February 3, 2024 Newsletter

We hit the ground running right after the holiday season with a jam packed January. I was so excited to see neighbours at my New Year’s Community Social at the West End Phoenix and recognize some amazing individuals for their contributions to the community.

I met with businesses along St. Clair West and heard the stories of business owners who are still dealing with the effects of the pandemic while continuing to work hard to serve community members during an affordability crisis. It has never been more important to shop local and support our mainstreets that are at the heart of each neighbourhood in Davenport.

Many folks have heard about the Service Ontario closures and the Premier’s sole-sourced contracts to Staples and Walmart. Additionally, new information has been uncovered that further supports the Premier and his office knew more about the Greenbelt carve up than this office has previously informed the public. More on these details below.

February is Black History Month, and I’m excited to join communities across Davenport and the province in celebrating the rich and diverse cultural history of Black Canadians. Lunar New Year is also upon us, with many Asian communities preparing to gather to celebrate this festive time. I look forward to celebrating with community members over the next few weeks.

I hope you and your family can enjoy the many community events happening across Davenport this month

Have a great weekend,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Support for women and trans shinny players in Dufferin Grove

I was deeply concerned to learn that women and trans community members were harassed and intimidated while trying to enjoy a game of shinny at the Dufferin Grove ice rink.

Public parks and places of gathering should be safe, community-driven spaces where people can feel welcome. These acts of hate and intimidation are not welcome in Davenport or in any of our communities.

My team and I will be following up with the community to offer support and ensure women and trans people can continue to safely enjoy our community’s recreation spaces.

Celebrating Black History Month

Happy Black History Month!

Though this year marks the end of the UN International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), we recognize the need to continue breaking down systemic barriers and including Black perspectives into government policies, legislation, and all aspects of our society. We reflect on the actions, movements, struggles, and successes, that have gotten us here today. And we commit to continuing to build together towards a more equitable and just community.

I was happy to join with communities in Ottawa, Sudbury, and Windsor. I look forward to celebrating with more communities throughout the month. Check out my visit to historic Sandwich Town in Windsor, a key place along the Underground Railroad. Watch it here.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Many Asian communities, especially East Asian communities, including Chinese, Hong Kong, Korean, Taiwanese, Tibetan, and Vietnamese communities, will be celebrating Lunar New Year beginning on February 10, with festivities planned throughout the month.

For those celebrating with their family and friends, we wish you good health, happiness, good fortune, and prosperity in the New Year!

Updates from the Legislatures

Staples to opens Service Ontario kiosks this week

While Staples is preparing to open Service Ontario kiosks in some stores across the province, the Premier and his Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery, Todd McCarthy, are continuing to divert public funds into the hands of private companies.

The Premier and Minister McCarthy handed over sole-sourced contracts to American-conglomerates, Staples and Walmart, allowing these private companies to meet their bottom line with public taxpayer dollars. This decision was made without public consultation or much notice for Ontarians who rely on these Service Ontario locations.

Sound familiar? We saw the Premier and his government make similar backroom deals with private conglomerate, Therme, which will also see taxpayers foot the bill for a massive underground parking lot to the tune of $307 million dollars.

Official Opposition critic for Consumer Protection, Tom Rakocevic commented, “If the Conservatives had actually made this decision with the interests of everyday Ontarians in mind, they would have no trouble explaining why they didn’t open it up to a competitive bid.” “With every new piece of information, it seems that the Premier is right – and that this is all about ‘filling their buddies’ pockets full of money’ than ensuring Ontarians have fair access to essential government services in their communities.”

I am eager to return to the Legislature in February to get answers from the Premier and hold him to his responsibility of being transparent to you and the people of Ontario.

Greenbelt Corruption Saga Continues

New evidence has uncovered further involvement from the Premier’s Office in the Greenbelt scandal.

Obtained through a Freedom of Information request, emails suggest a timeline that is inconsistent with the testimonies provided by the Premier’s staff under oath, suggesting his office knew about the land swaps much earlier than they claimed.

