the website at www.baycloverhill.com/queens-park-north.html/ in the Public Realm section.

There was a Section 37 development funds reallocation meeting for the 2SLGBTQ+ community building purchase on April 29th.  Approximately $3M from 4 developments would be reallocated.

A review of the $5.5M in Section 37 funds for YC Condos at 454-464 Yonge was reviewed.  Some monies have been spent for bikeshare stations, public art, Grenville street improvements and courthouse landscaping.  Other amounts have been allocated for yongeTOmorrow.  The unallocated/unspent amount is about $1.4M.

Pollinator gardens and a paved raised BikeShare station are part of the St. Joseph curb extension project that will be installed in July or August.

The owners of the Oddfellows Building at 2 College want to have a large LED sign on the roof.  Consensus was that this was not desirable and the light would disturb the adjacent residential buildings.  A letter of concern will be written and sent to the Planning and Housing Committee for their September 25th meeting.

As part of Vision Zero, in road flexible speed signs have been requested for Bay Street between College Street and Charles Street.  Concerns were expressed this would impede fire trucks.  The request is under review by Transportation.

The City recently released the Homeless Strategic Plan that studied key homelessness issues, homelessness services and supports, transitions from homelessness and 5 year outcomes and indicators of success.  The conclusions were to establish measurable performance indicators, enhance Central Intake, work with organizations for indigenous and refugee solutions, increase transitional shelter programming and prioritize homelessness prevention.  The full report is available at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/research-reports/housing-and-homelessness-research-and-reports/2025-2030-strategic-plan-to-address-homelessness/

The federal election districts changed and Bay Cloverhill is now all part of University Rosedale.  Incumbent Chrystia Freeland was re-elected for the Liberals with the Conservative candidate in second place.  Statistics for University Rosedale, Ontario and Canada were presented.

The new hours for Breadalbane Park is 7 am to 10 pm.  All dog off leash areas will have better maintenance and improvements, ensure responsible use and better enforcement, implement guidelines for commercial dog walker access and proactively plan for new dog off leash areas.

The proposed new logo for the Clock Tower Trail has been presented to the City for approval.

yongeTOmorrow Phase 2 will be from College to Davenport.  Design is scheduled for June 2025 to Spring 2027.  Parsons Inc. has been hired to develop engineering design and an operational plan.  The watermain on Yonge Street will be completed as the same time as yongeTOmorrow improvements.

Bill 5 is a new bill with the goal of fast tracking developments.  It will create Special Economic Zones that are exempt from environmental protections, heritage rules and public consultation.  It repeals the Endangered Species Act and weakens Indigenous consultation requirements.

The 2025 provincial budget expanded bike lane removal to Queen's Park Crescent and Avenue Road.  The Queen's Park bike lanes were installed in 2020 on the 6 lane major arterial road.  There is an injunction on bike lane removal on Yonge, Bloor and University due to a Charter challenge.

Community engagement on the conversion of the existing surface Green P lot to a park is ongoing to next Summer, with construction planned from 2027 to 2028. 
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/construction-new-facilities/park-facility-projects/new-park-at-15-wellesley-street-east/​

On March 19th, the Committee of Adjustment approved the change for 510 Yonge Street to become a 587 unit 59 storey private student residence.

There is a new submission for 10 St. Mary with the total storeys reduced from 60 to 59 and residential units increased from 640 to 650.  There will be retail on the street level, with office space on the lower floors and residential on the higher floors.

College Park is celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2030 and launched College Park 100.  Preliminary discussions about additional storeys or new buildings are underway.  https://collegepark100.com/  

Streetscaping and exterior work are almost completed at 8 Wellesley Street West.  The bike lanes on Wellesley Street West have been restored and the street closure on St. Nicholas has finished. 

Choice has taken over sole development from Greenwin Properties for 2G 26 Grenville/27 Grosvenor.  There is a minor variance pending and a meeting is scheduled for June 12th.

At the 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee on April 2nd, it was reported that there was an arrest of a break and enter suspect in the Yonge Street and Wellesley Street area.  The Neighbourhood Watch Program was discussed, as was the 'walk your bike' sidewalk signage in Ward 13.

The launch of Toronto Centre Participatory Budgeting was held on April 3rd.  From April to June ideas can be submitted online, in writing or in person.  City staff will review projects from July to September.  Residents can vote on their preferred projects up to $750K in October.

The Sidewalk Safety Committee met on April 8th and discussed support of building property managers for the Neighbourhood Watch program.  Councillor Saxe's bike safety motion reconsideration was supported.

The FoSTRA Activism and Advocacy Committee meeting on April 10th covered minor variance and Committee of Adjustment changes, gave an update on upcoming federal election and noted that recycling changes are coming January 2026.  There was support from multiple residents associations for concerns with the Queen's Park North donation/renovations.

A meeting was held on April 29th on the City-Initiated Reallocation of Section 37 Funds in Toronto Centre involving a reallocation of $2.9M in Section 37 development funds from 4 buildings.

On May 8th, the FoSTRA Activism and Advocacy meeting had many topics including an expansion of the Billy Bishop Airport by July 2027, federal election results, ferry dock upgrades, Bill 5 and the establishment of an Eastern Waterfront Construction Liaison Committee.

The Toronto Centre Ward Council was held on May 14th.  On the agenda was the Bar Volo patio, walk your bike decals and St. Joseph pollinator gardens.

On May 20th, there was a meeting of the University of Toronto Community Liaison Committee.  The Queen's Park North renovation consultation was mentioned.  Project Leap plans to reduce GHG by 50% by 2027 for the St. George campus.  The need to increase student housing was discussed.

The General Members Meeting for FoSTRA happened May 22nd.  An interesting presentation about affordable non-market housing was made by the City's Housing Secretariat.  The alliances, letters and initiatives so far this year were reviewed.

A resident requested information on the maker of the wooden animal sculptures in Clover Hill Park, but Christine D. has not received a response from the Parks Department.

Media reports of a random attack on a homeless person gave inaccurate location information.  An individual with a violent history was arrested for murder and 2 other stabbings.

Michael L. observed that his previous request to Councillor Saxe to have bidirectional bike lanes on Queen's Park Crescent would likely not be possible, given the provincial government's position on removing bike lanes.  The removal of these bike lanes will increase the chance cyclists will ride on the sidewalk endangering pedestrians.  He recounted how he was aggressively chased by a cyclist on the sidewalk in 2018.

