Dear friend,
On Thursday morning, I held a press conference with tenants at 77 Howard Street, calling on their landlord, Wellesley Parliament Square, to compensate them for the damages they have suffered due to the building’s electrical failure.
The significant rainfall on July 16 breached the building, causing flooding and an electrical fire that damaged the electrical system of 77 Howard Street.
The day after the power outage, residents at 77 Howard called and texted me asking for additional help as they were told it could be weeks or longer before power was fully restored. I contacted the Councillor’s office to offer my support to the tenants and his office. After the electrical fires at 650 Parliament and the power outage at 260 Wellesley Street East, I have significant experience supporting vulnerable tenants in Toronto Centre, especially St James Town. It’s a special neighbourhood that is very heavily populated and exclusively comprised of high-rise rental apartments.
In 2019, I worked with Toronto Fire and Mayor Tory to hold landlords responsible for property maintenance and improve crisis communications during emergencies. This led to the Vital Service Disruption in Apartment Buildings report, which formally restructured, regulated, and improved how landlords and property managers across Toronto respond to building-wide emergencies.
I canvassed 77 Howard twice during the outage, knocking on every door on every floor and carrying out wellness checks. By my third visit, I had spoken to hundreds of tenants and met even more in the crowded lobby waiting for food delivery, parcels, and restricted elevator access. They shared their stories with me and expressed fear, anxiety, and anger about their situation. My staff and I took many notes and were invited into numerous homes to assess the water damage in person. The elderly, people living with disabilities, and those who are immunocompromised felt particularly abandoned and confused by the outage. They were scared to leave their units, even for food, in fear that their belongings would be stolen or that their tenancy could be jeopardized.
Tenants at 77 Howard had to throw away all the food in their refrigerators and freezers as it was no longer safe to eat. I met desperate tenants cooking meals on propane camping equipment inside their apartments. This was not safe, and vulnerable tenants shouldn’t have been put in such a difficult position. Without a functioning kitchen, tenants have incurred expenses dining out and buying costly pre-made meals. Others couldn’t manage the power outage and were forced to go to a hotel or sleep on the sofas and floors in the homes of friends and family.
At our press conference, tenants expressed frustration. They are at a loss with their landlord, Wellesley Parliament Square, who has refused to provide rent abatements to them despite all tenants having been affected by the outage. The owners of Wellesley Parliament Square are collecting full rent from the tenants despite them not having full access to their units and building services for over half the month.
Joyce, a long-time tenant, reports that she has been abandoned by her landlord. Her apartment was flooded during the storm with two feet of water. Most of her belongings were damaged, and she lost the contents of her fridge and deep freezer. She has been staying in a hotel for the past two weeks as her home is full of mould and unsafe to live in. Joyce told us that she has already spent thousands of dollars staying at a nearby hotel as she did not want to be far away from her home fearful that things would get stolen.
I also spoke to parents with babies who lost stored formula and breast milk during the outage and struggled to find ways to feed their little ones without hot water or power. The building owner provided morning coffee and pizza in the evening for tenants, but that is obviously not appropriate food for babies.
A single mother with an autistic child had been sleeping on the floor of homes opened up to her by family and friends. These are just a few stories that tenants relayed to me. It is shocking to me that accommodations were not made for these families.
Yesterday, after the power was restored from the City’s electrical grid, I heard from the landlord in reply to a letter I sent them, which I shared with you last week. They are refusing to compensate tenants despite the loss of vital services for multiple days. Tenants have reported they cannot access their insurance because of the lack of documentation from the landlord about the fire or that expensive deductibles are simply out of reach at this time with all their additional and unexpected expenses. Another tenant hired a lawyer because she was not getting any responses from the landlord on her own, and now her lawyer is being ignored.
I am extremely frustrated by Wellesley Parliament Square’s lack of compassion for their own tenants, especially those living with vulnerabilities. They have a responsibility to work out problems with their tenants. The rent abatement that the tenants are asking for is not unreasonable, considering the crisis they have just lived through. The pizza provided is not going to pay their hotel bills, replace water damaged furnishings or even replenish the lost groceries from their fridge. During my time in public life, I have met many excellent and deeply caring landlords, so I know the difference when I see one. Wellesley Parliament Square is refusing to rise and meet the moment with resources to help.
