Gord Perks City Councillor, Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park

Mutual Aid Parkdale is a neighbourhood group organized on the core principle of practicing solidarity in times of crisis. In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been safely reaching out to hundreds of neighbours and checking in on them to see what material and social support they need by sharing what they have, purchasing and delivering food and medicine, and providing emotional and mental health support. They are building trust, care, and commitment with zero judgement. To support this effort, they have set up an online donation portal for their Solidarity Fund which will help them purchase basic necessities for the community. Learn more about their story here.

This weekend, Federation of Metro Tenant Association (FMTA) is leading housing workshops: To receive invitations to join them, you’ll need to register by emailing the FMTA at: totenantschool@torontotenants.org

1. 1. TCHC TENANTS AND COVID-19 (Saturday May 16)
   2. ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE: BUILDING TENANT POWER DURING AND AFTER COVID-19 (Sunday May 17)

If you are behind on rent or need help paying first and last month, access the City funded Rent Bank Program which provides free loans to eligible tenants in Toronto. For more information, please call 416-397-7368 from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or visit http://www.torontorentbank.ca/

Community Environment Days are held every year from April to September to help reduce the amount of reusable, recyclable or household hazardous waste going into landfill.

Solid Waste Management Services Staff have advised our office that all Community Environment Day events for the month of May and June have been cancelled amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. This decision is being made based on the announcement from Mayor Tory, with the advice from the Chief Medical Officer, to cancel all major events until at least June 30th. Staff will re-assess scheduled events after June 30th as more information on COVID-19 situation becomes available.

Furthermore, any compost request deliveries for the month of May and June will also be cancelled to exercise appropriate social distancing.

Friends of Heritage York @ Lambton House/Tavern,

To continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Heritage York @ Lambton House/Tavern will EXTEND the temporary closure of Lambton House/Tavern.  In keeping with the City of Toronto decision on its public spaces, we will remain closed to the public until the City reopens its cultural sites.

We regret the impact this decision has on individuals, families and groups who enjoy our events.  We continue to believe that this extended closure is in the best interests of all the communities we serve.

As always, for up-to-date information on public access to Lambton House, please check our office voice mail 416-767-5472, our website www.lambtonhouse.org, our on-site notice board and on our social media accounts Twitter @LambtonHouse and FaceBook.

We will send a Notice to let you know our re-opening date and a Notice of Up-Coming Events as soon as we know these dates.  Events will also be posted in our on-site Notice Board.

Thank-you for your understanding and for now, keep your distance, enjoy your time with family and friends through various social media and be safe.

We wish you, your families and friends good health.

Heritage York @
Lambton House/Tavern
4066 Old Dundas Street, York, Ontario M6S 2R6
416-767-5472(O)  admin@lambtonhouse.org  www.lambtonhouse.org

Update – This event is postponed until further notice.

Join your elected representatives from all 3 levels of government and various Parkdale-High Park environmental groups on April 6, 2020 at 20 West Lodge (May Robinson Apartments Auditorium). We will work together to design a community action plan to address the climate crisis. Light refreshments will be available (please bring your own cups). Doors open at 6:30pm

Youth Paint Parkdale is a free visual arts learning program for local youth (14-19) during the March break. The program will run Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, 12-4pm.

Participants will learn basic art, design and mural-making skills from professional artists, gaining the skill and confidence to participate in public art projects in their communities. To register or for more information, visit https://muralroutes.ca/youthpaintparkdale2020/

Calling all community leaders interested in helping Toronto’s urban forest! 

Are you passionate about helping trees thrive in your neighbourhood?
Interested in having some help engaging the community in your tree initiative?

LEAF is looking for community partners to collaborate with our Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) program. YUFL participants will work closely with a community leader over a five-month period (May to September) to host outreach events, plant native species, deliver community events, and educate the community on the importance of native plants for urban wildlife.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5 April ⋅ 11:59 PM

Join LEAF for the YUFL Information Session on Thursday, March 12th (6:30 PM to 8:00 PM). Register for the event HERE.

Have a TREEmendous day!

Swansea Town Hall is seeking enthusiastic individuals who want to help improve the community centre by serving on the Board of Management. !

Please follow these links for more information. Apply online through the City of Toronto or drop by the Town Hall to pick up an application package:
LINK TO OUR >> Printable Application and Information package
LINK TO >> Apply Online – City of Toronto Public Appointments

They are seeking applicants who:

• Have an understanding of and commitment to the neighbourhood and community within the Swansea catchment area;
• Reflect the cultural and social diversity of the community;
• Will conscientiously contribute their time and energy;
• Bring integrity, dependability, skills and fresh ideas to the Board and its committees;
• Have knowledge and understanding of community and public service;
• Are team players who possess good communication and decision making skills and
• Are expected to serve on Board committees dealing with matters such as governance, finance, community engagement, human resources and venue management.

The deadline for applications is Monday March 16th, 2020 at 12:00 noon. If you are not submitting your application online with the City portal or do not have access to a computer, hard copies of the application form will be available at the front desk during regular opening hours. Swansea Town Hall is located at 95 Lavinia Avenue; Toronto, ON M6S 3H9. Please submit your application to the attention of the Nominating Committee, Swansea Town Hall, at the above address or email it to app@swanseatownhall.ca.  

Parkdale Golden Age Foundation is hosting a Parkdale Seniors Information and Active Living Fair. This is on March 12, 2020 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre (220 Cowan Ave.). There will be mini presentations on preparing for tax season, protection from fraud and coping with Alzheimer’s. Blood pressure and hearing screening will be taking place in addition to dance and tai chi demonstrations.