Kathryn H. made a motion that we don't want bike lanes removed and it was seconded by Marilyn T.  The Sidewalk Safety Committee will work on contacting cycling advocates, like Cycle Toronto, Albert Koehl.  Al R. mentioned that the Avenue Road Safety Coalition is also opposed to the removal of bike lanes on Avenue Road.

If you are interested in being part of the solution to make the neighbourhood safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, join the Sidewalk Safety Committee.  Contact [email protected] to sign up,

Al R. suggested that a good participatory budgeting project would be a bioswale on the south side of Wellesley Street West, as well as on Bay Street, that would benefit the Clock Tower Trail route.

June is a busy time for events, including Pride, which is one of the biggest events in the area.  Details on events are available at ​https://www.baycloverhill.com/specialevents.html

The 45th federal election has been called for Monday April 28th.  You can find current information at Elections Canada's website www.elections.ca. Due to the 2022 federal ward redistribution, riding boundaries have changed.  Instead of the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood being split between Toronto Centre and University Rosedale, as of the current federal election cycle, all of Bay Cloverhill will be in the University Rosedale riding.

Ways to vote:

• at Elections Canada office from Sunday March 23rd until 6 pm on Tuesday April 22nd
• by mail until Tuesday April 22nd 
• at advance voting Friday April 18th to Monday April 21st from 9 am to 9 pm (Easter weekend) at Cumberland Terrace, 820 Yonge Street
• on election day Monday April 28th from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm at Central YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Street (if there isn't a polling station located in your building)

The official list of candidates for Members of Parliament (MP) will be available Wednesday April 9th. Voters information cards should be received by Friday April 11th.  A guide to the federal election brochure will be mailed to all households Monday April 14th.

If you want to check that you are registered to vote, visit the Elections Canada website at https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=reg&document=index&lang=e

University Rosedale (official list as of April 9th):

• Chrystia Freeland, Liberal (incumbent) https://www.chrystiafreeland.ca
• Serena Purdy, NDP https://serenapurdy.ndp.ca/ 
• Liz Grade, Conservative www.lizgrade.ca
• Ignacio Mongrell, Green https://voteignacio.ca/join/ 
• Drew Garvie, Communist https://communistpartyontario.ca/ *candidate registration pending
• Barbara Biley, Marxist Leninist https://cpcml.ca/ 
• Adam Golding, Independent

​

University Rosedale Councillor Dianne Saxe talked about the many boards she is on, including Infrastructure and Environment Committee, Art Gallery of Ontario Board of Trustees, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 18 BIA's and 20 residents' associations.  She encouraged residents to sign up for her monthly newsletters and attend monthly town halls.

Tonight was the opening of the Tapestry Opera and Nightwood Theatre rehearsal and performance space at 877 Yonge Street.  The building was purchased by the City and is operated by St. Clare's as supportive housing.  The conversion of a dilapidated sub-basement space was one of the first projects taken on by Councillor Saxe when she was elected in 2022.  The project cost $1.5m in Section 37 funds to construct the performing hall, with the first show this weekend.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the kickoff meeting for the recently approved Ramsden Park Community Centre on March 24th at Belmont House.  This will be the only community centre in University Rosedale and will include 2 pools, gym and meeting spaces.  It will take a few years to design and build the space, which could be used as an emergency evacuation centre.  Community programming will be offered, including seniors' programs.  Residents are encouraged to support the establishment of the community centre with Transportation Services (who previously used the site for parking) and the Mayor.

Belmont House will be starting a program for lonely seniors this fall on a temporary basis until the Ramsden Park Community Centre is operational.

The agenda for the March City Council meeting will be released on Friday and several exciting park projects will be included on the agenda.  

It is a challenging time with the political situation, tariffs chaos and recent provincial election that cost $1b and no change in representation.

Michael L. spoke about the Sidewalk Safety priorities.  Councillor Saxe said that her 2023 motion regarding bikes/e-bikes on sidewalks did not receive much support from staff or other councillors.  She did speak with the food courier companies and convinced them to educate their delivery drivers not to ride on sidewalks.  Michael also mentioned issues with the bidirectional bike lanes on Queen's Park Crescent East, and it would be beneficial to have bike lanes on Queen's Park Crescent West.  Councillor Saxe recommended that letters be written to the Transportation Department and Mayor.

Councillor Saxe advised that the legal case against the province's removal of bike lanes is still viable.  
​

On street permit parking is available in the neighbourhood:

• St Mary Street from Bay Street to Yonge Street
• St. Nicholas Street from St. Mary Street to Charles Street West
• Irwin Avenue from Bay Street to Yonge Street
• St. Joseph Street from Bay Street to Yonge Street 

Residents can purchase permits for 6 months.  Temporary or visitor permits are available for 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days.  More information https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/applying-for-a-parking-permit/residential-on-street-parking/.

The provincial elections results were reviewed.  Kristyn Wong Tam and Jessica Bell were re-elected as MPP's for Toronto Centre and University Rosedale respectively.  Over 39,000 votes were cast in Toronto Centre with a voter turnout of 47.7%, an increase over 2022.  For University Rosedale, there were almost 40,000 votes with a voter turnout of 45.3%, better than 2022 participation.

The 45th federal election may be called soon.  The mandatory election period will be between 37 and 51 days.  Election day is always on a Monday.  Voting will be available by mail, at the local Elections Canada office, or on the weekend before the election at 4 days of advance voting.  The last election in 2021 cost $574.2m with a voter turnout of 62.6%.  170 of the 338 seats are needed for a majority government.

LOFT Community Services is a charity that provides mental health services, addictions support, and supportive housing for youth, adults and seniors in Ontario.  They contacted Councillor Moise's office looking for $1.1m in necessary capital repairs for Simon Apartments at 32 Grenville Street.  There are some available Section 45 funds acquired by some neighbourhood residents that may be allocated to this project.

Work is underway to resurface Grenville from Surrey Place to Dr. Emily Stowe Way.  The underutilized right turn lane at Dr. Emily Stowe Way and Grenville is being replaced with seating, a new Bike Share station and a 3 oak tree bioswale.  The project is estimated to be completed by the end of November. 

On February 26th, the Toronto & East York Committee of Adjustment granted approval for the Loretto College proposed development at 70 St. Mary to increase the podium height from 3 to 6 storeys, alter building setbacks and reduce parking spaces from 11 to 5. 

There was a Community Consultation Meeting for the rezoning of 530 Yonge Street on March 11th.  A 860 unit 67 storey residential tower is proposed.  The facades of the historic buildings on Yonge will be restored and there will be a 5,000 SF community space and privately owned public space adjacent to St. Luke Lane.  Work might start in 2028 and construction would take 3 years.

