Three years ago, the people of Parkdale-High Park entrusted me with the privilege of representing them at City Hall. In return, I pledged to keep all my election promises, work hard and serve you to the best of my ability. I am proud to say that I have kept my promise.

I said I would stop the Front Street Extension—and I did.

I said I would move into the ward—and I did.

I said I would correct the neglect in our community, ensure sensible development, and work to build the neighbourhood you want for yourself and your family—and I have.

I am proud to say that Parkdale-High Park’s streets are safer today because of my involvement in:

• introducing the Parkdale Problem Properties Task Force to address properties that, through neglect or criminal activity, pose a risk to the community
• expropriating a derelict and dangerous building to be used for affordable housing
• working with the police to increase their visible presence in Parkdale and introducing Police Mobilization Meetings that bring residents and police together to discuss local issues
• revoking the liquor licenses and effectively closing down dangerous bars in Parkdale that, through ongoing criminal activity, posed a threat to the safety of pedestrians, patrons, neighbours, inspectors and police

Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists must share our streets. To make them safer for all, I have:

• received Council approval for an integrated traffic control signal at Jameson Ave/Queen St/ Lansdowne to be installed this summer—after 30 years of unsuccessful attempts by previous councillors
• pushed for the elimination of the dangerous Dufferin St Jog
• proposed bicycle lanes on Dundas Street West
• introduced an additional sidewalk on Jameson Bridge to allow for safer pedestrian access to the waterfront

Well-planned development is the basis for the livability of a community. With this in mind:

• I delayed indefinitely the Front Street Extension project which would have deposited Toronto’s commuter traffic into the heart of our neighbourhoods. At a time when support for the project seemed like a done deal, I worked hard to change the minds of my fellow councillors—and did.
• I received Council support to start an area study for Liberty Village that will provide direction for future development of the area. This study is ongoing.
• I spearheaded a community-based traffic study in the St. Joseph’s hospital area to alleviate traffic, speeding and parking issues.

A successful community provides opportunities for its residents to enjoy quality recreational activities within a reasonable distance from home:

• My initiative to undertake a Western Beaches Master Plan study received Council support this May. The new study will address issues such as parks infrastructure, transportation to the beaches and improvements to the Martin Goodman Trail.
• As a member of the Western Beaches Watercourse Steering Committee, I was instrumental in the planning of the facility that hosted the 2006 International Dragon Boat Championships this month. With the championships over, Parkdale-High Park will have a permanent watercourse for recreational and competitive rowing, canoeing and dragon boating—right in its backyard.
• BMXing is now an official Olympic sport yet there is no Olympic quality BMX facility in Toronto for youth to practice and enjoy this popular activity. Through my involvement and support, the first such facility will be built this summer on the waterfront at Marilyn Bell Park.
• Given the City’s financial restraints, residents of the Wabash-Sorauren area were told for years that plans to build a neighbourhood community centre would be put off indefinitely. I identified and secured $1.2 million in the City of Toronto’s budget that enabled me to push ahead for such a facility. I also enabled community members and City staff to work together in creating interim meeting and community space for park users.

Much of my term in office has been spent working with community groups to assist and create opportunities for all residents. I am proud that I was able to:

• Help our young people by creating free summer sailboat camp spaces, bicycle maintenance internships and recreational opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk youth.
• Help our seniors by resolving tax and mortgage issues that threatened the long-term financial security of veterans’ clubhouses and seniors’ homes.
• Help our low-income earners by securing social housing funding for qualified dwellings.

I am equally proud of my record on community consultation, participation and outreach. For three years, I have been publishing a weekly e-newsletter read by thousands of residents both in our ward and in surrounding areas. I am the only councillor in the city who provides her constituents with such frequent, relevant and detailed information on ward and city issues and news. I have initiated and hosted over 60 community meetings in the ward and attended countless community events. I have encouraged residents associations to organize and have facilitated the creation of the Liberty Village residents association. I frequently speak at local high school civics classes and have introduced annual civics awards to encourage student participation in civic engagement.

I made a pledge to you that I would work hard, keep my promises and serve you to the best of my ability—I believe my accomplishments during my time as councillor speak for themselves.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove it could be done.

And last but not least…

I have been fortunate to have had a dedicated team working for me throughout my term in office.

Thank you to my staff who have been unstinting in their willingness to pitch in and do whatever was necessary to make service to our residents their top priority. They have organized children’s Christmas parties, played Santa Claus, participated in hot dog events, applied hundreds of Canada Day “tattoos” to cheeks and arms, erected tents, planted and weeded community gardens and given out information at environment fests, bicycle fests, community festivals and arts events—all in addition to their day to day tasks.

Thanks to Nazeema for her unwavering charm and efficiency in scheduling the impossible, organizing the unmanageable and keeping me on track during the busiest of times.

Thanks to Karolina for her political skill and ability to navigate the seemingly endless committee and council reports, to say nothing of motions, legislative documents and media reports.

Thanks to John for his willing ear and caring heart in listening to constituent concerns, and once having listened, for acting swiftly to find a solution.

Thanks to Greg for being the steadfast, capable, friendly presence in the community office, ready to offer a helping hand, advice, or interesting conversation to our residents.

Thanks to Brendan for his brilliant research skills and new ideas to benefit our neighbourhood and the City.

Thanks to Diana for her quick wit and even quicker pen in bringing city news to our community through City Hall Update.

Thanks to Pat and Mary for volunteering their skills, talent and effort in order to help residents resolve difficult problems with quiet competence.

Thanks to each and every member of the team for their hard work, energy, support for each other and their unswerving dedication to serving the needs of our community.