Dear Green Neighbours
Green 11 is a volunteer driven community group. If there is a green initiative that you are interested in starting and recruiting volunteers for, please get in touch with us and we will see how we can support you. If you are wondering if people in Ward 11 are working on a particular green project, get in touch with us and we might be able to point you in the right direction.
Green 11 Volunteer Opportunity
Green 11 is seeking a friendly, energetic, creative and detail-oriented Social Media Moderator and Content Creator
Volunteer Position Description:
This role includes the creation of timely and appropriate content for Green 11’s social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Social Media Moderator and Content Creator will also analyze, review and report on the effectiveness of Green 11’s posts and pages.
Volunteer Tasks:
● Update the Green 11 Facebook page and Facebook group, including creating the rules to be followed by its members.
● Create content and moderate the comments from the Green 11 Facebook page and Facebook group.
● Publish, share and/or re-tweet green-related posts or events organized by Green 11.
● Post relevant green articles and news on Green 11 social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (coming soon).
● Analyze and report on the effectiveness of the posts.
● Time commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
Preferred Skills
● Experience as a content creator and moderator
● Expertise in a variety of social media platforms
● Strong written and verbal communications skills.
● Solid interpersonal and teamwork skills.
● Understanding of social media metrics; able to interpret results and take action to increase effectiveness of posts.
● Knowledge about environmental issues.
● Preference is for a 6 – 12 month commitment
Orientation and ongoing support will be provided to the Social Media Moderator and Content Creator by Green 11 members throughout the entire duration of volunteer work. The Communications Support Volunteer is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys engaging with social media platforms and is interested in learning more, keeping informed, and spreading the word about green events, activities and initiatives happening in Ward 11 and the City of Toronto. Please contact greenward11@gmail.com if you are interested in finding out more about this volunteer position.
Calls to Action
Act Now to Ensure the Vista Coal Mine Undergoes Environmental Assessment
In Alberta coal is still the leading source of electricity, even as Canada is committed to phasing out coal. Next week, Alberta Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson will make a decision on whether the massive Vista project requires an environmental assessment. Allowing the project to go ahead without oversight would go against the Liberal government’s climate plan and Minister Wilkinson’s own promise to phase out coal. If you believe there must be a federal environmental assessment you can send a letter to Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
Read a background article here: thenarwhal.ca/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-vista-mine-albertas-thermal-coal-project-that-sidestepped-a-federal-review/
Request a federal environmental assessment here: support.ecojustice.ca/page/61881/action/1 or via Stand.Earth: act.stand.earth/page/20605/action/1
Ask the Federal Finance Committee for a Green and Just Recovery
If Canada is to have a Green & Just Recovery, we have until August 7 to tell the federal government’s Finance Committee that we want it funded in the next budget. Last year Babies for Climate Action brought their kids into city hall during a climate debate to remind councillors what they are fighting for (and to liven things up a bit). Now For Our Kids is facilitating submissions from children to fight at the federal level. You can find on how to help your kids make a written submission to the Standing Committee on Finance here: forourkids.ca/july_2020 Deadline for submissions is Aug. 7th 2020
You can visit the Standing Committee on Finance website and participate in the Federal Pre-Budget Consultation in Advance of the 2021 Budget here: ourcommons.ca/Committees/en/FINA/StudyActivity?studyActivityId=10877390
Legislative Petition for Carbon Pricing – open till Aug 18
Did you know that you are paying a price on carbon now – and that the price is returned to you in a dividend, in your taxes, with 80% of us receiving more back than we paid out? The carbon price is a proven approach to transitioning from reliance on fossil fuels to renewables and conservation, however to reach its potential to help meet our GHG reduction target the price needs to rise. The price will be $50 per tonne in 2022 and economists say it needs to rise to $210 per tonne by 2030. Read more about how to support this initiative here: petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-2542
Read more here: https://ecofiscal.ca/ and watch this short video on how the carbon price works youtube.com/watch?v=jsyocXkPiTU
Green Online Events and Webinars
Fridays for Future Weekly Climate Strikes
Fridays, 11 a.m. – noon
Live Streamed webinars with different speakers led by youth.
