News from Scarborough – Rouge Park
By Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, City Councillor, Ward 25, Scarborough – Rouge Park
Dear Neighbours,
With Remembrance Day upon us, I would like to acknowledge everyone who has served or continues to serve our country and ensure our collective freedom. Following advice from Toronto Public Health, the City will be hosting a virtual Remembrance Day commemoration, which will be available through the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/toronto-remembers.
Supporting Local Restaurants
Supporting and accelerating local small business recovery is important to the City’s overall restart and recovery process. The City, in partnership with Tourism Toronto, has launched www.ToGoToronto.com, to make it easier to support local restaurants while indoor dining is restricted.
Many third party delivery and ordering services charge high commission fees that further limit restaurant revenue at this challenging time, while ordering directly from local businesses ensures they receive the full payment. ToGoToronto allows the customer to search restaurants by delivery, takeout, location and culinary type. Restaurants can register online in minutes and there is no cost to participate.
The local food community is incredibly important to the vitality of Scarborough neighbourhoods. I share a different local restaurant via social media each week on #TakeOutWednesday. I have featured fantastic local eateries, including Scarlet Ibis Family Restaurant, The Patty Stop and Mark’s Pizza. Now is a great time to try that restaurant you’ve been eyeing and share your favourites with the community!
Automated Shuttle coming to the West Rouge Neighbourhood
In October, the City of Toronto signed an agreement with Local Motors by LM Industries to deliver the City’s planned Automated Shuttle in the West Rouge neighbourhood.
The shuttle, named Olli 2.0, will be a fully electric, self-driving shuttle with seating capacity for up to eight passengers. Olli 2.0 will include an accessibility ramp and a wheelchair securement system, along with audio and visual announcements and other features for rider information. For the duration of the pilot, a customer ambassador will remain onboard at all times.
This is an important step for our community and in exploring how micro-transit and emerging technologies can contribute to our City’s transportation future.
Update on 633 Coronation Drive
I continue to closely monitor the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) application before the Provincial government regarding Coronation Organics Processing Incorporated. There is still no application before the City of Toronto. Mayor John Tory and I co-wrote a letter to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek, to express our opposition to the project and relay community concerns. Minister Yurek is ultimately responsible for approving or denying the ECA application related to 633 Coronation Drive.
The letter from Mayor Tory and I requested a public meeting, citing that “we feel strongly that a public hearing will provide an opportunity for local residents to learn about the project and voice their concerns.” We are disappointed that the Provincial government refuses to hold a public hearing on this controversial project.
Mayor John Tory and I will continue to advocate for residents and put pressure on the Provincial government to consider the impacts on our community.
Keeping in Touch
My office remains open to serve the community. We can be reached at 416-338-3771 or councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca and are available to meet by appointment. To receive updates on local news, please sign up for our e-newsletter at www.jennifermckelvie.ca and follow me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter at @McKelvieWard25.