Community News Update - October 4, 2024
Community News Update - September 20, 2024
Dear Community,
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 21st, join me at the Mount Pleasant Village BIA's Harvest Fair. We'll be tabling from 10 AM to 4 PM at the festival - come say hi and sign a petition! The fair runs along Mount Pleasant Road between Eglinton and Davisville Avenues. Let's kick off autumn together!
We still need a couple more volunteers to help run my table during the afternoon shift from 1 PM to 4 PM. I am deeply grateful to all our volunteers who have come out to help us this summer. I hope you're able to join us tomorrow, if you can!
In today's newsletter:
Recognizing that it's impossible to capture a full week of news in a single newsletter, please see the highlights below:
- 2025 Community Calendar: Call for art & pet photos!
- Mid-Autumn Festival Greetings
- Doug Ford Announces Plan to Bar New Bike Lanes
- ONDP Renews Call for OHIP Covered Early Prostate Cancer Screening
- Press Conference with Toronto Faith Leaders
- Endometriosis Expo Wellness Fair
- Grassy Narrows River Run
- Harm Reduction Town Hall with Unison
- Climate Corner from SCAN! Toronto
- And more!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS AND PET OWNERS IN ST. PAUL'S
I am now seeking submissions of artwork and/or pet photos from our local community members to be included in my 2024 Community Calendar. Artwork must be an original piece. Calendars will be distributed to every household in our community at the end of the year! All are welcome to participate.
If you are submitting art, please take a photo or scan your piece. Submissions of art and pet photos can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line "2024 Calendar Submission".
DEADLINE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
I hope everyone in our community and beyond who celebrates had a wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival. This day of significance marks a time when families and friends come together under the full moon to enjoy mooncakes, exchange gifts, and give thanks to the Harvest. I wish you all good health & prosperity!
Ford Plans to Bar New Bike Lanes
Today, news broke about Doug Ford's intention to block municipalities' ability to approve bike lanes without evidence that this will achieve anything to ease congestion. This is yet another example of the Premier's haphazard policy-making.
People deserve safe roads. Here in St. Paul's we've seen far too many accidents that have resulted in tragedy. Too many vulnerable road users have been put in harm's way. However, instead of focusing on evidence-based policies to make our roads safe, the government has chosen to pit road users against one another. We need a government that focuses on ensuring people can get home safely to their loved ones, not blocking policies that make our roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Click here to read more.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Earlier this week, we renewed our calls to pass my colleague, Wayne Gates' motion to have OHIP cover prostate-specific antigen testing for early detection of prostate cancer when referred by a healthcare provider.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian men. Black men are disproportionately impacted along with individuals with a family history of prostate cancer. Community members from across Ontario were at Queen's Park this week to demand that the Ford government pass this life-saving motion. Thank you, especially, to the Walnut Foundation for your advocacy! I've said it before, and I'll say it again - you should only need an OHIP card to access healthcare in this province, NEVER a credit card.
Click here to read more.
JILL IN COMMUNITY
Press Conference with Toronto Faith Leaders
Yesterday, I attended a press conference with faith leaders, harm reduction workers, and community members to draw attention to a public letter signed by over 200 faith leaders urging the Ford government to keep supervised consumption sites open.
It was an honour to stand alongside these leaders, including Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich, the Senior Rabbi at Beth Sholom Synagogue in our Toronto—St. Paul's community, Rafi Aaron, a spokesperson for the Interfaith Coalition and coordinator for the Out of the Cold Program at St. Luke's United, Cari Kozierok of Ve'ahavta, Bishop Asbil of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Jennifer Haier of Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site, Katherine McCloskey from ARISE Ministry and all who joined from across our city. I am proud to support the calls for a compassionate, evidence-based response to the overdose epidemic. Thank you, Rafi, for inviting me!
Endo Expo Wellness Fair
I had a wonderful time yesterday in Davisville Village at the first Endo Expo, a women's healthcare market hosted by Endometriosis Events, The Happy Pelvis, and the AppleTree Group. The fair was hosted as a part of the weekly Tuesday AppleTree Market in June Rowlands Park!
Thank you to Lesley, Tami and Leah, Michelle, Bev and ALL the volunteers and vendors who made this event possible. I'd also like to thank all the community members who signed our petition calling for a provincial strategy on endometriosis. It's time for the government to take this disease seriously. To all the #EndoWarriors in our community who are raising awareness about endometriosis - I see you and thank you for your efforts.
