Dear Neighbour,
One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and I'm remembering the lives lost to this virus and the frontline workers who continue to care for all of us, which is why I'm renewing my call for paid sicks days in Ontario.
Though it's been a long year, I'm finding comfort in knowing my grandparents will be getting vaccinated this week, and I'm looking forward to when the rest of our family will have our turn!
There are a number of ways to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for those who are eligible in our community:
- If you are 80 years or older, you can book an appointment at the Humber River Hospital (1235 Wilson Avenue) or through Ontario Health's Vaccination Registration System
- If you are between 60-64 years old you can book an appointment at one of these local pharmacies, pending availability.
- If you are a frontline health care worker or a member of another high-risk group, you may also be eligible to get the vaccine in Phase One. Check if you are currently eligible here.
Take care and stay safe,
Chiara Padovani
chiarapadovani.ca
COMMUNITY UPDATES
GreenForceTO Pilot Project in YSW
The City is piloting the GreenForceTO project in Weston, Mount Dennis and Rockcliffe-Smythe. The pilot will help support Toronto’s green infrastructure which allows for a better, more diverse urban ecosystem and environment, reduce stormwater runoff and improve well-being for residents in addition to creating local green jobs in landscaping and property maintenance through partnerships with local social enterprises RAINscapeTO and BuildingUP. The project is currently seeking volunteers to sit on their Community Advisory Committee, you can apply here.
YSW Tenant Summit
The York South-Weston Tenant Union held the second annual YSW Tenant Summit over zoom last month, electing the new executive committee and adopting the constitution along with having fun playing tenant trivia and prize give-aways! If you missed it, don't worry! There are many ways you can get involved here.
TAKE ACTION
Neighbourhood Flooding Coalition
Join your neighbours for the next meeting of the York South-Weston Coalition for Flooding Prevention on Thursday March 25 at 7pm. The meeting will provide important updates and plan priority actions for the neighbourhood.
TO Refillery Mobile Project
Kristine Lorzano of the T.O Refillery Mobile is looking for your feedback on developing a project that would bring refills of affordable kitchen staples and household products to our community with the aim of reducing waste. You can share your ideas and thoughts about the project here.
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Income Tax Webinar
Wondering how to file your taxes online? Do you know what tax benefits you're entitled to? Join me and the York South-Weston Tenant Union on Friday March 19 at 7pm over zoom to learn just that with Downtown Legal Services and Chartered Accountant, Lucy Yao.
WHAT’S ON IN YSW THIS MONTH?
March 15: Community Meeting - Relocation of St. Fidelis Catholic Elementary School
March 16: Eglinton Crosstown Q & A
March 18: Picture Mount Dennis Round Table Discussion
March 19: Personal Income Tax Webinar
March 25: Neighbourhood Flooding Coalition Meeting
Dear Neighbour,
This month I've been exploring local Black History through Awakenings, a series of art projects created within Toronto History Museums that explore untold stories and awaken a new perspectives.
Some of my favourites include Freedom Heights (A Song for Joshua Glover) that pays tribute to his fight for freedom and his will to survive as a free man after escaping slavery and settling in the west end; and Lanes, that explores the contributions of Mary Ann Shadd Cary and William Lyon Mackenzie to the abolitionist movement in Toronto and invites you to reflect on ways to take action in today's fight against racism and inequality.
In solidarity,
Chiara Padovani
chiarapadovani.ca
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Remembering YSW resident, Hashim Hashi
Hashim Hashi was a hard-working son and brother who was studying accounting at Humber College while working part-time at the airport. He was tragically shot and killed while returning to his home in York South-Weston. Speaking on behalf of his family, youth councillor and Imam Ahmed Urur reminded us to "remember that there is nothing normal about tragic killings. How can the loss of our young people be a routine?" His family has set up a gofundme page in his memory. I'd like to extend my sincerest condolences to his family and friends for their heart-breaking loss.
York Lions Club Looking for Members
The York Lions Club is looking for new members. The club has been serving the York South-Weston community for over 85 years, supporting local organizations like North York Harvest Food Bank, Weston Area Emergency Support, Unison and the Salvation Army - not to mention their wildly popular Steel Band! If you are interested in joining the York Lions Club or learning more please contact Mike at [email protected] or 416-527-3446.
