January 15, 2026
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Happy New Year to the DUKE Heights business community. I hope the year is off to a strong and safe start for you, your employees, and your customers. As we settle into the winter months, I wanted to share a brief update on issues my office is focused on at City Hall that are particularly relevant to businesses in the DUKE Heights BIA.
Winter operations remain a top priority across the city. Snow clearing, salting, and winter maintenance are essential services, especially in employment and industrial areas where reliable access for staff, customers, and deliveries is critical. City crews are actively monitoring weather events and responding to snowfalls, with a focus on keeping main roads, sidewalks, and priority routes passable. While response times can vary depending on storm severity, my office continues to follow up on service gaps to ensure DUKE Heights streets and walkways receive the attention they require.
Winter conditions can also create knock-on effects for daily business operations. Snowbanks, ice buildup, and reduced visibility can affect parking, loading areas, and pedestrian access. I encourage business owners to flag locations where these issues are persistent so they can be addressed before they become safety concerns. Prompt reporting through 311 remains important, and my office uses that information to escalate issues where needed.
Beyond winter maintenance, public safety and order remain a consistent focus for my office. A safe and predictable environment is fundamental to a healthy business district. Whether it relates to traffic safety, bylaw enforcement, or response times, I continue to press for coordinated action from City services to address issues that affect employees and customers alike. Strong enforcement and clear accountability are key to maintaining confidence in our commercial and employment areas.
City Council has also been engaged in early discussions around the 2026 budget and service priorities. These conversations shape how resources are allocated for infrastructure, operations, and frontline services. Ensuring that employment areas like DUKE Heights are properly supported — particularly when it comes to transportation, maintenance, and safety — remains an important part of that work. Input from businesses helps reinforce the real-world impact of these decisions.
Winter in Toronto also brings opportunities to make use of city amenities and programming. Local recreation facilities and seasonal activities remain active, providing options for workers and families to enjoy the season close to home. Maintaining accessible and well-run city services during winter months is part of supporting quality of life for those who live and work in our communities.
As the season continues, I am very interested in hearing directly from the DUKE Heights BIA members about how city services are performing on the ground. In particular, feedback on snow clearing, access challenges, and overall winter conditions is valuable in identifying patterns and addressing problem areas. Your experience helps inform where my office directs attention and advocacy.
My team and I remain committed to working with the DUKE Heights BIA and the broader business community. If there are emerging issues, ongoing concerns, or areas where city support can be improved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Open communication helps ensure that Duke Heights continues to function as a strong and reliable employment area.
Wishing you a safe, productive, and successful winter season.
Sincerely,
James Pasternak
Toronto City Councillor
Ward 6 – York Centre