youtube.com/channel/UCJ1nFFdZbUo6cAr2jV3X0_g
National Day of Action: No New Fighter Jets, Strike for Climate
Friday, July 24, 12pm-1pm
For University Rosedale: Outside Deputy Prime Minister & MP Chrystia Freeland’s Constituency Office, 344 Bloor Street West
Join World Beyond War and Canadian Voice of Women for Peace for a National Day of Action on Friday, July 24 to demand that the Canadian federal government cancel the $19 billion competition for 88 new fighter jets and instead invest in a just recovery and a green new deal. This fighter jet procurement is the second most expensive government program in Canadian history. At the end of this month, the bids are due from the defence contractors. Participants across the country will attend demonstrations outside their MPs’ offices. Be sure to wear a mask and respect physical distancing while protesting. Actions include:
- Bringing signs and take photos! Share your photos on social media using the hashtags #NoNewFighterJets and #ClimatePeace
- Emailing photos to info@vowpeace.org and we will compile the photos from across the country.
- Delivering / mailing a letter to your MP
University Rosedale action contact: Emma McKay (emma.m.mckay@gmail.com), Canadian Voice of Women for Peace. More info here: tcan.ca/events-list/national-day-of-action-no-new-fighter-jets-strike-for-climate
Ravines and Resilience - Toronto’s Ravines and Climate Change
Monday, July 27th, 7:00pm
Our city and our ravines were shaped by past extreme weather events, and looking ahead, our ravines can help us be more climate-resilient, if we protect them. Join the City of Toronto's Senior Environmental Specialist, David MacLeod to learn what our city is doing to manage future risks, and grassroots organization Carbon Conversations TO with an exercise to ignite your personal motivations for climate action and get you engaged in solutions right at home and while visiting your local ravine. Register via Zoom us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYud-CorjwqGdfqzI72lkbrrt90ZmxLUDoK
Summer Political Engagement Training Series
Progress Toronto is offering 6 free trainings and workshops for their 2020 Summer Training Series! These trainings are a chance to level up your skills, learn how to take action and change how decisions are made in our city. You can sign up for any session and all workshops are free. Upcoming this month:
#4 City Hall 101
Tuesday, July 28 - 6:00PM-7:30PM
Knowing the decision-making process at City Hall is a key tool to advocate, influence decisions, and organize to win. During the pandemic, Toronto city council and committee meetings have been moved online. As Toronto deals with the greatest financial challenges it’s faced in decades and we all continue our work to build an equitable city as we recover, we need to continue to organize to win at City Hall.
Join Progress Toronto's Program and Operations Director, Erica Woods, to learn more about the legislative process, who the key players are influencing decisions, and how you can have your say. Get the details and register: progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-july-28-2020
#5 How to Speak at a Government Committee
Wednesday, August 12 - 6:00PM-7:30PM
Speaking at a committee is also known as making a deputation. At this workshop you will learn the basics of making a deputation. You will learn how to choose which committee to speak at, how to read the committee agenda, how to sign up for a deputation, and how to prepare your deputation (speech). Right now, deputations at the City of Toronto are taking place by video. We will also review how this works and how you can prepare. This training session is being led by Progress Toronto’s Founding Advisor Monica Krista De Vera and Project Manager Saman Tabasinejad.Get the details and register: .progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-aug-12-2020
#6 Building Your Personal Narrative
Tuesday, August 18 - 6:00PM-8:00PM
The COVID-19 pandemic is further highlighting for us who is being left behind and the need to organize, change the decisions being made, and build more equitable communities. Translating our values and experiences into collective action is a critical part of building movements and winning campaigns.
In this online workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of public narrative -- the story of self, the story of us, the story of now -- and practice telling your story to inspire others to take action. Learn from expert storyteller, Amara Possian, to perfect your personal narrative. Get the details and register:progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-aug-18-2020
Beating the Climate Crisis - webinar
Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join Neighbours for the Planet for an online slide presentation to learn more about the climate crisis, solutions, and what you can do to help. Based on one of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Slide presentations, this webinar will be followed by a Q&A session. Register Here eventbrite.ca/e/beating-the-climate-crisis-tickets-112258137110
eLearning #AtHomeWithNature from TRCA
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has introduced fun, e-Learning videos, activities, and resources that will help families deepen their understanding and appreciation of nature, ecology, and cultural heritage — all from the comfort of home! Pre-register at the following link (you can also click the 'back' button to see the webinar recordings from April too!) - trca.ca/learning/nature-elearning/ Upcoming highlights:
Federal NDP seeking input at Town Halls
Wednesday, July 29, 6.30 pm
Thursday, August 6, 6.30 pm
The University Rosedale Riding Association of the federal NDP is hosting two Town Hall events, where they'll be asking for feedback on several topics in order to develop a national strategy based on community concerns.
