Community News Update - October 26

One of the biggest issues facing this city is housing. Our neighbours and future neighbours are dealing with skyrocketing home prices and rents and the Ford government has responded by cutting funding for affordable housing and support for the homeless and undermining rent control.

Now the Conservatives claim they have a housing bill, but it only focusses on helping developers and landlords while rents continue to rise. I'm joining with Jessica Bell and my other NDP colleagues to demand:

• An end to exclusionary zoning
• Real rent control
• Money to build the affordable housing that we need.

https://www.ontariondp.ca/news/government-housing-bill-takes-aim-renters-and-affordable-housing

Today I stood with my NDP colleagues in solidarity with the education support workers represented by the Ontario School Board Council of Unions in their campaign for a living wage. These workers are essential to the functioning of the schools that educate our children, and they can't survive on 39 thousand dollars a year. Read all about it here: https://39000isnotenough.ca/facts/.

The Wychwood Branch of the Toronto Public Library (1431 Bathurst St,) has reopened following a long renovation. Drop by to borrow a book or check out the lawn bowling green.

We're a few weeks away from Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard's annual apple-tasting fundraiser. For $20 you can pick up 6 newly developed apple varieties on Monday November 7. Then join the virtual apple-tasting led by "apple sommelier" Dr Amy Bowen from Vineland Research and Innovation two days later. Amy will teach you how to taste those apples like a pro, evaluating flavours, sweetness, acidity and more. 

Only 50 tickets are available due to the limited numbers of these new apple varieties. Buy your ticket TODAY to guarantee your spot! 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-the-next-great-apple-virtual-apple-tasting-in-toronto-tickets-417540895057
We look forward to seeing you at the event!  

Shoppers and vendors alike should be aware of the upcoming Christmas Arts Market at St. Michael & All Angels church on 611 St. Clair Ave. W. It's a great place to buy one of kind arts and crafts and baked goods. If you are interested in becoming a vendor contact 416-653-3593 - [email protected].

Many of you will be carving a pumpkin for Halloween on Monday, if you're particularly proud of your design, there's a chance to show it off the next day.at the Upper Village Pumpkin Parade! 
 
Bring your pumpkin to Ben Nobleman Park and they’ll light it up after sunset for a gorgeous pumpkin spectacle. 
 
Come by early and enjoy kid-friendly fun and games, grab a bite in the Upper Village (Happy Hour deals 4-6pm!), and cast your vote in our Best in Show Pumpkin Awards. The event is at Ben Nobleman park from 4 to 8 pm on November 1 with associated music and entertainment nearby at the Thirsty Fox Pub and Cafe on the Hill from 4-6 pm.

2022 EcoFair Toronto is on Sunday Nov 6th from 11am to 4pm at Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. The EcoFair is FREE, informative, family-friendly and fun.

At the EcoFair, meet and celebrate the people behind up to 40 environmental non-profits and environmentally-friendly businesses. Be informed and inspired to make greener choices in your life, home, and community.

Enjoy fun interactive activities for kids and adults alike, and good food. Subscribe or visit EcoFair Toronto for the latest details.

Co-hosted by Green Neighbours Network of Toronto and Transition Toronto. The EcoFair is 100% organized by enthusiastic volunteers. 

The visitors’ gallery at Queen's Park is once again open. If you or a community group you work with would like to come listen to your MPP advocate for affordable housing, safer schools and fixing our health care then reach out to my office at [email protected] to set it up.

In Solidarity, 

Jill Andrew
Toronto-St. Paul's