Dear Neighbour,
This week brought heavy news for people in Toronto Centre and across Ontario when the Ford government announced that they were closing 10 of 17 provincially approved consumption and treatment sites (CTS). Let’s unpack this backwards announcement.
Substance abuse is a health issue and supervised consumption is a proven, evidence-based intervention that can prevent overdose amid a deadly crisis that has already claimed thousands of lives across Ontario. The Ford government’s own expert review of sites did not recommend closing any sites. Just like when Ford ignored his own expert housing panel — the housing crisis deepened. Now he is covering up his own CTS safety report and doing the opposite of what his health professionals recommended.
As said before, ‘without supervised consumption sites, our whole city becomes an unsupervised consumption site’. Health professionals anticipate that things are about to get significantly worse and more visible when the CTS are closed.
Ontario’s framework for addressing the overdose crisis was never perfect — it was an underfunded patchwork of emergency responses. CTS is a health and referral service that should be funded to operate 24/7 and right-sized so people are not kicked out at closing time and left on the streets without other options — Ford did not even attempt this. The cap on sites that Ford himself created in 2019 forced people to access harm reduction at a limited number of facilities with restricted hours. This led to unhoused individuals using drugs in public spaces when they had nowhere to go. This is something we will see even more of when sites are closed suddenly.
By failing to invest in mental health services and supportive housing, sites that were making referrals were knee-capped by the social safety net that Ford kept broken. People had no other options when they couldn’t access housing and mental health services or addiction recovery treatment beds.
Ford could have chosen policies that would have actually improved safety around supervised consumption sites like:
- Funding CTS to operate 24-hours-a-day so that users are not kicked out at random hours.
- Guaranteeing 24-hour access to shelter and emergency addiction treatment beds.
- Funding safety and well-being plans for service areas.
- Integrating micro-sites into health care centres to facilitate safer access, counseling, easy referrals, and prevent the overcrowding of extremely traumatized people into fewer options.
- Investing in sufficient supportive and deeply affordable housing to transition patients out of chronic homelessness, where it is unbelievably challenging to escape addiction.
Ford chose stigma over support. While I welcome any new investment in health care, the 375 beds he is committing to creating by diverting funding will not end the overdose and poisoned drug supply crisis. This is all made worse with Ford’s privatization agenda and I predict that he will continue to take public money to enrich private, for profit companies. Nor do I believe that 375 recovery beds would be adequate for Toronto Centre alone — much less the entire province of Ontario.
My heart is especially heavy for everyone working in health care and harm reduction who will face the frontline consequences of Ford’s decision. Hospital emergency room staff, first responders and harm reduction workers are tired and burnt-out. They have buried too many patients, community members, and friends. In particular, harm reduction workers have carried on despite the odds, grief, and pain — it is impossible to face a seemingly unending torrent of death and be hit hard by callous attacks from the Premier. I will continue to stand with you, lift up your stories, and fight to make Ontario a province where healing and recovery from addiction is not just possible — but common and widespread.
You can sign my petition calling on Ford to adequately invest in this health care crisis here. When the house resumes, I will deliver the petition and the names of everyone who signed it to Ford's desk in the Legislature.
On another note, this week I have been made aware of disruptive noise coming from the Metrolinx Don Yards construction site in our riding. The noises range from augers banging to concrete pouring throughout the night and into the morning. I have been in contact with many of the residents in the area about the severity of the noise and how it has been impacting the health and well being of community members.
Our office has been in communication with Metrolinx every day since we have received complaints from residents. I have asked for daily updates about the status of the noise mitigation measures, and we continue to ask them for adjustments to their construction schedule so that there is no disruption to residents while they sleep. While Metrolinx has been responsive, I continue to push them for answers and modifications on behalf of residents.
It is imperative that if you have concerns about how the construction is impacting your life, please bring them to my office’s attention by emailing [email protected], as well as to Metrolinx directly at [email protected].
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Save the date! Nomination meeting announced!
- Have your say in the St. James Town Act
- AMO 2024
- Ontario Attacks Growth Plan for the Golden Horseshoe
- Ford boasts about ‘modern’ courthouse that isn’t even accessible
- Critic Portfolio Surveys
- 77 Howard St. Update
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Save the Date — Nomination Meeting Announced! |
Speculation about Ford calling a snap election is swirling. And we will be ready to meet his challenge.
