Congress 2023: Climate Change is Not the Change We Want!

BY: miwako CHANG

Congress 2023 brought together more than 10,300 scholars, policymakers, community members, and 67 associations from across the country to take part in over 300 events over seven days on the York University Keele Campus. Held on May 29, 2023, the event “Climate Change is Not the Change We Want! Community Connection Dialogue Between Changemakers and Youth Leaders for Inclusive Social Transformation” brought together various local partners to discuss the next steps to continue facilitating inclusivity and positive social change in our communities. This event aimed to address pressing challenges and recent developments surrounding key issues, offering a platform for individuals to engage in meaningful conversations and drive positive change. The event sought to create awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action, igniting a collective effort towards a more inclusive and progressive society.

Moderated by Dr. Dawn Bazely, Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, York University, she engaged in a rich discussion with esteemed guests Matias de Dovitiis, Dr. Joseph J. Smith, Emily Rowe, Nick Mulé, Lee Truong, and Amanpreet Chonkrian. The event was led by Dr. Idil Boran and Julia Satov and was coordinated by Francesco del Carpio

The audience was immersed in a diverse program that encompassed various activities, including keynote, introductions, presentations, breakout sessions for the youth and community groups, audience discussion, and group discussions. These activities engaged audience members and fostered passionate discussion, creating a rich experience with valuable knowledge shared. Panelists captivated the audience with their expertise, personal stories, and powerful messages. Throughout the event, several key themes emerged, weaving a rich tapestry of thought-provoking conversations. Participants explored civic engagement, accessibility barriers, public support and services funding, and more. The event served as a forum for robust discussions, offering a platform for attendees to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and foster a deeper understanding of key issues and our progress in the community. Attendees actively engaged through interactive workshops, collaborative projects, and participatory elements, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment that encouraged everyone to contribute their unique insights.

As a result of the event, new initiatives, collaborations, and partnerships emerged, bridging the gaps and uniting passionate individuals and organizations in pursuit of shared goals. The event empowered attendees to amplify their voices and take tangible steps towards effecting positive change and brought together a diverse community, amplifying the voices of change and inspiring action towards a more progressive future. 

World Day Against Child Labour: Acting Now

BY: JASLEEN KAMBO

On June 12th of every year, World Day Against Child Labour is observed to raise awareness about child labour and promote action to end it. This year's theme is "Act Now: End Child Labour," highlighting the urgent need to address child labour and protect the rights of children around the world. 

On June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually to raise awareness about child labour and promote action to end it. This year's theme is "Act Now: End Child Labour," highlighting the urgent need to address child labour and protect the rights of children around the world.

Child labour is a global issue that affects millions of children globally. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 152 million children are engaged in child labour, with 73 million in hazardous work. ILO defines child labour as “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential… and is injurious to physical and mental development.” Child labour has serious consequences on children's health, education, and growth, and gravely violates their basic human rights. In its most extreme cases, it separates children from their families at very young ages (sometimes leaving them to fend for themselves on the streets of large cities), enslaves them, and exposes them to severe risks and illnesses. 

On World Day Against Child Labour, we can all take action to end child labour and protect children's rights. By first educating ourselves and others about the issue of child labour and the importance of protecting children's rights, we can then make greater strides. Raising awareness,  advocating for policies and laws that protect children's safety, and supporting organizations that work to end child labour, such as the ILO, UNICEF, and Save the Children are all important measures to abolish child labour.

The urgent need to abolish child labour and defend the rights of all children is officially observed on June 12th, however, light should not only be shone on issues like these for just a day. We should consistently bring awareness regarding such issues, advocating for the laws and policies for children’s safety, and supporting organizations that work to end child labour, so we can continue to make significant differences and create better futures for all children even faster!

Black Creek Walks and Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre bring local youth on nature adventures across the GTA

BY: Ayesha Khan

Black Creek Walks and Jane Finch Centre bring local youth on nature adventures across the GTA

In 2022, the Black Creek Walks, Talks and Dances project partnered with the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre to provide free, accessible nature programming to youth and families living in Jane and Finch.

