  
My Support Staff at Toronto City Hall
Susan O'Connor, Executive Assistant
Susan handles all Etobicoke York Community Council, City Council and Standing Committee agenda items; Planning and Development applications in the Ward; and works closely with me on the ongoing communications with community groups and Ratepayers Associations. She also coordinates and prepares my bi-annual Ward 5 Newsletters and administers my Website. If your enquiry relates to any of these items please contact Susan.
soconno@toronto.ca or 416-392-4244
Kathy Micucci, Constituency Assistant
Kathy is responsible for the majority of constituent related calls or emails that come into the office. She works closely with me on ensuring that they all receive a response and the appropriate action from City Departments. Kathy also prepares my monthly e-News bulletins. If you have a submission or idea for inclusion on an e-News please direct it to her. Kathy also attends most of my community meetings with me, and attends Islington BIA and Queensway BIA meetings. If your enquiry relates to a Ward concern/complaint, community event or upcoming community meeting, Committee of Adjustment matters, or the Islington BIA, please call Kathy.
kmicucc@toronto.ca or 416-392-4041
Eileen Agius, Administrative Assistant
If you need to schedule an appointment to meet with me, or invite me to your event, please contact Eileen. As well as coordinating my schedule, Eileen answers all calls to the mainline at my office, and is pleased to assist you with your Ward or City questions. Eileen also assists Kathy with constituent related emails, calls and letters. Please contact Eileen at:
eagius@toronto.ca or 416-392-4040
Councillor
Peter Milczyn's
Messages:
May 12, 2010
MY VIEWS ON TRAFFIC, GRIDLOCK AND THE BIKE LANE PROPOSAL ON UNIVERSITY
The ongoing debate in this city about bikes, traffic, and transportation has devolved into a debate where ideological camps have formed and are pushing, or pushing back, particular viewpoints. A more balanced and mature approach is required. Cycling is not going to replace cars or transit as a means for commuting longer distances to work or institutions. On a local level in our neighbourhoods, and certainly downtown, it is a viable option for some people. I also believe that making it safer to cycle is important. I will not be supporting the University Avenue Bike Lane pilot project. Certainly when we hear that there is a crisis of obesity among children and youth, and then you see traffic jams at all of our local schools of kids being dropped off by cars rather than walking or biking, there is something that could be done here. Where possible, segregated bike paths or lanes should be preferable to 'on road' lanes. However reducing the capacity of highly congested roads to introduce bike lanes is not a sustainable strategy. One solution that should be reviewed, but is routinely refused by staff, is looking at lane widths. Our traffic lanes tend to be significantly wider than those in Europe. While in the past North American vehicles were generally larger than those in Europe; that really is no longer the case. If lane widths were reduced slightly road capacity could be maintained for cars and where appropriate bike lanes could still be added. This weeks' Council approval of a public bike rental system for the downtown core will no doubt prove to be as popular here as in other cities, but this is intended for short local rides only, and a bike lanes should be designed with this in mind. Local circuits or networks which do not impede "City wide" traffic flow. A thorough review to identify which secondary or local roads would provide a good cycling route to serve local communities, schools, etc. would serve more people. In terms of traffic congestion, we need a thorough review of eliminating, or reducing the hours of on-street parking on certain key streets to allow for better traffic flow. This would have to be coupled with investments in more off-street parking facilities. Houston has recently demonstrated the benefits of real time monitoring of traffic cameras and manual control of traffic signals around their stadium. This kind of an approach around the Skydome and AirCanada Centre should be tried.
A proposal which was rejected about a decade to convert the shoulders of the Don Valley Expressway to tolled or HOV lanes should be revisited. This could add capacity and choice for drivers. While the Gardiner Expressway cannot come down, some changes to ramps and exits can be undertaken to improve traffic flows such as at Jamieson/Dunn Avenues where an improved on ramp could allow 24 hour access to the Gardiner. It might not be too late to take another look at building the Front Street extension which would be a key link to improve access into and out of the downtown. A more integrated regional public transit system with more investment to join the 416-905 areas with greatly improved transit options will have the greatest impact on reducing traffic congestion. It is the outer areas of the City of Toronto and the 905 region which suffer from the greatest congestion.