I have been calling on the Premier and his government to come clean and be accountable to the people of Ontario, on exactly how his government made plans to cut up and bulldoze over the Greenbelt.

With each new piece of evidence, we are seeing more cracks in the narrative that the Premier and his insiders have been trying to spin. But the truth is becoming clearer every day – Mr. Ford was not in the darkabout his government’s corrupt Greenbelt decisions.

It’s time for the Conservatives to come clean about how they deceived Ontarians with this Greenbelt fiasco. If they don’t, I’m confident the RCMP will.

You can be sure that I will continue to hold the Premier and his government accountable for their decisions.

Get the latest updates on the Greenbelt scandal here.

NDP calls on the federal government to pay for their share of Toronto’s refugee shelter crisis

Official Opposition NDP critic for GTA Issues, MPP Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale – High Park) welcomes the Federal government’s announcement for refugee supports, however, is continuing to sound the alarm on Toronto’s financial challenges: “We are glad to see that the Federal government finally take responsibility at the 11th hour, but the total amount cannot fall short of the $250 million that the city needs to meet its shelter needs.

Sistering, a 24-hour multi-service drop-in on Bloor for women and trans people, has seen a surge in people seeking shelter support and safe respite. The organization has seen increased demand for services and essential goods, stretching resources thin, and leaving workers overworked. The funding coming from the federal government is greatly needed and it is imperative that the federal government meets the city’s $250 million ask in order to keep organizations like Sistering operating to serve women and trans people who need support.

Official Opposition hosted Pre-Budget Consultation in Toronto

Earlier this month, Toronto MPPs heard from organizations across Toronto on what they want to see in the province’s 2024 budget.

The government hosted pre-budget consultations all over Ontario but failed to schedule a stop in Toronto, leaving organizations without an opportunity to speak to their government directly.

We heard from organizations representing several issues: housing and shelter supports; women and gender-diverse people facing homelessness; environment and climate change; more support for educational support staff; and increasing affordable housing supply, to name a few.

I want to thank the organizations who gave us their time and shared their priorities. My team will be including this feedback in a report to be published soon, stay tuned!

TDSB Joint Ward Forum: The Right to Read

Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom

Join Trustee Alexis Dawson and Trustee Michelle Aarts for a special virtual joint ward forum.

TDSB Literacy staff will be on hand to provide information on TDSB Literacy Programs and how they relate to the Right to Read Report. We will also hear about the work of our schools and how parents can access resources to help their children at home.

All in Davenport and Spadina - Fort York and Beaches - East York are welcome to attend, including parents/ guardians/ caregivers, students, staff, and members of school communities. We look forward to seeing you there!

Transit Mitigation Grant Program, applications open

The Construction Mitigation Grant provides funding to eligible organizations to deliver projects and initiatives that address the negative impacts of major Transit Expansion construction on local businesses.

Applications will be accepted until Thursday Feb 29th, 2024. Learn more.

Metrolinx Updates

Community Engagement Pop-Ups

Have questions about Metrolinx projects in Davenport? Metrolinx staff will be on hand to answer your questions and provide information about the Davenport Diamond, Kitchener GO and Barrie GO expansion, upcoming Bloor-Lansdowne GO station project, and more.

Bloor- Gladstone Library Pop-Up, Feb 6th, 4 - 6 pm
Location: Bloor/Gladstone TPL Branch, 1101 Bloor St W
West End YMCA Pop-Up, Feb 7, 4 pm - 6 pm
Location: 931 College St
George Chuvalo Neighbourhood Centre Pop-Up, Feb 24, 11 am - 2 pm
Location: 50 Sousa Mendes St

Construction Updates

Davenport Diamond Guideway Updates

Overnight Work: Miscellaneous, including Minor Deficiency Works

Upcoming works occurring at different locations and on different dates within the
Metrolinx corridor from 600m from south of Bloor St to 300m north of Davenport Rd and on the elevated guideway include track surface finishing; structures surface finishing and fiberglass reinforced plastic grating adjustments, electrical and communications equipment adjustments for CCTV and lighting, and architectural component finishings, including cladding and flashing installation. Information on dates and locations of each of these aspects of work are tentative and may be subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Work will be conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize disturbance but residents and businesses in the area can expect to hear noise caused by trucks, equipment, machinery, and crews.

