We have all seen the ads for the new Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Many of us have even watched the first few episodes. But what if I told you there is a new series in town? It is just as gripping and shocking but even more upsetting because it is unfolding in front of us in real time. Introducing: Law & Order Queen’s Park: Greenbelt FOI This video is hilarious and was a lot of fun to put together, but the subject matter is serious. Our Premier is under criminal investigation by the RCMP. Ministers and senior staff went to great lengths to conceal their work, using code words like G*, deleting correspondence, and using personal email addresses to conduct government business. The only reason that we know as much as we do about this corruption scandal is because of the hard work of the Ontario NDP and outside advocates filing Freedom of Information requests to uncover the truth. The NDP’s most recent FOI yielded 3,776 pages of documents from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, many bearing code words and acronyms clearly meant to conceal the actual topic of conversation. I will never stop pushing for the truth. There must be consequences for those who tried to trade away our precious Greenbelt and further enrich their wealthy friends. In sad local news, two people were killed and three others injured this week by Arnold and Dundas St. E. The violence seems to have erupted within one family, with a young man allegedly killing his father and brother and wounding his mother. This is devastating. My thoughts go out to all those feeling fresh loss and to those reliving the trauma of past events. Amid this tragedy, I am also in awe of neighbour Hani Afrah, who bravely ran into the house where the violence began after the injured mother called for help for her toddler, who remained in the house. Hani Afrah took brave steps to ensure that the child was safe. When events like this happen, it is natural to feel scared. I hope that we can all carry that fear and sadness in the community alongside the knowledge that so much work has been done to create peace in Regent Park and beyond. That work is ongoing and full of hope. If you are looking for ways to get involved, I would encourage you to reach out to Regent Park Mothers of Peace, Regent Park Shoot for Peace, and the Regent Park Social Development Plan Committees. So much incredible work is already happening in the community, and there’s always more to do. As your provincial representative and the Critic for the Attorney General I am leading the calls for real bail reform. Bail should be compassionate, while also ensuring that the 15-30 most dangerous people who are caught and released regularly finally encounter a bail system that holds them accountable. The bail system in Ontario should not let people who pose an active threat back to the streets where they hurt people. I helped write the committee report on the modernization of the bail system in Ontario, which you can read here. I know it is just a report, but it is the first step the government is taking before bringing forward new legislation with concrete changes to the bail system. I have been working alongside frontline workers, families, and justice experts to develop real proposals to fix Ontario's justice system. I will let you know when these plans are ready soon through this newsletter.
I know that many of you are as concerned about the ongoing war on Gaza as I am. I am incredibly proud of the strong and principled stance that the NDP has taken since the beginning of the conflict. On Monday, the NDP's motion to combat the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be put to a vote. We need this motion to pass to push the Liberal government to action. I encourage everyone to reach out to Justin Trudeau and request that he and his MPs support the motion. I also want to wish a happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone celebrating. It is an honour to serve you,
Kristyn Wong-Tam MPP, Toronto Centre
The Toronto Centre Federal NDP is gearing up for the next federal election since it could be right around the corner. The first step is nominating a candidate to run under the NDP banner. Two prospective candidates have put their names forward for the upcoming nomination race. Voting to select a candidate will take place at the upcoming nomination meeting, the details of which will be shared soon. All Toronto Centre residents who signed up to be members of the NDP at least 45 days before the nomination meeting are eligible to vote. If you want to become a member, you can do so by clicking here. If you are not sure if you are a member or if your membership is still active, you can reach out to [email protected], and they will check for you. This year, we have two prospective candidates: Brian Chang and Samantha Green. Both of these incredible people have websites where you can learn about their priorities, and community involvement, and get a sense of them as people. I encourage you to check them out: Click HERE to visit Brian Chang’s website
Being an activist and caregiver is hard work and can be emotionally all-consuming. I know this firsthand. This is why I am eager to share 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life, a new book released by award-winning author and psychotherapist Farzana Doctor. 52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life is a practical workbook that explores self-care from an inside-out and collective approach. This book is for anyone who works with people or causes and who has struggled with burnout, vicarious trauma and finding balance. Limited tickets are available for the Toronto launch of this important book on March 21. Farzana will be in conversation with Judy Rebick at Caversham Booksellers, and I guarantee you will learn something new about self and community care. To get your free event ticket, please register here.