The building at 510 Yonge has been sold to Podium Developments.  The project will be student rental housing instead of condominiums/apartments.

The redevelopment of 25 St. Mary will start late 2025 or sometime in 2026.

1075 Bay has decided to build affordable rental apartments on the lower floors instead of the office space originally proposed.  Due to reduced ceiling heights, it will increase from 59 to 62 storeys, with the same overall building height.  There will be retail use along Bay.  A privately owned public space and midblock pedestrian connection on Inkerman will be part of the development.

Occupancy starts this week at 8 Wellesley.  Streetscaping on Wellesley will be done by end of March.  St. Nicholas streetscaping should be finished in April.  All exterior work should be completed by May.

At the Toronto Centre Ward Council meeting on February 4th, due to the advocacy of the Sidewalk Safety Committee, 'walk your bike' signage will be installed on sidewalks throughout the ward, starting with the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.  Issues with debris/safety of the orphaned laneway on St. Joseph Street was discussed and neighbouring landlords have agreed to take responsibility for upkeep.  The uneven sidewalk at the St. Joseph and Bay Streets intersection will be corrected when the sidewalk extension project takes place later this year.

At the 52 Division Community Police Relations Committee meeting on February 5th, there was a speaker on noise enforcement.  Sidewalk safety, condo break-ins and homeless mischief concerns were mentioned.  It is important for residents to report all incidents, as police activity is data driven.  This year's community barbeque that will raise funds for a charity is planned for Wednesday June 11th.  Jack C. mentioned that there was an attempted break in at his condo last year that he didn't report to police, as the locksmith advised him that the broken door lock could not be repaired if there was a police report.  Cathy C. will bring up this matter at the next meeting.

The quarterly residents' association meeting with Councillor Saxe happened on February 13th.  The status of the non-functional fountain in Queen's Park North is under review by City staff.  Any available Section 37 funds could be directed towards sidewalk improvements on St. Joseph Street, adjacent to Clover Hill Park.  There is construction at Hart House in the University of Toronto campus with temporary access to Queen's Park Crescent.  The province's removal of bike lanes on University Avenue and Bloor Street was discussed.  A new community centre is planned for Ramsden Park.  Inadequate requirements for visitor or short term parking at new developments is a problem.  There are energy grid capacity issues with the demand for EV chargers.

At the February 13th Activism and Advocacy Meeting of FoSTRA, Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods that would allow retail uses in residential areas was reviewed.  A policy questionnaire for provincial parties was sent out, with only the NDP responding.  A summary of affordable housing issues for MPP candidates was released.  Ports Toronto is backing down on the high impact Billy Bishop Airport expansion option.  A policy letter on Avenues and pending Official Plan Amendment was sent to the City.  Information was shared on the upcoming provincial election.  Management of the Island Ferry service is being reviewed by a consultant for the City.

The Sidewalk Safety Committee met on March 6th to discuss the 'Walk Your Wheels' murals to be painted on sidewalks at roadway corners.  Many residents experienced issues with delivery bikes using the sidewalks due to winter conditions on the streets.  Safety concerns should be reported to George Sgouromitis, Toronto Police Service [email protected] with a copy to Staff Sargeants Romi Manota  [email protected]a and Daniel Lee  [email protected].

Another Activism and Advocacy Meeting of FoSTRA was held on March 13th.  Kyle Fearon of the Planning Department spoke about Avenues policy, which excludes the downtown core, including the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.  Ingrid Buday of No More Noise Toronto talked about a new campaign to encourage the Board of Health to make noise an official medical problem.  There was support for Councillor Saxe's motion related to a gap in the rental replacement housing for rooming house tenants.  There was consensus for a Committee of Adjustments recommendation that all agreements between developers and neighbourhood associations would be formally documented.  It is difficult to define what is considered a 'minor variance'.  The Island ferry service will be transferred from the Parks and Recreation Department to Fleet Services.  The request to redirect sewage at Ontario Place into the lakeside channel was withdrawn.

A new billiard hall has opened at 31 St. Joseph, the former location of the night club with the disruptive patrons at 3 am.  Residents of adjacent condo buildings are asked to report any issues with billiard hall customers. 

Various charitable and area events were reviewed.  Plans are underway for the Mayor's Cleanup Day on Saturday April 26th.  The “Clock Tower Trail in Downtown Toronto” walk will be back by popular demand as part of Jane's Walk on the weekend of May 3rd.

A provincial election has been called for Thursday February 27th.  We encourage all Bay Cloverhill residents to exercise their democratic right to vote and choose their next Member of Provincial Parliament.  The 44th Ontario election is estimated to cost taxpayers $187m.​

​For general information, visit the Elections Ontario website https://www.elections.on.ca/en.html.

Check to confirm you are registered to vote in Ontario, or to update voter information at
https://vreg.registertovoteon.ca/en/home. Registered voters will receive a Voter Information Card in the mail prior to the election day, where the time and place to vote (polling station) are detailed.

Everyone has the right to vote in the provincial riding in which they live.  If an individual owns or rents property in a provincial riding different from their home address, they may be eligible to vote in multiple provincial ridings.
 
There are several main ways to cast your vote:

1. Before election day in person at an advance polling station
2. Before election day in person at your local election office
3. Before election day by mail
4. On election day in person at a polling station

 
To be eligible to vote, you must be an Ontario resident, Canadian citizen and 18 years of age or older.  In order to vote, you must provide government issued identification showing your name and home address.  You should also bring the Voter Information Card that you received in the mail.  

Election day is Thursday February 27th, polls will be open from 9 am to 9 pm.

Advance voting is available at select polling stations that will be open from 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday February 20th to Saturday February 22nd.  Advance voting is also available at Election Offices until 6 pm on Wednesday February 26th.  Note:  Polling station locations will be available Friday February 14th.
​
The deadline to register for mail in voting is 6 pm on Thursday February 21st.  Your completed vote package must be received by Elections Ontario by 6 pm on Thursday February 27th.  

Candidates must register by by 2 pm on Thursday February 13th.  A list of candidates should be available the next day.

Voter information cards will be ​mailed from Monday February 17th to Saturday February 22nd.

Bay Cloverhill residents east of Bay Street are in electoral district 109 Toronto-Centre.  The Election Office is located at 161 Bay Street, 27th floor.
​
In the last election on Thursday June 2, 2022, there were 34,909 votes cast for 8 candidates.  Based on the 2016 population of 103,805, 79% of the population (or 82,044 people) were registered voters.  The voting turnout was 42.5%, which was a decrease from the previous election in 2018.  Kristyn Wong Tam of the NDP Party was elected with 43.8% of the votes cast.

