April Newsletter 2023
Message from Stephanie
As we enter the beautiful month of May here in Don Valley West, I hope this message finds you well. The weather is warming up, and the trees and flowers are in full bloom, making our community even more beautiful. I want to share some updates from our community and the legislature from last month.
April was a busy month filled with Iftar dinners and community events in the constituency and Queen’s Park. Many in Don Valley West celebrated the Easter, Yom Kippur, observed the holy month of Ramadan, and wrapped up with Eid Al-Fitr.
In the legislature, the government introduced Bill 98, Better Schools, Better Student Outcomes, where the Minister of Education added amendments to the education act that would add regulation making powers respecting provincial priorities in student achievement. It would also add regulation-making powers to governing boards’ participation in the prescribed activities and relating to school board-controlled entities. Amendments are made addressing when a board may or must sell, lease or otherwise dispose of a school site, part of a school site or school property, and giving the Minister various powers over such dispositions, including regulation-making powers. The province’s 72 school boards would be required to publicly post their progress on the government’s student achievement priorities. I am reviewing this legislation and I welcome your feedback.
On May 3, I went to Ontario Place to in an attempt to get more information about what Therme, the Austrian company that is developing the private spa on the West Island, is planning. Therme chose not to attend, and in their place were representatives from their government relations consulting team. I was left with more questions than answers, and I am not convinced that this is a sustainable business model worthy of a massive public subsidy. I am also concerned that a 95-year lease (which has not been made public) of public land to a private company is in the least interests of the people of Ontario.
I have been consulting with housing experts and stakeholders to hear about solutions to our housing and rental crises. The challenges people are facing have gotten worse, compounded by the rising cost of living and Ontario needs a real plan to provide sustainable relief. Most importantly for me, I want to hear from the constituents of Don Valley West. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to discuss housing policy.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Bowman
In the Legislature
Click HERE to watch my statement
Statement on housing crisis. The government's insistence on tall and sprawl is neither sustainable nor good for our communities. Allowing seven 35-storey buildings in one block means problems for schools, water, and other infrastructure.
Click HERE to watch my question - Question on Greenbelt
In 2018, the Premier said "help is on the way" for farmers. How will paving over the Greenbelt and prime farmland help farmers?
Click HERE to watch my question - Question on Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is a cultural & educational hub in North York serving many local students. The government decision to move it will hurt our community.
Click HERE to watch my question - SCEFEA
The government is spending money in court to fight their unconstitutional bills like Bill 124 and they will not even tell the public how much they are spending to do this.
Constituency Highlights
Celebrating Holi 2023 with the Netralaya Lions Club
Toronto French School Ravine Restoration Dinner
Marc Garneau CIIftar Dinner 
CCSO Third Annual Ramadan Food Drive
Visiting the businesses of Uptown Yonge BIA
Visit to Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation
Eid Al-Fitr, April 21 atIslamic Society of Toronto—Masjid Darus Salaam
"Chinese Languages in Canada" Exhibit event, Glendon College
Other MPP Events
Davis Cup reception at Queen’s Park
Ted Arnott MPP Annual Craft Beer Tasting
Women’s Forum reception at Queen's Park
First Work Reception Queen's Park
Achēv reception at Queen's Park 
Housing policy discussion by Habitat for Humanity, Ismaili Centre
Ontario Science Centre - Make Your Voice Heard!
I have heard from a lot of constituents who are frustrated and confused about the proposed move of the Ontario Science Centre. I looked closely into this decision but have not been able to come up with a reasonable explanation for the move. The Science Centre attendance numbers are strong. It is close to schools and communities that are only increasing in population. It is accessible by car and transit. Soon, it will be connected by Line 5 Eglinton, and eventually the new Ontario Line. I do not see how the quality of the programming will be improved nor how visitors will benefit by moving the Science Centre downtown. This decision is consistent with this government's actions to further privatize public land that has been serving the residents of Ontario and members of the local community very well for the last 40 years.
The Science Center does require some renovation and retrofits, but it continues to be an amazing architectural structure and local community hub. It should be revitalized, not shrunk down and diminished.
I would like to hear from the community about their experiences and opinions on this project. This government continues to make drastic decisions without consultation, and so representatives at all levels must step up to ensure that your voices are heard. I am looking for your vision for the future of the Science Center, stories from your last visit, and ways you feel the site can be modified to even better serve the community.