February 2025 e-Newsletter
In this issue of my e-Newsletter, you will find information on:
City of Toronto Updates
Mayor's 2025 Budget
Early Reminder: 2024 Vacant Home Tax Declarations
Toronto Senior’s Strategy - Public Consultation
Reminder: Winter Services/Resources
Scarborough North Updates
2025 Budget: What it means for Scarborough North
Expanding Housing in Scarborough North
Celebrating Lunar New Year 2025 at Woodside Square
Have Your Say: Our Constituency Office Location
TTC Updates
Taking Action on TTC Service Delays
TTC Celebrates Black History Month by Honouring Community Leaders
What the 2025 TTC Budget Means for You
Community Updates
Reflecting on Tamil Heritage Month Celebrations
Lunar New Year Festivities with Seniors at Yee Hong Evergreen Manor
Celebrate Toronto Festival: City's 191st Anniversary at Nathan Phillips Square
Call for Artists: Apply for the 2025 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Registration for Summer CampTO Now Open
Dear Friends and Neighbours,
February has been a month of progress, advocacy, and action for Scarborough North and the City of Toronto. As your City Councillor, I remain committed to delivering real solutions for our community—whether it’s making transit more reliable, ensuring better snow clearing services, addressing affordability, or strengthening support for seniors and families.
This month, the 2025 City Budget was finalized. I know that for many, this budget is a difficult one. But I fought to ensure that Scarborough North received its fair share of investments—freezing TTC fares, expanding affordable housing, and funding the critical city services that our residents rely on. I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone who joined in the 2025 budget process. Whether it was at a consultation, through the budget committee directly, or through the opportunities I had to hear from you by email or phone, your thoughtful and insightful feedback, and questions helped steer conversations and the overall direction of the budget. I look forward to continuing to work for you to see tangible improvements across your neighborhood.
At the TTC, I continue working to reduce delays, improve service reliability, and expand transit access across Scarborough. I know that long commutes and overcrowded routes are daily frustrations for many, and I won’t stop fighting for a transit system that reflects the needs of our community.
Beyond city hall, this month has been about coming together as a community. I had the honor of celebrating the Lunar New Year with many of you, reflecting on the incredible contributions of our Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities. February is also Black History Month, a time to honor Toronto’s Black leaders and changemakers. I take pride in our diverse community and I look forward to connecting with more of you in 2025.
In this e-newsletter, you’ll find key updates on the budget, winter resources, transit service improvements, and upcoming events. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, my team and I are here to listen and take action.
Thank you for your continued trust in me as your Councillor. Let’s keep working together to build a stronger Scarborough North.
Yours,
Jamaal Myers
City Councillor
Scarborough North
CITY OF TORONTO UPDATES
Mayor's 2025 Budget
On February 11, 2025, the Toronto City Council adopted the 2025 rate and tax-supported operating and capital budgets. The 2025 Budget aims to improve affordability and safety, keep Toronto moving, and enhance community services. Mayor Olivia Chow has issued a Mayoral Decision indicating she will not exercise her veto, and as a result, the 2025 Budget is now deemed adopted. Here is a brief brief recap:
Making Life More Affordable
School Meals: Expansion of school food programs to reach 257,210 students during the 2024/25 school year, providing 48.4 million meals.
Camp Nutrition: Daily nutritious snacks for 31,000 campers at 45 CampTO locations.
Rent Assistance: An additional $1 million allocated to the Rent Bank to assist up to 2,700 households in financial need.
Eviction Prevention: An extra $800,000 invested in eviction prevention programs and $712,800 for tenant support services.
Tenant Protection: Enforcement of a new bylaw to protect tenants from unfair evictions.
Cooling Support: A pilot program to provide 400 air conditioners to low-income and vulnerable residents in multi-family buildings.
Affordable Housing: Waiving of development charges to unlock 8,000 affordable homes and accelerate the construction of 6,000 rental units.
Enhancing Safety
Emergency Services: Adding 263 new front-line emergency services positions, including firefighters, police officers, and paramedics.
Youth Programs: Expanding youth violence prevention programs.
Road Safety: Strengthening road safety initiatives to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Boosting Community Services
Library Hours: Extending Sunday service hours at all 100 Toronto Public Library branches.
Facility Cleanliness: Enhancing cleaning at recreational facilities.
Pool Access: Expanding outdoor pool hours by two hours daily.
Cultural Events: Increasing access to local arts, festivals, and cultural events.
Learn more by clicking below -
Early Reminder: 2024 Vacant Home Tax Declarations
A reminder to all Toronto residential property owners: the deadline to declare your property’s 2024 occupancy status is April 30, 2025.
The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) is designed to increase housing availability by encouraging owners to occupy, rent out, or sell vacant residential properties. If a property remains vacant for over six months without an exemption, the owner will be charged a 1% tax on the property’s current value assessment (CVA).
All property owners must submit a declaration, even if the property is their primary residence or rented out. Failure to declare will result in the property being deemed vacant, triggering the tax.
How to Declare:
✔ Online: Submit through the City's secure portal.
✔ By Phone: Call 311 (Toronto) or 416-392-2489 (outside Toronto).
