The Trump tariffs are now in full effect, and while much of the conversation has understandably centered on their wider economic impacts, I want to shift the focus and talk about the important work we’re doing right here in Toronto—particularly when it comes to traffic, congestion, and road safety and why it’s also a crucial part of our broader economic strategy. This isn’t just about improving your daily commute; by tackling gridlock, enhancing road safety, and ensuring we have a reliable transportation network, we’re not only supporting residents, but also helping local businesses thrive. In the face of these tariffs, our work on the ground remains a vital piece of Toronto’s overall resilience.
Let’s start with Vision Zero, as it has the most direct local impact. Last week, my team and I met with Transportation staff for an update on the Vision Zero plans for Don Valley North and the next steps to make our streets safer. Since 2017, the City has had a dedicated Vision Zero team focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities on our roads, using internationally recognized traffic design principles which emphasize that no loss of life on our roads is acceptable. The data in Toronto was clear—while overall collisions were decreasing, fatalities, especially among pedestrians, were rising. That’s why City Council committed to Vision Zero, and why this work remains a priority today.
Vision Zero policies recommend a range of interventions to make our streets safer, including reducing speed limits, creating school safety zones, and making physical changes to roads and intersections to deter unsafe driving.
Some changes were implemented citywide right away, such as lowering all 60 km/h roads to 50 km/h. In Don Valley North, this transition has been relatively smooth since we’re never far from a high-speed highway. School safety zones, which include lower speed limits and additional safety measures, have been rolled out based on collision data. Most of our local schools already have these zones in place, with the few remaining ones set to be completed later this year.
Physical road and intersection changes are prioritized using collision data and aligned with scheduled roadwork. When a road is due for resurfacing, the Vision Zero team steps in to assess intersections and high-risk areas, recommending upgrades to improve pedestrian safety, as seen in the recent Steeles Avenue reconstruction. More intersection improvements are planned as part of the Sheppard Avenue Complete Street project. Other safety projects, including in-road flexible speed signs, more automated speed enforcement cameras, and new traffic signal installations, are lined up in Don Valley North for this summer and next, ensuring that safety improvements happen where they’re needed most.
The biggest change coming with Vision Zero is the reduction of speed limits on all local neighborhood streets to 30 km/h. In the old City of Toronto, this shift took place back in 2017 and 2018. However, here in Don Valley North—and Don Valley West—we’ll be the last wards to see this change because, believe it or not, we’ve had some of the lowest collision rates. Our speed limit reductions will begin closer to the end of 2025.
You’ll know speed limits are changing when you start seeing new signs at specific neighborhood intersections, marked “30 km/h area begins.” Once fully implemented, 30 km/h will be the default speed limit on all local residential streets.
If you drive a newer car, there’s another helpful way to keep track—many vehicles now display the speed limit right on the dashboard or touchscreen. This feature is becoming more common, so it’s a great tool to help you adjust to the changes.
In addition to the Vision Zero update, at Tuesday’s Police Services Board meeting, we received new information on the agreement between the Police and City staff to assign constables to the downtown Traffic Agent Program. If you’re a daily commuter to downtown, you may have already noticed our new Traffic Agents program. Launched as a pilot project by Mayor Tory in the summer of 2019, the program deploys trained special constables at high-traffic intersections. These uniformed agents actively manage the movement of people driving, biking, and walking through key Toronto intersections, reducing delays and improving safety.
Right now, most of the traffic agents are stationed downtown along the Lakeshore, where many commuters are trying to access the Gardiner Expressway or find other quick routes out of the core. If you’ve tried to drive through there recently, you know how challenging it can be. First, there’s extensive repair work along the Gardiner and some urgent fixes on Lakeshore Blvd. Much of this work was delayed during the pandemic, but it all needs to be completed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Second, the growing population south of Lakeshore Blvd means that pedestrians are playing a major role in the traffic flow at key intersections leading onto the highway. The traffic agents are there to actively manage traffic flow by enforcing traffic signals, clearing blocked intersections to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
This year, the Traffic Agents program is expanding with additional funding, and I’ve moved a motion to have some of the key congestion spots in the suburbs reviewed for potential traffic agent deployment. I’ll keep you updated as we identify new locations where this program can help ease local traffic bottlenecks.
So, how do the tariffs tie into this? As I mentioned earlier, tackling congestion is an economic priority for us. That’s why it was a key topic at the Mayor’s first Action Team meeting on the tariff response. At that meeting, business leaders asked whether we’re still committed to the actions outlined in the Economic Action plan I launched last fall, Sidewalks to Skylines. This ten-year plan focuses on building Toronto’s economy, even as we recover from recent economic challenges. The answer to the Action Team’s question is absolutely yes—we’re moving forward on it.