The two events were a part of the Black Creek Walks’ longer goal to help increase the local community’s use of and enmeshment in their natural environment, with a focus on cultural awareness and environmental sustainability.

The programming began with a series of three themed walks along the Black Creek, exploring historic and current food systems in the area, dance practices related to the river, and the Indigenous archeological history of local settlement. The walks were done in partnership with Myseum of Toronto as a part of the Intersections Festival, celebrating Toronto’s diverse communities.

Thanks to generous participation and funding provided by the federal government and the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, the programming was able to expand and take dozens of local youth on bus trips from Jane and Finch to areas across the GTA, including a canoe trip along the Humber River, as well as to the reconstructed longhouses at Crawford Lake, in the Halton Region Conservation Area.

Deluxson Yogarajah, Inclusive Parks and Rec Worker at the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, was instrumental in putting the events together. “The way I approach community work and grounding local youth in the environment is to provide accessible and empathic support by meeting my participants where they are at and being the change I want to see.” Deluxson tells us of his motivations. “This means finding appropriate and meaningful accommodation for the participants I serve in the community. By working with Jane and Finch Centre and the GreenChange department while being a resident living in the area for 24 years I am able to provide inclusive and free programming which consists of workshops, field trips, and community events for BIPOC residents in my hometown."

Co-Founder and tour leader Brian MacLean continues to focus on developing programming for the project. “Two people began with the simple idea of offering one free walking tour along Black Creek in the Jane-Finch neighbourhood and from that humble beginning, much has followed and continues to unfold.” Says Brian of the project’s history.

“Currently, we're collaborating with Toronto Nature Stewards and Black Creek Community Farm to develop a community-based stewardship group to learn about the trees and plans in Edgeley Park and Black Creek Parklands and learn how to care for these green spaces. And next year, we will be hosting with York University and York Woods Library a community conference with York University and York Woods Library that will be open to all who want to learn more about the Huron-Wendat people who lived here centuries ago, and help us renew our relationship with today's Huron-Wendat Nation and deepen our care for the land and water in our midst.”

The trip to Crawford Lake saw youth have a chance to explore the archaeological history of the Huron-Wendat, who at one point had a settlement in the Black Creek area. It provided the opportunity to tangibly illustrate the land acknowledgements and teachings children receive in school about Indigenous peoples of the area. Local tour guides Jim and Brad gave the youth tidbits of information about the area’s ecological and archaeological features.

The youth also had a chance to visit a multidisciplinary art exhibit on display in a longhouse, by Wyandot Tradition Keeper Catherine Tammaro. Fire Over Water focuses on Wendat/Wyandot women and their connections to Ancestors, the lands and waters. Children sat and received teachings from Catherine, as well as soaked in the rich artwork and heritage on display.

Afterwards, Jane/Finch youth also had a chance to explore Crawford Lake itself, a fascinating example of a meromictic lake with a lush boardwalk trail. Youth also took a trip to Kelso Beach where they were able to swim and discover walking trails in the vicinity, peppered with wildlife and scenic views.

Local mother of four, Zulith Rios, attended the walks with her children. “Things like this honestly are so great. If not, I wouldn't be able to afford going on a retreat with my kids.” Zulith spoke of the trip. “Having no car, having the ability to have transportation, not even having to use my snacks, I loved it. It was a blessing.”

When Brian and I co-founded the Black Creek Walks, Talks and Dances project, we envisioned ourselves leading a few immersive walking tours along the ravine in the Jane/Finch Corridor. Our humble idea snowballed into a massive, years-long project beyond what we could have imagined. Marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing natural spaces, but we believe nature should be for everyone. We look forward to continuing to expand this programming, celebrating the stunning natural and cultural diversity in Jane and Finch.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

BY: Rida Shah

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed from November 25th to December 10th by governments, international organizations, and individuals to raise awareness of violence against women. Working to understand the fight against violence against women empowers women and their children while educating society about daily injustices. Observing this day can raise awareness by giving back to their local community's women's centres, donating, and becoming more cognisant of the lived experiences that women face. 

The United Nations states that violence against women has risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing humanitarian crises in our world. Their UN Women further indicates that 2 in 3 women reported that they or a woman they knew experienced violence. Only 1 in 10 women would seek help from the local authorities. These statistics illustrate how bringing awareness to gender-based violence is becoming even more crucial. It is necessary to evaluate the root causes and transform these social norms to empower women and girls. In Toronto and the Downsview Community, many survivors-centred services and women's centres support women facing violence. 

The Working Women Community Centre at Jane & Finch is a women-focused settlement agency that has supported and empowered immigrant women and their families for over four decades. Providing programs and services that focus on economic development, settlement counselling, and educational support changes the lives of thousands of immigrant women. The endless opportunities and pathways at the Working Women Community Centre allow women to realize their potential and become better informed within society. Like this centre, the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women also expands this reach by helping vulnerable women struggling with COVID-19, financial issues, and no employment. Their foundation aims at helping the most marginalized women by providing legal support. This unique approach allows for collaboration with lawyers where women facing violence can seek legal support at Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women.

The centres not only represent ways to empower women but also offer educational methods to raise awareness of gender-based violence and ways to prevent it. The fight against gender-based violence, specifically against women, must be highlighted daily. Empowering women in the community need to be strengthened as we are the future of our communities and must uphold this promise.

Women's Entrepreneurship Day Business Highlight: Out of Bounds

BY: Miwako Chang

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is observed on November 19 to celebrate women in business around the world and their contributions to the local and global economy, as well as raise awareness around gender-based inequalities in the social, economic, and political landscapes.

Out of Of Bounds is an organized based in Jane and Finch that seeks to eliminate gun violence through community engagement and empowerment, support networks, and empowerment, delivered through programming and service efforts. Founded in 2006 by Rev. Sky Starr, Out Of Bounds (OOB) is a Registered Charity consisting of community residents of all ages, staff, and stakeholders.

As an Educator, therapist, consultant, advocate, former nurse, teacher, and business owner Rev. Sky is a key force in the community that she has called home for over 40 years. As former co-chair for the Jane/Finch Crisis Support Network for 3 years, a marriage, family, and grief therapist, and first responder to crisis, she works with various community partners to support those impacted by violence. Rev. Sky holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Community and Religious Studies.

Out Of Bounds embodies a prevention and intervention approach. These include the strengthening of communities, empowering community members, and providing supports to increase capacity for change through education and the fostering of understanding, collaboration, and respect. The organization aims to provide adaptive, trans-culturally responsive, compassionate programs and services to support youth, individuals, families, and communities addressing grief, loss, and trauma.

Their services focus on various objectives including education and training through a mutual peer support model to manage grief and loss related to gun violence, identifying individual needs and executing plans, training service providers, supporting prevention efforts, and establishing referral services and support networks. 

OOB provides gun violence support programs, social groups, prevention and awareness-based education, mentorship, employment and life skills training, recreational activities, and community and counselling services. Their Annual Interfaith Remembrance which is offered on the 1st Saturday in December, will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, at 45 Norfinch Drive. This event accommodates any type of grief, and is offered free to the community and the GTA.

Volunteering and participating in workshops, seminars, and programs to deepen understanding around gun-based violence and trauma increases awareness of these issues, their organization, and its initiatives. Donations are extremely helpful and directly support Grief Support Services and Training in our community.  

For more information, visit outofboundsjf.org.

The Firgrove-Grassways Community: History and future of “Connections” come together in community gathering

BY: Miwako Chang

Firgrove-Grassways is a tight-knit community, home to families since the 1970s. Over 5 years ago, many of those families were uprooted when part of the complex was deemed uninhabitable due to the disrepair of the buildings. Those families had to be reallocated in a rush, and an effort was started to rebuild the community. With the demolition of all the buildings now completed, a revitalization project has the main objective of working to put this community back together. On Saturday, October 1st, an important step was taken to ensure that the history of "Connections" is not lost to time." Revitalization efforts are working to provide this community with resources to ensure its success for years to come while reflecting on the neighbourhood's roots and its progress and impact to date. 

In 2021, Toronto Community Housing (TCH) began revitalization for the Firgrove-Grassways community. The initiative was guided by the new approval framework for TCHC revitalization. The revised process includes City Council approval of the Initial Development Proposal report and the submission of a planning application. The Firgrove Revitalization Plan was approved by City Council and is awaiting approval on their planning application after submission in March 2020. The initiative's development plan is established and approved, with the project awaiting federal funding.

Longtime community member Lennox Holdfort moved into the Firgrove-Grassways Community with his parents in the 1970s and lived and worked there for years. Since then, he has been proud to call this his home. He was in the hospital when he found out about the demolition. He spoke with various organizations and Anthony Perruzza, with whom he expressed his concerns. Councillor Perruzza connected him to various resources and organizations within the city to give the Firgrove community to pay tribute to the place they had called home. “This is for the residents. This is for us”, he says.

On October 1, the Tribute to Firgrove Connection Grassways event was held. Gathered on the community’s basketball court were residents of all ages enjoying the company of their neighbours with music, entertainment, and featured speakers.

“This event held so much weight for myself and our community because it marked the celebration of history, heritage, and culture.”, says Venesha Cardwell, a key organizer for the event. “Watching former residents reconnect and hearing their stories decades later brought life to the space and displayed the family culture that continues to exist here.”

The Firgrove Immersive Media Project is a community-run project that features a collection of stories, memories, and experiences within the community delivered through audio, video, and images. This interactive online media experience, viewable with VR technology, enables participants to move to various spots within the community. As individuals explore the community, they have an opportunity to interact with one another through the platform’s voice and chat features. Explore the project at hubs.mozilla.com/cmX726h.

Completing the revitalization efforts will bring new, quality infrastructure to the community, with resources including a community center, daycare, park, pool, green space, and more. This initiative has a mixed-income vision, with the reconstruction of all 236 rent-to-income replacement units, in addition to the construction of up to 600 market-rate homes. Prior residents will be given priority after re-development.

Lorraine Anderson, the Executive Director for the Firgrove Learning and Innovation Community Center says that her team, in partnership with other organizations, will continue “to work together to create homeownership, expand employment and educational opportunities for the community.”

Tenants are encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback regarding the project by reaching out to Revitalization staff, Marveh Farhoodi and Will Mendes and visiting the Revitalization office located on 22 Needle Firway. Generations of families and their communities have and continue to call Firgrove-Grassways their home. The revitalization initiative will bring quality resources to the community to ensure the maintenance of the rich culture and deep bonds for decades to come.

Next stop, Sentinel Road

BY: peter nguyen

"Next stop, Sentinel Rd" is what we will hear soon as we leave Finch West station on the new Finch West Light Rail Train (LRT). It is on track to connect the North West part of Toronto in 2023, pun intended. 

Toronto's new line 6 is an LRT connection starting at Line 1 Finch West station and ending at Humber College North campus. 

The new LRT will open up new public transit travel options for the constituents of North West Toronto. Theoretically, but in practice, a year from now, if a student from the dynamic community at Jane and Finch wanted to get to their 8 am lecture at Humber College, they’ll be able to get there with a more comfortable and reliable option: the Finch West LRT. The advantage of the Finch West LRT is that it is on rails in its own dedicated lanes. This allows the LRT to bypass all the traffic on Finch smoothly. The Finch West LRT line will replace the current route 36 bus, one of Toronto's most congested bus routes. 

Finch Avenue West is a roadway that acts as an exit/entrance to Highway 400. This means that in any given part of the day, Finch Ave is consistently packed with cars and busses full of people and large trucks, especially during rush hour. Traffic jams are bound to happen. The LRT being able to cruise past traffic jams means people can be transported to and from their destinations quicker. When people see that the LRT is reliable, it allows them the option to leave their car at home and take public transportation. 

By having reliable public transportation via the Finch West LRT, residents can leave their cars at home and switch to public amenitites. As a result, traffic can be reduced along with CO2 emissions.

Downsview recognizes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

BY: rida shah

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is an international observance celebrated annually on October 17 to bring awareness of the persistent poverty many individuals face daily. By working to understand and commit to social justice, and peaceful practices, it becomes essential to assess how individuals living in poverty endure many hardships and experience discrimination that affects their overall well-being and dignity within society. The Downsview community sees various families of various socioeconomic backgrounds, including low-income families. 

The Downsview community firmly establishes a mission through organizations such as the Downsview Youth Covenant and The Rhema Foundation Canada. The Downsview Youth Covenant is a charitable organization that provides families and youth with resources and support to address their needs. This safe space allows those impoverished to learn new sports, recreational activities, and artistic forms of expression to eradicate poverty.

Similarly, The Rhema Foundation Canada has established a community kitchen within the Downsview community called The Vision. This community kitchen accommodates individuals to have a food hub and safe space where education on food and nutrition literacy is provided for vulnerable community members that lack resources regarding food security and impoverishment.

Additionally, organizations such as Kitchen24, located at 100 Marmora St #200, North York, have serviced over 40 community organizations and have provided over 30,000 meals to those in need. There are many vulnerable residents throughout Toronto and surrounding areas that have lost access to social services and basic necessities due to COVID-19. Kitchen 24 wants to be part of the solution by using its space, volunteers and resources to bring food to those who need it most.

These resources are present to help advance the success of youth and adults. As a community, we need to recognize the importance of creating meaningful employment and interactive activities within the community for those who need support. It is crucial to remember that the international day for eradicating poverty allows us to evaluate our contributions to the Downsview community internationally. By allocating resources and supporting the impoverished by providing them with more accessible resources, we can work towards forming a stronger community. We must continue to recognize this observance and act as allies to find ways to eradicate poverty and affirm our mission to help those struggling within our communities.

Meet the Catholic School Board Trustee Candidates For Humber River-Black Creek

BY: zaara mazzuca

The municipal election is here! The Downsview Advocate is sharing a candidates profile of the Catholic School Board (TCDSB) candidates for residents. 

Gregory Rodriguez 

Gregory Rodriguez was born in North York. He is a certified coach/instructor by the Ontario Coaches Association of Hockey as well as MMA soccer. Aside from politics, Gregory is a close protection specialist, security consultant/operator licensed by the province of Ontario governed by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. He believes in working together to achieve the same goal of living in peace and harmony. 

Gregory has volunteer experience with many programs, such as the Out of the Cold program as an on-site volunteer coordinator during the winter at St Bridget’s feed. He has also worked on providing safe shelter for the homeless by working with the Canadian Red Cross in 2013 during the ice storm, as well as volunteering with St. John’s Ambulance and TPS. Gregory also ran for Ward 20 TDSB Trustee in 2018.

As a trustee, his focus is being accessible and visible to the people of the community, as well as updating schools. Gregory wishes to secure funding for schools needing renovations to make them self-sufficient and eco-friendly. 

Gregory believes in bringing the community together and working to fix the schools to make it safer and run more efficiently for both the students and staff of the Toronto District Catholic School Board. For these reasons, Gregory Rodriguez is running for Toronto District Catholic School Board trustee, and wants your support on October 24, 2022. 

Ida Li Preti

Ida Li Preti was born and raised in Humber River-Black Creek, and has advocated for the community since she was elected in 2018. Ida is seeking re-election with the Toronto Catholic School Board for Humber River-Black Creek. Ida graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major of political science and history, and a minor in French. Ida believes that “At the heart of being a Catholic school board trustee is working collaboratively with families, schools and parishes to preserve Catholic education while striving for academic excellence.”

In the community, She has worked with multiple groups and has been endorsed by many such as Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education and Working Against Violence Everyday. Ida has also been endorsed by TECT (Toronto Elementary Catholic Teachers). She works in partnership with community resource officers from 31 Division.

Ida plans to continue to support, advocate and protect the well-being of all students, staff, families, and the community as a whole. Her commitments for the next 4 years is to continue working to grow parent and community engagement and introduce skilled trades into our secondary schools. Ida is asking for your support by voting for her on Election Day, October 24, 2022.