As of February 10th, the following candidates have declared their interest:

• Kristyn Wong Tam, NDP
• Holly Rasky, Liberal
• Ruth Farkas, PC
• Nicki Ward, Green

Our guest speaker from Bylaw Enforcement was unable to attend.  Bylaw Enforcement Officers work until midnight, but residents are encouraged to call 311 or file online 311 service requests at any time.  Reporting will highlight issues and may result in extended hours for Bylaw Enforcement Officers.

From our last meeting, an inventory is being done of Canada Post mail boxes.  Once completed, we will meet with the MP's who can work with Canada Post on this issue.  There are 5 buildings in the neighbourhood with Canada Post parcel pickup lockers that have a feature to accept outgoing mail.

The priorities for 2025 are the logo design for the Clock Tower Trail, a community plaque for Dr. Lillian McGregor Park that recognizes the community's efforts and advocacy, as well as artwork installation on some traffic control boxes, with the support of Councillor Moise's office.

Numerous projects are scheduled for installation in 2025.  They include converting the  right turn lane at Grenville Street and Dr. Emily Stowe Way into a parkette in Spring, sidewalk extensions on St. Joseph Street at Bay Street and Yonge Street in Summer, new tree surrounds along St. Nicholas Street and Irwin Avenue in Fall, traffic light installation on Yonge Street at College Park/Granby Street, Breadalbane resurfacing and pedestrianization, Primrose historical plaque installation and creation of a passenger drop off zone on St. Joseph Street.  Traffic lights are being installed currently at Yonge Street and Grenville Street, as well as Yonge Street and Maitland Street.

In addition, other projects that are being worked on include replacing the non-functional fountain in Queen’s Park with a sundial, creating laneway design standards, lighting for laneways and street, installation of benches, waste receptacle and bike stand that were requested in 2021, bumpouts on Grenville Street, traffic light installation on Wellesley Street West midblock between Yonge Street and Bay Street to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park, resurfacing of St. Luke Lane from Grosvenor to Grenville and Breadalbane to Grosvenor and the south half of Grenville to College, mail box locations/removal and Breadalbane Off Leash Dog Park signage.

The year end report for social media was presented. Our website www.baycloverhill.com had 4,243 page views (25% increase over 2024) and 2,636 unique visits (39% increase). The Facebook group Bay Cloverhill Community has 199 members (33% increase over the previous year) with 49 new members (13% decrease), 418 posts (1% increase) and 7,399 views (22% decrease). Our X account (formerly Twitter) @baycloverhill has 200 followers (3% increase over 2024) with 6 new followers (78% decrease).  There were 362 tweets (5% increase) and 27,626 views.  The person running our @baycloverhill Instagram account has moved.  Although there were no new posts, there was a 20% increase to 49 followers.  Our new Instagram @baycloverhillcommunity is being launched and anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to contact [email protected]. 

There is a survey on Toronto Centre Projects about the Neighbourhood Watch program at
https://torontocentreprojects.ca/en/projects/neighbourhood-watch-program-survey.  This program is supported by Community Relations Officers of the Toronto Police Service.  Feedback was positive to the idea of having more eyes on the street and encouraging residents to be engaged by reporting incidents.  Marzio from Councillor Moise's office confirmed that Neighbourhood Watch signs are available with a phone number to call.

Updates on developments included Loretto College at 70 St. Mary Street, on which there was a community presentation on November 28th.  The lower floors will be institutional, including student residence and the chapel will be converted to event space.  A minor variance will be submitted by the Loretto Sisters with the University of St. Michael's College.  A developer for the apartment or condominium suites on the upper floors has yet to be selected.  The construction plan for 95 St. Joseph Street was approved by Toronto East York Community Council on January 14th.  Demolition and heritage chapel relocation will start in Spring 2025.  The project will be rental apartments with completion estimated in 2030. Official Plan Amendment 710 and Zoning Bylaw 1391-2024 for 646 Yonge Street (including 646-664 Yonge Street and 2-4 Irwin Street) were passed by the City on December 18th.  The elevator at 25 Grosvenor Street that is part of the 2G site has been operationally maintained.  Interior demolition continues on the Banting Building at 100 College Street and vibration sensors have been installed in the Sound Post and Surrey Centre buildings.

The Toronto Police Service 52 Division town hall was held November 6th.  The Drug Squad reported the most common type of drugs are crack cocaine and fentanyl powder.  Crystal meth looks like bath crystals and is the cheapest type of drug.  Up to November 1st 2024, there were 148 overdoses in 52 Division.  62% of the overdoses were in public areas like parks and Sankofa Square which are patrolled by undercover police.  Drug use peaks at the end of month when social assistance cheques are received.  Most people carry Narcan kits and use the buddy system.

The Activism and Advocacy meeting for the Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) was held on December 12th.  Many topics were discussed including Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) retail uses in residential areas, the delay of the Environment Assessment for Billy Bishop Airport expansion because it had to be translated into French, the creation of a new affordable housing committee, no political debate will be organized for any upcoming elections, a letter of support for maintaining in person sessions for Toronto Local Appeal Board was sent out, Private members Bill 48 about rental controls was not successful and the closures of safe injection sites.

Another FoSTRA Activism and Advocacy meeting was held January 9th.  The relocation of raw sewage overflow into the swimming and rowing channel by the lake shore because of the spa construction is problematic.  More EHON discussion was held.  The City is studying Avenue designation, which is already in place in Bay Cloverhill.  There will be distribution of election information to encourage voter participation.  Ways to advocate for affordable housing were reviewed.  Residents association have found that developers are using the Committee of Adjustment to supercede community commitments and Toronto Island ferry service management currently operated by Parks and Recreation are under review.

Kathryn and Merick attend the recent University of Toronto Community Liaison Committee in the Fall.  Hart House improvements to the loading dock area have resulted in construction on Queen's Park Crescent West south of Harbord Street.

Al hosted a meeting on public realm with various residents associations to talk about the Clock Tower Trail, Relic Linear Park, Allan Greenway, Westend Loop.  Paul from the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association is interested on focusing on the cultural elements of the Clock Tower Trail.  The Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area wants to get involved with the development of the Clock Tower Trail pedestrian route.

We invite the community to help us celebrate 30 years of grassroots volunteerism and advocacy in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.  It all started in 1995 with the creation of the Bay Corridor Community Association.  Help us acknowledge the efforts of founding and contributing members, as well as stakeholders and recognize the many community accomplishments achieved over the past 3 decades.  A legacy page on our website will be launched in January.
 
