Item - 2024.RM16.6

Various presentations, introductions and announcements were made to City Council on March 20 and 21, 2024.

March 20, 2024

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, welcomed Paul Bedford, former Chief Planner for the City of Toronto, to the Council Chamber and expressed condolences to him and his family, on behalf of Members of Council, on the passing of his son, Stephen.

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to address City Council for a presentation on Recognizing World Water Day and 150 Years of Toronto Water.

Mayor Chow addressed Members of Council and gave remarks in celebration of World Water Day with the theme of Water for Peace, and recognized Toronto Water celebrating 150 years as a public utility. Mayor Chow introduced a short video presentation on the history of Toronto Water and presented Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager, Toronto Water with a commemorative scroll.

Lou Di Gironimo addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow for her remarks. Mr. Gironimo remarked that as a division Toronto Water is not just providing water, sewer and storm water services, but also acts as stewards protecting the system for future generations. Mr. Gironimo thanked Members of Council and Toronto Water staff for their work and dedication to Toronto Water and the City of Toronto.

Councillor Cheng, during the morning session of the meeting, acknowledged Nowruz, the annual Persian Festival and the first day of spring celebrating the Persian New Year.

Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called upon John D. Elvidge, City Clerk, to address City Council on the occasion of Fiona Murray's retirement as Deputy City Clerk of Toronto Elections, City Clerk’s Office.

John D. Elvidge, City Clerk, addressed City Council and acknowledged the outstanding career of Fiona Murray on her retirement from the City of Toronto after 31 years. Mr. Elvidge recognized Ms. Murray’s career milestones and the impacts of her governance expertise and leadership on the City. Mr. Elvidge thanked Ms. Murray for her service and contributions to the City.

Mayor Chow addressed City Council and recognized Fiona Murray's 31-year career and remarked on Ms. Murray’s accomplishments during her time in Shelter, Support and Housing, the City Manager’s Office and finally as Deputy City Clerk of Toronto Elections, City Clerk’s Office. Mayor Chow welcomed Ms. Murray's family present in the Council Chamber. Mayor Chow congratulated Ms. Murray and presented her with a commemorative scroll as a token of the City's appreciation for her accomplishments and contributions.

Fiona Murray addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow and John D. Elvidge, City Clerk for their remarks. Ms. Murray acknowledged and thanked colleagues, mentors, and the elected officials she had the pleasure of working with over her 31-year career. Ms. Murray extended thanks to the Toronto Elections team, for their hard work and dedication.

Councillor Crisanti, during the afternoon session of the meeting, acknowledged March as National Engineering Month.

Councillor Moise, during the afternoon session of the meeting, welcomed Cathy Crowe, and her students from Toronto Metropolitan University, to the Council Chamber.

March 21, 2024

Speaker Nunziata, during the morning session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to address City Council on the occasion of Casey Brendon's retirement as Director of Revenue Services, Finance and Treasury Services. 

Mayor Chow addressed City Council by recognizing Casey Brendon's career milestones and accomplishments as Director, Revenue Services, Finance and Treasury Services. Mayor Chow acknowledged and welcomed Mr. Brendon’s wife, Francis, and his children, Kyle, Anthony, Leah and Malcom, to the Council Chamber. Mayor Chow congratulated Mr. Brendon, thanked him for his contributions to the City of Toronto, and presented him with a commemorative scroll.

Casey Brendon addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow for her remarks. Mr. Brendon reflected on his career and what he has learned throughout his time as Director of Revenue Services, Finance and Treasury Services. Mr. Brendon thanked staff, his management team, the City Manager, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and the City Solicitor.

Speaker Nunziata, during the afternoon session of the meeting, called upon Mayor Chow to address City Council in recognition of Toronto Fire Services having earned Accredited Agency Status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

Mayor Chow addressed City Council to celebrate and recognize Toronto Fire Services for achieving their second consecutive accredited agency status from the Commission of Fire Accreditation International. Mayor Chow extended congratulations to Matthew Pegg, Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services for his leadership. Mayor Chow welcomed and thanked Toronto Fire Services staff and James Reed, Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association Local 3888, President, present in the Chamber. Mayor Chow presented Chief Pegg with a commemorative scroll.

Chief Pegg addressed City Council and thanked Mayor Chow for her remarks. Chief Pegg remarked on why the Commission of Fire Accreditation International matters, stating that the Accreditation is third party international validation of the world class fire protection that City Council provides in Toronto. Chief Pegg thanked City Council, the City's Senior Leadership Team, colleagues, and Toronto residents for allowing him to serve as their Fire Chief.