Building Back Better with DUKE Heights
February 04, 2021
Dear Neighbours,
We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hoping everyone is safe. Like everyone else, I am hopeful that we can put the worst of the Pandemic behind us soon and Build Back Better and work on economic recovery. We thank the DUKE Heights BIA for its vital leadership. We have enjoyed our partnership with DUKE Heights. Government cannot do it alone and we rely on our Business Improvement Areas to increase employment, productivity, economic prosperity, and build stronger communities.
As many know, the land use designation for the Downsview lands has been under appeal for several years. Our office has been hard at work listening to the needs and aspirations of the community. On the community development side, we are fighting for a community centre and more parkland. On the business front, we are vigorously supporting a balanced approach which ensures any future land use by protecting and growing businesses, and allowing responsible residential development.
Our office continues to work with DUKE Heights, the Wilson Village BIA and the business community to encourage shopping and procuring local from the pandemic's effect on the economy. In order to expedite this process, we are happy to announce ShopYorkCentre.ca, a one stop shop for everyone to discover the amazing businesses that reside here in York Centre! Here you can find information from great restaurants to retail businesses, and much more. We are confident that our website will support the amazing business owners of York Centre. Please feel free to send us links and content to promote your business.
The City of Toronto is also committed to relaunching and cutting the red tape to help the food and hospitality industry. Just last week the Executive Committee authorized, Transportation Services, to establish a program to allow for the review, approval and installation of sidewalk cafés, curb lane/parklet cafés or public parklets without applicants having to comply with certain requirements. These improvements include: a new expedited registration process; developing comprehensive and safe traffic management plans; allowing owners to build decks and platforms where applicable; and ensuring accessible furniture for public parklet areas. The return of the CafeTO program can be expected in May.
As always my staff and I are here to help you with whatever you might need. Our community office is located at 2800 Keele Street, Unit 1. Please do not hesitate to call me at 416-392-1371 or send me a message at Councillor_Pasternak@Toronto.ca
Sincerely,
James Pasternak
Councillor Ward 6
Chair, Infrastructure and Environment Committee
Chair, North York Community Council
