Etobicoke—Lakeshore Report October 2025
The Legislature Returns For The Fall Session
Newsletter Issue No 3 October 2025
Dear Constituents,
It continues to be an honour to serve as your MPP in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. It has been a busy week debating new legislation since returning to the Legislature October 20th.
Through the summer, I had many opportunities to connect with constituents, attend events and learn more about our incredible community. I’ve also weighed in publicly on the state of our health care system, especially our hospitals.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading about our community visits in this newsletter.
I also want to highlight news on development of the Park Lawn GO Station. Neighbours at Humber Bay Shores have repeatedly told me about the urgent need to resolve the transit and congestion problem. We had an important development this week: Metrolinx stated that due to a change in development plans, the Park Lawn Go has been delayed indefinitely. Their statement, which you can read below in full in our Riding News section, has left many residents frustrated, and my office will continue to follow up on this critical infrastructure need as well as the accessibility improvements at Mimico Go.
Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating this week! I also wish the many small businesses in our community a Happy Small Business week.
We welcome your ideas and support for our team and look forward to hearing from you at any time.
You can keep up with Etobicoke—Lakeshore news and my work at Queen’s Park by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
All the best,
Lee
We were eager to return to Queen’s Park after a lengthy break. The last sitting was June 5, as chosen by the Ford government. Thank you to constituents who contacted us in the summer with comments on upcoming bills. Your suggestions will be helpful in future debates.
The Skills Development Fund is an Ontario Government initiative that provides financial support to businesses to address hiring, training and retaining workers. On October 1 of this year, the people of Ontario were informed by the Auditor General that the Skills Development Fund’s selection process was “not fair, transparent or accountable.” I asked why high-ranked applicants were overlooked while $742 million went to low-ranked applicants without clear justification - and who also had evidence of direct links to members of the Ford government. Now that the house is back, I will question the government on how taxpayer dollars are being distributed and push for transparency in funding decisions concerning the Skills Development Fund.
At the same time, I have been voicing my concern about the growing financial pressures facing Ontario’s hospitals. With a projected $1-billion deficit this year, I held a press conference to highlight the risk of hospitals being underfunded and blamed for a crisis not of their making, mirroring the government’s recent takeover of several Ontario school boards. I will keep advocating to protect our publicly funded healthcare system and ensure Ontarians have access to the care they need.
This week, I am co-sponsoring Private Member’s Bill 28, The Homelessness Ends with Housing Act, with Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy. The bill commits Ontario to ending homelessness within ten years through a clear and data-driven strategy, recognizing that stable housing is not just socially beneficial for those experiencing homelessness, but economically, too. Hard challenges require co-operation across party lines, and I hope that all parties will support this important work. You can listen to my full debate here.
Concurrently, I sent a letter to the Minister of Education about the recent decision of the Ministry of Education to take control of the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Our educators have been doing more with less for too long. I will continue to hold the Ministry of Education to account on the quality of public education.
Beyond work in the Legislature, I continue to meet with advocacy groups focussed on health care, mental health, addictions and homelessness. We have a lot of work to do this fall to ensure the many issues you care about get the attention they need.
2025 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo
In September, the Ontario Liberal Caucus participated in the International Plowing Match in Niagara Region. Our MPP’s spent a great day celebrating Ontario’s rural communities, farmers, and the agricultural sector.
Community Events at Queen’s Park
Franco-Ontarian Day
September 25th was Franco-Ontarian Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Franco-Ontario Flag. Lee attended a flag raising at Queen’s Park and then visited Second Street Junior Middle School, delivering her remarks in French. Students waved their handmade flags and those provided by the Lee’s office to celebrate the occasion.
Ontario Architects Association Queen’s Park Pick
Congratulations to “The Belle” at Mabelle Park for its selection by the Ontario Architects Association (OAA) as a Queen’s Park Pick on the theme of Reshaping Communities - buildings that have an impact on their communities and highlight sustainability and resilient design. As MPP, Lee nominated “The Belle”, home to Mabelle Arts. It was one of nine featured buildings from across Ontario selected from 55 submissions by Ontario MPPs.
Photo Credit: Younes Bounha.
Covering the four corners of the riding and everywhere in between, Lee has been meeting with consitutents, resident associations, community organizations, businesses, schools, attending local events and much more.