My nomination meeting to be your next Toronto Centre Ontario NDP candidate will be on Thursday September 26, 2024. We can't let Ford's corruption and regressive policies go unchallenged. I have proven myself to be a strong defender of our democracy and province. From reversing Ford’s Greenbelt giveaway and Bill 124 to standing up for Toronto residents and small businesses. From fighting for justice, public health care, education, Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre, I have done what I always do - represent Toronto Centre with all my heart, dignity and strength.
We need to show that Ontario’s New Democrats have the passion, experience, and community support to win. There will be many special guests, live music and great food. By uniting progressives across the riding and province, we will and must defeat Ford Conservatives in the next election.
You are invited to join me at my nomination meeting:
Date: September 26, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: The Aviary, 484 Front St E (near Bayview Ave)
|
Have your say on the St. James Town Act! |
Six years after the fire at 650 Parliament Street, bad landlords are still getting away with negligence that threatens tenants’ lives. Tenants at 77 Howard are out thousands of dollars because the same landlord continued to fail to keep their property in a state of good repair.
The St. James Town Act proposes an elegant solution to a systemic and ongoing problem. It emerged from deep conversation with tenant leaders across St. James Town and Ontario. But we are now six years into Ford’s anti-tenant government, and we need to ensure that it will continue to meet the moment. I welcome all feedback on this proposed bill through my survey!
| 77 Howard St. Update |
Residents at 77 Howard are still struggling with the aftermath of the heavy rain on July 16 that led to damaged apartments, shared spaces, and facilities like their onsite laundry room. This week, a tenant from the building shared a video with me documenting the severity of the destruction to their apartment and disruption of their lives.
While our office awaits the incident report from the City that will give us a better sense of the structural damage and what maintenance work could have be done to prevent undue hardship, these residents continue to pick up the pieces to rebuild their lives. The property owner, WPSQ maintains this was a “natural” disaster and refuses to offer rent abatement of other financial support to help residents recoup their losses. Check out the damage cause by this so-called natural disaster below:
| AMO 2024 |
This week a major annual conference called the Association of Municipalities in Ontario (AMO) took place. This gathering is like a family retreat for the multiple levels orders of government in Ontario to discuss shared challenges and how to best solve them. Marit Stiles and Ontario New Democrats joined putting our best foot forward by announcing a new deal for cities and Northern Ontario communities
Marit Stiles announced a detailed and comprehensive plan aimed at reversing decades of underfunding and neglect across our province and especially in Northern Ontario.
Key aspects of the Ontario NDP’s plan include:
- UPLOADING back provincial financial responsibility for affordable housing, shelters, and homelessness prevention programs, while maintaining locally focused delivery by municipal service managers.
- RESTORING 50% provincial funding for municipal transit net operational costs.
- Building affordable homes through Homes Ontario — the Ontario NDP’s plan to provide significant new provincial investments in public, non-profit and co-op housing.
- Fair cost-sharing between municipal and provincial governments to stabilize municipal finances.
Too many Ontarians feel that their elected representatives give them excuses for why vital city services are under-funded — ENOUGH.
An Ontario NDP government will restore provincial funding where we need it so you can get services — and not excuses.
| Ontario attacks the growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe |
This week, Ford’s Minister for Creating Excuses that Perpetuate the Housing Crisis Paul Calandra announced that Ontario will repeal the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. This will harm Ontario’s environment and our ability to tackle the housing crisis.
Instead of focusing on building affordable, sustainable housing in existing neighbourhoods, this government is paving the way for more sprawling developments over limited farmland and delicate wildlife habitats. The Growth Plan helped coordinate how cities grow in the Golden Horseshoe to minimize damage to our surrounding farmland and wildlife. Scrapping the growth plan won’t help fight the housing crisis because the McMansions Ford wants to build are not the tool we need to fight the affordability crisis. Ontario New Democrats will oppose Ford’s short-sighted changes and fight for smart housing investments that actually build deeply affordable and supportive housing with real rent control.
| Critic Portfolio Surveys |
I have created four surveys spanning the three ministerial portfolios I am responsible for including one to cover community safety as that is a priority issue for the City of Toronto and Toronto Centre. If you have general feedback that doesn’t fall into these buckets you can still provide that information through the ONDP’s general consultation survey here.