Residents are encouraged to attend our bimonthly General Members Meetings and save the date for our Annual General Meeting on Monday November 17, 2025.
 
Year End Review for 2024
 
2024 has been a busy year, with 60 special events, ranging from parades to protests.  One apartment building opened to tenants.  One condominium building is under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2025.  7 developments have been approved with another 5 projects being planned.  We are proud of the following accomplishments in 2024:
 

1. No dogs/litter signs were installed in community garden/bioswale
2. Waste and recycling bins put in Dr. Lillian McGregor Park and Breadalbane Park
3. Speed limit on Queen’s Park Crescent was reduced to 40 km/h
4. The Great White Oak bench was installed in Queen’s Park North
5. The north half of St. Luke Lane from Grenville to College was resurfaced.
6. The alternate exit for the Museum TTC Station opened in Queen’s Park North
7. The Green Loop pedestrian walking route was renamed to Clock Tower Trail
8. A new commercial loading zone and passenger drop off area on St. Joseph Street was approved
9. A list of local restaurants was created on our website
10. The Sidewalk Safety Committee worked with Toronto Police Service on a cyclist education/enforcement campaign and distributed a ‘Walk your Wheels’ poster to local buildings and restaurants
11. The Historic Yonge Heritage Conservation District Study was finally approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal

What’s Planned for 2025?
 
There are numerous projects scheduled to take place in 2025, including new tree surrounds along St. Nicholas Street and Irwin Street, the conversion of a right turn lane at Grenville Street and Dr. Emily Stowe Way into a parkette, traffic light installation at Yonge Street /College Park Street/Granby Street, resurfacing and pedestrianization of Breadalbane Street, installation of sidewalk extensions on St. Joseph Street, a historical plaque created for Primrose and the creation of a commercial loading zone and passenger drop off on St. Joseph Street. 
 
Our priorities in 2025 are the creation of a logo for the Clock Tower Trail, getting a plaque in Dr. Lillian McGregor Park to recognize the community’s advocacy in creating the green space and additional street level artwork on traffic control boxes. In addition, there are at least 9 other active projects we are working on.
 
Getting Involved
 
Kindly update your contact list and to use our new email addresses for future emails:
 
Christine Dingemans [email protected]
Cathy Carnevali     [email protected]
Marilyn Tait McClellan [email protected]
 
If you are interested in volunteering to work on any committees or projects, or want to get more involved in the community, please contact us at [email protected].  We wish all Bay Cloverhill residents and stakeholders the very best for the holiday season and a peaceful and joyous 2025.  Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to seeing you at our meetings.  Please visit our website for up to date information and follow us on our social media.

​Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual General Meeting on Monday November 18th at the Central YMCA.
 
Treasurer’s Report
 
Marilyn Tait McClellan reported that membership fees remain at $1.50 per unit.  This year the major expenses were FoSTRA membership fees and donation, website costs, a donation to the 52 Division CPLC donation that went to a children’s program at Beverley School and maintenance and signage for community gardens.  There is a surplus of approximately $20,000 that will be used to develop signage for the Clock Tower Trail.
 
Guest Speakers
 
Councillor Chris Moise, Toronto Centre just attended Dr. De Villa’s last meeting as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, where a progress report on ‘Our Health Our City’ outlined how safe consumption sites saved lives.  The Mayor and Council have worked to increase housing stock to alleviate the housing crisis, but need help from the provincial and federal governments.  500 refugees arrive in Toronto monthly.  The City’s new encampment strategy is to move people only if there is a place to relocate them.  3 of 4 of the largest encampments are in Toronto Centre, with about 24 residents in Trinity Park, 23 in St. James Park and 20 in Moss Park.  The City has few resources to deal with mental health issues.  The province has turned down the city’s request for 1% of the sales tax.  There were 5 cyclist deaths in 2024, highlighting the need for bike lanes.  Councillor Moise recently attended the Healthy Cities Conference in Copenhagen where there is a mindset to put people in the centre of everything.  90% of Copenhagen residents are cyclists.  It will cost $40M to remove bike lanes as proposed in Bill 212.  Bay Cloverhill projects underway include a parking amendment motion passed at the Toronto East York Community Council to accommodate the loading zones on St. Joseph Street, painting of traffic control boxes, bumpouts on St. Joseph Street and street planters on St. Nicholas Street.
 
MPP Jessica Bell, University Rosedale gave updates on 3 issues.  Bill 212 to speed up construction of highways, make is hard to build new bike lanes and remove bike lanes on Yonge Street, Bloor Street and University Avenue.  MPP Bell worked with Families for Safe Streets to highlight the stories of cyclist deaths, how cyclists just want to be safe and have their fair share of the road.  On streets where there are bike lanes, accidents are reduced and cyclist use increases.  The focus should be on investing in transit and reducing traffic congestion caused by construction.  Bill amendments will be introduced.  There is new legislation to close safe consumption sites in March 2025, including one in Kensington Market.  2,000 people die from opioid addictions and health care workers say more people will die without safe consumption sites.  Bill 214 removes power from the Ontario Energy Board and reassigns it to the provincial government.  The result will be more nuclear power plants supplemented by gas power plants without any cost analysis and consideration of alternative energy.  All the above issues are a diversion strategy by the Conservative government to prepare for a snap election in March.  Important issues like the 2.2 million Ontarians without a family doctor, proper staffing for schools and affordable and supportive housing are not being addressed.
 
MPP Kristyn Wong Tam, Toronto Centre lives in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.  They thanked the police for their efforts.  MPP Wong Tam is the official opposition critic for the Ministry of the Attorney General (justice and court), small business and LGBTQ issues.  The provincial government claims to be tough on crime but are not dealing with public safety which only works when court cases are heard in a timely manner.  80% of people on bail are awaiting trial.  Ontario has the worst record for the ‘Jordan principle’ where cases must be decided on within 18 months.  As a result justice is not achieved for many cases like human trafficking, rapes and car jackings.  The Fall economic statement cut half a billion dollars from the provincial budget, a decrease of 9%.  The province is meddling in local planning.  MPP Wong Tam will be introducing a bill to address the 2 to 3 year backlog in the Landlord Tenant Court and 9,500 cases pending in the Human Rights Tribunal to create a special committee to address the outstanding cases, increase legal aid funding and stop unqualified and patronage appointments of adjudicators.  There were 3 Toronto focused motions proposed by the opposition party that were voted down.  They were: making mental health services part of health services; creating a public housing agency to create 250,000 units and clear the backlog; and a new deal for municipalities to reflect the $44m in services downloaded by the province.
 