When: Work will occur at different locations and on different dates
along the corridor. Wednesday January 3, 2024 - Thursday February 29, 2024

Hours of Work: 9:30pm-07:00pm

Installation of Cladding System

The installation of the architectural cladding system is ongoing. It is attached to the outside of the noise walls on the elevated guideway and on the MSE Walls.
The remaining components to be installed are the flashings and top caps.

When: Ongoing until February 09, 2024. From: 7:00am - 7:00pm (Typical), with night work from 7:00pm-6:00am, where required.

Davenport Diamond Construction near completion

All major construction milestones are nearing completion on the Davenport Diamond project.

When: Substantial Completion is on target to be achieved in February 2024.
Final Completion is anticipated to be achieved by late summer 2024.

Around the Community

I spent some time visiting shops along St. Clair West to hear from business owners and support our local economy.

Hanging out with Giorgio at Frank's Pizza House.

Happy to visit with Alicia at After Breast Cancer.

Checking out the locally produced products available at Bees are Life.

Looking for treats for my dogs Stevie and Hobbes.

Checking out The Cat’s Cradle Sports Bar with owner, Mario.

Catching up with community members at the West Neighbourhood House.

Coldest Night of the Year returns on February 24 to raise money and awareness on housing and homelessness in Canada.

The Davenport NDP has taken up the challenge to raise $1000 for Sistering, a multi-service agency in Davenport that provides 24-drop in shelter for women and trans people. Sistering has been serving people in Davenport and across Toronto for over 40 years. They have seen an overwhelming need for support over the last year, with demand for life-saving services and essential goods skyrocketing.

I hope you can support the Davenport NDP in reaching their goal in support of Sistering, and help them continue to serve women and trans people in our community. Learn more.

The Farmers’ Market is back at Dufferin Grove! After many months of construction and delays, the Market opened its doors in time for the winter season. The Market is open every Thursday from 3pm-7pm. Read more about the first week back here - https://www.dufferingrovemarket.ca/2024/01/24/we-did-it-and-were-here-to-stay/.

KIDS HAVE STRESS TOO is a free, four session virtual workshop that Abrigo is hosting for mothers of children ages 0-12 years old on March 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd.

Participants will:
• Recognize when there are signs and symptoms of stress
• Help children to deal with stress
• Learn relaxation techniques
• Help them express feelings

This workshop will be held in Portuguese. Registration is now open. For more information and to secure your spot, please email Valeria Salas at: [email protected]

Save the date in support of Oasis Dufferin Community Centre! It's our biggest, boldest, and most fun fundraising event of the year. On February 24th, we pull on our warmest gear and gather together to walk through our neighbourhood in support of Oasis. More info here: https://cnoy.org/location/torontodufferin.

F.H. Miller Public School is seeking local businesses to participate in annual online auction for April. They are also looking for vendors and sponsorships for their annual year end community fair. Follow their Instagram page and send a direct message for more information: F.H. Miller Public School Instagram page.

Have a community event you want to promote? Send the details to our office at [email protected] so we can share it in our next newsletter!

Latest posts

MPP Community Newsletter February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbours,

In addition to cheering on Team Canada at the Winter Olympics, I’m preparing to return to Queen’s Park. (In fact, we were supposed to return to the Ontario Legislature last week, but the Ford government extended the Winter Break by an additional month.)

As your MPP for Davenport and Leader of the Official Opposition, I have been listening closely to what matters most to people in our community. I will bring your issues and voices with me when the Legislature reconvenes in March.

My Constituency Office has received many calls and emails about the Ford government’s recent cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). At a time when tuition and the overall cost of living continue to rise, students cannot afford reductions to their financial support. These OSAP cuts could not come at a worse time, and students in Davenport and across Ontario deserve better. You can read more in this newsletter about the saveOSAP.ca campaign that we launched recently.