Sidewalks to Skylines starts with a set of actions we call “Getting The Basics Right”. We cannot attract, expand, and retain businesses—and help them thrive internationally—if we can’t ensure their employees can travel safely and efficiently around the city. Today, moving goods is only part of the equation. Employers also need to attract and retain the best talent. Congestion and housing are central to that economic plan, and tariffs won’t change that.
As we move forward, our focus on tackling congestion and improving road safety remains steadfast. We're committed not only to keeping Toronto’s streets safe and efficient but also to ensuring our city's resilience amidst economic pressures. With support from our partners at the provincial and federal levels, we’ll keep pushing ahead on key infrastructure priorities that drive growth, mobility, and a strong economy. We’re prepared for the challenges ahead, and we’ll continue working relentlessly to build a safer, more connected Toronto for everyone.
A quick note to say that there will be no E-Blast next week over march break. However, if we get any updates on the potential strike action, we will keep you informed.
Toronto Won’t Back Down in the Face of U.S. Tariffs
Let’s be clear—this is not where we wanted to be. The U.S. decision to slap a 25% tariff on Canadian goods is a blow to our workers, our businesses, and our economy. But Toronto won’t sit on the sidelines while our city takes the hit.
Last week I joined Mayor Chow at the inaugural meeting of the Toronto Action Team, bringing together business experts, labour leaders, industry professionals and government officials. Together we are doing everything we can to protect jobs and stabilize our economy. That means strengthening our local supply chains, reviewing procurement policies to support Toronto businesses, and pulling together our largest employers and labour leaders to respond strategically.
We’re also making our case directly with U.S. trade officials and businesses operating here in Toronto because stability in cross-border trade is in everyone’s best interest. And at home, we’re doubling down on a “Buy Canadian” push to make sure Toronto businesses and workers have the support they need. We are working closely with our Federal and Provincial governments to put up a united, Team Canada approach.
This is a tough moment, but Canadians don’t back down from a challenge. We stick together, we stand up for our workers, and we get through it—just like we always have. Now’s the time to support local and keep our economy strong.
If you're a business owner, we need to hear from you. The City of Toronto is gathering input to understand how these tariffs are affecting local businesses. Your responses to this five-minute survey will help shape our advocacy and inform business support programs.
For more information on how the City of Toronto is responding to the tariffs, ways you can support Team Canada or get resources to help your business, visit the City’s website.
CUPE Local 79 Bargaining & Potential Labour Disruption
Toronto’s frontline workers keep this city running, and we value the hard work they do every day. That’s why the City has been at the bargaining table with CUPE Local 79 since December, working in good faith to reach a fair and responsible agreement—one that respects our workers while ensuring residents continue to receive the services they rely on.
We remain committed to getting a deal done, but as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, Local 79 will be in a legal strike position, and the City will be in a legal lockout position. We are doing everything we can to reach an agreement before that deadline.
If a labour disruption occurs, essential services—Toronto Police, Fire, Paramedics, and crisis response—will continue. TTC, shelters, and snow clearing will also remain operational. However, City-run child care centres, recreation programs, and March Break camps will close, with refunds provided where applicable.
Our priority is to avoid disruption, and negotiations are ongoing. I encourage residents to stay informed through the City’s official updates as we work towards an agreement that keeps Toronto moving. You can learn more about Potential Service Impacts here, and get updates on the bargaining process here.
Encouraging News from the Police Services Board
This week at the Police Services Board, we received some encouraging news about the state of community safety. Crime indicators for 2025 are showing a positive trend, with decreases across several major categories, including robberies, auto thefts, break-ins, shootings, intimate partner violence, and hate crimes. While we celebrate these reductions, we remain vigilant, particularly with regard to auto thefts, as carjackings have been on the rise.
In addition to crime trends, we discussed improvements in call response times. Through strategic deployment of new recruits and effective management of resources, we’ve made significant strides in reducing response times. At the beginning of 2024, Priority 1 average response time was 19.6 minutes. This year, we've cut that down to 12.6 minutes, representing a remarkable 35% improvement.
Though it's still early in the year, and weather and other factors can influence these numbers, we’re committed to sustaining these positive trends. I want to express my gratitude to the Mayor and the Board for approving the 2025 Budget, which allows us to continue hiring new officers and support our multi-year hiring plan. This plan will be pivotal in maintaining our progress and enhancing public safety.
Lastly, a heartfelt thanks goes to our frontline officers, whose dedication and hard work make a real difference in the community every day. We are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.