Dear Green Neighbours
Happy Plastic Free July!
Just when the Zero Waste movement was getting traction with people and retailers around Toronto, COVID-19 hit and suddenly single use plastics became an essential part of our collective hygiene. It turns out fears of contamination were overblown. As we start to consider our post-shutdown recovery, it's time to reconsider how we can reduce the use of plastic even as microplastics invade every part of our environment.
And be sure to sign up for our Virtual Town Hall with local decision makers on how we can accomplish a Green & Just Recovery. Now is the time to make a difference!
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.
Green 11 Monthly Meeting
Friday, July 17, 3 p.m.
Please join us at our next meeting on Friday, July 17 at 3 p.m. The meeting will be hosted on Zoom. In order to keep the meeting secure, we ask that you contact Paul Overy at paul.greenward11@gmail.com to receive log in info for the meeting and to suggest any items for the agenda.
Green 11 Virtual Town Hall
University-Rosedale Virtual Town Hall on a Green and Just Recovery
Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m – 8:00 p.m.
Co-hosts, Green 11, University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) and For Our Kids invite you to participate in a University-Rosedale Virtual Town Hall on a Green and Just Recovery, Monday, July 13, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This event is one of many town halls taking place across the country as part of the For Our Kids Green & Just Recovery campaign.
How we recover from the economic and social impacts of the pandemic is on the minds of many in University-Rosedale who recognize now more than ever that the direction in which we were headed prior to COVID-19 was unsustainable and inequitable. How to bring about a Green & Just Recovery? How do we repair systems rife with racism and that perpetuate inequity and environmental destruction, and to rebuild a society that is stronger, healthier, greener, safer and fairer?
Join panelists University-Rosedale MPP, Jessica Bell, Ward 11 Councillor Mike Layton, and Anjum Sultana, Founder of Millennial Womxn in Policy, for a discussion moderated by Emmay Mah, Executive Director of Toronto Environmental Alliance about what a green and just recovery could look like for University-Rosedale.
Please join the conversation!
Register on Eventbrite here to receive a Youtube link and please submit your questions for our panelists in the space provided on the registration form.
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
Have a Say in How Toronto will Recover and Rebuild
The Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild (TORR) wants to hear from you about how we can build a better, healthier, greener and more equitable Toronto as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. You can complete their short survey (deadline is June 30) and ask that a climate lens be applied to the recovery and rebuild process. Info and survey link here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/recovery-rebuild/
How you can support bus-only lanes in Toronto
The TTC Board voted on June 17th to take the next step towards bus-only lanes! Staff will come up with a plan for how to implement 5 bus-only lanes and they’ll now consider a 6th transit priority corridor on Lawrence East. The implementation plan will be voted on at the July 14th TTC Board meeting before a final vote at City Council in late July. In other words: Bus-only lanes are not a done deal — yet. Transit users and community supporters need to push for a strong plan over the next 2 weeks.
Want to get involved? Here are a few ways you can help win a strong bus lanes plan:
- Build community support: Contact community and faith organizations, schools, and businesses along the priority corridors and ask them to show their support. TTC Riders can provide template emails and letters, and advice about how to hold an outreach meeting. Email info@ttcriders.ca to get started.
- Spread the word to more transit riders: Share the TTC Riders email petition on Twitter or Facebook. TTC Riders is also looking for volunteers to design and put up posters at bus stops, or help design new graphics about bus priority lanes. Email info@ttcriders.ca to volunteer.
- Speak at a City meeting: Show our Councillors how many people support transit priority, and tell them why it matters. RSVP to the TTC Riders July 7th training on how to make a speech to a City committee.
Ride with the Toronto Bike Brigade
The Toronto Bike Brigade is pairing volunteer cyclists with community organizations that serve isolated, vulnerable people, seniors and health care providers to deliver supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bike Brigade offers free delivery service for organizations and individuals in need. https://www.bikebrigade.ca/
Donate your unwanted bike to the Women’s Cycling Network
The Women’s Cycling Network, with help from Cycle Don Valley Midtown is an inclusive group of now nearly 100 women from the Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park communities as well as neighbourhoods close by. The women find freedom, empowerment and health benefits by riding a bike. To date they have 50 women who have bikes and have learned to ride, and another 50 waiting for a donated bike so that they can learn to ride too.
