E-News: September 2, 2024

ByBrad Bradford

Hi Friend,

It’s hard to believe that we’re already wrapping up summer. I hope everyone has had a chance to enjoy the long weekend with family and friends. As families prepare for back to school on Tuesday, I’m wishing all of the students in Beaches – East York the very best for the year ahead. Make yourselves proud! 

For folks still looking for the perfect way to spend the long weekend – Toronto International BuskerFest is running until this evening at our very own Woodbine Park. And dog lovers, don’t forget to stop by Bark In The Park TO with your four-legged friendsAll in support of a fantastic cause – Epilepsy Toronto. 

And next weekend, I hope you’ll join me on Sunday, Sept 8th from 1-3pm for a family fun day at the new Stan Wadlow Playground. More details are below in the newsletter.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Donald Summerville Backyard Pool Party – it was such a fun sendoff to the summer. But the party doesn’t have to end just yet. The season has been extended at Donald Summerville and the pool will remain open until September 22nd. We all know the summer heat isn’t going away anytime soon, so get out there and enjoy our newly upgraded pool! 

Speaking of summer send offs, I had the opportunity to enjoy the last outdoor summer movie night in Kew Gardens. Big shoutout to the Beach BIA for the weekly family fun you provided all summer. Excited for this awesome tradition to continue next year. 

This month, I also got to spend time with the good folks at the Harmony Good Food Market, which will be selling seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables and more until the end of October. Plenty of inspiration for school lunches to be found here – check it out on Tuesday afternoons from 3-5pm.

As always, I look forward to reading your feedback and seeing you around the community. 

Best,

 – Brad


In This Issue

Updates

Small Business Spotlight :sparkles:

Pizzeria No.900 Beaches – 1987 Queen St. E

Local Events 

  • Sept. 5: Seniors Open House and BBQ 🆕 
  • Sept. 7: St. Luke’s Church Book Sale 🆕 
  • Sept. 8: Back to School Fun Day 🆕 
  • Sept. 12: Beaches Sandbox 🆕
  • Sept. 21 and 22: Danforth East Craft and Arts Fair 🆕

Community Programs & Employment

  • Annual Toronto Nature Stewards 
  • Centre 55 – Mural Program
  • City of the Dead: The History of Toronto’s Early Cemeteries 🆕
  • Dentonia Park Splash Pad Improvement Survey 
  • Introduction to Sustainability and Climate Change 🆕
  • Palliative Caregiver Support and Walking Group 
  • Planning for Retirement 🆕
  • PROBUS Club of Toronto – Waterfront Queens Quay and Beaches area 
  • Queer Youth United 
  • SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups 
  • Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program 
  • The BikeMatchWCN Program 
  • The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance 
  • Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub 
  • Toronto Community Crisis Team 55 and 53-Division Expansion

Neighbourhood News 

  • Circular Materials Beverage Cup Pilot 
  • City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour

Work in the Ward

  • Toronto Hydro Upgrades Near Danforth & Dawes
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 351 – Woodbine Avenue
  • Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town 
  • O’Connor/Woodbine Construction Update: September 2024 🆕
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Halsey Avenue 
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth 
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A 
  • Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive 
  • REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A 

City Wide News/Events

  • Arcadia Earth: Senior Experience 
  • Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season 
  • Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project 
  • Outdoor Pools Extended Hours 🆕
  • Taste of North York 
  • Theatre: Scarborough Theatre Guild – Appointment with Death 
  • Tips to Beat the Heat  
  • Torontonians encouraged to explore farmers’ markets as summer arrives in the city 
  • Where paws meet the pool 🆕
  • Wildlands League & Mushkegowuk Council Present: Tawich in the City 🆕
  • 2024 Paris Summer Paralympics 🆕

Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office. Send me an email at [email protected] and we can get you included in our next issue. 


Updates 

Small Business Spotlight :sparkles:

Pizzeria No.900 celebrated its grand opening last week.

