Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Mayor Chow remarked that Mr. Lintern was a model of dedication, professionalism, courage and integrity during his career, guided by a sense of humility, generosity and deep belief that Toronto is a resilient and beautiful City. Mayor Chow recognized Mr. Lintern's career milestones and the impacts of his expertise on the City. Mayor Chow congratulated Mr. Lintern, thanked him for his contribution to the City of Toronto, and presented him with a commemorative scroll. Gregg Lintern addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow for her remarks. Mr. Lintern thanked his wife and daughter for their support during his career. Mr. Lintern thanked the Deputy Chief Planner, the Chief Planning Team, Directors, the extended City Leadership Team, the Mayor and Members of Council for their excellent work and support. Mr. Lintern reflected on what he has learned throughout his career that shaped his perspective as a City Planner including Indigenous perspectives, design for people, systemic bias, and building a more inclusive City. Councillor Perks, as Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, during the morning session of the meeting, gave remarks on Gregg Lintern's retirement as Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. Councillor Bradford, during the morning session of the meeting, gave remarks on Gregg Lintern's retirement as Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, made an announcement on the wrapping up the Toronto for All Campaign on Anti-East Asian Hate on November 1. Councillor Cheng remarked on her experience with Anti-East Asian hate growing up and the rise of Anti-East Asian hate after the pandemic. Councillor Cheng thanked the Toronto for All team and called on everyone to continue working for a more inclusive and accepting City. Councillor Bravo, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed the D'Amico family, who were present in the Chamber. Councillor Bravo recognized the Anne Marie D'Amico foundation, dedicated to ending violence against women and children and announced that City Council had, earlier in the fall, declared gender-based violence as an epidemic and that steps will be taken municipally to ensure the epidemic is no more. Councillor Bravo thanked the D'Amico family for the Foundation's work. Deputy Mayor Malik, during the afternoon session of the meeting, announced the City's 2023 United Way Employee Campaign was in its final weeks and close to meeting the goal of 2.3 million dollars. Deputy Mayor Malik remarked on all the ways everyone has contributed toward the goal, including her own fundraising effort when she climbed the CN Tower. Deputy Mayor Malik acknowledged the outstanding work and impact of the United Way of Greater Toronto and their continued effort to tackle challenges such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, discrimination, and the rise of cost of living, and encouraged everyone to continue to work towards the goal. December 14, 2023 Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, held up the Body Bag for Her, commissioned by Aura Freedom, whose vision is that all women and girls live free from violence. Councillor Cheng acknowledged November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, supported by declaration by Mayor Chow, and that at its meeting on July 19, City Council unanimously voted to declare intimate partner violence as an epidemic in Toronto, an epidemic that impacts children even more than women. Councillor Cheng stated that the Body Bag for Her represented a powerful reminder of all women silently dealing with violence at home and thanked Marissa Kokkoros, Danielle Warren, and Hannah Casey from Aura Freedom, who were present in the Council Chamber, and acknowledged all gender-based violence advocates. Councillor Bravo, during the morning session of the meeting, made an announcement regarding the Power of Us Report published by the Community Foundation, as the City's champion for the work. Councillor Bravo stated the Vital Signs report gives an overview of the health, well-being, and challenges faced yearly by the City of Toronto. Councillor Bravo noted the report highlights isolation and disengagement as this year's challenge, and reminded everyone that the connection through many programs and infrastructure offered by the City is crucial for the social challenges faced by the City. Councillor Colle, during the morning session of the meeting, announced that Chef Wayne prepared a special Jamaican Christmas lunch by the Café on the Square that was available to everyone. Councillor Colle acknowledged the hard work of the kitchen staff and asked everyone to support local kitchen workers. Councillor Bradford, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Grade 5 students from Bowmore Road Public School and their teacher, Ms. Dale Davis, who were present in the Chamber.