Dear Emma,
It is an intriguing time in Ontario politics — rumours of an early election are growing louder, and we need your help to finalize a platform. The Ontario NDP and I want to ensure this plan reflects what hardworking Ontarians expect from their government.
It is time to have your say in the Ontario NDP platform! I am eager to hear your ideas about housing, healthcare, affordability and more.
Click here and let us know — what are your priorities?
This past week, I cycled 600 km from Toronto to Montreal as part of the Friends for Life Bike Rally. I travelled alongside an excellent team of fellow cyclists and support people to raise awareness and funds for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. This ride was my 9th time participating and each year it is more memorable. You can see me speak to my fellow riders before we set off here.
This year’s ride was particularly filled with highs and lows. Many first-year riders got to see the magic of the Bike Rally for the first time. Watching their faces light up with each passing day was a personal joy for me, as it brought me back to the excitement on my very first ride for PWA in 2008.
A long-time PWA supporter and Bike Rally participant, Jeff Otto, sadly passed away on the ride this year. He had a previous heart attack and was prepared to get back in the saddle to support his beloved charity again. Jeff was a retired firefighter and someone who could light up any room with his infectious smile and laughter. He was a top PWA fundraiser and held multiple leadership positions on the Bike Rally over the years. Jeff graciously taught me how to shift gears properly during my first training ride years ago. The Bike Rally community will miss beautiful Jeff dearly and it will be with sadness and pride that we carry his spirit forward. We send our most sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
The 6-day ride is a beautiful time to reflect on the people we have lost to HIV/AIDS, the incredible organizing done by HIV/AIDS activists that moved the 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement forward by leaps and bounds, and the work we still have to do to reduce transmission and support people living with HIV/AIDS in our communities and globally.
Earlier this year, I moved a motion, calling on the provincial government to provide universal access to free PrEP, PEP, and HPV vaccines when recommended by medical practitioners. There is still a lot of stigma around HIV and AIDS, but with adequate government support and funding, we can change that. The Bike Rally is an important ambassador in the quest to break down the stigma and increase awareness. I’m proud to support their work.
Along the journey, we stopped in Port Hope, Adolphustown, Kingston, Johnstown, Lancaster, and finally, Montreal, camping and staying in the dorm rooms of Queen’s University along the way. The organizers never failed to make the event fun, pumping us up along the route and organizing entertainment (including a drag show!) in the evenings. To learn more about the ride and sign up for next year, click here! You can also watch my daily recaps here.
I also used this time to reflect on the year so far, our Toronto Centre community, and the work I am embarking on as co-chair of the Intimate Partner Violence Sub-Committee. I am returning to Toronto this weekend with renewed vigour and am excited to get back to work with a focus on accessible public healthcare, affordable housing, access to justice and community safety.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Safety Notice - Wanted Person Preying on the Vulnerable
- Follow-Up Letter on Behalf of 77 Howard Residents
- Rastafest Regent Park Community Launch
- Ford Covers Up Crosstown Opening Date
- Supporting Big City Mayors’ Plea for Help
- A New Deal for Small and Rural Municipalities
- Lawyers Against Transphobia Toolkit
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
| Safety Notice - Wanted Person Preying on the Vulnerable |
The Toronto Police are asking for the community’s help in locating Rejean Hermel Perron, 52 years old. According to police, he is extremely dangerous and preying on vulnerable people in the city. If you have any information about this individual’s whereabouts, please contact the Toronto Police here.
| Follow-Up Letter on Behalf of 77 Howard Residents |
Tenants have continued to face water and power cut-offs at 77 Howard St. The landlord has prioritized their staff time on crisis communications with media and stakeholders instead of on answering their tenants' legitimate demands. I followed up with WPSQ earlier today after the landlord's crisis communications agent sent a letter dismissing and gaslighting tenant concerns. I will follow up by reaching out to the Mayor and Councillor about the need for strong urgent action to protect tenants' rights at 77 Howard St. YOu can read my full letter here.
| Rastafest Regent Park Community Launch |
Last Friday, I was delighted to join Masani Montague, founder of Rastafest, for the community launch of the inaugural Rastafest in Regent Park presented by the Daniels Corporation, which will come to Toronto Centre in September. I am very proud to help bring this exciting new festival celebrating Rastafarian art and culture to one of the most diverse ridings in Canada.