Where to Skate in York South-Weston
Community outdoor skating rinks are up and running in York South-Weston! Thanks to the hard work of community volunteers, you and your family can enjoy free skating at Henrietta Park, Runnymede Park, Denison Park and Coronation Park.
NEIGHBOURS TO KNOW
Christina Hoang
Christina Hoang has been a resident in Mount Dennis for most of her life. She is working to engage with other residents (with a focus on BIPOC youth) to address issues of climate justice and urban equity. With the Mount Dennis Eco-Connect group, she planned a vertical garden project and an "eco fair" that shared practical waste reduction skills; and with Walk and Cycle York South-Weston she is advocating for bike infrastructure and working to address equity issues within bike advocacy. Recently she created a quarantine cookbook which shares recipes and educational resources on food justice. The cookbook is free to download, with a pay-what-you-can system where 100% of proceeds are given to local groups fighting against food insecurity and poverty. If you're interested in connecting with Christina, she can be reached at [email protected]
TAKE ACTION
YSW Tenant Summit 2021
Do you rent your home in York South-Weston? Join your neighbours for this year's annual tenant summit on Sunday February 28 at 6pm over zoom. There will be prizes, games and information about tenant rights and organizing!
Basement Flooding Meeting
Join your neighbours for the next meeting of the York South-Weston Coalition for Flooding Prevention on February 25 at 7pm. The meeting will provide important updates and plan priority actions for the neighbourhood.
Keelesdale Needs a Planning Framework
With the arrival of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, change is coming to Keelesdale. Our community welcomes this new opportunity, but we insist that the change be reflective of our wishes and values. Sign the petition from Keelesdale Group asking for a Planning Framework for Keelesdale.
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Seedy Saturday at Supercoffee
Attention all gardeners and growers! Supercoffee is helping out with Seedy Saturday in Mount Dennis. Drop off your seed donations (packaged & labelled) at supercoffee, and then you'll be able to pick up what you need on February 28. You can request seeds by emailing [email protected]
WHAT’S ON IN YSW THIS MONTH?
February 15: Light it Up for Paid Sick Days
February 15: International Decade for People of African Decent Webinar
February 18: Debt and Money Management Workshop
February 20: Weston RoadRunners' Anniversary Run
February 22: International Decade for People of African Decent Webinar
February 24: 2306 St. Clair Virtual Public Meeting
February 25: Basement Flooding: YSW Flooding Prevention Coalition Meeting
February 28: YSW Tenant Summit 2021
- Ongoing -
Wednesdays: Beats Mind Movement with Urban Arts
Wednesdays: MindARTSoul - Indigenous Art Workshops with Urban Arts
Dear Neighbour,
Let's face it: so far 2021 is a lot like last year, eh?
But when I think of the year ahead I'm hopeful. Despite all the challenges we faced last year, we proved to be a resilient community that helped each other when we needed it most.
In 2020, we were able to prevent hundreds of our neighbours from getting evicted from their homes, rapidly organize a food security response to COVID-19 and secure important funding for flooding relief.
Change comes when people just like you and me demand change. That's why I'm still fighting to keep people housed and for paid sick days for all. What will you fight for in 2021? Let's not just make it through COVID-19 this year, let's come out of this pandemic better than we ever were.
In solidarity,
Chiara Padovani
chiarapadovani.ca
COMMUNITY UPDATES
More COVID-19 Testing Locations in York South-Weston
You probably know you can get tested at the Humber River Hospital on Church Street, but did you know you can get tested at the following locations as well? Hours vary by location, so please call ahead to book your appointment.
Jane Street Hub (1541 Jane Street)
Call 416-645-7575, extension 3113 to book an appointment.
Access Point on Jane (761 Jane Street)
Call 416-760-8677 to book an appointment.
York Recreation Centre (115 Black Creek Drive)
Call 416-653-5400 extension 3121 to book an appointment.
Black Futures on Eglinton Report Released
As the LRT construction and COVID-19 pandemic continue, Black-owned businesses on Eglinton West continue to be taking a huge hit. The report, Black Futures on Eglinton, outlines some recommendations for protecting Little Jamaica. You can read the report here and check out the CityNews story here.
