Candidate Report Card

Candidates were recently given a survey on some of the important issues in our neighbourhood. Below you will find the questions that were asked and the responses by each candidate that participated. Take the time to read each response and then 'grade' the candidates answer on a scale of 1 - 5. On the final page of this survey you will see a tally “Report Card”, scoring the candidates based on your grades.

Responses are for your personal use and are not being collected or saved. Once you exit the form your results are cleared.

Question 1 

How will you support the 3-part plan by the DGNA that restricts left turns onto Elfreda Blvd. from the 3431 St. Clair Ave. condo with a bump out by the condo driveway, a “No Left Turn” sign at the condo driveway and a traffic light at Elfreda Blvd. and St. Clair Ave. East??

Suman Roy Q1 Response

I have already committed to implement all three parts of the Danforth Gardens Neighbourhood Association S.O.S.(Save Our Streets) plan. The plan will restrict the 257 cars from the 3431 St. Clair Ave. development (Beer Store development) turning up Elfreda Blvd. and infiltrating the neighbourhood. I commit to implementing a traffic-calming bump out and insuring it is included in the final site plan, passing a motion to install a No Left Turn sign at the development driveway entrance, and working with my fellow councillors at Scaroborough Community Council and City Council to get the traffic light at Elfreda and St. Clair approved. My office will advocate to ensure that this 3-part plan is implemented. Please see my recent social media post where I commit to this plan on video

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lrofmjsqxt3re128rqrta/Danforth-Gardens.mp4?rlkey=4oskydbr4apxsevc574xk83gi&dl=0

Jessica Hines Q1 Response

First and foremost, I'd like to extend my appreciation for the diligent efforts of DGNA in their pursuit for enhanced road safety. The well-structured three-part plan is a proactive, risk-mitigating strategy. My commitment to improving street safety in our neighborhood is unwavering, and I am dedicated to actively listening to our community's needs while forging close collaborations with all members.

I wholeheartedly commit to supporting all three of the community's requests, including the installation of speed bumps, a "no left turn" sign, and the addition of a traffic light. I will also work closely with developers to ensure their cooperation with these implementations.

Furthermore, I will commission an updated traffic safety report and tirelessly pursue the necessary support from the city. This entails enacting essential by-laws and securing adequate funding to ensure the successful execution of the safety report.

Kevin Rupasinghe Q1 Response

As someone who helped develop the traffic mitigation plan, including by collecting examples of similar treatments elsewhere in Toronto and Scarborough, I am fully committed to the 3-part plan, including additional enhancements to minimize the impact along the corridor, e.g. synchronizing traffic lights along St Clair. I would like to hold a community input meeting on any proposed changes.

For ALL developments in our ward, I will work to introduce similar plans in collaboration with the local community to minimize the traffic impact on our community.

Parthi Kandavel Q1 Response

During the last 15 years, planning practices have moved vehicle access and egress for multi unit dwellings from main avenues to adjacent residential streets. The impact to our neighbourhoods can be significant.

Driveway configuration and turn restrictions are strategies which need to be integral to the plans from day 1, and not get Community Council approval until the community has fully vetted the plan. Traffic lights - which would only be triggered by a call button for pedestrians or a waiting vehicle, are needed and would have my full support.

To be clear, unless the development at 3431 St. Clair Ave. restricts left turns onto Eflreda Blvd from the condo with a bump out by the driveway of the condo, and a "No Left Turn" sign at the driveway, I will not support it's passage at Community Council.

Question 2 

How will you support traffic safety initiatives at pick-up and drop-off at Danforth Gardens Public School?

Suman Roy Q2 Response

I recently visited Danforth Gardens Public School to see the traffic and safety issues firsthand. I commit to making school pick up and drop off safer for students and the area less congested for neighbours. I will encourage and support enforcement blitzes in the area by By-law Enforcement Officers and Police. I will follow up on the application for a crossing guard at Newlands and Santamonica and do everything I can as a councillor to ensure its approval. I will strongly advocate for the Danforth Gardens application to the Neighbourhood Streets Plan Project and will advocate at City Hall to get this approved for your community. I will work with the school community and administration to create a Safety and Education Plan for the school and its families

Jessica Hines Q2 Response

To enhance traffic safety during pick-up and drop-off times at Danforth Gardens Public School, I will swiftly implement the neighborhood street plan. Actively engaging this plan will ensure that city staff remain accountable to deliver the traffic safety measures required for Danforth Gardens Public School.

Furthermore, following your prior meeting with the former city councilor, regarding impending speed reductions on local roads in Scarborough, I will work diligently to provide clarity on the specifics of this initiative. Timely execution of proposed plans, such as securing a cross guard, is a top priority.

I am dedicated to keeping residents informed about these developments through regular communication and active participation in community meetings, while collaborating closely with the school and it’s trustee.