Please share my surveys with anyone in your networks who would be interested!
|
Volunteer at the St. James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals |
We will be back at the Cabbagetown and St. James Town Festivals tabling on the weekend of September 7, 2024. We would love all the volunteer help we can get engaging our neighbours. Sign up below.
Saturday September 7, 2024
Sunday September 8, 2024
| Ford boasts about ‘modern’ courthouse that isn’t even accessible |
It’s disappointing to be having this conversation in 2024 — all major new buildings should be accessible. But disability advocates are saying they are tripping over how long the list of problems is with Ontario’s new billion-dollar courthouse on Armoury St.
How did we get here? I’ve toured this courthouse with workers and have some insights. First, the government sidelined workers from the development of the new courthouse. Second, the government refused to listen to the unions representing court workers as they advocated about accessibility AND safety problems in the new building. Third, Ford’s Minister of the Attorney General stuffed cotton into his ears so that he could not hear the chorus of community voices giving him free advice on how to fix what is wrong with the courthouse. Disability advocates have posted videos showing how wayfinding routes installed to help people who walk with a stick navigate were hard to follow, occasionally randomly stopped, and that brail signs are sometimes incomplete or wrong.
I will continue supporting community voices demanding the government do their job and ensure our new courthouse meets basic accessibility standards for disabled Ontarians.
| This Week's Headlines |
- Ford government's deadly closure of safe consumption sites spells disaster for Ontario’s overdose epidemic
- Ontario municipal leaders call for new law to address harassment
- Finding a job is tough when you have a disability, and Ontario's revamped employment system isn't helping
- Ontario to ask province to name intimate partner violence an epidemic
- Toronto wants more family-sized condos. Here's why what's being built just doesn't work
- Killing growth plan for Greater Golden Horseshoe is a disaster for Ontario's environment
- Jarring survey results reveal worsening mental health among Ontario youth
- Ontario and GTA traffic expected to slow to 20 km/h due to construction
- Ontario health minister went against review recommendations on consumption sites
- People will die: Toronto Board of Health Chair denounces plans to close supervised consumption sites
- Electoral College Projected Averages this week
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Moss Park CTS Open House |
Have you ever wondered what it is like inside an Overdose Prevention Site but never had the chance to learn? South Riverdale Community Health invites you to their Moss Park Overdose Prevention Site Open House on August 26th from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at 134 Sherbourne St. Join South Riverdale Community Health’s team for an informative and engaging afternoon featuring Naloxone training, a safe needle disposal demonstration, and a site tour. Learn more about how their services can support our community. Before you go, please RSVP at [email protected].
| International Overdose Awareness Day |
Community members are invited to join the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) Flag-Raising Ceremony for 2024. It will take place on August 31st at 11:00 A.M. at Toronto City Hall.
The event is supported by organizations like Black CAP, CACVO/ACCHO, Families for Addiction Recovery, and others committed to this cause.
The event aims to raise awareness about overdose deaths and highlight that they are preventable. It also seeks to support the fight against the stigma associated with substance use and overdose.
Attendees are encouraged to add the name of their loved ones to the IOAD Commemorative Canvas.
|
Rastafest is coming to Regent Park! |
This year Rastafest is coming to Regent Park on Saturday, September 7 from 1 PM to 5 PM! Please come by to enjoy live music, vendors, and celebrate Rastafarian culture in its entirety.
Me and my team will be hosting a table, so please stop by to say hello and pick up a tote bag!
|
Louis March Celebration of Life |
Louis March’s family are hosting a community celebration to honour and share loving memories of Louis. It's going to be an afternoon of music, spoken word, dance, inspiration and reflection on Elder Louis’ legacy of tireles advocacy against gun violence and youth empowerment. The event will take place this coming Sunday August 25, 2024 at 1 PM in the St. Lawrence centre for the Arts, 27 Front Street East.
| Canvass with Samantha Green |
Samantha Green, our federal NDP candidate in Toronto, is out knocking on doors every week. You can join her by signing up for her upcoming shifts.
Sunday in the Park |
Drop by Sunday in the Park festival from 1 PM to 5 PM, happening this Sunday, August 25 at 600 Dundas Street East. There will be free BBQ with halal and vegetarian options, as well as family friendly activities, local vendors and live entertainment.
