Building on the progress we made in 2021
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Thank you to everyone who participated in Scarborough–Rouge Park’s Christmas Homes Celebration, and a special thanks to our local sponsors, West Hill Florist, Cobs Bread and Rylander Eggsmart.
As we begin 2022, I am excited to build on the progress we made in 2021 towards advancing public transit priorities in Scarborough, implementing the Ravine Strategy and accelerating our climate action targets.
Update from City Hall
In 2021, I was delighted to be appointed Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee. This new responsibility is in addition to my appointments as Chair of the city’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee, Chair of Scarborough Community Council and Chair of the Toronto Francophone Affairs Advisory Committee. I am also privileged to serve on Mayor Tory’s Executive Committee, the Toronto Transit Commission Board and the Toronto Zoo Board.
In spring 2021, my colleagues on the Executive Committee and I allocated $1.2B towards the Eglinton East LRT (EELRT). This commitment brings us one step closer to securing the $4.2B needed for the project. The EELRT project will extend the Eglinton Crosstown LRT 15 km from Kennedy Station to Malvern, with 21 stops.
In addition to serving the University of Toronto Scarborough, the EELRT would put rapid transit within walking distance of 49,000 people in Scarborough. I will continue to advocate to our federal and provincial governments for the balance of funding towards this important infrastructure initiative.
Since my election, I have advocated for financial support towards the restoration of our ravines and the creation of a city-wide trail network. In 2021, we advanced the strategy by investing $12M towards litter and invasive species removal.
Working with our MP Gary Anandasangaree, we were also able to secure $20M in funding through the new Natural Infrastructure Fund. In 2022, I look forward to breaking ground on trail restoration projects in Highland Creek and will continue to advocate for investment in these important greenspaces.
In December, I worked with my Council Colleagues to pass the City of Toronto’s ambitious plan to be net zero by 2040. The city continues to show leadership in setting and reaching its climate targets. We achieved our 2020 goal of a 30 percent reduction from 1990 levels early, with a 37 percent reduction in 2019. To reach our 2030 target, the city will use its influence to regulate, advocate and facilitate rapid transformation.
Getting to net zero will require that all levels of government, along with the private sector and Toronto’s residents, do their part. To learn more about how you can green your home and contribute to climate action, visit betterhomesTO.ca.
Let it Snow
During a snow event, city plows start plowing roadways after 2.5 cm of snow has accumulated for expressways (DVP & Gardiner), 5 cm for major roads, and 8 cm for residential streets. After the snow stops falling, it takes the city three hours to clear expressways, eight hours to clear major routes and 16 hours to clear residential streets.
You can use the PlowTO map to track road and sidewalk plows in this area by visiting toronto.ca/PlowTO. For assistance with snow concerns, call 311, and to learn more about the city’s snow plan, visit toronto.ca/snow.
We’re Here to Work for You
For local updates, sign up for my weekly e-newsletter at www.jennifermckelvie.ca. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter via my handle @McKelvieWard25. My office continues to serve our residents. Email me at councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca.
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