Hi Neighbours,
Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week and are ready for one of the last weekends in 2021. It’s hard to believe another year is coming to end – and quickly! The Beaches-East York community has really gotten into the holiday spirit this month – it’s been great being out in our neighbourhoods enjoying the beautiful decorations and catching up with friends and neighbours at some of the tree and menorah lightings like we had at East Lynn Park, Ashbridges Bay Park and Kew Gardens in the last couple of weeks! Thank you to everyone who’s helped contribute.
It’s unfortunate to be ending 2021 with news of the pandemic still evolving, but it’s important to stay careful. With concerns growing about the Omicron variant, the Provincial Government announced today that proof of vaccination requirements are going to stay in place a little longer and booster shots for Ontarians over 18 years of age will start opening on January 4th, 2022. Vaccines are – and will continue to be – the safest way for the vast majority of us to protect ourselves and each other. Like you, I can’t wait to be with loved ones this break. Please stay safe.
Despite this latest period of change, Toronto continues hitting impressive vaccination milestones. This week almost 70,000 or 30% of eligible children (aged 5-11) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We’re hosting a Toronto Kids Vaccine Day at the Scotiabank Arena on Sunday (December 12) from 10am to 6pm to help keep the numbers up. The clinic will host around two thousand of the city’s youngest public-health superheroes to get vaccinated surrounded kid-friendly activities, entertainment, ticket and toy giveaways and special Toronto mascot and PAW Patrol visitors. Appointments are needed and some appointments are still available by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 or through the Province of Ontario’s appointment web page.
If you’re like me, you might be getting into a bit of a rush to get everything done in time for the holiday break but please remember there’s still a lot of time to get involved, give back and help support the community that gives us so much throughout the year. Take a browse through the many great initiatives going on in Beaches-East York below, like Community Centre 55’s Share A Christmas and the Parkview Hills donation drive (to name just a couple).
Finally, please remember, whenever you can, support local businesses as much as you can. Our local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) are doing an incredible job supporting businesses in their areas. Get the latest from them online (Danforth Village, The Danny, The Beach). Don’t forget our mom and pops and local businesses on Main Streets across Beaches-East York including Kingston Road, Gerrard Street, Main Street, O’Connor and Coxwell too!
While my office remains open and my team continues working remotely through the holidays, I’ll be back with my next e-newsletter on January 7th. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to stay connected throughout 2021. Thank you for all you’ve done to support this community over the last year. And thank you for working together to make Beaches-East York a more welcoming, affordable, sustainable and equal place to live. My work as your City Councillor—and all we accomplish together— is only possible through the time, energy and dedication you bring.
I hope you get some time to rest and reflect on this past year with family and friends.
Sincerely,
– Brad
P.s. look out for my household newsletter in your mailboxes in the coming week. That will include a full round-up of our work together in the last 12 months and some of what’s on the horizon for 2022.
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- Registration for March Break CampTO?
- Community Meeting on Waterfront Projects (Port Lands Flood Protection and Gardiner Construction) ?
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle this Holiday Season ?
- New policies for multiplex housing getting closer
- A new horizon for parking policy!
- ActiveTO Bike Lanes – here to stay!
- Share your views – City of Toronto Animal Bylaw Review
- Team Toronto Kids COVID-19 vaccination starts vaccinations for five to 11 year-olds ?
- Update on vaccine clinics ?
- Metrolinx work behind Little York Road and Norwood Terrace
- Munroe Park Avenue Stairs Closed for Construction
- Williamson Ravine Upgrades
- Portland Flood Protection Upgrades
- Road Restoration on Main and Lumsden
- Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Repair?
- Toronto Hydro – Kingston Road Overhead & Underground Electrical Update
- Toronto Hydro – Woodbine Heights Upgrade
- Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work
- Toronto Hydro – Bartley and O’Connor Upgrade
- Construction Notice – Parkview Hills
- Construction Notice – Hale Court, Leander Court and Stag Hill Drive
- Buddy the Dog – needs our help ?
- Ashbridges Bay Park Welcomes Red Embers
- Crosswalk at Cosburn & Glebemount Ave Operational
- Parkview Hills Community Association donation drive?
- Socks for a cause?
- New multifaceted nursing recruitment program at Michael Garron Hospital?
- Grant AME Church call for food hamper donations
- Community Centre 55 January Seniors Trip?
- Community Centre 55 is looking for volunteers!
- Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada ?
- Danforth Village COVID Outreach Centre for testing and vaccinations (Dec 1st to 31st) ?