Walk with the NDP in Labour Day |
Join New Democrats this Labour Day! Sign up below.
|
Dixon Hall Farmers' Market |
Dixon Hall is launching their Farmers’ Market flyer market. This unique market works on the “Pay What You Can” model.
Dates: Every other Thursday (Aug 29, Sept 12, Sept 26)
Time: 3 PM until sold out!
Location: 190 Carlton Street
Farmers Market Quick Facts:
- PWYC Model: Choose your price, from $5 to $20, ensuring everyone can access fresh food.
- Community Engagement: Enjoy fresh produce, lively activities, and music, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
- Dixon Hall needs volunteers to help them organize the market; help out today!
| Taste of Regent Park |
Date: Every Wednesday, from July 3 – September 4, 2024
Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Learn more here.
| ArtHeart — Summer Drop-In for Child, Youth, and Family |
Dates: Mondays-Thursdays, July 8 – August 29
Times: 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Join ArtHeart this summer for drop-in summer arts programming! Children, youth and family arts will run Mondays-Thursdays (note that some Thursdays will be Family Field Trips days and may start earlier - please enquire)!
A one-time application is required. Click here or email us at [email protected] for the application.
This summer, participants will explore painting, sculpture, paper crafts, and more! Nourishing snacks and refreshments are provided.
| ArtHeart — Seniors and Adults |
Seniors Program (55+)
Date: Every Monday
Time: 10 AM - 12:45 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Adults Program (16+)
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Daniels Spectrum 2nd floor (studio 210)
Join ArtHeart for our year-round open art studio for adults and seniors! Participants are welcome to attend both sessions.
Enjoy an open, welcoming environment to meet like-minded creative people! Warm meals are provided during programming.
| In My Own Little Corner |
From Aki Studios comes In my Own Little Corner! In this award winning “outstanding new play”, Carly Neis explores the mess, beauty, grief, joy and care of an unexpected friendship stitched together by the love of music and a shared longing to be acknowledged as artists, creators, and “normal” humans.
If you are interested in checking out some local theatre in an accessible, immersive experience, you can buy tickets for performances from August 23 to September 1, 2024 here.
| Art à la Carte - Celebrating Ontario Artists |
Art à la Carte provides Ontario artists with the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents with visitors to the In Camera Dining Room at the Legislative Building. Selected artwork will be featured in an exhibit for one year. It is not a requirement that artwork is for sale; however, if it is, interested buyers will be connected with the artist.
Applications will be accepted from July 10 to August 25, 2024. Check out the link for eligibility, the application form here!
| Low-Income Energy Assistance Program |
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers grants to Toronto residents who are behind on their hydro payments and receive support from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Toronto, Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP), and partner agencies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Residency: Must live in Toronto
- Income: Must meet low-income guidelines
- Utility Bills: Must have a recent “past due” Toronto Hydro bill or a disconnection notice from the utility provider
- Additional Requirements: Must meet other program criteria
Please note that meeting these criteria does not guarantee grant approval, and additional documentation may be required.
Learn more here.
| Free Daily Swimming at Wellesley Community Centre |
Did you know that Wellesley Community Centre has a new indoor pool? And it’s FREE to use EVERY DAY!
- Wellesley pool offers FREE drop-in access to all ages:
- Open leisure swim
- Aaquafit classes
- ️Lane swimming
- ️Women's only leisure swim
- ️2SLGBTQ+ friendly inclusive leisure swim
Check out the schedules here
| 2 Spirit Healing Drumming |
Join The Circle of Cedar Singers for 2 Spirit Healing Drumming sessions:
- Dates: Tuesdays from July 23 to October 29
- Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
- Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church St.
All are welcome to watch or join in (bring your own drum). For more details, email [email protected].
| St. James Town Festival |
Join the St. James Town Community Corner for the St. James Town Festival 2024, celebrating with the theme "Greener and Safer: Reviving and Rebuilding Relationships."
Enjoy fun activities, performances, community awards, cultural foods, and a variety of vendors at this year’s St James Town Festival!
- Date: Saturday, September 7
- Time: 1 - 7 PM
- Location: Ontario Street, north of Wellesley Street East
For more information or questions, email [email protected].
