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Videos, articles, audio clips, and much more. Learn all about Adam in his role as TTC chair. Media - Past Archives Letter from Don Boyle, Director - Parks, Forestry & Recreation Re: Dufferin Grove Park Wading Pool August 25, 2006 Councillor Adam Giambrone Ward 18 - Davenport 2nd Floor, City Hall Dear Councillor Giambrone: Thank you for your letter of August 24th, 2006 where you identify your concerns and suggestions for the operation of the wading pool located in Dufferin Grove Park. While we understand that recent media coverage of water quality issues in public pools has caused some concerns with Toronto residents, please note that the standards set by Toronto Public Health are considered to at an “ultra” health protective standard and that the risk to human health, at the levels found at Dufferin Grove wading pool, is extremely low. In many jurisdictions across North America, these results in recreational water would be within permissible limits. This being said however, the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division continues to monitor the situation and has requested e-coli testing of the site on Monday August 28th. Public Health continues to assist in this process and will be undertaking verification bacterial samples to ensure lower bacterial counts. Additionally, as part of our annual review of seasonal operations, all standards and procedures for our aquatic facilities will be reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet or exceed our established safe operating protocols. Sincerely, Don Boyle, Director Community Recreation Parks, Forestry and Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter to Brenda Librecz, General Manager - Parks, Forestry & Recreation Re: Dufferin Grove Park Wading Pool 24 August 2006 Brenda Librecz General Manager City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation Toronto City Hall, Floor 8E 100 Queen Street West Toronto ON M5H 2N2 Re: Dufferin Grove Park wading pool e-coli Dear Brenda, It has come to my attention that CITY-TV recently conducted a test on the water in the wading pool at Dufferin Grove Park, and that the test showed twice the allowable level of e-coli. Needless to say, this finding is of great concern to me and to the community of park users. To identify the severity of the problem and protect the health of community members, I ask that you work with Toronto Public Health to: 1. Test the water in the wading pool twice per day for the next week and provide the results publicly. 2. Determine the source of the e-coli. 3. Once the problem is corrected, conduct regular testing in future at a reasonable interval. 4. Ensure that the public is aware of the problem with signage. 5. Only open the wading pool if we can be confident that e-coli levels are under the allowable limits as established by the relevant legislation and regulations. Obviously, we would all prefer that the wading pool remain open without interruption, so I ask also that you take all necessary steps to keep the e-coli levels under control. I also ask that you conduct spot testing at the other wading pools and splash pads in Ward 18 to ensure that none of our communities are at unnecessary risk. Thank you for your attention to this very important request. Yours truly, Adam Giambrone Toronto City Councillor Ward 18 Davenport cc: Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health Friends of Dufferin Grove Park Reg Ayre, Toronto Public Health Don Boyle, Toronto Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Councillor Giambrone's Community Barbecues Councillor Giambrone invites you to join him for hot dogs and refreshments at a park near you this summer in the latest in his series of summer community barbecues. This is a great opportunity to chat with the Councillor, his staff and your neighbours about the issues affecting our community. Below are the upcoming barbecue dates and locations: MacGregor Park BBQ - Saturday, August 12th, 11 am to 4 pm (co-organized with Anna Galati) Carlton Park BBQ - Sunday August 13th, 11 am to 2 pm Campbell Park BBQ - Sunday August 13th, 12 pm to 3 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006 Clean and Beautiful City Appreciation Awards Nominations are now open for the City's 2006 Clean and Beautiful City Appreciation Awards. If you are making an outstanding contribution to cleaning up or beautifying Toronto, your activity or project may be eligible for a Clean and Beautiful City Appreciation Award. Award winners will be recognized at a public recognition event on September 26, 2006. The deadline for applications is August 25, 2006 Award categories: Neighbourhood volunteers (individuals) Community groups and schools Large and small businesses Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) Service Clubs Not for profit organizations For more information and to apply, please check out the Clean and Beautiful City website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards Nominations for the City of Toronto's 2006 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards (BFBA) are now open. These awards are given out annually to businesses and organizations in Toronto that support and encourage cycling. Businesses that promote cycling help the City to achieve its Toronto Bike Plan goal - to double the number of bicycle trips made in the city by 2011. The City of Toronto's Cycling Ambassadors have delivered hundreds of BFBA nomination forms to bicycle shops and community centres across the city in the past few weeks. The deadline to submit a nomination for this years Bicycle Friendly Business Awards is 5 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2006. For more information about the Bicycle Friendly Business Awards or to apply online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clay and Paper Theatre presents The World Premiere of “Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal” July 21st – August 13th (Previews: July 19 & 20) Wednesday to Sunday at 7:30pm at Dufferin Grove Park (just south of Bloor on the east side of Dufferin) Tickets: Pay-what-you-can BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket) Info: clayandpapertheatre.org Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal is a celebration of Luis Vaz de Camões (1525-1580), Portugal’s most honoured epic poet. Narrated by the adventurer, soldier and poet himself, Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal will sing the praises of the Portuguese who have helped build this community. It will bring Camões’ fantastic history to life through giant puppetry, live music and songs from the Fado tradition. Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal stars Helder Ramos, a well-known member of Toronto’s Portuguese Community, with musical direction by Nuno Cristo, Fado musician extra-ordinaire. Directed By: David Anderson Playwright: Larry Lewis Dramaturge Advisor: Aida Jordão Designer: Mark Keetch The smell of barbequed sardines will mingle with the scent of fresh corn bread baked in the Dufferin Grove Park bake oven (itself inspired by the village ovens in Portugal). Join us in Dufferin Grove Park for theatre, music and food. “This is the story of heroes who, leaving their native Portugal behind them, opened a way to Ceylon, and further, across seas no man had ever sailed before. They were men of no ordinary stature, equally at home in war and in dangers of every kink…let us hear no more then of Ulysses and Aeneas…My theme is the daring and renown of the Portuguese…a song destined to be known and sung throughout the world, if indeed a poet may achieve so much” Luis vas de Camões – The Lusiads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summerfest Come enjoy a great BBQ in the park. Featuring hotdogs, refreshments, light entertainment, and a yard sale, this event will be fun for your whole family. This is a great opportunity to meet the councillor and chat with your neighbours. Saturday 8 July 2006, from 11 am to 4 pm Dufferin Grove Park, by the rink house FREE Compost will be available for pickup at this event. Come early while supplies last! Don’t forget to reserve your spot at our yard sale! Contact my office at (416) 392-7012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Councillor Giambrone's Community Barbecues Join us on Sunday July 9th for our community barbecues. The Councillor’s staff will be present at both locations to serve you hotdogs and answer your questions. Councillor Giambrone will be going back and forth between both locations to chat with residents about the issues. Sunday 9 July 2006, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm in both Dovercourt Park and McCormick Park Churrascos Comunitarios Venha nos encontrar no Domingo 9 de Julho em um dos nossos churrascos comunitários no Paruqe da Dovercourt e o Parque da McCormick. A equipe do Vereador estará presente nos dois locais para lhe servir hot-dogs e responder as suas perguntas. O Vereador Giambrone estará disponível em ambos a diferentes alturas os locais para falar como os residentes. Para mais informação contacte o 416-392-7012. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4 refund for May Metropasses and Weekly Passes In consideration of the lack of TTC service on Monday, the Commission has agreed to a $4 refund for May Metropasses and Weekly Passes (TTC and GTA) for Week 22. Starting Monday, June 5, pass holders are asked to present their May passes and Week 22 passes to claim their refund at a TTC Collector’s Booth. This refund amount will be available for all May passes – adults, seniors and students. Refunds will be made at Collector Booths until Sunday, June 18. In May, the TTC issued more than 210,000 passes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nominations invited for Toronto’s Volunteer Awards It’s not too late to nominate a family member, friend or colleague who lives in Toronto for a Community Service Volunteer Award. The deadline for nominations in this civic recognition program is June 30 - one month from today. The City of Toronto invites nominations that briefly describe how a resident’s volunteer work has benefitted the community. Simply fill out a nomination form and tell us about the person. You can describe, for example, the nature of his or her community service or involvement in a project that has helped the neighbourhood or broader community. In other words, why do you think your nominee deserves recognition? Each year, through the Community Service Volunteer Awards, the City of Toronto honours local residents who contribute to their communities and perhaps help to motivate others to do the same. The nomination form, information about eligibility, and criteria for the 2006 Community Service Volunteer Awards are available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/volunteer_awards. The nomination form is also included in volunteer award brochures that are available at libraries, civic centres and community centres throughout the city. .................................................................................................... Councillor Giambrone's Community Environment Day Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Dufferin Mall: 900 Dufferin Street (at Bloor Street West) Purchase: » Apartment Recycling Box (44) » Recycling Box ($6) » Backyard Composter ($15) » Yard Waste Bin ($7) » Green Bin ($18) » Kitchen Container ($5) » Indoor Water Efficiency Kit ($15) » Rain Barrel ($70) Pick up for FREE: » Leaf Compost » Rain gauges » Recycling boxes (with proof of new residency in the last 90 days or in