Walk & Cycle York South- Weston Looking for Members
Walk and Cycle York South-Weston is a resident group looking to address transportation and safety inequities in our neighbourhood. Currently, they are advocating for bike lane extensions and low-income passes for BikeShare. If you are interested in joining the group or curious to learn more contact [email protected].
TAKE ACTION
Basement Flooding Meeting
Join your neighbours for the first strategic planning meeting of the York South-Weston Coalition for Flooding Prevention. The meeting will provide important updates and plan priority actions for the neighbourhood.
Housing Waitlist Consultation
Are you currently on the waitlist for social housing? The City of Toronto is completing a study on how to meet housing needs of people on the housing waitlist. They're looking for people to participate in confidential interviews and are offering honorariums for those who participate. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in participating.
Volunteer to Sort Food for North York Harvest Food Bank
Thank you to everyone who participated in food drives over the holidays! Did you know that before donated food can be distributed at food banks across northern Toronto, it needs to be screened and sorted? North York Harvest Food Bank is looking for volunteers to do just that at Amesbury Arena. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer food sorter, please contact [email protected]
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Tenant Workshop: Behind on Rent?
COVID-19 has left a lot of us behind on rent. Join the York South-Weston Tenant Union in this free online training with Downtown Legal Services to learn what you need to know about evictions, arrears and payment plans. You'll also learn about how the YSW Tenant Union has successfully prevented evictions through tenant organizing.
Got COVID-19? Need Help?
This Winter Prevent your Pipes from Freezing
WHAT’S ON IN YSW THIS MONTH?
January 19: 15 and Fairness Organizing Meeting
January 19: West Park Healthcare Centre Community Benefits Information Session
January 22: COVID-19 Public Health Workshop
January 27: Behind on Rent? YSW Tenant Union Workshop
January 28: Basement Flooding: YSW Flooding Prevention Coalition Meeting
February 28: YSW Tenant Summit 2021
- Ongoing -
Kids Zoom Puppetry Play
Improve for Teens
It's a Girl Thing
Dear Chiara,
As this year draws to a close, I'm reflecting on everything that has happened over the last year. Though 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges to our community, it has also a been a year of incredible neighbourhood solidarity.
Because of that solidarity, in 2020 we were able to prevent hundreds of our neighbours from losing their homes, rapidly organize a food security response to COVID-19 and secure important funding for flooding relief.
Victories like these are only possible because of you. It's what makes me so proud to call York South-Weston home and brings me hope for a stronger and more just city in 2021.
Wishing you and your family a warm holiday season and happy new year!
Sincerely,
Chiara Padovani
chiarapadovani.ca
COMMUNITY UPDATES
York South-Weston Coalition for Flooding Prevention
Every year our homes are devastated by flooding, but last week Doug Ford blatantly attacked measures to prevent flooding in order to put profits before people for generations. Conservation Authorities will now be forced to issue permits for developments even if it will cause flooding, erosion, environmental impacts and could affect public safety. In response to this and decades of neglect, I'm joining with neighbours to launch the YSW Coalition for Flooding Prevention. Beginning in January we will meet monthly to discuss flooding updates and plan community advocacy actions to ensure every level of government is working for us, not against us.
Evictions on the rise in York South-Weston
Community-run outdoor skating rinks coming to YSW!
Community volunteers in York South-Weston have come together to create community ice rinks at Denison Park and Maple Leaf Park this winter! Very special thank you to Laurie Mace and Laura Toniolo for taking on these initiatives! I know maintaining a community rink can be a lot of work and a lot of fun. Stay tuned for more details!
TAKE ACTION
Reinstate the Eviction Ban!
Join the York-South Weston Tenant Union and the Federation of Metro Tenant Associations in demanding No COVID Evictions. Winter is coming, COVID-19 cases are on the raise, Toronto is in lockdown, but tenants can't lock down if they're locked out!