Guest Speaker Questions and Answers
 
The vacant buildings at on the north side of St. Mary Street and Yonge Street are part of the 10 St. Mary Street redevelopment.  The Church of Scientology building on the south side of the intersection has been vacant for many years and is in compliance with city bylaws.  The owners are current with property taxes and are not interested in selling as they still plan to renovate the building.
 
When asked if affordable housing can be a requirement of all new developments, it was explained that the province has not approved the City’s inclusionary zoning policy with the requirement that all developments include affordable housing.
 
The removal of bike lanes in Toronto should be a concern for all Ontario residents, but it is being ignored by the media outside Toronto.  It is a wedge issue for the probable Spring election.  Congestion in Toronto is caused by 100,000 Uber drivers, CafeTO installations and lane closures from construction, telecommunications work and Metrolinx.  It was pointed out that congestion on the highways is not caused by bike lanes.
 
The provincial government is using federal healthcare funding for private healthcare instead of public healthcare, without any repercussions.  The provincial government is blaming socialist mayors.  MPP Bell encouraged residents to support the Ontario Health Coalition, who is against private healthcare, and to share their stories about long waitlists for necessary surgeries with the media.  UHN has apparently cut surgeries by 30%.
 
The province has turned down the federal government’s offer for $250M for matching funds to end encampments.
 
Licensing and regulation for micromobility devices is lacking by the provincial government.  The City is advised by an Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee that declined to participate in an escooter trial. Residents are encouraged to participate in the this Committee to have their voice heard.
 
The recent changes to the brick walls around the 7-11 at Bay Street and St. Joseph prevent them from being used as seats.  Scheduled street furniture installations will provide additional seating in the area.
 
The most effective way for the Bay Cloverhill Community Association and residents to influence changes for issues that are important is to join forces with other associations, like FoSTRA and FoNTRA, and be involved in the election process.
 
Ask Anthony
 
Constable Anthony Lamanna, Community Relations Officer, 52 Division, Toronto Police Service believes the city is safe despite media coverage.  He speaks to people living on the street and with mental health issues.  More police officers are being hired, but it doesn’t make up for the police officers that are retiring or transferring to other jurisdictions outside the city.  It is very challenging to retain and recruit new police officers.  American tourists in town enjoy the ability to walk around the city and find it clean and safe.  Be careful of nefarious individuals during holiday shopping.  Pickpockets use distraction techniques.  Avoid being distracted while using your cell phone.  Organized crime is behind car thefts, where vehicles can be sold for $200k overseas.  Always be aware of your surroundings.
 
Fall 2024 Update
 
The Fall 2024 Update was presented an overview of the activities like meetings, monitoring developments, public realm projects and cooperation with other resident associations.  There is involvement with, and letters of support for, Federation of South Toronto Resident’s Association (FoSTRA), Avenue Road Safety Coalition, No More Noise Toronto, use of Section 37 development funds, sidewalk safety/micromobility and Bill 212 regarding removal of the Yonge/Bloor/University bike lanes.
 
Developments
 
The Immix a 38 storey building at 494 Yonge Street that opened to 425 tenants this spring.  8 Wellesley Residences at Yonge at 8 Wellesley Street West is a 55 storey 599 unit condominium building under construction with completion estimated in March 2025. The facades of the historic townhouses on Wellesley have been restored.  
 
Developments that have been approved with construction pending are: 1075 Bay Street is an existing 13 storey office that will be replaced by a 66 storey 541 condominium building including 8 storey that may be converted from office to rental housing. 2G, 26 Grenville Street and 27 Grosvenor Street consists of a 50 and a 35 storey 700 unit rental building including 30% affordable housing.  73 Queens Park Crescent would demolish the existing 4 storey Northop Frye Hall and construct a new 5 storey institutional building. 510 Yonge Street is a 59 storey project with 500 condominium units with an affordable housing component.  Podium Developments is a new partner in 510 Yonge Street and it will be changed to student rental housing.  95 St. Joseph Street will be a 51 storey building with a 12 storey seniors residence and a 39 storey 502 condominium tower.  25 St. Mary Street is proposed to be 54 and 59 storey towers containing 300 rental replacement units and 800 condominium units.  646 Yonge Street is a new project for a 75 storey 675 unit condominium building.
 
Developments that are proposed but still in the planning process include 10 St. Mary Street, a 63 storey condominium with revised plans pending.  The heritage facades on Yonge Street and St Nicholas Street will be retained. The building at 100 College Street is under demolition, and a new 20 storey educational/research building will be constructed on the site.  The Kelly Library will be demolished and a new light filled library, new event space, about 50 storey student residence tower will be built.  Loretto College at 70 St. Mary Street will be redeveloped into a 40 storey building with institutional, Loretto sisters residence and female student residence on the lower floors and condominiums on the upper floors.  530 Yonge Street is a 67 storey 860 unit residential building that was just submitted to the City.
 
The MacDonald Block reconstruction ongoing since 2018 may be completed in 2025 or 2026.  The approved 7 storey office building at 880 Bay Street (current construction staging site) is being reconsidered by Infrastructure Ontario.
 
2024 Accomplishments
 
‘No dogs or litter’ signs were installed in the St. Joseph community garden and Bay Street bioswale to discourage dog waste and garbage.  Colourfully decorated waste and recycling bins in Dr. Lillian McGregor Park and Breadalbane Park.  The speed limit on Queen’s Park Crescent from Bloor Street to College Street was reduced to 40 km/h.  The custom made Great White Oak bench was installed in Queen’s Park North.  St. Luke Lane was resurfaced from the north half of Grenville Street to College Street.  The alternate Museum TTC Station exit in Queen’s Park North opened.  The Green Loop was renamed the Clock Tower Trail.  Approval was granted for a commercial loading zone and a passenger drop off area on St. Joseph Street.  A list of local restaurants was created and is available on the website.  The Sidewalk Safety Committee worked with Toronto Police Service on a cyclist education/enforcement campaign and distributed ‘Walk your Wheels’ poster to local buildings and restaurants.  The Historic Yonge Heritage Conservation District study was approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal.  Work on the study started as part of the Official Plan Amendment 183 in 2013.  Many volunteers worked on the study, which was completed in 2015 and approved by the city in 2016.
 