The next Mayor of Toronto must be a champion for regional transit, not just local Toronto transit. Toronto should be pressing Metrolinx and the Province to make investments that will help move people across the 416-905 more effectively. Finally, Toronto is such a vibrant and active city now that we need to explore where pedestrian only streets can be feasible. Areas like Kensington Market, Yorkville, Downtown Yonge Street, Queen St (between Spadina and University), and John Street are all possible candidates for at the very least seasonal pedestrian only zones. Virtually all major cities have some such Zones, they add greatly to the City's vibrancy.
April 30, 2010
ETOBICOKE FORUM
on the
NEW HARMONIZED ZONING BYLAW IN TORONTO
'How will it effect you in Etobicoke'
Thursday May 13, 2010
Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
Council Chambers - Main Floor
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Surface Parking Available - Refreshments Served
Please join me at this important Ward 5 Forum that I have arranged. The City is currently in the final steps of harmonizing zoning bylaws across the City and I would like you to be kept informed and learn how changes may effect you in Etobicoke. Join me and key Planning Staff on May 13th.
For full information please click here to read the flyer being circulated door to door next week.
Or, go to the following weblink to learn more about this City project:
http://www.toronto.ca/zoning/
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides information on the Citizens' guide to Land-use planning, please click on weblink below:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page338.aspx
April 15, 2010
CONDOLENCE MOTION
The Mayor and Members of Toronto City Council, on behalf of all Torontonians, are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Polish president Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynska and all of the 95 passengers, including many of Poland's government, military and religious leaders, aboard the tragic plane crash at Smolensk, Russia on April 10, 2010.
Today I joined the Mayor at City Council and seconded a Motion to recognize and express my deepest sympathies on the loss of President Kaczynski and so many significant figures in Poland's long struggle for freedom.
To read the entire Motion, please click here.
February 19, 2010
THE 2010 PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET
I have only had the opportunity to do a quick review of the City's proposed 2010 Budget which is unveiled to the public and Member's of Council on Tuesday of this week.
It proposes a 4% residential tax hike, 1.33% for business and a host of new and increased user fees. The property tax increase represents an additional $87 million from property owners.
In the 2010 Budget there are user fee increases totalling $25 million, the TTC fare increase delivers an additional $50 million, there are $22 million in additional revenues from investment/interest/Parking tickets/billboards. Very notably there is $119 million in Provincial funding for Social Services to begin to reverse previuous downloading.
Miraculously Mayor Miller managed to deliver a $219 million surplus from last year over and above $33 million in Strike savings. This raises the question of why were taxes raised last year if services budgeted for were not delivered or not needed?
Another budget "balancing" strategy employed in the 2010 proposal is a the diversion of tens of millions of dollars from the Capital to the Operating Budget.
Last year I and the other members of the Responsible Government Group at City Hall tabled an alternative budget proposal which attempted to restrain the increase in new hires, hold the line on user fees, and reduce the proposed tax increase by half. This proposal garnered 18 votes at Council, which was just 5 votes short of being adopted. It will be more difficult to propose a comprehensive alternative this year due to the opaque nature of the Mayor's budget proposal and the hidden savings he proclaims.
I and others will be opposing this budget, and the specific user fee increases it contains. I am hopeful that as the Mayor has become a bit of a lame duck as he is not seeking re-election, and has begun to lose some of his followers on Council, that last years 18 votes can be built on to defeat the proposed budget and instead enact a more reasonable approach.
With the election of a new Mayor next year a drastically different approach to budgeting hopefully will come about. One which is respectful of taxpayers and focussed on delivering increased efficiencies, better services and value to Torontonians. The current budget proposal does not.