Support Local Businesses
Last month I've discovered some incredibly needed fresh food stores in the community with great prices: in Mount Dennis you should check out Bonnick's West Indian Grocery (1366 Weston) and in Weston be sure to stop by the Humber River Fruit and Veggie Market. Bruno and I also tried delivery from two local restaurants which were delicious: the Arepa Republic in Amesbury and Enchilados Taqueria in Keelesdale. Finally, to make cooking at home a little easier, we picked up some kitchenware for a great deal at Canadian Outlet Store (1919 Weston)!
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Support for Learners
Families with children are eligible for a one-time payment of $200-$250. The deadline to apply is January 15.
Free Sanitizer Refills at Community Place Hub
Beebo & Bop: At Home
Mount Dennis Parents Hub
WHAT’S ON IN YSW THIS MONTH?
December 16: FYI's Annual General Meeting
December 20: Last day of Rustic Bakery's Holiday Food Drive
December 23: YSW Holiday Meal Pick-Up
Esta semana tuvimos el Día de la Memoria aquí en Canadá. Llevo la amapola roja en el pecho para recordar a los muchos veteranos y veteranas de guerra con quien trabajo en los bancos de comida y los centros de asistencia a lo largo de la ciudad de Toronto. Para mí, es un recordatorio del trabajo que tenemos por delante para construir una ciudad más justa. Quien luchó en representación de nuestro país no debería tener que luchar para sobrevivir cuando regresa a casa.
Para nuestro barrio de York South-Weston, el Día de la Memoria es importante porque nuestra comunidad tiene una rica historia de servicio al país. Aunque para mantener las precauciones por COVID-19 este año no nos encontraremos en persona, me gustaría invitarte a explorar la historia local visitando alguno de estos memoriales localizados en el barrio:
- York Cenotaph en 40 Municipal Drive
- Weston Cenotaph en Little Avenue Memorial Park
- Westlake Memorial Park en honor a los tres hermanos Westlake
- El Memorial afuera de la Mount Dennis Legion.
- También pueden ver fotos históricas de vecinos de Mt Dennis a través de un tour virtual, recolectado por Gregory Sullivan.
- Hacer una visita virtual del colegio York Memorial C.I. y conocer la historia de la escuela.
No olvidamos,
Saludos,
Chiara Padovani
chiarapadovani.ca
NOVEDADES DE LA COMUNIDAD
Qué ocurrirá con el colegio York Memorial C.I.?
Muchos de nosotros todavía tenemos dudas sobre el futuro del colegio York Memorial. El estudio "Pupil Accommodation Review" que estaba agendado para evaluar el futuro de las escuelas York Memorial y George Harvey ha sido pospuesto por la pandemia del COVID-19. Como graduada orgullosa del York Memorial, quiero que la escuela sea reconstruida y que no sea a expensas del cierre y la venta de George Harvey. Mientras planificamos el futuro de Keelesdale y Mount Dennis, no podemos dejar que las consecuencias devastadoras del incendio sean utilizadas como excusa para vender escuelas públicas. Las vamos a necesitar aún más mientras nuestra comunidad crece y se desarrolla.
Inundaciones: Un paso adelante y un paso atrás
El gobierno federal realizó recientemente un anuncio para financiar con $19 millones de dólares la reconstrucción del Puente de Jane Street, una obra de infraestructura que se necesita de forma urgente para prevenir las inundaciones que hemos sufrido todos estos años. Desafortunadamente la construcción ya está retrasada un año, hasta 2024, en comparación con el calendario original. Es importante que nuestra comunidad siga demandando la infraestructura para mitigar inundaciones que nos merecemos, en especial ahora que el gobierno provincial está autorizando desarrollos inmobiliarios en zonas de inundación, lo que incrementará el problema en todo Ontario.
CONOZCA A SUS VECINOS
Tanya Connors
Tanya Connors es miembro fundadora de la Black Creek Alliance (BCA), un grupo de vecinos que ha jugado un rol crucial en la lucha por lograr que se invierta en mitigar inundaciones en York South-Weston, en especial en la zona aledaña al arroyo Black Creek. Tanya y la BCA han luchado incansablemente contra la venta de tierras de 200 Rockcliffe Court y han organizado muchos eventos para concientizar a los vecinos sobre los problemas con las inundaciones y las soluciones. El anuncio reciente de financiamiento por parte del gobierno federal demuestra que si nos organizamos, podemos conseguir soluciones concretas!
