Councillor Mike Layton

Regarding a Special Meeting on the Casino

Mike Layton — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:09:40 +0000

I have written a letter to the Mayor and Councillors expressing that a majority of Councillors are prepared to debate the issue of a casino on Tuesday May 21, 2013 the date originally set by the mayor.

On Sunday, I will be submitting to the City Clerk a letter signed by a majority of City Councillors to call a special council meeting to be held at 9:30am on Tuesday May 21, 2013. This is in accordance with Section 27-30 of the Council Procedures and the notice requirements that the meeting must be within 48 hours from the time the petition is given to the City Clerk.

Read my full letter here or see below.

May 17, 2013

Dear Mayor and Councillors,

It is time to make a decision on the casino. After speaking with many of you, it is clear that a majority of us are prepared to debate this issue on Tuesday May 21, 2013 the date originally set by the mayor.

A year ago, we were asked by the Provincial Government whether or not Toronto would host a casino within our boundaries. While Toronto did not initiate this request, we have a duty as the elected government to provide the Provincial Government an answer.

Since that time we have consulted residents and businesses in our wards and across the City. We have debated the issue amongst ourselves in committee, heard what amounts to days of deputations, and many Councillors have been lobbied endlessly by casino proponents. The meeting of May 21, 2013 has been publicised widely and the public has a justified expectation that we will honour our commitment to make a decision on Tuesday. It is time to make a decision.

On Sunday, I will be submitting to the City Clerk a letter signed by a majority of City Councillors to call a special council meeting to be held at 9:30am on Tuesday May 21, 2013. This is in accordance with Section 27-30 of the Council Procedures and the notice requirements that the meeting must be within 48 hours from the time the petition is given to the City Clerk.

Sincerely,

Mike Layton
City Councillor
Ward 19, Trinity-Spadina

Community Survey: Off-leash hours within City of Toronto Parks

Mike Layton — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:52:57 +0000

The City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division is conducting public opinion research on the issue of enacting dogs off-leash courtesy hours in City of Toronto parks.

All residents of the City of Toronto are invited to participate in the survey which should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. The online survey provides residents with an opportunity to provide their input regarding dogs off-leash areas and proposed amendments to the People, Parks and Dogs Off Leash Policy in a confidential and safe manner. The survey will be available until May 31st, 2013.

Please click here to fill out the survey

Victoria Day Events

Mike Layton — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:53:30 +0000

Over the Victoria Day long weekend, the City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display on Monday, May 20 at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, three historic sites and other facilities described below, will be open. City recreation centres will be closed on Victoria Day and recreation programs will not operate that day.

The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 20. The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks, with a spectacular finale. Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and 92 Woodbine South routes. Members of the public are strongly urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

Facility openings:

Golf: Toronto has five municipal golf courses that are open daily, including on Victoria Day. More information about the City-run golf courses is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.

Tennis courts: All public tennis court sites will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend. Public sites are free and available to the general public. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts.

Splash pads: Most splash pads open across the city on Saturday, May 18, with some exceptions. Splash pads adjacent to outdoor pools and those under construction will open later in the season. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by push-button release. Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas so caregivers are reminded to supervise their children. More information, including hours of operation and up-to-date information on splash pad locations, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm is a family attraction where visitors can see traditional farm animals such as cows, horses and chickens. While there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Riverdale Farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 20. Admission is free.

Far Enough Farm: The little farm on Centre Island is home to horses, donkeys, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, peacocks and emus. Located next to Toronto’s Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island, the farm will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

High Park Zoo: Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo’s spring babies. The zoo, located on Deer Pen Road, offers domestic and exotic animals. The zoo will be open to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Toronto Island Park: Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride. The interactive Franklin Children’s Garden is another attraction. Ferry schedule and fares: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm

Greenhouses: A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/

Discovery Walks: Residents can explore their city on foot. The Discovery Walks program is a series of 11 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 11 kilometres, the walks are designed to showcase Toronto’s outstanding natural features, cultural and historical attractions. Brochures and maps are available.

Historic Sites – The City of Toronto Historic Sites celebrate Victoria Day Monday with fun and interesting historical activities for everyone.

Fort York National Historic Site: What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than to visit the birthplace of Toronto? Tours, kids’ activities such as soldier’s drill, demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking techniques and English country dancing will all be part of the day’s holiday programming. Also featured, a free walking tour, Early British Military Influences on Toronto’s Changing Urban Landscape, from 1pm-2:30. Starting at the Canteen, this walking tour explores the evolution of Fort York and its influence on the development of the Town of York (Toronto). The tour traces the early British military plans for the development and defense of the small colonial capital, the War of 1812, and the subsequent rail and industrial development of this vital area. Rain or shine.

Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens will take visitors on a tour of the house through the eyes of the prominent Austin family, whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto as they entered the 20th century. Spadina Museum is located at 285 Spadina Rd., next door to Casa Loma. Admission fees: adults $7.96, seniors and youth $5.75, children six and older $4.87. Admission is free for children five and younger.

Service Updates

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate on its holiday service schedule on Victoria Day, with most routes starting at 6 a.m. For holiday service details, call the TTC’s customer information line in advance of the holiday at 416-393-4636 or visit

http://www3.ttc.ca/Routes/General_Information/Service_Details.jsp.

City of Toronto offices will be closed on the Victoria Day holiday. All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided during the holiday. Residents can call 311, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more information about City services.

New bike parking coming to West Queen West!

Mike Layton — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:54:15 +0000

I’m pleased to announce that this summer, Toronto cyclists will see a marked increase in bike parking spaces available along West Queen West. This is part of a Bike Parking initiative spearheaded by the Cycling Infrastructure and Programs Unit of Transportation Services. In response to Toronto’s growing need for cycling infrastructure, the City is increasing bike parking in Wards 18 and 19 by 30% along Queen Street West, from Gladstone Avenue to Markham Street.

The additions will include bike stands, multi-bike racks, on-street corrals, and weather-protected bike shelters. Using the City’s Bike Parking Guidelines, City Staff have selected designs that meet bike parking requirements, but are different from the designs currently being used throughout Toronto. The purpose of this initiative is threefold: to better meet demand for bike parking, test new designs, and to do so while making optimal use of the public space available.

The initiative will be evaluated over the summer and fall months, informing the bike parking efforts that the City will endeavour throughout Toronto.

Further information will be made available on the City of Toronto, Transportation Services’ cycling site: http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/ in Summer 2013.

2013 Property Tax and Water Relief Forms now available

Mike Layton — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:45:23 +0000

The City of Toronto offers a property tax and water relief program to low-income seniors and low-income persons with a disability. The deadline to submit is September 3, 2013. If you have applied for and received a deferral or cancellation last year, you should continue to apply each year, even where your taxes may have decreased. This will ensure that you obtain the maximum deferral benefit.

For a printable copy of the 2013 form, click here

If you require a hard copy of the form, please call our office at (416) 392-4009

Service Updates for the week of May 13

Mike Layton — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:56:57 +0000

Bathurst Street, Croft Street and Vankoughnet Street Watermain Replacement

The City of Toronto will be replacing the watermain and the City-owned portion of any substandard water services in order to improve the water distribution system and drinking water quality. This project is part of the Watermain and Water Service Replacement Program and will run from July to December 2013. The City of Toronto has retained R. V. Anderson Associates Limited to manage this project.

This work will take place on:
● Bathurst Street from Queen Street West to London Street;
● Croft Street from Vankoughnet Street to Ulster Street; and,
● Vankoughnet Street from Lippincott Street to Borden Street.

Further notice will be given prior to construction. It will provide a more accurate start date and other information regarding the work. Your co-operation and patience during the construction period is crucial and appreciated.

For more information on the watermain replacements, click here

For more information on the City’s ongoing lead mitigation strategy, click here

Ossington Station Construction Open House

You are invited to an Open House to find out about improvements coming to Ossington Station, and to share your ideas on how to help reduce construction impacts in your community.

Work will start early in 2014 to make Ossington Station accessible to all customers, regardless of their level of mobility. This work will include:

● Two elevators to access eastbound and westbound platforms
● Accessible fare gates
● Barrier free path to the platform
● Automatic sliding doors to enter station
● Improved signage
● CCTV – Security cameras
● Resurface a portion of Delaware Avenue entrance

For more information, click here

Heritage Toronto Tours in Ward 19

Mike Layton — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:30:21 +0000

Each year, Heritage Toronto host a series of free walking tours. Guided by local experts, these fascinating tours shed light on Toronto’s cultural, architectural and natural heritage. This year’s tours program will run from the end of April until October and have 58 tours in total, including six in Ward 19.

