Dear Neighbour,
Wonderful news! The bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University are saved (for now)! I want to thank the tireless activists at Cycle Toronto, the two individually named applicants, their talented legal teams, and everyone who spoke out about Ford’s unconstitutional and unsafe legislation. Cyclists deserve to be safe on our roads, and I am so happy that Justice Schabas came to that same conclusion after considering all the facts.
Experts concluded again and again that removing bike lanes would increase collisions for all types of road users by at least 54%, would not decrease congestion over the medium or long term, and would make travel substantially less safe for cyclists. Some of those experts were even hired by the government itself!
These expert opinions are not just theoretical, either. After the city installed the Bloor Street bike lanes, collision rates dropped 56%, even as cyclist volumes rose 90% on those roads.
Justice Schabas noted in his decision, “there is no evidence that the government based its decision on data, manuals or expert ‘highway engineering', or that its decision would ‘contribute to highway safety.’ Rather, the evidence is to the contrary.” The government knew this when they wrote the legislation. Why else would they have included clauses in the bill insulating themselves from lawsuits when road users were hurt or killed if the Ford government were to remove these bike lanes?
The Justice called the presentation by the government “weak anecdotal evidence and expert opinion which is unsupported, unpersuasive and contrary to the consensus view of experts.” Part of that argument was that cycling is a “choice” and, should the government remove the bike lanes, any cyclists continuing to use Bloor and Yonge would be taking a voluntary risk. Justice Shabas did not buy this argument, stating that it had “no merit” as cycling is the best and often only option for many people due to its reliability and affordability.
The government further tried to argue that they could install “alternate route” bike lanes on side streets instead to meet the needs of cyclists. However, they could not provide examples of any routes that would facilitate efficient travel, connection to services, or uninterrupted travel via protected lanes. The “side street” model always included cyclists travelling in mixed traffic, alongside cars, for portions of their routes, often at the busiest intersections. The government’s internal documents showed that they knew this plan was unlikely to work and was simply “messaging” to the public.
I am very grateful to Justice Schabas for his thorough and well-researched decision. The fight is not over yet, and the government has already announced it will appeal the decision. However, to officially file the appeal, the government’s lawyers will need to find an error of law in the decision. Additionally, the government cannot use the notwithstanding clause to ignore this decision. If they wanted to do so, they would have had to invoke the clause in the initial bill, which they did not.
I was so fired up about this decision that I had to film a little sidewalk rant. Ford and his Ministers need to get back to the real work of fixing our healthcare, education, and court systems. They should not be wasting their time picking petty arguments with cyclists! You can watch my rant here.
As a cyclist and a driver, I am deeply invested in this story and in these bike lanes remaining exactly where they are. I will continue to keep you updated.
On a personal note, next week I will be out of the office to participate in the Friends for Life Bike Rally from Toronto to Montreal in support of the People with AIDS Foundation (PWA). This is a remarkable organization that I began supporting long before my time in public life. PWA carries out life-saving and life-transforming work to support people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto.
Government funding for PWA has flatlined and the cost to delivering the essential services from PWA has continued to surge with inflation and the cost of living crisis. PWA has a fundraising goal of $1.7 million for this ride and we are not there yet, but I know that more money will be raised over the six-day ride starting this Sunday. Every dollar raised will be directly invested in community services and support. To learn more about my journey with PWA and the Bike Rally, please visit my page here.
I hope that you all have a safe and happy August long weekend. I know I will! If you are out celebrating Caribana this weekend, make sure to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and above all, have a blast at the parade!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Report: Canada Continues to Sell Arms to Israel
- Education Townhall - Ministry Takeover of TDSB
- Oak Street Community BBQ
- Chinatown Festival Launch
- Underpass Park Farmers Market
- Policing Free Schools - Defeat Bill 33!
- This Week’s Meetings
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Report: Canada Continues to Sell Arms to Israel |
A breaking new report this week has demonstrated that Canadian businesses and federal inaction are actively facilitating the genocide in Gaza being committed by the government of Israel. The report shows that Canada has been sending arms and ammunition to Israel for years, despite the Federal government emphatically stating they had ended the practice in 2024. By combing through tax records and international shipment records, four NGOs (World Beyond War, the Palestinian Youth Movement, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East and Independent Jewish Voices) found at least 391 shipments of arms and arms-related goods had been sent from Canada to Israel since late 2023.
