Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Mayor Chow welcomed Jonathan Batty's spouse, Alison Drummond, and daughter, Lydia Batty, staff from the Integrity Commissioner's office, and Toronto's Accountability Officers, who were present in the Chamber. Mayor Chow addressed City Council and gave remarks to honour and thank Jonathan Batty for his service and presented him with a commemorative scroll. Jonathan Batty addressed City Council. Mayor Chow, during the morning session of the meeting, congratulated Barbara Gray, General Manager, Transportation Services for receiving the Woman of the Year Award from the Toronto Area Chapter of WTS (Women in Transportation) and Denise Andrea Campbell, Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration for receiving the 2023 Lieutenant Governor's Medal of Distinction in Public Administration. Deputy Mayor Malik, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of her participation in the United Way Employee Campaign, including the CN Tower climb, and spoke about the importance of the campaign. Councillor Pasternak, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that an event, Rally for Humanity, took place on Sunday, November 10, and welcomed some of the organizers, who were present in the Chamber: groups including Yalla, Coalition of Hindus of North America, Canadian Women Against Anti-Semitism, Canadian Muslims Against Anti-Semitism, Allies for a Strong Canada, and One Global Voice. Councillor Colle, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized and thanked First Responders and Fire Services for their bravery and efficiency in responding to a fire at Marjory Carton Seniors Home on Wilson Avenue last Wednesday. Councillor Perks, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Grade 5 students from Howard Junior Public School and their teachers, Mme Durrant and Mme Maitland, who were present in the Chamber. Councillor Fletcher during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Grade 10 students from, École secondaire Michelle-O'Bonsawin and their teacher, who were present in the Council Chamber. November 14, 2024 Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to address City Council in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Flag. Mayor Chow addressed City Council and spoke about the Toronto Flag and its history. Mayor Chow welcomed Rene De Santis, the Flag's designer, to the Council Chamber, and presented him with a framed Toronto Flag. Councillor Colle, during the morning session of the meeting, rose to speak in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Flag. Councillor Carroll, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that Girl Guides of Canada cookies would be available for sale during the lunch break in the City Hall Rotunda. Deputy Mayor Malik, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed, on behalf of City Council, Taylor Swift and all of her fans visiting the City, as November 14, 2024 was the first date of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Toronto. Deputy Mayor Malik thanked staff from City divisions, agencies, corporations, emergency services and external partners for their hard work in preparing for the event. Mayor Chow, during the morning session of the meeting, thanked the Toronto Public Library for its programming, which included a bracelet-making activity, and extended her welcome to the "Swifties" and Taylor Swift. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, extended her wishes for a happy Diwali to those in the City who recently celebrated Diwali, and advised Members of Council that the second annual North York Diwali Fest took place at Mel Lastman Square. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, wished a happy two years on Council to her fellow new Members: Councillor Bravo, Councillor Myers, Deputy Mayor Malik, Councillor Saxe, Deputy Mayor Morley, and Councillor Moise. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that this was the last day to sign up for the Secret Santa gift exchange. Councillor Moise, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed a group from Fred Victor Employment and Training Services, who were present in the Council Chamber. Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow and Elder Shelley Charles to address City Council. Mayor Chow addressed City Council and spoke about two new meaningful place names on the waterfront and the process undertaken by Indigenous communities, in collaboration with City staff, to choose the names which Council would now receive and celebrate. Mayor Chow invited Elder Shelley Charles to address Council and lead Council in a ceremony to lift up the names of the island and park in the Port Lands. Elder Shelley Charles addressed City Council and led Council in a ceremony to lift up the Ookwemin Minising and Biidaasige Park names. Councillor Matlow, during the evening session of the meeting, welcomed members of the Toronto Youth Cabinet from all 25 Wards, who were present in the Council Chamber.