This year I’m pleased to announce six fascinating Heritage Toronto walks within Ward 19:

Korea Town – May 18 (6:30pm – 8:30pm) & August 18 (1:30pm-3:30pm)

Start point: 300 Bloor St W

Since the 1970s, the stretch of Bloor Street between Bathurst and Christie streets has been ‘Korea Town’, a centre for people of

Korean descent. Learn about the history, culture, and distinctive immigration experience of the Korean community as you walk

past the church, community organizations, and businesses that have contributed to the transformation of this area.

Exhibition Place & the Battle of York – May 18 (1:30pm-3:30pm) & July 19 (7:00pm-9:00pm)

Start point: Dufferin Gate, Exhibition Place

April 27, 1813 was a traumatic day in Toronto’s history. Over 2,000 American soldiers landed just west of present-day Exhibition Place. By 2:00 pm the battle was over and they had control of the town. Walk the route taken by the Americans as they advanced on Fort York and hear about the skirmishes and some of the new research discoveries about the battle.

War, Invasion & Occupation: Fort York and Toronto during the American Invasions of 1813 – June 2 (1:00pm-3:00pm) & September 22 (1:00pm-3:00pm)

Start point: Main entrance of Historic Fort York, 100 Garrison Rd

Some of the most dramatic events in Toronto’s (York’s) history during the War of 1812 – especially with the American invasion and occupation in April 1813. Hear about the main events of the battle and occupation, and the impact it had on the development of our city on this tour in and around the Fort York Historic District.

Between the Bridge and the Brewery: Trinity Bellwoods Neighbourhood – July 7 (1:30pm-3:30pm)

Start point: Trinity Bellwoods Park, NW corner Queen St W and Gore Vale Ave

The area around Trinity Bellwoods Park has changed considerably since the War of 1812 when a blockhouse guarded the ford across Garrison Creek. Explore some of the neighbourhood’s heritage sites – still standing and long vanished – and hear what local residents did in the war and how the community has evolved in the 200 years since.

For a complete list of this year’s tours, click here

Community Open House: Fort York National Heritage Site

Mike Layton — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:05:52 +0000

The Fort York National Historic Site is owned and operated by the City of Toronto, and has a long history of hosting significant events inside the Fort and on Garrison Common.

The City and I are working to revitalize the public space at the Fort York National Heritage Site and we’d like to invite our neighbours to an Open House to hear more about various projects, including the construction of our new Visitor Centre and many of the landscape rehabilitation projects. We would also like to take this opportunity to update you, and to get your feedback, on our strategy for programs and events on-site in 2013 and moving forward.

Please join the City and I on May 28, at the Blue Barracks (250 Fort York blvd) from 6:30pm to 9:00pm for a discussion on the future of Fort York. If you are unable to make the Open House, but would like to learn more please feel free to contact either David O’Hara with Fort York, or my office at 416-392-4009 or by e-mail.

Service Updates for the week of May 6

Mike Layton — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:54:43 +0000

The Sporting Life 10K run this weekend will involve road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy this event. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.

Along the route for the run, closures will occur at the following locations:
Westbound Front Street between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street (8 to 11:30am)

Bathurst Street from Front Street to Fort York Boulevard (8 to 11:30am)
Fort York Boulevard from Bathurst Street to Fleet Street (8 to 11:30am)
Fort York Boulevard between Fleet Street and Lake Shore Boulevard (north and eastbound curb lanes will remain open for condo access) (5 to 11:30am)
Bathurst Street from Fort York Boulevard to Fleet Street (5 to 11:30am)
The eastbound lanes of Fleet Street will be closed from Strachan Avenue to Fort York Boulevard (5 to 11:30am)
Fort York Boulevard from the west side of Bathurst Street to Fleet Street will be closed for the finish area (5am-1pm)

Note: After all runners pass an intersection, that intersection will reopen to traffic in the area.

May 22: Committee of Adjustment

Mike Layton — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:34:56 +0000

The following item will be before the Committee of Adjustment on Wednesday May 22, 2013 in Committee Room 1, on the second floor of Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West.

Within the file below you will find instructions on how to submit your comments to the Committee of Adjustment and how to sign up to speak. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at councillor_layton @toronto.ca or call (416) 392-4009.

4:30pm

30 Ordnance St (Click to view: Map, Notice, Plan)

About the Committee of Adjustment:
The Committee of Adjustment is comprised of citizen members and Councillors do not sit on this committee. They regularly hold public hearings to consider applications for minor variances, permission and consents. To learn more about the Committee of Adjustment please visit: http://www.toronto.ca/planning/comm_adj.htm