Dear Neighbour,
Get your orange horses ready! Yesterday, key rules for the federal NDP Leadership race was decided. A new leader will be named by the end of March 2026. Political junkies rejoice: over the coming weeks and months, you can expect swirling rumours, fresh announcements, and hot political gossip about who will lead the NDP at the federal level. I’ll be keenly watching and encouraging everyone to renew their membership. Thanks to the NDP’s unified party structure, our federal and provincial NDP membership comes with voting rights!
What: Education in Crisis Townhall
When: Monday July 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom — RSVP here
On the last day of school in June, the Minister of Education placed four more school boards under provincial supervision — including the TDSB. The authority of elected Trustees is now in the hands of the Minister of Education, who has appointed an un-elected supervisor. Join MPP Jessica Bell, MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, and elected Trustee Deborah Williams for updates and what provincial supervision means for our students, families, educators, communities, and our democracy. Everyone is welcome! Your voice matters! Please note, as of June 27, 2025 the TDSB is under Ministry of Education supervision and control. Provincial supervision has restricted the role of Deborah Williams, who is the Elected Trustee for TDSB Ward 10, University-Rosedale & Toronto Centre.
Failing to act on homelessness should be a political impossibility, and yet here we are, with homelessness in Toronto at crisis levels. Rates have more than doubled over the past three years, something I know isn’t a shock to anyone in downtown Toronto. We experience this humanitarian crisis every day at our doorsteps and in our neighbourhoods.
The City of Toronto published their 2024 Street Needs Assessment report this week, and it is bleak. This report is a snapshot in time of homelessness in October 2024. Still, it gives us valuable insight into who is unhoused, what complexities are common, and which needs are going unmet (spoiler alert - it's most of them). The survey found that Indigenous, Black, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people are vastly over-represented in Toronto’s homeless population, as are people with unmet health needs and survivors of intimate partner or gender-based violence. We also know that surveys like these miss many “hidden homeless” people who are couch surfing, living outside in difficult-to-access areas, and those who are unwilling to participate in surveys like this. Cathy Crow, a street nurse and advocate for the unhoused, shared with CBC that every count of homeless folks is an undercount, especially of those living outdoors.
The vast majority of respondents to the Street Needs Assessment survey stated that access to Rent-Geared-To-Income housing would have prevented or would end their homelessness. Many others stated that unmet health needs, like access to a family doctor, mental health supports, and/or addiction treatment, were all factors in their lack of housing. Another trend was that experiences of violence, especially gender-based and intimate partner violence, were high among respondents, and often were factors in their lack of housing. This phenomenon was echoed in another report published this week by the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, which found that gender-based violence was the leading cause of homelessness for women and gender-diverse people.
Solving the homelessness crisis in Toronto and across Canada is possible. It will require a concentrated, collective effort by every level of government across our country. It will be difficult, but not impossible, as we already know how to end homelessness.
Building affordable non-market housing and supportive housing are homelessness prevention and reduction strategies. Accessible, high-quality healthcare with low barriers is homelessness prevention. Doubling social assistance rates to a level that would actually lift people out of poverty and allow them to pay for housing is homelessness prevention. We also know that creating a justice system that works, investing in violence prevention and early-intervention programs for youth, are all homelessness prevention. Not only are these solutions to address homelessness, but they also reduce expensive and desperate alternatives such as shelter, hospital and correctional beds. Building a continuum of suitable and affordable housing for the broad needs of Ontarians reduces government costs, creates healthier communities and bolsters our economy.
Yet the Ford government fails to implement them. This government does not have a plan to end homelessness and continually ignores the recommendations of its own housing task force.
The Ontario NDP will never stop pushing for a housing mix that meets everyone’s needs and includes non-market options, a healthcare system that is public and well-funded, violence-prevention and justice services that advance community wellbeing, and the prioritization of equity for underserved communities. I am so proud to be a New Democrat; to be part of a party that advances policies that make life more affordable, make our communities healthier, more connected and prosperous, and lead with compassion. I will never stop pushing all governments to do more for our communities. Ending homelessness is a responsibility that falls on every elected official and order of government.
Despite being incredibly busy ignoring Ontario’s homelessness crisis, this week, Ford met with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to sign two non-binding Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on interprovincial trade. The MOUs focused on pipelines and rail transportation to transport critical minerals, oil sands extraction, and natural gas to markets. I can get behind more rail transportation and recognize the need to export our critical minerals (when they are responsibly mined and respectful of Indigenous sovereignty), but building new fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines must come with rigorous environmental assessments and a clear business case, things I worry Ford would not provide. A resurrection of the Energy East pipeline, once proposed to carry Alberta crude from the oil sands to refineries in New Brunswick, even seemed to be on the table.
We need more interprovincial trade - that is something that I fully support. However, Ford is using the cover of Trump’s trade war to push his regressive, anti-environmental agenda as far as it will go. Anything to help his rich buddies get richer!