Kevin Rupasinghe Q2 Response

Making streets safer for everyone has been a focus of my many years of community advocacy. I will work with all school councils, parents, and school administrators to develop and implement a Safe School Travel Plan for each school in our ward, including Danforth Gardens Public School.

Safe School Travel Plans would be developed from several tools in the toolkit, and as a community we will determine for each school what is the right combination given the specific local context:
-Dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas
-Automated speed enforcement cameras
-Crossing guards at nearby intersections
-New traffic lights or crosswalks
-Priority snow clearing along sidewalks
-Physically separated cycling routes
-Raised crosswalks
-Chicanes
-Planters and curb extensions to minimize crossing distances
-Street safety education program with parents and students

You can learn more about my long history of advocacy on making streets safer here: www.kevrup.ca/safestreets

Parthi Kandavel Q2 Response

As the former 8 year TDSB School Trustee and growing up in the area I’m keenly aware of the traffic safety challenges at Danforth Gardens. I would champion a one-way section of Santamonica Blvd from the east point of Huddleston Court to Newlands Ave during peak times of pick-up and drop-off. This is doable, would have little impact to the surrounding residents, and a positive impact for student safety. I would also ask 41 Division to increase patrols around peak times to ensure there is enforcement.

And finally, as the father to a young daughter, I know that a good traffic management strategy around schools is an issue we all need to concern ourselves with. I will not back down from the challenge of this priority for Danforth Gardens.

Question 3 

What will you do to get more retail space and a better streetscape for the Sun Valley development at 468 Danforth Ave.?

Suman Roy Q3 Response

I have already advocated for more retail and a better streetscape for the Sun Valley development. I have created social media posts and done media interviews in print and on T.V., to bring community awareness. I have contacted city hall, spoken with the current developer, worked with the former councillor’s office and met with the Scarborough Junction Community and Danforth Gardens Neighbourhood Association to get the changes to the proposed plan the community needs. I also met with the owners of Birchmount Plaza and TasteCo to get the grocery store in the plaza open again after it closed one week after Sun Valley closed. We need a community where people can walk to access services like grocery stores, banks, medical services, community centres and schools. I will advocate to city planners and the developer to negotiate the best possible plan for our community.

Jessica Hines Q3 Response

As we witness the transformation of 468 Danforth, I'm excited about the changes our neighborhood will undergo. Close collaboration with Altree’s development team is not just important; it's essential. To my knowledge, the status of the proposal is still under review- which gives our community time to advocate to optimize the building's layout. If permitted, there can be an addition of extra floors, dedicated to retail which can significantly expand the available gross floor area.
The streetscape design solutions is said to offer pedestrian realm step-backs, as well as accommodation for cyclists, transit, and private and commercial vehicles. I plan to work along side the BIA to ensure that this new development takes advantage of the city’s street improvement program to retain the attractiveness of our streets.

Kevin Rupasinghe Q3 Response

My background in Cities Engineering gives me an understanding of how to build sustainable, liveable cities by having welcoming streetscapes and key amenities within a short distance from residents.

As City Councillor, I will work tirelessly with the community and developers of the former Sun Valley grocery to improve the proposal:
-Host community meetings to solicit input from residents on any additional needed amenities
-Meet with developers and City Planning staff to ensure development alterations that address community priorities
-Bring forward Council motion to direct City’s Chief Planner to address grocery concern
-Leverage City relationships with national grocery chains or local grocers to facilitate an anchor tenant if needed
-Reject development applications if appropriate grocery accommodations are not made

I will also work to update Planning Guidelines to mandate or incentivize strong mixed-use communities that include services and amenities, such as grocery stores, in ALL future developments.

Parthi Kandavel Q3 Response

I’ve shopped at Sun Valley my entire life. As a child, I remember my father dropping my brother and I at Albert Campbell Library, while he grabbed groceries for our family. The Sun Valley was such an iconic and important community institution.

The disastrous decision to rezone to a condo is devastating for the community. We need more grocery options not less. This is where a councillor has influence.

I will work very closely with the Danforth Gardens Neigbhourhood Association, planning staff and the developer to ensure our concerns are not just heard, but actually reflected in the desire for significant retail and beautiful streetscape investments.

I have a proven track record of getting what is right and fair for our community as Trustee. I will fight for our community to have a grocery store included in this development.

Question 4 

Despite being proposed over 50 years ago, numerous city staff reports, failed councillor initiatives and inclusion in the Warden Woods Secondary plan, the West Scarborough Rail Trail is no closer to completion. What will you do to make sure the proposed West Scarborough Rail Trail is approved and created?

