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CBC
3 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Toronto's new renovictions bylaw comes into effect, aimed at protecting tenants
A new Toronto bylaw targeting renovictions comes into effect Thursday, requiring landlords to get a licence before carrying out repairs or renovations that force tenants to move out. The City of Toronto says the new bylaw is designed to protect tenants from "bad faith" evictions that happen under the guise of renovations. The city says landlords looking to get a rental renovation licence must now notify tenants of their intentions and agree on the renter's temporary living arrangements or compensation. It says the licence is required even if tenants intend to return to their units once renovations are complete. Landlords must apply for the licence within seven days of giving notice of ending tenancy — known as an N13 notice — to the renter. The city says renters who suspect landlords are not following the new bylaw can report them to the city.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Toronto's new renovictions bylaw comes into effect, aimed at protecting tenants
A new Toronto bylaw targeting renovictions comes into effect today, requiring landlords to get a licence before carrying out repairs or renovations that force tenants to move out. The City of Toronto says the new bylaw is designed to protect tenants from "bad faith" evictions that happen under the guise of renovations. The city says landlords looking to get a rental renovation licence must now notify tenants of their intentions and agree on the renter's temporary living arrangements or compensation. It says the licence is required even if tenants intend to return to their units once renovations are complete. Landlords must apply for the licence within seven days of giving notice of ending tenancy — known as an N13 notice — to the renter. The city says renters who suspect landlords are not following the new bylaw can report them to the city. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2025. The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
18-07-2025
- General
In Canada's largest city, a river returns to its roots
For about a century, Toronto's Don River (new window) has been hemmed in by the needs of a growing city. It flows through a valley that's better known for a crucial (and traffic-prone) highway that connects the suburbs to Toronto's downtown. The river's mouth, at Lake Ontario, is a wasteland of industrial facilities and port facilities, despite its prime location just east of the downtown core. That's set to change this weekend, with the public opening of part of a $1.4-billion restoration project at Toronto's port lands. Biidaasige Park (new window) , part of one of Canada's most ambitious ecological restoration projects (new window) , was driven by a push to renaturalize the Don River's mouth as a way to control floods and protect a giant mixed-use redevelopment effort in the area. It's really something to celebrate because the river has for so long been in a concrete box, said David O'Hara, manager of park design at the City of Toronto. And it's now free again and flowing through the kind of environment that it had flowed through for thousands of years before industrialization changed it. Biidaasige Park — pronounced Bee-daw-si-geh and meaning sunlight shining towards us in Anishinaabemowin — covers about 60 acres and is one of the largest and most complex parks in Toronto. It is on Ookwemin Minising (new window) (meaning "place of the black cherry trees"), an island that was newly created by carving out a more naturally meandering outlet for the Don River at the city's waterfront. The new outlet adds to the existing Keating Channel, which was built at the start of the 20th century. Back then, the Don's natural mouth was filled in, and its waters were diverted into the Keating. While the Keating was originally enough to contain the flow of water, development and other changes over time made the existing channel inadequate, according to Waterfront Toronto's chief planning and design officer, Chris Glaisek. The new, more natural outlet is actually designed to flood — allowing water to go over its banks and the river to do what it needs to do without causing too much damage and disruption, he said. That's something the original channel was not designed to do. It was designed to simply contain the water — and it's very tough to control nature, Glaisek said. Without renaturalizing the Don River and creating new ecosystems to absorb rising waters, the port lands and some surrounding neighbourhoods would be flooded during extreme weather events. Climate change is expected (new window) to make storms both more frequent and severe, increasing the risk of floods in the city. Planners expect all that land should now be safe from being inundated, and the city plans to build over 14,000 new housing units there. It isn't simply about ecology just for ecology's sake, but it's also to create a new type of community that will have a different relationship to nature … a more integrated way of living with nature in an urban environment, Glaisek said. While flood control is the primary goal of the project, the new river is also bringing species back to the area. Previous analyses (new window) have shown that densely populated southern Ontario is an important area for ecological restoration. Restoring natural ecosystems would bring the most benefits for local residents and threatened species by helping provide clean water, drain floods and reduce the severity of heat waves in cities. This is certainly a resiliency project, without a doubt, because the risk of these flash floods has only increased with time, with urbanization, with climate change, Glaisek said. The ecological impacts of the project are already being seen. We have a few new species of fish that have come back to the harbour that hadn't been seen here in 80 years, Glaisek said. Bald eagles are being spotted there, along with fish like smallmouth bass, bluegill (new window) and pumpkinseed (new window) . The park has been planted with native plant species from southern Ontario, including some seeds that were unearthed (new window) during the island's construction, like cattail and bulrush that were 100 years old. Many plants important to local Indigenous ceremonies and medicine are also in the park, like sweetgrass, sage and black cherry trees.. A lot of this will be seen for the first time as Torontonians visit the park for its opening celebrations this weekend. But perhaps the most remarkable sight will be the new Don River, flowing more freely into the lake for the first time in over a century. It looks like the mouth of the river has been there forever. It really is spectacular, O'Hara said.
