Toronto has a new mayor! Congratulations to Olivia Chow, who wants to "build a caring city where everyone belongs".

724,638 votes were cast in Toronto for a 26% voter turnout.   In University Rosedale Ward 11, 34,804 votes represented 33% participation.  In Toronto Centre Ward 13, 31,387 votes resulted in a 26% voter turnout.  An improvement over the 20% voter turnout for the 2022 mayoral election.

From Thursday, June 8 to Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 129,745 eligible voters attended one of 50 advance voting locations across the city to vote. This represents an almost 12% over the October 2022 elections.

​Both wards also supported Olivia Chow more than the rest of the city and Ana Bailao less than Toronto overall. Toronto overall 269,372 votes for Olivia Chow (37%) and 235,175 votes for Ana Bailao (32%). University Rosedale cast 16,307 votes for Olivia Chow (47%) and 10,188 votes for Ana Bailao (29%). Toronto Centre cast 17,142 votes for Olivia Chow (55%) and 6,498 votes for Ana Bailao (21%).

To see the votes cast for all candidates, or specifically in University Rosedale or Toronto Centre, please see the attached files.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the by-election. And special thanks to those volunteers who campaigned for the candidates and organized mayoral community events.

Jade Wong, Fire and Life Safety Educator, Toronto Fire Services gave an informative presentation on the three pillars of fire prevention: prevention, detection and escape.

For residents living in condominium buildings, the building fire alarm system protects the entire building and includes smoke detection in the hallways and common areas.  In each unit, there is an independent smoke alarm that alerts the residents of the unit of any smoke.  If the smoke alarm in the unit activates, residents are advised not to open their suite door for ventilation, as this will set off the building fire alarm system.  It is recommended that balcony doors or windows be opened to ventilate their unit.

If there is a fire in your unit, residents are advised to evacuate immediately, and to activate the pull station on their floor before using the stairwell to exit.  

If the fire alarm system is ringing, but there is no smoke in your unit, it is optional for residents to evacuate.  If there is smoke and you are unable to leave, close any gaps at the suite door with towels or tape, go to your window or balcony and call 911 to alert firefighters that you need to be rescued.

Unattended cooking is the number 1 cause of fires in the home.  To prevent cooking fires, wear short sleeves and/or tight fitting clothes while cooking, keep your counter clear around the stove and make sure the stove is turned off when leaving your unit.  It is recommended that you keep a pot lid or baking sheet to extinguish any grease fires, since water is not effective.

Smoker's material is the number 1 cause of fatal fires.

Fire prevention tips:

• "give a heater a metre"
• blow out candles before leaving home
• put candles on a sturdy holder
• don't use power bars if they have any black marks or from a dollar store

It is recommended that residents fill out a "In Case of Emergency" form and leave it in an envelope taped on the back of their suite door.  This will assist paramedics in the event that the resident is unconscious or unable to provide medical and contact information in the case of an emergency situation.

Fire extinguishers have a limited life span.  In reality, they can only be used for small fires since they operate for about 5 seconds.  Using a fire extinguisher in the kitchen can damage stoves, cabinets and counters.  Fires in newer appliances can be extinguished by unplugging them, since they are designed so the oxygen is self contained to the appliance.

CO2 detectors are part of the building fire alarm system and located on parking garage levels and in furnace rooms.

Michael L. spoke to the owners of the Ethiopian Restaurant at 4 Irwin regarding how the 646 Yonge Street development would affect them.  They are a long term business operated by the same family.

An update was given on 2023 priorities.  Completed to date: the BCCA Constitution has been updated, we are in compliance with the Ontario Non-profit Corporations Act and the Breadalbane off leash dog park was opened May 9th.  We are working on installation of the Great White Oak bench in Queen's Park this June or July, street furniture installation this year, planning for the Bay Cloverhill Green Loop pedestrian walk and replacement of the non-operational fountain in Queen's Park with a sundial.

Robert Jarvis of Just Be Woodsy spoke about how his company reclaims fallen Toronto trees and creates beautiful furniture and accessories.  (See the previous Notice for more details).

Kathryn H. spoke about area developments, including the Toronto East York Community Council approval for the 25 St. Mary project, bricking of Luke Lane behind Immix (formerly Halo) at 494 Yonge Street in mid-June and a proposal to renovate historic Oddfellows Hall at 450 Yonge Street.  Cathy C. discussed the updates to 10 St. Mary, including the retention of the heritage office building, retail along Yonge Street and a new condominium tower on St. Nicholas that would cantilever over the office building.

Sidewalk safety –  Project Safeguard is the Toronto Police Service program that targeted bikes/ebikes riding on sidewalks, especially food couriers.  The inaugural program last fall in 52 Division was successful and the program will be relaunched this Spring. 
 