Projects
 
Toronto Centre Projects Participatory Budgeting Planning project to install tree surrounds and expand tree beds on St. Nicholas Street and Irwin Street will happen in late 2024, with installation in Fall 2025.  The conversion of the existing island and right hand turn lane at Dr. Emily Stowe Way (on the south side of Women’s College Hospital) will be converted to an expanded sidewalk with new seat walls, reconfigured bike racks, a new BikeShare station and installation of a 3 oak tree bioswale.  A traffic light will be installed in 2025 on Yonge Street by College Park and Granby, as part of the Clock Tower Trail.  Road resurfacing in 2025 on Breadalbane will create a link between Dr. Lillian MacGregor Park and Opera Place park with installation of seat walls, traffic calming curb extensions, green infrastructure to capture storm water and reduce flooding, as well as new trees and more bike rings.  The temporary green concrete curbs and metal planters on St. Joseph Street at Yonge Street and Bay Street will be replaced by permanent sidewalk extensions in Summer 2025.  The 3 year process to get a plaque for the Primrose statue continues.  The loading zone/passenger drop off zones on St. Joseph Street have been approved by the Toronto East York Community Council, with planning and hopefully installation in 2025.
 
The Toronto Centre Projects 2023 Participatory Budgeting art murals on St. Luke Lane has been cancelled because the landlords won’t cooperate.  The money will be reallocated to other projects.
 
There are 3 priorities for 2025.  Logo design for the Clock Tower, the creation of a community plaque for Dr. Lillian McGregor Park recognizing the work of the community to create the park, and artwork installation for traffic control boxes. 
 
The main projects that are active include replacing the obsolete fountain in Queen’s Park North with a sundial, installation of street furniture, laneway design standards as well as lighting, bumpouts on Grenville Street, the  installation of a traffic light on Wellesley Street West by Century Plaza to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park, St. Luke Lane resurfacing from Grosvenor Street to Grenville Street and Breadalbane Street to Grosvenor Street and south half of Grenville Street to College Street, mail box locations and details of mail boxes that have been removed, and signage for the Breadalbane Off Leash Dog Park.
 
Other Business
Next year marks 30 years since Bay Corridor Community Association started in 1995.  In 2025, there will be acknowledgement of the efforts of the many founding and contributing members as well as stakeholders, recognition of community accomplishments and perhaps promotional giveaways.  Legacy highlights will be featured on the website and be the focus of the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
 
Cathy Carnevali was acclaimed as Secretary and there are 2 vacant board positions available.
 
This week there will be a flu/COVID vaccine clinic at University of St. Michael’s College, as well as a popup CD sale.  An virtual information session on the Loretto College redevelopment will happen on November 28th and the annual Christmas Market will be held in early December.

No one was nominated for the two vacant positions on the Bay Cloverhill Community Association board. Cathy C. was nominated since her director term is ending.

The speed limit on Queen's Park Crescent has been reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.

Bicycles and some ebikes are allowed to use the road or bike lanes.  Motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters are only allowed on the street.  The possibility of extending street parking hours and no left turn lane in the summer is being investigated.

A graphic designer has been selected to develop a logo for the Clock Tower Trail.

Residents are encouraged to vote for the installation of commercial and passenger delivery/drop off loading zones on St. Joseph Street on Toronto Centre Projects at https://torontocentreprojects.ca/en/ideas/st-joseph-street-commercial-loading-zone-passenger-drop-off-and-loading.  The matter will be reviewed at the Toronto and East York Community Council later this week.  A letter of support has been sent for consideration.

The owners of the buildings adjacent to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park are not interested in the outdoor mural art projects selected as Toronto Centre Participatory Budgeting Projects 2023.​

The status of select area developments was reviewed.  8 Wellesley Street West has windows installed up to the 50th floor and estimated occupancy is March 2025. 

There was a Committee of Adjustment hearing for 95 St. Joseph Street which added a storey and some balconies, removed residential parking and increased the number of condo units, with just under half being studio layouts. 

The office portion of the 1075 Bay Street redevelopment will likely be replaced by residential rental apartments. 

Fencing has been installed at 100 College Street, with demolition of the building pending. 

​A community consultation was hosted by St. Mike's on October 3rd.  The Kelly Library will be replaced with a more welcoming design.  The redevelopment will have new student residences, event space and study areas.  The library, print shop, conservation area and Kelly Library Café uses will be be retained.  https://library.stmikes.utoronto.ca/about/rezoning/.  A revitalized campus and landscape plan is under consideration www.stmikes.utoronto.ca/usmc-campus-landscape-plan. 

The City has a Commemorative Tree and Bench Program that offers plaques on new or existing benches and trees.  The University of Toronto program has ended.  There are two commemorative benches currently installed in the neighbourhood.  In Clover Hill Park, a bench is dedicated to Dr. Christine Hone-Buske studied behavioural neuroscience at the University of Toronto, fluent in 9 languages and died of cancer in 2019.  The second is at St. Mary Parkette for preschool teacher Wendy Dyer who succumbed to cancer in 2020.  Applications are open at all Bay Cloverhill parks with costs ranging from $738 to $2,530, which are eligible for tax deductible receipts.  For more details, visit
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/commemorative-items-in-parks/ or https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/find-service-information/article/?kb=kA06g000001cw9aCAA.

The installation of 'no barking' signage at Breadalbane Park is challenging for Bylaw Enforcement because the City's bylaw does not explicitly mention barking as a prohibited noise. Existing “be a good neighbour signage” that is used in other parks may be substituted.

Garbage and debris in private laneways behind St. Joseph Street and St. Nicholas Street have been reported to Bylaw Enforcement.

Water leaks on the sidewalk at the north east corner of Dr. Lillian McGregor Park have been reported to the Parks Department.

Mulch is needed for some of the City trees on the west side of Bay Street.  Since it is difficult for the Gardening Committee to deliver supplies, adjacent condo buildings are asked to help with tree maintenance.

There was an all night unauthorized Nuit Blanche rave held at Queen's Park which resulted in hundreds of partygoers causing damage including graffiti.  The same event has been held the previous two years.  Bylaw Enforcement has been advised and will be proactive to prevent another occurrence at next year's Nuit Blanche.

A parking space on St. Mary Street, west of Bay Street will be replaced with a no stopping zone. Pay and display parking rates on St. Mary Street, west of St. Nicholas Street will be increased from $2.25 per hour to $5.25 per hour.

Residents have noticed that some of the on street Canada Post mail boxes have been removed.  Theresa G. mentioned that Canada Post offers outgoing mail service in her building. 

RSVP to attend the 52 Division Community Police Liaison Committee Town Hall on Wednesday November 6th at 6:30 pm, at 52 Division, 255 Dundas Street West.

Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held at Queen's Park and Hart House Circle at the University of Toronto on Friday October 11th. 

The Holly Jolly Fun Run and Santa Claus parade happens on Sunday November 24th.

The St. Mike's Christmas Market on Elmsley Place will be scheduled on the first or second Thursday of December.

The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Central YMCA on Monday November 16th, with a special announcement, as well as speeches by local politicians.

Guest Speaker
Fitzroy Kelow, who is a Special Constable with the TTC gave an interesting presentation, which is available in the Minutes of Meeting section.  The primary duties for TTC Special Constables is crime prevention, customer service, enforcing transit bylaws, emergency response and community engagement.  Residents are warned not to go to track level and ask TTC staff for assistance if something is accidentally dropped on the tracks.  In the event of an emergency, there is an emergency power shut off station with a blue light at either end of the platform.  If residents need assistance on a busy or train, activate the yellow strip on the vehicle.  In subway stations, there are yellow intercom stations that can provide directions or assistance, as well as emergency response.  A Crisis Link button on payphones directly connects an individual in distress to a crisis counsellor.  Designated waiting areas and cameras provide security and residents are reminded to avoid distractions, keep phones/computers out of sight and shout if they feel uncomfortable.  The SafeTTC app provides the opportunity to take a photo and/or report incidents, or text 647-496-1940 to report a safety concern.  In 2023, fare evasion rates cost over $120m which could have funded operating improvements and hiring more staff.  Streetcars have the highest fare evasion rate over buses and stations.  The highest one day ridership happened on June 17, 2019 for the Toronto Raptors NBA World Championship parade with 2,153,600 riders.

Previous Meeting Items
No dogs/litter signs installed in St. Joseph community gardens and Bay Street bioswale have contributed to cleanliness improvements.

The Sidewalk Safety Committee is working with local restaurants and area buildings to display "Walk Your Wheels" informational signage.

The City will not pay for the required traffic flow study to convert St. Joseph from one way to two way.  We are working with the City and Councillor's office to develop a commercial loading zone in front of 11 St. Joseph for Canada Post, UPS and other delivery trucks to stop.  It would require the elimination of 2 street parking spaces.  A passenger pick up/drop off is proposed in front of 5 St. Joseph.

Neighbourhood
A bounty of new restaurants have opened up in the area.  Republique is a French brunch place on Irwin.  Vava offers gourmet cakes on Yonge at St. Joseph.  Petit Potato just opened on Bay, at Polo 2 Condos.  Beach Hill Smokehouse opened on St. Joseph, just west of Yonge.  Dopamina is a fine dining that offers Asian Mediterranean cuisine at Burano Condos, Bay and Grenville.  Nabulu Coffee has Persian style coffee and an upstairs music lounge on St. Joseph.

There is an opening for 2 directors on the board.  Eligible candidates must be nominated by the October meeting, be a building representative or individual member who lives in the Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood.

There are two proposals on Toronto Centre Projects.  In Breadalbane Park, no barking signs are being considered by the Parks Department, but pedestrian crosswalks can only be installed by the adjacent condominium buildings that own the driveway.  Residents are encouraged to vote for a commemorative plaque in Dr. Lillian McGregor Park to recognize the efforts of the community and local politicians to create the park. 

The three pedestrian crosswalks submitted to Toronto Centre Projects Traffic Review are under review, with traffic lights being installed on Yonge near Granby negating the need for a crosswalk at that location.

The St. Luke Lane murals selected in the Toronto Centre Projects Participatory Budgeting 2023 are in process with maintenance documentation being negotiated with the building owners.  Once that is complete, StreetARToronto will survey residents about the type and style of art preferred before installing the art.  The other project in the works is the curb extensions on St. Joseph, west of Yonge and east of Bay.

St. Mike's has relaunched their Continuing Education program and is offering courses this fall on Contemporary Issues Through Children's Literature, Irish Studies, Poetry and Prayer and Letterpress Printing.

Developments
A development is proposed for Loretto College at 70 St. Mary.  The original application was in 2016.  The University of St. Michael's College and a private developer will build a 40 storey structure with educational uses on the lower floors, then a residence for the Loretto Sisters, female university student residences and condominiums.  A meeting with the developers is being set up for next month.

Community Meetings
At the Community Police Liaison Committee on Wednesday June 5th, it was noted that the police force is understaffed and assigned to increasing protests.  As a result, police patrolling is limited to crime areas.  Residents are encouraged to report any criminal activity to police to get the required attention/patrolling.

FoSTRA's Advocacy and Activism Committee met on Thursday June 13th.  Key items were a letter sent to City Council on the impact of the Billy Bishop Airport impact.  A second City submission related to micromobility, including scooters.  The Community Consultation process as part of Development approval was discussed. A letter from the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario was  endorsed.  New litter/recycling bins are being tried out.  There will be changes to the blue bin program when manufacturers take over responsibility for recycling next year.

MPP Bell hosted a Town Hall on Thursday July 11th.  Key issues are the shortage of family doctors, a need for affordable housing to be built as well as a downtown seniors’ community centre.  The court system is overloaded and there is a lack of concern for environmental issues with the current provincial government.  Residents are concerned with the noise/swearing from long running anti-government protests, cyclist safety with bike lane blockage and micromobility devices.  There is a huge backlog in the Landlord Tenant Board, with the biggest issue being excessive rent increases.

Community Concerns
The speed limit on Queen's Park Crescent will be lowered from 50 km/h to 40 km/h, to be in line with existing speed limits north of Bloor and south of Gerrard.  Signage replacement is pending.

A letter in support of the Avenue Road Study was sent to the Toronto East York Community Council.  A letter expressing resident concerns about noise was sent to the Board of Health.

Joseph said he thinks any micromobility device with an engine should not be allowed in bike lanes, and required to use the street.  He also asked if parking and no left turn hours could be adjusted seasonally to facilitate traffic flow in the summer.

Al noted that the development at 95 St. Joseph has received approval for an additional floor and increased the number of suites by 100 at a recent Committee of Adjustment hearing.  He asked if there were any additional 45/9 community benefits that could be used to transform St. Joseph into a gateway into the university grounds.  Al has noticed that two trees on Irwin were broken, either by a vehicle hitting them or people maliciously breaking the tree trunks.  Plants have also gone missing from the Irwin community garden.

Beth noted damage on the skirting wall of Clover Hill Park.  

Upcoming holidays and special events were reviewed.  The next meeting will be on Monday October 21st.

The meeting and speaker's presentations are available in the Minutes of Meetings section.