January 20, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Please register to receive my regular e-News bulletins as I continue to do my best to communicate with the residents of Ward 5 and Etobicoke, and keep you informed on what is happening at Toronto City Hall, at Etobicoke York Community Council and advise you of upcoming community meetings as well as events across Toronto that may interest you.
If you have a local event that you would like me to promote, be sure to email it to me.
December 31, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
My best wishes to all in Etobicoke and across Toronto this Christmas season. As we at City Hall say goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010, I would like to see us (as Councillor's and elected officials) achieve a more collegial City Council, where the diverse views of Councillors are respected and incorporated into the decision making process. I also look forward to the election of a new Mayor for the City of Toronto, who will bring a sound approach to the management of the City, as well as champion solutions to the region's, not just the City's, transportation challenges. Whoever the residents of Toronto elect as our new Mayor, I believe it is in our best interest to work together.
Please stay in touch with my office and watch for monthly e-news updates. I will do my best to keep you well informed on all Etobicoke as well as City issues of concern to you.
Your continued feedback is most welcomed.
November 23, 2009
TTC FARE INCREASE ANNOUNCED
At the TTC meeting of Tuesday November 17 an increase in TTC Fares was approved. The new fares will be in effect as of January 3, 2010.
The TTC Commission discussed and decided to reduce the originally proposed fare increase and in particular minimize the impact on adult pass users, seniors and students. Depending on fare type the increases range between about 7-11%. The last TTC fare increase was in November of 2007 (26 months will have passed between fare increases).
New Fares APPROVED Adult Senior/Student Child Cash $ 3.00 $ 2.00 $ 0.75 Token/Ticket $ 2.50 $ 1.65 $ 0.55 Weekly Pass $ 36.00 $ 28.00 Reg. Metropass $121.00 $ 99.00
VIP Pass $107.00 (Volume Incentive Program) MDP Pass $111.00 $ 89.00 (Metropass Discount Plan - 12 month preauthorized)
Day Pass $ 10.00 GTA Pass $ 28.00
Will this increase impact transit users? Yes. The Commission members did however take a number of steps to mitigate this impact. For the first time ever all Students over 18 and Post-Secondary Students will benefit from a reduced rate Metropass.
While fare increases of any amount are never well received, it is important that transit users and all Torontonians understand the entire context within which this decision has had to be made. Over the last three years there have been a number of service improvements (to match all surface routes to subway operating hours and increase frequency on virtually all routes). Any improvement to services also increases costs.
In addition, there has been general inflationary cost pressures on wages, fuel, and materials. Wages for TTC unionized employees will rise by 3% per year, however, Senior Management wages have been frozen. Overall costs rise by close to 7% due to higher increases in energy costs, vehicles, parts, and other materials.
TTC Operating Budget Overview (Projected including fare increase revenues - all figures in millions) 2009 2010 Change Expenses $ 1,298 $ 1,391 +$ 93 Revenues $ 904 $ 955 +$ 51
(Farebox, Advertising, & Misc.)
Subsidy $ 394 $ 394 +$ 0
(City of Toronto + Gas Tax)
Remaining Shortfall to be addressed $ 42
The TTC continues to be the least subsidised major Transit service in North America. In 2010, 68% of the operating cost of the TTC will be paid by riders.
The TTC will be implementing a minimum of $20 million in cost reductions, and will seek an increase in the subsidy. If the increase in subsidy is not forthcoming then the remaining $22 million will have to be achieved with cuts at the TTC.
The real issue is the level of government subsidy or taxes applied to the funding of Public Transit. Below is a table showing you the fares recovery rates, and rates of subsidy of Public Transit. This data clearly demonstrates that the level of tax funded support for the TTC, is lower (by a wide margin) compared to any of our peer cities.