Congratulations to this fantastic new local business that brings authentic Italian cuisine to the Beach.

It’s always a joy to meet people like Luke who have such passion for building community.

Make sure to visit them at 1987 Queen St. E.

Local Events

Seniors Open House and BBQ 🆕 

Dear Centre 55 Members,

We are thrilled to welcome you back! To kick off the new season, we are hosting a Welcome Back BBQ and Open House next week on Thursday, September 5th at Centre 55. This is a FREE event with no registration required.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new members, and learn about all the exciting activities we have planned. A detailed agenda of sampler classes and presentations to follow.

We also wanted to let you know that program registration details will be coming your way soon, so stay tuned for more information.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing another fantastic year together!

St. Luke’s Church Book Sale 🆕 

BOOKS!   BARGAINS!   BREAKFAST!

Mark your calendar — 9am to 3pm, September 7, 2004

Over 4000 new and like-new books, curated rummage, raffles, and our fantastic PANCAKE BREAKFAST: pancakes, sausage, hash browns, maple syrup, plus orange juice, tea, or coffee $8 ($6 for kids under 12).

Address: 904 Coxwell Avenue (at Cosburn)

Back to School Fun Day 🆕 

I’m excited to celebrate the opening of the new Stan Waldow’s playground with you. Join us on September 8, from 1-3 PM.

Bring your kids to spend a great day at this brand-new playground and enjoy a fun day with different activities as we say goodbye to summer and gear up for the new school season.

See you there!

Beaches Sandbox 🆕 

A great evening of Jazz and Blues is scheduled for the Beaches Sandbox on Thursday, September 12.

Featuring Harrison Kennedy, Trombone Charlotte and hosted by Shakura S’Aida.

The Beaches Sandbox is located at 2181 Queen St. E. (Just a few doors east of Queen and Lee) 

Tickets and more information can be found at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/beaches-sandbox-live-music-jazz-blues-tickets-955780113047

Danforth East Craft and Arts Fair 🆕

The Danforth East Craft and Arts Fair is a free event held in East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave between Coxwell and Woodbine Avenues.

Our 2024 event is fast approaching.  Hope to see you there!

Saturday September 21, 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday September 22, 10 AM to 5 PM

The fair showcases the work of an eclectic mix of over 60 local artists in a beautiful outdoor setting.  We have live music, free kids’ activities and delicious food on site from a variety of local restaurants.

Community Programs & Employment Events

Annual Toronto Nature Stewards 

Please visit https://torontonaturestewards.org/ for more information and to register.   

Centre 55 Mural Program 

Are you looking to enhance your outdoor space with some artwork? The Community Centre 55 summer mural program is just around the corner!

Contact Jade Maitland (Program Director – Community Centre 55) for more information – [email protected] or 416-691-1113.

City of the Dead: The History of Toronto’s Early Cemeteries 🆕

Join Virginia Van Vliet, native Cabbagetown resident, and discover the eerie history of Toronto’s first cemeteries, their impact on our local communities, and some of their famous – and infamous – residents. The presentation concludes with information about how to explore these cemeteries for yourself.

Q&A period to follow the presentation.

Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.

Monday October 21, 2024

6:30-7:30 pm

S. Walter Stewart Library

170 Memorial Park Ave.

Dentonia Park Splash Pad Improvement Survey 🆕

Thanks to everyone who stopped by earlier this week at our Pop-Up consultation event to share their thoughts on the proposed design. Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

If you didn’t get a chance, you can still take an online survey in English  or Bengali  to provide feedback on the splash pad design options by September 8, 2024.

The City is improving the splash pad in Dentonia Park with the help of community feedback. The new splash will replace the existing splash pad in approximately the same location, near the playground, and is proposed to include play elements that spray water and have water play activities for children ages two to 12.

Introduction to Sustainability and Climate Change 🆕

Sustainability and climate change are two hot topics that dominate the news cycle. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and confused by the complexity of both topics, which affect the environment, the economy, our society and our future.

