Dear Community, 

Monday, September 30th marks the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Monday is a day or mourning and a day of reflection for the survivors and the children who never came home from Residential Schools. 

It is our responsibility as settlers, new Canadians, non-First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people to learn the true history of Canada and the impact that Residential Schools have had, and continue to have on Residential School survivors and their families. It is also important to interrogate the colonial systems that are still in place to this day and the inequities that persist — including in the education system, health care systems, and child welfare, criminal (in)justice system, and the continued fight for clean drinking water in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. It is our collective responsibility not just to learn about our past, but to also reflect on the present and the future, and what the path toward reconciliation means. 

We all play a part and apologies are not enough. Action is needed - responsibility and accountability. We must implement the calls for justice of the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the calls of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. We must take the lead of Indigenous leaders in our communities who have worked tirelessly to address these issues and fight for real systemic change. We must follow their lead as we work together towards real reconciliation.

I urge you to read Phyllis Webstad's story, attend a ceremony in our community over the weekend, and think about how you can centre reconciliation and decolonization 365 days a year. 

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: 

• The Ontario Government is Out of Ideas
• Toronto Community Crisis Service Expands Citywide 
• Ford Needs to Build Affordable Homes, Not Scold the Poor
• Jill in Community
• Upcoming events & more!

Doug Ford is Out of Ideas

We all deserve to spend more time with our families and less time in traffic. Gridlock in the GTA is a serious problem and we need real solutions. Ford's announcement yesterday of his plan to build a tunnel under the 401 is nothing but a fantasy project that will never see the light of day. Seriously, you needn't look further than the Eglinton Crosstown fiasco to see this government's track record on timely project completion...

Community, you deserve a government that makes life easier for all commuters. Ford's announcement just shows he's a deeply unserious Premier who's run out of ideas to help the people of this province. If he really cared about reducing congestion on the 401, he'd implement our plan to make the 407 toll-free for truckers, a solution that would result in immediate improvements. He'd invest in public transit that actually gets people home faster. 

This is nothing but a desperate attempt to change the channel from a government that is all out of ideas. He's looking to distract from the mess he's made of housing and our healthcare system, with outrageous vanity projects. 

Toronto Community Crisis Service Expands Citywide

Community members deserve access to trained mental health care professionals when they are in crisis. Yesterday, the city launched the expansion of the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) citywide. The TCCS launched as a pilot project in 2022 and has served as an alternative to a police response when addressing mental health crises. I am excited to see this program's expansion! 

Trained mobile teams will now respond to 211 calls from across the city and connect community members with the services and resources they need. Since its pilot in 2022, TCSS has responded to nearly 18,000 calls for service. Now, the provincial government must invest so we can continue to see this program grow and reach more communities across Ontario. 

Click here to read more. 

It's time for the Premier to solve the homelessness crisis, NOT scold people living in poverty

Everyone deserves access to a safe and affordable place to live. Ontarians deserve a Premier that has solutions to the housing crisis, not one that hurls insults at the poor. Earlier this week, the Premier said folks on waitlists for affordable housing need to "get off their A-S-S and start working."

This is a new low, even for Premier Ford. Maybe he should get off his A-S-S and start working to build affordable housing, legislate rent control, double social assistance rates, and sign on to the new federal government program to combat homelessness.

I am appalled by his out-of-touch and insensitive comment. Community, you deserve a Premier that takes care of the people of our province. Full stop. 

Click here to read more. 

JILL IN COMMUNITY

Republic of Rathnelly Yard Sale

I had a great time over the weekend at the Republic of Rathnelly Yard Sale! I had the opportunity to visit with neighbours and check out the endless treasures on display. I left with some excellent goodies! Thank you, Victoria and Judi, for organizing this wonderful neighbourhood initiative!

Mount Pleasant Village BIA Harvest Fair

I kicked off the first day of autumn at the Mount Pleasant Village BIA's Harvest Fair. It was such an incredible event!