- Leslieville COVID Outreach Centre for testing and vaccinations (Dec 1st to 31st) ?
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mobile Healing team – COVID testing Jan 4th, 2022 ?
- Community Centre 55’s November/December Senior Schedule
- Seniors Snow Removal Program
- Community Centre 55’s 40th Annual Christmas Hamper Program
- Community Centre 55 Community Fridge
- Kick-start Virtual Tutoring Program
- Kick-start After-school Program
- Get your vaccine proof printed for free at Toronto Public Library
- Volunteers needed: In-home Hospice program
- Call for Blood Donors
- East Toronto Food Program
- Toronto District School Board – Essential Skills Upgrading
- Seniors Coffee N’ Mingle – Access Alliance
- EarlyOn Family Programs
- Seniors Cleaning Service
- Toronto Beach Chorale?
- Special Episode of the virtual Piano Bar!?
- Seminar – Psychosocial issues of South Asian Bangladeshi seniors living in Toronto during COVID-19 ?
- Upcoming Heritage Talk – The Beach & East Toronto Historical Society
- Dawes Road Library & Community Hub Consultation – December 13th
- Battle of the Beaches!
- Thursday Trivia Happy Hour with Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships
- New Horizons Band of Toronto ?
- Amped in the Beach! ?
- Toronto Public Library’s Main Street Branch turns 100! ?
- Orange Paper Flowers for Reconciliation
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 & Announcements from City Hall
Registration for March Break CampTO!?
Registration for City of Toronto winter recreation programs and March Break CampTO opens on December 11 and 15, 2021. The City is Toronto’s largest provider of recreation programs for people of all ages, skill levels and interests. More than 11,000 registered courses and 2,200 drop-in programs are offered, including arts, fitness and wellness, general interest, skating, skiing, snowboarding, sports and swimming. Virtual recreation workshops will also be available.
Due to changes in Toronto’s ward boundaries, the registration date for some locations has changed. Residents are asked to plan ahead and confirm the district for their programs before registration starts.
Registration for winter recreation programs starts on December 15 for facilities in North York & Toronto and East York (incl. West Toronto York, excl. ward York South-Weston).
Visit toronto.ca/WinterRec for more information.
Community Meeting on Waterfront Projects (Port Lands Flood Protection and Gardiner Construction) ?
On Wednesday I joined Councillor Paula Fletcher and several hundred community members from Wards 14 and 19 to discuss some of the major projects happening across our east end waterfront. We heared from Waterfront Toronto and shared imprortant information about the Gardiner construction work.
There was a lot of valuable information in the meeting including details on the multi-billion dollar investment happening at the mouth of the Don River to protect 2,400 hectares of land from flooding, created 240 hectares of new parkland and revitalize one of the largest downtown waterfront areas in all of North America.
The work being done to the Gardiner and the removal of the Logan Ramp is being done to achieve those long-term benefits. Many residents have asked me about the loss of access to the Gardiner from Lake Shore East. Although the access is closed during construction, once construction is complete there will be a new eastern Gardiner connection. The ramps will connect directly from Lake Shore but from the west of the Don River instead of east of the river like the current ramps.
More information on all of this is available in the meeting presentation available for download here. You can also watch a recording of the meeting here.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle this Holiday Season ?
The City of Toronto encourages residents to “recycle right” and reduce the amount of waste that they generate during the holidays.
Every year, the City manages more than 900,000 tonnes (two billion pounds) of waste. This requires money, energy and resources, and takes up valuable landfill space. The holiday season in particular can create a large amount of waste. The most effective way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill is to practice the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle right. Small changes can make a big impact, including the following tips:
Reduce
- Bring a reusable bag when shopping and say no to single-use items such as plastic bags, receipts, and extra packaging. Choose reusable items when planning holiday meals – avoid the use of single-use items such as plastic cutlery and paper plates.
- Consider low-waste gifts such as gift certificates for local experiences, restaurants or online courses or subscriptions.
- Cut down on food waste by planning meals, storing food correctly, and only buying the amount of food needed.
Reuse
- Save gift bags, gift wrap, ribbons and bows and reuse decorations each year.
- Try wrapping gifts with newspaper, old calendars or fabrics.
- Donate and buy used items such as clothing, housewares and toys to give them new life.
Recycle right and properly dispose of holiday waste
- Break down and flatten cardboard boxes and place them in the Blue Bin (recycling).
