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

Latest News
Working To Help Community	Working To Help Seniors	Good News	Your Opinion

Working to Help Seniors

Seniors are a particularly important part of our community, contributing enriching experiences and perspectives to all our lives. The proportion of seniors in Toronto's population is rising rapidly. They are expected to reach 20% of the total population by 2029. Unfortunately, with inadequate incomes and lack of family support, a significant number of people may have trouble adjusting to this period of life. This is a concern that I take very seriously, and I am working hard to ensure that seniors are given the means to remain a vibrant part of our community.

Protecting Seniors from Con Artists

Sadly, whether by mail, telephone or in-person, seniors are the major victims of con artists.

Many of these scam artists are sleek and professional, but there are ways to beat them at their own game. NEVER give out financial or personal information over the telephone. Hang up the telephone or do not open your door. Call the police and report the incident immediately.

Some of the common guises used by the criminals are to impersonation of public utility officials, home renovators, snow plowers or grass cutters. Other scams are based on fake contests or prizes.

Unfortunately, legitimate licensed businesses are also hurt by this criminal activity. You can find out if a business is licensed by calling the city's licensing department (see important numbers).If someone tries to sell you something at the door, ask to see their trade license number.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Never rush to sign any sort of agreement. Read the fine print and have a trusted person review it.

Print and save these important numbers
Police Non-Emergency
Toronto Police Emergency
Senior Crime Stoppers
Fraud Squad
Minister of Consumer and Commerce Relations
License Hotline (to find out if a business is licensed)

New Big Street Signs

As you get older, your eyesight deteriorates (that's why there are so many optical stores opening up.) Consequently, street signs become harder to read and chances of accidents increase. So, larger signs -- a senior's project by the city which I enthusiastically supported -- was initiated.

These new signs are more vision friendly not only for seniors but also for tourists and to anybody not familiar with the streets they're travelling. The downtown core received these signs first because of traffic and tourist volumes. Eventually, all the city's main intersections will have them. Personally, I've found them quite helpful while driving because you get know what intersection lies ahead a lot easier than you can now.

Extended Crossing Times

Our ward has a lot of seniors who need more time getting across a street because time has slowed them down. I've therefore had all our signalized sections reviewed and have successfully managed to get the crossing times on Sheppard at Pharmacy and Warden Avenues increased to assist residents in crossing the streets safely.

Let me know if you suspect that a particular intersection doesn't offer seniors enough time to cross and I will act on your behalf to seek an increase in crossing times wherever possible.

Senior's Guide

The federal government publishes a Senior's Guide to Federal Programs and Services covering health and safety matters, housing, travel, nutrition, volunteer activities, and even internet training, among other things. Copies of this guide can be obtained from:

Health Canada
Division of Aging and Seniors

Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:

The guide can also be downloaded at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines. It is also available on computer diskette, audiocassette or Braille upon request.

The City of Toronto provides many services to seniors and helps them find information about educational opportunities, tenants' rights, and property taxes. For information about municipal services for seniors, call Access Toronto at