Grassy Narrows River Run
Justice for Grassy Narrows.
On Wednesday, I was proud to march in solidarity with Grassy Narrows First Nation and to call on this government to fairly compensate the people of Grassy Narrows, commit to ending mining and logging on their land, and properly support them in their efforts to restore their community and way of life after decades of damage that the mercury has done.
The mercury crisis in Grassy Narrows First Nation has persisted for decades with insufficient action from governments to help the community. It has poisoned their river system and had ongoing devastating impacts on community members' health, culture, and livelihoods. All the while, the Government of Ontario continues to profit off their lands through mining and forestry projects against Grassy Narrows' will.
Thank you to the Elders, leaders, and community members who attended and organized this week's event. The Grassy Narrows First Nation has made significant gains and we must continue to support them in their fight and the fight for justice for Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.
Harm Reduction Town Hall
Earlier this week, I joined community members at Oakwood Village Library for a Town Hall on Understanding Harm Reduction hosted by Chana Weinstein from Unison Health and Community Services and Sarah James from the John Howard Society of Toronto. Rita Asare and Dean Xavier from the Black Action Defence Committee (BADC) also joined the discussion to lend their expertise.
Harm reduction is a two-way street and keeps our neighbors safe and our community vibrant. It starts with empathy, compassion, and a willingness to understand the various situations we may all find ourselves experiencing. It is vital that our community has access to Harm Reduction services, which include referrals to assistance programs, affordable housing, safe consumption sites, and trusting outreach workers who are ready to listen and understand.
Thank you, Chana and Sarah, for your continued efforts within and beyond our community. And thank you for bringing us together to discuss the realities of the overdose epidemic and the importance of Harm Reduction. I look forward to future Town Halls where even more of our Toronto—St. Paul's community members will be able to lend their voices.
Unity Charity OTF Grant Recognition
Last night, I attended the Unity Charity Crosswords program showcase: Crossroads! I was blown away by the talent and bravery of all the spoken word performers. Their performances were incredibly moving. Spoken word poetry is a powerful form of expression and last night's event gave a platform for the artists to share their stories, speak to their emotions, have courageous conversations, and agitate (because art SHOULD cause good trouble)!
I was honoured to be able to recognize Unity for being the recipient of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. Investment in the arts is so essential and I am proud that the entire Unity team was recognized for their efforts.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for having me!
Periphery Exhibit
Last night, I attended the opening of the Periphery exhibit curated by Sara Yacobi-Harris and Akilah Allen-Silverstein co-founders of No Silence on Race.
It was an INCREDIBLE evening! The photos, Periphery film trailer, and musical performances by Aviva Chernick, Gisun, and Jesse Levy told stories of their lived experiences and those of others within the Jewish diaspora. This evening also spoke directly to the diversity of Toronto's Jewish community, different ethnocultural people's connection to their Judaism, and including over very own here in St. Paul's. Through learning about each others familial tales, shared values, heritage, and our collective stories of 'being' and 'becoming,' we build the social conditions necessary for empathy, compassion, and humanity to flow.
The Periphery exhibit at Beth Tzedec Congregation will be in place for six months and I strongly encourage everyone to take a look, book a tour for your class, and also check out Periphery, the documentary. No Silence on Race gave us a teaser last night and I'm looking forward to watching the doc! Thank you to Beth Tzedec for hosting this exhibit and last night's launch which also included tasty treats (I was able to buy some delicious Bela's Bees raw honey from Shoresh!). It was wonderful to bump into old friends, speak to some of the subjects of the exhibit, AND make new connections too! Thank you for having me. 
Picnic in the Park with Honey Novick
On Saturday, I met up with a dear community member, friend and poet, Honey Novick. Honey surprised me with a delicious spread of treats that we enjoyed together in Oriole Park! I was deeply moved by Honey's gesture and I had a wonderful afternoon learning more about Honey's story. She even read us some of her poetry. Here's a poem that Honey wrote about Eglinton Avenue West. The poem is shared with Honey's permission.