If you have a bike to give, read about the Women’s Cycling Network #BikeMatch program and complete the form. Your bike will be matched with a woman from our waiting list and a contact-free donation arranged. Your idle bike will provide a welcome opportunity for one of these women to ride it!
June is #GivingChallengeCA Month
When you donate at CanadaHelps.org by June 30, 2020, your chosen charities are entered to win $20,000! https://www.canadahelps.org/en/givingchallenge/
Some organizations worth considering include:
AfriCan Food Basket
Black Creek Community Farm
A Greener Future
Greenest City
Second Harvest Canada
Toronto Green Community
FoodShare
Not Far From The Tree
Community Food Centres Canada
Toronto Tool Library TTL Makerspace (Institute for a Resource Based Economy - IRBE)
Toronto Public Library Foundation
David Suzuki Foundation
Environmental Defence
Canadian Association of Physicians for Environment (CAPE)
Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)
West Coast Environmental Law
Regenesis York
Onaman Collective
Council of Canadians
Center for Indigenous Environmental Resources
Water First Education and Training
Canada Helps' Black Solidarity Fund
A Green Recovery is within reach for Canada
Consider signing this petition via Environmental Defence to ask Canada to build a green and just recovery, focused on 5 principles https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/60067/action/1 Learn more here https://environmentaldefence.ca/2020/06/24/build-green-just-recovery-canada/
Safe and #JustRecovery for All
At this year's G20 Summit in July, the people who control the budgets of the world’s 20 richest countries will meet to discuss how they spend trillions in public money on economic recovery. 350.org is calling on G20 leaders to choose a safe and #JustRecovery for all. Please consider signing and sharing the petition https://350.org/g20/
Ask Prime Minister Trudeau to end drinking water advisories in 100 First Nations communities
There is nothing more important than clean water, especially now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet at any given time there are more than 100 drinking water advisories in First Nations across Canada. The lack of clean, safe drinking water in First Nations is one of the greatest violations of the UN-recognized human rights to water and sanitation.
The Trudeau government committed to ending these water advisories by 2021, but very little progress has been made and the needed funding has not been committed to end this crisis.
Learn more here https://canadians.org/fn-water Consider signing this letter to Prime Minister Trudeau asking him to end drinking water advisories in First Nations https://secure.canadians.org/page/40162/action/1.
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
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:
Create Your Own Pollinator Garden Webinars
Creating Pollinator Pathways with London Environmental Network
Tuesday, June 30, 7 p.m.
The best time to start a pollinator garden is now! In this interactive, online workshop, the Pollinator Pathways Project team will share an introduction to pollinators and creating pollinator-friendly gardens in the city. Together we will explore why we need to support pollinator gardens now more than ever before, and how you can add your garden to the pollinator pathway network in a few easy steps. There will be a Q&A period, so bring your questions! https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6029317554104592399
Create Your Own Pollinator Garden with Ecology Ottawa
Thursday, July 2, 6 p.m.
Plant It and They Will Come! Since 2017, Berit Erickson has been turning her ornamental plantings and lawn into pollinator gardens. See some of the bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that now live in her urban yard. Learn how to create your own pollinator garden by using suitable plants and creating habitat. https://www.ecologyottawa.org/webinar_pollinator_gardens
Our Fragile Planet 2020: Environmental Programs At Home
The Toronto Public Library's Our Fragile Planet program series aims to increase environmental awareness and inspire people of all ages to learn more about the environment. The series features engaging programs, workshops and events, and for the first time, the programs and speakers are available virtually! Visit the Toronto Public Library website for a list of all programs under the Our Fragile Planet program series. Check out Our Fragile Planet Reading (and watching) List including recommended environmental books for adults, teens and children. Upcoming program highlights include:
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:
#1 June City Council Meeting Online Watch Party & Discussion
Monday, June 29 - 9:30 a.m. and possibly continued on Tuesday June 30
Witness the Mayor and Councillors debate next steps and learn more about procedures and Toronto City Council. You will also have the opportunity to chat with Progress Toronto and others in real time to learn more about the process and discuss the decisions being made. Get the details and register: https://www.progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-june-29-2020
#2 Digital Campaigning 101
