City Initiatives

This page includes City-related proposals, plans and notices of public consultations regarding projects already under way and those upcoming. Members of SVRA also receive notifications in advance via Google Groups.

More News for Sept. 11 Meeting

Final Report & Recommendations Received Sept. 10

Modifications to the Bathurst bus-lane and related recommendations continue. On Wednesday, September 10, Councillor Saxe shared with us a link to the current report.

Those members using SVRA Google Groups should have already received a copy.

A quick glance indicates a change to the proposal for no left turns southbound at Bathurst and Dupont. Further changes to parking locations and rates to follow. The detailed report, prepared by Transportation staff, is now available at https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.TE25.41

Meeting Updates

Sept. 11 Agenda Clarified

Councillor Saxe’s amended proposal has been further modified since our July SVRA meeting. Shown below are the specific changes we will be discussing, as supplied in advance to SVRA by the Project Manager of Bus Rapid Transit Strategy & Foresight, Strategy & Customer Experience Group. These changes will be brought to the Toronto and East York Community Council (TEYCC) on September 18. The material will be posted live on the City’s website on Sept 11.

These amendments are recommended based on conversations the TTC held with Councillor Saxe, Councillor Josh Matlow, and meetings with local residents’ groups. Proposed changes include:

Prohibit stopping on the east side of Bathurst between Eglinton and Bathurst Station from 2-7 p.m. Mon-Fri and from 12-7p.m. Sat-Sun
Prohibit left turns when travelling northbound from 7am-7pm Mon-Sat at Bathurst & Davenport
Prohibit left turns when travelling southbound from 7am-7pm Mon-Sat at Bathurst & Dupont
Rescind the northbound left turns from 7-9am Mon-Sat at Bathurst & Dupont.

Please take some time to consider your questions in light of the proposals listed above.

The St Alban's Dance Studio has a separate entrance

on the south side of the building between the gym

and Bolton Arena.

Doors will open before 5 p.m. when the meeting

begins.

Bathurst Bus Lanes Meeting Sept. 11

Consider Amendments before September 18 Council Debate

Councillor Dianne Saxe and a TTC representative will review the current Bathurst Street bus lane plan

and the councillor’s proposed amendments to it, at a public meeting at the St. Alban's Club on Thursday,

September 11 at 5:00 p.m. The issue will next be discussed at the Toronto/East York Community Council Meeting on September 18, so this will be an opportunity for us to provide feedback prior to that debate.

The other most recent amendments to be discussed are in these documents if you wish to find background:

The September 11 meeting will be only an hour long, so here are links to three relevant documents to review in advance. These have also been emailed to SVRA members via Google Groups. Just click to link to each:

The SVRA and neighbourhood business representatives have worked very hard to ensure this community is given opportunities to provide feedback on the RapidTO proposal. We hope you can take advantage of the in-person meeting on Thursday, September 11 for a final review of our amendments with Councillor Saxe. It will be held at the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, in the first floor Dance Studio from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Please be on time. And please note, the St. Albans Dance Room, where the meeting will be held, is accessed through its own, separate door on the south side of the building at the back of Bolton Arena.

Find earlier RapidTO information under Project Updates below.

Retail & Services Study Sept. 17/18

Zoning Amendments Sought to Allow more Convenient Services

The City of Toronto invites you to participate in one of two virtual community consultation meetings on

September 17 or 18 as part of the Neighbourhood Retail and Services Study, under the Expanding

Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) program.

This initiative explores zoning bylaw amendments to allow small-scale retail, service, and office uses in residential zones to bring such amenities as cafés, convenience stores, and medical offices closer to where people live.

The content will be the same for both sessions. Each meeting will include a staff presentation followed by a Q&A and discussion period.Your feedback will help shape EHON’s final recommendations to

City Council later this year.

Meeting Dates & Times: • Wednesday, September 17 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Register

• Thursday, September 18 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Register

For accessibility accommodations, please email EHON@toronto.ca or contact Margherita.Cosentino@toronto.ca or 416-338-2821 at least one week before the meeting.

For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/localretail. You may sign up for the EHON email list

at www.toronto.ca/EHON.