TOME ACCION
Apoye a los vecinos siendo desalojados
Nuestros vecinos de 14 Wadsworth, en la zona de Weston, están siendo desalojados y necesitan su ayuda. Los nuevos propietarios del edificio, 3Gen Development e Interward Asset Management, los están desalojando durante el período de navidad y en el medio de una pandemia, con la excusa de que quieren renovar todo el edificio (para luego poder subir las rentas astronómicamente). Estos desalojos son conocidos como "Renovictions", y se han incrementado un 300% en Toronto en los últimos años. Es una táctica que usan los dueños para incrementar las rentas, desalojando a inquilinos con mucha antigüedad y luego alquilando a precios mucho más altos. Súmese a la campaña para contactar a los propietarios y asegurarnos que los vecinos no pierdan sus hogares.
Proceso de consulta para Reformar a la Policía
El 5 de julio de 2015, nuestro vecino Andrew Loku fue asesinado por la Policía de Toronto. El movimiento Black Lives Matter en Toronto continúa movilizando y demandando la modelos alternativos de seguridad comunitaria. La ciudad de Toronto está llevando adelante consultas sobre propuestas alternativas. Participe aquí.
PROGRAMAS Y RECURSOS
Centro para Jóvenes en las bibliotecas públicas de Weston y Mount Dennis
Los Centros para Jóvenes en la biblioteca pública de Mount Dennis abrieron el 9 de noviembre y en la de Weston comenzarán el 16 de noviembre. Los centros para jóvenes son espacios para que los adolescentes puedan acceder a recursos, relajarse, y crecer. Durante el COVID-19 estos servicios son limitados por razones de seguridad sanitaria. Sin embargo, continúan ofreciendo acceso a computadoras portátiles e impresión gratis para jóvenes de entre 13 y 19 años.
¿Qué hacer con todas esas hojas?
¿Sabías que las hojas son un buen (y gratis!) fertilizante? Durante mi infancia en Mount Dennis, siempre acumulábamos las hojas y las usábamos como fertilizante para nuestra huerta de tomates. Recomendación: Corte las hojas (con la cortadora de césped) para que den nutrientes de forma más rápida y guárdelas para usar como material orgánico después! Aprenda más aquí. En algunas calles seleccionadas de York South-Weston, la municipalidad comenzará con un servicio de recolección de hojas hacia mediados de noviembre. Conozca como prepararse aquí.
Better Way Alliance
EVENTOS EN LA COMUNIDAD ESTE MES
Todos los Martes y Viernes de 1-4pm: Distribución de alimentos en el Centro Cultural Latinoamericano, 1756 Eglinton Avenue West
17 de noviembre: Consulta comunitaria sobre el Desarrollo de 8-16 Locust Street y de 15 Oxford Drive
17 de noviembre: Reunión de membresía anua de Foodshare
18 de noviembre: Estudio de área de Keele-St. Clair
18 de noviembre: Club de Historias Digitales
25 de noviembre: Club de Historias Digitales
3 de diciembre: Reunión Anual de Miembros de la Mount Dennis Community Association
Dear Neighbour,
As we approach Remembrance Day, I wear my poppy to remember the many veterans I've worked with at food banks and drop-in centres across Toronto. For me, it's a reminder of how much work we must do to build a fair city, because fighting for this country shouldn't mean fighting to survive when you come home.
For York South-Weston, Remembrance Day is important because our community has such a rich history of serving our country. Though COVID-19 precautions this year will prevent us from gathering in ceremony, I'd like to invite you to explore this local history by visiting one of these local memorials or cenotaphs:
- York Cenotaph at 40 Municipal Drive
- Weston Cenotaph in Little Avenue Memorial Park
- Westlake Memorial Park in honour of the three Westlake brothers.
- Memorial outside the Mount Dennis Legion.
- You can also take a virtual scroll through some historical war photos of Mount Dennis residents collected by Gregory Sullivan.
- Take a virtual visit to York Memorial C.I. and learn about the school's history.
Lest we forget.
Sincerely,
Chiara Padovani
chiarapadovani.ca
COMMUNITY UPDATES
What Will Happen to York Memorial C.I.?
