Fragedakis sets record straight on missed council votes
The record shows the East York councillor missed just one full day of city council sessions in 2017.
Ward 29
East Yorkers remember personal gifts in Ford’s legacy
Grace Guarnieri never really knew Rob Ford, but she says he still left a lasting impression on her. In a phone conversation, some time ago, the owner of Second Elegance on Pape Avenue mentioned to the then mayor that her father was ill. Subsequently, Ford phoned back to ask if there was anything he could do.
“That’s epic. Who remembers that?” Guarnieri said. “I mean, just that act was consolation enough,” she said. “It was just him doing what he loved to do.”
East York will consider lower speeds on local streets
Toronto and East York Community Council has decided to consider lowering speed limits on local roads. The 12-member council voted unanimously to hold a meeting to discuss the issue on June 22. Council reached the decision at its April 14 meeting.
Jack Aldred: A life of service
The intersection of Carlaw and Mortimer avenues is safer because Jack Aldred cared enough about people to fight for a crosswalk. Aldred, 91, died at his apartment complex on Tuesday following a heart attack. Mary Fragedakis, councillor for Ward 29, (Toronto-Danforth) recognized Aldred’s community service. “He is a great example of civic engagement,” she said. “He gave us all a sense of the problem at the intersection and how it impacts the kids.”
Arborist wants citizens to improve East York tree canopy
A Toronto arborist believes the tree canopy in Ward 29 needs attention. In 2009, the city used remote sensing equipment to examine the condition of Toronto’s tree population. The resulting report, called “Every Tree Counts: A Portrait of Toronto’s Urban Forest” (updated in 2013), said Toronto is home to some 10.2 million trees. It also said the city needs to “increase and maintain a sustainable urban forest.” Forestry expert Steve Smith sees evidence of the problem in the Toronto-Danforth ward. “We’re in a part of this city that doesn’t have many trees,” he said. “We need to keep as many of them as we can.”
Andre’s high-profile campaign laid low
Andre described his experience as “challenging.” In an interview with the East York Observer, he said “my desire and my passion to serve the community does not end here. I will continue to find ways to contribute.”
Toronto Votes 2014: 8:15 p.m. update from Observer Radio News
The polls are now closed. Live at 8:15 p.m. from the Observer Radio News studio in East York, Observer Radio News has the latest on the 2014 municipal election.
Fragedakis rolls over rivals
Fragedakis was first elected in 2010. Tonight, she had a clear majority with a total of 59 per cent of the votes. Her closest competition in the race for councillor was Dave Andre, who garnered less than half that.
Papadakis comeback bid fizzles amid tide for Fragedakis
Incumbent Toronto-Danforth councillor Mary Fragedakis left two rivals with especially high hopes in the dust tonight as she gathered more than 60 per cent of the vote in a six-candidate field. Community activist Dave Andre had run a high-profile campaign, and former East York councillor John Papadakis had hoped for a comeback after serving one term on what was then borough council 20 years ago. Andre came in a poor second, with 25 per cent of the vote. Papadakis came in third, with just under 10 per cent.
Rob Ford endorses John Papadakis for councillor
Rob Ford made a surprise visit in East York on Sunday to show support for John Papadakis. Ford spent time canvassing with Papadakis who is running against current Ward 29 councillor Mary Fragedakis. “I appreciate…