November 17, 2012 Dear Neighbours, Over the past several months, our community faced a series of sexual assaults committed against women. We are relieved that a suspect has been arrested and would like to thank the women and men of Toronto Police Services for their hard work to identify and apprehend a suspect. We also commend members of our community who rallied together to bring attention to these incidents. Finally, we would like to recognize the bravery of the women assaulted who stepped forward to contact the police. Your bravery was vital to preventing further incidents. While a sense of safety and peace-of-mind have returned for many people in our community, these instances have reminded us that we need to work together to address issues of safety and security in our community and beyond. We need to continue to take steps to make our community safer. Councillor Layton's office conducted a Community Safety Audit with METRAC and will continue to implement its recommendations. The Christie Pits Residents' Association has established a plan to build better communications between neighbours and educate members of the public on how we can improve safety in our community. We need your help to make our community safer.

Here's what you can do: 1. Get connected: Join a resident association & sign up to receive community e-mail updates from: a. Christie Pits Residents' Association: www.christiepits.ca/cpra b. Palmerston Area Residents' Association: www.palmerstonara.org c. City Councillor Mike Layton: www.mikelayton.to 2. Join our Christie Pits Safety Network: some neighbours are initiating a community watch. For more info or to volunteer some time, contact them at: [email protected]

3. Attend a Self Defence Workshop: Neighbours have organized a free self defence class for women in our community for the end of November. This first class is full. Email us if you would be interested in attending a future workshop. With enough responses we can organize another. 4. Take Active Steps: Always call Toronto Police if you see something suspicious or irregular, 911 for emergencies and 416-808-2222 for non emergencies Keep your porch lights on after dark Replace burnt out outdoor lights immediately Install rear/side motion lights Illuminate paths to basement/ rear apartments Add your street number to rear of your property Report burnt out street lights directly to Hydro at 416.542.3195 or online at: https://www.torontohydro.com/sites/electricsystem/residential/customercare/pages/r eportastreetlightout.aspx Report overgrown tree foliage blocking lights through 311 5. Talk to your family and friends about stopping violence. A dialogue with others can help stop the circle of violence. We need to demonstrate to others that sexual based violence in all its form is wrong.

Yours In community, Mike Layton City Councillor Ward 19, Trinity- Spadina

Cristina Juarez and Majella Coleman Co-Chairs, Christie Pits Residents' Association

Allan Reynolds Chair, Palmerston Area Residents' Association