Whether you are concerned about the OSAP cuts, or another issue affecting you and your family, I encourage you to reach out in the coming weeks. Your stories, emails and conversations inform the work I bring to Queen’s Park. Thank you to the community members who have participated in town halls and shared their ideas - your engagement strengthens our democracy and helps to shape the future of the neighbourhood and province.

As we head into the final weekend of the Winter Olympics, I know many residents in Davenport will be cheering on Team Canada!

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

Let's Save OSAP - Take Action

Over the past week, my Davenport constituency office has heard from many people who disagree with the recent cuts to OSAP announced by the Ford government. Young people across Ontario will be forced into debt as a result of these cuts, when education should set them up for success. This creates a vicious cycle that prevents people from getting ahead.

Take Action!

The Ontario NDP has launched a Save OSAP campaign, and we are working hard to demand a reversal of these cuts to save OSAP. You can sign a petition and send emails to demand that OSAP is saved.

We want to hear from students, parents and other key stakeholders. Let’s make our voices heard and save OSAP.

Check out our new website saveosap.ca

Click here to sign the OSAP petition

Share your Voice - Preparing to Return to Queen’s Park

The Legislature resumes on March 23, and I remain committed to raising the issues that matter the most to the people of Davenport. Whether it is the rising price of groceries and essentials, finding an affordable home, being able to afford post-secondary education, finding affordable childcare spaces, accessing seniors’ services, or getting timely access to healthcare, I know that people are dealing with a lot.

I’m focused on making life better for people, and I am ready to return to Queen’s Park to continue fighting for what’s important to Davenport residents.

What issues are top of mind for you or your family? I want to hear what matters the most to you.

Please complete this survey to let me know the top issues that you would like me to bring forward when the Legislature resumes.

What matters to you matters to me.

Click here to complete my survey.

Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park

As Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, I will be hosting a Lunar New Year Reception at Queen’s Park on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Members of the community are invited to attend this event!

Iftar at Queen’s Park – RSVP to attend

As Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, I will be hosting an Iftar at Queen’s Park on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

As the sun sets, we will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. Members of the community are invited to attend this event.

Click here to RSVP

Other News

Support Small Businesses - Request a Free Shop Local Sign

Small businesses are at the heart of vibrant mainstreets and support the growth of local economies. In Davenport, we have hundreds of small businesses that showcase Ontario made goods as well as international and diverse products from around the world.

To encourage residents to shop locally, we have printed new Shop Local: Stronger Together signs for businesses to display in their storefront.

Do you have a business in Davenport? Request your FREE sign here.

Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals Scholarship Awards

The Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals (FPCBP) has announced that its 2026 scholarship applications are now open. Eligible Luso-Canadian youth can apply for scholarships ranging from $2,000.00 to $10,000. Applications are open until March 18, 2026. Click here for more information and full eligibility criteria.

Metrolinx Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Caledonia GO

Barrie GO Line shoring works Monday, January 5 2026 – March 2026

Bloor GO/UP

Bloor GO/UP Station Overnight Excavation work – July-Mar 2026

Barrie GO Expansion

Kitchener 4^th Track Expansion

Kitchener Line GO Expansion.Corridor Work

Around the Community

Coldest Night of the Year – Support Oasis Dufferin Community Centre

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre is taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This walk raises funds and awareness for charities supporting neighbours who are hungry, hurting and homeless. Here in Davenport, Oasis provides year-round support through its food bank, seniors’ programs, learning hub, and Spanish-speaking women’s counselling.

Click here to support this event.

Build Green Symposium

Join industry leaders, community partners, and changemakers for a full day of learning, dialogue, and connection at the 2026 Build Green Symposium hosted by Toronto Community Benefits Network at Humber Polytechnic.

Click here for more information and to register.

Husmates Co-Ownership Conference

Housing prices in Toronto have reached a breaking point. Co-ownership is helping people secure stable, beautiful homes through collaboration and shared resources. This event is an opportunity to explore the idea, meet others who are thinking about it too, and learn what it really takes to make co-ownership work.

Saturday, March 14, 2026
The Parkdale Hall, 1605 Queen St W

Click here for more information and to register for this event.