- Food waste including bones, as well as used paper towels, napkins and tissues, should be placed in the Green Bin (organics). Items soiled with cleaning products, however, should be placed in the garbage.
- Foil/metallic wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, bubble wrap, envelopes and other air-filled packaging, packing peanuts and fruit crates all belong in the garbage, if they cannot be reused.
Residents who are unsure of how to dispose of an item are encouraged to visit here or download the TOWasteApp.
New policies for multiplex housing getting closer
At Planning & Housing Committee yesterday, we gave the green light to start consultation on new policies to introduce multiplex housing in more areas of the city. The need for housing options in the City is clear, and we have to strike the right balance between ensuring we preserve what’s best of our existing communities and making sure we’re giving them the space they need to grow and evolve.
The City’s planning department is looking at new ways to allow more gentle density in areas of the city that are close to transit and where the current rules can be quite restrictive. Allowing more housing options is about who gets to live where. Options determine who gets access to opportunities, and who gets to take part in the exponential success and growth Toronto will continue to experience in the years to come.
As the City goes out to develop new policies, conversations can get abstract. It helps me to remember that conversations about housing options and policy are really about your neighbour who is looking to care for their aging loved ones closer to home, about young adults starting out in the careers they have in front of them, and the newcomers to Toronto who are vital to keeping our main streets vibrant and our economy growing.
You can read more about the report here, and stay tuned for more information as consultations roll-out next year.
A new horizon for parking policy!
Few of us think about parking when we talk about the kinds of planning policies that are going to transform the way our city grows and develops in the 21st Century. But parking matters. Yesterday at Planning & Housing Committee, we adopted a new approach to parking spaces in new developments putting sustainability and affordability at the forefront. The parking standards currently embedded in our planning policies exist from a different era, when it was thought that everyone would move around the city in a single occupancy vehicle and the journey from home to work was from a highway to downtown. The changes brought forward today bring our approach to parking into the 21st century. We are making way for new standards of transportation: moving away from requiring parking minimums in new developments to lower the cost of building housing and help move the city closer to achieving it’s goals to reach net zero. Each community and project in the city has its own unique characteristics. That’s why this framework balances removing minimums and introducing maximums – it strikes the balance between how Torontonians are living now and the zero-emission lifestyle we’re working towards. We’re building a city where car ownership doesn’t have to be essential, and we’re supporting the active lifestyles Torontonians are living today. You can read the report here and tap the image below to hear my comments at committee.
ActiveTO Bike Lanes – here to stay!
Great news for all road users who want to see safer streets – and a win for main street businesses. I’m proud to join my Council colleagues today in support of making the Bloor-Danforth & University ActiveTO lanes permanent!
Our Destination Danforth lanes have been transformative in Beaches-East York. The benefits to the community and small businesses are clear and I’m glad to see recommendations in a new City staff report suggesting that we make them permanent.
Share your views – City of Toronto Animal Bylaw Review ?
The City is undertaking a review of the Animal Bylaw to improve the coexistence of humans and wildlife, to decrease nuisance behaviour and to enhance animal welfare.
The review aims to modernize the rules related to the feeding of wildlife, pet licensing, and the ownership of rabbits, guinea pigs and pigeons. It will also explore topics such as cosmetic procedures on pets and the feasibility of developing a list of animals that people can keep as pets.
Find out more about what’s included in the review here.
The survey is available here and is open for feedback until December 17 at 11:59 p.m.
Team Toronto Kids COVID-19 vaccination plan released for five to 11 year-olds ?
Team Toronto continues to hit milestone after milestone in the fight against COVID-19. As of this week, Team Toronto Kids has administered more than 60,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5-11.
Toronto Public Health continues to work with its health care partners to facilitate a positive experience for children and families. There were 50 school-based vaccination clinics for eligible children running this week, bringing COVID-19 vaccinations directly to children and their families in needs-based neighbourhoods across the city.
Appointments can be booked by visiting the City of Toronto COVID-19 page and clicking the blue button or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.
Updates on vaccine clinics?