Sept. 6/25

September 29

Commercial-vehicle Parking Rules Under Review

A community engagement event on Monday, September 29 at the Yorkville Library will provide an opportunity to participate in the City Planning review of the zoning rules that regulate and limit where commercial vehicles are permitted to park in Residential and Residential Apartment zones. This is the last of four community engagement events in September, and is the closest to Seaton Village. Click here for more details of the review.

The event closest to here will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at the Yorkville branch of the Toronto Public Library, 22 Yorkville Ave. For more information, additional dates and details, consult the City Planning & Development Review Consultations page: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/city-planning-consultations/.

Community members and local businesses are also invited to share their thoughts on the commercial-vehicle parking study. Help steer the conversation and respond to a survey here.

If you have questions or need help registering for the meetings, please contact Daniel Hahn (Daniel.Hahn2@toronto.ca or 416-394-8071) or Hania Butter (Hania.Butter@toronto.ca or 416-392-0189).

Thanks to the Federation of South Toronto Residents’ Associations (FoSTRA) for sharing this announcement. Sept. 4/25

Zoom Meeting Tuesday, September 9

Bickford Pool Restoration Investigation

Our neighbours south of Bloor would like their indoor pool back. Wishing and asking may make it so.

Some progress has been made this summer, and on Tuesday, September 9, Councillor Saxe is reporting to the Montrose residents’ group on what might be required to have the Bickford Centre/Bob Abate indoor swimming pool restored. The one-hour Zoom call will be at 10:30 a.m.

Interested SVRA neighbours are invited to register for the Zoom meeting by phoning or emailing Tasneem.Tahrin2@toronto.ca at 416-392-4009. Tasneem is Special Assistant, Schedules &

Senior Advisor, Policy to Dianne Saxe.

Darlene Varaleau, one of the residents pushing for the Bickford pool to become operational, has pointed out that Bob Abate/Bickford is the only community centre north of Trinity Bellwoods and west of the Don Valley. Having the pool restored would be a real asset for the growing community.

Project Updates

Parks & Rec
Facilities Planning Continues through September 14

Those of you following and providing feedback to the City regarding parks will be pleased to know that preliminary research results on updates to the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan will be available for public review as of

Tuesday, July 15.

Since Fall 2024, thousands of community members citywide have provided feedback to help inform the updates to the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan. This summer you can review and share your feedback on the proposed updates to these plans and let the City know if you think this work is on the right track.

Visit the project webpage to learn more and sign up to be notified once the following engagement opportunities are made available:

Parkland Strategy Virtual Public Meeting: Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan Virtual Public Meeting: Wednesday, July 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Online Survey: July 22 to September 14, 2025.

If you aren't already a member of it, you may want to check out the activities of the SVRA Greening Committee, particularly with regard to Vermont Square Park, our neighbourhood centrepiece. To do that, or to become a member of SVRA, just email us at seatonvillage@gmail.com.

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Bathurst Bus Lanes
City Council Approves Dedicated Bus Lanes

On the heels of the Executive Council meeting of July 16, Toronto City Council on July 23, approved the plan for transit priority on Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street. For more details, try: https://secure.toronto.ca/council/#/advancedSearch;text=RapidTO%20Bathurst

The July 16 Executive Committee report:

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.EX25.4

You can find the Council schedule by visiting the City of Toronto website:

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/council/

Avenues Project Phase 2

Invitation to Get Involved

The City is exploring how and where to allow mid-rise buildings along Toronto’s avenues to foster more opportunities for housing, services and businesses near transit. Conversations are being held with communities, according to a flyer recently delivered to our area. To join the conversation, and receive project updates and invitations to get involved in meetings and surveys, register for email updates

at toronto.ca/avenues . Sept. 3/25

The Avenues Initiative
FoSTRA Members Invited to Participate in Pilot

Stage 1 of the pilot Avenues Project is under way, and the Federation of South Toronto Residents’ Associations (FoSTRA) is looking for Ward 11 members to participate. The plan is to have residents’ groups, BIA representatives and other community groups actively involved in the Avenues pilot.

