Councillor’s Corner- Ward 6: May 2024

May 13, 2024

...

Dear Neighbours,

Here are a few updates that I wish to share.

I was recently invited to Sanofi Canada’s vaccine manufacturing site near Dufferin and Steeles for a groundbreaking ceremony to announce a $180M investment in new infrastructure that will reduce carbon emissions at their Toronto campus. Sanofi conducts vital research and development in medicine in Canada and at sites in over 70 countries. Their Toronto Campus facility is also one of the largest vaccine research and development and manufacturing sites in the world. I look forward to this company’s continued success in improving its sustainability.

Mayor Olivia Chow has announced that the City of Toronto is planning to enhance the functionality of sidewalk litter bins in over 1000 high-density areas by the end of 2024. These upgrades will include the following enhancements:

• A wider opening that reduces the likelihood of disposed items getting stuck
• A stronger self-closing hinge
• Reinforcement of the frame and doors for added durability
• Adjustments to the locking mechanism
• The introduction of two garbage options per bin which reduces the likelihood of overflows and contamination of recyclable materials.

In addition to this ongoing project, the City of Toronto is also implementing a bin sensor pilot program that will be used to detect the fullness of the bins and relay when the bins are at or near capacity so that collection can be scheduled. I am optimistic that these initiatives will positively contribute towards cleaner streets throughout Toronto and the York Centre community.

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