Proposed Draft Motions

 

Last night, in my speech at the Royal Canadian Legion, I mentioned that I have motions ready to move forward on issues.

 

I will post my draft motions here. Feedback is welcome, as I don't want to leave anything out. This is a sample of the level of transparency I will strive to achieve if you vote to elect me to be your Councillor for Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park.

 

1: Draft motion on Port Union Rd Construction: to speed it up and make adjustments to the concrete curb that are too sharp for trucks to deliver to Metro.

City Council Motion

Moved by: Brian Matthews, Ward 25

Seconded by: [Name of another Councillor or left blank]

Subject: Port Union Road Construction Project Delays and Design Flaws

Recommendations:

  1. That City Council requests the General Manager, Transportation Services, to submit a report to the next meeting of the Scarborough Community Council outlining a revised and expedited construction schedule for the Port Union Road project, including measures to reduce overall project duration.
  2. That City Council requests the General Manager, Transportation Services, to conduct an immediate review of the Port Union Road project design, specifically focusing on curb radii and turning movements for commercial vehicles, particularly at the entrance to the Metro grocery store at Port Union and Ravine Park.
  3. That City Council requests the General Manager, Transportation Services, to make the necessary design modifications, including adjusting curb radii, to ensure safe and efficient access for commercial delivery vehicles to local businesses.
  4. That City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, to provide regular public updates on the project's progress and the implementation of these design changes, with the first update to be presented to the Scarborough Community Council.

 

2: Draft Motion on Public Safety

Draft Motion for Toronto City Council

Subject: Public Safety Concerns for Vulnerable Groups in Scarborough-Rouge Park

Moved by: Councillor Brian Matthews, Ward 25

Seconded by: Councillor [Insert Councillor's Name], Ward [Insert Ward Number]

Whereas, the City of Toronto is a diverse and inclusive city, committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all residents; and

Whereas, reports of religiously motivated attacks and hate crimes have increased in certain parts of the city, causing fear and anxiety among vulnerable groups, particularly in the Scarborough-Rouge Park area, North York and other areas of Toronto; and

Whereas, the security and well-being of all residents, regardless of their faith or background, is a matter of paramount importance and a shared responsibility of all levels of government; and

Whereas, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, the federal Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood-Rouge Park, holds the portfolio of Minister of Public Safety; and

Whereas, collaboration between municipal and federal authorities is crucial to developing comprehensive and effective strategies to address public safety concerns;

Therefore be it resolved that:

  1. City Council formally petition the federal Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood-Rouge Park, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, to convene a meeting with local faith leaders, community organizations, and the Toronto Police Service to discuss and address the specific public safety concerns of religious and other vulnerable groups in the area.
  2. City Council urge the federal government, through the Minister of Public Safety, to commit to providing additional resources and funding for initiatives aimed at combating hate crimes, promoting interfaith dialogue, and ensuring the safety of places of worship and community centres in Toronto.
  3. The City Clerk be directed to forward this motion and the subsequent City Council decision to the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, the federal Minister of Public Safety, all other Members of Parliament representing Toronto, and the Toronto Police Service Chief.

 

3. Draft Motion to install Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)

Last week, I was installing my signs at Lawrence and Centennial, and a visually impaired woman was waiting to cross at a green light. It was then that I noticed her cane and helped her cross the road safely. I also realized that the audible signals had not been installed. I've seen this woman before near the plaza at Port Union, so this is a regular route for her to walk. I would like to get her, and others that need them, those audible signals so they can walk safely in our Ward. 

Draft Motion

Subject: Prioritizing the Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals in Ward 25 Scarborough-Rouge Park

Moved by: Brian Matthews, Ward 25 Seconded by: [Name of Councillor, if known]

Recommendations:

Whereas the City of Toronto is committed to creating a safe and accessible city for all residents, in accordance with its Vision Zero plan and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); and

Whereas Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), which include audible tones and vibrating pushbuttons, are a crucial safety feature for pedestrians who are blind, partially sighted, or deaf-blind, providing essential information for safe and independent travel; and

Whereas there is an identified need for the expedited installation of these life-saving devices at numerous signalized intersections throughout Ward 25 Scarborough-Rouge Park; and

Whereas the lack of these signals at many intersections within the ward disproportionately impacts the safety and mobility of a significant and growing population of visually impaired residents;

Therefore, be it resolved that:

1. The General Manager of Transportation Services be requested to conduct an immediate review and assessment of all signalized intersections in Ward 25 Scarborough-Rouge Park that do not currently have Accessible Pedestrian Signals.

2. The General Manager of Transportation Services be directed to prioritize the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals at these intersections, particularly those near community centers, transit hubs, and senior care facilities, and to provide a detailed, phased implementation plan.

3. The General Manager of Transportation Services be requested to submit a report to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee by Q2 of the next fiscal year, outlining the findings of the assessment and a proposed timeline and budget for the rapid installation of APS throughout the ward.