Daily Bread Food Bank Thanksgiving Sort
Thank you to the Daily Bread Food Bank for leading another Thanksgiving food sort at their location here in Etobicoke—Lakeshore. My family and I joined over 200 dedicated volunteers to sort over 60,000 lbs of food, enough to feed 60,00 people. This year, Toronto food banks reached a devastating new milestone: 4.1 million client visits, 636,000 more than last year, and a staggering 340% increase since 2019. Thank you to all who give so generously to support the many food banks in our riding.
Women’s Rugby World Cup - Team Canada Played for GOLD!
Thank you to all who came out to cheer on Team Canada in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final. Canada fell to England in the match, winning silver overall. While it wasn’t the result we wanted, the energy, laughs and Canadian pride in the room created a truly special moment. It was great to chat with constituents and first time rugby fans. We have had plenty of suggestions that we should do the same to cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series - stay tuned!
In Other Local Sports News..
In other sports news, Lee joined with students and families cheering on the Bishop Allen Cardinals in their annual Thursday Night Lights game against the Father Henry Carr Crusaders, winning 46-7.
Lee greeted young athletes from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut and local teams taking part in a soccer clinic as part of the Northern Exchange initiative at the LCI Sports Dome. Aimed at building skills, connection, and community through sport, it is an excellent opportunity to foster cultural exchange and athletic growth in these young players.
Earlier in the season, the 2nd Annual Unity Cup took place at Birch Park in Long Branch. This event brought together eight cricket teams from across the city to celebrate both sport and community.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Lee attended an event hosted by The Gatehouse in their Healing Garden to hear from Kristi White, an Indigenous Author/Publisher from Oneida Nation of the Thames. Kristi drew attention to the anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee Report, and to the fact that the majority of recommendations are still not implemented.
On Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30, Lee and her staff joined many others across Etobicoke to hear elder Dorothy-Lee Lowe from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation share her experiences. The event took place in front of Campfire, a new Indigenous-led public art installation at Humber Bay Shores. It was moving to hear from the two artists who created the installations.
Toronto South Detention Centre Visit
In September the team and I visited the Toronto South Detention Centre and met with staff to discuss rehabilitation and mental health programs for inmates. The visit confirmed the problems of overcrowding and highlighted ways to improve safety and working conditions. I have since written to the Solicitor General with recommendations to support both staff and inmates.
Happy Diwali
This month Lee joined community members at Mimico Square to celebrate Diwali with music, food and art. From intricate henna work, print making, and the colourful painting of Diyas, it was a fun and informative exchange of cultural and historical traditions. Thanks to Local MRKT and Lakeshore Arts for putting together this great event. Happy Diwali and thank you for being part of the light that makes our community shine!
Small Business Week in Etobicoke—Lakeshore
This week is small business week, a time to celebrate the over 4,000 small businesses that call Etobicoke-Lakeshore home. Lee joined George and the team at Sunset Grill North Queen for their Seniors Appreciation Lunch. This was also an opportunity to engage directly with a small business about the challenges they face. Not far down the road Lee welcomed the newest location of Marry Me Mochi to the riding. Located at Sherway Gardens, this family owned business now has locations across the city.
International Seniors Day
On International Seniors Day on October 1st, Lee joined President Deki Shukla of the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre to thank senior volunteers who contribute their time to the running of the centre and its many events.
Forum on Expanding Primary Care in Etobicoke—Lakeshore
Lee recently met with local family physicians for a roundtable discussion on the crisis in primary care and to encourage participation in provincial funding initiatives. The conversation was productive and energizing, offering valuable insight into both the difficulties facing family doctors and the future of primary care delivery.
With 27 years of experience in the health sector, Lee knows how essential family physicians are to a strong and sustainable healthcare system. We extend our sincere thanks to all the physicians who joined us, and for the vital work you do every day.
School Visits
This is also the time of year when students from local schools begin visiting Queen’s Park to learn about the provincial government and meet their MPP. Students from Lakeshore Collegiate institute spoke with the MPP as they stood on the grand staircase ahead of their tour. Having missed their visit at Queen’s Park, the MPP visited the grade 10 civics class from Kingsway College School to take their questions and hear about the experience of their tour. You can find more information and book tours at https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/school-programs
Recognizing Those Who Care For Others
Lee joined Stonegate Community Health Centre for their AGM this fall as their guest speaker. She was happy to be able to present several awards to their great volunteers who contribute to making the centre a welcoming place for its clients. She also thanked longtime board member and Chair Dr. Colin Mang for his time and dedication as he concluded his final term.
