Dear Emma,
Can you imagine frivolously spending $2 million of taxpayer’s money to advertise a spa nobody can afford that paves over a beloved public park? Doug Ford can.
Documents obtained by an NDP Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that the Ford government spent $1,737,051.59 (pre-tax) on the Ontario Place ads between January 1 through November 18, last year. This comes after the government refused to disclose the amount when asked by Global News last November.
Literally nobody is asking for a multi-billion-dollar, taxpayer-funded luxury spa project in downtown Toronto. Doug Ford knows that this is a bad deal for Ontario. But, instead of choosing to do the right thing and cancel it, he is spending millions to advertise his sweetheart deal.
The Auditor General has famously called the process by which Therme Spa was picked as the tenant for Ontario Place “not fair, transparent, or accountable.” These are the ideals of a democratic government, and yet Ford managed to fail at all three all at once. I would almost call that impressive if it were not so horrendous.
All of the Ford government’s ads telling people that Ontario is getting better every day make me angry. Wasting money on these inaccurate and condescending ads while ERs close, everyday people struggle to pay rent, and young people are crippled by student debt is cruel and unusual. But the Ontario Place ads are a special kind of torture. All they do is remind regular people that a beautiful public asset has been taken from them, put into the hands of a private spa they will never visit, and that the Ford government is subsidizing the entire operation to the tune of over $400 million.
I will never stop raising the alarms about this shady sweetheart deal with an Austrian company that had no previous ties to Ontario. This is corruption, and we must fight it.
Speaking of things we must fight, students across Ontario are speaking about how we all must fight back against the cuts to OSAP grants and funding for colleges and universities. Marit Stiles hosted a press conference calling for OSAP funding to be reinstated, and I was struck by one young person who spoke so beautifully about how OSAP grants allowed him to stay in school and care for his young siblings after both of his parents tragically passed away. His story is indicative of how life-changing OSAP grants can be, and how many students are juggling school, work, and caregiver responsibilities. Students, whether they are young people just starting out or mature students making a career change, are inspirational and deserve government support to thrive.
Amidst all of these cuts, news has been pouring in this week about more and more colleges cutting programs and cutting staff. Ford is kicking students and post-secondary institutions when they are already down. We know that less government support will lower enrollment, and without change, we could be looking at the death spiral of our public colleges and universities. But I will not let that happen. The Ontario NDP caucus and I will be standing with students and educators to fight these cuts and reinstate funding immediately.
Our students deserve support. Share yours here: kristynwongtam.ca/saveosap
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Crown Attorney Attacked in Underfunded, Unsafe Courtroom
- Lunar New Year at Queen’s Park
- RSVP: Iftar at Queen's Park with the Ontario NDP
- BGC Toronto Kiwanis Black History Month Community Celebration
- Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition Press Conference
- Visiting Black-Owned Businesses in Toronto Centre
- Black History Month at L’Agapanthe
- Seniors Active Living Fair
- Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre
- Shaanxi Association of Canada 25th Anniversary Celebration
- ISNA Iftar
- Educational Opportunity Fund’s Lunar New Year Banquet
- What’s Making Headlines
- Local Community Events
|
Crown Attorney Attacked in Underfunded, Unsafe Courtroom |
Doug Ford must finally make the province’s courtrooms safer. The Toronto Star reported today that a Crown attorney was attacked during a dangerous offender hearing in Peterborough.
This terrifying incident was, sadly, all too predictable. For years, we have called on the Ford government to give Ontario’s courtrooms the funding they need to provide a safe environment for everyone. The Conservatives' continued refusal to do so has resulted in charges being thrown out, reduced sentences for serious offenders, and now this.
The same Crown attorney who was attacked had been raising concerns about the lack of plexiglass in this prisoner’s box for nearly a decade. The fact that it took an assault to make such a simple fix (and that the issues were addressed immediately after the assault but not for years before) is absurd, but the Ford government has always been a day late and a dollar short.