The Sidewalk Safety Committee had a very productive meeting with Councillor Dianne Saxe on May 2nd.
At last week’s City Council meeting Councillor Saxe passed a motion to require micro-mobility couriers to be easily identifiable and educated about traffic rules.  She also asked for the City's recommendations to deter ebikes from sidewalks which replaced the original request for police enforcement. Letter of Support was sent.  This matter will be brought before the June 28th Infrastructure and Environment Committee.
 
Updates from the CPLC Meeting included a presentation on fraud prevention.  Inaugural survey results were presented top issue of concern is encampments, followed by sidewalk safety and TTC assaults.  Bay Cloverhill concerns included sidewalk safety, parcel thefts and shoplifting.  Toronto Police emphasized that they continue to patrol the TTC, with on duty officers instead of off duty coverage.  They are working on improving timely answering for non-emergency police calls.  The Executive is looking into organizing a community event in August.

Cathy C. outlined the process for the coordination of special events with the City and event organizers.  St. Joseph Street continues to be challenging, given the limited number of volunteer auxiliary police to direct traffic.

Letters of support were sent out for the 25 St. Mary  development, City's carbon budget, micro-mobility couriers and Avenue Road pedestrian safety.

The Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations (FoSTRA) has partnered with the Build Ontario Line Differently coalition to improve communication with Metrolinx.  Anyone interested in participating would be appreciated.  Volunteers can contribute to the newly formed Environmental Committee that will be meeting in mid-June.

There were no recent issues with homeless people at the Dundonald TTC exit, which was reported to the TTC in February.  Residents didn't support Gasbusters Toronto in attempting to get a ban passed on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Toronto
 
There is a new community care program in the Downtown area with peer workers who are dedicated to safe disposal of unused or expired medications, safer drug use equipment, needles, and other medical supplies to prevent HIV, HCV, and STBBI infections, accidental ingestion, misuse, and environmental contamination.  More details will be shared on social media and anyone interested in this program can contact [email protected].

Councillor Moise is bringing participatory budgeting to Toronto Centre Ward 13.  This initiative involves residents proposing and voting on neighbourhood projects. The Bay Cloverhill neighbourhood is in Zone 1.  There will be a virtual information session on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm and in person pop-up information sessions on  Saturday, May 27th at Dr. Lillian MacGregor Park and Barbara Hall Park, as well as from  Friday, June 23rd to Sunday, June 25th at the Councillor's Pride Toronto booth.

Upcoming special events, town halls. meetings and a mayoral candidates meeting were previewed.

The next meeting will be held Monday August 21st.

In 2016, Robert Jarvis recognized that downtown trees provided an opportunity to turn waste into beautiful furniture and décor that would eliminate landfill dumping.  It is the ultimate in recycling, by recognizing that the urban forest could be honoured by continuing to serve Toronto residents in a different format.  When trees have to be removed for construction or if the tree is unhealthy or in danger of breaking, the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department and professional arborists cooperate with coordinating selected trunks or branches to be given to Just Be Woodsy.
 
The workshop was first located in a former slaughterhouse at 2 Tecumseth Street in the Niagara neighbourhood.  As often happens in downtown Toronto, the location was slated to become a condominium development.  The workshop moved to 772 Warden Avenue in the Golden Mile area in 2022. 
 
In addition to selling beautifully crafted tables, benches, cubes, shelves and charcuterie boards plus more, Just Be Woodsy offers workshops where you can learn about the urban forest and refine your woodworking skills.  Custom design is an option, as is the creation of a statement art piece. The showroom is currently open Friday afternoons, or by appointment, however opening hours may be extended soon.  If you want to learn more, visit their website at www.justbewoodsy.com, email [email protected] or call 647-515-8998.

Just Be Woodsy works with arborists, the City’s Park, Forestry and Recreation Department and contractors to utilize the wood of trees that must be cut down due to location, age or illness. Once a local Toronto tree is cut down, portions of the trunk are taken to the Just Be Woodsy workshop.  The salvaged wood is stored for at least a few weeks before being milled into sections.  The next step is to put the wood into a massive electric kiln to dry out for 5 days. 
 
The refined wood is then turned into unique and useful furniture and décor items.  Beeswax oil moistures the unstained wood and retains the beauty of each individual tree.  Each piece of wood is laser marked with the type of tree and the geographic coordinates of its original location.

Toronto has 212 different species of trees.  They vary from soft wood to hard wood, heavy to light, patterned to variegated, light yellow colour to dark brown.  So far, the following types of wood have been recovered:

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/.