Moving on from the municipal election

The civic election is over, and we now face the aftermath and (shall we say) a uniquely different municipal scene. Not only are there fewer elected councillors, responsible to more residents than before, there are many unanswered questions about the relationship between the city and the province – or, perhaps more accurately, between the province and the city. We have a hands-on premier who takes a much more participatory interest in the City of Toronto than his predecessors. We don’t yet know how this will translate into policies and practices. We do know that it’s likely to affect all Torontonians, not just Leasiders.

Transit and taxation may be the earliest areas where changes are felt, and perhaps planning policies regarding development and heritage. More than ever, it will be important for all of us – as both ratepayer associations and individuals – to be attentive, work together for the policies important to us, and play an active oversight role in the governance process.

Back in 1979, then-Prime Minister Joe Clark referred to Canada as “a community of communities.” That description accurately fits Toronto as well. Whether it’s Leaside or any of the many other neighbourhoods from Scarborough through Etobicoke, we have a common interest in helping our city thrive.

The LPOA’s Annual General Meeting takes place this year on MONDAY DECEMBER 10, in the William Lea Room, Leaside Memorial Gardens. At time of writing, the LPOA board is planning the agenda. There will be an update on development pressures, where we are on which, and a number of speakers (including our newly-elected councillor Jaye Robinson). Please make a point of attending!

Speaking as the Chair of the LPOA’s Traffic Committee, I am still hoping we can finally move forward with an exposition of our proposed traffic calming plan at the AGM. Because of circumstances beyond our control, as we continue to await information on the city’s future capital program and clarify a number of other details with city staff, we may have to delay “The Big Traffic Calming Meeting” till later into the winter.

It does feel as if this process has gone on forever, but we are keen to proceed. Our pace slowed as we waited to learn details of recommendations from the South and North Leaside Traffic committees established by Councillor Jon Burnside, and then by the tragic death of our colleague and traffic engineer Tom Rae. Rest assured, we will proceed as quickly as we can!

Our next LPOA board meeting is on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 at 7:30 p.m., in the Trace Manes building. These meetings are always open to the public, and we urge you to attend. Contact us anytime via lpoa.ca.

About Carol Burtin Fripp 136 Articles
Carol Burtin Fripp is Co-President of the Leaside Residents Association, and is Chair of the LRA's Traffic Committee. Over the years, she has served on numerous East York and City task forces. Now a retired television producer (TVO and CBC), she writes Leaside Life's monthly LRA column, and has created a daily international current affairs newsletter read from Newfoundland to New Zealand.