For children aged 5 to 11
Friday December 10
- Victoria Park Elementary (145 Tiago Ave) 4 – 8 pm
Saturday December 11
- D.A. Morrison Middle School (271 Gledhill Ave) 8 am – 8 pm
Sunday December 12
- Crescent Town Elementary (4 Massey Sq.) 8 am – 8 pm
For residents 12+
Friday December 10
- Shoppers World Danforth (3003 Danforth Ave) 10:15 – 6 pm
- Gerrard Square Shopping (1000 Gerrard St. E) 10:15 – 6 pm
Saturday December 11
- Shoppers World Danforth (3003 Danforth Ave) 10:15 – 6 pm
- Gerrard Square Shopping (1000 Gerrard St. E) 10:15 – 6 pm
Sunday December 12
- Shoppers World Danforth (3003 Danforth Ave) 10:15 – 6 pm
- Gerrard Square Shopping (1000 Gerrard St. E) 10:15 – 6 pm
OTHER POP-UP CLINICS FOR CHILDREN 5-11 YRS:
Appointments can be booked in advance at ca/VaccineAppointment. You can also use the provincial booking system online or at 1-833-943-3900.
Work in the Ward
Metrolinx work behind Little York Road and Norwood Terrace
Munroe Park Avenue Stairs leading to Silver Birch Beach Closed for Construction
Please be advised that the Munro Park Ave stairs leading to Silver Birch Beach will be off limits for construction starting this morning. The existing wood and brick staircase is being removed, and concrete steps with a metal handrail are being installed. Weather permitting, this is expected to take approximately 2 weeks (end of November)
The cancellation of another project allowed Parks Construction to quickly prioritize this important work, hence the last-minute nature of this advisory.
Access to the Beach can be gained from Neville Park Blvd and Nursewood Rd to the east, and Silverbirch Ave and Willow Ave to the west.
Williamson Ravine Upgrades
Urban Forestry is proposing to plant native trees and shrubs this fall in Williamson Ravine. These plantings are intended to increase the urban tree canopy, improve biodiversity, restore the native plant community, and to prevent soil erosion, following invasive vegetation management. This work is being done as part of the City’s Ravine Strategy.
Portlands Flood Protection Upgrades
In addition to the information I provided above, here is the detailed construction notice relating to the work happening in the Port Lands which relates to the Gardiner East ramp closure and improvements to Lake Shore Blvd East.
My website also has a two pager and other links you can access for fuller details.
Road Restoration on Main and Lumsden
Toronto Hydro – Kingston Road Overhead & Underground Electrical Update
Toronto Hydro will be undertaking improvements to the electricity system in the following area:
- Kingston Road between Southwood Drive (East) and Glen Stewart Crescent (South).
The work is expected to begin December 2021.
Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Rebuild?
Toronto Hydro – Woodbine Heights Upgrade
Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work
Toronto Hydro – Bartley and O’Connor Upgrades
Construction Notice – Parkview Hills
Construction Notice – Hale Court, Leander Court, and Stag Hill
Neighbourhood News
Buddy the Dog
GoFundMe: Buddy The Dog Has Given So Much, Now He Needs Us! (gofundme.com)
Ashbridges Bay Park welcomes Red Embers
Grateful for the opportunity to join the official opening of Red Embers at Ashbridges Bay this week. The Red Embers gates are a sacred memorial to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans, and Two-Spirited folks, envisioned and created by an all-womxn team of artists and community partners. The #EastEnd is fortunate to be hosting these banners and charred cedar posts for the next 6 months as they provide a space of commemoration and reflection while serving as a reminder of the continued work towards Truth and Reconciliation. Thank you to Elder Jacquie Lavalley for your wisdom and blessings, to the drummers and jingle dancers offering healing, Lisa Rochon of Citylab and Pamela Hart of Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto, their teams and partners, and to the thirteen teams of womxn artists from across Turtle Island who created these special works of art.
Crosswalk at Cosburn & Glebemount Ave Operational
Exciting news! The crosswalk @ Cosburn & Glebemount is officially operational – providing a safe place to cross between Woodbine & Coxwell.
I want to thank the community for their help in making this happen & for continuing to push to keep road safety a top priority in #BEY.
Community Programs
Parkview Hills Community Association (PHCA) Donation Drive?
The PHCA is collecting non-perishable food, clothing and toys for those in need.
Donations can be dropped off at 1643 Woodbine Heights Blvd.
Socks for a Cause?
Beach Hill Neighbourhood Association is collecting new adult socks for Michael Garron Hospital.
Socks can be dropped off at The Make Station (1925 Gerrard St. E.) or Morning Parade Coffee Bar (1952 Gerrard St. E.)
New multifaceted nursing recruitment program at Michael Garron Hospital ?
In very exciting news, Michael Garron Hospital recently launched their new multifaceted nursing recruitment program which is aimed at responding to the needs and values of today’s nurses in a post-COVID-19 recovery climate.
