Toronto residents can soon weigh in on how the City should spend its money in 2026, with six public budget consultations scheduled across the city and online beginning Oct. 14, according to a community update from Councillor Alejandra Bravo.
Registration for in-person and virtual sessions is open at toronto.ca/budget, and an online survey will run until the end of October in 12 languages.
Battery motion approved at council
City Council approved a member's motion from Bravo this week calling on federal and provincial governments to strengthen regulations for lithium-ion batteries and their storage.
The motion followed concerns raised by Davenport residents about fire risks from unregulated lithium-ion batteries found in e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices. Bravo hosted a press conference with Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop to promote the motion.
Bravo wrote that Jessop has called the batteries "the quickest growing fire safety risk in our city."
Arts leases and streetcar talks in Ward 9
Council also adopted a second Bravo motion directing City staff to enter into nominal lease agreements with Clay and Paper Theatre and Sick MUSE Art Projects for City-owned spaces in Dufferin Grove Park and Earlscourt Park. The agreements are meant to help non-profit artists continue arts and cultural programming in the parks.
In Ward 9, Bravo spoke with commuters on the St. Clair streetcar about improving 512 service, and her team hosted a drop-in session on potential TTC service improvements. She also joined an Oakwood Village Neighbourhood Streets Plan meeting covering pedestrian safety on Oakwood and Vaughan, traffic infiltration on residential streets, and the needs of local schools and businesses.
Transit and traffic changes ahead
Several TTC bus routes will change on Oct. 12 to prepare for the future opening of Line 5 Eglinton, with the official date still to be confirmed by Metrolinx. The changes are intended to help riders adjust while maintaining transfers with existing service on the 32 Eglinton West and 34 Eglinton East routes until full LRT service begins.
Drivers should also brace for a full closure of the southbound Don Valley Parkway off-ramp to Richmond Street starting mid-October and lasting through spring 2026. The City says the repair work is needed so the bridge meets current standards and remains safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
Housing, development and events
The City's Development Review Division has received an application for a mixed-use building at 2343-2363 Eglinton Avenue West, with a virtual community consultation planned so residents can learn more and ask questions.
A City study on allowing mid-rise buildings along Toronto's Avenues will host a community open house on Oct. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the cafeteria of West End Alternative School, covering analysis for Wards 11 and 9.
Other items in the update include Ravine Days running Oct. 4 to 13, a family-friendly Halloween event at Bravo's community office at 1240 Bloor Street West on Oct. 31, and the recent opening of the Junction Triangle Toronto Public Library branch at 305 Campbell Avenue.
Bravo, who chairs the Economic & Community Development Committee, encouraged residents to keep sharing feedback as the budget process moves into the winter season.