Suman Roy Q4 Response

I will work with other Scarborough Councillors to create a unanimous front and together we will push the City to make the West Scarborough Rail Trail a reality. The time for studies is over and the time for implementation is now! The 50,000 people moving into our ward over the next several years will need a place to recreate and corridors to connect neighbourhoods and natural spaces. I fully commit to establishing the West Scarborough Rail Trail and finding the municipal, provincial, federal and private funding to get it done. Together we find a way!

Jessica Hines Q4 Response

My approach involves a collaborative strategy that combines community-centered practices and engagement at City Hall. This entails close cooperation with the city budget committee to explore funding options, securing the necessary financial resources for the project. For instance, exploring public and private partnerships to fund and execute this project.
I understand transparency and ongoing communication with the community and stakeholders are pivotal. Keeping everyone informed about the project's progress, potential challenges, and benefits is vital for building broad support and managing expectations.
In line with the WWS Plan’s aim to shape the area into an integrated and transit-friendly community that fosters safety and identity, my objective is to elevate this project from a neighborhood initiative to a citywide mandate. Drawing inspiration from Waterfront Toronto, which transformed under-utilized waterfront lands, we can apply a similar accomplishments to Scarborough Southwest.

Kevin Rupasinghe Q4 Response

I have been a very vocal proponent of the West Scarborough Rail Path (WSRP) who helped create maps, photos, website, petition, and videos about the proposal, has led and participated in community walks, shared public presentations, and featured it as a key City Council campaign platform promise.

I will:
-Create working group with the City of Toronto, TRCA, TTC, Hydro One, Meadoway Foundation, and local residents to develop an implementation plan
-Host public community meetings to strengthen the awareness of the WSRP
-Add the WSRP to the 2025-2027 Cycling Network Plan & the City’s Ravine Strategy
-Secure funding from the Federal National Active Transportation & Green Infrastructure Funds or launch a private fundraising campaign as done for Scarborough’s Meadoway

Help make this a reality - add your name to the petition! www.wsrp.ca

Parthi Kandavel Q4 Response

Scarborough does not get the same attention for resources that other parts of the city receive - period. As Trustee I brought resources, such as multiple French Immersion programs and school additions to Scarborough Southwest when previous Trustees couldn’t.

My colleagues on the TDSB entrusted me with being the Chair of the Budget for the last 3 years. I know my way around a multi-billion dollar budget and I’ll use the same determination and dedication to make the West Scarborough Rail Trail a priority, with earmarked funding before the end of this term, as well as an ongoing commitment to maintenance.

Getting our residents outdoors is good public health policy. As Councillor I will ensure this lens is placed on our budget decisions. We are blessed to have such beautiful natural surroundings here - it's about time our tax dollars worked for us and our communities.

Question 5 

What will you do to repair the bridge in St. Clair Ravine Park?

Suman Roy Q5 Response

I have already reached out to Parks and Rec at the City of Toronto. I understand how important this bridge is to connect neighbourhoods and encourage use of our ravines. My office will ensure that by Spring of 2024 the bridge will be repaired. I will engage the community in the design process for this bridge, so it meets the needs of all users.

Jessica Hines Q5 Response

As a City Councilor, I'd champion the repair of the St. Clair Ravine Park bridge. I'd emphasize its social and environmental significance, to city council. To minimize costs, I'd engage local contractors through localized social procurement methods and streamline city council processes.

Kevin Rupasinghe Q5 Response

-Meet with the City of Toronto’s General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation (PFR) and CEO of Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to request an update and implementation plan

-Initiate a Councillor’s administrative inquiry with PFR to understand why repairs are delayed, and communicate results to community along with action plan to address any obstacles to rapid completion of the project

-Leverage the existing City’s Ravine Strategy which has an emphasis on ‘Connecting’ people with nature and natural areas with each other. In Scarborough Southwest this can be done by:
---> Reinstalling this bridge
---> Adding a safe crossing at Elfreda and St Clair to connect the ravine to areas south
---> Replace stairs with accessible pathways
---> Amend the strategy to include the Taylor-Massey Creek ravines as as a priority area
---> Work with TRCA to take stronger erosion control measures around Taylor-Massey Creek

Parthi Kandavel Q5 Response

As well as addressing the alarming sewage problem in the ravine, structural repairs need to be earmarked as a priority. The City cannot afford a less than robust state of good repair in our parks. Liability costs the City and taxpayers countless dollars every year.

I will ensure the funds to repair the bridge in the St. Clair Ravine Park are found within my first year in office. This fiasco wouldn't continue if it was in High Park or the Beach - it shouldn't happen here as well!

While the City tends to invest in park projects which are highly visible, councillors have the ability to guide investment in important less visible gems like the St Clair Ravine. My family uses these trails and I appreciate the value healthy ravines bring to the city.

These are your Report Card Results for each candidate out of 25. You can click “Back” to review the responses and your score. When you exit the form your results will be cleared.