It’s that time of year again. Time to think about spring cleaning!
Ward 44 Environment Day on April 21
This is a great opportunity to gather up and get rid of all the junk that has accumulated over the winter. This year’s event will take place in Colonel Danforth Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don’t forget to bring some empty containers and pick up free compost to help get your garden growing!
Ward 44 Community Cleanup Day
This year’s Community Cleanup Day is also taking place on Saturday, April 21. This is an opportunity for residents and community groups to clean up our local neighbourhoods and parks. Drop by the Port Union Community Centre to register and receive gloves and waste bags. You can also pre-register your group and cleanup location at livegreentoronto.ca
On the same day at Port Union C.C. our local Highland Creek Scouts will be holding a Recycling Fundraiser. Drop off your electronic waste, scrap metal, batteries and clothing at their handy drive-through starting at 9 a.m.
School Safety Zone Review
In cooperation with the Toronto Police Services, 43 Division and the city’s Traffic Operation staff, my office has initiated a review of speed limits on streets within school zones in the community.
This review will include a survey of residents on affected streets, as well as a report from our Traffic Operations staff. Both the survey and the report will be taken into consideration when a final decision is determined by Scarborough Community Council.
These are the areas currently under review:
- Centennial Road – from Lawson Road to Lawrence Avenue E. – Reduction from current 50 km/h to 40 km/h
- Lawson Road – from Port Union Road to Kingston Road – Reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h
- East Avenue – from Island Road to East Willow Gate – Reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h
- Charlottetown Boulevard – from Conference Boulevard to Lawrence Avenue East – Reduction from 40 km/h to 30 km/h
- Military Trail – from Old Kingston Road to Ellesmere Road – Reduction from 50 km/h to 40 km/h
Reducing speed limits in school zones is only one initiative in the ongoing plan to ensure our school zones are safer for everyone. Across the city, Transportation Services staff will conduct comprehensive reviews beyond the immediate frontage of schools for additional safety improvements in a larger footprint around the school, aimed at improving the safety of routes children take when walking to school. The city will continue to look for opportunities to implement various safety measures in front of schools, such as:
- new school zone safety signs with flashing beacons
• school zone pavement stencils
• “watch your speed” driver feedback signs
• zebra markings at school crosswalks
• examination of placing a school crossing guard at major crossings
• traffic calming measures beyond the frontage of schools.
Contact me at 416-392-1373 or via email at councillor_hart@toronto.ca.