Join us for a talk by Dr. Athar Kamal (PhD Sustainable Energy; Data Modelling and Analysis Specialist) as he breaks down climate change and provides ideas for sustainability as we face the effects of climate change on the world.

Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.

Saturday October 12, 2024

2:00 – 3:00 pm

S. Walter Stewart Branch

170 Memorial Park Ave.

Palliative Caregiver Support and Walking Group 

  1. What is a Palliative Caregiver Support Group?  It is a program designed to support caregivers of loved ones who are living with and dying from a life limiting illnesses.  The following are just some of the illness: ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, Heart or Kidney disease, Cancer, COPD and many others. Our program is now open to the community so we can support more caregivers and related clients. Many families are isolated due to caring for someone in their family. Please refer clients and caregivers to our program.

We are excited to share that we have an 8-week Palliative Caregiver Support Group that started on Monday July 8 to September 9 from 3:30-5:00 PM on Zoom. Open to new caregivers. For more information call or to register through our Palliative intake at 416-642-9445 #4111 or emailing [email protected]

Planning for Retirement 🆕

For those who want to understand how to effectively plan

for the retirement you desire.

This workshop covers:

  • Why you need a retirement plan
  • How much do you need to save?
  • Retirement saving strategies
  • Sources of retirement income
  • Tools and resources
  • …and more.

Come learn to become proactive and start retirement planning early. Presented by Dwayne Richards, CPA.

Register in branch or by calling 416-396-3975.

Monday October 7, 2024

6:30 – 7:30 pm

S. Walter Stewart Library

170 Memorial Park Ave.

PROBUS Club of Toronto – Waterfront Queens Quay and Beaches area 

Currently, there are several PROBUS clubs in Toronto and GTA but not in the south Waterfront Queens Quay to Beaches area. Although the information meeting has already happened, if you are interested in joining please contact [email protected] or visit https://www.probuscanada.ca/ for more information.

Queer Youth United  

Queer Youth United (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. every Thursday from 4-7pm.

QYU is is a 2SLGBTQ+ youth group for ages 15-29, where you can come and engage with others in a safe space within the community, while sharing meals, finding support and resources. 

You are welcome to drop-by at any time during the 4pm-7pm time period!

For more info: instagram.com/QueerYouthUnited or beachunitedchurch.com

SCHC – Fall Bereavement Support Groups 

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is a not-for-profit organization that provides a variety of holistic programs to support the health and well-being of the community. One of the programs offered is the Bereavement Peer – Support Groups. They provide several different types of virtual and in-person options. 

For more information, please visit: SCHC – Bereavement Care.

Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) Program

The Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program has been organized to support the seniors community with services ranging from garden and yard work to light housekeeping. 

If you or anyone you know is looking for more assistance around their home, contact Kevin at 416-531-8447 or email [email protected] for more information.

The BikeMatchWCN Program

The BikeMatchWCN program provides bikes to families from all over the city. Now in its fourth year, this program has provided more than 350 people with a bike to ride. Yet, the need continues to grow. There are more than 500 people registered to receive a bike from toddlers to adults and all sizes in between. In collaboration with the WCN, Access Alliance will continue organizing bicycle giveaways as a way to recycle and repurpose donated bicycles and further remove barriers to cycling in our city.

To register for the giveaway program, we ask our community members to visit this link and register to choose from available bikes matching their criteria and time and date for pick up. https://bikematchwcn.com/

Donations

We accept donations of bicycles, bike parts, accessories, and tools at our AccessPoint on Danforth location, and Lawrence-Orton location. Below you can find the address and hours of each location. The most needed bike sizes are adult medium, small and extra small.

AccessPoint on Danforth (3079 Danforth Ave. M1L 1A8. Entrance on Thora Ave.)

Sunday: CLOSED

Monday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Tuesday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Wednesday: 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Thursday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Lawrence-Orton (3939 Lawrence Ave E. M1G 1R9. Building 1. Enter via North side door.)

