Community News Update - April 5, 2024

Dear Community, 

Next week, Ford's conservatives will have the opportunity once again to finally declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as an epidemic in Ontario. Despite many opportunities in this legislature, the conservatives have failed and time again to name IPV what it is. 

Wednesday, April 10th I will be joining my colleagues to debate The Intimate Partner Violence Act. This bill echoes the calls of countless survivors, their loved ones, community organizations, and allies demanding that the province treat IPV and gender-based violence with the seriousness and attention it requires. 

Join us at Queen's Park on Wednesday for the debate. We will be hosting a reception from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Refreshments will be served. The debate begins at 6:00 PM. 

Click here to RSVP by April 8th, 2024. RSVPs are required for entry. 

Have a Safe & Fun Solar Eclipse Day!

This Monday, April 8th there will be a total solar eclipse! Since I'm sure many of you are hoping to witness this rare event, this is a reminder to plan ahead, take precautions, and of course, have fun! The City of Toronto has a helpful Solar Eclipse Safety Guide here. 

Remember: do not stare directly at the sun! If you're planning on watching the eclipse, make sure you get a pair of certificated protective glasses. Look for ISO-certified eclipse glasses from a reputable vendor that meets ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. 

Lastly, if you're planning to travel, especially to Niagara Region, plan ahead. Expect possible traffic delays and prepare for large crowds. Be prepared with plenty of snacks and water and be sure to check for local service disruptions or closures. The Niagara Region has provided a helpful list on their website for those travelling within the region. 

What if Metrolinx ads were accurate...

I'm sure you've all seen the Metrolinx ads that mock riders for being frustrated with ongoing construction...

Our community has been living through the Eglinton Crosstown LRT fiasco for over a DECADE. I've heard from community members in St. Paul's who were children when this project began. Now they're post-secondary grads, married, and heck—some now have children of their own! Oh, and the 'best' part? There's still no opening day in sight. 

Shame on them for wasting public dollars on ads mocking our community members who have every right to be frustrated. Years of construction has had a REAL impact on our community. Many of our local businesses along Eglinton have been forced to close, while Metrolinx executives are flying with sky-high salaries. In fact, Metrolinx's "Million Dollar Man" Phil Verster is the 5th highest paid public servant in Ontario, earning a whopping $900,000+ annually. Yes, the face of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT fiasco is being rewarded for this nightmare. 

Well, MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam and I decided to clap back at Metrolinx this week with our own take on their insulting ads. Click here to watch!

Ford needs to stop being a roadblock to housing solutions!

Premier Ford is jeopardizing even more federal money to address Ontario's housing crisis. Last month, the Premier shut down efforts to introduce fourplexes in neighbourhoods across the province, sending a message to Ontarians that if they can't afford a single-detached home, they don't belong in their neighbourhood. 

Earlier this week the federal government announced $5 billion in housing funds—investment that is urgently needed in the midst of a housing crisis—contingent on municipalities allowing for the development of fourplexes "as-of-right". Instead of seizing the moment, the Premier is doubling down on his arbitrary, out-of-touch stance on fourplexes. In so doing, he is once again sending a message to Ontarians that he's not serious about fixing the housing crisis. 

Ontarians deserve homes they can afford in neighbourhoods they want to live in. This government needs to stop being a roadblock to smart solutions to the housing crisis and reverse his decision. It's what Ontarians deserve!

Read more here. 

St. Paul's Spotlight!

A new business is joining the Oakwood Village neighbourhood!

Tomorrow, April 6th, celebrate the grand opening of Nicaroma Cafe! From their Instagram:

Indulge in delicious Nicaraguan-inspired coffee and traditional treats while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. We can’t wait to share this exciting moment with you! Mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with flavors, fun, and festivities. See you there!

While I cannot be there in person as I continue to recover from my injury (Doctor's orders!), I will be there in spirit. Please join me in welcoming them to our St. Paul's community!

Community Bulletin Board 📌

The Stop's Tax Clinic

The Stop's Debbie Jenkins Tax Clinic is back from March 6 to April 25th at 1884 Davenport Rd. 

What you need:

• Photo ID and social insurance number (SIN)
• Proof of income (T4 or T5 forms)
• Rent receipts (if you have them)

Hours:
Wednesdays 9 am to 3 pm. 

• Limited virtual appointments are also available. 

For appointments:
Phone: 437-231-1169
Email: [email protected]

Christie Pits Rally to Save Ontario's Science Centre

This Sunday, April 7th join community members for a rally to save the Ontario Science Centre!

Sunday, April 7th from 12 PM to 2 PM
Christie Pits Park, 750 Bloor St W

Basking in their Light: Out of the Cold Art Showcase & Sale

After four long years we are thrilled to be back!
 
Artists from Beth Sholom and Beth Tzedec Out of the Cold Program have reunited in the Art Circle. They are so excited to share their talents and exhibit their work. The artists proudly invite you to the 2024 Art Show and Sale.

Where: Beth Sholom Synagogue (1445 Eglinton Ave W)
When: Sunday, April 7th from 1 to 3 pm - Artists' speeches at 2 pm
 
The Art Circle is a safe space where everyone, from the novice to the experienced artist, can come together. Hardship, perseverance, kindness, and creativity are shared.

