Since the launch of our petition to Fund the Toronto Ravine Strategy in the 2019 Budget over 2400 people have signed in support – an amazing testament to the deep appreciation Torontonians have for their natural heritage. Over these same weeks, TFN Action Committee members have been working to encourage the Budget Committee to put some real dollars and target timelines in to protecting our ravines. Last night marked the end of the City’s public budget consultation period, so we wanted to make a moment to thank those TFNers who made deputations at consultations all across Toronto: Anne Purvis, Jason Ramsay-Brown & Ellen Schwartzel (whose deputation can be watched on YouTube).
Due to recent changes in Council size, the 2019 Budget process was a bit different than in previous years. TFN will continue to advocate for ravine funding as this year’s budget process winds to a close, but we are very pleased by a recent motion by Councillor Brad Bradford requesting that the “General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report to the Budget Committee on the following for consideration prior to the 2020 Budget Process: budget allocated for implementation of Toronto’s Ravine Strategy.”