July 29th: Housing, Climate, and Justice Reform. You can register to join via zoom here.
August 6th: Economic recovery post-COVID-19, Labour, and Healthcare. You can register to join here.
They will also be streaming live on the University-Rosedale NDP Riding Association Facebook page, and they will be accepting questions via Facebook comments. Questions or comments may be sent to unirosendp@gmail.com.
Climate Friendly Renos - webinar series
Clean Air Partnership presents the BetterHomesTO Home Renovation weekly webinar series, which aims to guide Toronto homeowners through renovations and upgrades that will make their homes more comfortable, healthy and climate-friendly. Each week hear from industry experts on various energy-efficient home renovation topics, including renovation planning, EnerGuide home evaluations, rebates and financing and the pathway to net zero through energy-efficient upgrades. Upcoming webinars include:
View upcoming webinars and register on Eventbrite For more information on the series, please contact Ariana Foyle, Project Lead (Ariana.Foyle@toronto.ca).
Green News and Resources
University-Rosedale Virtual Town Hall: Green and Just Recovery - video
Green 11, UTSU, and For Our Kids hosted an informative and engaging Town Hall last week - many thanks to our hosts, panelists, and participants! You can watch the Town Hall, featuring MPP Jessica Bell, Councillor Mike Layton and Anjum Sultana, Founder of Millennial Womxn in Policy, on the For Our Kids YouTube channel here: youtube.com/watch?v=ifUUpKuab5M&feature=youtu.be
Resilient Cities, Post COVID-19: Urban Planning
“The built form, the ways in which our communities have been developed, who this design has benefited and who it has failed are major contributors to the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. How can the infrastructure stimulus spending coming out of this pandemic serve communities that for too long have been underserved?” Read the final installment in Evergreen’s Future Cities series asking How will COVID-19 change the future of cities? futurecitiescanada.ca/stories/resilient-cities-post-covid-19-urban-planning/
Youth Challenge International is seeking young Climate Action Catalysts in the GTHA
Youth Challenge International's (YCI) Innovate MY Future, a program of Future Cities Canada, offers Canadian youth in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area the opportunity to design youth-led projects addressing local climate issues. Many past participants are operating in the space today because of the incubation during this program.
YCI is currently recruiting passionate young people (16-24) who want to help build a sustainable and resilient Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area. Participants will join a network of 100 youth and be matched with a local team, take part in exclusive virtual trainings, gain access to grant funding, coaching and prizes, and design and launch innovative projects to take action on climate change. For more information and to apply, visit youthclimateaction.ca.
Our resilience will be measured by the strength of our civic spaces
“At their core, public places are eminently versatile and have the potential to make our cities even more resilient, not only against the next global crisis, but to garden variety economic downturns, floods, and power outages,” writes Orit Sarfaty, Evergreen's Chief Program Officer. Read Orit’s seven suggestions for ways investments in our civic spaces today can strengthen tomorrow’s cities. spacing.ca/toronto/2020/07/07/our-resilience-will-be-measured-by-the-strength-of-our-civic-spaces/
Park People releases its second annual Canadian City Parks Report
As COVID-19 has thrown into sharp relief, parks form a critical backbone of community infrastructure, strengthening resilience during times of crisis. Based on data from 27 cities across Canada, some key learnings in Park People's report include:
- Scarce and expensive land (and now physical distancing measures) is driving innovative new public spaces, how we can more meaningfully engage people, and what cities can do to lead the conversation about homelessness and parks
- More holistic biodiversity planning is needed, including an integration of its mental health and human well-being impacts.