Sunday: CLOSED

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday: CLOSED

Thursday: CLOSED

Friday: 11:00am to 4:00pm

Saturday: CLOSED

*We kindly ask that donations not be left outside of our hubs, as scrap metal recyclers may pick it up before us.

The Neighbourhood Group – Job Assistance 

The Neighbourhood Group is offering FREE Employment Services to help you prepare for and find work. Whether you’re out of school and looking for a job, new to Canada and want your first Canadian work experience, looking to change your career, or trying to get back into the workforce, they have various training programs, work placements, workshopsonline job board, and resource centres.

For more information, visit The Neighbourhood Group.

Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub 

We’re thrilled to share that in-person services are available at the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub, a new welcoming space at East York Town Centre that provides health, wellness, employment and other services for youth and young adults! To access services, come by the Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub during its drop-in hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It is located at East York Town Centre, 45 Overlea Blvd. (Please use mall Entrance 6; the Youth Wellness Hub is located beside Dollarama). All services are free and open to everyone aged 12 to 25. Youth and young adults do not need a health card, family doctor or medical referral. Services include wellness counselling, peer support, employment services, settlement services, food support, primary care and more. No matter what you might be dealing with, their team can help.

For more information, please visit Thorncliffe Youth Club or follow them on Instagram @ThorncliffeYouthHub.

Toronto Community Crisis Team 55 and 53-Division Expansion 

The Toronto Community Crisis Team will be expanding city-wide to include 55 and 53 Divisions beginning July 7th 2024.

Operated in partnership with the Gerstein Crisis Centre, the team will act as first responders to community members witnessing or experiencing a crisis situation.

This is a community led response alternate to policing or medical models which was voted on unanimously by City Council.

The team can be accessed 24/7 by calling 211. More information can be found by going to https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/community-safety-programs/toronto-community-crisis-service 

This community-based, trauma-informed, accessible and equity-focused approach staffed by qualified crisis workers provides an opportunity for a health and social response instead of a justice/police response to mental health and substance use crises in our communities. 

Neighbourhood News

Circular Materials Beverage Cup Pilot 

Starting July 3, 2024, Toronto residents can place their hot (e.g., coffee and tea) and cold (e.g., fountain drinks) paper-based beverage cups in their Blue Bin recycling at home and other eligible locations (e.g., multi-residential homes and long-term care and retirement homes). 
 
Toronto has been chosen as the first municipality to implement the change due to its population size and the volume of hot and cold paper cup waste generated. 

Learn more about the beverage cup pilot in Toronto at https://www.circularmaterials.ca/city-of-toronto-hot-and-cold-beverage-cup-pilot/.

City of Toronto Taking Actions to Address Dangerous Dog Behaviour

As directed by Toronto City Council, the City is visiting owners of all dogs who have received a dangerous dog order. Staff are delivering a new standardized sign for owners of these dangerous dogs, which must be visibly posted on their property. Staff will also remind owners of the requirements of their dangerous dog order. Following these proactive visits, staff will continue to conduct regular compliance checks and respond to complaints to ensure compliance.

The City has also posted a public list of dangerous dogs that includes the first three digits of the postal code for the dog owner, ward number, the dog’s name, breed and colour, and the date of the dangerous act at: toronto.ca/DangerousDogs.

Most dog attacks can be prevented if dogs are kept on a leash. Residents are reminded that it is a bylaw requirement for all dog owners to keep their dogs on leashes when out in public (except when in designated dogs off-leash areas). The most impactful action owners can undertake is prevention. If residents observe a dog they believe to have a dangerous dog designation without its muzzle or in an off-leash dog park, a complaint can be made to 311 and the matter will be investigated. City of Toronto taking actions to address dangerous dog behaviour.

We understand the importance of exercise for your beloved pet. However, it is important to practice Responsible Dog Ownership and keep your dog on leash in areas that are not marked off as official dog off-leash areas. 

Please take the time to visit the following dogs off-leash areas in Beaches-East York by visiting the interactive map.