Ontario is in a family doctor crisis. In 2022, 2.3 million Ontarians did not have a family doctor, a number that is projected to grow to 4.4 million by 2026 if nothing is done. Currently, family doctors in Ontario spend as many as 19 hours per week —40 percent of their time—following up with patients, filling out forms and performing other administrative work that could be done by administrative staff and other interdisciplinary health staff. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can free up doctors’ time by getting them access to an integrated primary care team to take this administrative work off of their plate. This change would be equivalent to adding 2,000 doctors to the system. The current family doctor shortage not only puts Ontarians' health at risk, but it’s also putting tremendous strain on our already-overburdened emergency rooms. This is a smart, simple solution to fix the massive patient backlog and get people the care they need today. We have been hearing horrific stories from Ontarians who are trying to find a family doctor, including this shocking story from an Ottawa patient who was charged $110 for routine cancer screening because the screening was done by a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor, something that was not well communicated by the clinic she went to. I, along with the Ontario NDP caucus, are calling upon this government to hire more administrative and interdisciplinary health staff so that doctors can spend more of their precious time providing much-needed care to their patients. NDP Leader Marit Stiles tabled this solution in the legislature last week and will force a vote on Monday. I will update you on the result in next week’s newsletter.
This week my staff and I held our annual Staff Retreat, where we set goals and created plans for the year to come. It was wonderful to reflect on the work we have done over the past year, celebrating our wins and reflecting on areas where we can improve. In 2024, we are excited to host community events that bring people together, champion your legislative priorities, and continue providing the constituency services that you depend upon.
This week, the Toronto Star published this excellent article, “Rent controls work: They don’t reduce housing supply, but they do limit profit”. The article argues that bringing back rent control for all units in Ontario, not just those occupied before 2018, would be better for the market as a whole and prevent rent gouging. This is something that affordable housing advocates have known for years. The Ontario NDP has been advocating for not only the return of full rent control since the policy was enacted but also for “real rent control,” sometimes called vacancy de-control, to become law in Ontario. Real rent control would mean that a unit’s monthly rent would have to follow the annual guideline rent increase even if a tenant moved out and the unit was re-rented by a new tenant. Currently, in Ontario, when a tenant moves out, the landlord can raise the rent as much as they want. While I encourage you to read the whole article, I want to share some of my favourite quotes: “In recent years, new studies have demonstrated that rent controls work. They stabilize rent increases without negative effects. Provincial governments could put an end to skyrocketing rents right now — if they were really interested in doing so.” “In 2020, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) analyzed the impact of rent controls on construction. The study compared Canadian cities with and without rent controls. Since the CMHC has a wealth of data, it used a time series going all the way back to 1971 — almost 50 years of data at the time. The key finding of the study was that “There was no significant evidence that rental starts were lower in rent control markets than in no rent control markets.” “Between 2022 and 2023, landlords in Ontario increased rents in vacant units by an average of 36%. Bringing back controls on vacant units would prevent abusive increases. It would also remove the financial incentive for evictions and other tactics used to displace tenants.”
Sherbourne Health Centre is hosting a Trans and Non-Binary Career Fair! When: March 21, 2024, 1 PM to 4 PM Where: Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne Street. This event aims to provide opportunities for Sherbourne Health's trans and non-binary service users and community members to connect with prospective employers committed to diversity and inclusion. These employers have attended a presentation on creating supportive work environments for trans and non-binary employees.
The Cabbagetown BIA is looking for a new Marketing & Events Coordinator! This team member works as part of a close-knit team to assist in the implementation of marketing strategies and coordinate promotional activities, including activations and events such as The Cabbagetown Festival. Assists with connecting people, businesses, and public spaces, collaborating with partners to acquire and retain a vibrant mix of retail, and attracting more people to the area. This is a part-time, contract position running from April 15 - December 20, 2024. Applicants will ideally be between the ages of 15-30 years old, as funding for this position comes from the Canada Summer Jobs Program See the full posting here.