- New park projects are more complex and expensive, but also more creative
- Demographic shifts and urban growth are changing park use in many cities, necessitating changes in community engagement methods that can reach new and more people
- There is a need for cities to better recognize the importance of parks as places of shelter and support networks for unhoused people
This year’s report also includes an online biodiversity resource library where you can learn more about biodiversity’s connection to climate change, well-being, Indigenous land management, habitat restoration, and more. Find the full report here: cityparksreport.parkpeople.ca/
10 Tips for climate-friendly food choices
Our global food system accounts to up to 37% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide while driving deforestation and biodiversity loss. Choosing local products, prioritizing plant-based protein in your diet, and supporting producers who are respectful of the environment and workers’ rights, are just some of the ways you can make climate-friendly food choices that move us towards a more resilient food system and a greener planet. Greenpeace has created an Eco Menu: a useful guide that contains 10 tips to help you make food choices that are good for you and for the planet. Find the menu here
Why ‘Defunding the Police’ Is Also an Environmental Issue
“For many environmental groups, it makes no sense to fight for aggressive climate action that would protect Black communities from natural disasters and air pollution while staying silent about the 1,098 people killed last year by police [in the US] ... Failing to support Black Lives Matter and calls for racial justice [...] would also risk pushing Black people away from the climate movement.” vice.com/en_us/article/akz3vz/why-defunding-the-police-is-also-an-environmental-issue
Zero Waste News and Events
#PLASTICFREEDOM workshops
Plastic Free Toronto presents the support group you didn't know you needed. Every session will feature individual and collective actions that we can take to create tangible changes in our lives and worlds. Goals include: understanding why plastic is so problematic; understanding the bigger picture and how you fit into it; turning your individual actions into game-changing culture shifts; and challenging your mindset and checking your privilege.
Together, participants will hold each other accountable and remind each other that we are not alone! The group will meet over Zoom once every two weeks from 6:30-8pm EST for a total of 4 sessions These workshops are PWYC! Full details at bit.ly/plasticfreedomcourse
3. The Real Deal - August 5, 2020 | 6:30-8pm
Exploring Canada’s recycling and waste management systems, and how to go from linear to circular economies.
4. Mind Over Matter - August 19, 2020 | 6:30-8pm
This session will be focused entirely on YOU. Transforming your world starts with transforming your relationship to yourself. Bring your journal and your favorite pen and get ready to explore your attitudes and relationships to the world around you. We will also answer any questions from the previous weeks' learnings.
A deep dive into plastics
Today plastics are the most ubiquitous material used in manufacturing because they’re durable, sterile and extremely inexpensive to mass produce. But this wasn’t always the case. Where do they come from and why do they pose a threat to marine ecosystems? Read the new blog from zero-waste grocery Nada. nadagrocery.com/blogs/news/a-deep-dive-into-plastics
Love Your Lake update
Love Your Lake is a team-based effort by A Greener Future to clean up litter around Lake Ontario. Group clean-ups have been replaced this summer with a month-long paddle-and-pick-up project. Stand-up paddler Rochelle is past the halfway point, having spent 54.5 hours paddling 233 kilometres between Kingston and Newcastle. She has picked up about 7 pieces of litter while on the water, but the A Greener Future team has found much more litter along the shoreline. The team has been following Rochelle's route on land, stopping at various shoreline locations to do litter cleanups. In total, the team has picked up 7,220 pieces of litter so far. Follow on Instagram at @agreenerfuture to read about what they're finding and to keep up with Rochelle's progress.
Love Your Lake aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution in Lake Ontario, but also to raise money to put towards other educational and litter cleanup programs. You can support A Greener Future’s efforts here: agreenerfuture.ca/lyl-2020-donate
Plastic-Free Innovators
At the rate of our current consumption, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Plastic Free July is a global movement that seeks to reduce plastic pollution by encouraging us all to refuse single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices. Here are twelve innovative, women-led companies that are tackling the global plastic pollution crisis https://sheeo.world/plasticfreejuly-12-innovations-designed-by-women/
Ongoing Zero Waste Events
For more zero waste related news and events taking place across the city check out Zero Waste Hub Toronto on Facebook facebook.com/0wasteTO and Twitter! twitter.com/0wasteTO
Urban Agriculture News and Resources
Gardening with Brother Nature: Video Series
Led by Evergreen’s Lead in Urban Agriculture, Isaac Crosby, Evergreen shares a new video each week with great plant stories, tips and tricks. Learn about the gardening practices used at Evergreen Brick Works and be inspired to put those practices into action at home! New episode every Wednesday on Evergreen's Youtube. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDSOKzaT4AFsd6lO4NZ2lw_CyrE3cZu_W
LEAF Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens Turn Ten!
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the LEAF Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens, located outside five TTC subway stations. Made possible with support from Ontario Power Generation, these gardens demonstrate how biodiversity can thrive, even in small urban spaces. In just ten years they have grown into flourishing green spaces, highlighting the beauty and importance of having native plant species in our city, while enhancing our communities. Through LEAF’s #BackyardBiodiversity campaign, they demonstrate the connection between the urban forest and local wildlife. Take some time to learn more about these Urban Forest Demonstration Gardens and meet the one closest to you! Locations include Spadina, Bathurst, High Park, Old Mill, and St Clair. yourleaf.org/blog/brian-millward/jul-06-2020/leaf-urban-forest-demonstration-gardens-turn-ten-years-old If you are interested in helping tend one of our gardens, register to become a LEAF volunteer here.
