Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Mayor Chow addressed City Council and gave remarks to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Shanley McNamee, General Manager, Children's Services who served the City of Toronto for over 27 years. Mayor Chow welcomed Shanley's husband, Brian, and children, Liam, Declan and Melissa, who were present in the Council Chamber, thanked Shanley McNamee for her service and presented her with a commemorative scroll. Shanley McNamee addressed City Council. The following members gave remarks about the contributions of Shanley McNamee, General Manager, Children's Services: Councillor Bravo, as Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, Speaker Nunziata, and Councillor Fletcher. Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to address City Council to recognize the contributions of Valesa Faria, Executive Director, Development Review. Mayor Chow addressed City Council in recognition of Valesa Faria, the inaugural Executive Director of Development Review Division, as she prepared to conclude her service with the City of Toronto. Mayor Chow extended best wishes to Valesa, on behalf of City Council, and presented her with a commemorative scroll. Valesa Faria addressed City Council. Councillor Perks, as Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, gave remarks about the contributions of Valesa Faria, Executive Director, Development Review. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that, for the first time, Toronto has proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month, and spoke about the Chinese community's contributions to the City. Councillor Chernos Lin, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that February 4, 2026, marks Imamat Day which commemorates the first anniversary of the succession of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V as the 50th hereditary Imam of the global Ismaili Muslim community, and extended wishes to all who are celebrating. Councillor Pasternak, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council that the Special Hockey International Tournament will take place in York Centre on March 5, 6 and 7, 2026, and will bring together athletes with developmental disabilities from across the United States, Canada and England, to compete in a supportive and adaptive environment. Councillor Pasternak welcomed Micheal Liotta, the organizer of the event and manager of the host team, Grandravine Special Hockey, who was present in the Council Chamber. Councillor Thompson, during the morning session of the meeting, gave remarks in recognition of Black History Month 2026. Councillor Thompson reflected on the roles and contributions of Black Torontonians in Canada in Toronto, and on the changing composition of Toronto City Council. Councillor Thompson further advised that later this year Itah Sadu, owner of A Different Booklist bookstore, will enshrine an iconic Toronto neighbourhood at Bathurst and Bloor as Blackhurst. Councillor Thompson, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council about the City of Toronto's ongoing efforts to support Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the first Category 5 hurricane in Jamaica's recorded history, and thanked the City staff, partners, and residents who stepped forward to help. Councillor Matlow, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed students from Humewood Community School who were present in the Council Chamber.