Lee also joined friends and supporters of the Dorothy Ley Hospice for a celebration of their garden restoration project in partnership with Trees for Life. The event also paid tribute to former Etobicoke Centre MPP Donna Cansfield for her 35 years of volunteer service to the hospice.
Raising Funds for a Good Cause
The 22 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Student Leadership Awards Gala was such a special night. Hosted at Famous People Players, it was a great opportunity to support the scholarship program for local high school graduates.
KM’s for KIP is an annual fundraiser for Kids with Incarcerated Parents (KIP) where they not only raise funds for their programs but also awareness of the issue. When the program first started it went from Toronto to Ottawa, this year it was from KIP’s Office at Franklin Horner Community Centre to Humber Polytechnic’s lakeshore Campus.
Festivals
Though summer may end for most when school resumes, this year the weather didn’t get the memo and neither did the festivals. From the Bloor West Village Ukranian Festival, Mimico Food Fest and the Long Branch Tree Fest, there was something for everyone.
Though the legislature has resumed this week, Lee continues to be out and about in Etobicoke—Lakeshore, meeting with all types of organizations including the Labdara Lithuanian Nursing Home, Rotary Toronto West, Islington Bike Day and the Salvation Army.
Lee deeply appreciates the opportunity to spend this kind of time around the riding including at Housing Now TO, the PTP Grad Ceremony, and at Safe Haven.
Provincial Program Announcements
Haven On The Queensway
Haven on the Queensway held a grand opening for their new home at 76 Fordhouse Place in Etobicoke on September 29. A well known organization, Haven has been providing food, clothing and other support to help the lives of others since 2009. Lee was glad to join so many supporters and clients in marking the special occasion and celebrating the $82,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant they received to buy the necessary equipment and furniture to make the most of this new space.
Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant
From October 8 to November 5, 2025, non-profits, municipalities and First Nations with a proven program ready to scale can apply for 2 or 3 year grants of up to $200,000 annually. Eligible projects need to expand, improve or adapt a program or service to meet a community need and increase local impact. For more information or to apply, visit the website here.
Ontario Volunteer Awards
On Monday, September 29th, Many residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore were recognized with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award. This award recognizes volunteers for providing committed and dedicated service to an organization. Congratulations again to the recipients Kathy Bosci, Danielle Hobbs, David Jones, Cheonhak Kwon, Jeffrey Li, Kelly Malcomson, Chris McEvilly, Vassili Mordatch, Mary Nizich, Oscar Ortolan, Jo-Anne Oswald, and Jeff Shimizu, and thank you for your continued service in our community and beyond.
June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism
This award recognizes people and groups who have made outstanding contributions as volunteers in their communities in two categories: Outstanding Volunteer and Excellence in Volunteer Management. Nominations must be received by December 15 each year. To find out more or nominate a candidate, visit the website here.
Ontario Legislative Assembly Page Program - Apply by November 15th
Each year approximately 150 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario's Legislative Page Program. This unique educational program for Ontario students provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province!
The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process.
To find out more about the Page Program or to apply, visit the website here.
Park Lawn GO Update
We have heard from many constituents awaiting news on the development of the Park Lawn GO station. This promised transportation hub is an important priority for our riding, and since taking office MPP Fairclough has been regularly seeking clarity on this issue from both the Minister and Metrolinx, who recently shared the following update:
“The proposed Park Lawn GO Station falls under the Province’s Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program, which aims to create opportunities for third parties to fund the design and delivery of new transit infrastructure for Metrolinx to operate. All third-party agreements for new stations are subject to provincial approval and will be designed and constructed in accordance with Metrolinx standards and requirements. New GO stations delivered through the TOC program are dependent on third-party timelines.
Park Lawn GO Station is being planned in partnership with Lakeshore Developments Inc (LDI). LDI is responsible for the planning and construction of the station; timelines are at the discretion of the developer. Earlier this year, Metrolinx was informed by the developer that they are pausing work as they review their development plans.
We remain open to the opportunity for a third party to deliver a proposed new Park Lawn GO Station along the Lakeshore West GO line in the City of Toronto.”