Tuesday, July 7 - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Developing digital campaigns and strategies is crucial to winning on progressive issues, particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn the basics of digital campaigning, what digital campaigning can achieve, and how to create digital strategies. Get the details and register: https://www.progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-july-7-2020
#3 How to Meet With Your Local Politician
Tuesday, July 14 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Important decisions about issues like our city’s affordability crisis, policing, transit, and more are made at City Hall and the TDSB by locally elected representatives. Find out why meeting with your local politician matters and how you can prepare for your meeting to make sure your voice is heard. Get the details and register: https://www.progresstoronto.ca/summer-training-series-july-14-2020
Green News and Resources
Green Webcasts Now Available on YouTube
Resources from Why a Just Recovery Must be Anti-racist Teach-in
Some resources from the June 11 event you might find useful:
Black-owned Canadian companies are making their mark in the green beauty and sustainable fashion industries
Check out these eco-friendly Black-owned beauty and fashion brands
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/black-owned-beauty-fashion-canada_ca_5eda7f0bc5b66ef1a92480be
Alberta’s Green Economy Could Produce 67,200 New Jobs by 2030
The Pembina blueprint projects significant new employment in four areas of Alberta’s economy: renewable energy, transit and EV infrastructure, energy efficiency, and clean-up and methane reduction in the oil and gas industry. https://theenergymix.com/2020/06/18/albertas-green-economy-could-produce-67200-new-jobs-by-2030/
How Ontarians Can Protect the Ocean
World Oceans Day took place on June 8 with a challenge to protect at least 30% of the planet's land and ocean by the year 2030. Ontario may be landlocked, but we can still take part - learn how protecting the Great Lakes helps to protect the Ocean. https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/blog/2020/6/8/protecting-the-ocean-from-ontario Read more about World Oceans Day here https://worldoceansday.org/
City Building Through Social Inclusion
As the entire world continues to reckon with the impacts of COVID-19, it has become clear that this crisis has thrown into sharp relief the inequities of our cities. Fundamentally, the work of city building must have social inclusion at its core. https://www.evergreen.ca/blog/entry/city-building-through-social-inclusion/
"A Call To Courage": An Open Letter to Canadian Urbanists
Place maker and urbanist Jay Pitter on anti-Black racism in urbanism, and what to do about it
https://canurb.org/citytalk-news/a-call-to-courage-an-open-letter-to-canadian-urbanists/
Parks and COVID-19: How can planners make parks and public space more equitable?
Park People ponders how to move forward responsibly and safely while ensuring a collective approach supports parks that are more inclusive, connected, and sustainable.
https://parkpeople.ca/2020/06/03/parks-and-covid-19-key-questions-to-guide-our-work/
Medical groups urge G20 to focus on climate change with COVID-19 aid packages
"A healthy recovery will not allow pollution to continue to cloud the air we breathe and the water we drink. It will not permit unabated climate change and deforestation, unleashing new health threats upon vulnerable populations.” By Ben Cousins https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/medical-groups-urge-g20-to-focus-on-climate-change-with-covid-19-aid-packages-1.4954176
Leaders must address equity to build back better
Like climate change, COVID-19 is a threat-multiplier - both crises compound and highlight existing inequities.That’s why governments must focus on equity in their sustainable recovery plans. Sherry Yano of the David Suzuki Foundation explains in Corporate Knights https://www.corporateknights.com/channels/leadership/leaders-must-address-equity-build-back-better-15922320/
Zero Waste News and Events
Happy Plastic Free July!
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Learn more and get involved here https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
Some great Plastic Free resources include:
Be your own Trash Panda! Join the UofT Trash Team this Plastic Free July for a Home Waste Audit
Spending more time at home? Wondering how you can increase your waste literacy and circularity? Try the University of Toronto Trash Team's Home Waste Audit and challenge yourself to reduce your waste and increase your waste literacy! What’s involved: From July 8 to August 4 you audit your waste and fill in a series of short online surveys, plus attend two webinars on July 7 and August 18. Register at http://ow.ly/tnJB50AfAqH
Broken Items in Need of Repair? Virtual Fixit Clinics to the Rescue!
Want to try fixing from home? Repair Café Toronto shares this awesome global initiative:
via Zoom, featuring the world's greatest troubleshooting talent, an illustrious team of community repairers spanning the globe: Canada, Belgium, India, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States. Here's how it works: show your broken item to the global assembly of community repairers and get suggestions for things to try. After all items are presented, participants/items and repairers are directed to Zoom breakout rooms to implement the suggestions and, hopefully, fix the items.
