The Mayor's Note: July 9, 2025
I've moved my newsletter to Substack!
Someone told me this summer feels different. In a good way, “like before the pandemic.”
Not everyone feels this sense of optimism and I understand why, the cost of living is hard. But that’s why I’m committed to making summer in Toronto something everyone can look forward to.
I have my own favourite winter activities, but there’s nothing like a Toronto summer. More festivals than I can count, sunset picnics at Riverdale Park, live music in Rexdale, a hike in the Rouge. And patios, patios everywhere!
When I’m not at my desk, I’ll be out in the city with you. Not just at festivals, but at community meetings and on the TTC, so I can hear directly from you and chart our path — so we can build a strong and caring city, together.
Yours,
Mayor Olivia Chow
Mayor Chow’s Summer Bucket List
Opening pools for longer hours on more days of the year so you can cool off and afford activities in the city.
Getting you moving faster with more traffic agents, blitzing illegal stopping in active lanes, and managing construction so it gets completed sooner.
Repairing our parks and investing in amenities like washrooms to make our green spaces safe and accessible for you to enjoy.
Delivering water bottles and water stations, and coordinating wellness checks with Red Cross volunteers to keep the most vulnerable people hydrated during extreme heat
Providing 500 Air Conditioning units to low-income seniors.
Feeding 56,000 kids nutritious food during their CampTO programs, saving parents money and time.
Expanding the Toronto Community Crisis Service workers to the TTC to proactively support those in need, and making your commutes the best experience possible.
ICYMI: My City Council recap
I am starting a video series where I recap City Council. Posted the day after every session, I’ll share highlights from all the work we were able to get done. Watch it here or find it on Instagram or Facebook.
Why are new recruits becoming Paramedics?
In this past council cycle we made our new paramedic staffing plan a reality. Over 100 new hires this year, and over 300 new hires by 2028. We spoke to new recruits to find out why they took up the call.
“I wanted to be a person others could turn to for help.”
“The reason I chose to become a paramedic is because when I was growing up I was often the person calling for help. Whether it was for a family member, a friend, or as a bystander for someone on the street, when I was the person making those calls, I felt helpless. So I wanted to be a person others could turn to for help.” - Ebrahim, new Toronto Paramedic graduate
“I truly believe in helping people. Paramedicine allows me to connect 1-1 with people - they deserve that connection and care.” - Brooke, new Toronto Paramedic graduate
“The emergency life chose me. A family member has complicated medical history so growing up I was there to help them and care for them. There’s always been a piece of me that enjoyed helping others. and being someone for others to lean on.” - Andrew, new Toronto Paramedic graduate
Who should you call for help?
9-1-1 for emergencies only
An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from a police officer, a firefighter, or a paramedic.
2-1-1 for mental health support
Helps people connect to the complete range of government and community-based health and social services available in their communities.
8-1-1 for minor health concerns
For minor medical issues such as cough, cold and flu symptoms, or other non-urgent health care information, referrals or to get advice from a registered nurse.
3-1-1 for city services and programs
Such as noise and property complaints, animal complaints, waste collection, road, sewer maintenance and tree requests.
Non-emergency police
The public can file many police-related reports online, such as damage to property under $5000, driving complaints and parking complaints.
Tell us what you think
The City’s parks play such an important role in our social lives, space to meditate in nature, and maintaining our green environment. I often use the waterfront parks for getting out in my kayak — tell me in the comments, which park is your favourite?
Beginning in Fall 2024, thousands of community members have citywide provided feedback to help inform the updates to the Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan. This summer you can review and share your feedback on the proposed updates to these plans and let the City know if you think this work is on the right track.
Visit the project webpage to learn more and sign up for updates to be notified once the following engagement opportunities are available:
Parkland Strategy Virtual Public Meeting: Tuesday, July 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan Virtual Public Meeting: Wednesday, July 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Online Survey: July 22 to September 14, 2025
Thank you for doing this Mayor Chow. I will be sure to watch your videos and the progress you are making with your team at City Hall. Continue to focus on the basics- keeping the city clean and running efficiently yet effectively. Thank you.
Superb! Enjoying the energy you bring to the task! Go Olivia!