Peter Milczyn eNewsletter update - April 7th

Dear Neighbour, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those celebrating Orthodox Easter this upcoming weekend a very Happy Easter!   Starting April 11, 2015, GO Transit will be adjusting Bus service to meet changing demand and serve customers better.  For more information regarding these service changes, please click here Peter Milczyn                                                                                     Mark your calendar! Open House:   Planning Reform and Bill 73 Smart Growth for Communities Please join me to discuss planning reform and how it affects residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore Date:   Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Time:   6:30 - 8:30 pm Place:  Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 210             110 Jutland Avenue Residents and businesses in the Parkdale, Ryerson and Etobicoke areas invited to attend Pan Am/Parapan Am Games information sessions Toronto residents who live in the Parkdale, Ryerson and Etobicoke communities, as well as local businesses, are invited to attend information sessions to learn more about how their community may be affected by the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games taking place this summer.  The Parkdale sessions will focus on the race routes for marathon, triathlon, cycling and race walk along Lake Ontario; Ryerson on the Ryerson Athletic Centre's hosting of basketball and wheelchair basketball; and Etobicoke on bowling and BMX competitions, as well as aquatics training at three venues in the area. These information sessions, which will provide tips, tools and information to help residents and local businesses get around during the Games, will be held at the following times and locations:  Etobicoke  Monday, April 13 Etobicoke Olympium, 590 Rathburn Rd. Business session: 3 to 5 p.m. Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m. Parkdale Wednesday, April 15 Parkdale Public Library, 1303 Queen St. W. Business Session: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Ryerson Thursday, April 30 The 519 Church Street Community Centre, 519 Church St. Business session: 3 to 5 p.m. Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m. Note: Space in these sessions is limited; groups are encouraged to send representation. For more information about these information sessions, please click here    Ontario Supporting New Satellite Dialysis Centre in Etobicoke New Centre to Improve Access to Care for Patients with Kidney Disease   Ontario is supporting the construction of a new satellite dialysis centre that will enable patients in Etobicoke to receive dialysis services closer to home. The new centre will be part of the Etobicoke General Hospital complex, which is part of the William Osler Health System. It will include 36 stations to provide vital pre-dialysis treatment and haemodialysis, which involves filtering blood. It will also provide home dialysis training through outpatient clinics.  This new centre will help relieve pressure on other dialysis programs at William Osler Health System and Humber River Hospital. Construction of the project is expected to begin in August 2016 and be completed one year later.  Improving access to health care closer to home is part of the government's plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which is providing patients with faster access to the right care, better home and community care, the information they need to live healthy and a health care system that's sustainable for generations to come. To read more about Ontario's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan, please click here To review my Press Release, please click here Ontario Strengthening Rules on  Water Heater Contracts Longer Cooling-Off Period and Clear Contracts Better Protect Consumers Ontario is increasing protections for consumers who feel pressured to sign a contract at the door for a water heater, giving them twice as long to reconsider their decision with a new 20-day cooling-off period. As of April 1, 2015, consumers can cancel a contract signed at the door for any reason and without penalty within the 20-day cooling-off period. Also, suppliers cannot install a water heater within that same period unless there is a request from a consumer or there is a potential safety issue with the heater being replaced. In addition, water heater suppliers now must: Give consumers information about their rights before a door-to-door water heater contract is signed Disclose key contract terms in clear, easy-to-understand language Provide information to the consumer about costs of long-term leases of water heaters compared with purchasing a water heater outright Make a scripted and recorded telephone call to a consumer to confirm the contract. If it is not confirmed, the contract would be void. Pay all cancellation and other fees if the 20-day cooling-off period is not observed Protecting Ontario consumers is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.  