✔ In-Person: Visit a Tax & Utility counter at City Hall or a civic center.
Declare before April 30 to avoid penalties!
For more details, including exemptions and payment options, click below;
Toronto Seniors’ Strategy - Public Consultation
Toronto is updating its Seniors' Strategy to improve services that help older adults live safely, independently, and comfortably in their communities. As Scarborough North has one of the highest senior populations in the city, your input is an important part of the process.
Upcoming Consultation Session:
📍 Commander Recreation Centre – Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The City is also hosting an online survey and virtual consultations for those unable to attend in person.
Learn more & participate by clicking below –
Reminder: Winter Services/Resources
The City of Toronto has expanded its Winter Services Plan to ensure road safety, accessibility, and support for residents, including those experiencing homelessness.
Snow Clearing & Road Safety:
City plows begin clearing when snowfall reaches:
2.5 cm on expressways
5 cm on main roads and transit routes
8 cm on residential streets
Residents can track snow-clearing progress using the PlowTO Map.
For driveway entrance clearing, the Windrow Clearing Program is available for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Parking Restrictions on Snow Routes:
Street parking is prohibited on designated snow routes during heavy snowfall. Vehicles may be fined or towed.
Residents can report snow-clearing issues to 311 if streets or sidewalks are not cleared 16 hours after snowfall.
Shelter & Warming Centres:
The City has expanded its winter support for people experiencing homelessness:
Four Warming Centres open during extreme cold alerts
1,200 additional shelter and housing spaces added for the winter months
24/7 respite sites and drop-in programs available
A full list of warming centres and support services can be found at toronto.ca/homelesshelp. If you see someone in distress due to the cold, call 311 for outreach support.
Staying Safe This Winter:
Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors, clear sidewalks, and dress warmly when heading outdoors. If you must travel, use public transportation and allow extra time.
For more local winter safety tips, emergency contacts, and resources specific to Scarborough North, visit my website by clicking below -
SCARBOROUGH NORTH UPDATES
2025 Budget: What It Means for Scarborough North
A lot of work was done in 2024 to improve parks, libraries, transit, and community spaces in Scarborough North, and 2025 will build on that progress. This year’s budget reflects investments that matter to our community while keeping spending responsible.
Better Parks & Public Spaces:
Last year, we made upgrades across Scarborough North, ensuring more accessible and well-maintained parks for families, seniors, and youth.
New seating areas at White Haven Park and Milliken Park
Enhanced green space at Farquharson Park
Accessibility upgrades at Goldhawk Park
A dedicated cricket facility at Farquharson Park
Agincourt Community Recreation Centre repairs to improve facilities
These investments make a real difference for residents, and more improvements are planned for 2025.
More Library Hours:
Libraries are at the heart of our community, providing free access to learning, resources, and gathering spaces. In 2024, we expanded hours at Burrows Hall and Woodside Square libraries, and in 2025, even more weekend hours will be added at Malvern, Goldhawk Park, and Highland Creek libraries.
Investing in Community Needs:
The budget also includes funding for:
A long-term care home at Finch & Brimley
Steeles Avenue widening to reduce congestion
More youth hubs & breakfast programs
Better road resurfacing and pothole repairs across Scarborough North
We’re making smart investments while ensuring Scarborough North gets its fair share. The 2025 budget keeps us moving forward—building on the work we started and delivering real improvements for our community.
In case you missed it, here’s what I had to say about the Budget 2025,
Expanding Housing in Scarborough North
The Ward 23 Multiplex Pilot has officially been approved, making it easier to build more affordable, low-rise housing in our community. This is part of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Initiative, aimed at addressing Toronto’s growing need for affordable homes while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods.
This pilot allows for the development of up to six residential units per property, creating more housing options for seniors looking to downsize, young families seeking affordable homes, and multi-generational households wanting to stay together.
Learn more about the City’s Ward 23 Multiplex Study:
The Ward 23 Multiplex Pilot has officially been approved, making it easier to build more affordable, low-rise housing in our community. This is part of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Initiative, aimed at addressing Toronto’s growing need for affordable homes while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods.
This pilot allows for the development of up to six residential units per property, creating more housing options for seniors looking to downsize, young families seeking affordable homes, and multi-generational households wanting to stay together.
Learn more about the City’s Ward 23 Multiplex Study:
Scarborough North has long needed more housing options, and this change ensures we can grow sustainably and affordably while protecting the character of our neighborhoods.
For more on affordable housing, click below:
Celebrating Lunar New Year 2025 at Woodside Square
On February 10, 2025, we celebrated the Year of the Snake at Woodside Square, bringing together residents for a day of cultural performances, traditional food, and festivities.
It was great to welcome Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, and members of Toronto Police 42 Division, along with so many community members who made the event special.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, and partners for making this celebration possible!
Have Your Say: Our Constituency Office Location
I want to hear from you! Watch the video below and share your opinion. —should I continue to operate my office at Scarborough Civic Centre or open a dedicated Ward 23 office? A new office costs $30,000 a year—which I have saved annually since I was elected in 2022 and could continue to save our Ward. However, I’d also like to hear from you on whether you’d like to see an office directly in our Ward.