I understand that mechanical failures happen and that the rainfall Toronto experienced was extreme, but what the owners of Wellesley Parliament Square fail to understand is that the provision of housing is not just another business. Landlords and tenants have a relationship and responsibility to one another. Tenant homes are not just profit centres for the wealthy. Homes are where people make precious memories with their families and go to feel safe after long, difficult days. To have your home be jeopardized and your belongings damaged is psychologically destabilizing. Landlords must understand this and know that their jobs require extra care and compassion, especially in times of crisis.
We also have to remember that the tenants at 77 Howard were present for the tragedy at 650 Parliament Street, a building also owned by Wellesley Parliament Square that is right around the corner. Those tenants are their neighbours. They saw how the tenants were treated when 650 Parliament experienced a massive electrical fire. That treatment left much to be desired and it is sad to see it repeated now.
I will continue to advocate strongly for the tenants of 77 Howard Street. They deserve more than what they have received so far. Tenants are stronger collectively, and only by banding together will they be able to be heard above the noise of the generators. Only tenant solidarity will move the landlord to compassionate action.
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 continue to surge with the 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.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Intimate Partner Violence Study Days Five and Six
- Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train
- Ontario Cuts Wastewater Testing Amid Outcry
- Your Ideas - Beautifying Moss Park’s Construction Hoarding
- Toronto’s Refugee Housing Crisis Isn’t Over
- Dixon Hall’s Historic Cabbagetown Properties
- Closure of School Age Daycare at St. Lawrence Co-op Daycare
- The Market Square Story
- McGill-Granby Village Neighbourhood BBQ
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Intimate Partner Violence Study Days Five and Six |
This week, much of my time was occupied by days five and six of the Intimate Partner Violence Sub-Committee Hearings. We heard from esteemed researchers, frontline workers who give their whole hearts to their work, lawyers, trainers who have refined therapeutic techniques to rehabilitate violent partners, and so many more. It is an honour that they are giving their valuable time to this committee, and I am learning so much each day. I am eager to put all of this expertise into a report and then push to get our recommendations and findings funded!
Here is a recap of each day this week:
Day 5 (Wednesday):
On day five, successive presenters echoed and strengthened calls for evidence-based solutions. The facts were brutal, but it is important to hear them so that we can create the best report possible.
Day 5’s calls were:
- Have the government declare IPV an epidemic without further delay - we heard this repeatedly.
- Fund and expand child and youth-focused programs to detect early intervention, promote emotion regulation, and effectively assess the risk of violence and repeat offenders.
- Train first responders and legal professionals on the well-documented links between animal cruelty and IPV/GBV. This link must be considered in early detection and when funding shelters, housing, and programs.
- Fund consistent IPV/GBV responses in schools, colleges, and universities across the province. Ending the cycle of violence must include programs to work with men and youth to end IPV and GBV.
- Centre the experiences and lived realities of Indigenous communities as we work towards solutions to end IPV/GBV. Governments, including Ontario, have not heard Indigenous calls for support, reforms, and funding. The MMIW report laid out solutions, but no government or institutional accountability exists.
Day 6 (Thursday):
On Day 6 of committee hearings on Intimate Partner Violence, we heard from expert witnesses who called on the government to:
- Immediately pass Bill 173 and declare IPV an epidemic
- Develop laws to address technology-facilitated violence and GBV
- Create a curriculum to foster digital safety awareness for students
- Modernize and study the effectiveness of the Partner Assault Response Program and fund it properly
- Take a feminist and justice-based approach to men’s intervention to end IPV/GBV
- Expand restorative justice programs as fewer women are reporting to police
- Rebuild the Victim Quick Response Program, as it’s not working for IPV/GBV survivors
- Recognize the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services and fund them
- Stabilize the IPV/GBV sector to help retain staff and reduce service wait times by providing core funding indexed to inflation
- Do better, as Ontario is lagging behind other provinces, such as BC and NS, when it comes to legal and criminal justice reforms to protect IPV survivors
Since 2023, the federal government has been transferring $162 million to the provincial government over four years for the Ontario implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. We are two years into the four-year agreement, and little has been said about the money or the plan. The GBV/IPV sector has been coming to the committee, calling for core funding and more support. They deserve transparency and accountability. There is significant room for improvement, and solutions are on the table. We don’t have time to waste!