Toronto Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Head to Toronto's new Biidaasige Park and more to celebrate this weekend
Toronto's new Biidaasige Park in the process of being built. Photo by City of Toronto / Instagram We are coming off a heatwave but that doesn't mean Toronto isn't sizzling with all the action going on this weekend. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Don't forget that the Indy is on from Friday to Sunday, so keep that in mind when you're heading into the city. Sunday also happens to be National Ice Cream Day (though these last few days, every day has felt like National Ice Cream Day), so head to The Well where Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Truck will be parked from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Here's what else you need to know to make the necessary plans. Celebration Weekend at Biidaasige Park Head to the city's newest waterfront escape on Toronto's new island, Ookwemin Minising (formerly known as Villiers Island), where the Don River meets the lake. There is so much to do from checking out the live and interactive performances, getting sporty at the Play Mobile, sparking creativity at the arts and crafts station, take a selfie with your pup or stop by one of the food trucks or stalls to refuel. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days between Toronto City Hall (corner of Bay and Hagerman Sts.) and Biidaasige Park (51 Commissioners St.). Head down to Biidaasige Park on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, click here. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Experience electrifying performances, live street art, epic dance battles, bold fusion artisans and designers and innovative street food that blend with today's pop culture, where bhangra meets breakdance, ballet merges with Afrobeat, and Bollywood is fused with Latin flair. It's more than a festival; it's a movement where you truly appreciate authentic, cultural experiences. It's all at Sankofa Square on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, click here. Festival of South Asia Enjoy the food, drinks, entertainment and community at one of the greatest and largest street festivals in North America. Embrace multidisciplinary arts and cuisine from all the countries in South Asia, take in the street bazaar filled with stalls from local businesses, and get inspired by the more than 200 artists performing South Asian dance, classical, traditional, Bollywood, and more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Experience a slice of the culture on Gerrard St. E. between Glenside and Coxwell Aves. on Saturday and Sunday between 12 p.m. and 11 p.m. For more information, click here. Note: Road closures will be in effect for Gerrard St. E. from Coxwell to Glenside from Saturday at 8 a.m. to Monday at 2 a.m. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Unity Fest at Harbourfront Dance battles? Check. Live hip-hop performances? Check! A local food vendor marketplace? Check! And networking events and vibes for all ages? Checkity-check! Explore culture, expand knowledge and express yourself at Canada's national hip hop festival, back for its 17th year. Get over and get down at Harbourfront Centre on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. For the schedule and more information, click here. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Immerse yourself in a world of rhythmic beats, vibrant colours and rich culture as you experience the heart and soul of Brazil right here in Toronto. The spirit of Brazil is brought to life showcasing the essence of our culture through energetic music, dance and tradition, mouth-watering cuisine, warm hospitality, and contagious joy. All the fun is at Earlscourt Park at 1595 St. Clair Ave. W. on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, click here. Junior Carnival and Family Day The annual parade gives young masqueraders the chance to celebrate Caribbean culture in their brightly-coloured costumes and share it with the Malvern community. The family event, which takes place two weeks before North America's largest Caribbean carnival, also includes kids' activities, music, a marketplace with food vendors, arts-and-craft vendors and more. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Shake it up at Malvern Community Centre and Neilson Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here. Note: Road closures will be in effect for McLevin Ave. between Sewells and Neilson Rds. and Neilson Rd. from McLevin Ave. to Finch Ave. E. for Saturday's parade from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read More Melanin Market R&B, Hip Hop and Soul Experience With Fresh Up is the second edition of the five-market series and expect to shop handcrafted goods, savour delicious eats, and vibe out to music that feeds the soul. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The event is all about rhythm, culture and community as it blends soulful sounds with a vibrant marketplace spotlighting Black and POC entrepreneurs, artists, and food vendors. Head to Sankofa Square on Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, click here. Panamerican Food & Music Festival Celebrate the Western Hemisphere's rich diversity of cuisine, music and art with food demos by international chefs, cooking competitions, live performances, and a Pan American vendors' market offering diverse foods and merchandise. This year's focus country is Mexico, where traditional dishes, songs and dances have passed down through generations to the colourful contemporary cultural expressions that we enjoy today. Check it out at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, click here. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Tennis MMA Editorials
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
City installing AC units for seniors as Toronto sizzles under another heat warning
As Toronto deals with another heat warning this summer, the city is installing air conditioner units for seniors as part of a new pilot program. The city launched the pilot program in May to provide free portable air conditioners to low-income, vulnerable seniors. Since early this month, more than 380 portable air conditioner units have been delivered to seniors across Toronto, the city said in a release. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said at a news conference Monday that the pilot program is a start, but it's "nowhere near enough." "Many deaths were recorded in the last 10, 20 years because of heat waves, so having air conditioning helps, especially for the most vulnerable seniors," said Chow. Chow said the pilot program is a $200,000 initiative outlined in the city's 2025 budget and will result in 500 air conditioner units being provided to low-income seniors across the city. She said she's looking into whether she can mandate landlords to install air conditioners in every apartment in the city. Toronto's executive director of environment, climate and forestry, James Nowlan, said at the news conference that the program received over 1,400 applicants, and the air conditioner units were assigned to seniors through a lottery system. Chow said the lottery ensures "fairness," as the city has only 500 AC units to provide. The news conference comes as parts of the Greater Toronto Area is under an air quality warning on Monday, alongside an ongoing heat warning in the region. Chow said the seniors who don't have air conditioners in their homes should use fans, stay hydrated, and visit cool rooms, if needed. She said there are over 500 cool rooms around the city, including at libraries and community centres.
