Supporting seniors through social engagement and wellness

BY: Shameera husain

Everyone deserves to be treated equally, to have a friend, to engage in meaningful conversations, and to connect with others, regardless of their age. Although growing older can be challenging, and for many, it can become increasingly difficult to socialize, engage with others, and step outside the comfort of their homes. Without regular social interaction and emotional support, feelings of isolation and loneliness can negatively impact mental and physical well-being. 

It’s important to prioritize seniors in our communities because they offer invaluable experience, wisdom, and perspective that enrich everyone. As they age, seniors may face unique challenges that should be realized as they continue to play an important role in society. By focusing on their needs, we can help ensure they stay active, engaged, and connected. Supporting seniors benefits not just them, but the whole community, creating a more inclusive and caring environment for people of all ages.

That is why the Jane and Finch Centre is hosting a Senior Social Group open to seniors aged 55 and up. This event helps support seniors by recognizing them as active, engaged citizens, welcoming them in an environment filled with different kinds of social engagement, interaction and emotional support. The program has been focused on promoting support through physical activity and strategies aimed at improving seniors’ mental health and wellbeing.

Many individuals participating in The Senior Social Group have reported significant improvement in their mental and physical well-being. This has created the potential to redefine how society views aging and further break the cycle of isolation.

If you are a senior aged 55 or older and would like to participate in social, recreational, physical, and mental wellness activities, join The Seniors Social Group every Friday at 2999 Jane Street from 2:00-3:30 p.m., or at 415 Driftwood Avenue and 15 Tobermory Drive from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, visitwww.janefinchcentre.org/seniors.

Local leaders rise to the challenge as food banks struggle to keep hunger at bay due to soaring costs

BY: Ayesha Khan

As costs rise in Toronto, vulnerable communities face mounting challenges. Inflation in Canada surged 13.4% between 2018 and 2022, with essentials like food, shelter, and transportation climbing 18%. Food insecurity has spiked, with over 1 in 10 Torontonians now relying on food banks—a 273% increase from pre-pandemic levels. According to the Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2024 Who’s Hungry report, 57% of users began seeking help within the past year. Most are working-age, and 59% hold post-secondary degrees, reflecting the growing burden on middle-income households.

In Downsview, the House of Praise Tabernacle is tackling food insecurity head-on. Led by Olivia Wilks, who once relied on food banks herself, the church’s food bank aims to support the community despite economic pressures. Early efforts were met with limited resources, but partnerships with NeighbourLink, Haven on the Queensway, and GlobalMedic provided some relief. The group has organized a community giveaway event set for November 30th, though Wilks worries about sustaining the program. “Food banks run on donations. We’ve had a good start, but the future is uncertain,” she says.

Other initiatives highlight the crisis. Matriarch Care serves Indo-Caribbean seniors in Jane-Finch, delivering culturally familiar groceries to help elders struggling with rising costs. Co-founder Natasha Cheddie notes that many live below the poverty line, often in isolation and without basic necessities.

Meanwhile, the Society for the Living Food Bank, operating in Jane-Finch since 1998, faces its most challenging period. Reverend Venunye Nyamadi reports skyrocketing demand, with families returning more often than allotted. Their operations at Oakdale Community Centre and Jane-Sheppard Library are stretched to the limit as holiday demand increases.

Despite these difficulties, generosity persists. Local grocers like Bestco and Danforth Food Market have stepped up to donate supplies. Bestco’s surprise contribution—a wagon full of pasta, canned goods, and drinks—was a moment of hope for Wilks’ team. These contributions will help cover their immediate needs, but long-term stability remains elusive.

As food prices climb and demand grows, community-led efforts like these are critical. Leaders like Wilks, Cheddie, and Nyamadi persist in their mission to ensure no one is left behind.

Donations for House of Praise Tabernacle can be dropped off at 800 Arrow Road, and Society for the Living at 350 Grandravine Drive. Please call ahead for details.

Pharmacare: The biggest improvement to health in Canada in a generation

BY: Matias de Dovitiis

A new Pharmacare program has been signed into law in Ottawa, and with this new legislation comes a program that will make medicines more affordable. For the first time in Canada, medication will be included as part of the public health care system. The program is part of the agreement between the government and the NDP, which also includes the creation of a national affordable childcare program, the new Dental Care program, protections for workers in federally regulated industries, and more.

Pharmacare will begin with diabetic medications and contraceptives and will expand over time to cover the most commonly used medicines in the health care system. 9.4% of Canadians suffer from diabetes, which is almost 4 million people. The types of medicine that will be covered include insulin, Metformin, and other combinations. The government will also set up a fund for diabetes monitoring supplies. Unmedicated or uncontrolled, diabetes can result in many health complications that can have fatal or life-changing consequences, but also carry a cost for society in the form of increased demand for emergency room services. This program will, in fact, save Canadians millions every year by focusing on preventative health care to keep us all living healthier and better lives.

Pharmaceutical companies make the most profit when they have patents that allow them to inflate the price of medicine. They do not profit from making patients healthy. A single-payer public system like Pharmacare allows governments to better bargain for bulk prices and reduce costs to consumers. In other countries where these systems already exist, patients already pay much less than Canadians for medicines such as insulin. Many of these companies have spent the last two years trying to weaken the Pharmacare program by lobbying the government, as they stand to lose money if it is fully implemented. It is important for Canadians that Pharmacare expands to include a wider range of medications for all Canadians because there will be a significant battle with private interests to undermine the program.

Like all new national programs, Pharmacare will require negotiations with the provinces, but those are already underway. For example, British Columbia has already signed a memorandum to implement the program. The government hopes that Pharmacare will be in place by the spring of the coming year. The sooner, the better.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

BY: Swraa Anand

December 6th marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada. This day commemorates the tragic loss of 14 young women who were brutally murdered at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6th, 1989. The Montreal Massacre sent shockwaves across Canada and the world, leading to widespread outrage, grief, and a renewed commitment to eliminating violence against women.

In 1991, the Canadian government established the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to honor the victims' memories and raise awareness about the issue of violence against women.

This day serves as an opportunity to remember the lives lost and to reaffirm our commitment to fighting the hatred that led to this tragedy and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada, women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals continue to face unacceptable violence and discrimination. Rates of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, remain alarmingly high, and the ongoing struggle for safety and equality continues.

There are several ways to honor the victims of the Montreal Massacre:

• Wearing a white ribbon to show support

• Observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.

• Attending a vigil in the community

• Spreading awareness on social media and sharing the National Day of Remembrance post

Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone's involvement. Educating oneself, as well as one's family and community, about gender-based violence, while centering the voices of survivors, are effective ways to make a difference. It is also essential to challenge harmful stereotypes and attitudes, support policies that promote gender equality, and actively engage in conversations about respect, consent, and healthy relationships. Additionally, it is important to support organizations that work on the front lines to provide services for survivors, raise awareness, and advocate for systemic change. By working together, we can create a safer and more inclusive society for all.

Project RapidTO: Balancing transit improvements with community concerns

BY: Michael Bai

Project RapidTO is an initiative by the TTC aimed at improving public transportation speed on Jane Street while encouraging road users to take the bus. The proposal suggests removing five bus stops along Jane Street between Steeles Avenue West and Eglinton Avenue East. The plan also involves converting one vehicle lane on both sides of the street to priority bus lanes. In doing so, commuters can expect to save 5.5 minutes per direction they travel.

Aside from accessibility issues, one concern regarding the proposal is that it seems like a service cut in disguise. During peak hours, Jane Street requires five additional buses, which cost an annual $1.7 million to maintain. The TTC’s proposition comes across as an attempt to circumvent costs rather than improve transportation. Although the plan will save commuters time, it is at the expense of the 63% of residents who likely drive as their primary means of transportation.

Toronto City Councillor Anthony Peruzza and his volunteers spoke with dozens of residents in Downsview and surrounding areas that will be impacted by these changes. Many expressed concerns about how limiting traffic to one lane on both sides of a major road might impact overall traffic flow and local roadways. Maria Defina, a resident who uses Jane Street daily, stated, “I believe that a priority bus lane on Jane Street will inevitably create significant traffic delays and force drivers onto other routes that are already heavily congested, like Keele Street. I am concerned about how this proposal will increase traffic and negatively impact the safety of side streets where many children frequently walk and play.”

Making his stance clear, Councillor Peruzza said, “Any changes made to Jane Street should improve both transit and traffic flow. If the changes proposed don't improve either transit or traffic, then why do it?”

For those opposed to this proposal, an online petition is available on Councillor Peruzza’s website, as developments are still underway. The project will report to the city council early in 2025, meaning there is still time to make a difference.

Free learning and fun with a library card

BY: Charlie Fairbank

As the days get shorter and the weather colder, finding ways to stay connected and have fun to shake off the winter blues becomes even more important. And you don’t have to break the bank to do it. All you need is a Toronto Public Library card, which gives you access to numerous services for free.

You can borrow musical instruments at York Woods and the Downsview library at 2793 Keele with your library card. Digital Innovation Services at various branches allow you to access audio and video recording equipment and spaces. You can also sign up for classes to learn or refine skills on a variety of technology subjects, from 3D printing to coding.

If you’re more adventurous, Toronto Public Library cards can be used to explore the great outdoors with an Ontario Parks Pass, giving you free access to over 100 provincial parks. More details are available here: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/onparkspass/

If you’d prefer to stay within the city, the Museum and Art Pass (MAP) allows you to visit many iconic spots, including the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), The Village at Black Creek, and the Toronto Zoo. More information about how to sign up for MAP can be found here: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/map/

There are plenty of digital resources available as well. You can access thousands of movies through the Kanopy app by selecting the “Add Library Card” button: https://www.kanopy.com/en/torontopl/

As the classic children’s show Arthur said, “Having fun isn’t hard, if you have a library card.” Check out your local library branch to see what classes and programs they offer. There’s something for everyone!

Isaac Devins Park opens with festivities: a new community hub in Sheppard and Weston

BY: RAHUL BIALA

Isaac Devins Park celebrated its grand opening on September 15 with a vibrant community event, marking a significant milestone for residents of Sheppard and Weston. The launch, led by Councillor Anthony Peruzza, featured a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the creation of a new community space. Families, friends, and community members gathered to enjoy a day filled with entertainment, light refreshments, and an array of kids' activities, which brought smiles to all ages and created a festive atmosphere.

Located at 55 Isaac Devins Boulevard, the park is the result of a residential development project aimed at creating a welcoming green space for everyone in the area. The new park offers a range of features, including a playground for children, fitness equipment for outdoor workouts, and scenic pathways ideal for leisurely strolls. Its design reflects extensive community engagement and dialogue, ensuring that it meets the needs and preferences of local residents.

Construction of the park began in the spring of 2024 and was initially expected to take around two months. The project team and local representatives worked closely with community members, inviting them to meetings to review the park’s design and amenities and discuss any concerns or suggestions. The collaborative approach was crucial in shaping the park into a kid-friendly, nature-filled space perfect for both relaxation and recreation.

At the opening, Councillor Peruzza expressed his excitement for the park's future, stating that it will "deliver improvements to the neighborhood" and become a cherished gathering spot for the community. The event's success and the park's warm welcome show how important it is to have green spaces that meet different needs and bring people together.

Toronto Nature Stewards are cleaning up invasives in Edgeley Park!

BY: ayesha khan

Between the shrubs of local parks are hidden histories of plant migration. Torontonians can count ourselves fortunate; we are a city that cultivates and cares for green spaces, but many residents are unaware that as far as local flora and fauna are concerned, not all plants are created equal. 

Throughout history, humans have brought plants across borders for various reasons. Sometimes, it's because they make great decorations. Sometimes, it's because they serve a purpose, whether for eating, medicinal use, or making clothing or equipment. But sometimes, foreign species take root too deeply in Canadian soil, and native species cannot compete. 

While a voracious plant species may not seem like a problem, it is when local birds and insects cannot eat it, or at least cannot be well-fed by it, as with Edgeley Park. A crop of European buckthorn has smothered local plants, and though it may make a pleasant site, the berries offer little nutrition for local birds compared to local species. This is at the core of the mandate for the Toronto Nature Stewards, a mainly volunteer-led organization that works closely with the City of Toronto to help manage populations of invasive plant species and encourage local species to thrive. 