The community launch included uplifting reggae performances, artisan vendors, and Jamaican parties, giving residents a little taste of what’s to come at Rastafest in Regent Park on September 7. Mark your calendars!
|
Ford Covers Up Crosstown Opening Date |
Secret emails between government officials have revealed that the Eglington Crosstown has an opening date — but Ford and his politicians are deliberately hiding it.
It is despicable that this government is keeping us in the dark. Torontonians deserve access to reliable transit and relief from never-ending construction and boarded-up local businesses. Instead, we are getting the run-around.
The endless delays and lack of information we have experienced with the Eglinton Crosstown are a massive failure for which no one is being held accountable, and there’s still no end in sight. Why did the Premier’s office direct Metrolinx to hide information from the public? Our communities deserve answers — not contempt and confusion.
| Supporting Big City Mayors’ Plea for Help |
Yesterday, Ontario’s Big City Mayors came together to call on the provincial government to tackle the overlapping humanitarian crises of homelessness, addiction, and unmet mental health needs.
Everyone deserves a roof over their head. A safe place to sleep. No one should have to bury their loved one because they couldn't get the mental health and addictions support they needed. And communities should get the support they need so that everyone can live safe, healthy lives.
As residents of Toronto Centre, we know these issues all too well. I couldn’t agree more that we need a coordinated strategy from the province to tackle this and I am so proud that the Ontario NDP Caucus is standing behind these mayors.
Doug Ford and his politicians, like the Liberals before them, have left municipalities holding the bag for areas of provincial responsibility like health care, mental health supports, and affordable and supportive housing. We're seeing the consequences of that play out daily in Toronto Centre and across Ontario.
An NDP government will make sure provincial responsibilities are paid for by the province in a new partnership with cities, based on respect.
We will act urgently to fix our housing, health care and addictions crises, so that everyone, no matter where you live in Ontario, can live a good life.
|
A New Deal for Small and Rural Municipalities |
Marit Stiles, the leaders of the Ontario NDP, has been meeting with rural municipal leaders for weeks. Last Friday, she was joined in Tweed by rural mayors from across Ontario to call for a new deal that helps municipalities plan for better infrastructure, housing, public health, and more.
This funding would mean the world to Ontarians in rural Ontario, but it would also take some pressure off large cities like Toronto. A lack of resources in the places where people already live forces them to leave their communities in search of services, even when they would prefer to stay. A new deal for small and rural municipalities will benefit us all!
At the press conference, Marit said:
“Whether you live in Toronto, Kingston, Belleville or Tweed – you deserve a good life. We had a sobering, eye-opening meeting with mayors and councillors from Tweed, Belleville, Bancroft, and Hastings.
Rural municipalities, and most importantly, residents, are saddled with the burden of Doug Ford and his politicians’ neglect. From infrastructure, to housing, to healthcare – the province needs to start taking responsibility and paying their fair share.
“What I heard from the Mayors and councillors today makes it abundantly clear that rural municipalities need a new deal – one that puts their reality, challenges, and needs front and centre. As Ontario's next Premier, I will reverse years of downloading costs and services and make a big difference in the lives of people in small town Ontario.”
| Lawyers Against Transphobia Toolkit |
This week, the Star shared the story of the courageous and hardworking people behind Lawyers Against Transphobia. I am in awe of their work to support Trans and Gender Non-conforming youth in schools.
They have also created a very accessible handbook for educators and parents wanting to get involved and counter the organized transphobia we are seeing in schools. You can read the handbook and learn how to get involved here.
| This Week's Headlines |
- Landlords and tenants agree: it's time to bring back in-person hearings for their disputes
- Federal minister calls on province to 'immediately release' new child-care funding formula
- A modest proposal for Ontario: Get tough with dodgy landlords | TVO Today
- Province pushing for above ground garage at Ontario Place due to cost, says head of CNE
| Upcoming Community Events |
| St James Town Summer Arts Camp |
St. James Town Community Arts is excited to offer a Summer Arts Camp from August 12 to 23. This free camp, available for children aged 8 to 17, will run on weekdays and feature engaging workshops in music, drama, dance, and visual arts. Participants will also enjoy daily lunch and snacks.