Eglinton Avenue West - My Neighbourhood
"Darling, you are my shining star
don't you go away"
I first heard the words to this song somewhere
a long time ago
but needed to hear it again and again
I needed to sing it for the children
I need to sing it with the children
one balmy evening, Heather and I
drove north to Eglinton Avenue West
we were in search of a recording of this song,
an LP, 78 rpm, 33rpm
and we find it, a long play, in a Jamaican music store
I bought it
played it over and over
and wore it out
when the time came to leave Bellwoods,
I came to Oakwood and Eglinton
found a place nearby
I was in "happyland" - close to where I could buy
veggie patties - peppery and good
sorrel leaves
limacol
and I was happy
here, I could remember Jamaica and my friend
who died of AIDS. This friend asked me to go
to Montego Bay, find the water's edge
say the daimoku, for him
(the invocation of the law of cause and effect)
because he couldn't
and in time I did do exactly that
Bluma Apparel heard this story.
from where or whom, I don't know
and one day, in the mail, a raised-gold leaf envelope
and invitation came,
a ceremony honouring friends and family of those
whose lives were taken by AIDS was being held
at Ontario's Parliament Buildings
Maurice and I went, the town crier called us in
very British, pomp and circumstance
and humbling
when I came north to settle in my new home
I walked the streets of memories and new beginnings
one day I drove north, turning right off of Oakwood
onto Eglinton and it is traffic-jammed
it is a big city vibe
was it my imagination? was that a bullet flying by?
it didn't hit me and it didn't hurt me physically
but I was seared
and commented to my friend Clifton
but he looked at me deeply
and said nothing
what could he say?
would this be an issue to scare me away from the neighbourhood?
this would be a deciding factor - my choice of what to do
and so I did nothing except heal
it is hurtful to know that there are some people who can't see the consequences
of a loaded gun
i don't navigate anywhere near gun culture
I realize
bullets are man made
it is the man - the hu-man
that I have to live with
and so I looked deep inside me
and felt a hurt that was my hurt
and wasn't my hurt, at the same time
I believe with all my heart that people are good
everywhere, except when they're not
and that all of life is a crap shoot
live it
and that's what I did
I stayed in the "hood"
and ate in the hood and shopped in the hood
buying colourful, flowing clothes
and was happy smelling memories
and knowing that new beginnings are seeds
that have sprouted and need to be nurtured
this is my community
this music beats in my blood
this spirit is my teacher
this world is what I make of it
don't you go away"
I first heard the words to this song somewhere
a long time ago
but needed to hear it again and again
I needed to sing it for the children
I need to sing it with the children
one balmy evening, Heather and I
drove north to Eglinton Avenue West
we were in search of a recording of this song,
an LP, 78 rpm, 33rpm
and we find it, a long play, in a Jamaican music store
I bought it
played it over and over
and wore it out
when the time came to leave Bellwoods,
I came to Oakwood and Eglinton
found a place nearby
I was in "happyland" - close to where I could buy
veggie patties - peppery and good
sorrel leaves
limacol
and I was happy
here, I could remember Jamaica and my friend
who died of AIDS. This friend asked me to go
to Montego Bay, find the water's edge
say the daimoku, for him
(the invocation of the law of cause and effect)
because he couldn't
and in time I did do exactly that
Bluma Apparel heard this story.
from where or whom, I don't know
and one day, in the mail, a raised-gold leaf envelope
and invitation came,
a ceremony honouring friends and family of those
whose lives were taken by AIDS was being held
at Ontario's Parliament Buildings
Maurice and I went, the town crier called us in
very British, pomp and circumstance
and humbling
when I came north to settle in my new home
I walked the streets of memories and new beginnings
one day I drove north, turning right off of Oakwood
onto Eglinton and it is traffic-jammed
it is a big city vibe
was it my imagination? was that a bullet flying by?
it didn't hit me and it didn't hurt me physically
but I was seared
and commented to my friend Clifton
but he looked at me deeply
and said nothing
what could he say?
would this be an issue to scare me away from the neighbourhood?
this would be a deciding factor - my choice of what to do
and so I did nothing except heal
it is hurtful to know that there are some people who can't see the consequences
of a loaded gun
i don't navigate anywhere near gun culture
I realize
bullets are man made
it is the man - the hu-man
that I have to live with
and so I looked deep inside me
and felt a hurt that was my hurt
and wasn't my hurt, at the same time
I believe with all my heart that people are good
everywhere, except when they're not
and that all of life is a crap shoot
live it
and that's what I did
I stayed in the "hood"
and ate in the hood and shopped in the hood
buying colourful, flowing clothes
and was happy smelling memories
and knowing that new beginnings are seeds
that have sprouted and need to be nurtured
this is my community
this music beats in my blood
this spirit is my teacher
this world is what I make of it
Climate Corner 🌎
Today's Climate Corner is courtesy of Mike and Lyba from Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN!) Toronto. Tuesday, October 1st, join SCAN! Toronto and climate advocates across Canada for a Day of Climate Action.