A six-week virtual group program led by mental health counsellors, this group explores mindfulness as a practice for managing difficult emotions, as well as cultivating greater self-compassion and self-care. Learn more here. Who: Participants who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Next Sessions: Tuesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 PM Program starts on March 26 Registration required. Call Gouri (647-299-1464) or Dyshni (437-324-9514)
Since 2011, Jamii has been fostering connections among Esplanadians, a diverse community of individuals spanning all ages who reside, work, study, and walk on The Esplanade. Through immersive artistic experiences, we breathe life into public spaces within The Esplanade neighbourhood and our home, The Jamii Hub, crafting whimsical environments that not only cultivate shared memories among our community members but also strengthen the social bonds woven throughout our neighbourhood's fabric. Jamii has exciting events focusing on art, movement, learning and community building happening every day of the week! Click here to learn more.
Arts at the Market celebrates the unique talents of local artisans who offer high-quality handmade goods for sale at the St. Lawrence Market. These artisans will fill the outdoor spaces of the Market with fresh, new, lively, and creative energy from April through October, animating and adding vivacity to the Complex. Are you an artist, craftsperson, or designer? Do you want to sell your high-quality handmade goods at one of the world’s top markets? If so, we’d love for you to be part of Arts at the Market! Apply by April 1 for early admission to the 2024 program. Applications and details available here.
You’re invited to view the future of the transformed St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts! The design team of Hariri Pontarini Architects and LMN Architects with Smoke Architecture and Tawaw Architecture Collective will present their inspired design concepts for STLC to become a multi-faceted performing arts destination. This bold reimagining includes two state-of-the-art performance halls along with creative spaces and studios, rehearsal rooms, and informal gathering areas. The team will demonstrate how the building extends an open embrace to the city to create an energized arts corridor and a new pulsing heart in downtown Toronto. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to join us via livestream at stlcnext.org. The livestream link will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting on March 26. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 6 pm – 8 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm) St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre, 27 Front St. E.
Announcing the Cabbagetown Cares Fundraiser! From March 1 to March 30, 2024, The Cabbagetown BIA is teaming up with Dixon Hall and Saint Luke's United Church to support our neighbours. As food insecurity continues to rise in Cabbagetown, St James Town, and Regent Park, it's more important than ever to lend a helping hand. That's where YOU come in! Simply shop at any of the 14 participating businesses throughout March, where a portion of proceeds from select items will be donated to the fundraiser. All donated proceeds will be split between the Dixon Hall and St Luke's Church meals programs. It's that easy! Click here for the full list of business offers.
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever! They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond! The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - After returning with a bang last year, The Festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone. Dates: September 7 and 8 Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
BLUEPRINT asks: “Who gets to be beautiful?” This exhibit runs March 2-31, 2024 at 420 Queen Street East BLUEPRINT is a collection of mixed media collages created by Zandra Jack, a Toronto-based digital artist who works under the pseudonym, UNKWNZJ. With a passion for altering geometric and curvilinear forms, UNKWNZJ’s work is a unique departure from more traditional modes of portraiture that lean on being as naturalistic to the human form as possible. Her subjects often don enlarged facial features and intensely darkened skin, aspects that she further amplifies with her use of bold color and intricate patterns. UNKWNZJ’s distinct creations exist as a disruption to the prevailing standards of beauty. BLUEPRINT challenges the status quo by paying homage to the unconventional; the features of black beauty that are undervalued yet paradoxically commodified in society. We would also like to extend a warm invite to audiences to take part in an in-person, interactive workshop that will be led by UNKWNZJ: Through hands-on activities and guided instruction, participants will create mixed media artworks by experimenting with various materials and collaging techniques to bring forth their own artistic visions. This event is free of charge, but space is limited. Please RSVP here.
FoSTRA (Federation of South Toronto Residents Associations) warmly invites you to the next in a series of free educational events on the theme of Housing for All, which will be held: Thursday, 21 March 2024, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM Franz Hartmann, Coordinator for the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario, presents “A Blueprint for Solving the Housing Crisis in Ontario.” Check out more details below and in the attachment. Click here to register to attend and ask a question of Franz Hartmann before the webinar.
