March 14, 2024
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Dear Neighbours,
I hope everyone is enjoying the remainder of the winter season and looking forward to the arrival of warm spring weather. I have some significant news to share in this edition of Councillor’s Corner.
Ontario's One Fare Program officially launched on February 26, 2024. This program will eliminate double fares for transit riders while transferring between participating agencies within the Greater Toronto Area. It is a great initiative that will make transportation more convenient and affordable.
My office continues to monitor the progress of the Update Downsview Secondary Plan. We recently participated in a community consultation meeting with city staff and developers about the Taxiway West District sub-division masterplan which would be located just south of Downsview Park. The plans for the Taxiway West District are to “incorporate approximately 368,000 square metres of employment, residential, retail, community, and institutional uses”. I will provide further updates on developments for this significant project as soon as they are made available. More information can be found on the City of Toronto website at this link.
Lastly, I am disappointed to share that the 9.5% property tax increase proposal was approved at the City Council Budget Meeting. I voted against this unreasonably high property tax increase, but we did not receive enough votes to reject it. In the meantime, I will continue to advocate for York Centre and Toronto residents who are financially impacted by this decision.
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