If you would like to watch the presentations live, you can tune in next on August 14 and 15 from 10 AM - 4:30 PM here. You can also read the transcripts from the previous days' hearings here.
| Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train |
On Wednesday night, I was proud to ride the Underground Freedom Train with community members and friends to commemorate Emancipation Day & Month in Toronto. It's an important reminder of the defiance and resistance of the Underground Railroad against the dehumanization of slavery. It was emotional and joyful to celebrate the fortitude of Black people and abolitionists who never gave up and worked tirelessly to overturn institutions to end slavery. Thank you to all of the organizers for your beautiful work.
|
Ontario Cuts Wastewater Testing Amid Outcry |
On Wednesday, Doug Ford’s Conservative Government officially halted wastewater testing for COVID-19 and other viruses. It is hard to fathom why this government would halt this extremely cost-effective and critical program. They claim that they did it because it was duplicative of a federal wastewater testing program, but that is not true. The Ontario program had far more testing sites and tested for a broader range of pathogens. This kept smaller towns and remote areas safer as they had more localized data about wastewater born pathogens, including COVID-19 and the flu.
Reliable wastewater testing is one of the tools we have at our disposal to monitor and prepare for future public health emergencies – why would we take that away?
My colleagues in the Ontario NDP and I have repeatedly called for a reversal of this decision and for the program to be expanded and invested in instead.
| Your Ideas - Beautifying Moss Park’s Construction Hoarding |
As we are all well aware, Metrolinx has begun construction on the new Ontario Line station in Moss Park, which means yet more construction hoarding.
Luckily, Metrolinx has just launched a community survey where you can have your say and share your ideas about what you want the hoarding to look like. Their goal is for the hoarding artwork to reflect the spirit, diversity, and creativity of the community.
Click here to complete the survey and tell Metrolinx what you love most about your neighbourhood, what themes you’d like to see, and what landmarks you think should be featured. Metrolinx will collect all your feedback and work with local artists and organizations to bring it to life.
Have Your Say! The survey will remain open until August 23, 2024.
|
Toronto’s Refugee Housing Crisis Isn’t Over |
It has been a little over one year since the refugees, service providers, and community members gathered to host a press conference at 129 Peter Street, declaring a humanitarian crisis in Toronto.
Last Friday, I joined the African Canadian Collective to remind everyone that this crisis is not over. All levels of government must do more to prevent refugees and asylum seekers from continuing to sleep on the streets and surviving off the goodwill of organizations and generous regular people.
At our one-year anniversary presser, I called on the Ford government to use its immense political power to bring Ontario cities and the federal government together to create an intergovernmental action table to coordinate resources and immediately provide safe shelter and housing for refugees in need.
| Dixon Hall’s Historic Cabbagetown Properties |
On Monday, I had the opportunity to tour the newly renovated rooming houses on Parliament Street. During my time at the City, I pushed to have these rooming houses renovated and worked to ensure a housing operator with a proven track record of success was selected. It was wonderful to see the results of that work. I am so glad that the tenants who will soon call these beautiful, historic buildings home will have a well-maintained and safe place to live.
Rooming houses are a key part of helping people transition out of chronic homelessness and precarious housing. We are fortunate to have amazing organizations like Dixon Hall working toward real solutions in Toronto Centre.
Calling all gardeners and landscapers! The final phase of work is fast approaching, and that will include beautiful landscaping expected for these Cabbagetown historic properties. I know that labour and material costs have dramatically increased since COVID, and to ensure the highest quality of landscaping, Dixon Hall will need assistance getting across this highly-anticipated finish line.
If you have access to landscaping materials or just want to plant with us, please contact my office at [email protected] to join the Dixon Hall Cabbagetown Landscaping Club.
| Closure of School Age Daycare at St. Lawrence Co-op Daycare |
Uncertain child care funding has led to the closure of the School Age daycare program at the St. Lawrence Co-op Daycare. This program helped many families across Toronto, but the Centre has no choice but to focus on core child care programs as a result of changing (and inadequate) funding from the provincial government.
I want to thank everyone working at and supporting the centre as they navigate an impossibly complex workforce and funding environment. Families deserve a government that invests in affordable child care and ensuring that child care workers can afford to live and thrive in our city. I will continue advocating for the government to prioritize a child care workforce strategy. We should be seeing every child care program expand to meet our community's need, not reduce its scope.
Click here to sign the petition and support childcare workers in Ontario!
| The Market Square Story |
Every home has a story worth telling. "The Market Square Story" is a new historical book that captures the development of the community at 35 Church St, tracing its journey from time immemorial to the present. Thank you to the team of residents who put countless hours into documenting, preserving, and cherishing this snapshot into your community's history.
It was a joy to participate in the launch of this special book and learn even more about our beloved St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
Anyone interested in a copy can email [email protected]
| McGill-Granby Village Neighbourhood BBQ |
It was a joy to spend time with residents of McGill-Granby Village and to connect with new and old friends over a tasty barbecue last Saturday. Thank you to the McGill-Granby Village Residents Association for putting together this wonderful event that brought neighbours out into the street!