To learn more, please click  here  DESTINATION IMAGINATION FINALISTS NEED YOUR HELP!   Destination Imagination (DI) is a non-profit, volunteer-led, cause-driven organization. Their purpose is to inspire and equip students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders.  This year Isabella and her group of seven has made a profound effort to spread awareness on mental illness and disabilities, as well as mental illness stigmas. They have gone to many schools in our community and presented them with a power-point and activities in which the students learn why mental illness stigmas are not acceptable. They also turned our presentation into an eight minute play for a group of appraisers. They placed first in both Regionals and Provincials, and are now hoping to place well in Global Finals.  For more information on Destination Imagination, please click here They need your help to raise funds for the trip to the finals which will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee.  They have organized a fundraising event for: Date:   Saturday, April 25th  Time:   10:00 am to 1:00 pm Place: 11 Morgan Avenue (St. Louis Catholic Elementary School) Fundraising activities will include a ball hockey tournament, raffle, and bake sale, all organized by the St. Louis Gifted Centre I hope you will come out and help these hard working students meet their fundraising goal to get to the Global Finals!  Gems of Etobicoke-Lakeshore nomination forms are due by noon April 13, 2015  There is still plenty of time to visit to complete form online and recognize your favourite businesses and organizations! zTo submit your nomination online, please click here.  If you would like to download a copy of the form, please click here The award ceremony will take place Thursday May 21st at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 3, 150 Eighth St, at 7pm  Etobicoke Philharmonic is pleased to have renowned Cellist and Etobicoke-Lakeshore resident  Bryan Holt at their upcoming Platinum Classics Join the Etobicoke Philharmonic on: Date:   Friday, April 10, 2015 Time:   8:00 pm Place:   Martingrove Collegiate Institute - 50 Winterton Drive For more information, please click  here Etobicoke native Bryan Holt performs one of the most breathtaking concertos in the repertoire, while the orchestra performs two masterworks from the symphonic literature. For more information on Bryan Holt and his accomplishments, please clickhere

Municipal Matters In addition to attending to my responsibilities at Queen's Park, I have been also making sure that I stay on top on things that are happening at City Hall both in respect to the Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding as well as across the City. As I would like to keep my constituents as informed as possible on both municipal and provincial fronts, I would like to advise you that the next meeting of Etobicoke York Community is April 14th and I have attached links below to upcoming items, which affect the residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore:   EY5.1  Final Report - 2161-2165 Lake Shore Boulevard West - Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications  EY5.5  Settlement Proposal - 2800 Bloor Street West EY5.9  Application for Fence Exemption - 364 Evans Avenue EY5.14  Application for Fence Exemption - 115 Burlington Street  EY5.19  Application to Remove a Private Tree - 207 Van Dusen Boulevard EY5.21  Naming of Proposed Public Streets and Proposed Private Lane at 2143 to 2183 Lake Shore Boulevard West and 80 Marine Parade Drive EY5.27  Speed Limit Amendment - Botfield Avenue EY5.29  Speed Limit Amendment - Chauncey Avenue, between Islington Avenue and Shawbridge Avenue EY5.30  Speed Limit Amendment - Eleventh Street  EY5.33  Construction Staging Area - 3246 Lake Shore Boulevard West EY5.34  Construction Staging Area - Sherway Gardens Road  EY5.41  Designation of Fire Routes and Amendment to Chapter 880 - Fire Routes - Amendment to Portion of Fire Route at 1320 Islington Avenue EY5.42  Appointments to Business Improvement Area Boards of Management  (Ward 6, 11, 17)  EY5.43  Endorsement of Events for Liquor Licensing Purposes  (Ward 2, 6, 13, 17)   Please remember if you have any questions regarding any of these reports, please contact your local Councillor: Ward 5, Councillor Di Ciano- councillor_diciano@toronto.ca    416-392-4040 Ward 6, Mark Grimes - councillor_grimes@toronto.ca     416-397-9273    You can also submit your comments to members of the Etobicoke York Community Council by e-mail to etcc@toronto.ca or you can go to the meeting and speak in person.  