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FORUM: A report from the road (Apr. 2026)

April 7th, 2026 · No Comments

Crime, faith, parks, and a better 311 experience

By Dianne Saxe

As we move into spring, I’ve been hearing from many neighbours about what’s on their minds—community safety, the state of city services, and how we keep University-Rosedale a welcoming and liveable place for everyone. I wanted to share a few updates on how we’re responding.

Some residents have raised concerns about recent home break-ins. I have been in regular contact with Toronto Police, and I hosted a community meeting to hear directly from Toronto Police with nearly 300 residents in attendance. Officers are actively investigating and have already made a number of arrests. They also offered practical advice—like reinforcing doors and windows—and emphasized how important it is to report suspicious activity right away. Staying informed and looking out for one another continues to make a real difference, and I’m grateful to everyone who has taken the time to stay engaged on this issue.

Just as important is staying connected as a community. University-Rosedale has always been a place where people from many backgrounds live side by side, and maintaining that sense of respect and belonging matters. With the recent rise in discriminatory acts of violence across the GTA, I recently co-hosted an interfaith meeting with Reverend Wendell Gibbs of First Baptist Church, bringing together local clergy to talk about how we can strengthen relationships and reduce hate. These conversations are thoughtful, sometimes challenging, and always worthwhile. We’ll be continuing that work with upcoming events, including an interfaith planting and a “One Toronto” walk in early May. I hope you’ll consider joining us.

I also know how much it matters that the city delivers on everyday services. After years of pushing for improvements, we’re starting to see progress with 311. Service requests are being tracked more closely, and a new public dashboard will soon make it easier for residents to see how the city is responding. It’s a behind-the-scenes change, but one that should lead to more reliable follow-up and greater transparency. When people take the time to report an issue, they should be able to see that it’s being addressed.

Of course, there’s still plenty to do. Pothole repair season is underway after a tough winter, and crews are working across the city to catch up. Please continue to report larger issues to 311—it really does help ensure they’re prioritized appropriately. At the TTC, where I chair the audit and risk management committee, we’re focused on improving safety, reliability, and the accuracy of real-time information so riders can better plan their trips. Small improvements in communication can make a big difference in daily commutes.

Looking ahead, there are some important planning conversations underway. A draft Chinatown planning framework is coming forward, which is an important step in setting a vision for the future of the neighbourhood. I will continue working with community members and city staff to find practical ways forward.

There’s also good news. Bike Share Toronto continues to grow, with record ridership and further expansion planned, including in our ward. 

More people are choosing active transportation, and the city is working to keep up with that demand. Council has also supported strengthening protections for smaller trees—an important step in preserving our urban canopy and the green spaces that make our neighbourhoods more liveable. 

In addition, there is strong support for addressing abuse of accessible parking permits, helping ensure these spaces are available for those who truly need them.

Finally, the revitalization of Queen’s Park North is moving ahead. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance one of our most important public spaces. 

The project has received strong support and is being refined based on feedback from both experts and the community, including added environmental safeguards. 

Done well, this will be a space that serves residents for generations to come.

As always, I hope to see you out in the neighbourhood. Please save the date for our Environment Day at Central Tech on May 10, and our Spring Spectacular and sapling giveaway at Christie Pits on May 17.

University-Rosedale is a special place, and it’s the people here who make it that way. Thank you for staying engaged, sharing your concerns, and continuing to look out for one another.

Dianne Saxe is city councillor for Ward 11, University-Rosedale.

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Tags: Annex · Columns · Opinion

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