We can’t make Ontario safe for everyone until our courtrooms protect the people who work in them and ensure timely access to justice for all. Ford and Attorney General Downey need to start taking this seriously, before something even worse happens.
| Lunar New Year at Queen’s Park |
It was such a treat to celebrate the year of the Horse at Queen’s Park with so many organizations that lift our Asian community members up every day. I grew up celebrating Lunar New Year with my family and it is so exciting to bring that celebration into the halls of Queen’s Park. Asian Ontarians belong everywhere, including the seat of government!
It was even more exciting to see the dragon and lion dancers parade through the halls of the Legislature and watch the delight on children’s faces as they danced.
I hope that this year of the Fire Horse brings positive change, strength, and courage to the people of Ontario. I am excited to carry the spirit of the Horse with me through the coming year. Happy Lunar New Year!
| RSVP: Iftar at Queen's Park with the Ontario NDP |
The Ontario Official Opposition and NDP Leader, Marit Stiles, is honoured to invite you to an Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, at Queen’s Park.
As the sun sets, community members will come together to break fast and share in a serene evening in the spirit of Ramadan. The program will run from 5 to 7 PM, allowing time for our community to participate in Taraweeh at their local mosques.
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Queen’s Park, Main Legislative Building (south entrance), 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto
Please RSVP here to be added to the guest list.
|
BGC Toronto Kiwanis Black History Month Community Celebration |
This past weekend, it was an honour to take part in the BGC Toronto Kiwanis Black History Month Community Celebration! Thank you to all of the community organizers involved and all of the amazing youth performers who dazzled us with their talents!
It was heartwarming to see many Toronto Centre students and residents recognized for their achievements and contributions to the community at the Black Youth Excellence Awards last night. Black excellence deserves to be continually spotlighted and amplified, not just in February but throughout the year.
A special shoutout to our Toronto Centre NDP Youth Rep, Amontaye Mullings, for winning the academic achievement award!
| Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition Press Conference |
We have all noticed the massive piles of salt on sidewalks and parking lots. But did you know that all of that salt is polluting our lakes and rivers?
I was thrilled to be joined by the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition on Tuesday for a press conference at Queen’s Park. I have learned so much from them through our collaboration.
Every winter, 2-3 million tons of salt are dumped on Ontario roads and other paved surfaces. That salt dissolves and makes its way into groundwater and our waterways. In some places in Ontario, waterways are saltier than the ocean.
At the same time, places in Ontario are facing salt shortages, and our northern roads are suffering from a life-threatening lack of winter maintenance. We need a full overhaul of Ontario’s winter maintenance standards to ensure winter safety across Ontario, while also protecting our water and ecosystems from excessive salt.
Current salting practices regularly exceed what is necessary for safety, especially in urban areas, because businesses fear liability from slips and falls. They want their work to be visible, so they over-salt and pollute our environment.
The Ontario Salt Coalition is calling on the government to create a stakeholder advisory group to provide expert opinions and implementation planning on matters including:
- a shared-liability approach to winter maintenance policies,
- a reduction in salt use where appropriate to protect our waters,
- proper winter maintenance, particularly in the North, to ensure safety for all.
I am excited to see further progress on this issue. To learn more, visit saltcoalition.ca
|
Visiting Black-Owned Businesses in Toronto Centre |
If you know me, you know that supporting local small businesses is near and dear to my heart. This Black History Month, I’ve had the chance to visit Black-owned businesses and meet some incredibly talented entrepreneurs from Ethiopian House, The Diners Corner, and ZERO Cocktail Bar, right here in Toronto Centre!
As of 2020, Ontario had over 78,000 Black-owned businesses, and in Toronto, some of their origins span all the way back to the 1700s. Black-owned businesses are an integral part of our province’s socioeconomic fabric. This February and year-round, let’s all continue to support our local Black-owned businesses and #shoplocal!
| Black History Month at L’Agapanthe |
I am so thankful to La Passerelle for inviting me to their “Libération en Partage” Black History Month event. I was grateful to partake in the practice of Liberation Soup, a symbolic practice rooted in solidarity, to offer support and care through connection and dialogue during contexts of migration and rebuilding. L’Agapanthe is one of the first transitional homes dedicated to Black Francophone newcomers and refugees. This space plays a critical part in rebuilding lives for many people here in Toronto Centre. Their work is essential!
|
Seniors Active Living Fair |
I had a bright start to my day yesterday as I attended the Sunshine Centres for Seniors’s Active Living Fair at the 519! Thank you to Jacqui Bunsel and her team, as well as all of my favourite youngsters in Toronto Centre for such a warm welcome! Sunshine Centres offer a wide range of social, recreational and health programs for seniors from all walks of life, check their website out for more information here: sunshinecentres.com
| Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre |
It was a beautiful experience to join Marit Stiles, Tom Rakocevic, and Alexa Gilmour on a tour of the Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum yesterday with the Aga Khan Council. For over a decade, the Ismaili Centre has been a significant gathering space for the Ismaili Muslim community here in Toronto, serving as a beacon of faith, education, and culture.
This Ramadan and upcoming Eid are especially meaningful as they prepare to welcome the visit of His Highness Aga Khan V. I am thrilled for the community and extend my warmest wishes for the blessed month ahead!
| Shaanxi Association of Canada 25th Anniversary Celebration |
Congratulations to the Shaanxi Association of Canada on their 25th Anniversary Gala and Charity Celebration!
It was an honour to join them in celebrating over two and a half decades of community-building and cultural preservation. Mirroring their event theme of “Roots in Sanqin, Love in Canada”, they have given their members a sense of belonging, supported professionals across industries, and strengthened Canada’s multicultural fabric. Here’s to many more years of success ahead!
| ISNA Iftar |
I had a wonderful time at the ISNA Iftar! Breaking fast with the community and reflecting on the spirit of Ramadan is a beautiful way to spend an evening. Thank you to ISNA for your hospitality and everything you do to uplift the community!
| Educational Opportunity Fund’s Lunar New Year Banquet |
Toronto Educational Opportunity Fund is an exceptional organization, run in cooperation with teachers, trustees, and nutritionists at the Department of Public Health, that collects funds to subsidize nutritional programs in schools part of the Toronto District School Board. I had the pleasure of joining TEOF for their Annual Lunar New Year fundraiser banquet last night on behalf of the Ontario NDP Caucus.
TEOF’s work in identifying the needs of students and providing help to sustain a fulfilling educational experience is commendable. Please check out their website to find ways to support their initiatives!
| This Week's Headlines |
Toronto Zoo welcomes new baby Masai giraffe
Disappointment with Algonquin College's last-minute meeting to slash programs
TDSB cuts enrolment at 2 high schools serving disabled students, alarming parents
Why Toronto students created ‘sock pantries’ for the homeless
Regent Park Celebrates Black Excellence - Frequency
Court Slams Human Rights Tribunal’s Refusal To Hear Cases
Toronto residents launch campaign calling on city, RentSafeTO for support to address repairs, mold
Batteries are catching fire all over Toronto and Fire Chief warns to take risk seriously
| Upcoming Community Events |
| Bringing Clarity to Small Business Succession Planning Webinar |
Many of Toronto’s local business owners are approaching retirement in the next few years, and there can be a lot of questions around how to plan for this.
The transition process can feel overwhelming and emotional, so Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) is hosting a practical, candid, and confidential webinar designed specifically for Toronto business owners who want to better understand their options and begin planning their next chapter.
Bringing Clarity to Succession Planning Webinar Details
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 9 AM
Location: Live on Zoom
Cost: Free
Register here: Succession Matching Webinar Registration
Confidentiality: Audience members will not see who else is attending.
If you are considering your next step (even if it is years away) this session will provide clarity and perspective.
For any questions regarding the webinar, please contact Mandy D’Autremont at [email protected]
| Nominations for the Order of Ontario |
The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour, recognizing individuals whose excellence and achievements have left a lasting impact locally, nationally, and globally. You can nominate someone excelling in any field, from business, healthcare, education, arts, sports, science, and more. Nominees must be long-term or former Ontario residents, living at the time of nomination, and have made a major contribution to society.
