Hello West Benders,
Our final meeting of the season is this week, before a summer ‘break’ that won’t be all that quiet.
We hope you will all get out and vote for our new MPP this June 7th. We have no less than six candidates seeking to represent us at Queen’s Park, and we are situated in a hotly contested ‘ward to watch’. Even more than usual; your vote counts!
As much as the party leaders get all the attention, we do not get to directly vote for a Premier. We get only one vote and it is for a candidate to represent our interests right here in the West Bend, as an important part of Parkdale – High Park. The seat is currently open and no one candidate is looking like an obvious winner. Take some time to get to know our candidates — maybe even meet them in person at an upcoming event or all-candidates debate (see below). Find out where the candidates stand on issues that are important to you — and let them know what you believe in too!
Please don’t let anybody tell you who to vote for. Make your decision for the reasons that matter to you.
You have another opportunity to have a say on an issue with long-term implications for the West Bend. As a result of the ward boundary changes for the upcoming election, the Community Council boundaries will also be realigned. Community Council plays an important role in local policy making as it has final decision-making power on several items. The difference between Toronto vs. Etobicoke Community Council is why the speed of Glenlake Ave increases from 30 km/h to 40 km/h as you cross west at Keele. Find out more at this City of Toronto site, which is seeking feedback until May 25th. We will discuss this item at our meeting on Wednesday and solidify a position for the Association. As it currently stands, we find more in common with and would prefer to be grouped with Toronto Downtown wards.
There will be plenty more going on in the West Bend this summer. Buzz on the Bridge is June 2nd. The never-to-be-missed Wanda Street Party will be June 9th. Chelsea Playground will re-open soon afterward. There will be plenty more work on the Railside Gardens — the irrigation system is now more than half complete and it will be planting season soon! Update your subscription preferences to be notified of upcoming opportunities to help out.
Did you make it out to see the cherry blossoms?
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