Many of those shipments took place after January 2024, when the then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, told the public the Canadian government would be severely restricting the shipment of Military supplies to Israel. Included in those shipments were 421,070 bullets, 175,000 of which a Canadian company sent in one large shipment in April 2025.
Canada is a signatory to the Geneva Convention, which means we have an obligation not to be complicit in genocide and to ensure that any sale or transfer of arms does not facilitate war crimes or significant violations of international law.
This week, we have watched the continued mass starvation of Palestinians, as the flow of aid continues to be restricted. Canada and the entire international community must step up with real consequences for Israel. This is a genocide and must end now.
I encourage you to write to your MP about these issues and demand that Canada commit to a true arms embargo with Israel, as well as additional sanctions and pressures to end the manufactured famine in Gaza.
You can read the full report here and the CBC’s coverage of it here.
|
Education Townhall - Ministry Takeover of TDSB |
Public education is under attack in Ontario, and the democratic checks and balances we rely on have been taken away. The Trustees you elected to represent our schools and community concerns have been locked out and prohibited from using their TDSB phones or email addresses to assist community members with their concerns. Meanwhile, the new supervisor of the TDSB, Rohit Gupta, has no public contact information. This is entirely undemocratic.
On Monday evening, I co-hosted a virtual town hall on the education crisis to help students, parents, and concerned community members understand the situation and how they can get involved. Thank you to my co-hosts, MPP Jessica Bell and Elected Trustee Deborah Williams, as well as our panellists, the Ontario Autism Coalition’s Sandra Huh and TDSB Student Senator Amontaye Mullings.
If you missed it, you can watch the full town hall here.
| Oak Street Community BBQ |
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining community members at 220 Oak Street for their annual BBQ. It was lovely seeing so many dear neighbours and friends!
Thank you to TCHC, the Salvation Army, and Cota for sponsoring the lunch and bringing the community together. Sharing food and time in the sunshine strengthens neighbourly connections. If you are having a summer social in your building, I would love to attend. Please message me!
| Chinatown Festival Launch |
The Chinatown Festival is fast approaching! This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Chinatown BIA’s Festival press conference. It was full of stunning performances from local artists and delicious food - just a taste of what is to come at the festival!
Thank you to Chinatown BIA Chair Tonny Louie and Event Committee Chair Steven Pho for your hospitality and all that you do to serve our communities. Your festival launch reminded us all that diversity is Toronto's strength. In the face of anti-Asian racism, gatherings like today are a joyful act of resilience, pride, and Canadian unity!
|
Underpass Park Farmers Market |
My team and I loved tabling at the Underpass Farmers' Market yesterday! This market is a gem in our community — bringing together local farmers, food producers, and neighbours to share fresh, sustainable, and delicious food.
Thank you to the incredible organizers, vendors, and volunteers. You are why this market thrives week after week. Thank you for connecting people to their food and to each other.
If you haven’t been yet, the market happens every Thursday until October 16 at 29 Lower River St. from 4 – 7:30 PM. You can grab some fresh produce and meet local farmers! Check out the full list of vendors here!
Last night, after the farmers' market, I popped over to the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show’s screening of Challengers to greet the huge crowd!
For 15 exciting years, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show has brought diverse communities together for free film screenings and other cultural programming. TOPS activates our parks, builds partnerships and draws tourism to Toronto for unforgettable arts experiences. I am proud to see the Ontario Trillium Foundation support TOPS with funding for new equipment to continue delivering world-class programming. To see their full lineup for the rest of the summer, click here.
| Policing Free Schools - Defeat Bill 33! |
I was proud to stand with students, educators, parents, and community leaders at Queen’s Park yesterday to support the provincial campaign against Bill 33. Ford's Bill 33 will not make Ontario's schools safer. Toronto ended policing in schools because the SRO program targeted Black, Indigenous, and racialized students, criminalizing their behaviour and failing our most vulnerable students.
Students should not be afraid to go to school, but with police in schools, many are. Bringing this program back is a step in the wrong direction, and a misallocation of funds that the government should invest in responsive and supportive education for all students.
