Dear friend,
I had a different newsletter planned for this week, but in classic Ford Government fashion, we have a Friday afternoon announcement to share instead:
Effective today, the Ontario Science Centre is closed. Major structural issues have been found in the roof that will make it unsafe to operate within the next few months.
This sudden closure is shocking, but the fact that the Science Centre is not in a state of good repair is not. We have known for years that the building needs significant repairs and maintenance, as any old building does, to remain safe and operational. Successive Conservative and Liberal governments have not made the necessary investments to upkeep the building, despite it being designed to last between 100-250 years with proper maintenance. They have let an iconic building, a cultural treasure, and a huge tourist attraction crumble, all to serve Ford's mega-spa vanity project. It is shameful.
Instead of making these investments, Ford and his PCs have spent time and money concocting a business case that will take the Science Centre out of Flemingdon Park, a neighbourhood that needs the good jobs and visitors that the centre brings in. Moving the Science Centre down to Ontario Place will be incredibly costly and will rob our kids of years of enjoyment and learning during construction.
Star columnist Edward Keenan wrote this beautiful piece about the lessons that the Science Centre taught everyone who visited, that learning can be delightful and easy when done in a place that inspires wonder. He also shares the lesson that the Science Centre is trying to share with us now, a fundamental lesson of childhood: if you love something and want it to last, you must take care of it.
On Sunday, I will attend a Save the Science Centre Rally. The organizers have been on-site at the Science Centre today as fencing was put up. They are encouraging people to sign their letter calling on Premier Ford to save this beloved place. I have no doubt that their advocacy on behalf of all those who love the Science Centre will continue.
The heat this week has been oppressive and often inescapable. I hope that you and your loved ones have been able to keep cool, either at home or at one of the city’s cooling centers, swimming pools, or splash pads, which opened early in response to these high temperatures.
We have already broken several heat records this year, with an unseasonably warm winter and rising temperatures. This is unprecedented and makes it clear that we must focus our efforts on environmental sustainability and combating climate change. We must do this work for the sake of our future and for our children and grandchildren, who want to live on a safe and clean planet. I hope that you all can stay safe during this heatwave. It is an unfortunate reminder that we need to demand more from the Ford government to combat climate change.
This heat is especially dangerous in Toronto Centre for many young children, older adults, and pets that are at the highest risk of heat-related illness and death. Due to the lack of air conditioning in some Toronto Centre buildings, many tenants of all ages are at increased risk as well.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can impact anyone. Knowing the signs and ways to keep yourself cool during this heatwave is essential. Heat exhaustion indicates that your body is overheating. If you notice the signs of heat exhaustion, you can limit your risk of heat stroke by moving to a cool place, taking a cool shower, drinking cold water, and applying cold compresses to your body. Avoiding alcohol and dressing in light clothing also help you stay cool.
You can learn more about the signs of heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke here.
A map of the city's cooling locations, pools, and splash pads can be found here.
Today is Indigenous People’s Day, a day to honour the Indigenous people in our community, commit to learning the truth so that we may move towards reconciliation, and share in celebrations. Tonight, I will be attending Jamii’s 5th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at David Crombie Park. I hope to see you there!
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In This Newsletter |
- Meeting with New Zealand’s Louisa Wall
- World Refugee Day
- Election Day in Toronto-St. Paul’s
- Lord Dufferin Graduates!
- Green Futures at Church Street Public School
- Celebrating Centenarians in St Lawrence Market!
- This Week’s Headlines
- Local Community News
Meeting with New Zealand’s Louisa Wall |
Today at Queen’s Park, I hosted Pride Toronto's International Grand Marshal, the extraordinary Louisa Wall. Louisa is a former New Zealand Member of Parliament. During Louisa’s time in office, she made significant contributions to LGBTQI+ rights and gender equality in New Zealand, specifically the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country in 2013. Louisa Wall also lead New Zealand’s cross-party group on LGBTQI+ rights for seven years while elected. In 2022, she became New Zealand's first Ambassador for Gender Equality (Pacific) Tuia Tangata.
Our conversation was lively and productive. We spoke at length about how to bring together marginalized groups, especially 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and Muslim communities, who are currently being divided by far-right white supremacist groups
Louisa is also a two-sport athlete who has competed internationally in netball and rugby. We had a wonderful conversation about the power of sport as a public good and catalyst for global citizenship. We also discussed and how critical it is for sport to be an inclusive and welcoming space, especially for trans people and Indigenous communities. I am looking forward to continuing this conversation with her!
World Refugee Day |
Yesterday was World Refugee Day. I spoke at the 519 about my family’s immigration experience, the strength of refugees, and how Canada is stronger when we are an open and welcoming place for refugees. I am so thankful for the organizations in Toronto Centre that work and advocate so hard for refugees, including Rainbow Railroad and The 519. It is incredible to see the transformative power of their inclusive programming for refugees fleeing anti-queer violence abroad.
Election Day in Toronto-St. Paul’s |
This upcoming Monday is election day in Toronto St. Paul’s Federal by-election!
