Item - 2019.RM11.5

Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on October 29 and 30, 2019.

October 29, 2019

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting called upon Mayor Tory to come forward to recognize the Toronto athletes who medaled at the 2019 PanAm and ParaPanAm Games in Peru.  Mayor Tory spoke of the accomplishments of the athletes and called on each athlete to be recognized individually for achieving a medal in their chosen sport.

Councillor Grimes, during the morning session of the meeting, advised Members of Council of the accessibility challenges that children with physical disabilities face trick-or-treating on Halloween. Councillor Grimes further advised Members that "accessible trick or treating" signs have been created for homeowners to place on their lawns to identify that children with physical disabilities are able to take part.

Councillor Matlow, during the afternoon session of the meeting, acknowledged during the City Council debate on the "Update on Council Requested Road Safety Initiatives and Recommended Speed Limit Reduction", that this was an Item that Councillor Robinson would have strong views on and would have much to contribute to the debate.  Councillor Matlow noted how much Councillor Robinson was missed and, on behalf of Council, sent her best wishes.

October 30, 2019

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Chris Murray, City Manager,  to come forward to recognize Joe Farag, Executive Director, Corporate Finance upon his retirement. Mr. Murray spoke to Joe Farag's numerous accomplishments over his 29 years of service, and thanked him for a job well done.  Chris Murray asked Mayor Tory to come forward.  Mayor Tory spoke of Mr. Farag's involvement in a number of projects and initiatives, such as the first Green Debenture Program, one of the first in Canadian municipalities.  Mayor Tory presented Joe Farag with a retirement scroll and on behalf of Council, wished him well on his retirement.  Joe Farag addressed City Council and recognized and thanked his staff present in the Chamber. Mr. Farag also acknowledged the support of City Staff during his career and thanked Members of Council for their well wishes.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Tory to come forward to recognize the Toronto Wolfpack Rugby Team on winning the Betfred Championship. Mayor Tory advised Council that Councillor Robinson was instrumental in convincing him to attend the Wolfpack team games.  Mayor Tory, on behalf of City Council, spoke of how proud the City was of the Wolfpack team and coach, and congratulated them on their win. Bob Hunter, Chair and Interim Chief Executive Officer, thanked David Argyle, owner of the Wolfpack, the Members of City Council, City staff  and the fans for their support.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed the Grade 5 students from Rosethorn Junior School and their group leader who were present in the Chamber.

Councillor Bailao, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Regina Piedade Matos, City Councillor from Nazaré, Portugal who was present in the Chamber.

Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed former Councillor, Lucy Troisi, who was present in the Chamber.