Support Food Justice with FoodShare’s Dismantling White Supremacy Box of Locally Grown Produce
Black, Indigenous and racialized communities experience higher rates of food insecurity in Toronto and remain under-represented and under-supported in farming. FoodShare’s Dismantling White Supremacy Box is packed full of local, organic produce grown by farms that are led, run or owned by racialized folks. Help advance food justice by purchasing this box filled with produce grown by:
Order here: https://goodfoodbox.foodshare.net/collections/frontpage/products/large-food-justice-box You can read FoodShare’s statement on food justice here: https://foodshare.net/about/food-justice/
Healthy food is harder to come by for the racialized and vulnerable amid COVID-19
Read about local organizations stepping up to help and how income inequality and racial discrimination continue to tie into food insecurity. thestar.com/news/gta/2020/06/11/healthy-food-is-harder-to-come-by-for-the-racialized-and-vulnerable-amid-covid-19-heres-who-stepped-up-to-help.html
Active Transportation News and Resources
Bloor West Bikeway extension construction set to begin
The Bloor Street West Bikeway Extension project is set to begin installation on August 4. Crews will start at Shaw and begin building westward toward Runnymede, with the goal of having the project done by the end of August. Work will include:
- Cycle tracks (protected bicycle lanes) on both sides of Bloor St W from Shaw St. to Runnymede Rd.
- Temporary expanded patios (where parking will remain) for restaurants along corridor that have received approval through the City's CaféTO program (Toronto.ca/CafeTO). The temporary July CaféTO curb lane patios will be removed by the end of Monday, August 3rd, in conjunction with the cycle track installation.
- 24/7 on-street parking on both sides of the street from Runnymede Rd. to Dundas St. W., and on one side of the street from St. Helen's Ave. to Shaw St. Changes to parking and other by-laws will be signed.
- One traffic lane in each direction will be maintained with no stopping in the travel lanes.
- Turn restrictions at signalized intersections to improve safety and mobility for all users.
- Access to all driveways and laneways will be maintained.
- City services such as Fire, EMS and garbage and recycling pick-up will continue as usual.
The installation will take place in two phases. Phase 1: Shaw St to Dundas St W and Phase 2: Dundas St W to Runnymede Rd. During each phase, on-street parking will not be allowed. Please visit the project website for details on where parking will remain, the turn restrictions and other details. toronto.ca/BloorWestBikeway
CafeTO patios may have to be removed temporarily as construction moves through each neighbourhood. Designs are being updated to accommodate as many new, permanent patios as possible without sacrificing the safety of people on bikes. More info here: cycleto.ca/news/activeto-here-what-about-bloor-west-bikeway-extension
Be sure to check out the progress on the Danforth bike lanes as well! cycleto.ca/news/DestinationDanforthBikeLanes
ActiveTO Quiet Streets Program
The City of Toronto began the Quiet Streets program this past May as a way to allow local residents to maintain physical distancing within their communities. This has meant placing temporary barricades on select streets to create space for people who walk, run, cycle and use wheelchairs by encouraging slow, local vehicle access only. If you have been using or living near one of these ActiveTO Quiet Streets, the City wants to know what you think. Fill out the survey to provide your feedback.
Repurposing Park-and-Ride Spaces
The ongoing pandemic and resulting shift of downtown office jobs to work-from-home is the final straw for the park-and-ride transit system. Now is the time to repurpose these public assets to save transit ridership and improve the well-being of our communities. Read Care Free Matt’s latest blog post here: beyondtheautomobile.ca/2020/07/14/the-park-and-ride-is-dead/
COVID-19 News and Resources
Ward 11's COVID-19 Resource Guide
Councillor Mike Layton's staff have created an updated list of local and City-wide resources that you and your neighbours can access when in need. This document compiles non-profit, community, and government resources that can help Ward 11 residents. It contains information for those who require assistance, as well as for those who would like to help others in need. Click here to access the Resource Guide
Are there green news or resources you'd like to see included in the Green 11 newsletters? Send your items and ideas to greenward11@gmail.com.
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