Please contact EYCC staff before the meeting as often items are scheduled to be heard at specific times and they can inform you accordingly. EYCC staff can be reached at 416-394-8101. Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre Set to open in 2016, the Lakeshore Ground Interpretive Centre will be a part of Humber College's new Welcome Centre at the corner of Lake Shore Blvd W. and Kipling Ave. This free public space will interpret the campus' natural and built history. It will include interactive activities, archival materials, and contemporary art. To learn how you can get involved, please click here Etobicoke Yacht Club offers  Youth Sailing Summer Program The Etobicoke Yacht Club (EYC) established the Junior Sail Program to promote the sport of sailing for the youth of our community. The Program, has been operating for almost fifteen years and is conducted in a dedicated sail training facility at the Etobicoke Yacht Club and on the water in the beautiful, sheltered Humber Bay. All coaches are nationally certified and insured by Sail Canada. We deliver their nationally accredited CANsail curriculum. Our staff all share a love for the development of Sailing. The Program is open to youth between the ages of 7 to 17, who want to have fun and experience the thrill and enjoyment of sailing! For more information, please click here Upcoming Meetings and Events   Etobicoke Centennial Choir presents HEAVENWARD Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015 Time: 7:30 pm Place: Humber Valley United Church           76 Anglesey Blvd Cost:  $25 For tickets, please call 416-769-9271 For more information, please visit www.etobicokecentennialchoir.ca or to view flyer please click here Islington Health and Wellness Event Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015 Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Place: Islington Golf Club, 45 Riverbank Drive For more information, please click here Kingsway-Lambton 18th Annual Charity Fundraiser Art Show & Sale Date:   Saturday, April 11, 2015 Time:   10:00am to 4:00 pm Place:  Kingsway-Lambton United Church            85 The Kingsway (wheelchair accessible) For more info:  Call 416-234-8224 or visit www.kingswaylambton.ca/artshow Please come and meet 32 unique artists, collect fine pieces and support local charities. Choose from affordable, original art including traditional & contemporary paintings, folk art, wood turning, glass, sculpture, jewellery, woven wearables. The $10.00 admission entitles you to enter a draw to win a painting by Michael Zarowsky titled"Autumn (Mixed Media on Birch Panel, 24"x 25") Lakeshore Arts Presents Shazaam Date:   Saturday, April 11, 18 and 25, 2015 Time:   10:00 am to 2:00 pm Place:   2422 Lakeshore Boulevard Registration:  Free For more information please click here Shazaam! In Focus offers participants ages 12 - 14 a chance to create self-portraits while explore a variety of artistic skills including photography, Photoshop, written and spoken word. Final photographic works from each participant will be featured in an exhibition at Lakeshore Arts' Smith Zone gallery!   Spring Fling at St James United Church Date:  Saturday April 18th Time:  9:30 am to 1:00 pm Place: St. James United Church            400 Burnhamthorpe Road (south side just a few blocks east of Highway 427) Used books, homemade baking, jewellery, gifts and treasures, muffins and coffee and a lunch room. Free admission and lots of free parking You are invited to come, even bring a friend and enjoy! Mimico Waterfront Clean Up Day Date:   Saturday, April 18, 2015 Time:   10:00 am to 12:30 pm Place:  Meet at Mimico Square in Amos Waites Park (2445 Lakeshore Blvd W) Garbage bags will be provided 13th Annual Colonel Sam Smith Park Clean Up Date:    Sunday, April 19, 2015 Time:    9:00 am to 3:00 pm Place:   Meet on the path east of the Marina For more information, please click here Garbage bags and gloves supplied.  Bring boots, gloves and dress for the weather! Kingsway-Lambton Flea Market Date:  Saturday, April 25, 2015  Time:  8 am - 1 pm Place: Kingsway-Lambton United Church           85 The Kingsway Thousands of items are priced to sell, inside and outside the church. Money raised supports over 20 charities.  For more information, and a downloadable flyer, please see www.kingswaylambton.ca, the Flea Market event or call 416 234 8224 Porritt Real Estate's Annual Charity Garage Sale in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Date:   Saturday, May 9, 2015 Time:   9 a.m. to noon. Place:  3385 Lake Shore Blvd. W. (rain or shine) The event will also feature baked goods, a barbecue and raffle prizes. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation or to drop off new or gently used items for the sale (i.e. kitchen items, small furniture, clothing, electronics, etc) can come by the Lake Shore office between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. or call 416-259-9639.