TRANSIT SYSTEM COMPARISIONS:
(Latest comparable data 2007)
CITY FAREBOX REVENUE RATIO SUBSIDY PER RIDER TTC 75% $ 0.59 Mississauga 54% $ 1.63 Brampton 49% $ 2.25 York Region 40% $ 4.55 Calgary 55% $ 1.07 Vancouver 55% $ 2.40 Montreal 59% $ 0.83 Ottawa 50% $ 1.76 Chicago 33% $ 2.37 New York 55% $ 1.71 Philadelphia 36% $ 2.93
Over the next decade as new and improved Transit facilities are opened across Toronto, ridership will continue to rise, as will costs and the need for ever greater subsidies. Transit systems in other Provinces benefit from higher Provincial subsidies, and in the United States transit systems depend on significantly higher State and even Federal subsidies. This is also the case for Public Transit systems throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.
It's also not realistic for property taxes to continuously rise at a high rate, in an attempt to keep up with the costs of Public Transit. The rate of TTC fare increases are in keeping with other transit systems - but the rate of subsidy is not.
November 23, 2009
NEW CITY- WIDE Harmonized Sign By-law
Over the last number of years there has been an increasing proliferation of billboards, murals and all other manner of outdoor advertising throughout the City.
There are currently approximately 4100 third-party billboards approved in the City (a third-party billboard is one that advertises products or services that are not related to the property or business at that address) however almost half of them have either no municipal approvals or have been altered against what was initially approved by Council. The problem with the increase in illegal signs happened due to lack of enforcement by the City, and confusing or contradictory policies inherited from pre-amalgamated municipalities. It became clear that a new approach was needed.
After several years of work and extensive consultation, staff have brought forward a new proposed Sign By-law with clear and consistent rules for the entire City. With this new By-law a stronger approach to enforcement will also be ushered in. Some of the highlights of the new by-law are a prohibition on roof-top third party billboards, strict separation distances between billboards, a 400 metre setback from all highways, and a limit on the percentage of window/wall space of a business that may be covered in advertising.
A related component of the By-law is a new Third Party Billboard Tax which will be payable annually by the sign company, based upon the size and type of sign. The tax will be used to fund the enforcement of the new By-law (rather than paid for from Property Taxes), and the balance of revenues can be used to fund other City programmes. Many on Council want this revenue directed to local arts groups. I believe the Tax revenue should be used to reduce the impact on Property Tax payers.
I believe the new By-law will finally bring order to the issue of billboard signage in the City.
November 23, 2009
NEW Harmonized Zoning By-law
For the last six years City Staff have been working on the complex web of current Zoning-Bylaws inherited from the former municipalities in to determine the best way to harmonize their definitions and practices, all of which varied between former municipalities. I opposed this work being done as I did not view it as a high priority project. I was, and continue to be concerned, about the unforeseen implications of any changes to the Zoning By-laws.
City staff have presented an early working version of the new By-law. A key benefit of the new approach is a digital version of the By-law that will make it easy to determine the Zoning of every property in the City on the web.
However there appears to be push modify a number of specific local variations on heights, setbacks, and building size. I believe this goes beyond the mandate given to Staff and I am fighting against this.
Additionally, Barbara Hall the Province's Human Rights Commissioner, is leading a charge under Human Rights/Anti-Discrimination laws and policies to require the City of Toronto to permit rooming houses everywhere throughout the City. I do not feel that this is an appropriate use of a Zoning By-law. The City's Zoning By-laws should regulate land uses, intensity, and various development standards related to rooming houses just as with any other type of development.
The other grave concern that arises from the new proposals is the integration of rules around the storage and use of chemicals in commercial and industrial areas. This is in part in response to last year's Sunrise Propane explosion however the approach Staff are recommending could put virtually every business in the City at risk of non-compliance with the Zoning By-laws.
I and other members of City Council have serious concerns about a number of aspects of this current proposal. We have asked Staff to revisit much of the new scheme. At this point I would simply reject the new proposed By-law and allow the existing By-laws to remain. In the new year I will be bringing this matter to the Community, and host an open forum to get your input and comments.
October 21, 2009 Etobicoke City Centre Update
What being planned on the former Westwood Theatre lands?
