Exploring housing options for seniors in the community
Jim Hart
Councillor, Ward 44
As 2017 comes to a close, I would like to wish everyone in the Centennial community a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and take the time to enjoy the outdoors in our great part of the city.
This past year has been a positive one in terms of progress on local municipal issues. We have finally moved forward in securing the preferred option on the Highland Creek Water Treatment Plant. Planning and design for the Port Union Road reconstruction is underway, and we are moving forward on our waterfront trail system.
In the coming months, my office will be working on other important issues in our community. These include advancing with the Highland Creek Transportation Plan and improvements in the Highland Creek Village area. I will also be working, in partnership with local residents, on a Seniors Housing Strategy to explore ideas on increasing housing options for seniors within our community. Further details will follow in the next issue of Centennial News.
UTSC Official Plan Amendment
On October 17, a preliminary planning report was submitted to Scarborough Community Council regarding an application to amend the Official Plan on lands within the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC).
The Official Plan Amendment application seeks to establish a new Secondary Plan for the UTSC lands. The majority of the lands, with the exclusion of the valley lands of the campus, are currently part of the Highland Creek Community Secondary Plan area. The intent of this Official Plan Amendment would be the removal of the lands from that Secondary Plan, and the creation of a new stand-alone Secondary Plan. A new Secondary Plan would seek to establish policies that would guide future development of the campus as a unique educational, economic, cultural and athletic hub within the eastern part of Scarborough.
Due to the scale of this application, the preliminary report recommends an extensive community consultation process. An initial community meeting is scheduled for January 25, to be held at the UTSC Campus. The official meeting notice along with further details on this application can be found on my website at: jimhart.ca/PLANNING.php
Rooming House Update
After extensive community consultation and public meetings, staff have determined that due to overwhelming opposition by residents and lack of support by local councillors, the current proposed rooming house pilot project will not be considered at this time. On this important issue, the community’s voice has been heard, loud and clear!
Cultural HOTspot
From May through October 2018, the City of Toronto’s Cultural Hotspot program will shine a spotlight on arts, culture and community in Scarborough. This initiative will feature a series of projects that include visual arts, workshops, performance, youth mentorship and so much more. If you are interested in partnering with the city to run a community arts project during the 2018 Cultural Hotspot, consider attending one of the following SPARK partnership info sessions:
Thurs., Dec. 21, 12‐6 p.m. – Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive, Committee Room 1.
Mid‐January – Details TBD – Proposals must be submitted by January 19.
HOT Eats
Get everyone excited about Scarborough by participating in HOT Eats. Part of the Cultural Hotspot initiative, the HOT Eats program will celebrate community and culture by highlighting the many delicious culinary destinations in Scarborough’s diverse neighbourhoods. I encourage you to share your ideas and get involved in the conversation at toronto.ca/culturalhotspot
Please keep in touch and be sure to check my website, jimhart.ca, for regular updates on municipal issues.