world19News #161 |
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world19News This e-mail is going to people on the mailing list for world19. If you don't want to receive further notices, please reply to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject. Let us know if you prefer to receive this in "plain text" format. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. In this issue: 1. TORONTO - A new opportunity? Readers are well aware of the critical state of cities in general, and Toronto in particular. Ottawa and Queen's Park over the past years have slashed financing to Toronto (it's estimated the TTC today has a $330 million shortfall based on previous provincial funding rates), and reduced their involvement in many core urban issues (such as affordable housing). Toronto has yet to recover from the twin shocks of 1997 -- amalgamation and downloading. It's been trying to scrape by since then. While provincial and federal government revenues, largely based on income (and sales) taxes grow with the economy, urban revenues remain relatively flat. Much of the city's expenditures (social assistance, transit, etc.) are not related to servicing of property, so perhaps should not be funded by property taxes. As part of the downloading in the 1990's, the province mandated Toronto to pay a large portion of social service programs -- but the province capped its contribution. According to the City, that gap this year amounts to $72 million. Beyond the financial issue, Toronto just does not have the power or independence to act on issues closest to it. It's governed by constitutional limits set 130 years ago in a decidedly non-urban era. For example, Premier McGuinty recently commented: "Toronto sets the pace in so many ways, yet it can’t set the size of its own city council, or in many cases, its own speed limits." "It lacks the power to establish a code of conduct, appoint an integrity commissioner, create a lobbyist registry or enhance the powers of its auditor general." This is an invaluable opportunity to resolve many fundamental problems affecting Toronto, its residents, businesses, and others who use the city. We have posted extensive information about the issue on our
website, including: Visit: www.toronto.world19.com 2. GERARD KENNEDY - Toronto & other issues: a) world19 meeting b) Public meeting - Feb. 24 Dear Friend(s): Childcare available (on two days' notice please). St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School 3. FOUR VILLAGES - Seeking board members We are seeking volunteers who can commit to a three-year term to serve on our community Board of Directors. Deadline for application - February 28, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. There is a formal application process. Please contact Almerinda Rebelo, the Executive Director, at the Health Centre, 1700 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6P 4C3 at (416) 604-3361 extension 225 to obtain material For those wishing to apply: You are encouraged to attend the "Get to Know Us" session which will be held on February 21, 2005 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
4. "P3" HOSPITALS - public meeting Feb. 17 Come to this important meeting to find out the implications of the potential "public private partnership" (P3) redevelopment of our hospitals this spring. What does it mean for patients, professionals, and community agencies? Location: City Adult Learning Centre, One Danforth Avenue
(west of Broadview subway station)
a) Check www.highpark.org for the new Winter issue of High Park News - lots of information, pictures and a calendar of events! b) Notice of an art exhibition related to High Park: Hello friends and fellow artists I would like to invite you all to my latest exhibition taking
place at the Bending Spoon Gallery (Vesuvio Restaurant) at 3010 Dundas Street West. The show started January 31st. and ends March 14th., 2005 For world19, world19: |