The Energy East pipeline was killed more than ten years ago because it was too expensive, too logistically complex, faced massive opposition from Indigenous nations and environmental groups, and because the world is moving away from fossil fuels. Ten years later, the same barriers exist, renewables are cheaper, and Trans Canada (now TC Energy), which was going to build the pipeline, is no longer in the business of building pipelines. The only reason that Energy East was ever logistically or economically viable was because Trans Canada owned a natural gas pipeline that covered ⅓ of the proposed route, which they planned to repurpose. And even with that existing pipeline, the project couldn’t get off the ground!
Instead of relying on the fossil fuel industry to create short-term jobs and short-term energy independence, we should go all-in on renewables. Renewables create great long-term jobs, energy independence that lasts for generations, and a cleaner planet we can all be proud of.
If Energy East is ever officially proposed, we need to be prepared to push for strong environmental assessments, true consultation with Indigenous communities, and an air-tight business case. Bill 5 has completely changed the regulatory environment, and we know that Doug Ford often pushes through projects that don’t make economic or local sense (see below for an update on the Ontario Place mega-spa). We must therefore be ready with strong arguments and stronger opposition to create an environment where building this pipeline is a political impossibility. I am ready.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
| In This Newsletter |
- Judge Upholds Bike Lane Injunction, Ford Flounders
- Ontario’s Tribunals Failing on Transparency
- Therme Downsizes Ontario Place Spa Again
- Cafe Zuzu Open After Impaired Driver Crash
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community Events
| Judge Upholds Bike Lane Injunction, Ford Flounders |
Another win for cyclists and an independent judiciary in Toronto this week! The Ontario courts have dismissed Ford’s request to appeal the injunction currently in place to prevent the removal of bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge, and University. This injunction is in place until the courts hear arguments and decide whether Ford’s legislation to remove these bike lanes is constitutional. Cycle Toronto argues that the law is arbitrary, puts cyclists’ lives at stake, and that the government lacks evidence that removing the lanes will reduce congestion. I couldn’t agree more.
As a cyclist and a driver, I strongly support keeping these lanes for the safety and well-being of cyclists and drivers alike. Nothing is more stressful than drivers and cyclists sharing the same space on a busy roadway, no matter who you are! I will not stop fighting for safe streets for all road users.
| Ontario’s Tribunals Failing on Transparency |
Yesterday, I sent two letters to the Ontario Ombudsman, Paul Dubé, asking him to investigate issues of transparency and consistency within the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB), as well as the failure of three Tribunals to release annual reports for two years in a row.
In my letter concerning the LTB, I ask why Tribunals Ontario and the Ombudsman’s office are reporting contradictory statistics concerning the LTB’s implementation of the Ombudsman’s Office’s recommendations for improvement. The Ombudsman’s 2023/24 Annual Report says that the LTB had taken action on 35 of 61 recommendations. Meanwhile, Tribunals Ontario claims to have “fully addressed” 79 percent of the recommendations. This discrepancy is enormous. You deserve answers about what is really going on inside the LTB. Tenants and Landlords are waiting for egregiously long periods of time for hearings, much longer than they waited just six years ago. They deserve answers and a genuine commitment to improve wait times through evidence.
My second letter concerned the failure of the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), Health Services Appeal and Review Board (HSARB), and Consent and Capacity Board (CCB) to publish annual reports for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This failure is consistent with the lack of transparency and increased insider appointments that have plagued the tribunal system throughout the Ford government’s tenure, especially after Ford appointed former PC candidate Sean Weir as Tribunals Ontario's Executive Chair in 2020.
While these annual reports may not make for the most exciting reading, they are critical tools to understand how the tribunal is functioning, what the backlogs are, and to track trends in types of cases and case outcomes. If one kind of case suddenly skyrockets, that is a flag that something in our society is not working well, and the government should act to address it on a systemic level. If there is a sudden spike in dismissed cases, that is an opportunity to review adjudicator training and appointments, as well as materials and processes on the public side. Those are just two examples! These reports are critical for transparency, early response, and reflection by tribunal leadership. Failing to produce these reports and make them public undermines the effectiveness of the entire system.
I am eagerly awaiting a response from the Ombudsman and will keep you updated.
|
Therme Downsizes Ontario Place Spa Again |
The Ontario Place mega-spa is getting a little less mega — for the second time. This Tuesday, Therme released newly redesigned plans for its private spa on public land. These plans include a 13% reduction in the spa's size, following a 2023 redesign that saw the space reduced by 25%.
These continual redesigns may mean more public realm space and less inaccessible public land, but they also point to chaos and a potential lack of financing behind the scenes. As we know, Therme lied continuously about their assets, allowing the government to believe that they owned and operated six large spas globally. When the Auditor General looked closely, they found that Therme only owned and operated one spa; the others were simply operated under the same model and the same name by a different company and owner, but not by the Therme that was making the application. That alone should be grounds for tearing up this horrible agreement.