I was happy to see many community members out enjoying the festivities along Mount Pleasant, from Davisville to Eglinton. We listened to live music, watched a magic show, and I even got to interact with some of the adorable animal talent. There was something to do at every corner!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hi and sign a petition. And of course, thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help us! Your hard work is SO appreciated!

Cedarvale Community Festival

On Saturday, I also had the opportunity to stop by Councillor Josh Matlow's Cedarvale Community Festival! As always, it was great to see our community out celebrating together. And the dogs - I love when our pet community comes out, too! 

It was great to speak with local service providers about health, housing, ageing in our community, the conservation of nature, and the bees and their unsung labour that brings our parks flowering life. 

I want to thank 311, RentSafeTO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, our local BIAs, paramedics, and the transit officers who attended and informed our community about their work and how their services can be accessed. 

Canada Black Music Archives' Walking Tour of Little Jamaica

On Sunday afternoon I joined the Canada Black Music Archives for a musical walking tour of Little Jamaica! We explored the cultural and historical significance of the many buildings that make up our vibrant community. We toured restaurants, barber shops, record stores, and beauty shops that inspired many talented artists who have made Little Jamaica their cultural home. 

Archiving these storied streets is such an important task. Not only is it a way to remember the many artists who have passed through these spaces, but it is also a way to learn about the neighbourhood's past and how it can continue to be a hub for creativity, happiness, comfort, and thriving culture.

One such neighbourhood hero is Warren Webley, owner of Sunshine Sounds & Lighting. Previously the owner of Club Focus, featuring the Sunshine Sound Crew, Warren now rents sound system equipment to some of the city's biggest acts!

To learn more about Adrian Hayles' many murals in our community or about the history of Wisdom's and Sunshine Sound, visit the Canadian Black Music Archives website.

Counterpoint AGM

Yesterday evening, I had the honour of attending the Counterpoint Counselling and Education Cooperative's AGM. Thank you, Clara Luz Castillo and Vivien Green, for inviting me.

I also want to thank all of the attendees and social workers for your dedication and commitment to abuse prevention educational programs, support and assistance for survivors, community education initiatives, research efforts related to anti-violence and continued calling for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to be recognised as an epidemic in support of our, Bill 173, Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic Act.

An end to IPV, however, requires more government support and funding. This includes more funding for Partner Assault Response (PAR) Programs that help offenders reintegrate into society. Programs that also provide safety planning, support, community and vital information to the partners of program participants. If nothing else, organisations like Counterpoint require operating funding so they may continue providing services to our communities.

Community Mural Unveiling

This evening, I had the absolute pleasure of unveiling this stunning mural by Sarah Waithe! What a beautiful addition to our Toronto—St Paul's community. A commemoration of the experience of migration and resettling packed full of imagery from the Caribbean.

I am sure this will be an attraction for years to come! If you find yourself on Oakwood near Amherst, get a bite to eat from across the street and enjoy this beautiful mural. 

I want to extend a special thanks to everyone involved in bringing this project to life over the last EIGHTEEN MONTHS! Thank you, Jeffery Peters, from the Oakwood Village BIA, for coming together with TerraCycle, the For Youth Initiative, and the Nia Centre for the Arts to make this all possible. It is so special to see a piece of art created by the community that represents all those involved in its design.

Community Bulletin 📌

Honouring our Children

Na-Me-Res is hosting a community event to honour Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30th. 

The event will include a Sunrise Ceremony and Sacred Fire. There will be crafts, speakers, a feast at noon and drumming. 

The event is open to all Wychwood community members and their families. 

WHERE: Hillcrest Park

WHEN: Monday, September 30th from 10 AM to 2 PM

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

Day of Climate Action

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!

Calvin Presbyterian and Deer Park United Beyond the Bake Sale

Calvin Presbyterian and 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]

Songs for Hope - An Evening of Music and Giving, in support of Seeds of Hope

Check out Song of Hope, an evening of music and giving on October 26th at the Drake Underground at 6:30 PM 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.

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 6^th, 2024 – apply now!

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. 

Forest Hill Village 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!

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)

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