Toronto Home Energy Network Webinar

TDSB SEAC Listening to Parents’ Voice Meeting

Councillor Bravo's End of Season Skating Party

Days of Significance

Ramadan Mubarak Message

May this holy month bring peace, compassion, and strength to all those observing.

Lunar New Year Message

As communities come together to share meals and cultural traditions, may the year ahead bring happiness and prosperity to all.

February 22 - Chosen Family Day

February 25 - Pink Shirt Day

March is Bangladeshi Heritage Month

March is Irish Heritage Month

March is Mois de la Francophonie

March 2 - Purim

March 2 - Black Mental Health Day

March 4 - Holi

MPP Community Newsletter February 6, 2026

Dear Neighbours,

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it offers meaningful opportunities for connection and reflection here in Davenport.

As we observe Black History Month, we take time to honour Black Ontarians whose leadership, creativity and resilience have helped shape our community. It is a time to recommit ourselves to the continuing work to build a more just and inclusive province for everyone.

This February also includes several important cultural and spiritual observances, including Lunar New Year, the beginning of Ramadan, Losar, and Family Day. Each of these occasions offers an opportunity to come together, reflect, and look ahead with intention. They remind us of the richness and diversity that makes Davenport such a vibrant place to call home. I hope many of you are able to spend time connecting with the family, friends, neighbours, and communities that matter most to you, and that these moments offer space for rest, reflection, and a sense of belonging as we move through the winter season together.

It is an honour to represent such a thoughtful, engaged, and welcoming community, and I look forward to continuing our work together. This newsletter contains updates on many exciting initiatives across Davenport, Toronto and Ontario.

And – as a small reminder that spring is on its way - the days are getting longer, and, earlier this week, Wiarton Willie predicted only six more weeks of winter….

Go Team Canada!

Sincerely,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

FAO Report – Sounding the Alarm on Funding Cuts

The Ontario NDP sounded the alarm following the most recent Financial Accountability Office (FAO) Capital Spending Plan Report. The FAO found that the Ford government is continuing to make cuts to key services, including affordable housing, hospitals and school repairs. Here is a summary of some of the concerning findings in the report:

Further cuts to affordable housing funding, despite 85,000 people homeless and rising unemployment
A plan to eliminate 10,000 health care workers, despite long wait times at hospitals and the need for jobs
More cuts to public education, leaving overcrowded classrooms and poorly maintained school buildings in our children’s future

I will continue to push the Ford government to create plans that protect jobs, and provide a good quality of life for the people of Ontario.

Click here to access the full FAO Report

Stop the Education Takeovers – Emergency Townhall

There have been more concerning public education developments as schools and classrooms here in Davenport and across Ontario remain underfunded.

First, the provincially appointed TDSB Supervisor has reversed a decision to cap class sizes for Grades 4 to 8. And, the Ford government has taken over Peel District School Board and put them under the same ministerial supervision as the TDSB and TCDSB.

Placing school boards under supervision does not improve student outcomes, it only serves to block parents from being a part of important decisions about the future of education that are being made. We need to focus on properly funding our schools.

NDP MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West-Nepean), Shadow Minister for Education, has organized an Emergency Education Town Hall to summarize what has happened, why it matters and what we can do next.

Intimate Partner Violence Virtual Town Hall

The rates of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Ontario are on the rise. Members of the Davenport community are welcome to attend a Virtual Town Hall about IPV to discuss actions that need to be taken in Ontario. Join MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), Shadow Attorney General, with responsibility for 2SLGBTQI+ Issues, and MPP Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale-High Park), Shadow Minister for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, along with a panel of experts for this important conversation.

My Statement Regarding MPP Doly Begum

I released the following statement on MPP Doly Begum's resignation:

"… I received Doly Begum’s notice of resignation as MPP for Scarborough Southwest. I want to thank Doly for her service and wish her well. "Our party has been proud to represent the good people of Scarborough Southwest for the past eight years and look forward to continuing that representation. "I want to especially thank her constituency staff who, as New Democrats, continue their excellent work serving constituents."