They know the past 20 months have had devastating impacts on Ontario nurses and healthcare workers. Now more than ever before, it is absolutely vital that employers are concentrating efforts on caring for both the personal and professional well-being of their people and teams. At MGH, this means offering nurses and healthcare workers a supportive, inclusive and safe environment to learn, grow and cultivate their careers.
To learn more, visit their website.
Grant AME Church call for food hamper donations
Community Centre 55 Senior Trips ?
Register here by January 21, 2022!
Community Centre 55 is looking for volunteers!
Front Desk Volunteers Wanted
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED
Community Centre 55 is in need of volunteers to help out at our front desk during work week day time hours at 97 Main Street. This can be a high volume and challenging environment with physically demanding tasks at time, but rewarding. Hours and shifts are flexible. We see this an ideal opportunity for an individual working or going to school part-time, a retiree, or anyone with a flexible schedule. We are looking for volunteers to start right away.
Duties will include:
Answering and transferring phone calls
Greeting visitors
Assisting with our Share a Christmas Program
Requirements:
- Basic phone skills
Ability to handle a variety of tasks while treating customers in a welcoming and sensitive manner
• Some background in working with the public
• Front desk or administrative assistance experience would be helpful - Be able to lift 20lb and walk up and downstairs on occasion
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada ?
The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada provides support, education, information and research funding and works to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Canadians.
To see what kind of incredible impact they make, watch the story of this brave young woman.
To learn more or get involved, visit their website.
Danforth Village COVID Outreach Centre for testing and vaccinations (Dec 1st to 31st) ?
Leslieville COVID Outreach Centre for testing and vaccinations (Dec 1st to 31st) ?
Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mobile Healing team – COVID testing Jan 4th, 2022 ?
Community Centre 55’s November/December Schedule
CC55 has a great set of Senior activity classes scheduled for November and December. Check out their calendar and find a class right for you. For more information and a summary of classes, visit their website.
Seniors Home Maintenance Program
Community Centre 55’s 40th Annual Christmas Hamper Program
Community Centre 55 Community Fridge
Community Centre 55 operates a community fridge where community members are encouraged to donate food to keep it from going to waste and to help those who may be in need. The fridge is located at Community Centre 55 at 97 Main Street at the south side of the building. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9:15am-3:45pm. You can donate fresh produce, dairy, bread, proteins, and frozen meals in the fridge/freezer section or non perishable goods in the pantry section. For safety reasons, the Centre asks that you don’t leave any opened items or items set to expire in the next 48 hours in the fridge. If the fridge or pantry are full, bring your donation inside and the volunteer team will make sure it’s stored appropriately. If you have any questions you can reach out to them at 416-691-1113 or [email protected].
Kick-start Virtual Tutoring Program
Kick-start After-school Program
Get your vaccine proof printed for free at Toronto Public Library
Volunteers needed: In-home Hospice program
Call for Blood Donors
There is an immediate need for new and returning blood donors to fill open appointments. As COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease and we move into a new normal, the need for blood is rising due to increasing demand and unfilled appointments.
There are three permanent Canadian Blood Service centers in Toronto: 2 Bloor Street East, 67 College Street, and 163 King Street West. If you’re in good health, please visit blood.ca to book an appointment.
East Toronto Food Program
The pandemic has been tough for all of us, but it’s impact hasn’t been equitable. Our most vulnerable are feeling the worst impacts as many of the critical supports they rely on have been strained over the past year. Thankfully, we’ve had countless community organizations and residents step up in inspiring ways to help out.
The East Toronto Food Program purchases ~100 meals from local small businesses each week and donate them to people in need. If you’re in a position to support this work, they have a GoFundMe available to collect funds that will be directly used to feed those who need it in our community. You can find their page online here.
Toronto District School Board – Essential Skills Upgrading
Seniors Coffee N’ Mingle – Access Alliance
Every Friday at 4pm, seniors have a chance to connect, hear each other’s voices and exchange and share their experiences during this difficult and unprecedented time while we deal with COVID -19. Seniors enjoy their virtual tea/coffee with other participants while chatting on different topics. Email [email protected] to register
Seniors Cleaning Service
Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program provides assistance to seniors, as well as disabled and convalescing individuals, who need work done in and around their homes and apartments. Work includes garden and yard work, snow removal, light housekeeping and odd light jobs. These services enable individuals to direct their own care while living safely and independently in their own homes longer. For additional information or to register click here.
Local Events
Toronto Beach Chorale ?