Deadline for nominations is March 31. Details here.
| Well at Work: Trans and Non-Binary Career Fair |
The Well at Work Career Fair, hosted by Sherbourne Health is a great opportunity for Trans and Non-binary jobseekers to connect directly with employers from a variety of industries and sectors who are:
- Actively hiring
- Offering internship opportunities
Participants will have the chance to:
- Meet employers face-to-face
- Learn about available roles
- Apply on the spot
- Participate in interviews
Registration is mandatory to attend. Please register by March 13 to secure your spot. Register here.
This is also a valuable networking opportunity to build connections for future employment and meet others interested in similar career paths.
The Well at Work Career Fair will feature over 10 employers from a range of industries including corporate and community services.
Additional Supports Available On-Site
- Free professional clothing shop – Business and professional attire will be available. You may change upon arrival or take items for future use.
- Mental health support services – For anyone feeling overwhelmed or anxious during the event, you can connect 1:1 with our mental health counselors, and program staff.
- Food and TTC tokens will be provided.
|
Youth 4 the Future Launch |
Youth 4 the Future (Y4F) is a youth-led SDG Accelerator and Civic Incubator empowering Canadians (ages 15–29) to translate global goals into tangible local action. The campaign provides interactive workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop youth leadership and civic engagement skills. Participants will gain access to our exclusive Youth Incubator Program, digital resources, and a Certificate of Leadership for attending the full event.
Location: Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, 647 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
| Heat Pump Webinars with Toronto Home Energy Network |
Heat pumps offer much-needed air conditioning in Toronto’s humid summers (at a cheaper rate than conventional A/Cs) and winter heating that doesn’t rely on polluting fossil fuels.
But the higher upfront cost of a heat pump is a barrier for many Torontonians. Support programs are available, but uptake for some is low. At the start of March, Toronto Home Energy Network is hosting two webinars on rebate programs.
Webinar 1: Heat Pump Rebates
March 3, 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom
The Government of Ontario has a rebate program for heat pumps. It’s called the Home Renovation Savings Program. Most Torontonians can get $1,000-$2,250 back on their heat pump. There’s also money available for other home updates, like heat pump water heaters, air sealing, insulation, and new windows and doors.
Dilesh Thurairatnam from the Home Renovation Saving Program will join. There will also be a presentation on safe financing options and traps to avoid if you decide to rent appliances. Bring your questions!
Webinar 2: Replace your old baseboard heaters or oil furnace (for free!)
March 5, 6:30-7:30 PM on Zoom
Baseboard heaters and oil furnaces are very costly to run, but high upfront costs or being a renter hold Torontonians back from replacing them. The Energy Affordability Program helps income-eligible residents replace baseboard heaters and oil furnaces with a modern heat pump for free (if you qualify)! The event description has more info on program eligibility.
This is a big opportunity to get a better appliance for free, reduce your energy use, and help the environment at the same time.
Arwa Sayyadi from the Energy Affordability Program will join. There will also be a presentation on safe financing options and traps to avoid if you decide to rent appliances. Bring your questions!
| Husmates Power of Co-Ownership Conference |
Toronto Centre residents are feeling intense pressure in the condo and rental market, and we’re seeing growing interest in collaborative ownership models.
On Saturday, March 14 at Parkdale Hall, Husmates is hosting a full-day conference on co-ownership: Find Your People. Find Your Place. Discover the Power of Co-Ownership.
Many people in need of stable housing fall into the “missing middle” – earning too much to qualify for affordable housing, but unable to purchase independently in today’s market. Co-ownership is emerging as one practical pathway for these households to access stable homeownership through shared equity and collaboration.
The conference brings together legal experts, lenders, urbanists, and experienced co-owners to provide practical information about governance structures, financing, and risk mitigation – along with facilitated opportunities for residents to connect.
Event details:
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 6 PM
Location: Parkdale Hall, 1605 Queen St W suite 3, Toronto
Ticket purchase information, agenda, and speakers list can be found here.
| Cabbagetown Festival: Vendor Applications Now Open! |
Vendor applications for the 47th annual Cabbagetown Festival are now open! Click here to sign up! The festival runs from September 12-13, 2026 at Parliament and Carlton.