This two-week program is a wonderful opportunity for youth in St. James Town to explore the transformative power of arts education. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information and to register, click here.
|
Learn4Life Registration Opens August 14th |
Looking for something fun to do this fall? The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program. These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community. Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more! Registration opens on August 14th. Visit learn4life.ca to learn more.
|
Kids Arts Workshops @ The Corner |
The Corner at 200 Wellesley St. East is offering Arts Workshops for Kids aged 5 and up every Wednesday from August 14 to 28, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. These free sessions will feature fun activities like mask making, painting, origami, and creating art from recycled materials.
For more information and to register, contact:
- Phone: 416-964-6657
- Email: [email protected]
Join these creative workshops and let your imagination soar!
| Virtual Focus Group for Two-Spirit, Trans, & Non-Binary Youth |
Have your say! If you’re a Two-Spirit, trans and/or non-binary youth between the ages of 16-29, you're invited to register for a virtual focus group hosted by the City of Toronto. Share your experiences and ideas.
The City is hosting focus groups to gather recommendations and ideas for promising practices that can be implemented to ensure positive experiences for gender-diverse youth. Information collected will be used to improve the design and delivery of programs and services as part of their forthcoming Action Plan for Two-Spirit, Trans and Non-Binary youth.
- Honoraria: Participants will receive $50.
- Registration Deadline: August 15, 5 PM
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Contact Information:
- Before August 8: [email protected]
- Starting August 8: [email protected]
For more information and to register, click here.
| The Village Quarterly Community Meeting |
Toronto Police invite the community to The Village Quarterly Community Meeting, a chance to engage with Neighbourhood Community Officers, receive updates on critical incidents, and ask questions.
- Date: Thursday, August 15
- Time: 6 PM
- Location: 560 Church Street
For more information, contact: [email protected]
| Doll Making Workshop |
The Corner @240 invites kids aged 10 to 15 to a Doll Making Workshop starting on August 15 from 5-6 PM. This free workshop offers a creative way to upcycle old clothing into unique dolls.
For more information and to register, contact:
- Phone: 416-964-6657 x 240
- Email: [email protected]
Don't miss this fun and eco-friendly crafting opportunity!
| Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway |
St. James Town Community Corner and Toronto Police Services are hosting a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway for kids aged 4 to 16 years. This event is designed to support families with a combined annual income of $50,000 or less. The giveaway will take place at The Corner, located at 200 Wellesley Street East.
To participate, families need to register in person on:
- Tuesday, August 20, from 4 - 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, August 21, from 4:30 - 6 PM
Please note that supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't forget to bring your children's ID cards for age verification.
For more information, please contact The Corner at 416-964-6657 or [email protected]
| 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 - 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.
For more information, contact 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!
| The 519’s 8th Annual Back-to-School Bash |
The 519 invites the community to their 8th Annual Back-to-School Bash, a fun-filled event to celebrate the new school year.
- Date: Sunday, August 25
- Time: 1 - 5 PM
- Location: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street
Enjoy music, food, games, and activities for the whole family as we gear up for the new school year. Don't miss this exciting event! Learn more here.
| Cabbagetown Festival Call for Volunteers |
The Cabbagetown Festival is looking for volunteers to help bring their event to life! If you, your family members, or friends are able to help, the festival would appreciate your support. Please share this opportunity with them!
Volunteers will be needed for various 5-hour shifts between 6 AM - 10 PM on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Meet new friends from your community!
- Earn valuable work experience for your resume.
- FREE lunch.
- Support local small businesses.
- Complete your high-school community service requirements.
- IT'S FUN!!
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out this form. The Cabbagetown Festival thanks you!
Deadline to Apply: Sunday, August 18
|
St. James Town Festival 2024 |
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].
| Call for Vendors - St. James Town Festival 2024 |
St. James Town Community Corner invites vendors and performers to participate in the St. James Town Festival 2024. Showcase your products and art, or perform on the festival’s main stage.
- Date: Saturday, September 7
- Time: 1 PM - 7 PM
- Location: Ontario Street, north of Wellesley Street East
Vendor and Performer Registration:
Email: [email protected] with the subject title "Festival Vendor/Performer"
| 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 at this link.
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