Thank you to Andrea Vásquez Jiménez of Policing Free Schools, Dr. Beyhan Farhadi, Joy Henderson, Raheem White, Cyrielle Ngeleka, and Laura Walton for your leadership. We can build safer, more equitable schools by defeating Bill 33!
| This Week's Meetings |
- Visions of Science
- Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario and Your Way Forward
| This Week's Headlines |
Landlords could face $100K fine for Toronto renovictions
St. James Town square to under go massive redevelopment
ANALYSIS: Workers are being priced out of Toronto. Can we reverse course?
Canadians are experiencing the widest income gap ever recorded
NHL says five players acquitted of sexual assault ineligible to play
Toronto tenants win fight over rental increase they argue was for redevelopment costs
Ontario ACORN's New Report: Tenants Paying the Price for Climate Action
| Upcoming Community Events |
| St. Michael’s Homes DBT Skills Group |
St. Michael’s Homes is offering a DBT Skills Group to support emotional well-being and personal growth.
- Date and Time: Tuesdays, 12:00–1:00 PM
- Location: The Corner @240, Unit 108, 240 Wellesley St. E. (behind Food Basics)
- What to Expect: A psychoeducational group to learn and practice Dialectical Behavioural Therapy skills. Topics include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Additional Support: Individual case management is also available.
For questions or registration, contact 416-926-8267 ext. 126 or email [email protected].
|
Book Launch: Have You Seen a TTC Rail Vehicle? |
Janine Carrington Books is hosting a fun community celebration for Toronto transit fans with the launch of Luis-Mario Carrington’s new book, Have You Seen a TTC Rail Vehicle?
Event Details:
- Date: August 9, 2025
- Time: 1:00–3:00 PM
- Location: Spacing Store, 401 Richmond St. Toronto
The event will feature snacks, speakers, books, Toronto-themed merchandise, and transit-inspired activities. TTCriders and Spacing are also supporting this exciting launch that celebrates the city’s transit system and vehicles.
|
Preparation for Employment: Skills for Success |
Ready to Start Your Dream Career?
Dixon Hall’s program provides essential support to help individuals develop the skills and confidence necessary for employment readiness and successful community integration. Participants would be required to attend core courses for 6 weeks and participate in 2-4 hours of one-on-one coaching sessions. Additionally, optional computer literacy and creative writing programs are available. These courses will take approximately 28 hours to complete.
Core Courses:
In-person Group Workshops: 4 hours weekly for 6 weeks
• Skills for Success – Learn strategies to navigate challenges and foster personal and professional growth.
• Employment Readiness – Receive practical guidance on job searching, resume building, and understanding workplace expectations.
One-on-One Coaching Sessions:
• 2-4 hours throughout the program.
Optional Courses:
• Basic Computer Training or computer training with certification
• Creative Writing
Program Eligibility
- A resident of Ontario
- Unemployed
- Legal working age (18+ years old)
- Eligible to work in Canada (open work permit holders, not employer-specific permits)
- Not currently registered with another Employment Ontario agency
The program starts in April 2025 and continues throughout the year. The most recent cohort started on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Please click here to complete the application form.
| St James Town Pebble Mosaic Workshops |
The St James Town Neighbourhood Association has been approved for city funding to create and install three mosaic art projects in the community! They are working with ReDefine Arts on the project and want YOU to participate!
About the workshops:
- Free to attend! All are welcome! All ages!
- No experience necessary!
- Inclusive, collaborative & fully accessible.
- Interdisciplinary public art making & community building.
- No commitment required. Join one or all workshops... it's up to you.
- Spread the word! Share this opportunity with your friends, family & neighbours.
