School Board Boundary Changes:
I have received correspondence from many residents over the last week regarding the proposed OCDSB elementary school boundary changes. I recognize the concerns residents have raised about the proposed changes, particularly the increased school transitions that could disrupt students and families. When I was a school board trustee, minimizing transitions was a priority, and it’s concerning to see proposals that seem to undo that progress. Families were previously consulted with the understanding that fewer transitions benefit students, so it’s fair to question why the board is now moving in a different direction.
The OCDSB is solely responsible for school boundary decisions—the City and the Councillor have no authority over these changes. I understand these changes can affect community members which is why I encourage residents to share their concerns directly with the board to ensure their voices are heard.
From a City perspective, I continue to advocate for 15-minute neighbourhoods where walkability and access to local schools are priorities. The City is investing in safer routes to schools, including wider sidewalks and cycle lanes on Richmond Road (set for completion in 2025) and local traffic calming measures.
I understand the complexities involved in these decisions, particularly the challenge of ensuring equity for all students while balancing program availability. The reduction of program streaming has left some schools without either French Immersion or an English stream, which is a concern for many.
I have reached out to our local trustee, Suzanne Nash, who is actively listening to residents and incorporating their feedback into the decision-making process. I strongly encourage residents to share their perspectives directly with the OCDSB through their consultation process. These are difficult decisions, and I trust that Trustee Suzanne Nash is carefully considering all input.
I strongly encourage residents to participate in the OCDSB consultation process: Elementary Program Review | Engage OCDSB. OCDSB Trustee Suzanne Nash: suzanne.nash@ocdsb.ca
Finance and Corporate Services Committee (FinCo):
This week at the Finance and Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Dudas brought forward a motion regarding the City’s presence on social media. Important questions were raised about X (formerly Twitter), its leadership, and its influence on public discourse. I am disappointed the motion did not pass, but I was not a member of the committee and was unable to vote in favour of the motion.
Social media is a powerful tool, and I understand and share concerns about X’s role in spreading misinformation and hateful content. Other institutions, including the Supreme Court of Canada, have already moved away from the platform.
While the City is not formally withdrawing from X, it is shifting engagement toward platforms like Bluesky, which better reflect our values of transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity. As social media continues to evolve, we must remain adaptable in how we communicate with residents.
Bylaw Election:
This week Council held a special meeting to declare the Ward 20 (Osgoode) City Councillor seat vacant, as required under Section 262 of the Municipal Act, 2001, in anticipation of Councillor George Darouze’s resignation or automatic vacancy following his election to Provincial Parliament.
Council also directed the City Clerk’s Office to present a report on a by-election model for Ward 20 at the March 26 meeting. Additionally, interim authority for Ward 20 matters will be delegated to Councillors Catherine Kitts and David Brown, along with relevant City staff, once the seat is officially vacant.
Please note the next newsletter will be on Friday, March 21, 2025.
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