Presentations, Introductions and Announcements

Lillian Allen addressed City Council and read her poem "My Toronto - Poetic Gesture." Shahaddah Jack addressed City Council and read her poem "Not Okay." Councillor Morely, during the morning session of the meeting, in her capacity as City Council's Youth Champion, advised Members of Council about work that is underway at the City of Toronto to support youth employment and jobs, and acknowledged the Federal Government's creation of summer jobs through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed students from the grade 4 gifted class at Steelesview Public School and their teacher, Joanne Kim, who were present in the Council Chamber. Councillor Saxe, during the morning session of the meeting, wished Members of Council a happy Earth Day, and invited Members to attend a lunch she would be hosting for Dr. Melanie Woodin, President of the University of Toronto, and senior members of the University of Toronto team, in the Members' Lounge. April 23, 2026 Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to recognize National Volunteer Week and the 2026 recipients of the Toronto Community Champion Award. Mayor Chow addressed City Council and acknowledged the week of April 19 to 25 as National Volunteer Week. Mayor Chow recognized 25 organizations as the 2026 recipients of the Toronto Community Champion Award, which will be presented at a ceremony next month. Mayor Chow invited the representatives of the organizations who were present in the Council Chamber to stand and be recognized, and introduced a short video about the Toronto Community Champion Award. Mayor Chow, during the morning session of the meeting, recognized the 8th anniversary of the April 23, 2018, Yonge Street tragedy, where 11 people were killed and 15 others were injured. Mayor Chow gave remarks to remember those who died and to honour the courage and compassion shown that day by the first responders, and announced that work is underway to create a permanent memorial at Olive Square Park. Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, gave remarks to commemorate the Yonge Street tragedy. City Council observed a moment of silence and reflection to honour those who lost their lives, or were injured and impacted by this tragic event Councillor Myers, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council about a national engineering event at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute in Ward 23 - Scarbrough North that took place on March 26, 2026, and was supported by staff from the City's engineering and construction services division Councillor Chernos Lin, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed students from the grades 4 and 5 gifted classes at Denlow Public School who were present in the Council Chamber. Councillor Shan, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed the Nepalese Canadian Community Services leadership who were present in the Council Chamber, and advised Members of Council about the annual Himalayan Mela event that they host, which will be held at Nathan Phillips Square on August 8, 2026.