Sign up with things to fix at http://bit.ly/fixitcheckin! (Note: large things like dishwashers, TVs and furniture can be looked at too.) Of course, all community repairers are heartily invited to help fix or simply observe for cross-training, knowledge sharing and skill-sharing reasons! Sign up at http://bit.ly/fixitcoachsignup
You can check https://www.facebook.com/pg/FixitClinic/events/ to see a list of all events.
Making the Circular Economy Real: 5-part webinar series with the Netherlands consulate in Toronto
The Circular Economy is a way for us to better manage our resources, continually extracting and replenishing their value and keeping them within the economy. While the concept is large and nebulous it can and has been made concrete and real. Topics include: Cities Going Circular; Food; Buildings and Construction; Circular Procurement; Waste Management and Plastic Packaging. https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/events/2020/06/25/webinar-1-cities-going-circular
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and COVID-19 Webinar
Certain underlying chronic conditions associated with exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exacerbating the effects of COVID-19 in vulnerable populations. Older adults and those who have compromised immune systems, or other underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or obesity have shown to be at increased risk of more severe illness from the virus. During this webinar, Dr. Linda Birnbaum, Dr. Aly Cohen, and Dr. John Peterson Myers discussed the impacts of EDCs on population and individual health during the COVID-19 pandemic.https://www.healthandenvironment.org/webinars/96526
Experts: Reusables are safe to use during pandemic
Over 100 scientists, academics and doctors signed a statement that reusables: can be safely used during the pandemic; are an essential part of addressing the plastic pollution crisis and moving away from fossil fuels; and can create jobs and help build local economies. "Based on the best available science and public health guidance it's clear reusables can be used safely by employing basic hygiene." https://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/story/40172/reusables-can-be-used-safely-over-125-health-experts-fire-back-at-the-plastic-industry/
Read the health expert statement addressing safety of reusables and COVID-19 https://storage.googleapis.com/planet4-international-stateless/2020/06/26618dd6-health-expert-statement-reusables-safety.pdf.
Wet wipes and sanitary products found to be microplastic pollutants in Irish waters
"There is a need for increased public awareness of microplastic pollution in the marine environment from the inapt disposal of [wipes and other hygiene] products down the toilet," said an article published in the international journal Water Research co-authored by NUI Galway PhD student Ana Mendes and Maynooth University graduate Oisín Ó Briain. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200623104234.htm
Handy Toronto Guide to items that are not to go down toilets or sinks
Why should we care about what we put down the drain? To avoid and prevent blocks - and potential breaks - in, and sewage backups from, home plumbing pipes and aging municipal sewer pipelines where we live, prevent unnecessary demand, inconvenience and expense for people to repair them, and help keep our waterways clean. Some microplastics have not been getting filtered out at wastewater treatment plants because they are too small, and instead get released into waterways (like Lake Ontario, our drinking water source). http://toronto.ca/notdownthedrain
Low waste, petrochemical free, safe sun and skin care made in TO!
If you'd like to avoid face mask tan lines, you can find safe sun protection cream with zinc in a reusable container that's free of plastic and other petrochemicals, locally made onsite at Anarres Apothecary (in-store at Bloor & Gladstone and online) http://www.anarreshealth.ca/ You can find also:
- new local healing balm for hands and lips made especially for COVID care, that's also scent free, nut free, and plastic free too;
- sanitizers in reusable metal or glass containers;
- and some of the regular products made locally at Anarres Apothecary - Vegan balm for hands and lips (beeswax-free) and Mamalicious baby balm (that's great on everything!).
Karma Co-op carries some of the products made at Anarres Apothecary too: you can ask them or your other favourite local shops whether they carry plastic free sun and skin care too https://www.karmacoop.org/!
Prefer to make your own? DIY ingredients and reusable containers are available at: Anarres Apothecary (they offer DIY workshops too!) http://anarreshealth.ca/catalog; bare market (Danforth & Coxwell) https://baremarket.ca/products/body-butter ; and Green & Frugal (Scarborough) https://greenandfrugal.com/products/protecting-butter.