The artists receive 90% of the sale of their artwork. The remainder goes towards framing and art supplies.
 
Admission: Pay what you can (suggested $5.00).

Music by Juno Award Winner Richard Underhill, Harley Card, and Ethan Tepper.
 
Refreshments will be served.
 
The Beth Sholom and Beth Tzedec Out of the Cold Program provides hot dinners, bagged lunches and clothing to those in need.

Special Evening at James Rottman Fine Art

Thursday, April 25th from 7 to 10 PM join James Rottman Fine Art for their Evening Social featuring music by internationally acclaimed musician, Mehdi Rostami. Mingle with community members, listen to the music, and enjoy their current exhibition!

Please note that this event is not a sit down event. Chairs will not be available. 

RSVP required to attend as limited space is available. [email protected]
830 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto

2024 Inspire Awards

Nominations for the 2024 Inspire Awards close April 30th, 2024.

The Inspire Awards honour some of the most inspiring people, youth, businesses, and organizations in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Greater Toronto Area and across Canada. 

Have someone outstanding in mind? Now's the time to nominate. Click here for more information!

Community One Foundation 2024 Rainbow Grants

Community One Foundation is now accepting applications for their 2024 Rainbow Grants. 

Rainbow Grants provide funding to foster new and innovative services and programs that have a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Greater Toronto Area (including Toronto, Durham, Peel, Hamilton, York, and Halton Regions, and Indigenous Communities across Ontario) under the following streams:

• HIV/AIDS
• Indigenous Communities
• Refugees
• Trans Communities
• Spiritual/Social Groups
• Arts & Culture

Click here for more information and to download the application guide. 

The deadline is Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 11:59 pm. 

Toronto Western Family Health Team is accepting new patients

Are you looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

The Toronto Western Family Health Team is accepting new patients living in the neighbourhood. 

They have a team of health care professionals working together with you for your health care needs. Their team includes:

• Doctors/Nurse Practitioners
• Nurses
• Chiropodist
• Dietitian
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Physiotherapist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Social Worker

They offer a broad range of programs and services, interpretation, and offer extended hours and urgent same day appointments. 

Click here for more information. 

Affordable Housing Application

150 affordable rental homes (starting at $1,589) will be available starting Summer 2024 at 1283 Dupont St. Those eligible can apply now to be entered in the random draw for 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units.

Deadline: April 30th, 8PM
Click here to learn more!

OVCO Homework Hub

Check out Homework Hub at the Oakwood Vaughan Community Hub in Vaughan Road Academy (529 Vaughan Rd). 

The program is offered Wednesday from 4 to 6 PM and is open to students in grades 4-8. Sign up for support with:

• Homework
• Reading, writing, math
• Test prep
• Organization

Register at [email protected].

Oakwood Vaughan Community Space for Rent

Also from the Oakwood Vaughan Community Hub!

There is an 800-900 sq. ft. classroom space available for community programming on weekdays at the Oakwood Vaughan Community Hub in the former Vaughan Rd. Academy.

Contact Peter Clutterbuck, OVCO Board member and Community Hub Chair by email ([email protected]) or by phone (416-738-3228) for more information. 

Hillcrest Community Food Bank

The Hillcrest Community Food Bank (2 Vaughan Road) needs URGENT help filling their shelves!

The need for food in our community is increasing and they're in urgent need of MORE food (and household items) to meet this higher demand. Please contact them via Instagram if there is anything you can do to help or if you are a local business that would be interested in becoming a community partner. Food donations in kind or monetary donations to their Canada Helps website would be greatly appreciated.

Become an Organ Donor

In Ontario, 1,400 people on average are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant while thousands more are in need of a life-changing tissue donation. They are our friends, neighbours, colleagues, and, in some cases, members of our own families.

When you register as a possible organ and tissue donor, you have the potential to change the story for someone in need.
 
One donor can help over 80 people get back to life.
 
Register your consent to become an organ and tissue donor after your death and tell your family so they can help honour your wishes.
 
Did You Know?

• Any Ontario resident who is 16 years or older and has an Ontario health card is eligible to register as an organ and tissue donor
• Everyone has the potential to be an organ and/or tissue donor, regardless of age or health.
• People from every major religion have donated. Many religions support donation or respect and individual’s choice.
• The first and foremost concern for health care professionals is to save lives. Only when a life cannot be saved does organ and tissue donation become an option.
• It takes two minutes to register or check your status at www.beadonor.ca. You can also register in person at any ServiceOntario location.

 
More information about the donation process, who can register, and the importance of speaking to family can be found online at www.beadonor.ca.

Learn to prevent an overdose

Each year across Ontario, thousands of lives are lost to overdoses. We need every level of government to prioritize implementing harm reduction strategies to combat these senseless deaths, and you can help.

As many of you know, Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and these kits are FREE with training at participating pharmacies across the city. Together, we can prevent unnecessary deaths and work toward a more compassionate society that is safe safe for everyone.

Find a pharmacy with Naloxone kits near you, and make sure you can recognize the signs of an overdose.

In solidarity, 

Dr. Jill Andrew

MPP, Toronto-St. Paul's