This project led by Seniors for Climate will include 50+ events across the country.
Toronto event:
Tuesday, October 1st
RALLY: 1:30 PM at University Ave and Armoury
MARCH to Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Sq, starting at 2:30 PM
Get inspired by David Phillips, David Suzuki, Lillian Allen and more!
Renewable energy: how do Ontario and Canada compare to the rest of the world?
2023 was a very good year for renewable energy around the world. Thirty percent of the world’s electricity now comes from renewable sources. This is a sharp increase. Solar and wind have led the way over the last 10 years.
Solar power around the world has increased by eight times. The leaders: the US, Australia and Mexico, as well as smaller countries such as Austria and Poland. But Canada increased its solar energy by a mere 2.5 times.
Wind energy has tripled around the world over the last 10 years; but Canada’s rate of growth is much lower than the world average.
What about Ontario?
Ontario is headed in the wrong direction.
The power gird, power distribution grid, electrical grid, or whatever you want to call it, generates and distributes electricity across a large area.
Ontario’s grid was 96% carbon free in 2017, with hydro and nuclear providing the bulk of it. In 2023, the grid was only 89% carbon free. What happened?
The Ontario government started putting all its power generation eggs in the gas and nuclear basket. They want to build new high-cost nuclear facilities, which take 10 -15 years to complete. They also are spending money to refurbish aging nuclear plants. Wind and solar are not on their radar.
Wind farms can be built in 12 months. The cost per unit of power in watts is just over one half of the cost for power from nuclear facilities. And while those facilities are being built, our grid will be increasingly gas-based. The end result: more carbon emissions from our grid.
Do it right
Offshore wind farms are not permitted in Ontario. But the Great Lakes offer the possibility of enough carbon-free wind-power to meet Ontario’s needs in both the short and medium term. The moratorium on offshore wind needs to be lifted as soon as possible.
New technologies have made solar power even more attractive. There is a company right here in Ontario installing solar power as apartment balcony railings. Have you heard of increased efficiency solar panels or bifacial solar panels? Neither had we. These are exciting innovations that the Ontario government needs to look into.
Electric vehicles are not a panacea, as we look to reducing individual vehicles in favour of collective means of transportation. However, they are clearly an improvement on gas-powered vehicles. Planned walkable cities would mean more walking, cycling or public transit.
People power is what it takes to pressure governments to reduce our emissions. Let’s go, Ontario!
COMMUNITY BULLETIN 📌
Poetry in the Parking Lot
You're invited to Poetry in the Parking Lot presented by The Stop's Wychwood Open Door and The Creative Vocalization Studio.
WHEN: Thursday, September 26th from 1 PM to 3 PM
WHERE: the parking lot at 729 St Clair Ave West (Wychwood Open Door)
Community Mural Unveiling
You're invited to a mural unveiling event at 504 Oakwood Avenue on September 27th from 3 to 6 PM. The mural was a community project directed by a partnership between The Nia Centre for the Arts, For Youth Initiative, TerraCycle, and the Oakwood Village BIA, with full community and youth engagement.
The mural is designed by the incredible, Sarah Waithe!
Songs for Hope
Check out Song of Hope, an evening of music and giving in support of the Seeds of Hope Foundation.
The evening will feature:
Sisters & Brothers - a much-loved musical trio that has over a decade of experience performing together in front of audiences across the city.
Every Second Tuesday - Toronto's premiere Dive Bar Band, bringing classic rock of the 60s and 70s back to our collective consciousness (after all, if you can't remember the 60s, you weren't really there!)
Click here for tickets!
Seeds of Hope is a registered Toronto charity that has been making tremendous impact for over 16 years. Its initiatives have helped many to overcome homelessness and livelihood challenges.
Calvin Presbyterian & Deer Park United Beyond the Bake Sale
Calvin Presbyterian & Deer Park United's BEYOND THE BAKE SALE is just around the corner! Please mark Saturday, October 5th from 10 am to 2 pm on your calendar. The sale will feature homemade pantry goods like jams and jellies, pickles, chutney and salsa, homemade granola and spiced nuts, as well as baked goods. In addition, books, puzzles and FairTrade Coffee will be on sale. Take time to drop into their cafe. There will be some artisan vendors as well.