Setting Priorities for the Next Legislative Session

I met with the Ontario NDP Caucus to start to prepare for the next Legislative Session, which begins March 23, 2026. Since the house rose in December, we have been out there, listening to communities about where people are at, and what matters to them right now. We are bringing these ideas together, and are working through real solutions and plans that address the challenges that people are facing right here in Davenport and across Ontario. Click here to watch the full press conference.

Other News

Call for End to Ontario Contracts Serving ICE

I recently made an announcement that called for an end to Ontario's manufacturing contract with ICE — to ensure that both Ontario and Canada have no part in the atrocities being committed in the United States.

In Ontario, I believe that we need to find stable opportunities for Ontario manufacturers to strengthen Canada, not increase our reliance on the United States.

Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals Scholarship Awards

Metrolinx Updates

TTC Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown LRT is now Open

I’m sure many of you heard the news that the TTC Line 5/Eglinton Crosstown LRT begins a phased opening this Sunday, February 8^th. I know that there are many households and businesses in Davenport who have experienced years of hardship as a result of this delayed project, and we will continue to demand a public inquiry into Metrolinx.

I hope that we see a smooth opening of Line 5. With 2 stops serving Davenport (Fairbank and Caledonia) let’s hope that residents and businesses alike finally start experiencing the benefits of this new transit line.

Click here to read the full details of the Line 5/Eglinton Crosstown phased opening.

Metrolinx Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Bloor-Lansdowne GO: Service Building Construction - Oct 17–Mar 2026

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Davenport Diamond Greenway: Pedestrian Bridge Construction - Oct. 20 - Oct. 2026
Davenport Diamond Greenway: Start of Dupont Street Sidewalk Ramp Construction - Nov. 17 - Dec. 2026

Bloor GO/UP

Bloor GO/UP Station Overnight Excavation work – July-Mar 2026

Barrie GO Expansion

Go Expansion Paton Road Underpass Temporary Opening.
Barrie Rail Corridor Improvements: Upcoming drilling and concrete works - Oct. 20 – Mar. 2026

Kitchener 4th Track Expansion

Kitchener Line GO Expansion West Toronto Railpath Realignment

Around the Community

You’re Invited – Lunar New Year’s Reception at Queen’s Park

Members of the community are invited to RSVP and attend the Lunar New Year’s Reception at Queen’s Park.

Click here to RSVP to the Lunar New Year Reception

Celebrating Thai Pongal at Tamil Co-op

At the end of January, I had the pleasure of gathering with members of Davenport’s Tamil Co-op to celebrate Thai Pongal. May this harvest festival bring abundance and prosperity to all the residents and their families. Warmest wishes for a bright, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

2026 Seniors Calendar now available

Back by popular demand, my 2026 Seniors Calendar is available. Please contact my community office if you would like a copy. My community office team can be reached at:

Phone: 416-535-3158
Email: [email protected]

Please note that unfortunately we are unable to accommodate large-volume requests at this time.

Free Family Day fun at Queen’s Park Winter Festival

Looking for something fun and free to do on the Family Day weekend? The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is holding a two-day celebration, designed for families of all ages.

Event Dates: Saturday, February 14 and Monday, February 16.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ontario Legislative Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto (just north of TTC Queen’s Park subway station)

Click here for more information.

City of Toronto outside Mural and Street Art Program – FIFA

The City of Toronto has opened applications for its outside mural and street art program, and this year there is a bit of a FIFA World Cup theme. Business associations and community groups can receive one-time funding for outside mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate neighbourhood identity. In order to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 26, special consideration will be given to mural proposals that highlight the spirit of the tournament and “The World in a City” theme.

Click here for more information.

Fund our City Toronto Budget Rally

On February 10, Toronto City Council will be voting on the 2026 City Budget. Social Planning Toronto and partners are organizing a community rally outside City Hall to let Council know this is no time for cuts.

Statistics Canada Now Hiring for the 2026 Census

Statistics Canada is now hiring for the 2026 Census. Click here for more information and to apply.

Stay Warm Davenport - Warming Centres Information

City of Toronto Warming Centres are part of the City’s Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness.