As we approach Remembrance Day, many of us still have questions about the future of York Memorial Collegiate Institute, which was built to commemorate the youth in the area who served in World War I. The "Pupil Accommodation Review" that was scheduled to evaluate the future of York Memorial and George Harvey has been put on hold due to COVID-19. As a proud graduate of York Memorial C.I., I really want to see the school get rebuilt and not at the expense of closing and selling off George Harvey. As we plan for the future of Keelesdale and Mount Dennis, we cannot let this devastating fire be used as an excuse to sell off our public schools because we will need them more than ever as our community grows and develops.
Flooding: 1 Step Forward, 1 Step Backward
The federal government has recently committed $19M to help re-construct the Jane Street Bridge, a desperately needed infrastructure upgrade to prevent flooding that we have been fighting for for many years. Unfortunately construction is already pushed back one year to 2024 from when it was originally scheduled to begin. It is important that our community continues to demand the flooding prevention that we deserve especially as the provincial government is currently allowing developments to proceed despite risks to increase flooding in other parts of the province.
NEIGHBOURS TO KNOW
Tanya Connors
Tanya Connors is a founding member of the Black Creek Alliance (BCA), a resident group that has played a crucial role in advocating for flooding mitigation in York South-Weston, especially along the Black Creek. Tanya and the BCA have fought tirelessly against the sale and development of 200 Rockcliffe Court and have organized countless events to raise awareness about the Black Creek and flooding mitigation. The recently announced federal funding to upgrade the Jane Street Bridge is just one example of how community organizing like this is working!
TAKE ACTION
Urgent: Support your neighbours facing Eviction
Our neighbours at 14 Wadsworth are facing eviction and urgently need your help. Their landlords, 3Gen Development Group and Interward Asset Management, want them to give up their homes during the holidays in the middle of a pandemic under the guise that they need to renovate. Known as "renovictions", these kinds of evictions have increased by almost 300% in Toronto and are normally used to raise rents by evicting long-term tenants even though they have the right to stay. Join me in calling their landlords today so our neighbours don't loose their home.
Inclusionary Zoning Consultation
Inclusionary Zoning is a policy that helps create mixed-income housing by requiring a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new residential developments. In other cities, inclusionary zoning has already helped increase the supply of affordable housing units and strengthen diverse communities. As dozens of new developments come to York South-Weston (click here, here and here for some current local examples), we need a bold inclusionary zoning policy to help keep our community affordable as the cost of housing continues to increase. Join this consultation on November 10 to show your support for deep affordable housing.
Policing Reform Consultations
On July 5, 2015 York South-Weston resident Andrew Loku was shot and killed by Toronto Police. The Black Lives Matter movement in Toronto has been calling for alternative models to community safety for many years. Today the City of Toronto is holding consultations to explore community-based emergency response models. What would a community-based crisis response look like? Have your say here.
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Youth Hubs at the Weston and Mount Dennis Libraries
The Youth Hubs at Mount Dennis Library will open November 9 and at Weston Library on November 16! Youth Hubs are a welcoming space for teens to access resources, relax, and grow. During COVID-19 the services are limited for safety reasons, however they will still offer access to laptops and free printing for youth aged 13-19.
What to do with all these Leaves?
Did you know fall leaves can be used as free fertilizer? Growing up in Mount Dennis we'd use the leaves from our lawn as fertilizer in our tomato garden. Pro tip: mow your leaves to release the nutrients faster and save them for compost for later use! Learn more here. On selected streets in York South-Weston the City will be starting mechanical leaf collection later this month. Learn how to prepare for it here.
Better Way Alliance
WHAT’S ON IN YSW THIS MONTH?
November 9: Get on the phone to protect neighbours in 14 Wadsworth!
November 9: Community Consultation for Development at 2421 Eglinton Ave W
November 10: Inclusionary Zoning Consultation
November 11: Digital Fall Story Club
November 12: Community Consultation for Development at 1860-1868 Keele Street
November 17: Community Consultation for Development at 8-16 Locust Street and 15 Oxford Drive
November 17: Foodshare AGM
November 18: Keele-St. Clair Local Area Study
November 18: Digital Fall Story Club
November 25: Digital Fall Story Club
December 3: Mount Dennis Community Association AGM