After the Regent Park Cafe launch, they are now open and operational every Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM. If you are near Daniels Spectrum at 585 Dundas St. East, pop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
GOOD TO BE GOOD is pleased to announce a fifth cohort for the Change Make-Her program! This FREE interactive virtual program is for women and gender-diverse folks* interested in developing their entrepreneurship and leadership skills through mentorship-based training workshops, community building, peer support, resource-sharing, and other opportunities. The program is a unique development opportunity explicitly created to extend the capacity of new and early entrepreneurs through a low-barrier, inclusive, and compassionate approach. Entrepreneurship is challenging to navigate—layering being a woman or gender-diverse with intersecting identities adds another path to navigate. We believe that entrepreneurism can be a meaningful pathway to confidence, community, and independence for women and gender-diverse people facing multiple barriers. Applications are now OPEN for the Change Make-Her program! To register, email Arezoo Najibzadeh at [email protected] or sign up here. Please note that applications close Sunday, March 17.
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April 19, 2024 Newsletter
Dear friend,
The government has moved quickly on bringing the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act to committee, which is the next step before the bill can become law. On Wednesday, I attended committee to hold preliminary talks about striking a travelling sub-committee for the bill. We are still deciding exactly what shape this committee will take, but it is exciting that it is coming together so quickly.
Of course, we know that intimate partner violence is an epidemic. We don’t need yet another committee to create a report that makes the same recommendations that we have heard a hundred times before. But the government is requiring that we do this song and dance again, so I am committed to being an enthusiastic partner. Part of what I am pushing for in this early committee work is that we do a thorough analysis of the reports we already have. Instead of duplicating efforts, we should be building from the foundations provided to us by the work and struggle of hundreds of experts and survivors. I will keep you updated on this process.
As you may have heard, this week, the Speaker of the House banned the wearing of the keffiyeh, a traditional scarf worn by many Arab and Muslim community members, including Palestinians.
The ONDP Leader, Marit Stiles, wrote to the Speaker asking him to reverse the decision. She made the very sound argument that many other politicized, but not inherently political pieces of traditional dress, such as Indigenous regalia, kilts, kirpans, vyshyvanka, and other traditional clothing are allowed in the Legislature and always have been. The keffiyeh is no different.
The PC, Liberal, and Green leaders all wrote to the speaker asking for the decision to be overturned. So this morning, the Speaker brought the issue to the house before Question Period and asked for Unanimous Consent to overturn his decision. But at least one PC member, supported by others, loudly said “no” so the ban remains. This was shocking and disheartening, especially since all of the party leaders were on-side. Now we know that Ford's support of the reversal of the ban was tepid, given that he did not whip the PC caucus vote (force his party to all vote the same way).
This decision is highly concerning, especially because it also prevents Arab and Muslim MPPs, staff, and visitors at the Legislature from wearing their traditional clothing, even outside of the legislative chamber itself. This is reprehensible, and this fight is not over. The Ontario NDP has started a petition to reverse this decision, which you can sign here.
On a completely different and more positive note, I want to wish all celebrating a very happy Tamil and Bengali New Year, which was marked this past Sunday, as well as Chag Pesach Sameach and happy Passover to all who are celebrating starting this Monday. I am hosting my own Seder with friends and family this year and am very much looking forward to it.
Yours in community service,
Kristyn Wong-Tam
MPP, Toronto Centre
In this Newsletter |
- Lydia’s Law - New Bill
- Community Canvass with Kristyn
- Ontario Needs Real Rent Control
- End Court Delays Now
- Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre Opening
- Save the Science Centre
- Dough Ford's Era's Tour: Scandal Edition
- Local Community News
Lydia's Law - New Bill |
Yesterday, my caucus member, NDP MPP Catherine Fife, along with myself and MPP Peggy Sattler as co-sponsors, tabled Lydia's Law, a piece of legislation that seeks to bring accountability & transparency to the handling of sexual assault cases in Ontario. In 2022, there were 1,326 cases of sexual assault withdrawn or stayed before their trial date. Some of those were due to legitimate processes coming to an end, but many of them were due to court delays and the lengthy, re-traumatizing legal process. These survivors deserve to have their day in court.
This legislation is critical and I will be throwing my full support behind it.
You can learn more about the bill and sign the petition in support of it here.
Community Canvas with Kristyn |
Join Toronto-Centre NDP and Team Kristyn Wong-Tam on April 30 & May 1 to talk to our neighbours about the most pressing issues in Toronto Centre.
Canvass #1:
Date: Tuesday April 30, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Canvass #2:
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2024
Time: 4:30 PM - 7 PM
Meeting Location: Intersection of Earl St. & Sherbourne St.