The more we learn about Therme and their plans for Ontario Place, the more the entire agreement reveals itself to be a sham. It is disgusting that this government continues to double down on this failed plan, when we could be spending nearly $3 billion on a beautiful public realm project that suits the site and is open for everyone to enjoy. I am so thankful to the diligent Ontario NDP researchers and the array of journalists who have worked so hard to reveal Ford’s corruption for what it is. This story is continually evolving, and I promise to continue holding the government to account for it.
| Cafe Zuzu Open After Impaired Driver Crash |
Last Saturday morning, an impaired driver crashed into the front of Regent Park’s beloved Cafe Zuzu. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and Cafe Zuzu has been incredibly resilient. They are already open again and with their sense of humour intact. They are even hosting a “Door Crasher” community event today, inviting the neighbourhood to “bless this mess” and enjoy a special price on some of their most popular drinks. We love you, Zuzu!T
| This Week's Headlines |
Coalition of parents, teachers, trustees speaks out against Ontario's school board takeover
Federal NDP plans to have a new leader by end of March
Ontario asks feds to drop bill that would help provide clean drinking water to First Nations
Extreme heat is killing more seniors. Cities aren’t ready
Brace for layoffs, budget watchdog says, as Carney government aims to slash spending by $25B
New law that aims to protect Ontario gig workers falls short, critics say
Ontario child-care fees still at ‘high end,’ despite significant savings: report
Ontario community colleges face up to 10,000 layoffs: union
York Region paramedic shouldn't have been fired over Israel comments: union, law experts
This man is running every street in Toronto. He’s not letting a brain cancer diagnosis stop him
| Upcoming Community Events |
| 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.
|
The Big Thank You Contest - CFIB |
Celebrate the amazing Canadian Small Businesses that make our communities unique with the CFIB’s Big Thank You Contest! Send a thank you message to your favourite Canadian small business for a chance to win one of two weekly prizes consisting of $1,000 cash and a Big Thank You Gift Box valued at $500 of small business goodies from across the country!
If you win, the business you thank also wins a cash prize of $3,000 and a Big Thank You Gift Box valued at $1,000 which includes small business goodies and a 1-year CFIB membership connecting them to advocacy, business support, and savings! PLUS! We’re giving the most nominated business a bonus prize of $3,000!
Click here to submit your thank you!
| Taste of the Caribbean! |
Time: 1 PM - 5 PM
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2025
Location: Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street
All are welcome to take part in this free event for a taste of Caribbean food, drumming, Socacize, Caribbean and Latin dance, mask/headpiece making and games!
|
Under the Stars in Regent Park |
Under the Stars Opens Next Week!
Pre-show activities begin at 7:30 PM
Films start at sundown
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early, bring a picnic blanket, and gather friends and family to grab a great spot for opening night.
This year’s Under the Stars lineup has already earned rave reviews from Letterboxd users. From a bold reimagining of the Iranian road-trip genre to a charming rom-com featuring a meet-cute at a Hindu temple, the 2025 selection promises unforgettable stories and standout cinema.
Dates: July 16, 23
Location: Regent Park
Get ready for another incredible summer of movies Under the Stars! Check out the local movie line-up here.
| Mental Health Matters: Women in Leadership |
Are you a self-identifying woman aged 15–35? Join Mental Health Matters for an inspiring evening of networking, connection, and community. Enjoy a panel discussion, interactive networking, a Bloom Bar, and a photo booth — plus free food and refreshments.
Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Location: 150 River Street, Party Room, First Floor.
Dress Code: Business Casual
| Mainstreet Walking Tour — Discover Cabbagetown’s Roots Now Live on Driftscape |
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Mike Field Jazz Quintet celebrates the release of their highly anticipated fifth album, Nashland!
Renowned for his bright, energetic sound and captivating performances, Mike Field returns with a vibrant collection of original tunes—two years in the making and brought to life by some of Toronto’s top jazz talent.
📍 Reid's Distillery (32 Logan Ave, just north of Lakeshore Blvd.)
📅 Tuesday, July 22, 2025
🕗 8:00–10:00 PM (Two 50-minute sets)
🎟️ Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door
🎫 Get yours now at https://www.mikefieldjazz.com/dates
Set in the stylish setting of Reid’s Distillery, this special album launch concert promises an unforgettable night of fresh, fiery jazz and feel-good vibes.
This exciting project has been made possible with the funding support of the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
| Mainstreet Walking Tour — Discover Cabbagetown’s Roots Now Live on Driftscape |
A new self-guided walking tour exploring Cabbagetown’s rich history is now available through the free Driftscape app. The Mainstreet Walking Tour — Discover Cabbagetown’s Roots takes users through the neighbourhood’s lively commercial corridors, highlighting its architecture, notable historical figures, and independent businesses.
With stops along Carlton, Parliament, and Gerrard Streets, the tour allows participants to explore at their own pace, making it ideal for both residents and visitors looking to discover something new.
This year’s edition includes brand-new content and expanded locations, as well as a Scavenger Hunt feature that challenges users to solve clues at each stop—adding an engaging, interactive experience for all ages.
Tour Features:
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Historic landmarks and heritage homes featuring archival images
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Stories of local figures and hidden histories throughout the neighbourhood
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Scavenger Hunt with clues and prize entry
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Interviews with local business owners and community voices
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Audio guides, visuals, and offline access for convenience
- Insider recommendations curated by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The full experience takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the participant’s pace, and is available anytime until the end of the year.
