John Campbell

AUGUST 2015
JOHN
COUNCILLOR WARD 4
C AMPBELL
C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E
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Table of Contents
Woodbine: Expanded
Gaming and Casino
The City Council July Debate on Woodbine:
Expanded Gaming and Casino
The major issue in the last session of City Council (July 7, 8, 9) was the debate
over whether or not Council would endorse expanded gambling at Woodbine
racetrack, effectively establishing a casino on the site.
Humbertown Update
Pam Am Torch Relay
5 Donnybrook Update
Eglinton Avenue and
Metrolinx
The Richview Plaza
Since 1956, Woodbine has had horseracing and betting and 3,000 electronic
‘slot’s’ have been on site since 2000.
I am not a proponent of casinos and gambling. Addictive gambling can cause a
serious disruption to families. However, casino gambling is here in Ontario and
OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming) presently operates in 24 gaming sites across
Ontario (e.g. Casino Rama and Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls)
In my view, Toronto may as well realize the benefits of hundreds of new jobs and
hosting fees if OLG is seeking to expand. North Etobicoke needs the employment
that a casino will bring.
Tree Planting in Princess
Anne Park
Reminder from the Police
Martingrove Splash Pad
Recycling Tips *
Correction
Subway Station Repairs
Road Speeds and
Children at Play
Upcoming Events
Unlike a downtown city casino site, (which I would not have supported) Woodbine
may well provide a net benefit while not skimming off business from other local
restaurants and entertainment venues.
Toronto stands to net an additional up to $14 m in hosting fees, while adding
400 direct new jobs and another 300 indirect and induced jobs as a result of the
expansion.
JOHN
COUNCILLOR WARD 4
C AMPBELL
Humbertown Update
In June, I met with the Sr. VP and the VP of Development and Acquisitions for First Capital Reality, the company
doing the Humbertown redevelopment. I want to share the following information:
•
The final site plan is being worked on and will be submitted for OMB awaiting approval in the fall
Significant new stores:
• grocery store will be approximately 30,000 square feet (presently 20,000)
• tenant to be confirmed – First Capital is in negotiation with Loblaw
• Shoppers Drug Mart will be approximately 18,000 square feet (presently about 6,000 sq. ft.)
• LCBO planned to be approximately 12,000 square feet (presently about 5,000 sq. ft.)
Timing of Changes
• begin the process to re-locate hydro, water, Bell, Rogers, gas connections in March 2016
• this will last until September-October 2016
• during this time a portion of the Kingsway between Ashley Park Road and Lambeth Road will be closed
periodically over 3-4 months
• Likely in spring in 2017, we will see Tridel set up their sales office or pavilion on the site, a selling process that
may take up to 18 months.
• 2019 anticipated start date of Phase I construction
Pam Am Torch Relay
On July 7th, I was on hand at Montgomery’s Inn to welcome
the Pan Am flame. It was great to see Ward 4 residents turning
out, despite the rainy weather, to see the flame. I hope that
everyone was able to participate in Pan Am events, and I
encourage you to continue to participate in the Para Pan Am
games.
(left to right) MP Ted Opitz, Councillor Campbell, Pan Am
Organizing Committee CFO Barbara Anderson, and Etobicoke
Centre resident and MPP Yvan Baker, credit Snapd.
5 Donnybrook Update
Many of you have been following this matter closely, as has my office. There were a number of concerns brought
forward with regards to whether the use of the house was legal and conforming to the by-laws and zoning for this
residential neighbourhood. Municipal Licensing and standards has concluded their investigation and found that
there are no illegal or non-conforming uses at this location.
It is now our understanding that the present house is to be demolished and replaced with a new structure.
If you have any further questions, please contact my office.
C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E
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JOHN
COUNCILLOR WARD 4
C AMPBELL
Eglinton Avenue and Metrolinx
In the fall, we intent to hold an information session with Metrolinx to discuss the possible transit questions for the
Eglinton corridor. Notice will be sent through the newsletter, door-to-door flyers and in the Etobicoke Guardian.
The Richview Plaza
The Richview Plaza, home to Rexall, TD Bank, Timothy’s Coffee and The Beer Store, has been put up for sale by
its owner, Fiera Properties/ Nova Scotia Pension Plan. The site is designated under the City of Toronto Official
Plan as “mixed use”, which means that the new owner may choose to add a residential component to the site,
should it be redeveloped. We will keep you advised of news as it becomes available.
Tree Planting in Princess Anne Park
Urban Forestry will be planting trees in Princess Anne Park this fall. This planting is part of their effort to increase
the urban forest canopy, increase diversity of tree species in the City of Toronto, and help compensate for tree
loss due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
Reminder from the Police
We have received reports of a number of car break-ins in Ward 4 at Islington and Eglinton. The local police
divisions have asked me to remind residents to lock your cars and avoid leaving any valuables inside that car, as
this can attract thieves.
Martingrove Splash Pad
Like many of you, I have been closely following the developments with the new Martingove Splash Pad. We
learned in the beginning of July that the project had been delayed because the contractor had other projects
that needed to be finished first. Work stated mid-July and you should continue to see progress being made
throughout the summer. I have been told that the project is expected to be completed by late August, hopefully
with enough time for people to enjoy the last few weeks of summer.
C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E
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JOHN
COUNCILLOR WARD 4
C AMPBELL
Recycling Tips * Correction
Thank you to the readers who wrote in last month to note an error on one of last month’s recycling tips.
We incorrectly said that thin plastic bags, such a newspaper or milk bags, should not be recycled. Waste
Management recently changed its policy, now allowing these types of bags!
Subway Station Repairs
I have received updates from the TTC on plans for improvements to the Islington and Kipling subway stations.
One of bus terminal slabs in Islington Station has exhibited extensive deterioration, which is leading to water
draining into the subway station. TTC has started the detailed design for installing a new structural slab. The
project is expected to start in 2016.
Additionally, Metrolinx has initiated the next steps in the development of a detailed design for a bus terminal at
Kipling Station. The project is expected to be completed by 2019.
Road Speeds and Children at Play
We frequently receive calls and e mail from residents complaining about
speeding cars.
From Toronto Police 23 Division, we have placed a speed monitoring device
on streets north of Eglinton and more requests have been made.
I have asked Transportation Services to have their “Watch Your Speed”
trailer placed on a few Ward 4 high traffic streets.
Our office is currently looking into buying bag signs that residents will
be able to place on their lawns alerting drivers that children are walking,
running, bike riding and playing on the street, and that they should respect
that families what them to drive slowly.
Upcoming Events
Cultural Hot Spot
Cultural Hot Spot continues to run events in Etobicoke until October 2015. Be sure to visit http://www1.
toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=237bf66e0430b410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD to see
what events are happening near you!
C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E
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JOHN
COUNCILLOR WARD 4
C AMPBELL
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Contact Us
Councillor Campbell, alongside his staff Amber and Sarah, are here to be of assistance to residents on
municipal related issues.
You can get in touch between Monday and Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. 311 is also available 24 hours a
day/7 days a week. The benefit of calling 311 is that they will record the complaint and provide you with a
reference number. This will assist staff in better serving residents.
Phone: 416-392-1369
Fax: 416-696-4138
C O M M U N I T Y U P D AT E
Email: [email protected]
Website: johnfcampbell.ca
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