News from Scarborough – Rouge Park ~ Merry Christmas
Dear Neighbours,
It’s hard to believe December is already here. There’s no denying that 2020 has been a difficult year, but we’ve also seen tremendous goodwill from both residents and businesses in Scarborough. As we look ahead to 2021, I know that whatever challenges we may face, Scarborough is resilient and residents will continue to look out for one another. I wish you and your family all the best for a safe and happy holiday season and I look forward to continuing to work together in the new year.
Visit The Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Marketplace!
Celebrate the holidays, cross names off your Christmas list and support local businesses by visiting The Toronto Zoo’s Holiday Marketplace. Beginning on November 20, the Toronto Zoo’s front courtyard will transform into a market, showcasing producers, processors and artisans in our community. The Marketplace will take place from Friday through Sunday each weekend, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., until December 20, and consecutively from December 21 – 23. A visit to the Marketplace is free with Zoo admission or tickets can be purchased to shop after regular Zoo hours. To book your time slot and purchase tickets, visit www.torontozoo.com/events/.
Reimagining Employment Areas in Scarborough – Rouge Park
At November’s Scarborough Community Council meeting, I tabled a motion, “Imagining 21st Century Employment Areas – Request for a Planning and Transportation Study for the Coronation Drive Employment Area.”
I believe it is necessary for the City to fully examine the Employment Area encompassing Coronation Drive, to determine what a designated industrial area directly adjacent to a residential community looks like in the twenty-first century. This area was heavily supported by rail in the past, and is now almost entirely supported by trucking. This increase in heavy vehicle traffic has the potential to clash with the residential makeup of the surrounding neighbourhood, creating conflicts related to noise, increased heavy vehicle traffic and pollution concerns. It is important that we assess how the Coronation Drive Employment Area can support ideas, innovation and economic development, while balancing the traffic and environmental concerns of the local community.
I want to thank everyone who has relayed their concerns about the impacts of the Coronation Drive Employment Area on the surrounding neighbourhood. I look forward to sharing the feedback from City staff regarding this motion, via my e-newsletter in the new year.
Home Energy Incentives and Tips – BetterHomesTO
Last month marked the one-year anniversary of BetterHomesTO, a City initiative to help make single-family detached homes more energy efficient. Fifty-two percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto come from homes and buildings and most of those emissions are the result of burning natural gas to heat water and indoor spaces.
BetterHomesTO offers an online resource where Toronto homeowners can find information and tools to assist in undertaking home energy retrofits. There are 31 retrofits detailed, and a holistic list of all the programs, rebates and incentives offered by the City and its partners.
A net zero home is comfortable, healthier and better for the environment because all of the efficient features work together to lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink the home’s carbon footprint. You can learn more about the platform by visiting www.betterhomesto.ca.
We’re Here to Work for You
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