E-Blast: Spring in Don Valley North
- councillorcarroll
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Even on the grey days, spring always feels like a fresh start. The days are getting longer, the air is warming up, and Don Valley North is slowly waking up after a long winter.
Spring is one of my favourite times of year because it means our neighbourhoods are coming alive again. People are out walking their dogs, tidying up their yards, visiting our beautiful parks, and rediscovering the ravines and trails that make this part of the city so special. But it also means we're starting to notice some of the issues that were hidden under the snow.
Every spring, my office sees a spike in calls about everything from snow plow damage to property maintenance standards to missed waste collection. I’d like to take a moment to walk you through a few of the most common concerns we’re hearing right now and share some reminders to help keep our community looking its best.
Let’s start with those torn-up boulevards and lawns.
We’ve already had conversations about the issues with this year’s snow clearing, and now we’re beginning to see the impact. Right across the ward, we’re seeing damage left behind by plows and sidewalk machines.
If your boulevard or lawn was damaged you can report plow damage to 311, either by phone or online. Once your report is submitted, your address goes into a queue for repair. Crews will come by and restore the area, usually with fresh sod. These repairs are covered by the contractor, not the City’s budget.
All this rain means our catch basins are working overtime.
Catch basins, the metal grates at the edge of the road, help prevent flooding. But they don’t work if they’re clogged with leaves, garbage, or lingering ice. When that happens, water can start pooling, which creates hazards for pedestrians, drivers, and can cause flooding. If there’s a catch basin near your home and it looks blocked, I encourage you to clear it if it’s safe to do so. If it’s damaged or fully clogged, 311 can send someone out to take care of it.
We’re also starting to hear from folks about property standards, especially when it comes to lawns and gardens.
As soon as the grass starts growing, the questions come in: how long is too long? If you’ve got a traditional turf lawn, it shouldn’t exceed 20 centimetres. But you’re not limited to turf! The City’s updated bylaw now supports pollinator-friendly gardens, great news for anyone looking to plant native species to support bees and butterflies. Just remember to keep things tidy and avoid growing invasive or noxious plants like ragweed or poison ivy.
If you’re thinking about turning your yard into a pollinator habitat, PollinateTO is hosting a giveaway for 45 plant kits, containing 10 native wildflower plants, an optional native tree or shrub, and a PollinateTO garden sign. Residents are invited to enter the contest by April 30 for a chance to win.
If you spot a property in the neighbourhood that needs a little spring TLC from overgrown grass, litter, debris or general disrepair, you can report it to my office or 311.
For more information on property standards and what is allowed, please visit the City’s Website.
One great way to kickstart your garden is with fresh compost.
My office is hosting four Compost Days this spring, and you’re invited to stop by and pick some up for free. All events start at 10:00 a.m., and if you’ve been before, you know the compost goes fast. Bring a shovel and a few containers, and we’ll help you load up. The compost you’ll be picking up is created through the City’s yard waste program, which diverts approximately 90,000 tonnes of yard waste from landfill each year. That material is turned into nutrient-rich compost—some of which is offered back to the public for free at Community Environment Days like these.
Here’s where we’ll be:
Friday, April 26 – Cliffwood Park, 10:00 AM
Saturday, April 27 – Bestview Park, 10:00 AM
Saturday, May 3 – Clydesdale Park, 10:00 AM
Sunday, May 4 – Bayview Village Park, 10:00 AM
Spring also means it’s time for some serious spring cleaning, which includes putting out waste properly.
Whether it’s yard trimmings, furniture, or just an avalanche of cardboard boxes from winter deliveries, proper set-out keeps our streets clean and helps collection crews stay on schedule. Make sure your bins are out by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. If your collection is missed, call 311 within 24 hours so a crew can return. If you’re seeing repeated problems, reach out to my office and we’ll follow up directly with Solid Waste staff.
Visit the city’s website for detailed information on how to dispose of yard waste and oversized items; how to sort your garbage, recycling and organics and more.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our annual Community Environment Day
📅 Date: Sunday, June 8
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Old Cummer GO Station
This is your one-stop drop-off for household hazardous waste, electronics, donations, and more free compost. Bring your expired paint, broken gadgets, or gently-used items — and let’s keep reusable materials out of landfill while building a greener city together.
And finally, a quick note on parking.
As more people get out walking and biking, we see a seasonal uptick in parking complaints. On most residential streets, a three-hour parking limit applies even if there are no signs. Remember not to park in front of driveways, fire hydrants, or bus stops, and never park facing the wrong way. These violations fall under Toronto Police Parking Enforcement and you can report parking issues online, or by calling their non-emergency number at 416-808-2222.
vehicle is parked off-street, on a lawn or the paved part of a boulevard, for example, that becomes a bylaw matter. Those reports go to 311. A reminder that enforcement takes time, starting with warnings but if the problem persists, let us know and we’ll help ensure it gets addressed.
I really do rely on all of you as my eyes and ears out in the community. Whether it’s a pothole, an abandoned vehicle, or a property that needs some care, your calls and emails help us act more quickly and effectively. You’re always welcome to reach out — my team and I are here to help, and we’re happy to follow up when things get stuck.
Let’s shake off those winter blues and welcome the new season together. I hope to see you out and about — in our parks, on our trails, and at our upcoming community events. We’ve got a beautiful season ahead in Don Valley North, and I’m excited to enjoy it with all of you.
Hope to see you there!