I can’t think of a better MP for the people of Toronto St. Paul’s than Amrit Parhar. I encourage all of you to get out there and knock on some doors or make phone calls for her campaign – especially on election day!
Lord Dufferin’s Graduates! |
I was thrilled to attend the Lord Dufferin Public School Grade 8 graduation last night. It was a joyous occasion filled with proud families and teachers, excited graduates, and the bittersweet feelings of leaving behind a beloved elementary school for the unknowns of high school. I wish all of the graduates a fun, safe summer and an excellent start to their high school careers in September.
Green Futures at Church Street Public School |
On Wednesday, I was privileged to meet the grade 4 and 5 students of Church Street Public School, taught by Mr. Brad Nicolaou, and watch them showcase their models of what a sustainable city could look like. Their creativity and love for the environment is unrestricted and awe-inspiring. The future is in great hands thanks to these emerging leaders! It was also a treat to meet Church Street P.S.'s Principal, Emilio Puentes, and hear about the support the school needs from our provincial government.
Celebrating Centenarians in St Lawrence Market! |
This week I joined the St Lawrence community for a garden party to celebrate the 100th birthday of two young whippersnappers, Dennis and Thomas. These members of the greatest generation have survived so much and given back to their community for decades. It was an honour to celebrate them. Happy Birthday!
This Week’s Headlines |
Welcome to a new newsletter segment that I am trying out. Each week, I will share a selection of new stories that I read and found especially thought-provoking, informative, or locally relevant. I hope that you find them as helpful as I have!
Pilot program changing the lives of Ontario families with autistic children
4 Ontario towns say they’ve missed out on millions of dollars in housing money
The new heat waves: ‘We’re slowly boiling ourselves’
Upcoming Community Events |
Shine On! A National Indigenous Histories Month and PRIDE Marketplace |
Join the YMCA as they celebrate Indigenous History and Pride Month with craft stations, activities for children and youth, a food drive collecting non-perishable items, and a marketplace for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors.
Saturday, June 22, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Central YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Avenue.
All are welcome to this family friendly event. The YMCA is a mask-friendly environment. RSVP here!
VillageFest’s 10th Anniversary! |
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of VillageFest!
Join the Church-Wellesley Village as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of VillageFest on June 22-23. This free street festival honors Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ arts and talent.
Event Highlights:
- Two Outdoor Stages: Enjoy live performances from local 2SLGBTQ+ artists, including Simone Denny and Carole Pope.
- Two Outdoor Arts Markets: Explore unique crafts and art pieces.
- 15+ Outdoor Street Vendors: Support local businesses.
Learn more about the festival here!
Community Discussion: Education & Unions in the Philippines |
Raymond Basilio, Secretary-General of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers from the Philippines, will visit Toronto on June 23. This important event will offer insights into the educational landscape and political challenges faced by teachers in the Philippines.
Event Details:
- Community Discussion - Education and Unions in the Philippines
- Sunday June 23
- 2 - 5 PM
- OPSEU SEFPO Membership Centre
- 31 Wellesley Street East
National Women's Strike and March 2024 |
What: Global Women's Strike March 2024
When: Monday, June 24, 12 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Who: All supportive members of the community are invited; every race, gender, sexuality, ability, political or religious affiliation & many more
Dress Code: Red shirt suggested, comfortable walking shoes
Event: Click here for details
Rastafest Community Launch |
Rastafest is coming to Regent Park this year! As we await details, why not get prepared by attending the Rastafest COmmunity Launch at Studio M? Enjoy a crafts market at 3PM, health and wellness workshops, and live performances at 6 PM!
When: Saturday, June 29
Where: Studio M - 1672 Eglinton Avenue West
More information: [email protected] or Rastafest.tv
Toronto Fringe Festival 2024 |
Toronto Fringe Festival is excited to announce its 2024 programming. Join the launch party with free community activities on July 2, followed by 77 productions from July 3-14 at various locations across the city. Explore a variety of shows including comedy, drama, musicals, dance, and storytelling. Enjoy daily free community events at the Fringe Patio located at the Tranzac, featuring entertainment, snacks, and drinks.
Key Details:
- Launch Party: July 2
- Festival Dates: July 3-14
- Locations: 16 venues across Toronto
- Special Events: Free activities at Fringe Patio and KidsFest Club
Get Involved: Tickets are now available on the Toronto Fringe Festival website. 100% of the box office profits go directly to the artists. Participate in free events, visit the artisan market, and enjoy diverse food and drink offerings at the festival’s social hub.
Why Fringe Matters: Celebrating its 36th year, the Toronto Fringe is Ontario’s largest performing arts festival, providing a platform for artists of all backgrounds. The festival uses a lottery system for participant selection and subsidizes space, marketing, and box office costs to ensure accessibility for both artists and audiences. Notable alumni include creators of "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Da Kink in My Hair," "Kim’s Convenience," and "Come from Away."
Discover the next big talent at this year’s festival!