Community Newsletter: July 14, 2023

Neighbour --

On Wednesday, I was pleased to attend the inauguration of Mayor Olivia Chow—the 66th Mayor of Toronto, and 5th Mayor of the amalgamated city. If you missed it, you can watch a recording of the ceremony online. 

I know many people in Davenport are concerned about the emergency need for shelter and housing for refugees and people seeking asylum. An increasing number of people who are new to Canada are stuck with no safe place to go, as shelters are full and there is no affordable housing available. 

The federal government owes Toronto $97 million in funding for programs for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as $60 million in additional funding for our emergency shelter system. Without this funding, people are unable to access shelters and supports they desperately need. Each night, an average of 200 people are turned away from shelters that are over capacity, and refugees, who have faced tremendous hurdles to arrive here, are forced to sleep in community centres, on couches, and on the street. 

The Federal government can meet its obligation to refugees and people seeking asylum by providing dedicated shelter and housing funding. We also need all levels of government to support and build capacity in non-profit organizations and agencies that provide services to refugees and asylum seekers.

Earlier this week, I helped convene a meeting of refugee-serving organizations, advocates, and health experts with Mayor Olivia Chow, to discuss what they’ve seen on the ground and the urgent crisis at hand. Today that coalition held a press conference to reinforce the urgency of this crisis and call on the federal and provincial governments to meet their obligations to refugees and asylum seekers. This afternoon, an emergency meeting was held at the request of the City between staff from all three levels of government to discuss a response. 

I’m glad that Mayor Chow is prioritizing this crisis and getting officials to the table. The voice of advocates, community groups and refugees is and continues to be critical to the federal government recognizing the scale of this emergency. 

If you haven’t already, please sign the petition to send a message calling for urgent action on this emergency to the federal government. 

You can find updates on local projects, upcoming events, and more below. 

Sincerely,

Alejandra Bravo
City Councillor, Ward 9
Davenport

In this edition

• Sunday: Community Environment Day at Loretto College School
• The Stop's 40th Anniversary
• Metrolinx: Wade Avenue Partial Closure
• Sun Safety
• Dufferin Grove Drop-in Play and Pizza
• Booth at BIG on Bloor Festival
• Community Events
• In the community
• Other updates

Sunday: Community Environment Day at Loretto College School

The Stop's 40th Anniversary

I was pleased to join The Stop to celebrate their 40th Anniversary and share about the impact I've seen them have across our community. Both as a frontline service organization, and as a powerful force for change, The Stop is dedicated to building a better city where people have access to food as a right. 

Watch the full video that features interviews with myself, Executive Director Shae London, Board Member Kevin Yu, and volunteers Anna, Maria, and Rosalee. 

Metrolinx: Wade Avenue Partial Closure

Sun Safety

The City of Toronto has partnered with David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, Douglas Wright Foundation and Shoppers Drug Mart to deliver the 7th annual #BeSunSafeprogram this summer.

The #BeSunSafe program aims to help prevent skin cancer by providing park users sunscreen and an opportunity to take a break in the shade to people enjoying some of Toronto’s parks. Protecting skin from the sun is the best way to prevent skin cancer.

#BeSunSafe touchless sunscreen dispensers are now available at 65 waterfront park locations, from Marie Curtis Park in the west to Bluffers Park in the east and High Park, the City’s largest park.

Founding partners the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, the Douglas Wright Foundation and four-time sponsor Shoppers Drug Mart are covering all costs. The charities will maintain and stock dispensers across Toronto while the City provides administrative support and site access.

Sunscreen provided in the #BeSunSafe dispensers is SPF 30, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), PABA-free, paraben-free, scent-free and mineral-based. The campaign reminds park users:

• Apply sunscreen every two hours
• Reapply after swimming or sweating
• No sunscreen provides 100 per cent protection
• Use sunscreen with other sun protection measures such as limiting time in the sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen may be used on babies older than six months

Dufferin Grove Drop-In Play and Pizza

Booth at BIG on Bloor Festival

Visit our booth at this weekend's BIG on Bloor Festival! We'll be outside our Community Office located at 1240 Bloor Street West. Come say 'hi'!

Community Events

Other updates

• Mayor Olivia Chow takes office as Mayor of Toronto
• Automated Speed Enforcement data highlight significant speed reduction impact
• City of Toronto officially launches new ‘Toronto For All’ Anti-Islamophobia Campaign to celebrate acceptance without exceptions
• City of Toronto partners with PetSmart Charities of Canada™ to support Indigenous pet owners