MPP Community Newsletter January 23, 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

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

• Bloor-Lansdowne GO: Main Station and Service Building Construction February 9, 2026 – September 2026 
• Bloor-Lansdowne GO: East Platform Construction February 17, 2026 – September 2026

Davenport Diamond Greenway

• Davenport Diamond Greenway: Micropiling for Pedestrian Bridge Construction Monday, February 23, 2026 - March 2026 
• Davenport Diamond Greenway: Start of Dupont Street Sidewalk Ramp Construction Monday, November 17, 2025 – December 2026 
• Davenport Diamond Greenway: Pedestrian Bridge Construction October 20, 2025 – October 2026

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

• Go Expansion Paton Road Underpass Temporary Opening
• Barrie Rail Corridor Improvements: Upcoming drilling and concrete works- Monday, October 20, 2025 – March 2026

Kitchener 4^th Track Expansion

• Kitchener Line GO Expansion.Corridor Work

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

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

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.  

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

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 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

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! 

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

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

Dear Neighbours,

Thank you to everyone from the Davenport community who came together on November 11 to honour and remember those who serve, those who have served, and those who never returned.

The Ontario Legislature was not sitting last week, but it has still been a very busy time. I recently took part in the Official Opposition's first The People’s Forum. We brought people together to talk about two critical government bills that will affect public education and housing and tenant rights. These bills are being pushed through without any public debate, so we organized The People’s Forum to hear from Davenport residents and people across the province to talk about what’s at stake and how we can push back together.

The Ford government also recently released its annual Fall Economic Statement — and unfortunately, it really missed the mark. There was no real plan to create good jobs, make life more affordable, or build the type of homes that people need. You can read more details in my full legislative update below, and I’ll keep pushing the government at Queen’s Park to do better for our communities.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, Davenport’s many holiday markets and clothing/food/toy drives are starting up. You’ll find details for some initiatives in the community updates below, and we’ll share more in our next newsletter as the season gets underway. If you have a holiday drive or market that you would like us to share, please send the details to my office at [email protected].

Have a great weekend,

Marit Stiles
MPP for Davenport

Updates from the Legislature

Fall Economic Statement Fails to Deliver for Working People

Unfortunately, the Ford government’s recent Fall Economic Statement failed to deliver the plan that families in Davenport and across the province urgently need as the cost of living rises, the job crisis worsens, and the housing crisis deepens.

Key Points from Disappointing Fall Economic Statement:

• Housing: The lowest housing starts in a decade. No commitment to build more affordable housing or address homelessness.
• Education: Education funding is unchanged, despite the growing school repair backlog. Post-secondary institutions face more than $1.4 billion in cuts over the next four years.
• Healthcare: Healthcare spending is set to grow by less than 1%, well below inflation and falling short of the rising needs of an aging population.
• Social Services and Childcare: No increases to social services spending (ODSP/OW). No plan to expand childcare or secure the $10-a-day agreement that families are relying on.
• Environment: Still no provincial climate action plan to build a safer, healthier future.

Here’s more of my response to the Fall Economic Statement:

I’ll continue to call on the government to focus on what really matters — creating good local jobs, investing in public services, and helping families build economic security.

Launch of The People’s Forum in Response to “Blatantly Undemocratic” Process for Proposed Education and Housing Legislation

At Queen's Park recently, the Ford government shut-down debate and committee hearings to fast-track two bills that will make life harder for Ontarians. Bill 33 hands more control of school boards to the government, and pays unelected school supervisors $350,000 a year. And Bill 60 significantly weakens protections for renters facing unfair evictions and rising costs.

In response to this “blatantly undemocratic” action, the Official Opposition launched The People’s Forum. We convened our first The People’s Forum this week to hear the concerns of real people from Davenport and across the province. It was a great discussion about education, housing and the importance of our democratic process. Thank you to the close to 200 participants that took part.

Failure to Declare Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic

The Ford government recently voted NO to supporting the Official Opposition's call to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic. IPV is recognized as an endemic but this does not go far enough. Over 100 municipalities across Ontario, police associations, experts and advocacy groups have declared IPV an epidemic. Declaring IPV an epidemic would mandate funding and resources to services that address the IPV crisis, and help to destigmatize the issue. November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Canada, and I was disappointed that the Ford government did not support our Bill and address this crisis now.

Skills Development Fund Disaster Continues  

Whether the issue is Ontario Place, the Greenbelt or now the Skills Development Fund, I will continue to hold the Ford government accountable for favouring party insiders over the people of Ontario. I have issued an open letter to the Premier, demanding that he fire the Minister of Labour David Piccini over the mismanagement of the Skills Development Fund. 

Click here to read my Open Letter

Hands Off Exhibition Place

Spadina-Fort York MPP Chris Glover recently uncovered that the Ford government is quietly seizing control of Exhibition Place. They plan to bring the land under the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act—legislation that lets the Ford government override provincial and municipal laws, including heritage protections, environmental safeguards, and even labour laws. This provincial overreach must be stopped.

Other News

2026 Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards – nominations open

The Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards honour Ontarians who are actively working towards the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of human rights and equity. These awards commemorate the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21st.

Flu Shot and Covid-19 Vaccines now available

You can receive the latest annual COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot for free at participating pharmacies. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and many allow walk-ins. Vaccine availability may vary. Call ahead to ensure the pharmacy has supply before going.

Metrolinx Updates

Construction Notices

Bloor-Landsdowne Go

• Bloor-Landsdowne GO: Installation of Temporary Concrete Barriers (revised) Nov 10-Dec 19
• Bloor-Landsowne GO: Extended Excavation and Shoring Works – Nov 3-Dec 19
• Bloor-Lansdowne GO: Service Building Construction - Oct 17–Mar 2026

Davenport Diamond Greenway

• Davenport Diamond Greenway: Tree Maintenance, November 2025
• 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

• Barrie GO Line: Road Closure on Castlefield Avenue - Nov. 28 - Dec. 1
• Barrie Rail Corridor Improvements: Upcoming drilling and concrete works - Oct. 20 – Mar. 2026

Caledonia GO

• Caledonia Go: Overnight Track Works, Nov 28 - Dec 1

Around the Community

Do you have an upcoming food, clothing or toy drive planned for the holidays? Please send the details to our office at [email protected] so we can share information about Davenport community initiatives in our next newsletter!

Angola Flag Raising at Queen’s Park – November 5

On November 5, I joined members of the Angola Community for a Flag-Raising Ceremony and reception to mark the 50^th Anniversary of Angola’s Independence.

Visit to The Stop Community Drop-In Meal

On November 14, I visited one of The Stop's community drop-in breakfast meals. I spoke to members of the Davenport community who greatly appreciate the meals prepared by Community Chefs and volunteers.

Junction Triangle Craft Show – November 23

General Mercer Jr P.S. Holiday Market – November 26

St. Clair Gardens Frosty the Snowman Festival – Saturday, November 29

Disability Collective Holiday Festival – December 7

Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement – The Nutcracker, 40^th Anniversary, December 5 - 7

Be a Santa for a Senior

Days of Significance

November 15 - Guru Nanak Gurpurab

November 16 - Louis Riel Day

November 17 - Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20 - National Child Day

November 22 - Holodomor Memorial Day

November 25 - International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls