Dear Neighbours,
Even in a pandemic, Spadina-Fort York is a very busy community — which is part of the reason why it’s such a great place to live.
In the midst of this crisis, people are finding innovative ways to connect. This week, take a walking tour, have a drink in the pumpkin patch, see Meryl Streep, Buffy Sainte-Marie and other great artists through the Royal Conservatory’s free online concert, or watch a drive-in movie at Ontario Place. See this and much more under Fun Things To Do.
A major change is also coming to our riding — the Ontario Line’s plans are now available. In Spadina-Fort York, the new subway will run from the Don River to Liberty Village. If you have any questions or feedback for Metrolinx, please join my online town hall on Thursday, October 15 from 12-1 pm or 7-8 pm. Submit questions and register at [email protected]. Details below.
We are also planning another meeting hosted by Olivia Chow during which you will be able ask questions on any issue affecting our riding. Join us Monday, October 26 at 7 pm for the discussion. Submit questions and register at [email protected]. Details below.
As we enter the second wave of the pandemic, the homelessness crisis and the growing number of cases in schools continue to impact our community. On Monday, I was joined by local residents, agencies, business owners and people living in tent encampments for a press conference asking the provincial government to:
- Declare a “state of emergency” on homelessness;
- Reverse the $160 million cut to the Ministry of Housing, and;
- Support the City’s plan to build 350,000 affordable housing units over the next decade.
Schools are also in a state of flux. With more than 100,000 Public and Catholic school students studying from home, school boards are scrambling and, as of Monday, some students had not been able to start school. The TDSB has created some resources to help students and parents — they are listed here.
This is Ontario Agriculture Week — support our local farmers by shopping at the Trinity Bellwoods, Metro Hall or Curbside Collective’s farmers’ markets.
October is Islamic Heritage and Somali Heritage Month. Please reach out to our Muslim and Somali neighbours with words of support.
For those celebrating Sukkot, Chag Sameach!
And please always remember those less fortunate. The Fort York Food Bank and other local food banks need our support. See #COVIDKindness.
We will get through this together.
Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend,