Click here to check the status of Warming Centres and for more information.

Regal Heights Residents Association Valentine’s Neighbourhood Pub Night

Days of Significance

February is Black History Month

February 4 - Imamat Day

February 16 - Family Day

February 16 - Louis Riel Day

February 17 - Lunar New Year

February 17 - Ramadan set to begin

February 18 - Losar

MPP Community Newsletter January 23, 2026

Dear Neighbours,

Happy New Year, Davenport!

The start of a new year brings many opportunities, and my team and I are working hard to support our community with the issues that matter the most.

As you may have heard, the upcoming legislative session has been delayed by an additional six weeks and is now set to resume on March 23. Even though we are not sitting at Queen’s Park for the next two months, my team and I are still working, and continuing to advocate for our community.

This newsletter contains information on the upcoming provincial pre-budget consultations, the new Blue Box recycling program brought in by the Ford government, as well as the new Student and Family Support Offices at the TDSB and TCDSB. I will remain busy speaking out on issues that are important to the residents of Davenport.

It was great to see many of you at my annual New Year’s Levee event! We announced the 2026 Davenport Good Neighbour Award recipients. Please see a full list of the recipients, and some photos from the event, in my community updates below.

Wishing you a good start to 2026.

Sincerely,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

Provincial Pre-Budget Consultations – We Want to Hear from You!

The provincial government is accepting written submissions and requests to participate in its 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations until January 29.

We want to hear from you! Whether you are a small business, arts or community group, service agency, or nonprofit, your voice matters in shaping how the provincial government uses its budget to make life more affordable in Davenport and across the province. As your MPP, I’m committed to advocating for the people of Davenport and making the budget work for you.

Have your say and choose how you would like to participate:

Online - Click here to complete the online survey.
Written Submission - Send in a written submission by January 29.
Click here for a Step-by-Step Guide to making a Written Submission

For more information about the provincial budget, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/budget-consultations.

Also, please feel free to submit your thoughts or any written materials to our office so that we can better understand what issues are facing your organization and how, as your MPP, I can bring your voice to Queen's Park.

Blue Box recycling program changes – Issues and Information

The Ford government made regulatory changes to the Blue Box recycling program (previously operated by the City of Toronto) that took effect across Ontario on January 1, 2026. Our office has heard from many people in the Davenport riding with questions and complaints about the new program.

I share your concerns about the massive inconvenience, unreliable service, and possible negative environmental consequences that come with this change. The Ford government made these changes behind closed doors and without any debate.

I know that people across Davenport are committed to recycling because it reduces landfill waste and supports local environmental responsibility.

There is no excuse for unreliable service. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks must ensure that Blue Box services continue for anyone who received it prior to this year, that it remains as reliable as it was under The City of Toronto, and that the producer responsibility system results in less waste and lower costs to municipalities rather than poorer recycling services.

At this time, the best source of information we have about the changes can be found here. If you need to make a complaint to Circular Materials because your blue box has not been picked up, please call 1-888-921-2686 or email at [email protected].

TDSB/TCDSB - New Student and Family Support Offices Open

The Ford government opened new Student and Family Support Offices for the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Unfortunately, these changes simply add layers of bureaucracy without accountability. What families really need is the return of elected trustees to navigate the system and advocate for them.

Links to Contact Student and Family Support Offices:

Click here to read the statement released by NDP Shadow Minister for Education, MPP Pasma (Ottawa West-Nepean).

The following CityTV news report summarizes the issue. Click here to watch the video.

Standing with the Simao Family and Calling for More Special Education Resources in Classrooms

I recently joined MPP Gilmour (Parkdale-High Park), MPP Lennox (Hamilton Centre), and the Ontario Autism Coalition, to stand with Chris and Emily Simao, whose autistic seven-year-old son, Max, was tragically struck and killed by a bus in December. Max was on a modified half-day school schedule due to staffing shortages stemming from a lack of provincial funding.

Chris and Emily have been living through every parent’s worst nightmare. Max should have been at school, one of his favourite things to do. Instead, he was sent home early, because his school didn’t have enough resources to support him.

