Fall is a lovely time in University-Rosedale. Mornings are cool, summer gardens yield a few more delights (my cherry tomatoes are still ripening), and the leaves are starting to turn yellow, orange, and red. Fresh fall apples are crisp and tart; farmers’ markets are bursting with produce and looking ahead to Halloween. I always enjoy fall celebrations, such as the Annex Residents’ Association cornfest, BENA’s social and the HVRA fall fair’s auction and concert. Thank you to everyone who said hello. Read more
Doug Ford chooses political gain over public health
By Jessica Bell
In a cynical move, the Conservatives have announced they will shutter ten consumption and treatment sites in Ontario, including the Kensington Overdose Prevention Site operated by The Neighbourhood Group. Any site 200 meters from schools or daycares will be banned from operating. Read more
May 7th, 2024 · Comments Off on FORUM: A busy agenda at city council (Apr. 2024)
Many environmental initiatives getting the green light
By Dianne Saxe
Spring has arrived. Flowers are pushing up and there are so many ways to enjoy beautiful University-Rosedale. This spring we want to highlight great local music venues, festivals, parks, and environmental events. Hot Docs, Fringe, Jazz Fest—these and other Toronto arts organizations need your support if they are to survive. Read more
December 4th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Keeping it green and safe in University-Rosedale (Fall 2023)
Over 100 development files pending in this ward alone
By Dianne Saxe
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather as much as I am. Thank you to everyone who helps to look after Toronto school children returning to school, including teachers, cleaners, cooks, bus drivers, and crossing guards. Read more
December 4th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Engage in the political process and change can happen (Fall 2023)
A Greenbelt victory
By Jessica Bell
Ontarians were outraged when the Conservatives reversed their election promise and approved development on 15 parcels of Greenbelt land owned by developers with ties to the government. Read more
April 12th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Budget passes in a consensus vote (Mar. 2023)
New support for vulnerable residents
By Dianne Saxe
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the end of winter. The events unfolding at city hall have been nothing short of extraordinary lately. From the first ever “strong mayor” budget to the mayor’s first loss on a major vote (the Yonge Street Complete Street) to 280 development applications in Ward 11 alone, there’s been a lot going on. Read more
April 12th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Conservative budget doesn’t deliver for Toronto (Mar. 2023)
Ford’s budget leaves us hanging
By Jessica Bell
The Conservative’s budget was released on March 23. Overall, the budget increases spending by one per cent, far below the 6.8 per cent rate of inflation. We will be seeing cuts. Here’s the lowdown.
March 27th, 2023 · Comments Off on FORUM: Toronto’s budget built on a false premise (Feb. 2023)
Where is Ford in Toronto’s time of need?
By Jessica Bell
The first official Toronto budget under the new strong mayor reign has revealed an unpleasant truth. This is a fantasy budget built on a house of cards. Even with a seven per cent planned property tax hike, the federal and provincial governments need to hand over $1.4 billion to the city for the budget to balance in 2023. And even if they say yes to Toronto’s official funding request, the city will still cut services. Read more