exchange for a damaged box) Drop off for recycling/proper disposal: » Cell phones » Computers amd other electronics » Household Hazardous Waste (cleaning supplies and solvents, motor oil, paint, batteries, old/unused medication, mercury thermometers/thermostats, pesticides, etc.) » Inkjet and laser printer cartridges » Plastic shopping bags* » Polystyrene * » Used tires (off the rim, limit of 5) *Note: no other plastic items accepted Donate for reuse: » Art supplies (e.g. pencils, markers, crayons) » Buttons, fabric pieces, keys, and yarn » Clipboards, corks and cork boards » CDs and cases » Children's books » Dress-up clothing and costume jewelry (e.g. broken/old watches, costumes, prom dresses, uniforms) » Sporting goods (e.g. skates, hockey helmets and jerseys) More items to donate for reuse: (Please keep separate from others) » Books » Medical equipment in good condition (e.g. eyeglasses, wheelchairs and walking aids, hearing aids) » Non-perishable foods » Small household items (e.g. dishes, ornaments) » Textiles in good condition (e.g. clothing, linens) .................................................................................................... Community Meeting Notice West Queen West Development Talk of development proposals in the West Queen West neighbourhood has caused quite a stir. Many people have questions to ask and things to say about what kind of development is appropriate for the area. The City has received proposals for re-zonings that would allow for an assortment of buildings, including condo towers. Councillor Adam Giambrone and City Planning staff have not supported the applications as submitted and have been in discussion to determine what kinds of proposals might be more appropriate for the neighbourhood. At City Council’s request, City Planning staff has also been preparing a neighbourhood study so that development can be approached in a reasonable way that’s sensitive to the current character of the neighbourhood. Adam and the City of Toronto Planning department will host a community meeting to provide updates on the proposals and find out how residents of the area would like to see their neighbourhood develop. Please come with your questions and ideas. Date: Wednesday, November 16th, 2005 Place: McCormick Community Centre, 66 Sheridan Avenue Time: 7 p.m. If you are unable to attend but would still like to comment or receive information, feel free to contact Adam’s office at 416-3925-7012 or by email at councillor_giambrone@toronto.ca. Childcare is available with some advance notice to Councillor Giambrone’s office by the end of Tuesday, November 15th. This notice has been delivered by Canada Post to all addresses within a selected area. However, to ensure that everyone who’s interested has seen it, please pass along the information to your neighbours. Para informação em Português visite a seguinte página electrónica. .................................................................................................... Expo Consultation Toronto World Expo Corporation launched its public consultation process on Thursday October 6, 2005. Expo Corp is asking Toronto to share its thoughts on the legacies or benefits a World Expo could bring to Toronto, Ontario and Canada, what challenges to expect, and ideas on how to address those challenges. Attached is a Consultation Guide and News Release including a schedule of meetings and workshops in October and November that are being convened by a team of independent consultation specialists. Please attend a meeting and share your thoughts. You can also visit www.expo2015torontoconsults.ca for more information. .................................................................................................... August 22, 2005 City of Toronto update on flood cleanup The City of Toronto continues to clean-up and repair roads and facilities damaged by Friday’s storm. Emergency services staff responded to over 1,700 calls. In addition, city staff have responded to several hundred calls for assistance related to flooding. As a result of the excellent work of the emergency services and City staff the storm did not result in any major injuries or deaths. Crews continued work throughout the weekend and work is expected continue on major projects this week. Mayor David Miller thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the incident and the clean-up that is now underway, “The clean-up and repair of the areas still affected will take some time. Residents have helped tremendously by cleaning up debris and advising the city of areas that need attention,” said Mayor Miller. “The amount of rain that fell in such a short time was extraordinary by any standard - the response of emergency crews and city staff cushioned the impact of the storm.” The following is an update on major storm related work: » Transportation: • Finch Avenue West (past Sentinel) - A large section of Finch Avenue West washed away as a result of the heavy rain and flooding. - repair of the collapsed section of road will take approximately three to four months - the total cost of repairs will be approximately will be approximately $5 million • Steeles Avenue West (east of Dufferin Street) - open to pedestrians since Saturday noon. The road was open to vehicles Sunday evening but restricted to the centre four lanes. The curb lanes may re-open tomorrow morning after a further review of the bridge structure. - the cost of this repair is estimated between $10,000 - $20,000 • Steeles Avenue East (east of Markham Road) - work completed yesterday and road is open - estimated cost $20,000 • Military Trail (at Ellesmere Road) - expected to be open within a week - estimated cost $100,000 • Transportation staff are inspecting bridges and overpasses for any damage as a result of the storm and flood » Water: • Highland Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant - the plant was flooded and sustained damage to approximately 30% of its equipment and operation - emergency bypass of storm water was activated in order to protect equipment - damage to the plant is still being assessed, but is expected to exceed $1 million • Trunk Sewer - after water levels in Highland Creek receded, crews discovered a broken trunk sewer, releasing raw sewage into the creek in Morningside Park - the trunk sewer measures 48” in diameter and is releasing sewage at a rate of .7cubic meters per second - Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Toronto Public Health are on site assessing the environmental impact and supporting the City’s remedial efforts - Toronto Water crews are working to divert the flow of the creek away from the broken pipe in order to limit the environmental damage and allow crews to repair the trunk sewer - There is no impact on water service to residents or businesses in the area - Toronto Public Health also attended on scene - Morningside Park is closed to the public to permit construction to proceed - Further updates on the repair and clean up will be provided - residents are reminded to stay out of the park • Basement Flooding - throughout the weekend, 600 complaints of basement flooding were received by the call centre - as of Sunday evening, staff had attended to 400 of the complaints - homeowners with flood damage should contact their insurance companies to file a claim - the City does not have a policy to compensate homeowners for damage as a result of flooding - City crews have been and will continue to assist residents and business with initial flood-related cleanup of water and removal of debris from basements • Staff worked over 1,000 hours during the weekend as a result of the storm and flood. • Staff are inspecting City watercourses and sewers for damage » Parks, Forestry and Recreation: - Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff attended 350 calls, working more than 600 hours of over-time - some Parks facilities were flooded and sustained damage - associated costs and impact to programs and services are still being assessed - repairs to facilities will be carried out immediately ...................................................................................................... August 23, 2005 Celebration of the 40th anniversary of Toronto City Hall Music, art and dance transform Nathan Phillips Square In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square will be transformed into an open air theatre of music, dance and pyrotechnics for one night only -- Saturday, September 17 beginning at 8:30 p.m. The event also marks the launch of Toronto's Live With Culture campaign -- a major 16-month celebration of Toronto's vast cultural activities and the current architectural renaissance taking place in Canada's largest city. The free event features performances by more than 100 local, national and international artists, culminating with the production Of Angels and Light by Italy's Studio Festi. Created specifically for Nathan Phillips Square, the production is presented in collaboration with members of Toronto's Circus Orange, Danny Grossman Dance Company, Dancetheatre David Earle, High Strung Aerial Dance, Kaeja d'Dance and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Of Angels and Light will transform City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square into a celestial stage incorporating aerial acrobatics, dance, live music, light, fire and projections. Studio Festi is internationally renowned for its open air performances with specific interest in historic architecture. The performance takes place on the ground, in the air and on the building. On the ground, dancers perform in enormous transparent spheres that roll through the audience. In the air, dancers are suspended by invisible cables and helium-filled spheres brightly decorated with renaissance images. On the building, the angels dance on ten architectural structures positioned around the walkway. The West Tower also serves as a vertical stage for the final dance. In addition, Celebrating 40 Years: A Retrospective Exhibit about Toronto City Hall, an archival exhibition inside City Hall features photography and information on the original design competition and the building's construction, original furniture displays and news photographs from major events on Nathan Phillips Square over the past 40 years. Live With Culture represents a tipping point of a process that essentially began in Toronto with the launch of City Hall in 1965. The campaign highlights the cultural vibrancy that sets our city apart from any other place in the world and will also help strengthen the bond between cultural and economic growth. Live With Culture is a 16-month event campaign running from September 17, 2005 to December 2006. "Cultural institutions affect every aspect of our city. As the mayor of a community that contains the greatest number of working artists per capita of any city in Canada, I can assure you that the arts mean business and are fuelling a remarkable economic and social renaissance in Toronto," said Mayor David Miller. The public celebration for the 40th anniversary of Toronto City Hall is a free event. Nathan Phillips Square is located at 100 Queen St. W. and is easily accessible by TTC (Queen 501 streetcar, Queen subway station or Osgoode subway station). For more information on Live With Culture visit www.toronto.ca or call Access Toronto at 416-338-0338. ...................................................................................................... August 3, 2005 Toronto reports first probable West Nile Virus case Toronto Public Health is reporting the city's first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2005. A 