Ontario Needs Real Rent Control |
Rents are rising out of control. Average rent in Ontario is rising at 3 times the rate of the provincial rental guidelines. This is unacceptable. This government is allowing developers and landlords to slide through rent control loopholes and raise rent costs higher and higher for hardworking people. Bhutila Karpoche and I are demanding Ford reinstate real rent control today. Real rent control means restoring vacancy rent control to ensure affordability in Toronto Centre and beyond.
Add your name to the petition here.
End Court Delays Now |
Murder trials delayed for years. Child sexual abuse cases collapsing. With courts understaffed, Ford's tough-on-crime talk means nothing when murderers walk free in Ontario. Ford continues to ignore our crumbling court system and is letting it remain underfunded and overwhelmed. These court delays are unjust and Ontario deserves better. We need to fix our courts so that families can get the justice they need in a timely manner. Watch above as I ask Attorney General Doug Downey why so many Ontarians are waiting in agony.
Add your name to my petition here.
Regent Park Islamic Resource Centre Opening |
Today, I attended the grand opening of the Regent Park Islamic Resource Center's new mosque space. This is the culmination of years of collective advocacy, and the event was full of joy. I couldn't be more proud to have been an ally in the work to secure a new community prayer space. It will be wonderful to attend events here for years to come.
Save the Science Centre |
The most corrupt government in Ontario's history is telling Ontarians to trust their plan to move and rebuild the same Science Centre that this government has refused to maintain. But we aren't falling for it. We need to preserve the work of Raymond Moriyama, one of the most prolific architects in this city’s history and a celebrated Japanese Canadian. We have to stand up to foster the next generation of scientists and make sure that we can enjoy a well-funded and properly run Science Centre for years to come.
Last weekend, I spoke at a rally to save the science center. The crowd was huge, and their ask was clear: we need a refurbished, properly funded science center at the current site, not a smaller and cheaper one at Ontario Place.
Add your name to the petition now by clicking here.
Doug Ford's Era's Tour: Scandal Edition |
As the Swifties among us celebrate the release of the Tortured Poet's Department, I also want to remind Ontarians about the Eras of Doug Ford's scandals, a tour that may never end. You can watch it here.
Local Community News |
This Weekend: Earth Day Park Cleanups! |
April is Earth Month, when we recognize the need to be environmentally conscious and take care of our one and only planet. I hope that you can attend one of the city’s many cleanups in Toronto Centre. Look below to find one in your neighbourhood!
Yonge and Dundas Square
Hosted by Downtown Yonge BIA
Date and Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:30 AM
Meeting Point: Yonge-Dundas Square
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, reusable water bottles, boots, and your enthusiasm! The DYBIA will provide supplies and refreshments after clean-up.
Register at: [email protected] and state how many people will be in your party.
Moss Park
Hosted by the City of Toronto.
Date and Time: Friday, April 19, 12 PM - 1 PM
Meeting Point: Shuter and Pembrooke
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes.
Gloves, garbage bags, and refreshments will be provided.
St. Lawrence
Hosted by A Greener Future, Cigarette Butt Cleanup
*Participants must be 19+
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM
Meeting Point: Berczy Park & Toronto Sculpture Garden
What to Bring: Equipment (gloves, upcycled container), weather appropriate clothes
Register at: [email protected] or https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/
Corktown
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1 PM
Meeting Point: Sackville playground
What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothing.
Bags and equipment are provided.
For more information: [email protected]
Bay St
Hosted by the Mayor
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 10 AM
Meeting Point: 1055 Bay Street
What to Bring: Sensible shoes and gloves.
Bags and equipment provided
Free Tree Giveaway in Corktown |
Corktown is promoting the growth of native trees by giving them away in a special Earth Month event!
Deadline to place an order is Saturday, April 20.
Find more information here.
Tree Pickup - May 11, 10 AM -1 PM
Pickup Location: 513 King Street East
Regent & Moss Park Community Consultations |
Mark your calendars! Next week, the City of Toronto will be holding consultations at the Regent Park Community Centre to hear your thoughts on how they can best represent their community in the mural.
Where: Regent Park Community Centre (402 Shuter Street)
When: April 23, 2024 3 PM - 6 PM and April 28, 2 PM - 4 PM
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Can't make it? Share your feedback here.