Love Your Lake, With a Twist
Love Your Lake is a series of 100 litter cleanups done along the shores of Lake Ontario. This year, in addition to the 100 cleanups on land, A Greener Future will also be taking to the water to see what they can find.
There are two defining features that will make Love Your Lake different this year. First, due to COVID-19 precautions there will not be any public litter cleanups this year. Instead, A Greener Future will be taking photos, video, and collecting data at all of the cleanups along Lake Ontario and will be sharing them on their website and through their Instagram throughout July.
The second "twist" is more fun - A Greener Future will be stand-up paddle-boarding across Lake Ontario to raise awareness of plastic pollution in the Lake, as well as to help bridge the gap between environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. They will be completing most of the on-land cleanups in June. Then, on July 1st, they will begin their 420km paddle journey from Kingston to Niagara-on-the-Lake. While on the water, they will collect data on all of the litter they find.
Read more and donate here:https://www.agreenerfuture.ca/lyl-2020
Plastic rain is the new acid rain
Plastic rain could prove to be a more insidious issue than acid rain. Microplastic has already corrupted even the most remote environments and there’s no way to scrub water or land or air of the particles. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/06/plastic-rain-is-the-new-acid-rain/
Tips to reduce food waste courtesy of Second Harvest
How many times have you found a yogurt cup, a stray apple or a jar of pasta sauce in the back of your fridge? Much of the food wasted in Canada has to do with confusion around food labels and best before dates. But sometimes, we just forget. Save your food by reorganizing your fridge and pantry to mark a special spot for food you should use first! https://us19.campaign-archive.com/?u=c98e63c0db3f867196ccd7adf&id=874a6abe3f
Get familiar with the lifecycle of your food by taking Second Harvest's 20-minute interactive Food Date Label Training; check out the interactive Food Storage Directory; or print off our Best Before Guide for your fridge!
WE-Solation Series
Plastic Free TO, Collective Impact Journey, Your Eco Friend, and Wisebird, co-present skillshares / mini workshops designed with the intent of using what we already have at home, or supporting local businesses to source our ingredients. Topics include natural skincare, urban gardening and much more! All of the supplies/ingredients you need for each episode will be posted in their Instagram stories. Live and previous episodes are on the WE-Solation YouTube Channel here youtube.com/channel/UCzSB5ouC4e_AR-pAaE8-TVg/videos
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
Not Far From The Tree Begins the 2020 Picking Season
NFFTT picks and shares fruit from Toronto yards. They are eager to go ahead with another season of reducing food waste and improving food access for Torontonians. By joining as a Fruit Picker member, you gain access to a whole other part of Toronto – the city’s huge (often hidden) urban orchard! It’s a great way to spend time outside in lush backyards, meet new people, and gain access to fresh, locally grown fruit in your own neighbourhood. You can register / renew your membership as a fruit picker here https://nfftt.wpengine.com/get-involved/fruit-pickers/ or register your tree for picking here https://nfftt.wpengine.com/tree-harvest/
City of Toronto working to reopen farmers markets across the city
The City usually hosts 22 farmers’ markets on the following directly operated City sites. The City is working with market organizers to determine the potential reopening of these markets this season in compliance with provincial rules and public health guidelines. https://www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-working-to-reopen-farmers-markets-across-the-city-st-lawrence-market-outdoor-market-opens-saturday/
Find and support local farmers markets https://www.greenbeltfresh.ca/, not for profit Good Food Markets https://foodshare.net/program/markets/, and get an idea for what's in season https://www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/availability-guide!
Evergreen Brickworks Opens Farmers’ Market
The modified outdoor Saturday Farmers Market is now operating to bring local and in-season food to your dinner plate, in a new and safe way. Same day purchases are welcome, but online ordering is strongly encouraged so the experience is quicker for you and the farmers. https://www.evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/markets-food/saturday-farmers-market/
Read the market guidelines so you’re ready for market day. Order from individual vendors https://www.evergreen.ca/whats-on/event/order-from-our-vendors/ or a pre-selected Farm in a Box https://www.evergreen.ca/whats-on/event/order-your-farm-in-a-box/
Bloor Borden Farmers' Market Returns July 1
Running Wednesdays, starting on July 1, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Canada Day is the official market opening, starting with five great farmers. This year shoppers can pre-order with each farmer using the links below. Please note that order times close at noon on Monday for most, and on Sunday night for Fiddlehead. Some products and produce will be available for cash free sales. Please wear a mask.
