Make the most of the winter season in Scarborough–Rouge Park
Despite the colder weather, I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some time outside. Before we know it, spring will be upon us. With Family Day this month, it’s a great opportunity to try a new winter activity with family or friends.
Budget Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who attended our Budget Town Hall last month at Charlottetown Public School. We were joined by the City’s Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Conforti, and Councillor Parthi Kandavel. Stephen Conforti reviewed the proposed 2024 City of Toronto Budget and attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Residents shared concerns about affordability and safety in our city and expressed disagreement with the proposed elimination of windrow clearing. I share these concerns and will bring forward this advocacy through the budget process. Scarborough-Rouge Park relies on windrow clearing due to our wider roads and driveways, often increased snow accumulation and a significant number of seniors living in the area.
Mayor Olivia Chow’s budget will be considered by Toronto Council on February 14. I hope to see our community’s priorities reflected in the approved budget. You can learn more at toronto.ca/budget.
Winter Fun
Lace up your skates at one of the many public skating rinks throughout Scarborough. The mobile skate lending library will visit various locations across the city and will be at Albert Campbell Square (150 Borough Drive) on Sunday, February 25 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. This schedule is weather- and snowfall-dependent and may change without notice. Use of the Skate Lending Library is free and does not require a reservation. Visit toronto.ca/skatelending for more information.
Disc golf is available at city-owned courses across Toronto, providing a perfect opportunity to enjoy the winter season while engaging in a fun and active outdoor activity. In Scarborough, disc golf is offered at Dentonia Golf Course on a first come, first served basis.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the natural beauty of the paths and trails in our ward. Across Toronto, over 250 park pathways and trails are maintained throughout the winter. Birunthan Park, Bob Hunter Park, Shawn Blu Rose Park, Adams Park, Highland Creek Community Park and Port Union Village Common Park, are among those parks that receive trail clearing in our community. The Meadoway will also be maintained, providing residents with a trail across Scarborough.
Black History Month
In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to proclaim February as Black History Month through the efforts of many individuals and organizations such as the Ontario Black History Society. In 1995, Toronto-area MP Jean Augustine introduced a motion that was passed unanimously by the House of Commons to recognize Black History Month across Canada.
This month in Toronto, we recognize the past and present contributions that Black Torontonians make to the culture, well-being and prosperity of our city, while affirming our commitment to equal rights, opportunity and freedom from discrimination here and across Canada.
The City of Toronto, Toronto Museums and Toronto Public Library are offering programming to celebrate Black History Month. Visit toronto.ca, toronto.ca/museums and torontopubliclibrary.ca for more information.
Stay in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch or sign up for my e-news, please email me at councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca or call 416-338-3771.