Maria
AUGIMERI

Downsview: Toronto’s next ‘it’ neighbourhood?
I had the pleasure of having a conversation with the Toronto Star’s Tess Kalinowski whose feature on Downsview this past weekend helped capture a lot of the questions surrounding Downsview’s future, competing visions, what is at stake, and what I have been fighting for for over two decades. Read the article in full here.

Downsview’s Brand New Community Centre
The Ontario Government released its budget last week. Digging deep down, on page 272, I found this section about the future of our new community centre.

• “For the Community, Culture and Recreation Stream, the Province will work with municipalities and not‐for‐profits to identify projects that could be nominated for federal funding, such as the Bridletowne Neighbourhood Hub in Scarborough, William Baker Neighbourhood Community Centre in Downsview and Lawrence Heights Community Centre in Toronto.”

While far from a done deal, the above included detail brings us one-step closer to getting a new community centre in Downsview.

Check out the whole budget here.

Need Your Help to Plant a Tree in Downsview Dells!
Come out to plant trees and shrubs in beautiful Downsview Dells Park. Follow signs to the meeting location at the bottom of the trail from Giltspur Dr, near the westernmost parking lot of Downsview Dells Park. This is an initiative led by Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation.

Saturday May 5
10:00am to 12:00pm.
Click here for the meeting location.
Click here for more info. 

Roding Park Upgrades
Parks staff publicly rolled out some of the new upgrades soon coming to Roding Park. The features will encourage better activity and animated uses in the park. Below is an overview and you can also click here for a more detailed look.

Join 32 Division’s Community Police Liaison Committee
If you live in the Anthony Road or Ancaster community, and would like to be closer involved in police-community activity and relations you’re encouraged to join 32 Division’s Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).  Community Police Liaison Committees (CPLC) are made up of community volunteers and police service representatives from the local division’s geographic area. Each committee is inclusive to reflect the demographics of the local community. The 32 Division CPLC meets at least once a month. If you are interested in joining, please contact my office.

Police Are Hiring Youth This Summer
Youth In Policing Initiative is a partnership with the Toronto Police Services Board, the Toronto Police Service, and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to hire 150 youth for the summer.

In order to be eligible for the program, youth:

• Must be a student between the ages of 15 and 18 years;
• Must not have any criminal charges pending before the court;
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada;
• Must be attending school; and
• Must not have previously participated in any YIPI program

Find out more info and apply now!

Help Keep Downsview Clean This Spring
Toronto’s Spring Clean Up program is on and we need your help. Until April 29, 2018, crews will be going out to clean Toronto together with residents and BIAs. You can help keep Toronto clean by joining one of the crews. Click here for more info and schedules!

Downsview’s Easter Egg Hunt
Downsview Held its annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Anthony Road Neighbourhood. Activities included arts, crafts, and even a pet show. Thank you to Aptus and the Mossie moms for helping organize this wonderful event. Check out some of the pics here.

Tumpane Public School Plans Our Future
Congrats to Mr. Smikle and his Grade 1/2 class at Tumpane Public School on their amazing planning project! Thank you to Toronto Planning, Mr. Smikle and Denise Ivis for their dedicated work. The future of this City is in good hands. Check out the projects here.

Inorganic Market – Dispose of Your E-Waste For Free
Toronto Public Library has partnered with ADL Recycling to conduct an electronic waste collection day.  It will take place from 10am-2pm on May 26 at Downsview Library (2793 Keele Street). Bring your old TVs, computers, phones and any electronics for safe disposal.

Jane & Finch Summer Music Camps!
Regent Park School of Music is hosting 4 weeks of music camps for children 6-13 years of age. Camps run July 9th-August 3rd at York University. All camps are subsidized and cost only $20/ week. We hope that you will join us for a summer filled with music making, recreation, new friends, special guests, and field trips!
See poster below for details or visit http://rpmusic.org/

How Would YOU Rule Toronto?
If I Ruled TO is an annual free youth conference where youth are asked to share ideas and solutions about issues impacting youth in Toronto. The event includes a series of workshops, entertainment, and prizes.  This event is a highlight of Youth Week Toronto which takes place annually from May 1st – 7th.

If I Ruled TO
Saturday May 5th, 2018
11am-5pm
100 Queen St West, Toronto City Hall
Ages: 16-29
Click the EventBrite link below for more info.
https://ifiruledto2018.eventbrite.ca

Know of an Organization That Needs Computers?
Renewed Computer Technology of Ontario is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides renewed, basic computers FREE to not-for-profit or charitable organizations such as Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto.

If you know of any low-income groups or individuals in need of renewed computers, please contact them  directly at 416-646-5753 or via email at JBedeau@rcto.ca

Discounted TTC Pass Now Available for Disabled and Low-Income Individuals
The TTC Now offers a discount pass for eligible riders who are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) assistance who are not in receipt of any transportation supports equal to or greater than $100. I have been fighting for a low-income pass for the TTC for years. It is good to see the TTC finally adopting this policy.

To learn more, please check out this website.

Downsview Library Programs Update
Always a lot going on at Downsview Library.
Click here for a full listing of programs and activities.

Jane Sheppard Library Program Update
The library at Jane-Sheppard also hosts a range of programs and activities for everyone’s tastes.
Click here for a full listing of programs and activities.

-Maria