Bloor Street West Bike Lanes Update
Recently the province announced that one direction of bike lanes would be temporarily removed on Bloor St W (between Resurrection Rd and Clissold Rd) to add one extra lane for traffic. Once the work is completed, a protected bike lane will then be reinstalled. The estimated cost for this project is $750,000 for approximately 500m of roadway. Construction is set to begin October 20th. Both Mayor Olivia Chow and Minister of Transportation Singh Sarkaria hailed this as a positive development.
In the background to this work is an ongoing court case over the removal of bike lanes in the riding along Bloor St. W. An Ontario Superior Court decision in July stopped the government’s plan to remove the bike lanes, noting that while the government did have the right to make decisions on roads and traffic infrastructure, they could not do so arbitrarily if those actions put people at risk. As part of this decision, the judge specifically noted that the government provided little to no evidence that removing bike lanes would speed up traffic. The government appealed this decision in August, and the case is ongoing.
Changes to the Blue Bin (Recycling) Program
We have had a significant number of constituents and stakeholders reach out to our office on this issue.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the City of Toronto will no longer be responsible for collecting your recycling. A new recycling service provider, Circular Materials, will provide all collection and related services. As required by provincial regulation (O. Reg. 391/21 – Blue Box), producers of blue box materials are fully financially and operationally responsible for providing recycling services to residential locations, schools, long-term care facilities and retirement homes. As part of the changes to the Blue Bin program, a sticker will be applied to Blue Bin(s) at all residential properties.
Until December 31, 2025, there are no changes to your current recycling routine. For any recycling collection services, such as missed collection or bin repair, please continue to contact 3-1-1 in 2025.
New Resource Hub for Youth Mental Health
ThrivingMindsHub.ca is for youth, parents, caregivers and healthcare providers created by the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Chidren and the Gerry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at Sick Kids. This information hub is designed to make it easier for children, youth, families, and service providers to:
--> Explore and access mental health programs and services across our three organizations
--> Learn about program eligibility and referral processes
--> Access educational tools and resources
To learn more about ThrivingMinds or to access the services, you can visit them at ThrivingMindsHub.ca.
Local History
For decades Kerr’s Candy, one of Canada’s most successful candy companies, made sweet toffees, mint patties, butterscotch bars and the famous Halloween treat known as the Molasses Kiss, in its Etobicoke factories. The story starts when Scottish immigrants Edward and Albert Kerr opened a bakery and candy store in St. Thomas, Ontario in 1885.
In 1952, Kerr’s built a factory at 20 Zorra Street, north of today’s Gardiner Expressway, west of Islington Ave. a location that provided easy highway access. A warehouse was built at 956 Islington Avenue that same decade and in time it housed the front office. The factory moved there in 1983. Many will recall Kerr’s famous sweet, the Halloween Molasses Kiss. Kerr’s began making the toffee - an old Scottish recipe with 10 per cent molasses - during World War I, when sugar supplies were rationed. With its iconic orange wrapper, the Molasses Kiss was a staple of many Canadians’ childhood.
Kerr’s long history in Etobicoke ended in 2021, when the company moved to Oakville and the Islington property became part of the expansion of Holy Angels Catholic School.
Based on an article by James Geneau for The Aldernews. Posted on the Etobicoke Historical Society's website.
Remembrance Day Services on November 11, 2025
Each year Veterans, their families, and the people of Etobicoke—Lakeshore mark Remembrance Day with solemn ceremonies across the riding. There are several ceremonies taking place this year, including at Colonel Sam Smith Park and at several branches of the Legion.
To find your local service, you can search on the Royal Canadian Legion’s website for further details.
If you wish to list an event in our newsletter please reach out to our office.
MPP Fairclough’s Constituency office is located at 1136 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON. There is street parking available as well as transit on the Queensway.
Office Hours:
Mondays 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesdays 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesdays 11 am - 7 pm
Thursdays 9 am - 5 pm
Fridays 9 am - 5 pm
Closed weekends and holidays
Phone: 416 259 2249 Email: lfairclough.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Web: LeeFaircloughMPP.ca
Contact us if you need assistance with:
Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
OHIP Cards
Driver’s Licences
Family Responsibility Office
Ontario Disability Support Program
Commissioner of Oaths Services (By Appointment)
Other Ontario Government Ministry Issues
Congratulatory Certificates
Invite MPP Fairclough to Events