Don Young, Ward 11 FoSTRA Director, reports that staff leading the Avenues Policy Review approached FOSTRA, believing that members have an understanding of the project, and may be willing to consider the issues over the summer and into the fall.

The Avenues Initiative is a key component of Toronto’s Housing Action Plan 2022–2026, aimed at facilitating residential growth along major corridors known as “Avenues.” These corridors, including Bathurst, Dupont and Chrisitie, are identified in the city's Official Plan as areas suitable for midrise, mixed-use development that support transit, walkability and local amenities.

Stage 1 of the Avenues pilot project is meant to evaluate and refine the process, including the work plan, consultation strategy, and criteria for redesignation and rezoning. The study will conclude late in 2025.

Wards 9 and 11 were selected due to continuous stretches of Avenues in them, and proximity to several

Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs).

Any Ward 11 FoSTRA members in Ward 11 who would like to participate should contact Don Young directly:

https://groups.google.com/a/fostrato.ca/d/msgid/ward11/CAGbUD3e1JrztGDYDHUbB7z-uzhL1aKbdkJSy6e%3D3wnLSnvebog%40mail.gmail.com.

RAPIDTO IN THE NEWS

June 11

Protect Bathurst news conference at Kos carried on CP 24; story picked up by other news media

JUNE 15-21

Radio interview with Paul Macchusi, Protect Bathurst - 640 AM - June 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKfi8jxZLM1teg0mOwFN8EdTfmNJ8nNu/view?usp=sharing

A Contrarian’s View of Bathurst/Dufferin RapidTO - 5/19/25

https://stevemunro.ca/2025/05/19/a-contrarians-view-of-bathurst-dufferin-rapidto/#more-70084

Bathurst-Dufferin Revisited - 5/29/25

https://stevemunro.ca/2025/05/29/bathurst-dufferin-revisited/

How Many Parking Spots Does a Man Need? And other Tolstoyesque truths about transit on Bathurst Street - Heather Mallick - 6/13/25

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/how-many-parking-spots-does-a-man-need-and-other-tolstoyesque-truths-about-transit-on/article_d957603f-5ff5-4aab-913b-0b1d3c31d152.html

The battle for a bus lane: Why rapid transit on this Toronto main street is sparking backlash - 5/19/25

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/the-battle-for-a-bus-lane-why-rapid-transit-on-this-toronto-main-street-is/article_34728566-dc4a-436d-9e84-9494dc04d35f.html

Major disagreement on how to solve transit issues along Bathurst Street in Toronto - 5/19/25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTRTIHVVNkg

These Toronto streets could get priority bus lanes - 5/14/25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4XOv8HPyI

‘Clunk & Chaotic’ Campaign to stop Toronto bus lane relies on fake AI people - 5/23/25

https://www.blogto.com/city/2025/05/bathurst-bus-lane-rapidto-toronto/

Some retailers say plan to install dedicated bus, streetcar lanes on Toronto’s Bathurst Street could force them to close their doors - 5/27/25

https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/local/article/some-retailers-say-plan-to-install-dedicated-bus-streetcar-lanes-on-torontos-bathurst-street-could-force-them-to-close-their-doors/

00 20250516 160615 VIRGIN Radio Air

00:00 / 03:28

RapidTO
Bathurst Plan to Executive Council July 16

There is still time to share your opinion on dedicated Bathurst bus lanes. You can comment on, or register to make a deputation to the Council on Wednesday, July 16. using this quick link:

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2025.EX25.4

Here is the RapidTO report for Wednesday's meeting:

https://mailchi.mp/55a8aa723b6f/report-to-executive-committee-on-july-16-2025?e=4883990d31

As with the resolution of the parking-meter issue of last summer, we can't rest on our laurels about the bus lane plan. We do deserve a brief pat on the back for getting the concessions we so far have. We still need statistical information, and proper community discussion and fact-finding with by the City about the potential effects of this plan. Please read the information provided, and draw your own conclusions.

News from Our Councillor

Green Condos Start Here

Ward 11 Councillor Dianne Saxe will be hosting an online Green Condo information session on Monday, August 18 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.

