August 20, 2024
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Dear Neighbours,
I hope everyone has been enjoying all of the outdoor summer movies, concerts, and special events in York Centre. We are looking forward to some major events this month including the Taste of Manila, the Downsview Play on the Runway, and of course, the annual Tour de DUKE Heights bike event. Here are a few updates that I wish to share.
I was recently joined by Mayor Oliva Chow in sharing supportive remarks at a ceremonial groundbreaking event to announce the construction phase of the Toronto Public Library Centennial Branch redevelopment project at 578 Finch Avenue West. We look forward to the completion of this project and all of the new amenities that this enhanced library will offer for York Centre and Toronto residents. In the meantime, a Toronto Public Library Book Mobile will remain onsite nearby to service the local community on Tuesdays from 2:30 - 4:00 pm and
Thursdays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at 555 Finch Avenue West by the North York General Hospital Finch Site.
Starting in August 2024, Toronto City Staff will commence a road resurfacing and cycle track installation project on Champagne Drive and Alness Street. Roads will be repaved, and sections of damaged curbs and sidewalks will be replaced. All new cycle tracks installed along the project corridor will be either protected or raised to improve safety. New TTC bus stops will be added to the corridor while some existing stops will be consolidated and upgraded The project is estimated to be completed by October 2025.
Lastly, the City of Toronto recently announced a new Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI), a one-time pilot grant program providing a total of up to $2 million in financial relief to local special event organizers. This grant will benefit many local event organizers in the York Centre community who have been impacted by rising operating costs related to the health, safety, and security of the general public and event attendees. Applications will open on August 19 at 9 a.m. and are due on September 30 at 5 p.m. Please note that organizations applying to SESI must meet all eligibility criteria to be awarded funding.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me and my team via phone at 416-392-1371 or by email at councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca.
Sincerely,
James Pasternak
City Councillor for Ward 6 – York Centre
Chair, North York Community Council
Chair, General Government Committee
