January 01, 2025

As we kick off the new year, I want to reflect on the incredible progress we made together in 2024. From enhancing our local parks and green spaces to improving public safety and advocating for residents, we achieved significant milestones that have made York South-Weston a stronger, more vibrant place to live.  

I look forward to building on this momentum in 2025!  

Protecting Tenants: A Step Forward with Toronto’s Renovictions Bylaw

Protecting tenants from unfair evictions has always been a top priority for me, and I’m proud to share that Toronto has taken a significant step forward with the new renovictions bylaw. This summer, I introduced a Motion to City Council, inspired by Hamilton’s Renovation and Tenant Relocation bylaw, to address the harmful impacts of bad-faith renovictions. After months of advocacy and consultation, Councillors voted overwhelmingly to adopt the bylaw, which will come into effect on July 31, 2025.

 Under the new bylaw, landlords must secure a $700 per unit renovation license and provide proof that the proposed work is so extensive that tenants must vacate their homes. This regulation will ensure that tenants are no longer at risk of being displaced by false claims of necessary renovations—a tactic often used to raise rents unfairly.

Securing $323 Million for Flood Protection in Rockcliffe-Smythe

Flooding has been a long-standing challenge for the Rockcliffe-Smythe community, and I’m proud to announce that our persistent efforts have paid off. This summer, I worked hard to secure $323 million in funding from the City of Toronto and the federal government to invest in critical flood mitigation measures. These projects are essential to protecting our homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of heavy rains and ensuring the safety and resilience of our neighbourhood.

Flooding has cost residents thousands of dollars in property damage, disrupted businesses, and left many struggling to obtain flood insurance. These investments will help prevent future flooding, reduce financial burdens, and make our community more resilient in the face of climate change.

Keeping Weston Connected: Full Service Continues on the UP Express

When Metrolinx announced its intention to reduce service at the Weston and Bloor UP Express stations this year, I didn’t hesitate to act. I immediately contacted Premier Ford and Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Sarkaria, to make it clear how devastating this decision would be for our community. The next day, I stood before City Council and our residents to share some good news: the decision was reversed, and full service will continue at the Weston UP station.

The Weston UP station is more than just a transit hub; it’s a lifeline for our community. Reducing service would have forced many into costlier and less sustainable alternatives, undermining the purpose of the UP Express as an efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation option.

Advocating for Safer Communities: Bail Reform Motion Passed

As your Councillor, I'm committed to ensuring our community's safety and well-being while upholding individuals' rights. That's why I introduced and helped pass a motion on bail reform at City Council. This critical step calls for collaboration across all levels of government to improve our bail system and address the root causes of crime.

The motion requests that the federal and provincial governments work together to effectively implement changes under Bill C-48, optimizing the bail system to meet public safety goals. It also calls for additional funding to support the Toronto Police Service in monitoring individuals released on bail and developing programs that tackle the root causes of recidivism, such as mental health challenges and substance abuse.

This is about more than just policy—it's about building a safer, stronger Toronto where everyone feels protected.