Location: Calvin Presbyterian/Deer Park United Church, 26 Delisle Ave (1 Block North of St Clair, in the first block west of Yonge St).
Contact: Church Office - [email protected]
Tawich in the City
Check out Tawich in the City on September 25th co-hosted by the Wildlands League! This event is a celebration of nature conservation and Indigenous culture. Tickets include a Cree lesson led by Angela Sheeshish, a performance by Adrian Sutherland (a CNN-featured Cree musician from Attawapiskat), access to a custom-built Indigenous Art Garden, presentations from Omushkego Elders, and free bannock and bear paws.
Anyone interested in this holistic celebration should consider tickets and follow Wildlands League on Instagram.
Model Parliament Program
Be a Part of the Model Parliament Program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario!
This engaging, educational program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario offers civic-minded students an opportunity to experience democracy at work. This 3-day program takes place at the Legislative Building in Toronto.
Who Can Apply?
Ontario students in grades 10 to 12 with an interest in current affairs, provincial issues and government.
Why Apply?
Meet the Speaker, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and other like-minded students from across Ontario! Learn how the provincial legislature works firsthand and debate “as an MPP” in the Legislative Chamber.
Online applications will be accepted until October 6th, 2024 – apply now!
Community March Against Gun Violence
Join us as we march against gun violence in honour of the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Homicide and in support of victims and families of gun violence. This includes Louis March (pictured below) the founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement.
See you there!
When: Saturday, September 28th, 2024
Time: Gather at 2:00 PM
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Destination: Queen's Park
Book Launch: Getting us to Grandma's
Come celebrate beloved author, Nadia L. Hohn's new book — and the 10th of her career!
Her new book Getting us to Grandma's, illustrated by TeMika Grooms and published by Groundworm Books, is one for the 80s babies and will take readers on a fantastic voyage from Toronto to the Bronx. Don't miss out on this exciting launch and celebration of Nadia's career.
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 1:30-3:30 PM
Where: Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre, 341 Oakwood Avenue, just north of St. Clair Avenue
Click here to RSVP.
Book Launch: Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill
Join our community in celebrating beloved author Catherine Little for an upcoming reading of her new book Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill at the Wychwood Library. The picture book is a celebration of Anne of Green Gables and the contributions of author Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Date: Thursday September 26th, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Wychwood Library, 1431 Bathurst Street Toronto ON, M5R 3J2
Free Trees
Saturday, September 21st, the Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization will be distributing free tree saplings, in large pots between 10 AM to 7 PM.
Location: Pick-up is done locally
Pre-registration is required. Please include your name, contact information, and what type of tree(s) you would like. These trees are for private properties only, that a person has permission to plant on, and are provided by a City of Toronto Forestry Grant.
For more information, contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Forest Hill BIA Music in Suydam Park
Forest Hill Village BIA's much-loved acoustic concert series, Music in Suydam Park is back for another season!
Concerts take place every Saturday afternoon from 1-3 pm throughout July, August and September. Weather permitting.
Click here for their full concert schedule!
Sprint Senior Care
I would like to share this appeal for volunteers from Sprint Senior Care. Volunteers are needed to:
- Deliver healthy and affordable meals to seniors
- Provide security checks
- Reduce Isolation
You will need to have a car and a valid driver's license to help, but gas reimbursements are available. To volunteer call 416-481-0669 ext. 8723 or e-mail [email protected]
Local Farmers Markets
Wychwood Barns Farmers' Market
- Every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Wychwood Barns
Davisville Farmers' Market
- Every Tuesday from 3 PM to 7 PM in June Rowlands Park
The Eglinton Way Farmers' Market
- Every Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM at 125 Burnaby Blvd.
Afro-Caribbean Farmers' Market
- From 11 AM to 3 PM on July 7th, 21st and 28th and August 11th and 25th, and September 8th, 22nd and 29th at Reggae Lane (1531 Eglinton Ave W - Green P Parking Lot)
The BFBG Awards
The Black Fashion & Beauty Gala is making its return September 29th, 2024. This year's theme is The Awakening of Black Fashion: A Journey of Resilience and Creativity.
Click here to learn more about this year's event.
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, PhD
MPP, Toronto-St. Paul's