Not all the farmers have their produce online yet and some have to close off sales by Sunday Night. Please be patient with the farmers as they figure out how to operate in this new environment as well.
Dunbar Organic farm https://openfoodnetwork.ca/dunbar-organic-farm1/shop
Fiddlehead Farm https://www.harvie.farm/farm-stand/fiddlehead-farm
Godelie Family Farm (son-in-law produce) https://openfoodnetwork.ca/godelie-family-farm-son-in-law-produce-ltd/shop
Sun Ray Orchards https://openfoodnetwork.ca/sun-ray-orchards/shop
Willo’Wind Organic Farm: www.willowind.ca
Managing Pests in Your Vegetable Garden webinar
Tuesday June 30, 12 p.m.
With Friends of Allan Gardens and special guest Derek Barber of Homestead TO
https://www.facebook.com/events/209434050107405/
Native Plant Gardening on Your Balcony
You can watch the recording of this North American Native Plant Society webinar from May 31 here http://nanps.org/category/all-speakers-workshops/
Grow Food Toronto
Grow food so it goes to those of us who are impacted, at-risk, vulnerable and marginalized. Join this group to share actions, information, resources, advice, ideas, encouragement and inspiration for massive mobilization of food growing in Toronto: facebook.com/groups/GrowFoodToronto/
Liberate your Lawn! Sign up for yard sharing via Liberating Lawns
sundanceharvestfarm.com/liberating-lawns
Toronto Urban Growers - COVID-19 and Community Gardens resources for garden organizers
torontourbangrowers.org/news/covid-19-response
Active Transportation News and Resources
Cycle TO University-Rosedale Ward Advocacy Group Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, July 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Google Hangouts
Email Tamara Nahal, Community Engagement Manager, for meeting details
Bike Share Toronto program expansion will bring Bike Sharing to 20 of Toronto’s 25 Wards
The expansion will add a total of 1,850 new bicycles, 160 stations, and 3,615 docking points to the already expansive network. The system will grow to a total of 6,850 bikes, 625 stations,12,000 docking points This year, the expansion includes the launch of two satellite Bike Share pilot areas - one in North York and one in Scarborough with up to eight new stations in each area.
Another new feature of this year’s expansion is the launch of an e-bike pilot program that will be launched later this summer. In an effort to prioritize health and safety, Bike Share Toronto has ramped up its cleaning program during the COVID-19 crisis. More information on Bike Share Toronto is available at bikesharetoronto.com.
The Bicycle as Vehicle of Protest
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-bicycle-as-a-vehicle-of-protest
Connecting Newcomers with Communities
https://canadianimmigrant.ca/living/community/connecting-newcomers-with-communities-explore-toronto-and-mississauga-by-bike-this-summer
‘Safe Streets’ Are Not Safe for Black Lives
Transportation planner Destiny Thomas warns pedestrian-friendly street redesigns that happen without diverse public input can end up harming the communities they serve. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-08/-safe-streets-are-not-safe-for-black-lives
COVID-19 News and Resources
New City of Toronto COVID-19 Resource Map
The City of Toronto has created a useful COVID-19 Essential Service Mapping Tool.This tool has up-to-date service listings across Toronto, including COVID testing centres, food banks, meal delivery programs, community health services and more. Additional layers and details are being updated daily by 211 Toronto.
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
Support Ward 11 Businesses
Third-party delivery services often charge large service fees and make it difficult for small businesses to make a profit on orders. Wherever possible, contact the business directly and take advantage of pick-up and takeout options, or the business’ own delivery service. Mike Layton’s office has created a list of local businesses to support during the COVID-19 shut-down. Click here to access Ward 11 Local Business Info
Beyond CERB: Advocating for Universal Basic Income
Millions have been relying on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) these past few months. This has been an extraordinary response to an extraordinary time. But people concerned about fighting poverty are looking to draw lessons from the pandemic for the future. Discussion is growing around the creation of a universal basic income for Canadians.
Ontario Basic Income Network (OBIN) is a coalition committed to seeing Basic Income implemented in Ontario. It's a bold vision of dignity and justice for every Canadian regardless of work status - you are invited to join their growing community of advocates. For more info and resources visit https://www.obin.ca/
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