I am calling on the Premier and his Minister of Education to finally provide proper funding for special education.

Watch the full video here.

Integrity Commissioner’s Investigation of Skills Development Fund Continues

Even though the Legislature is not sitting right now, the Integrity Commissioner's investigation into Minister of Labour David Piccini's role continues. The investigation was launched following my letter to the Integrity Commissioner.

I will continue to demand the Ford government fire the Minister of Labour over the mismanagement of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund. If you are still trying to understand the Skills Development Fund issue, you can watch this video for a detailed explanation. I will continue to push on this issue until the truth comes out.

Other News

City of Toronto Warming Centres

With extreme cold winter temperatures right now, I wanted to share information on how to find the City of Toronto’s Warming Centres. These Warming Centres are part of the City’s Winter Services Plan for people experiencing homelessness.

Click here to check the status of Warming Centres and for more information.

Metrolinx Updates

Antler-Lappin Connection

Davenport Councillor Allejandro Bravo has announced that The City of Toronto will step in to fund the Antler-Lappin connection that was originally part of the Metrolinx Davenport Diamond Greenway project, but was never completed. This will connect local residents to parks, schools, businesses and to each other. Thank you to Councillor Bravo and the City of Toronto for picking up where Metrolinx and the provincial government abandoned this community.

Watch the video on this story here.

Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

Bloor-Lansdowne GO: Service Building Construction - Oct 17–Mar 2026

Davenport Diamond Greenway

Davenport Diamond Greenway: Pedestrian Bridge Construction - Oct. 20 - Oct. 2026
Davenport Diamond Greenway: Start of Dupont Street Sidewalk Ramp Construction - Nov. 17 - Dec. 2026

Bloor GO/UP Station Overnight Excavation work – July-Mar 2026

Barrie GO Expansion

Go Expansion Paton Road Underpass Temporary Opening.
Barrie Rail Corridor Improvements: Upcoming drilling and concrete works - Oct. 20 – Mar. 2026

Kitchener 4th Track Expansion

Kitchener Line GO Expansion West Toronto Railpath Realignment

Around the Community

Davenport Good Neighbour Awards announced at my New Year’s Levee

On January 15, my team and I hosted my annual New Year’s Levee and announced the 2026 recipients of the Davenport Good Neighbour Awards. It was wonderful to welcome the new year with so many members of Davenport that make this community special and strong.

Here is a full list of the 2026 Davenport Good Neighbour Award Recipients.

Liz Allaby - Volunteer, Working Women Community Centre
Rodrigo Ardiles - Founder, Dundas West Open Air Museum
Maria Carrusca - Volunteer, Horizons for Youth Shelter
Helder Costa – Co-owner, Caldense Bakery
Katharine Harris - Chair, General Mercer Junior Public School Parent Council
John Santos – Founder, The Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Singing Contest
Hasseena Shah - Volunteer, Oasis Dufferin Community Centre
Asli & Selcuk Suna – Co-founders, Concerts on Connolly
Joelle Young - Volunteer, Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement

Congratulations to these amazing award recipients. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, we had many wonderful nominations this year.

We also presented a Special Recognition Award to Casa Da Madeira to acknowledge the challenges the Casa has faced in the past year, since the act of arson in 2025.

The 2026 Davenport Good Neighbour Award Recipients, and my Community Office staff.

Members of the community braved the wintry weather to attend my New Year's Levee at Casa Do Alentejo, where the Davenport Good Neighbour Awards were announced.

A Special Recognition Award was presented to Casa Da Madeira.

Townhall – Society of Hospitality Workers

The Society of Hospitality Workers is a democratic organization who are collectively working towards better wages, benefits, safer workplaces, and better treatment across the sector. On February 2^nd, they will be holding a town hall to discuss issues endemic to the hospitality industry.

Davenport Community Leader featured in Toronto Star Article

Davenport resident and community leader Erella Ganon was recently featured in a Toronto Star series Toronto The Better. Erella is "helping shape the city's future through housing and arts advocacy”. Click here to read the full article.