A staff member from Environment, Climate and Forestry will present the new-building energy standards that will be coming to the City. Following the presentation, staff from TorontoHydro will speaking about the retrofitting options to meet these standards, as well as how condo boards and managers can access funding for retrofits through The Atmospheric Fund.

Each presentation will be approximately an hour long, and be followed with a 30-minute Q and A.

To attend, please use this form supplied by Councillor Saxe.

Ongoing Projects

Residential Bylaw Amendments

SUMMARY

City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendments to Permit the Development of Townhouses in the Residential Apartment Commercial (RAC) Zone, Enable the Conversion of Underutilized Spaces within Existing Apartment Buildings into Dwelling Units, and Permit Cladding to Encroach into Building Setbacks.

Click this icon for details:

BACKGROUND

On June 12th, 2025, the Planning and Housing Committee will consider six reports that advance housing options in neighbourhoods, along transit corridors and within existing apartment sites.

Expanding Permissions for Low-rise Sixplexes: This report recommends that five- and six-unit low-rise multiplexes be permitted across all residential neighbourhoods in the city. These permissions would apply to both new construction and conversions of existing detached houses, increasing flexibility and creating new opportunities for homeowners and homebuilders.

Multiplex Monitoring Program This report confirms that multiplex construction is growing and proposes additional changes to the City’s zoning bylaws to further facilitate and simplify the construction of multiplexes across Toronto.

Neighbourhood Intensification Bulletin: This research report estimates how much housing could potentially be added across Toronto as a result of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods planning initiatives including laneway suites, garden suites, multiplexes and housing along major streets. It is estimated that these initiatives could create up to 54,600 homes by 2031, and up to 163,785 homes by 2051.

Avenues Policy Review (Phase Two): This report outlines the approach to enabling more mid-rise buildings (typically six to 11 storeys) on key transit corridors across the city. This supports the creation of housing near transit, shops and services to form complete communities.

Apartment Infill Study : This report recommends citywide zoning changes to allow new infill housing and the conversion of underused space to new housing on existing apartment tower sites. These changes could apply to 5,000 existing apartment sites across Toronto, creating opportunities to add housing while maintaining existing rental stock.

A separate report on the Development Pipeline 2024 provides a snapshot of development activity from 2020 to 2024 including where and how much new housing is being built across Toronto.

More information on the staff recommendations is available on the City’s Planning and Housing Committee agenda webpage .

Launching Summer Consultations on the Neighbourhood and Retail Study

The City Planning Division is launching summer consultations on the EHON Neighbourhood Retail & Services Study , with city-wide online meetings in the evening of Wednesday June 18th from 6-8pm and on Thursday June 19th from 1-3pm. Staff will present an overview of the proposed amendments that would make it easier to open small-scale retail, service and office uses in low-rise residential areas across Toronto.

For more information on the study and to stay updated on consultation events, visit Toronto.ca/localretail.

Past Initiatives

Waste Management Strategy Workshops

SUMMARY

The City of Toronto is updating its Long-term Waste Management Strategy for the next implementation period of 2026 to 2036.

You are invited to participate in a workshop discussion for:
Residential Associations, Property and Facilities Management

Date: June 13

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

RSVP required to attend by June 10.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Options the City is considering to achieve long-term waste management goals
Criteria for an evaluation framework
Perceptions on energy-from-waste.

Additional workshops are also being held for other types of organizations. The same information will be presented on each date and meetings have been organized to support discussion among groups with similar areas of interest:

June 6: Environmental, Social Service and Community Organizations
June 9: Waste Management and Processing
June 12: Businesses and Business Associations
June 13: Residential Associations, Property and Facilities Management
June 13: Indigenous Community Organizations
June 19: Accessibility Organizations.

NOTE: All meetings will take place via Webex, which supports the use of screen readers and provides several accessibility supports. If you require disability-related accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact us one week before the meeting.

Additional opportunities to provide feedback are available throughsurvey, email, and phone. A public event is scheduled to take place on June 10. The comment deadline is Sunday June 29.