Be a good neighbour and be mindful of your surroundings! 

Work in the Ward

Hydro Upgrades near Dawes and Danforth

Toronto Hydro is rebuilding the electrical distribution system in your community to improve the reliability of your electrical service. This rebuild includes upgrading overhead electrical cables and replacing transformers on City owned property near your lot.

Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work; Project 351 – Woodbine Avenue

The boundaries for the project include a section of Woodbine Avenue and Norway Avenue. The work is expected to begin in August 2024.

Please refer to the map below to see the exact location.

Toronto Hydro Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Massey – Crescent Town 

Toronto Hydro are pleased to inform you that they will be improving the electricity system in our ward. 

The boundaries for the project include a section of Crescent Town Road and Massey Square. They expect the work to begin July 2024.

O’Connor/Woodbine Construction Update: September 2024 

The streetscape project along O’Connor Drive is progressing as scheduled, and the contractor continues with the road reconstruction along O’Connor Drive, and the intersection improvements at St Clair Ave E.  

The #93 Parkview Hills bus diversion will need to remain in place until work in the St Clair and O’Connor Drive intersection is completed. This intersection is projected to be fully reopened at the end of August.

All Bell Utility repairs and adjustments have been completed.

Week of September 2nd:

Between Glenwood Cres. and Sandra Rd., the ongoing work includes:

  • Milling and paving surface asphalt between Sandra Rd and Glenwood Cres.

Between St Clair Ave E. and Yardley Ave:

  • Sidewalk construction and adjustments
  • Continue with green infrastructure and soil cell installations

Repaving along Woodbine Avenue from Cosburn to O’Connor continues. This work includes road repaving and bikeway renewal.   I know this is adding to the frustrations and delays of many people trying to get around. When this work was originally proposed to happen last year, my office pushed to delay the start of the project so it would not happen until the O’Connor project was completed. Unfortunately, due to contracts that had already been signed, it was no longer possible to hold off on the work.

My office has been pushing for an acceleration of all of this project work, including extended hours and weekend work whenever possible, so we can reopen lanes and help you get moving.

Thank you for your patience during this critical infrastructure work. I hope you will continue to reach out to my office with any concerns.

Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Halsey Avenue 

Toronto Hydro is pleased to inform you they will be improving the electricity system in our ward.

The boundaries for the project include a section of Halsey Avenue. They expect the work to begin July 2024.

Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth 

Toronto Hydro is pleased to inform you they will be improving the electricity system in our ward. 

The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Eldon Avenue (West). Work began in March and will continue through January 2025.

Toronto Hydro Overhead Electrical Upgrade; Project Dentonia Park Avenue Overhead Rebuild Phase 1A 

Toronto Hydro is hard at work to improve the electricity system in Ward 19. Please see the detailed graphic below for more information.

The boundaries for the project include Rosevear Avenue (North), Victoria Park Avenue (East), Dentonia Park Avenue (South), and Dawes Road (West). 

Toronto Hydro Overhead & Underground Civil & Electrical Work: Glen Manor Drive 

Toronto Hydro will be conducting further infrastructure upgrades in our community. Please see the detailed graphic below for more information.

The boundaries for the project include a section of Glen Manor Drive between Duart Park Road (North) and Queen Street East (South). 

REVISED: Hydro Work – Danforth Overhead Rebuild Phase 2A 

Toronto Hydro is currently doing some upgrades on Danforth. The boundaries for the project include Dentonia Park Avenue (North), Thyra Avenue (East), Danforth Avenue (South), and Avonlea Boulevard (West). 

City Wide News/Events 

Arcadia Earth: Senior Experience 

Consider joining Community Centre 55 on their Thursday, September 12th Field Trip to The Well, to experience Arcadia Earth Toronto and dine at East Tea Can!

