Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Councillor Shan, during the morning session of the meeting, made remarks about the late Jose Castillo, Sr. Councillor Pasternak, during the morning session of the meeting, made remarks about Jewish communities celebrating Hanukkah and the threats to the safety of these public celebrations. Councillor Pasternak spoke of the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia and reflected on threats to the peace and security of the Jewish community in Toronto. Councillor Chernos Lin, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that the fire in Thorncliffe Park that had been burning for weeks, has officially been declared done. Councillor Chernos Lin recognized and thanked Toronto Fire Services and Fire Chief Jessop, as well as Toronto Emergency Management Services, Toronto Paramedic Services, The Canadian Red Cross, The Neighbourhood Organization, Don Valley Community Legal Services, Toronto Transit Commission, and the affected residents. Councillor Perruzza, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council about the December 7, 2025, opening of the Finch West LRT, which he had the opportunity to attend, and thanked the City's partners who worked on the project. Councillor Myers, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that December 17, 2025, will mark the fifth annual Transit Worker Assault Awareness Day, and spoke about the Toronto Transit Commission's 5-year community safety, security and well-being plan. Councillor Saxe, during the morning session of the meeting, invited Members of Council to the Winter Solstice Parade in Kinsington Market. Councillor Holyday, on behalf of himself and Councillor Morley, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed the students from Kingsway College School who were present in the Council Chamber. Councillor Cheng, during the afternoon session of the meeting, expressed her gratitude to Mayor Chow for her proclamation of Christian Heritage Month in December, and thanked Councillors Mantas, Nunziata, Crisanti and Myers, who co-hosted a celebration at City Hall last Friday night. December 17, 2025 Councillor Pasternak, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council about the success of the Strong Cities Network Sixth Global Summit which took place in Toronto last week, and thanked his fellow Councillors who attended and spoke on panels and to Mayor Chow who gave the opening address and signed the declaration. Mayor Chow, during the morning session of the meeting, thanked Councillor Pasternak for his work to bring the Strong Cities Network Sixth Global Summit to Toronto. Councillor Holyday, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Grade 11 and 12 students from Michael Power - St. Joseph High School and their teacher, Michael Kelly, who were present in the Council Chamber. Councillor Morley, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed the Grade 11 and 12 students from Michael Power - St. Joseph High School, who were present in the Council Chamber. Mayor Chow, during the afternoon session of the meeting, made remarks about the late Frances Sanderson and extended condolences to Frances's family and friends. Councillor Fletcher, during the evening session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that Metrolinx would be putting GPS in its Ontario Line trucks driving downtown and thanked the City Manager and the CEO of Metrolinx for their efforts in making this happen.