Take Back the Night: Fight Against Sexual Violence and Violence

September 16, 2021 Zaara Mazzuca

Take Back The Night march in Toronto, 1985. Photo credit: Toronto Public Library

It is no surprise that mental health is becoming a growing concern within our society today - whether that be because of the rise of more people struggling to maintain their mental health or simply the stigmatic barriers around this once taboo topic breaking down. Additionally, it is no hidden truth that with COVID-19, lockdowns, the unknown future and social cut-offs, the mental health of individuals from all communities is more at peril than ever before.

You Are Not Alone; World Suicide Prevention Day – Mental Health, COVID, and the Downsview Community

September 10, 2021 Krystal Grover

World Suicide Prevention Day Theme from the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Photo credit: https://www.iasp.info/2021/04/15/world-suicide-prevention-day-new-theme/

Transitioning Back to In-Person Learning at YorkU

September 8, 2021 Farzana Rohit

York University Student Farzana Rohit. Photo credit: Farzana Rohit

In March 2020, York University closed its doors for in-person learning and students had no choice but to shift to remote learning. It was an adjustment for all, and we had to overcome obstacles created by remote learning. However, as of September 2021, York University will be opening its doors for on-campus learning and students will now be able to return to their classrooms.

Community Coalition Launches Campaign for Community Benefits at Downsview Park

August 28, 2021 Kumsa Baker

TCBN celebrates community benefits on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project with new construction apprentices, unions and community groups. Photo credit: Toronto Community Benefits Network

Downsview Park is currently in the planning stage for a large mixed-use neighbourhood which will see proposals to develop new housing, retail, commercial, institutional and/or community uses on the site. The combined site is estimated at 520 acres which is roughly the size of Toronto's downtown core area. These developments and projects like the recently announced Netflix film studios will lead to many changes at Downsview Park and the surrounding area for years and decades to come. One community group based in the local area is seeking to raise a key question - how does the community benefit from all of these new investments and developments?

Youth in the Downsview Community Now Have Access to an Incredible Opportunity That Can Amplify Their Voices

August 24, 2021 Farzana Rohit

The City of Toronto Ward 7 Youth Council.

Youth in the Downsview Community now have access to an incredible opportunity that can amplify their voices.

Amid a pandemic, Amanpreet Chonkrian decided that there needed to be a platform for youth to voice their concerns related to their city. There needed to be a council for youth in our community, and Amanpreet turned that dream into a reality.

Student Trustee Experience Amidst a Pandemic

August 23, 2021 Keith Andre Baybayon

Photo of Keith Baybayon, Student Trustee of Toronto Catholic District School Board

The role of a Student Trustee is to advocate for the students within a respective school board and voice their thoughts, opinions and concerns. It is not an easy task that one can breeze through without facing obstacles along the way, trust me, I know it all too well.

Downsview to Introduce New World-Class Television and Film Production Facility

August 17, 2021 Nasifa Sadaf Naser

Overview of the Downsview airport lands.Photo credit: id8 Downsview

Northcrest is pleased to announce that PSP Investments (PSP) and Hackman Capital Partners (HCP) have inked an agreement that will see Downsview become home to a new world-class television and film production facility. HCP will invest at least CAD$200 million through its subsidiary Manhattan Beach Studios to create about 1 million square feet of sound stages beginning in 2022, producing at least 2,500 new full-time, well-paying employment.

Black Creek Community Health Centre Vaccine Roll-out

August 6, 2021 Muna Xassan

Volunteering with Black Creek Community Health Centre at clinic. Photo credit: Muna Xassan

As Ontario enters phase 2, Black Creek Community Health Centre continues to strive to get everyone in the community vaccinated. Black Creek Community Health Centre has opened multiple pop-up clinics throughout the Humber-River Black Creek communities ensuring that Downsview residents get their vaccine.

Prom During a Pandemic

August 4, 2021 Charlene Jose

Photo of Jezebel Melo-Centanni and Charlene Jose. Photo credit: Arissa Masi

All high school graduates had to deal with the disappointing and unfulfilling final year of high school. Almost all local schools chose to keep their graduations virtual, and none of the schools are hosting a prom. Fortunately, the students are coming up with creative ways to host their own prom–one way is throwing a backyard prom.

The Bloom Red Project and Anthony Perruzza’s Office Hold a Period Product Donation Drive to Fight Period Poverty in Downsview Community

July 19, 2021 Krystal Grover

Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Modi, Krystal Grover, Tanvi Balasubramanian and Ayesha Khan at the donation drive booth. Photo credit: Sinthura Chandramohan

What was once forecasted as a rainy and gloomy day took a turn for the better and resulted in the raising of many menstrual products and a significant community impact. The Bloom Red Project, in collaboration with Anthony Perruzza’s office, held a menstrual product donation drive for the Downsview community. Krystal Grover, the co-founder of The Bloom Red Project, and Ayesha Khan, the Councillor’s Outreach Staff and Aide, organized this event, coordinating volunteers, donation drop-offs, logistics and everything in between.