If you live in the McGill-Granby area, reach out and join your residents’ association. Learn more here.
| This Week's Headlines |
- Tenants fight back as landlords seeking own-use evictions rise 85% in Ontario
- B.C. government to launch website to combat 'bad faith' evictions
- Ontario has a globally praised system for monitoring diseases through wastewater. So why is the province shutting it down?
- In 1993, Alberta said a private liquor model would bring more choice and stable prices. Did it?
- As for-profit health care expands across Canada, doctors are fighting back
- 'The docs don’t have a lack of customers': Ford defends plans for expansion of treatment at Ontario pharmacies
- Ontario government to buy 5 police helicopters for $134M
- Doug Ford may be getting ready for an early election — but it’s not clear how many ridings Ontario will have
- Supreme court says treaty rights are enforceable, constitutional
- This Toronto cafe was hit with a staggering rent increase. As buildings sell and more leases come up for renewal, can local shops survive?
- Man shot by Toronto police was in mental health crisis, family says
- Cycling advocates warn of ‘crisis’ after latest rider killed on Toronto street
| Upcoming Community Events |
| JAMII'S 5th Annual Wayo Children’s Festival |
WAYO Children's Festival is back in our community from August 7 to 11 and promises fun and wonder for the whole family!
WAYO invites you to discover Animals' Stories through dance, music, storytelling, installations, theatre, and crafts. Let's be mesmerized by whimsical animals from different continents: sheep from Europe, farm animals from East Africa, salmon from Canada, as well as bears, caribous, and possums! Some of the artists featured in Jamii's 5th WAYO Children's Festival are CORPUS, Clay and Paper Theatre, Drawing with Knives, Germaine Konji, Maulid Owino, Edwin Maina, and many more!
Plus, the festival will take you through two heritage buildings, the Berkeley Castle and Berkeley Theatre (Canadian Stage).
All in one, WAYO is a memorable experience for the whole family! Book your tickets now here.
WHEN: August 7 to 11
SHOW TIMES: 4:30 PM, 5 PM, 5:30 PM, 6 PM
SHOW DURATION: 1 hour
WHERE: Starts at 250 The Esplanade
| Moss Park Back to School Drive |
Steps to Support Houselink & Mainstay Community Housing, along with community partners, are hosting their 3rd Annual Back to School Drive. Families with children aged 4-18 who reside in designated buildings (listed below) are invited for an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and refreshments. There will also be a raffle!
Event Details:
- Date: August 23
- Time: 12 PM - 4 PM
- Location: Moss Park Basketball Court, Queen St East & Ontario St Intersection
Eligible Buildings:
- 275 Shuter
- 285 Shuter
- 295 Shuter
- 155 Sherbourne
- 200 Sherbourne
Registration: To register, call with your name, building, unit number, and the names and ages of each child in your household.
Contact for More Information:
- Candice Stoute: (437) 246-3587, [email protected]
- Steps to Support Office Mainline: (416) 368-2424
Registration Deadline: August 12
This event is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the new school year while enjoying a day out with the community!
| Dixon Hall Farmers’ Market |
Dixon Hall is launching their Fair Share Farmers’ Market. This unique market works on the “Pay What You Can” model.
Dates: Every other Thursday (Aug 15, 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 3rd – September 4th, 2024
Location: The Big Park | Bake Oven
Time: 5 PM-8 PM
Learn more here.
| ArtHeart - Summer Drop-In for Children, Youth, 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 PM - 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.
| Dixon Hall’s Next Step Program |
Dixon Hall is launching their Next Step skills-based training program for those seeking meaningful employment in Toronto’s Downtown East. This program is being launched in partnership with George Brown College’s Continuing Education Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts. The program innovatively combines theoretical learning with hands-on training, preparing participants for successful careers in the dynamic culinary and food industry.
Key benefits of the program include:
- Innovative Learning: Hybrid courses that blend online education with practical, in-kitchen experiences.
- Earn Certifications: Gain industry-recognized certifications that ensure you have the skills needed for a thriving career.
- 1-on-1 Employment Assistance: Personalized support from employment advisors to ensure you’re job-ready upon completion.
| 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 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 a 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 is free to use every day!
Wellesley Pool offers FREE drop-in access to all ages:
- ️Open leisure swim
- ️Aquafit 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: 6:00 PM - 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]
