Community News Update - September 10, 2021

Dear Community,

Today, Ontario reported 848 new COVID-19 cases across the province and 11 new deaths. Vaccination rates continue to rise with 84.7% of adults receiving their first dose and 77.7% of all eligible Ontarians being fully vaccinated. However promising, these numbers MUST go up with kids back in school this week and cooler temps limiting outdoor activities. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccines or simply need help accessing your shot, my office is always here to help and can be reached at [email protected]

Advanced polls for the federal election opened today and will be up and running over the weekend, in advance of Election Day on Monday, September 20^th. With many concerned – understandably so – of the safety of voting amid the pandemic, these offer an alternative to cast your ballot while avoiding long lines and crowded spaces day-of.

To find your nearest polling station, see the full list of locations throughout Toronto-St. Paul’s here.

Today, I was thrilled to be able to join the For Youth Initiative (FYI) at their official ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch their new Oakwood and Vaughan location. For those who don't know, FYI is an organization that supports youth and has been operating for years in the York- South-Weston community. The opening of this location in our neighbourhood will provide a safer space for our youth while providing meaningful, mentorship, programming, and supports. This will be a new in-person or virtual home away from home.  

For many years we have been in desperate need of more youth spaces in our community, and I could not be happier to see the For Youth Initiative securing such a space. This was one of the very needs we identified a couple of years ago when I hosted our Community Call-In in the very space FYI will now occupy.  I can't wait to attend events at their new location for years to come. 

Note: The new location is located at 504 Oakwood Ave.

We’ve got a busy weekend ahead of events here in Toronto-St. Paul’s. Tomorrow morning, the Oakwood Village BIA will be bringing live music to the neighbourhood as part of their Routes and Roots Discovery Trail! From 10:30AM to 12:30PM, next to the Oakwood Library and Arts Centre at 374 Oakwood Ave., join them for a Saturday morning of acoustic reggae and the distinct Caribbean flavor the area is known for.

Also taking place tomorrow morning, Federal NDP candidate Sidney Coles will be at Wychwood Barns at 11AM for storytime hour with Toronto-St. Paul’s own iconic storyteller, Dan Yashinsky. Bring your kids, your coffee, or yourself to meet Sidney, enjoy a folktale, and take in the open air at the Barns.

This Sunday, I’ll also be headed to Wychwood Barns for Bigger Than We; an Intergenerational Space for Black and Queer and Black and Trans folks. The event is open to those who self-identify as such and will be a celebration of their - our - unique human experience through art, poetry, music, dance, storytelling, and more. As a Black, Queer woman myself, I am beyond honored to attend alongside my community; a community built on resilience and even moreso, joy.

To keep the event safely socially-distanced, registration to attend in person has closed. However, the event will be streaming live for those who want to join from home. To register for the live-stream, click here.

Our food tables are back tomorrow morning with the timely addition of school supplies, as kids headed back to the classroom this week! Pop by at any of our four locations below to grab what you need or donate unused school supplies (gently used binders will also be accepted) or non-perishable food items.

As always, we welcome volunteers for these weekly events as a great way to meet your neighbours while doing good in the community.

Marian Engel Park - 285 Melita Ave. (Christie St. and Melita Ave) 
St. Matthew’s United Church - 729 St. Clair Ave West. (St. Clair Ave W. and Rushton Ave.)
Cy Townsend Park - 455 Winona Dr. (Vaughan Rd. and Winona Dr.)
Oriole Park Community Garden - 201 Oriole Parkway (Located near Lascelles Blvd. At the south entrance to Oriole Park)

We hope to see you there and have a safe weekend!

In Solidarity,
 
Jill Andrew
Toronto—St. Paul's