We will be leaving the Centre at 10AM and travelling by Coach Canada to the newest attraction downtown, where we will have a delicious signature tasting luncheon at Mediterranean hotspot East Tea Can, followed by a tour of shopping architectural marvel The Well and then immerse ourselves in the internationally acclaimed multi-sensory exhibits of Arcadia Earth Toronto and aim to return to the Centre by 5pm. 

You can ONLY GET YOUR SPOT(S) by contacting Jennifer by emailing [email protected]  to arrange payment for your $100 ticket. Payment arrangements must be made upon reservation booking in the email, and your phone number and emergency contact information must be included in your reply.

Please Note:

Refunds will not be issued after August 30th unless you can fill your own spot immediately. 

Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season 🆕

Offering multiple concerts, the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Season begins this October and continues throughout December in Scarborough.

Visit: https://cathedralbluffs.com/

Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project 

On July 24, the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario announced updates on a plan to accelerate Gardiner Expressway construction work and improve traffic flows. This will permit 24/7 construction and moves the expected completion date up to April 2026 instead of April 2027 – shaving one year off the timeline.

Thanks to all of you for joining me in advocating to accelerate this project work. I’m also happy to share that my motion passed which asked staff to accelerate the future phase that will rebuild the on- and off-ramps to the east end (east of Cherry Street).

Find more information on the City’s Gardiner Section 2: Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue webpage.

Scarborough Theatre Guild: Appointment with Death 

Longing to travel to an exotic locale? Love solving murder mysteries? Enjoy the intimacy of a small, local Community Theatre experience?

Well then…Scarborough Theatre Guild’s production of Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Deathis sure to fit the bill. Tickets on sale now! The show opens September 13 and runs until September 28. 

  • Evening and matinee show times are available 
  • Free parking
  • Located within the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre (Markham/Kingston Roads)
  • The premises are wheelchair accessible
  • Groups of 10 or more get a further discount on the already affordable ticket prices!

For more info, visit APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH – Scarborough Theatre Guild

Outdoor Pools Extended Hours 🆕

The City of Toronto is extending its operations at ten outdoor pools for an additional three weeks, weather permitting, from Labour Day, Monday, September 2, until Sunday, September 22.

Pools with extended operations will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 7 p.m. on weekends. The selected pools located across the city are:

  • Alex Duff Outdoor Pool, 779 Crawford St.
  • Donald D Summerville Outdoor Pool, 1867 Lake Shore Blvd. E.
  • Alexandra Park, 275 Bathurst St.
  • Riverdale Outdoor Pool, 550 Broadview Ave.
  • Heron Park Community Centre, 292 Manse Rd.
  • McGregor Community Centre, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
  • Goulding Park Community Centre, 45 Goulding Ave.
  • Broadlands Community Centre, 19 Castlegrove Blvd.
  • Pine Point Arena, 15 Grierson Rd.
  • West Mall Outdoor Pool, 370 The West Mall

Pools with extended operations will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Taste of North York 

NeighbourLink North York presents the 2nd Taste of North York Community & Food Festival, September 6-8 at Mel Lastman Square!

Celebrate North York’s vibrant cultures, diverse cuisines and community connections with delicious food vendors, live music, art, dancing, kids activities and NeighbourLink’s Meet & Eat! Net proceeds support NeighbourLinks food bank and community care programs. 

The Meet & Eat located at the Reflection Pond at Mel Lastman Square includes: 

  • A patio to enjoy food and meet neighbours all weekend long – join us September 6 at 7pm for a community meal with special entertainment
  • A Community Fair of local charities, organizations, clubs and artisans on September 7th & 8th
  • Family activities including art, juggling workshops, aerial hammocks, lego-building, caricatures, instrument petting zoos and robotics 

Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item to cram a 32 division police cruiser and support NeighbourLink’s food bank 

📍 Taste of North York

📍 September 6-8, 2024

📍 Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.

📍 Fri (6pm-10pm), Sat (12pm-10pm), Sun (12pm-8pm)

Join in the fun of building a more connected community together! 