I am pleased to update you that progress continues to be made on the redevelopment of the Westwood Theatre lands, and on the improved road network for the Six Points Interchange.
At Etobicoke York Community Council on October 13th, we held a Public Meeting to approve the rezoning of a portion of the site to allow for a new Provincial Courthouse. While the site already had very permissive zoning that allows for mixed-use high density development, it did not allow for a courthouse specifically. Community Council endorsed the rezoning change and this now moves on to the full City Council for its decision on October 26 & 27, 2009.
The Province's proposal to construct a 40,000 square metre courthouse on this site, is very important as it is the catalyst to allow for the redevelopment of the rest of the area. Included in the Courthouse proposal is a public square.
With this rezoning step undertaken the City can complete a real estate transaction with the Province for the sale of this land. The next step is to work out a real estate transaction with the YMCA on the adjoining property.
The Province will be paying to build the first part of the new road network at six points (this would be normal for any developer to be required to do). The City and TTC have already begun the construction of the new subway entrance to Kipling Station on the east side of Kipling.
The key elements to begin the creation of the Etobicoke City Centre are well underway. Later this fall construction will begin for a new public park in the southwest corner of the Kipling/Bloor/Dundas interchange. In time this park will be tied into a very pleasant series of public spaces and wide sidewalks throughout the area. This begins the realization of a close to thirty year old vision of the former City of Etobicoke.
September 25, 2009 Mayor Miller Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election
Today David Miller announced that he will not be seeking re-election as Mayor in 2010.
While I have disagreed with the Mayor on many issues over the last six years, most importantly his handling of the City's finances, labour, and management issues, today I want to express my thanks to him for the positive things that he has worked on during his career. Notably they are championing Federal/Provincial investment in Public Transit and Infrastructure; his support for the 311 Service; and persistence on the issue of Provincial downloading.
As we move forward the issue of new leadership at City Hall, it is no longer a matter of IF but WHO will accept the mantle of leadership as Mayor of the City of Toronto on December 1st, 2010. The City's finances are in crisis and a sea-change in focus is required. Clearly even David Miller understands this, although he has chosen to avoid dealing with these financial issues.
I will continue to press for a more responsible City Budget and I am hopeful that with the transition that will take place at City Hall, that it will be possible to effect some positive change during the 2010 Budget process.
September 8, 2009
What's Happening at Toronto City Council this Fall?
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. I trust that everyone had a good summer. Below is a listing of some of the key matters that Council will be dealing with this Fall.
If you would like me to write about a specific City matter, please email me and I will post my comments here.
- A new harmonized Sign by-law to regulate commercial advertising in the City (I eagerly anticipate this one as it should help in curbing the explosion of billboard advertising across the City)
- A new harmonized Zoning By-law for the entire City (I have some concerns about ensuring that all the nuances of local Zoning regulations that pertain to our unique communities are captured)
- Moving forward on the replacement of the OMB by the City's own Appeal body for Committee of Adjustment (minor variance) matters
- The formal launch the 24/7 3-1-1 telephone line in September (The call centre is already operating but can only be reached by calling 416-338-0338)
- The City Budget for 2010 will be very challenging as the shortfall of funding (taxes and other revenues) versus maintaining the status quo in spending is in excess of $400 million. Capital Budget will be voted upon in December and the Operating Budget in early 2010.
Locally, in Ward 5, there will be a number of key development projects that will continue to move through the Planning process this Fall:
- 1040/1050 Islington Ave (Residential/Commercial)
- 2800 Bloor Street West (Retirement Residence)
- Provincial Courthouse and YMCA on the Westwood lands
- 21Old Mill Site Plan and Zoning By-law (Condominium)
- Dundas/427 (Honeydale Mall) Planning Framework Study
All of these items and countless others will be on Council's agendas in the coming months. There will be a variety of opportunities for you to participate in the decision making process.
As always I welcome your comments and questions. Please email me, or call my office to arrange a meeting if needed.
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