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Summer in the City with Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Summer is a perfect time for everyone to get outdoors, be active and enjoy the City's parks and recreational opportunities. Public swimming pools, splash pads and wading pools offer a great way to cool off on a hot day, golfing is available at five municipal courses, and kids can participate in the City's summer camps. Residents can also explore the natural areas in Toronto by walking the City's natural environment trails, have a picnic in a park, climb on a play structure, play tennis or explore our featured parks. Visit the City's website for more information about programs, services and locations.

There's an (award-winning) app for that

311 Toronto has introduced mobile apps that allow residents to quickly and easily report potholes and graffiti vandalism. The mobile apps capture location information and allow a picture to be included as part of the reporting process. There are two apps currently available. The "See, Click, Fix" app is available for download on Blackberry, iPhone and Android devices. The "TDOT 311" app is available for iPhones only. The apps were launched as part of an initiative that allows the seamless transfer of data between the apps, 311 Toronto and the City divisions that carry out the services. The project was recognized by the Municipal Information Systems Association, Ontario Chapter, with an innovation award at its annual conference in May.

Take a TTC trip back in time

TTC customers have an opportunity to take a ride into history on a vintage streetcar, which makes its return to the 509 Harbourfront streetcar route this summer. The classic burgundy-and-cream-coloured streetcar can be boarded between  11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays only until July 29. Regular TTC fares apply for the trip back in time. The 509 Harbourfront service runs from Union Station to Exhibition Place, providing a scenic view along Queen's Quay West, and stops at many tourist destinations on Toronto’s waterfront, such as the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, York Quay Centre and many other attractions.

New delivery dates for collection calendar

In early August, residents will receive a new garbage/recycling collection calendar in the mail. The new 12-month calendar runs from September 2012 to August 2013. The collection calendar is an important reference guide for recycling, collection and correct set-out tips, and proper disposal of household hazardous waste. There are nine versions of the calendar reflecting different collection schedules across the city. Residents can also check the website to view their local schedule or the full collection calendar.

City wants your input for Seniors Strategy

The City launched an online consultation for a new Seniors Strategy earlier this month. The online Consultation Workbook is designed to get input on matters such as housing, health, recreation, community programs, transportation, diversity, accessibility, safety, security and civic engagement. The number of seniors living in Toronto will increase dramatically during the next decade. A Seniors Strategy will help ensure that Toronto remains a safe, affordable, accessible and enjoyable city for people of all ages. Residents can have their say by visiting the Toronto Seniors website.

Adult Entertainment Parlour Regulations Survey

The Municipal Licensing and Standards Division is reviewing the City's Adult Entertainment Parlour regulations. The City is looking for public input on the current provisions in the regulations. Residents can provide comments by completing the short online survey by July 2, 2012.

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat month

Toronto has an overpopulation of unwanted cats due to a number of circumstances: some cats are born into feral cat colonies, while others are not spayed or neutered and allowed to breed. Toronto Animal Services works hard to keep up with the high intake of homeless cats into its shelters, and tries to find good outcomes for as many cats as possible. The public can help by adopting a kitten or cat. Until the end of June, Toronto Animal Services has reduced the adoption fee for kittens and cats to $25 (plus HST and a license if applicable). All kittens and cats are vet-checked, spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and come with a free bag of food.

Toronto Public Library nurtures the joy of reading all summer long

If you are looking for a way to keep your kids reading during summer break, the Toronto Public Library is offering fun and free activities for the whole family online and in library branches. The TD Summer Reading Club, made possible through the support of TD Bank Group and Toronto Public Library Foundation, features a cool website, poster, activity book and stickers, programs and more to keep kids reading all summer long. The library is also offering teens their own, newly expanded summer reading program – WORD OUT features a  website with an exciting array of book suggestions, offering teens the opportunity to socialize and meet authors online.

Union Station back-of-house areas get facelift

Nearly all of Union Station is now under construction as part of a massive revitalization project. Restoration work is in full swing on the building's heritage façade. The West Wing is being renovated and restored, and a well-publicized "dig down" continues under the station for a new, lower retail level and two new transit concourses. There is also a lot happening behind the scenes – in areas typically out of public sight. The City of Toronto is renovating and improving office space for VIA Rail and Metrolinx employees, while a new food distribution centre is on the way for VIA catering support services.

