Humans of Downsview: Pastor Bill Sunberg, community hero

January 17, 2022 Komal Biala

Downsview community member youth volunteers and workers partaking in the weekly food bank. Photo credit: Pastor Bill Sunberg

A man, a father and an inspiration to many, Pastor Bill Sunberg. Pastor Bill Sunberg has been a Pastor of the Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene located on 1875 Sheppard Ave W, North York, ON M3L 1Y6 since January 1, 2005. He has worked as a Pastor in Nova Scotia for ten years and has worked in Vancouver for four years. Pastor Bill grew up in the United States of America but has lived most of his life in Canada and says that this is where he belongs. It is where his heart is.

Financial relief: a new property tax subclass for small businesses

January 13, 2022 Jessica Pointon

COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented impacts on many companies and stores, especially small businesses. On November 9, 2021, City Council approved a 15 percent reduction in the property tax rate for small businesses through a new property tax subclass. This tax relief effort is widely viewed as a step in the right direction to make taxation fairer in our pandemic recovery.

Letters to the Editor - Truth and Reconciliation in Canada - Part 3

January 11, 2022 Sheri Alcordo's Grade 7-8 Class

A series by Sheri Alcordo’s Grade 7-8 class at Gulfstream Public School.

Dear Editor,

Greetings, I am a grade ⅞ student from the Toronto School. I am writing to share my opinion about Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th.

I am writing to you to talk about the things that were going on in the residential schools. In my opinion, I think us, all students, should have an assembly of Truth and reconciliation to show how bad it was for the Indigenous students getting bullied, being treated unfairly, and being hated on for what identity they were

No deal yet for parent's waiting for better childcare in Ontario

January 10, 2022 Matias de Doviitis

Doug Ford's Conservatives have commercials out saying that "We are the party saying yes"

While that may be true for big capital projects that help the development industry, it has not been the case with the education file. Ontario is last in working out a deal to develop a more affordable child care system with the Federal government.

Volunteers uplift Jane and Finch: celebrating International Volunteer Day

December 23, 2021 Zaara Mazzuca

Youth Council Members discussing advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Photo credit: Amanpreet Chonkrian

Volunteering is an activity that is seen not just in Canada, but all over the world. Teenagers, young adults, and people of other age groups volunteer all the time. Whether it’s for high school volunteer hours or just an activity, there are always people contributing to their community through volunteer work.

Celebrate the Holidays with Black Creek Pioneer Village and Fresh City Farms!

December 22, 2021 Miwako Chang

Photo credit: Amanda (lifeatcloverhill.com)

With the last two of our holiday seasons spent cooped up in our houses with our pajamas, there has never been a better opportunity to reunite with friends and family (safely, of course)! From sipping candy-cane hot chocolate to that amazing family dinner, the holidays are a great time to rest and recharge from the stress of everyday life. Here are some fun activities happening in Downsview this holiday season.

Letters to the Editor - Truth and Reconciliation in Canada - Part 2

December 22, 2021 Sheri Alcordo's Grade 7-8 Class

Dear Editor,

Good morning, I'm a Toronto Grade 7 student in Mrs. Alcordo’s Class at Gulfstream PS. I'm going to talk about Truth and Reconciliation Day today. You might wonder, "What is Truth and Reconciliation Day?" It's a day to honour the Indigenous children who have passed, survivors of the residential school system, as well as their families and communities.

Letters to the Editor - Truth and Reconciliation in Canada - Part 1

December 21, 2021 Sheri Alcordo's Grade 7-8 Class

Today, youth in public schools are learning the relevance of student voice. That is, having the opportunity to view perspectives using different lenses about social justice issues, have dialogue, reflect and then think of ways to impact a larger audience to take action. Award winning teacher, Sheri Alcordo makes a point of providing learning opportunities for her students to be empowered and engage in cross curricular, culturally relevant and inclusive learning, in this case, letter writing, for an intentional purpose.

Holiday season is upon us – let’s spread joy & shop local

December 20, 2021 Krystal Grover

Montevideo Bakery & Café. Photo credit: Montevideo staff

The impact of the pandemic has been detrimental for nearly everyone and anything but has truly honed down on small businesses. That’s why this year, it is especially important for us to get out there and shop from small businesses, just in time for the holiday season!

Share your vision for the future of the Jane Finch Mall site on December 14

December 7, 2021 jfm+

Can’t join? Visit the jfm+ Community Engagement Space at Jane Finch Mall, located across from Shoppers Drug Mart, to learn more. Photo credit: jfm+

With the arrival of the Finch West LRT, our community is already growing and changing in new ways, including new development. The owners of Jane Finch Mall recognize the mall’s significance in the community and have created jfm+ to start the process of planning for the future of the Jane Finch Mall site.