The Toronto Nature Stewards (TNS) are working to create a group of local stewards to regularly care for Edgeley Park with weekly (or as often as possible) maintenance. Stewardship makes plant and human communities healthier by bringing locals into harmony with their natural environments. By joining efforts with neighbours to cultivate a sense of responsibility for caring for nature, we give space for nature to care for us. We feel better mentally and less physically isolated. 

On September 14, a group of volunteers collected three bags of buckthorn branches, removing the berried portions and returning them as compost. 

"Stewardship is all about making our communities healthier and more resilient. When we come together to help our local plants and wildlife, we also build stronger relationships with each other," said Victoria Bao Wang, one of three TNS staff who works as coordinator for these efforts.

While maintenance is a crucial part of TNS's work, they also espouse another important goal: education. After the trimming and composting were complete, Luke, a TNS team member, took volunteers on a native species tour of the park, where species such as Canadian Goldenrod, native sunflowers, and more were identified. 

Despite warmer-than-usual temperatures, the team remained enthusiastic and, upon culminating, was proud of what they had accomplished. 

"Tending to the lands means we're caring for ourselves, too." shared Victoria. "It's a cultivation of hope." 

If you're interested in joining the local stewardship effort to help clean up Edgeley Park, please get in touch with coordinator@torontonaturestewards.org

Bill 210: Making a difference in illegal handgun violence

BY: Sophia Autor

In collaboration between North York’s Tom Rakocevic, Krystyn Wong-Tam, Doly Begum, and Peter Tabuns, Bill 210, which is waiting for a second round to be passed, could assist in preventing gun smuggling from the United States to Canada through legal action against gun manufacturers. Originally inspired by investigations against gun manufacturers in the United States, the Bill states that Canada should follow suit, putting pressure on the Executive Council to pursue an active role against gun smuggling. Bill 210 lays out a framework for Executive Council members in the investigation, research, and legal action against gun smuggling in Ontario. This bill prioritizes the importance of consulting with communities affected by illegal handguns and experts towards the development of an illegal handgun litigation plan. 

This litigation plan aims to investigate how illegal handguns enter and are sold in Ontario. It will focus on identifying these illegal entries and assessing the grounds for taking legal action against U.S. handgun manufacturers. The plan will also evaluate the potential impact of such legal action, whether it could pressure the gun manufacturing industry to make changes that would enhance safety and protection for Ontarians. This Bill is important for Humber River-Black Creek, considering the unprecedented shooting that led to a serious injury near Chalkfarm Drive and Jane Street on September 13, 2024 and an exchange of gunfire the day after on Jane Street and Wilson Avenue. Here, Bill 210 has the potential to make a positive impact in the decrease of gun related violence in our community.

Welcoming back a season of life-long learning

BY: SIYA SHARMA

As chillier winds breeze their way in and the leaves once again begin to turn, we welcome another fall season back to our neighbourhood. With this gentle shift comes plenty of new opportunities and beginnings, including the ever-awaited back-to-school season! Yes, the time has come for stacks of paper and exciting transitions. Let’s take a look at the latest news from our community to learn about what we can look forward to this back-to-school season!

This summer saw some great changes in our schools. A number of public schools in the area underwent, or are wrapping up, renovation and repair projects to improve student experience. Those at Yorkwoods, Gosford, Driftwood, Lamberton, and Gulfstream P.S. will be met with newly-renovated playgrounds. Students at many other schools, including Brookview M.S., Firgrove P.S., Daystrom P.S., and Elia M.S., will be happy to see some new expansions to their outdoor spaces.

Of course, there is still much on the way this year – beginning with the inauguration of a brand new arts program at Westview Centennial S.S. this September! The program, entitled “ArtSpeaks,” includes four years of specialized courses and integrated arts studies. ArtSpeaks embraces art as a form of expression with transformative power, viewing it through a dedicated social justice lens. Beginning in November 2024, the program will be accepting applications for entry at the grade 9 and grade 10 level, with the school hosting an open house for the program on November 12th.

 There is something special about the back-to-school season. It brings about an opportunity to reset, allowing us all to reflect on our growth as learners, friends, family – and, as a community. Many of the exciting things that we have to look forward to this season are the fruits of a community’s labour and love. From community representatives to local organizations, everyone is gearing up to support the community in this transition. Let us all prepare to welcome the school year, and to continue this precious cycle of community, as a new adventure begins.