Learn more at www.neighbourlink.org/taste

Torontonians encouraged to explore farmers’ markets as summer arrives in the city

As Torontonians welcome the summer season, the City of Toronto is encouraging residents and visitors to explore farmers’ markets across the city, from Etobicoke to Scarborough and everywhere in between.

Farmers’ markets play an active role in the local food supply chain, provide Torontonians with access to fresh foods, and give residents another reason to get outside, explore communities across the city and support the local agriculture sector.

There are 22 farmers’ markets hosted at City sites across Toronto, including:

  • Civic centres: East York Civic Centre, Etobicoke Civic Centre, Mel Lastman Square and Nathan Phillips Square
  • Parks: Baird Park, Dieppe Park, Dufferin Grove Park, East Lynn Park, Flemingdon Park, Greenwood Park, Humber Bay West Park, June Rowlands Park, Masaryk Park, Riverdale Park West, Rosebank Park, R.V. Burgess Park, Sorauren Avenue Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Underpass Park, Withrow Park and Wychwood Barns Park
  • Toronto Museums and Historic Sites: Montgomery’s Inn

The City-operated Saturday Farmers’ Market at the St. Lawrence Market is open for visitors to explore every Saturday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., year-round. The St. Lawrence Market is a renowned international food market featuring 120 merchants, vendors and farmers, offering fresh produce, meat and specialty items.

More information, including a list of farmers’ markets in Toronto, is available on the City’s 311 webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/home/311-toronto-at-your-service/find-service-information/article/?kb=kA06g000001cwKaCAI.

Where paws meet the pool 🆕

On the last day of the outdoor pool season, the City will offer free, dogs-only swim at several locations. The dogs-only swim will take place in the last two hours of the operating season at the following pools on:

Sunday, September 1, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m:Greenwood Park,150 Greenwood Ave.

  • High Park, 1873 Bloor St. W.
  • Lambton – Kingsway Outdoor Pool, 37 Marquis Ave.
  • Monarch Park, 115 Felstead Ave.
  • Mitchell Field, 89 Church Ave.
  • North Toronto Memorial Outdoor Pool, 200 Eglinton Ave W.
  • Northwood Outdoor Pool, 15 Clubhouse Ct.
  • Rotary Outdoor Pool, 25 Eleventh St.
  • Stanley Park South, 700 Wellington St. W.
  • Kiwanis Outdoor Pool, 375 Cedarvale Ave.

Sunday, September 22, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m:

  • Heron Park, 292 Manse Rd.
  • McGregor Park, 2231 Lawrence Ave E.
  • Riverdale Park East, 550 Broadview Ave.

Wildlands League & Mushkegowuk Council Present: Tawich in the City 🆕

celebration of nature conservation and Indigenous culture is taking place on September 25th. Tickets include a Cree lesson led by Angela Sheeshish, a performance by Adrian Sutherland (a CNN-featured Cree musician from Attawapiskat), access to a custom-built Indigenous Art Garden, presentations from Omushkego Elders, all followed up with free bannock and bear paws.

This celebration will build public support for a national marine conservation area (NMCA) the size of Tennessee along James and Hudson Bays. The proposed NMCA will protect an abundance of arctic polar bears, beluga whales, and migratory shorebird nesting sites, while also honoring its Indigenous stewards.

Anyone interested in this holistic celebration should consider tickets and follow Wildlands League on Instagram (we’ll be running a Patagonia merch giveaway closer to the event!).

When: September 25, 2024 | 7:00 PM

Starting at: $55.00

Venue: Koerner Hall

Genre: Art & Conversation, Indigenous Music

Presenter: Wildlands League & Mushkegowuk Council

2024 Paris Summer Paralympics 🆕

Team Canada will be participating in the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France, scheduled from August 28 to September 8!

There are 11 athletes from Toronto participating in the Paralympic games. In support of Team Canada, the City of Toronto will illuminate the 3D Toronto sign in red and white on August 28, coinciding with the opening ceremony. Additionally, each time Team Canada wins a gold medal, the sign will be lit in gold.