Regent Park Safety Network Meeting |
Join the Regent Park Safety Network to share your perspective on the safety of the neighbourhood. Help to foster community and a safer Regent Park in these monthly sessions.
When: April 22nd, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Where: Zoom, Meeting ID: 354 498 5532
For more information, please email: [email protected]
CRAFT - Pre-Apprenticeship Program |
Attention all Regent Park residents! Apply for the CRAFT program to learn valuable skills in construction trades. This 14-week paid pre-apprenticeship is open to the residents living in Regent Park, and the Greater Golden Mile in Scarborough. Priority is given to residents living in community housing and individuals living in the following postal codes: M4A, M3C, M1L, M1K and M1J.
Interested individuals must provide Photo ID, SIN card and Canadian/Ontario High School Transcript for the interview.
In Person Information Session: April 23 , 2024 at 6 PM, at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St East)
Online Information Session: April 29, 2024 at 12 PM via Microsoft Teams
For more information, contact Fatima Saya, Senior Manager of Social Impact: [email protected]
The 519 Workshop Wednesdays - Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure |
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on the Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure on Wednesday, April 24th from 6 PM - 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Free St James Town Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-Up |
Hosted by the Toronto Humane Society and the City of Toronto, St. Jamestown is hosting a FREE Dog Wellness Clinic Pop-Up
Date and Time: Friday April 26, 10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street
Appointments are required! Be sure to register in advance at The Corner.
Register in person at 200 Wellesley Street East, by phone at 416-964-6657, or by email at [email protected]
The 519 Workshop Wednesdays - Housing |
The 519's Health Justice Hub is hosting Workshop Wednesdays on Housing Rights and Tenant Organizing every Wednesday from 6 - 7:30 PM. Learn more and register here.
Regent Park Cafe |
Date/Time: Weekly from Monday to Friday | 9 AM - 8 PM
Location: Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas Street East)
Prepare your taste buds because The Regent Park Cafe is opening its doors at The Daniel Spectrum (585 Dundas St E, first floor) and they’re ready to party! It's a vibrant hub of local foods, flavors, passionate entrepreneurs and community connections.
Join them to indulge in delicious bites and meaningful interactions.
Stay in the loop with all the excitement – follow them on Instagram for exclusive updates: https://www.instagram.com/regentpark.cafe/
Cabbagetown Festival 2024 Vendor Registration |
The Cabbagetown Festival is one of Toronto’s longest-running and most beloved street festivals, and this year it will be returning, bigger than ever!
They are inviting over 75,000 locals and visitors across the GTA to enjoy a family-friendly, entertainment-packed weekend, including live music performances, fantastic food, Kid’s Zone, and over 200 unique vendors from Cabbagetown and beyond!
The Cabbagetown Festival is celebrating its 45th year - after returning with a bang last year, the festival is primed to become one of the most-anticipated events in Toronto! Starting at $230 for the lowest vendor level for two days, they invite business owners to apply to join them as a vendor as we celebrate this milestone.
Dates: September 7 and 8
Location: Parliament Street and Carlton Street, Cabbagetown, Toronto
Apply and pay by May 31 to take advantage of this early-bird pricing! Prices go up June 1, as long as space remains available! CabbagetownTO.com @CabbagetownBIA
Toronto Public Health: Mpox Vaccines |
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages eligible residents to get vaccinated against mpox (formerly monkeypox) after confirming an increase in cases since the start of the year. To provide low-barrier, convenient, and equitable access to vaccination, TPH is hosting a series of clinics starting April 3.
Walk-in and booked appointments are available. You can book appointments here.
The vaccine is free of charge, and an OHIP card is not required. In addition to TPH-hosted clinics, residents can inquire about vaccine availability where they currently access sexual healthcare services.
Eligible individuals who have not been vaccinated against mpox are encouraged to get their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, with a second dose given at least 28 days later. The vaccine becomes most effective after two weeks. Individuals planning to travel soon are encouraged to get vaccinated before leaving, as cases are being reported in various regions around the world.
Vaccination can protect against the mpox virus and help reduce serious symptoms. Individuals who received a smallpox vaccination in the past are not protected against mpox. They should get vaccinated against mpox as soon as possible for the best protection.
For more information including eligibility requirements, visit the City’s mpox webpage here.