48 year-old woman who complained of fever, a rash and fatigue has tested positive for WNV and has the non-neurological form of the disease. She has not been hospitalized and is now recovering at home. In 2004, the first human case was reported August 23. In addition, 20 positive mosquito pools have been detected across the city. Eight birds have also tested positive for WNV. "The message is loud and clear," said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, "West Nile Virus has arrived in Toronto and it's important to take precautions." Dr. McKeown said human cases are expected at this time of year. But this summer's unusually hot weather may have accelerated the arrival of the first human case. The following personal protective measures are recommended: - use a mosquito repellent following the manufacturer's instructions - wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present - take these precautions especially in early morning and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active - remove standing water around your home. The overall risk of becoming infected with WNV is low. Some 80 per cent of people bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick and less than one per cent become seriously ill. Some people are at higher risk, especially those over 55 years of age and those with compromised immune systems due to illnesses such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease. For more information visit www.toronto.ca/health or call 416-338-7600. ...................................................................................................... Summer fun begins with safety – call 9-1-1 in any language As summer vacation begins, the City of Toronto wants to remind parents and guardians to keep their kids’ safety in mind at all times. This summer, many relatives and friends from other countries will be visiting residents in Toronto’s diverse communities and may be asked to assist with summer child care. “When child care providers do not speak English, they need to be informed that 9-1-1 is the number to call in an emergency,” said Councillor Olivia Chow, City of Toronto’s Children and Youth Advocate. “Caregivers need to know that they can get access to life-saving 9-1-1 emergency services even if they don’t speak English well. Emergency services are available in 150 different languages, free of charge.” To raise awareness of the multilingual capability of 9-1-1 emergency services, in the fall of 2004 multilingual posters were placed in transit shelters and on recycling bins in areas across Toronto where large populations of newcomers reside. This spring, posters were distributed to all elementary and high schools, community centres and public library branches in Toronto to remind children to let their parents know that “911 = emergency in any language”. Parents who leave their children in the care of others should take precautions to ensure that children’s safety comes first. Parents should inform their child’s caregiver of any special needs their child may have and leave written instructions on emergency procedures for their household. Contact information for the parents at work, lists and locations of children’s medications and other important information should be posted close to the phone where a child care provider can find it easily in an emergency. ...................................................................................................... Toronto Water Requests Residents and Business to reduce their outdoor water usage Toronto Water has asked city residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their outdoor water usage during this extreme heat wave. Reducing non-essential water usage will help ensure pumping stations and water reservoirs meet current demands. Toronto Water is requesting City departments, agencies, boards and commissions to suspend all non-essential outdoor water use during thus extreme heat wave. This includes activities such as: Landscape irrigation, Washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, Street and vehicle washing, Transit vehicle washing such as subway cars and buses. There are exceptions to this voluntary outdoor water advisory: critical areas such as new tree planting sites, newly laid or seeded grass, golf courses, horticultural displays and high-end turf areas should continue to be maintained as usual. Thank you for your assistance. ...................................................................................................... TTC Approves Bicycle Racks on Buses 6 April 2005, Toronto – The Toronto Transit Commission unanimously approved a bicycle rack on buses pilot project this afternoon. The project will see buses on the 7 Bathurst, 29 Dufferin, 47 Lansdowne, 98 Willowdale-Senlac, 161 Rogers Rd and 310 Bathurst routes equipped with bicycle racks for a one-year trial period. Councillor Adam Giambrone (Ward 18, Davenport), a TTC Commissioner who moved the motion and pushed for the bike racks, noted that “it’s a relatively cost-efficient thing to do and it gets more people riding buses. We’re trying to promote alternative transportation, whether that be walking, cycling or taking public transit. It just seems to make sense to have this inter-modal connection. The routes selected for this project connects cyclists in the suburbs to the city core and the lakefront.” The Toronto Cycling Committee, chaired by Councillor Giambrone, worked closely with the TTC to make this project a reality. Bikes are securely clipped by cyclists on the rack, which takes only a few seconds. The racks have the capacity of carrying two bicycles. The project will begin in late June. Copyright © 2004-2008 | Adam Giambrone.ca Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | site by : ninesides