Toronto City Council meeting of May 3, 4 and 5, 2016
Recognition of the Greek Pontian Genocide
City Council recognized the Pontian Genocide, to honour the memory of the men, women and children who died. The Pontian Genocide, together with the Armenian and Assyrian Genocides, took place between 1913 and 1922. The Pontian Genocide, which took place during and after World War I, was the systematic extermination, by the Ottoman Empire, of its minority Greek subjects. Pontians were sent by death marches to concentration camps in Anatolia, where most were subjected to forced labour. Thousands were subjected to forced labour, deportation and execution.
What are the standards for lawns, grass and vegetation?
Municipal Code Chapter 489, Grass and Weeds and Chapter 743, Streets and Sidewalks outline outlines standards with respect to grass, weeds and vegetation on private property, streets and sidewalks. These standards apply to properties in Toronto and include standards for any gardens on the public portions of a property. The owner or occupant of private land is required to cut the grass and weeds on their land, and remove the cuttings whenever the growth of grass and weeds exceeds 20 cm (8 inches) in height.
Many of our parks offer great opportunities for large family reunions, big group picnics or outdoor events of all types. Are you looking to have a picnic or outdoor social gathering within a City park? Any gathering over 25 people, or a gathering that requires a designated “picnic” site, like a picnic shelter, must have a permit.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to members of the Canadian Jewish community on the occasion of Israeli Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut.)
City Councillor Jim Karygiannis has long been an outspoken critic of the $31-million purchase of new green bins. We asked him about the photos that emerged online this week that appeared to show a green bin chewed through by animals.
I want to take this opportunity to salute mothers everywhere on this Mother’s Day, May 8, 2016.
There is no job more satisfying and yet, more demanding than that of a mother. Mothers, the world over, regardless of their circumstance, share a collective goal – to provide the best possible life for their children. Throughout history, mothers have shown courage and strength in meeting the challenges facing their communities and societies. They have often led by example and effected social change.
TORONTO – Jim Karygiannis, Councillor for Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt, is pleased that, today, Toronto City Council passed his Motion to recognize the Pontian Genocide.
“I want to thank Councillor Mary Fragedakis for seconding the Motion and the Mayor and my fellow Councillors for passing this Motion.” said Mr. Karygiannis. “Council has recognized the first genocide of the 20th century in which 450,000 to 750,000 Pontian and Anatolian Greeks were executed.”
May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day – a time to talk about violations of press freedom.
It is a time to remember that, in many countries around the world, the media is censored; fined; suspended and closed down; while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed; attacked; kidnapped; and, even murdered. Just as importantly, it is a time to encourage and develop initiatives in support of press freedom and to assess the state of press freedom throughout the world.
