Maria
AUGIMERI

Downsview Continuing to Rise
Downsview property values rose 23% in one year. This represents the largest consistent geographic area on the rise in Toronto. Check this link for the interactive map. The new Hospital, the new subway, beautification efforts, and one of the lowest residential property tax rates in the GTA undoubtedly help make our community one of the most attractive to live, work, and play. We aren’t done yet, a lot more work to do!

Congratulations to Vic’s Hardware – 50 years in Downsview
Vic’s Hardware in the Keele-Wilson Metro plaza recently celebrated 50 years of business with a charity BBQ.  Congratulations, and here’s to 50 more! Click here for pics of the celebration.

Increased Bus Service – 108 Downsview
Starting June 23, 2013 the Downsview 108 will get new service during the evenings from Monday to Friday, all day on Saturdays, and during the daytime and early evening on Sundays and holidays. The details are here in a report I adopted at my March TTC meeting. https://t.co/PxjlrEBttk

Saying no to Gambling
Last weekend, Archbishop of Toronto, Thomas Cardinal Collins, sent a letter warning of the ills of a Casino in our City to our area parishes. With this, the Catholic Church joined the voices of the interfaith community who also oppose a Casino. In early April, I too sent a letter to Downsview Area parishes voicing my opposition to a Toronto Casino, reflecting concerns I’ve heard from Downsview residents. When a vote to establish a casino in Toronto comes before Council, I will vote no. As the Archbishop says, “We must not fund our good works in ways that cause suffering to others”

Come Join Camp Wallflower
CWPG is a two-day camp for girls ages 11-13. There will be different activities where you can discover what you like or dislike and be helped by different leaders. The meet and greet is on May 9, 2013 from  7pm-9pm at Grandravine Community Centre, 23 Grandravine Drive, Multipurpose Room. The camp days will take place at Grandravine Community Centre on June 8th and 9th.

Mujer FREE Summer Camp for Latina Youth
MUJER is a group that recently moved into our ward (Jane/Wilson). For the last 6 years MUJER has offered a FREE Summer Camp to Latina Youth from the Jane & Finch community which has and continues to be very successful thanks to past Outreach Workers, contributors and participants. This multi-faceted program offered in ‘Spanglish’ incorporates three main components: Leadership, Art and Health. Creative Art Expression Workshops covers topics including bullying, self-esteem, body image and healthy relationships. Watch a video of their work.

Environment Day 2013
Environment Day this year began at Ancaster Public school where annual beautification efforts continue to enhance their green space. Check the pics out here. Then on to Downsview Park where countless Downsview residents brought recyclables, hazardous waste, electronics and took home some fresh compost for spring planting season. Check the pics out here.

Pierre Laporte Middle School Builds Downsview
Students from Pierre Laporte Middle School show off their city building skills with presentations of enhancements they would like to see in the Downsview neighbourhood. Check out the pics and presentations here.

2013 Grandravine Ladies Fitness Club Bocce Tournament
A fantastic day of bocce and friends. The competition was fierce but in the end all endeavoured to make it a fun, successful day. Check out the photos here. Congrats to all the winners.

Grandravine Comes Together to Talk Recreation.
Last Saturday, over 100 Grandravine Community Centre area residents took part in a discussion about what they want to see in their recreation future. Folks of all stripes took part and it was a great success. We will be using our findings to assist in changes to programming there. Click for pics.

Toronto Police Service 31 and 32 Division BBQs
31 Division will be holding its 15th annual Community Open House and Barbecue on Saturday May 11th, 2013 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. The event is being held to celebrate the commencement of Police Week. 40 Norfinch Dr. Toronto, 416-808-3100

Join 32 Division in celebrating the annual Police Week Barbeque at 32 Division located at 30 Ellerslie Avenue on Thursday, May 16th from 4PM to 7PM.

Wilson Avenue Open for Business
During the latest stage of Wilson’s revitalization, some traffic was restricted as roads were paved and curbs were streetscaped. Now that it is complete, remember to shop local and visit Wilson Avenue.

Wilson Business Improvement Area Exploration Vote Passes
Good news for the Wilson Avenue Businesses. City Council approved the intention to designate a Wilson BIA last month and conduct a wider public vote. Here are the details. Visit here for more information on the Wilson-Keele BIA. Read more…

Snow is coming and the City of Toronto wants you to be prepared

With the possibility of a sizable snowfall expected over the next 24 hours, the City of Toronto is reminding residents and businesses about the levels of snow clearing the City provides and what residents can do prior to a storm. Read more…

Need property tax relief?
As many of you know I hold annual clinics to help seniors and disabled residents get a break on yearly residential property tax increases. During this year’s budget process, my motion successfully passed to make it easier to get tax relief. Check out the vote here. Call our office for details of how to apply. Read more…

Your 2012 Property Assessment (MPAC) Notice
Recently, the Provincial agency charged with assessing Toronto’s 600,000 properties —residential, commercial and industrial—announced that over the past 4 years, Toronto property values rose almost 30%.

You may remember that the last assessment on your property occurred as of January 1, 2008.  As was the case then, property owners do not see a property tax increase unless their property’s value increased more than the City average. Read more…