Where and When:
-
Mosaic Design Feedback
- Thursday, August 7 from 6 – 8 PM at Diane Frankling Co-op (85 Bleecker Street)
-
Final Design Presentation
- Saturday, August 9 from 12 – 2 PM at Wellesley Community Centre (495 Sherbourne Street)
-
Mosaic Building
- Monday, August 25 from 4 – 7 PM at Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
- Tuesday, August 26 from 4 – 7 PM at Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
- RAIN DATE: Thursday, August 28, 4 – 7 PM at Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
-
Unveiling Celebration
- Thursday, October 2 at 4:00 PM in Winchester Park (530 Ontario Street)
| Council Fire Youth Gathering |
Check out Council Fire’s 8th annual Youth Gathering on Saturday, August 9th in Regent Park. Tkaronto: Our Home, Our Community, Our Future pays tribute to future generations. This is a family friendly and free public event open to all who want to enjoy Pow Wow music, drumming, dancers, food, vendors, prizes, and much more, right in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Date: August 9, 2025
Time: Grand entry at 12 PM
Location: Regent Park Big Park
| Moss Park Summer Festival |
Join your Moss Park Neighbours for a celebration of summer! Enjoy a BBQ, live music, games, a raffle, photo booth, balloons, and community resources all in one place!
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Location: Green Space - Queen Street E and Ontario Street Intersection
| Queen’s Park North Revitalization Consultation |
Queen's Park North is a historic and culturally significant public green space in Toronto, located north of the Ontario Parliament Building. In 2025, the City was approached by the Weston family with an offer to donate $50 million to improve the park, plus additional funding for long-term maintenance and programming. In response, City staff have been instructed by Council to undertake community and First Nations, Inuit and Metis engagement, along with design exploration, that will build on work completed in the park in 2019. The engagement conversations will inform opportunities related to park design, park amenities, Indigenous placekeeping, park programming, maintenance and governance. This public feedback will be collected and included as part of City staff’s report back to City Council in late 2025, which will include a recommended path forward.
Take the online survey by August 31, 2025 to help shape the future of Queen’s Park North. Visit Get Involved for more information and other ways to participate.
| Get Started in Canada - Newcomer Women |
Get Started in Canada- Newcomer Women program is designed to support newcomer women in setting meaningful goals and strengthening their employability skills, while also providing the opportunity to earn micro-certificates.
Dates: Aug 11 - Oct 3, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM
Days: Mondays and Thursdays (virtual)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (in-person at Dundas & Kipling location)
What you will get:
- Micro-certificates such as WHMIS, Business Writing, Customer Service, and more
- Goal-setting support and enhanced job search skills
- Increased confidence and workplace communication skills
To apply, fill out the form here.
| RAW Design Student Summer Camp |
GOOD TO BE GOOD’s Change Make-Her Program is now accepting applications for its 6th Cohort!
This free, interactive, virtual group-based community-rooted program is open to women and gender-diverse people from equity-deserving and marginalized communities across Canada who want to grow their entrepreneurial journey and take their business to the next step — on their terms.
The 10-week program includes:
✨ 6 interactive group workshops
✨ Mentorship with leaders who share lived realities and experiences
✨ Peer support check-ins & networking
✨ Toolkits, resources, and a $250 micro-grant upon completion
✨ Opportunity to apply for a $500 Bursary
✨ Wraparound supports (internet/data stipends, wellness tools, childcare, accessibility) to reduce barriers to access
Rooted in equity, inclusivity, and care, CMH helps participants build foundational business and leadership skills through values-aligned workshops, mentorship, and community connection. Folks from equity-deserving communities—Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, low-income, survivors, and others facing barriers to traditional entrepreneurship spaces and systems are prioritized in this program.
The date to apply is Friday, August 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm EST.
APPLY HERE!
Questions or referrals? Contact the Manager of Support Services, Aramí at [email protected] or visit our website for more information and FAQ.
| RAW Design Student Summer Camp |
Registration is open for RAW’s Diversity in Design Summer Camp! Running August 25–29, this is a free, week-long camp for Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth in grades 6–12. The goal is to introduce young people to architecture and design through creative, hands-on workshops, walking tours, design challenges, and conversations about how design shapes our communities.
The camp includes:
- Daily workshops (10 AM – 3 PM) at RAW’s studio near Ossington and Dupont
- Lunch, snacks, and TTC support as needed
- Mentorship from architects and designers
- Portfolio review and post-secondary prep for grade 11/ 12 high school students
Interested families or students can contact Carrie at [email protected] for more information and to register.
|
My Job Match |
Attention job seekers, employers, and employment support professionals! MyJobMatch is an innovative platform that connects job seekers with disabilities with employers looking to hire. Check out MyJobMatch.ca for more information.
