Building Back Better with DUKE Heights
March 03, 2021
Dear Neighbours,
I hope everyone is safe, keeping well and not losing faith that we will soon put the worse of the Pandemic behind us. In our recent town hall with Mayor John Tory, Dr. de Ville, and myself, we are optimistic that Toronto will be Building Back Better.
Recently the City Council authorized 2021 tax-supported operating budget. This year's budget keeps property taxes at the rate of inflation, preserves city service levels and manages the Covid-19 recovery and rebuild. This budget has committed to new investments to support building a more prosperous Toronto. The budget maintains city services, and enhances supports for local businesses.
Within this budget, I passed a motion to allocate capital funding for a DUKE Heights BIA Public Art project.
Our office continues to work with DUKE Heights, the Wilson Village BIA and the business community to encourage shopping and procuring local. In order to expedite this process, we are happy to complement the great work the business community is doing by launching ShopYorkCentre.ca, a one stop shop for everyone to discover the amazing businesses that reside here in York Centre! Here you can find information about restaurants, retail businesses, manufacturers, and much more. We are confident that our website – combined with the work of the DUKE Heights BIA - will help grow the amazing businesses of York Centre. Please feel free to send us links and content to promote your business.
The City of Toronto is also relaunching CafeTO, which cuts the red tape to help the food and hospitality industry. City Council authorized, Transportation Services, to restart a program to allow for accelerating the review, approval and installation of sidewalk cafés, curb lane/parklet cafés or public parklets. These improvements include: a new expedited registration process; developing comprehensive and safe traffic management plans; allowing owners to build decks and patios where applicable; and ensuring accessible furniture for public parklets. The registration for the CafeTO program is now open.
As we head into spring, 2021, we are excited to support and partner with DUKE Heights on public art installations, infrastructure, expanding green space, and ramping up the recovery effort.
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