Share your thoughts by taking the quick survey before March 30! Click below and help shape this decision.
TTC UPDATES
Taking Action on TTC Service Delays
As Chair of the TTC, I know firsthand how frustrating delays can be. When your bus doesn’t arrive on time or your subway stops without explanation, it disrupts your entire day. That is why Commissioner Josh Matlow and I put forward a motion to address these issues directly.
At the TTC Board Meeting on January 27, 2025, we directed TTC staff to:
Investigate the root causes of recent subway disruptions, including signal failures and track issues.
Improve real-time communication during service interruptions to ensure riders receive timely and clear updates.
Launch a pilot program to reduce bus bunching on key routes like Bathurst, Dufferin, Victoria Park, and Morningside.
Make shuttle bus service more efficient by prioritizing surface transit during subway shutdowns.
Invest in preventative measures to reduce track-level incidents and unexpected service disruptions.
This is about restoring reliability and rebuilding trust in the TTC. Riders have made it clear that transit must be dependable, safe, and on time. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to ensure that the TTC remains a reliable and efficient transit system for all Torontonians.
TTC Celebrates Black History Month by Honouring Community Leaders
This Black History Month, the TTC launched its annual "City of Belonging: Celebrating Toronto’s Black Community Builders" campaign, showcasing powerful portraits of Black leaders on specially wrapped buses and in select stations across the city. The celebration at McNicoll Garage was a night to remember, filled with electrifying performances, music, and art that honored Black excellence. A special shoutout to Astrosankofa Arts Initiatives and the eight incredible Black artists whose work brought this vision to life. Black History Month is about honoring the past and shaping the future—and that’s exactly what we did. Let’s keep building a city, and a transit system, that truly reflects the strength and diversity of Toronto.
What the 2025 TTC Budget Means for You
The 2025 TTC Budget is the largest investment in transit in over a decade, ensuring that Toronto’s transit system is more reliable, efficient, and accessible—all while keeping fares frozen for the second straight year.
Here’s what’s coming to improve your daily commute:
More Frequent Service – Subways on Lines 1 & 2 will run at least every 5 minutes, and streetcars on Dundas, Bathurst, and St. Clair will operate at 6-minute-or-better service from 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week.
Fixing Bus Bunching – A pilot program on 11 key routes, including Morningside and Victoria Park, will improve bus reliability and reduce long waits.
Cleaner & Safer Stations – New station managers at six priority stations, including Kennedy and Scarborough Town Centre, will ensure cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.
New Subway Trains – 55 brand-new trains are coming to Line 2, replacing aging trains and improving reliability.
Better Infrastructure – Nearly $5 billion will go toward track upgrades, slow zone repairs, and system modernization.
Accessibility Improvements – Elevators are being installed at six more stations, bringing the TTC closer to full accessibility by 2026.
This budget is about delivering real improvements for riders. While some changes will take time, these investments will make Toronto’s transit system more efficient and reliable for years to come.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Reflecting on Tamil Heritage Month Celebrations
January 2025 was proclaimed as "Tamil Heritage Month" in the City of Toronto. Throughout the month, various events and celebrations highlighted the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Tamil community to our city.
Lunar New Year Festivities with Seniors at Yee Hong Evergreen Manor
I had the pleasure of joining the seniors at Yee Hong Evergreen Manor to celebrate Lunar New Year. The event was filled with joy, traditional performances, and shared stories, underscoring the importance of community and cultural preservation.
Celebrate Toronto Festival: City's 191st Anniversary at Nathan Phillips Square
Join the festivities on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 3 PM to 10 PM at Nathan Phillips Square as Toronto celebrates its 191st anniversary. The event features over 150 local vendors in the Toronto Made Market, diverse food stalls, a licensed bar area sponsored by Lost Craft Brewery, skating at the iconic ice rink, and a spectacular fireworks display. Admission is free, and all are welcome to partake in this celebration of the city's vibrant culture.
Call for Artists: Apply for the 2025 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Artists and makers are invited to apply for the 64th Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, scheduled for July 11–13, 2025, at Nathan Phillips Square. This juried event showcases a wide range of artistic disciplines, including photography, sculpture, painting, textiles, and jewelry. Participants can choose to exhibit in person, online, or both. The final application deadline is March 7, 2025, with an early bird deadline on February 28, 2025. Application fees are $50 for regular submissions and $30 for students. This is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure and connect with art enthusiasts and collectors.
Registration for Summer CampTO Now Open
The City of Toronto's CampTO program offers a variety of summer camps for children and youth, including arts, sports, and nature-based activities. This year, a food program aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among participants is being launched. For more information and to register, click the button below.
Looking to volunteer and support our work in the community? Sign up to join my team and help make a difference. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected Scarborough North!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
My website is home to a community calendar to learn about events in the community and ways to get involved. The calendar will feature my events, City of Toronto and events by various community groups and organizations as well as City Council and Committee dates so you can attend in-person or virtually. Be sure to check the calendar regularly for exciting updates and join us in the community!