Engaging residents in the city’s budget process
I hope you are keeping warm in the midst of our winter weather. Thank you to those who have contacted me regarding the city’s snow-clearing response to recent snow and ice events. My office works closely with city crews to address each concern raised in our community and these weather events provide an important opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to improve the service our neighbourhood relies on.
BudgetTO 2020
The city’s 2020 budget process is now underway and as a member of the City’s Budget Committee, I firmly believe in engaging residents throughout this process. It was wonderful discussing the investments in our community with many of you during our Ward 25 Budget Consultation on January 26 at the Malvern Recreation Centre. I am committed to taking your feedback and ideas on how we can make our city and Centennial a better place to live, work and play.
This is a responsible budget that continues the approach of stability, affordability and responsible investment. This budget invests in key areas – including transit, housing, the environment and community safety – and it preserves the more than 150 services the city provides our residents and businesses.
Closer to home, this budget focuses on bringing the Port Union road widening between Lawrence Ave. East and Island Road to fruition. City staff are currently on track to complete the relocation of utility poles later this year in order to commence construction next year, with a goal of completion by spring 2022.
This is great news for Port Union Road, which will receive a substantial investment of approximately $9.8 million over the next three years. Once detailed design is complete, my office will host a public drop-in event to share the final design. To keep up-to-date with this project, you can register for my newsletter at www.jennifermckelvie.ca.
Heron Park Family Day Skate
I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding regarding the temporary closure of Heron Park Arena earlier this season. This closure was a result of city staff becoming aware of structural damage to the arena roof after our season’s first snowfall in November.
My office worked diligently alongside city staff and contractors to ensure the required work was completed as promised by January 2, and I am happy to say that we have restored all permitted groups and registered programming at the rink once again.
To celebrate the re-opening, I will be hosting a community skate on Family Day. I invite you to come by and enjoy hot chocolate, sweet snacks and a free skate.
Event: Community Family Skate Day
When: Monday, February 17, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Heron Park Arena
Take a Trip to 2099
What would the world look like if we solved climate change? I had the pleasure of being transported 80 years into the future, a time when balance is restored on the planet. Terra Lumina is a night walk hosted by the Toronto Zoo and includes a 1.5 km outdoor path with eight exhibits to enjoy.
Terra Lumina reinforces the message that climate change is very complex, and there is no one solution that will solve this issue. But by working together and addressing this challenge in a sustainable way, we can make a big impact. Check it out!
Event: Terra Lumina at the Toronto Zoo
When: In the evenings until April 13
Purchase Tickets: www.thetorontozoo.ca