Ensuring Residents Continue to Receive Important Notices During Mail Disruptions - by Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

Residents are left feeling blindsided, often missing important meetings or finding out about construction work planned in their community once it has already begun. The current processes by which the City provides alternative notice in the event of a mailing disruption are insufficient in a modern context. In the case of Community Consultation Meetings, the standard practice is to issue public notices through newspapers, which do not always reach all target audiences. With the uncertainty introduced by changes to the mandate of Canada Post on the horizon, it is important that the City takes time to review its process for issuing public notices at times when mailed notices are not a viable option. Whether it be through targeted digital advertising and social media posts, or through postings in the common areas of residential buildings, it is essential that we take all the steps we can to ensure that Torontonians remain informed and engaged in civic processes. This motion is urgent as there is a current mail disruption that is impacting the regular send-out of notices. Any interim solutions that may be put in place during this disruption could help address these impacts and improve public awareness around important meetings, planned work and City initiatives.

review processes for issuance of notice to residents in instances where mailing is disrupted and report back to City Council in Quarter 1 2027 on recommended improvements for notice distribution that meet statutory requirements.