July 20, 2026
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Although we are in the summer, the work at City Hall continues. While the Provincial and Federal governments are on recess, we have much work to do in an increasingly complicated city. On July 7, North York Community Council met for 12 hours to debate a wide range of issues, such as property development applications, fence exemptions, tree removals and traffic safety matters. There were almost 100 items on the agenda.
We also can call this the summer of ribbon cutting in York Centre as we open a new FIFA-inspired soccer pitch (at Grandravine Park), a new skateboard facility (at Earl Bales Park) and a new park (at Faywood and Wilson Avenue). These are all welcome investments in York Centre.
Our office continues to keep a close eye on two emerging issues currently under review by the City of Toronto. The first is the Downsview Major Streets Environmental Assessment that will impact the DUKE Heights BIA. As per direction from the DUKE Board, I will be asking staff for a study to analyze the situation and recommend actions, including a future street plan and road improvements, for the area bounded by Sheppard Ave West, the Metrolinx/GO Transit Barrie line to the west, Steeprock (from the railway tracks on the west along Steeprock to Dufferin Street) on the north and both sides of Chesswood Drive on the east side. These actions are required to ameliorate/eliminate the traffic/congestion outcomes. The study must look at impacts beyond the boundaries of the Downsview Secondary Plan.
Second, we are keeping a close eye on the federal Downsview West development application. This is an enormous application that stretches 75 Acres, has 9200 units, and will house 17 000 residents. It will also have employment creating about 2,500 jobs and three daycares. The parcel sits to the north of the Downsview lands just south of the DUKE catchment area. This project will have lasting impacts on DUKE including traffic, construction management, residential density, infrastructure, and employment. We must ensure that impacts are positive and that the DUKE Heights community and the Downsview West community can be great partners in the decades to come.
Although Toronto’s 6 FIFA games are over, the buzz of Toronto being a world class host city continues. The Fanfest downtown remains highly popular and the viewing parties across the city are jammed with fans and onlookers alike. While the final word on the impact of hosting FIFA is still pending, most who saw the action or participated, recognize that it was a surprisingly exciting time filling residents and tourists with excitement, pride and joy, supporting our hospitality and hotel industry and its thousands of workers.
Have a fun and safe summer.Sincerely,
James Pasternak
Toronto City Councillor
Ward 6 – York Centre
