Ward 40 - Scarborough-Agincourt    (Click here to see the Ward Map)

WNV is a mosquito borne virus that infects birds, some animals and humans. There are more than 60 species of mosquitoes in Ontario, but the good news is that fewer than 10 are WNV carriers. Although the risk of infection for the general popliation is low, for seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems the consequences can be potentially serious. That is why I will ensure that nearby ponds and creeks will be tested by the Toronto Health Department. There are also some precautions that we all can take to minimize the risk of infection:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
  Clean your evestrough and do not let water gather in toys, puddles, garbage cans, etc and clean bird baths at least once a week.
• At dusk wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when out side.
• Make sure clothing is breathable and allows moisture to evaporate
• Wear insect repellents, especially when in areas where mosquitoes are likely to be found.

To report stagnant water or to find more information on preventing WNV infection and City of Toronto initiatives on the West Nile Virus, please contact the Toronto Health Department at (416) .

Everything you need to know about Garbage Collection in the City of Toronto you can find out in our Garbage Collection Calendar. If you don’t have a calendar, or notice that a neighbour might not have one, give my office a call and I’ll be happy to send one out to you. Here are some reminders:

• Make sure that the items are out by the curbside between 8pm and 7am
• Don’t place hazardous waste, grass clippings/sod, construction/ renovation waste, fridges, stoves and dishwashers, bicycles, etc., and expect them to be automatically picked up. Call to arrange a special collection. Waiting times for pick-up of these items can range from 1 to 2 weeks after you call, so plan ahead if you can.
• Don’t dump garbage on City of Toronto property or in parks’ bins. The newly formed "Garbage Police" will search through the trash for identifying names and addresses. Fines can range from $180.00 for residential and $360.00 for commercial offenders up to $5,000.
• If your garbage hasn’t been picked up and you require more information, please contact the City’s Customer Service Department at.

The City now protects all trees with a diameter of 30 cm or more measured at 1.4 meters above ground level.

To obtain a permit to take down a protected tree you must:

• Submit a completed permit application along with a fee to the Urban Forestry Department at 70 Nashdene Road, Toronto, ONT. M1V 2V2.
• Application fee is $100/tree with a maximum fee of $300.

What you can cut without a permit:

• Trees measuring less than 30 cm in diameter
• Trees that are dead, terminally diseased or hazardous (to determine whether a privately owned tree is diseased or hazardous a detailed arborist’s report is required)
• Arborist reports should be faxed to Urban Forestry at.
• A permit is not required to prune a tree in accordance with arboricultural standards.

If you would like to report a suspected illegal tree removal in progress after regular business hours, please call .

Here's why it makes sense to preserve and plant trees:

Higher property values Lower energy costs (trees block the wind in the winter and shelter your home from the hot sun in the summer) Cleaner air means better health For free boulevard trees call . For inexpensive backyard trees call or visit www.leaftoronto.org You will be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

On April 1st, 2004, the City of Toronto introduced its Pesticide By-law which states that "no person shall apply or cause or permit the application of pesticides, within the boundaries of the City". According to the by-law a pesticides is: "a product, an organism or a substance that is a registered control product under the federal Pest Control Products Act".

There are certain exceptions to the Pesticides By-law. It does not apply when pesticides are used:

1. To control termites;
2. To control or destroy pests which have caused infestation to property;
3. To exterminate or eliminate rodents;
4. As a wood preservative;
5. As an insecticide bait which is enclosed by the manufacturer in a plastic or metal container;
6. For injection into trees, stumps or wooden poles.

The City began enforcing its Pesticides By-law this April (2005), issuing warnings and providing educational materials for lawn care companies, commercial properties and other pesticide users. As of September 1, 2005, tickets in the amount of $225 will be issued to companies that use pesticides as part of their lawn care.

Starting September 1, 2007, homeowners may also be issued a ticket in the amount of $ 225 for non-compliance with the by-law.

For more information on the Pesticide By-law and to get tips on caring for your lawn without the use of pesticides contact Toronto’s Department of Public Health at .

In Toronto only children on small bicycles with a maximum wheel diameter of 24 inches (61 centimetres) are permitted to ride on the sidewalk. This is to allow children to improve their riding skills before they take to the roads.

Sidewalk Cycling is a factor in 30% of bike-car collisions and poses a threat of injury to pedestrians and there have been a number of reports regarding seniors who have been hit by cyclists riding on sidewalks, and, although there have not been any serious injuries so far, pedestrians should not be put at risk. You can ride safely on the road. For safety tips, call or e-mail your questions to