Art in the Underpass

Toronto got a major, new public artwork in May when internationally recognized visual artist Luis Jacob put the finishing touches on Spirits of the Grotto in the recently completed Dufferin underpass. Jacob's piece consists of 34 large metal panels, each bearing a pair of mosaic tile discs representing eyes. Arranged within the underpass like heroes in a Hall of Fame, Spirits of the Grotto turns an otherwise dull transportation corridor into a vibrant passageway. The work was financed through a City policy that dedicates one per cent of capital project budgets – in this case the building of the underpass – to a public art component. Jacob won the commission in 2009 following a juried competition.

Improved connection from Bloor Street Bridge to Humber River

Starting in early July, pedestrians along the Humber River trail will be able to enjoy the benefits of the new stairs that were recently installed on the northwest corner of the Bloor Street West bridge over the Humber River. The stairs were part of the bridge rehabilitation project funded through a capital program for civic improvements. Made of steel with a durable wooden railing, the stairs offer year-round access to and from the riverside trail. As the only designated Canadian Heritage River in the GTA, the Humber River offers a rich cultural history as well as numerous recreational activities.

Ontario Summer Games – the countdown is on!

Toronto's sport community was out in force on May 9 to cheer on Ontario athletes in celebration of the "100 days to go" milestone for the 2012 Ontario Summer Games. From August 16 to19, the City of Toronto will play host to the Games and more than 2,500 athletes. The May celebration included the unveiling of Toronto's Ontario Summer Games mascot, Bruce the Moose, and the medal designs. Athletes played ball hockey with officials and all-access commemorative pins officially went on sale. For $25, a pin will get you into the opening ceremony at Varsity Stadium on August 16 and all of the Games' sporting events.

Business Inc. Series helps small businesses

Getting a business started can often be the most challenging stage for entrepreneurs. To make it a little easier, the City has a Business Incubation & Commercialization Program that works to provide small businesses with programs, services and resources. The Toronto Public Library, in partnership with the Toronto Business Development Centre and City's Economic Development & Culture Division, is currently running the Business Inc. Series – a nine-week program designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge required to run a successful business. Participants in the program have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs, learn how to prepare a business plan and consult with a business advisor. The next Business Inc. Series will take place in fall 2012.

Workplace quality award for Long-Term Care Homes and Services

The Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors awarded the City's Long-Term Care Homes & Services with the 2012 Innovation and Excellence Workplace Quality Award. The award honours staff engagement in reducing incidents of  musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) at Castleview Wychwood Towers. This award recognizes practical and creative programs and strategies for fostering workplace excellence. Castleview Wychwood Towers was able to reduce MSD claims and lost time by 57 percent between 2009 and 2011. The implemented changes have enhanced safety, promoted a healthy work life and helped to maintain consistency in staffing, which leads to improved resident quality of life.

Sugar Beach wins AZ Award

The City of Toronto's Sugar Beach won in the landscape architecture category of Azure Magazine's 2012 AZ and People's Choice Awards. The urban park was selected by an international jury out of more than 620 entries from 30 countries. The awards are given to designers and architects who have demonstrated exceptional creativity in achieving the best concept and product designs. Sugar Beach was built on a former parking lot on Toronto's waterfront and opened to the public in 2010. It features white Muskoka chairs and signature pink umbrellas that allow visitors to relax and enjoy views of the harbour.

Child and Family Life Centre recognized by 2012 Green Toronto Awards

The City of Toronto, in partnership with Green Living Enterprises, presented the eighth annual Green Toronto Awards at this year's Green Living Show on April 13. The City's environmental awards of excellence recognize those who lead the way to a cleaner, greener Toronto. One of this year's finalists in the Green Design category was the Scarborough Child and Family Life Centre. The Children's Services division was instrumental in helping to secure the funding for the new child care centre located in this innovative new building which, among other features, uses geothermal energy for its heating and cooling needs. Visit the Green Toronto Awards website for a complete list of winners and finalists.

Toronto Public Health honoured as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization

Congratulations to Toronto Public Health for receiving the designation Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario on April 26 for excellence in the implementation of best practice in public health. Carol Timmings, Director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Chief Nursing Officer and BPSO Sponsor, along with BPSO Steering Committee members, were on hand to receive this distinctive award. As a BPSO, Toronto Public Health is committed to the provision of high quality services to meet the health needs of the residents of Toronto.