This year’s festival will feature a new Rainbow Market, spotlighting 2SLGBTQI+ makers and businesses! If your business is 2SLGBTQI+-owned or your products/services align with this space, apply now—Super Early Bird rates are on.
Last year the festival welcomed 100,000+ guests and 250+ vendors. Come meet your future fans!
Dates and Times:
- Saturday, September 12, 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday, September 13, 11 AM – 7 PM
Apply: Visit cabbagetownto.com/festival-call-for-vendors
| Share Your Thoughts: Surveys Informing Regent Park Strategic Plan |
The Regent Park Neighbourhood Association (RPNA), with assistance from Endeavor Consulting, is developing a three-year strategic plan.
Regent Park residents are invited to participate by completing a short survey and participating in a small focus group discussion.
Focus Groups:
Virtual focus groups are being convened for the following stakeholder groups:
- Market Tenants
- TCHC Tenants
- Community Partners
- RPNA Board Members
To participate in a focus group, reach out to Hanieh Shams Kolahi, Engagement Manager, Endeavour Consulting: [email protected]
Surveys close to comments on March 16, 2026.
Surveys:
| Toronto Centre Leadership Awards - Nominations Open |
Do you know a phenomenal leader in your community who deserves recognition?
Kristyn Wong-Tam will present six people with the prestigious Toronto Centre Leadership Award in June 2026.
This honour recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting contribution to the Toronto Centre community in any field. This can include the arts, politics, community building, healthcare, and beyond!
| TDSB Learn4Life Course Registration Now Open! |
Registration for the TDSB Learn4Life Spring 2026 session has officially begun!
Learn4Life offers a wide range of engaging and affordable courses for adults 18+, including language classes, arts, fitness, technology, professional development, and general interest programs. Classes are designed to support lifelong learning, skill building, and community connection in a welcoming environment.
Registration is open!
Browse Courses & Register here: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/adult-learners/learn4life
Don’t miss out — popular classes fill up quickly!
| Participate in Jamii’s PASI Photo Exhibition |
PASI is a large-scale outdoor community photo exhibition led by Jamii, taking place along Toronto’s Esplanade promenade from May to July 2026. The project brings together Torontonians of all ages to reflect how people from around the world live side by side in one city.
Meaning “a soccer pass” in Swahili, PASI will feature a continuous chain of portraits in which participants symbolically pass a ball from one image to the next. Installed between the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, the exhibition includes 48 large-scale outdoor portraits representing countries participating in the 2026 tournament.
Click here to sign up and have your portrait taken for this community art exhibit!
|
Petition: Expand the Allan Gardens Greenhouse |
🌼 Friends of Allan Gardens just launched their petition to expand the Allan Gardens greenhouses! 🌼
With this expansion, they can scale up their existing cross-cultural and cross-generational work: the farmers' market, food-growing that supports food banks, horticultural education, venue space, and Indigenous-focused programming like language keeping and storytelling.
They are aiming for 10,000 signatures and need your help!
Click here to sign and share with your networks.
| Outside Mural & Street Art Program |
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’ Outside Mural & Street Art Program!
Business associations and community groups with strong local participation can receive one-time funding of up to $7,500 for outdoor murals projects. Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, installation, and equipment rental. Applicants are responsible for ongoing maintenance.
As a FIFA host city, special consideration will be given to murals celebrating the tournament and the city’s theme, “World in a City.” Selected proposals must follow FIFA branding and IP rules.
Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm. Details here.
| Statistics Canada is Hiring for the 2026 Census |
The next Census of Population will take place in May 2026. Census data provides a detailed statistical picture of the country’s people and places every five years, vital for government, businesses, and communities to plan essential services, determine electoral district boundaries, allocate funds, understand changing demographics, and support informed decisions for a thriving Canada.
Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across Canada to help residents complete their census questionnaires. Applications are now being accepted for supervisory and non-supervisory positions across the country. Details here.