After COVID-19 silenced them for almost two years … the Toronto Beach Chorale is back! On Sunday December 12, they will be performing John Rutter’s Magnificat with a guest orchestra. Happening at 7:30 pm at Kingston Road United Church.
They are also taking part in Messiah for the City, a performance with members of the Toronto Symphony that Jack Layton set up for the United Way. His idea was to bring Handel’s Messiah to people who would not usually have the chance to hear it.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit here.
Special Episode of the virtual Piano Bar! ?
Don’t miss the incredible Jim Clayton as he hosts a very special episode of virtual Piano Bar. In celebration of the 500th episode, donations will be raised all December in support of the Daily Bread Foodbank.
Check it out on December 16 @ 9pm! Find it here.
Psychosocial issues of South Asian Bangladeshi seniors living in Toronto during COVID-19 ?
Join Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services as they present a study aimed at exploring the experience of COVID-19 of South Asian Bangladeshi seniors in Toronto and to understand the perceived psychosocial issues of COVID-19 on them.
Happening Tuesday December 14 @ 1:00 p.m. Register here to attend.
Upcoming Heritage Talks – The Beach & East Toronto Historical Society
Mark your calendars! The Beaches & East Toronto Historical Society has another heritage talk coming up in December:
Tuesday December 14, 7-8:30 pm
A celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Main Street Branch Library with library historians Fiona Smith and John Puusa + a history of the Main & Gerrard neighbourhood with Barbara Myrvold.
Due to Covid restrictions both events will be Zoom virtual presentations.
Dawes Road Library & Community Hub Consultation – December 13th
Please join us for a consultation on the Dawes Road Library & Community Hub construction project.
To access meeting login information:
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/renovations/dawes-road-branch-renovation.jsp
Battle of the Beaches!
Join Bob Acton/Beast Instructors vs. Parent All-Stars Charity Game on Sunday, December 26th @ Ted Reeve Main Arena.
The cost to attend is $5/person at the door with all proceeds going to Centre 55.
Thursday Trivia Happy Hour with Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships
Local Spotlight
New Horizons Band of Toronto ?
I had a fantastic time visiting the New Horizons Band of Toronto. I learned about the numerous changes they’ve put in place to make participating a safer experience for everyone amidst the pandemic.
These changes have included multiple air filtration systems and advanced technology which let members rehearse from home — expanding the accessibility options for those looking to play an instrument. They have shown incredible resiliency and adaptability through the last two years, changing the way music is learned and accessed – while still bringing joy to people. They are truly dedicated to enriching the lives of others through music. I want to extend big congratulations to these folks on their first performance tonight since the start of the pandemic! To learn more, visit their webpage.
Amped in the Beach! ?
We had an incredible summer bringing Amped in the Beach to the community through the Amplified Live Music Pilot program.
We had very cool experiences with performers – like in the last show, the way the tech was set up let a musician perform on two separate CaféTO patios at once. The patio they were performing on had a regular speaker set up, and the technology that the BIA set up transmitted the music to the second patio (on the other side of the road) so the music was heard on both patios.
A big thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this pilot project a success!
Toronto Public Library’s Main Street Branch turns 100!?
Main Street Branch will be celebrating its centennial on December 15, 2021. Formerly named Eastern branch, its inception actually began in 1903 in the YMCA building on Main Street between Gerrard and Danforth before settling at its current location on Main Street just south of Gerrard at 137 Main Street.
Two major renovations have taken place since the opening in 1921; in 1928, a south wing was added to the building and in 1977 reading and magazine rooms were added in the North and West wings, and Eastern was renamed to the branch we know today: Main Street.
The Beaches and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) will be hosting an upcoming virtual event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Main Street on December 14, 2021 from 7-8:30pm.
They are still welcoming members of the community to come and share a favourite memory of Main Street Branch, and to check out the beautiful views from the large windows upstairs in the children’s department.
Source: Construction, xv, June 1922.
Orange Paper Flowers for Reconciliation
A local resident, Margot Rockett, is making and selling orange paper flowers to raise money for Reconciliation Canada and raise awareness for Truth and Reconciliation Day later this year. Margot will make at least 215 of these flowers to honour the 215 lives lost at the Kamloops residential school.
The large flowers are $10 each, with smaller flowers available for $4 each or $10 for 3. For information on ordering the orange paper flowers, please send a text to Margot at 647-208-5388 or email her at margot[email protected].
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.
Have questions, comments or concerns? Just hit reply to this email and get in touch with me.
For real-time updates on the local issues that matter to you most, please follow any of my social media accounts!
About Brad Bradford - - -