2012 Toronto Book Awards

This year will mark the 38th anniversary of the Toronto Book Awards. The program was established by Toronto City Council in 1974 to honour authors of books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of Toronto. The five shortlisted authors will be announced in late August. Reading events with the authors will take place leading up to the announcement of the winner at an awards gala on October 11 at the Toronto Reference Library. Past winners include Rabindranath Maharaj, Mark Sinnett, Austin Clarke, Margaret Atwood, Timothy Findley, Joe Fiorito, Camilla Gibb and Michael Ondaatje.

A tasty sampling of summer activities

Summer in Toronto is always a fun and exciting time of year. The City of Toronto offers a wide range of free summer events and activities for everyone to enjoy:

• Sunday Serenades (July 8 – August 19) is a weekly free concert series at Mel Lastman Square featuring live music and dancing under the stars from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Fresh Wednesdays (July 11 – August 29) features free live noon-hour concerts alongside the Farmers' Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at Nathan Phillips Square.
• Tasty Thursdays (July 12 – August 30) features a combination of live music and delicious food hot off the grill at Nathan Phillips Square. Weekly from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a variety of Toronto restaurants will be serving international dishes for $7 or less.
• Summerlicious presented by American Express returns for its 10th year. The two-week prix fixe promotion runs from July 6 to 22 and offers diners menu selections at more than 180 of Toronto’s top restaurants.

Music showcase celebrates 1812 bicentennial

Throughout 2012 and 2013, Toronto's Fort York National Historic Site will be a central location for the City's War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration. One of the featured events, On Common Ground will take place on Saturday, July 14. This exciting multi-genre showcase will feature nationally acclaimed musicians Sarah Harmer, Shad, Rural Alberta Advantage and Alex Cuba. This free, all ages event is from 3 to 11 p.m.

Visitor Services rolls out welcome tent

The City's Visitor Services Team has a new Welcome to Toronto tent for summer 2012. The tent is a highly visible addition to existing visitor information programs, allowing the team to help more people discover things to do and places to explore in Toronto. Residents and visitors can drop by the tent at festivals and events for information, brochures and suggestions on what to do in the city. Other resources for things to do in Toronto include the Festivals & Events Calendar and Tourism Toronto's See Toronto app.

Pools to cool off this Summer

The City of Toronto invites residents of all ages to visit and enjoy the City's splash pads, wading pools and outdoor swimming pools this season. Twelve outdoor pools across the city opened on a part-time basis on June 16. The remaining 46 outdoor pools will open on a part-time basis on Saturday, June 23. All outdoor pools will begin regular hours on Friday, June 29 and will remain open with varying schedules until Sunday, September 2. There are requirements for supervision or swimming ability for children under 10 years of age. Leisure swimming is free for all ages.

Blue Flags fly on eight Toronto beaches

Toronto has eight beaches that have earned Blue Flags, allowing them to join the ranks of the best beaches in the world. The Blue Flag program is a highly respected and internationally recognized eco-label for swimming beaches. It identifies beaches that have maintained high standards in 31 criteria, including water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services. Toronto's Blue Flag beaches are Bluffer’s Park, Kew-Balmy, Woodbine, Cherry, Ward’s Island, Centre Island, Gibraltar Point and Hanlan’s Point.

Picturing Immigrants at City Archives

A new exhibition opens June 22 at the City of Toronto Archives: Picturing Immigrants in the Ward - How photography shaped ideas about Central and Eastern European immigrants in early 20th-century Toronto. Using photographs taken from the press, municipal government reports, social service agency publications and immigrants' personal documents, the exhibition will look at how photography shaped ideas about the assimilation of Central and Eastern European immigrants in the area once known as the Ward. Historically, the Ward is the downtown neighbourhood that included the area around Old City Hall and was bounded by College, Queen, and Yonge streets and University Avenue. This free exhibit continues to May 2013.

Thousands take the Challenge

Thousands of runners and walkers of all ages and backgrounds took part in the 21st annual Toronto Challenge on June 10. The Toronto Challenge, presented by MonsterMortgage.ca, is the premier fundraising event for Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services and more than 50 community agencies that provide services and support to Toronto seniors. Jeremy Cooper was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 16 minutes, 19 seconds in the 5k run. Jennifer Drynan was the first woman to finish the race with a time of 17:51. The first, second and third place 5k run finishers in different age categories, also received medals. The oldest runner, Richard Graves, 79, completed the race with a time of 28:31.