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 50th 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, 40th 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


























































