From City Hall to Garden Awards: July Updates & August events for Scarborough North
Dear Friends and Neighbours,
July has been an important month for Scarborough North. At City Hall, we advanced key priorities for housing, transit, and public services. Here in our community, we continued celebrating the people and projects that make Scarborough North such a vibrant place to live.
From City Hall decisions to neighbourhood celebrations, July showed how much we can achieve together. Whether it’s securing more affordable housing, improving vital city services, or recognizing the everyday contributions of our neighbours, I remain committed to building a Scarborough North that works for everyone.
As always, my office is here to listen and to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, ideas, or would like me to attend your community events.
Scarborough Subway Extension Update
As tunnelling continues for the Scarborough Subway Extension, there will be an increase in truck activity and some temporary sidewalk closures around work sites. While every effort is being made to minimize disruption, safety remains the top priority. You can review the full construction notice on the City’s website. My office will continue working closely with City staff to keep you informed throughout this process.
July City Council Updates
Tackling the Housing Crisis
Through the Toronto Builds Policy Framework, we are streamlining the process to deliver more affordable housing faster. This includes reducing red tape, coordinating agencies, and focusing on building especially on public land.
My own motion on sixplexes will allow for more gentle-density housing in neighbourhoods across the city by removing unfair fees and parkland charges that discouraged this kind of housing. This is about restoring the dream of homeownership for working families, young people, seniors, and newcomers who deserve a place in Toronto’s future.
To learn more, visit: jamaalmyers.com/six-plxes
Addressing Homelessness
I supported the creation of six new shelter sites, adding more than 400 beds. But I also made it clear: shelters are not a long-term solution. We must keep building the kind of affordable and supportive housing that prevents people from needing shelters in the first place. My work on sixplexes is part of this effort.
Improving City Services and Accountability
This July, I supported the call for major improvements to Toronto’s winter maintenance program. Residents in Scarborough North — like many across the city — have too often found their streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes left uncleared long after a snowfall. That’s not just frustrating — it’s unsafe.
To better understand the challenges, I have met with City staff and taken part in operational briefings. I’ve raised concerns about contractor performance, weak oversight, and delayed response times. What I’ve heard confirms what many residents already know: the system is not delivering the reliable service people deserve.
That is why I’m pushing for stronger accountability, including real-time GPS tracking of plows, updated route maps before winter begins, and clear service standards with real consequences for missed targets. I will continue to monitor this issue closely and make sure Scarborough North’s priorities are not overlooked.
I supported bringing mechanical litter removal in-house. This means higher standards, better coordination with snow clearing, more accountability, and ensuring public money supports public services rather than private contractors.
Investing in Our Seniors
Council also approved improvements to Seniors Hubs in Scarborough North. These investments may not always make headlines, but they are foundational to supporting our elders, including many Black seniors in our community, who have spent decades building the city we call home.
Celebrating Community Pride: Garden Awards
Scarborough North is home to many talented gardeners whose care and creativity brighten our neighbourhoods. This year, I’ll once again be recognizing outstanding gardens across the ward with the 2025 Garden Awards.
If you know a garden that deserves recognition — whether it’s your own or a neighbour’s — I encourage you to submit a nomination at: www.jamaalmyers.com/2025-garden-awards
You can also submit your nominations by calling my office at 416-338-2858 or emailing councillor_myers@toronto.ca
It’s a small but meaningful way to celebrate the pride, beauty, and sense of community that gardening brings to Scarborough North.
Upcoming Events in August
City-Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment – Virtual Community Consultation
Thursday, August 14 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Online
Join me, City Planning staff, and community members for a virtual meeting on a proposed zoning by-law amendment to re-allocate approximately $674,900 in unspent Section 37 funds from previous development approvals in Ward 23. These funds, originally designated for projects such as pedestrian crosswalks and community facility improvements, could be redirected to other capital facilities within Scarborough North. This is your chance to learn more, ask questions, and share your feedback. Registration is required — once registered, you will receive instructions on how to join online or by phone.
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Carefirst Charity Walk for Health & Seniors Fair
Saturday, August 16, 10:00 AM — Carefirst Centre, 300 Silver Star BlvdBike Safety Workshops
August 16 & 23 (Rain date: August 31) — Rosewood Baptist ChurchCouncillor Myers’ Environment Day
Sunday, August 17, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Malvern Town Centre
Join me for another Environment Day! An opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous waste, electronics, and other items, while also connecting with community resources that support sustainable living - of course collect free bagged compost.
I’ll also be on the lookout for outstanding gardens in Scarborough North. If you’re proud of your garden, feel free to bring along a photo. It could be recognized as part of my 2025 Garden Awards, my way of celebrating the creativity and care that brighten our neighbourhoods.
Toronto Public Library - Goldhawk Park Branch Reopens
The Library’s exterior renovations at the Goldhawk Park Branch have been completed, and the branch will reopen to the public on August 18, 2025.
This project has transformed the exterior grounds into a more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable space for the community. Visitors to the branch will now benefit from:
Improved accessibility to the branch
New outdoor seating and chess tables
Upgraded walkways and footpaths
Enhanced landscaping and shaded green areas
Additional bicycle racks and trash receptacles
We look forward to welcoming you back and hope you enjoy the improved outdoor areas.
Scarborough End of Summer Social & Movie Night
Tuesday, August 26th — Rosebank Park (Cynthia Lai Park)Community activities with the Scarborough Farmer’s Market and Zero Waste begin at 3:30 PM, and the movie at sunset - F1: The Movie.
Ice Cream Social at Seasons Park
Wednesday, August 27th - Seasons Park - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Enjoy the last week of summer with me and ice cream at Seasons Park! I will be sharing some exciting news about new improvements coming to the park! I also hope to spark some ideas with our special co-hosts - the Thorncliffe Women’s Committee. They will have some delicious samples from their own community-run cafe and tandoori bake oven, which they run in a city park!
Basketball and Ice-cream at Goldhawk Park
Thursday, August 28th - Goldhawk Park - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join me and Royal Crown School for some family basketball fun - and ice-cream! Royal Crown’s award-winning basketball team alumni and coaches will be on hand for basketball skills clinics, fun mini-tournaments, and much more! I’ll also be there to talk about how I am working with community partners to bring more basketball to the park!
Stay Tuned for…
We’re already preparing for:
Scarborough North Opportunities and Job Fair
Rosebank Park renaming in honour of Cynthia Lai
Fall/Winter 2025 newsletter coming to your mailboxes
Budget 2026 information and ways for you to get involved