Family Day in Centennial
Family Day, celebrated this year on February 15, is a great opportunity to get outdoors for some exercise and winter fun with your household. Snowball fights, fort building, winter bird watching or a brisk walk can give you a new appreciation for these colder months of the year, particularly when it is important to maintain physical distance and follow public health guidelines. A listing of all City of Toronto winter activities is available at www.toronto.ca/welcometowinter. For the latest updates on the status of COVID-19 in Toronto, visit www.toronto.ca/COVID19.
Update from City Hall
In January, I began serving as Chair of the City’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee at City Hall. This Committee works closely with Mayor John Tory’s Executive Committee to monitor and make recommendations on Toronto’s infrastructure needs and services, along with the sustainable use of Toronto’s environment. Below is a snapshot of some of the local infrastructure projects we can expect in Ward 25 this year. To stay up to date on these projects and receive my newsletter, please e-mail councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca.
2021 Local Infrastructure Projects
Port Union Road
The widening of Port Union Road between Lawrence Ave. East and Island Rd. represents a cumulative investment of $9.6 million dollars in our neighbourhood. In 2020, underground utility relocation for Rogers and Bell were completed, along with a finalized agreement with Toronto Hydro that will allow above-ground relocations to be less disruptive. City staff are completing detailed design work with the goal of initiating construction this summer and my office will be coordinating a public information session this spring.
Traffic Light at Lawrence and Meadowvale
In 2020, with overwhelming support from both the CCRA and members of our community, City Council adopted a recommendation to install a traffic signal at Lawrence Ave. East and Meadowvale Rd. The City’s Transportation Services Division is planning to install the traffic signal later this year, which will create a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians.
New School Safety Zone
The City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan includes a cumulative five-year investment of $109 million to enhance safety and reduce traffic-related injuries. The plan specifically prioritizes the safety of the city’s most vulnerable road users, including children.
This year, William G. Davis Junior Public School is one of the 80 schools city-wide that will receive enhanced pedestrian safety measures. New safety elements include permanent “watch your speed” driver feedback signs, flashing beacons on school zone signs and school zone stencils on pavement, which will extend up to 250 metres away from the school. If you’re driving, remember to slow down, stay focused and watch for pedestrians – especially in and around school zones.
Coyote Safety this Winter
While outside for your winter walks, please remember to keep an eye out for coyotes in the neighbourhood. Residents have reported sightings around homes and in local parks. It is not uncommon to see coyotes at this time of year, as they are more active during their mating season in January and February.
The City of Toronto has partnered with Coyote Watch Canada to produce an e-learning course on coyotes in the urban landscape. This course provides information about coyote behaviour in urban environments and tips on how to respond when encountering coyotes so that everyone remains safe. This 20-minute digital resource is available at www.toronto.ca/coyotes.
We’re Here to Work for You
To stay in touch, please sign up for my weekly e-newsletter at www.jennifermckelvie.ca. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter, via my handle @McKelvieWard25. My office continues to serve residents. Please email me at councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca.