 WHEN | December 5th at 6:30pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub at 264 The Esplanade Join us at The Jamii Hub for a memorable evening with former Toronto Mayor David Crombie as we celebrate the heart and history of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood! This intimate event offers a rare opportunity to hear Crombie discuss the planning and preservation of this iconic community. Whether you're a local or passionate about Toronto’s urban legacy, this is your chance to explore the stories and vision that made St. Lawrence one of Canada’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The evening promises:
With only 50 tickets available, secure your spot today for an inspiring evening with a Toronto legend. Don’t miss this chance to connect with community, history, and vision. EVENT SCHEDULE 6:30PM | Doors Open. Mingle 7:00PM | Opening performance by Jonelle Sills 7:15PM | Moderated discussions with David Crombie and special guests 8:15PM | Closing performance and mingle TICKETS | $100 WHEN | Thursday, December 5th WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade Each ticket comes with one complimentary drink ticket. Wine and beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are available. For more information please go to www.jamii.ca/special-events/an-evening-with-david-crombie REmarket Recap! By Nancy Fung, SLNA Director and WRG Committee Member The Waste Reduction Group would like to thank all volunteers, supporters and participants who helped to make the 11th REmarket event such a success. This event was held in our neighbourhood at the St. Lawrence Market Tent on Oct 9 and 10, 2024. Here is a recap of the outcomes/activities at the 11th REmarket:
Through our ever-expanding REuse, REcycling, and Disposal programs, the following items were collected (number of items continued to increase based on feedback from the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood community):
This event has a direct and tangible impact on both the environment and the social welfare of our local communities, and with your support, we continue to deepen that impact. However, one of the most rewarding aspects for all of us is how our local community members continue to enthusiastically express their appreciation for REmarket’s services and eagerly await the next event. We could not have done it without your support and we are looking forward to our next REmarket on January 29th and 30th, 2025! Nancy Fung (on behalf of the SLNA-WRG)  Calvalcade of Lights
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 Over the last few years, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association along with various other representatives from this region, other GTA neighbourhoods, organizations and agencies, have been consulting with the City of Toronto (TO Live) regarding the St. Lawrence Centre (STLC) on Front St., which is currently in a state of significant disrepair.
After many years of consultation, a progressive and innovative redevelopment plan for the STLC was created to better serve the social, and well-being of youth, families, seniors and all residents, and support Toronto’s economic needs. In light of the City's plans to reconsider funding this redevelopment for the St. Lawrence Centre, the SLNA has written a letter to Mayor Chow and the Executive Committee highlighting the importance of this project and the Association's position. View the SLNA Submission. For your additional reference, please see below the template of a letter that explains the key issues at stake wtih respect to this project and the reality of what this initiative means to Toronto’s social fabric and economy. We hope you will sign your name to this letter and send to Mayor Chow and the City of Toronto before the meeting of the City’s Executive Committee on October 1st. Note: A Word version of the letter below can be downloaded here. TEMPLATE LETTER: Email: [email protected] EX17.17 - Update on the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Redevelopment Project Subject: Support for Reimagining the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts – An Iconic Cultural Space in Toronto Dear Mayor Chow and Members of Executive Committee, I am writing to you in support of the redevelopment of the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (STLC), which is a visionary project that promises to reshape the cultural landscape of our city. Since its inauguration in 1970 as a centennial project for Toronto, the STLC has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural fabric. However, after more than five decades of service, the building is now in a state of significant disrepair and does not meet the standards set by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recognizing the crucial role of the STLC, TO Live launched a public consultation in 2021 to gather input from Toronto residents. A recurring theme in the feedback was the urgent need for affordable, flexible, and technologically advanced multi-use spaces that could accommodate the diverse needs of our communities, especially non-profit organizations. TO Live’s ambition is to transform the STLC into Canada’s first arts space that fully addresses the cultural, social, environmental, and digital needs of our time, and for future generations. The new STLC is envisioned as a hub of extreme usability, offering state-of-the-art spaces for the performing arts sector, our local neighborhoods, and all of Toronto’s various communities, irrespective of age, culture, ability, identification, or income level. In addition to serving the broader community, the redeveloped STLC will stand as an iconic destination for visitors, and a creative meeting place for artists of all disciplines. Whether you are an emerging artist, a seasoned professional, a student, an educator, or a patron, the STLC is being reimagined to be your home - a space that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and celebrates the diversity of artistic expression. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technical and digital capabilities, ensuring that it meets the rapidly evolving needs of artists and the expectations of modern audiences. The economic and cultural vitality that the new STLC promises is unprecedented. Last year alone, over 500,000 individuals visited TO Live venues, attending more than 1,000 performances, events, and workshops. The redevelopment of the STLC is set to magnify this impact. The new STLC will not only attract a larger audience, but also serve as a catalyst for regeneration, vibrancy, and economic activity in the neighborhood. Only steps away from Union Station, the STLC is well positioned to become a cornerstone of a lively cultural district within the heart of downtown Toronto. Our shared vision is more than just the redevelopment of an arts venue; it is the creation of a cultural engine designed to drive tourism, stimulate economic activity, and showcase Toronto as an iconic destination for arts and culture on the global stage. I urge you to support the redevelopment of the STLC and to play a leadership role in building an iconic cultural destination for everyone. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards,  If you missed recent SLNA meetings and some of the engaging presentations about:
You can catch up by reading the reports (minutes) from those meetings which include links to full-colour presentations and other documents. June SLNA Meeting Report July SLNA Meeting Report Refugee Fundraiser Walk-a-thon in Edwards Gardens The St. James and Community Refugee Committee will be walking for refugees on September 28th in Edwards Gardens starting at 10:00 a.m. to raise funds to continue their ability to sponsor resettlement applications. The committeehas undertaken eight sponsorships since 2015 including single individuals, reuniting family members, and families from Iran, Syria, Cameroon, Eritrea, and Afghanistan. The stories of each of these individuals and families are compelling – fleeing civil war, conscription into the army with no hope of a way out and persecution due to sexual orientation. The work of the St. James committee cannot be done without donations. The costs to support individuals and families have risen significantly. Minimum costs to support an individual for the 12-month period required by the Government of Canada are estimated at $25,000. For a family of four, the costs are $50,000 or more. Consider helping by walking on September 28th or through a donation. https://stjamescathedral.ca/donate/give-online/refugee-response/ https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-james-cathedral/p2p/refugee-walkathon2024/  Design credit: Bernadeth B. The 11th REmarket: Oct. 9 and 10th at the St. Lawrence Market Did you know that we accept many common items for donation at our REmarket event? You can donate items in almost any condition, including the following:
Items that are usable will be included in our FreeMarket sub-event or will be redistributed, refurbished, or upcycled by our charity partners, including The Salvation Army, RCTO, CNIB, and PFFD Inc. Our partners also strive to responsibly recycle unusable items. For example, The Salvation Army delivers old, unusable clothing and textile items to a textile recycling company. So if you’re looking to do a little spring cleaning, clear out those closets and contribute your unwanted or excess goods to our October 2024 REmarket! If you would like to volunteer at this year’s REmarket please contact the SLNA Waste Reduction Committee at: [email protected] Click here to download high resolution copy of the poster below  Urgent Airport Meeting
From the York Quay Neighbourhood Association The future of the Waterfront could be decided in a couple of weeks, so please pay attention! City Councillors and Planners want to know what you think of the Island Airport's proposal to build RESA runway extensions into the lake. These safety measures would expand the Airport and be built during night hours for several years, at a cost varying from $60 mill. to $130 mill. depending on size. RESAs are closely tied to a time-sensitive extension of the Tripartite Agreement that could keep this airport going — and growing — for many decades, with unknown aviation activities at our doorstep. The urgency to get this to a City Council vote is created by the Airport's neglect of RESA regulations until now, and it is lobbied heavily by Ports Toronto. This is about much more than the Airport — it's about the future of a liveable Toronto and alternate uses of this precious Waterfront land. Get involved, and be here on this important issue! Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Enercare Centre, salon 105 Exhibition Place, 100 Princes Blvd. at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) Eventbrite reservation (optional). Waterfront BIA Events The Waterfront Neighbourhood along Queen’s Quay and the many events in that area are a short walk away from the St. Lawrence. The Waterfront BIA has created a newsletter of events you may find helpful - download here.  Volunteers Needed St. Lawrence Environment Day - Sept. 8 Deputy Mayor and Ward 10 Councillor Ausma Malik's Community Environment day for the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is scheduled for Sunday, September 8th, from 10-2 p.m. LOCATION: David Crombie Park - south east corner of Frederick and the Esplanade. ACTION: You can pick up compost, drop off your electronic waste and your Household Hazardous Waste, and more. For a full list of what items you can donate for reuse, please visit the Councillor’s website here: website. There SLNA Waste Reduction Group will be there, so come and chat with us! September Events at the Jamii Hub Beginning on Monday, September 9th, neighbourhood residents are invited to join the team at the Jamii Hub for a variety of 3-week art programs that will explore the theme "Storybeing". All events take place at the Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade) and start at 7 pm. Workshops and activities include:
All activities are free. Registration is required through www.jamii.ca/indooractivities Girls from Grades 1 - 8 are writing, dancing, singing and making costumes for a musical show! This fall, girls who are part of Jamii’s LAINI program for young women will have the incredible opportunity to create a musical and work with an outstanding team of artists! Participants from grades 1 to 8 can choose from a variety of activities:
In groups of up to 12 mixed-age participants, they will write the play (developing the story, characters, dialogue, and action), create and perform their own choreographies, write and sing their own songs, or sew costumes for the November performance for their families and friends. Registration costs $10 per participant. Visit www.jamii.ca/laini to secure your spot for one category per child. WHEN | Between September 16 and November 25 on various days during the week WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade  The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood was recognized in a recent RE/MAX report as being one of the ten best places to live in Canada. Read all about this report in the following Toronto Star feature: www.thestar.com/news/gta/this-toronto-neighbourhood-was-named-one-of-canadas-best-places-to-live-in-new-report/article_a428519c-3f92-11ef-96be-cb7c456f2e35.html 
Temporary Road Closure Notice Dixon Hall Fundraiser - MarketStarting August 15, 2024, The Dixon Hall social services agency supporting vulnerable residents in Regent Park, Moss Park and Cabbagetown is hosting a Pay-What-You-Choose (PWYC) market every other Thursday at 190 Carlton, starting at 3PM until items sell out. This market is crucial in addressing food insecurity in those communities by providing affordable, healthy food options. Dixon Hall is focused on creating a supportive community atmosphere with activities and music, bringing people together and supporting local farmers. Theatre in St. James Park Town of York Historical Society Event Click here to register!
The Town of York Historical Society will hold its 41st Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, July 17th, at Campbell House Museum. Doors open at 6pm with remarks starting at 6:30pm. Following the business meeting, author and historian Adam Bunch will present "The Toronto Circus Riot: A True Tale of Violence, Corruption and Clowns." Attendance is free for TYHS members and $20 for non-members. Please select the correct ticket type when registering. Memberships and renewals are available at TownofYork.com or can be purchased alongside your ticket. Registration is mandatory as spots are limited! In-person attendance is highly encouraged.  On July 1st, 2024 residents from across the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood joined together in our much loved St. James Park to celebrate Canada Day with picnics and live music. This event would not have been possible without the coordination and organization for the event provided by SLNA Director Toby Tenenbaum and her volunteers. Thank you Toby and Team and a big thank you also to our SLNA President Stewart Linton who once again hosted the event with his usual friendly style! We also deeply appreciated the greetings and support provided by our political representatives: Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise, MP Marci Ien, MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam and MPP Chris Glover. This year's line-up of excellent live musical performers and children's activity booths were made possible through the support provided by our sponsors: St. Lawrence Market BIA/Old Town Toronto; Berkeley Castle; Canadian Heritage; EMBLEM; Friends of St. James Park, and; Town of York Historical Society/Toronto's First Post Office. Finally thank you to the volunteers who shared their pictures with us and we now share here for all to enjoy:  The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood takes seriously its role as the neighbourhood where Toronto officially began (as the Town of York) and will be honouring the area’s Indigenous and multicultural history during the annual Canada Day Festival on July 1st, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. in St. James Park (120 King St. E.).
“The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse communities and is home to some of the most iconic locations in the city. From the historic St. Lawrence Market and St. Lawrence Hall, to one of the world’s leading examples of livable and accessible urban communities along The Esplanade, to Canada’s First Parliament – this is the corner of Toronto steeped in history and popular with everyone. On July 1st – Canada Day - we will celebrate our welcoming community with a wonderful presentation of music, dance and special guests. We invite the media and fans of this great neighbourhood to join us,” said SLNA President, Stewart Linton. Special Guests As part of our opening greetings, we look forward to welcomimg our local political representatives which include: Ward 13 Councillor Chris Moise, Ward 10 Councillor Ausma Malik, Spadina-Fort York MP Chris Glover, Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, Toronto Centre MP Marci Ien and Spadina-Fort York MP Kevin Vuong. Music and Storytelling at the Michael Comstock Pavilion in St. James Park In addition to face painting and hula hooping for the young and young at heart, the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association has put together an engaging lineup of entertainers for the July 1st celebration: · Kunle - Acoustic Guitarist · Wayne Neon and the Amazing Tubular Trio · Ilsaiah Cade & Family - Indigenous Dance · Adam Bunch - Heritage Talk & Walk · Alan Cohen Jazz Trio featuring Tracey Gallant We are grateful for the kind support of this event provided by: Heritage Canada/Patrimoine canadien, EMBLEM, Old Town Toronto, The Friends of St. James Park, Toronto’s First Post Office, and Berkeley Castle. A special note of thanks is extended to the many volunteers who have helped to put this event together. DOWNLOAD FLYER VIEW PROGRAM From everyone's favourite REmarket event June 12 and 13 to a Heritage Toronto Walking Tour of Where Toronto began (the St. Lawrence) on June 15th...to music in St. James Park on Thursday evenings, and National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations on June 21st - our St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is a beautiful and joyful place to be this summer! Don't forget about our premier SLNA event of the year - the July 1st St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Canada Day Celebration. We will all gather at St. James Park for live music, games for the children and beautiful picnic spots that you can enjoy! See you the newsletter for details and we'll see you there!  From Heritage Toronto (sponsored by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association): Walk through the history of Toronto as we explore the hidden gems of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, once the old Town of York. Learn how remnants from the early city connect to today’s bustling metropolis. This tour will be led by an Emerging Historian. Cost and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $9.85 (includes a $1.85 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on Heritage Toronto tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time through the Heritage Toronto website.  REmarket is ON - June 12 & 13 The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 10th REmarket event on June 12 and 13, 2024 at 125 The Esplanade. More details on donations and recycling can be found at REmarket Guidelines (slna.ca).      Mark your calendars for Friday, June 21st to join Jamii's 6th Annual National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations! The event will take place in David Crombie Park, located at the corner of Esplanade and Princess St, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
This celebration brings a rich array of activities to our neighbourhood:
Additionally, there will be a photo exhibition unveiling by emerging photographer Maddy King and a showcase of paintings by emerging artist Amberlee King, both from Pikangikum First Nation. They are visiting Toronto for this occasion, and their works offer a glimpse into the beauty of their community. This event is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and learn more about Indigenous culture and peoples! WHEN | Friday, June 21st, 2024, 6 pm to 8 pm WHERE | David Crombie Park, Esplanade & Princess St ADMISSION: FREE MORE INFO: https://www.jamii.ca/outdoor-events/davidcrombiepark-june2024-1  SLNA Community MeetingWednesday, May 29 - 7 p.m. --All residents of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood are invited to attend the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s monthly Community Meeting that will be held this week - Wednesday, May 29th at 7 p.m. The meeting will be online and all can access via the Zoom link.
Crombie Park Refresh - Update“SLA’s and Arcadis’ detailed design for David Crombie Park has been approved by the City of Toronto. Construction for the park and cycle track is slated to begin in Spring 2025 and be completed in 2026.” — read full article at: https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2024/05/toronto-unveils-david-crombie-park-redesign.56083 For more information, see the project website at www.toronto.ca/davidcrombiepark. Well respected urban development/design publication Urban Toronto recently highlighted City of Toronto updates on the David Crombie Park refurbishment project which has been in the works/consultation with our community over the past few years. Following are excerpts from the feature and we encourage you to visit the Urban Toronto website to read the full story. Volunteers NeededThe SLNA-WRG needs your help! Want to get involved in your community while protecting the earth and meeting awesome people? Here’s your chance! Join us at our next REmarket on June 12 & 13 to have a tangible impact and see firsthand why our volunteer team has grown from 5 to 35+ members in the past few years! Send an email to [email protected] to get involved.  REmarket - June 12 and 13 The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is hosting its 10th REmarket event on June 12 and 13, 2024 at 125 The Esplanade. More details on donations and recycling can be found at REmarket Guidelines (slna.ca). If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for this event, please email [email protected] See you at the REmarket!    The next St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association Community Meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 24th at 7 p.m. via Zoom. We are pleased to share that we have a wonderfully interesting and full agenda for our neighbours in the St. Lawrence: SLNA Community Meeting Agenda:
When: Wednesday, April 24th Time: 7:00 p.m. Where: Zoom - click here For all meetings and events happening in the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood always visit the SLNA Community Calendar: https://www.slna.ca/calendar.html Come to the Lookout in the Port LandsFor easier reading and more details, click anywhere below to learn more about The Lookout  Jamii Events Submission from local arts organization Jamii Mingling at Jamii WHEN | May 2 at 7pm to 9pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub - 264 The Esplanade Calling one and all to Jamii for a fun filled Thursday night! This 'Mingling’ will celebrate all the artistic creations and experiences from the month of April and give community members an opportunity to join artists for a night of music and dance! The evening will open up with a musical set by Maryem Tollar’s group Al Qahwa, joined by Ernie Tollar and Naghmeh Farahmand. You will have a chance to hear the Egyptian songs participants have been learning, as well as other songs from the Middle East and some of Al Qahwa's original compositions. Share food, dancing, music and arts with us. A free event for the community to come together and celebrate the theme of the month: Motherland! Mom’s Care Circle WHEN | May 4 at 1pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub - 264 The Esplanade On May 4, Alejandra Higuera will lead a creative circle where moms will have an open and safe space to share what it means to be a caregiver and bring all of themselves. Moms will use visual arts, writing, and movement with the goal of self-expression and connecting with self and other mothers in the circle. For the duration of workshops, a team of certified caretakers provide moms with free off-site childcare. The event is free. Registration is required for moms who need childcare. You can register online at jamii.ca/indooractivities Spring Bird Migration at St. James ParkSt. James Park offers important stopover habitat to a variety of birds during spring migration and the park is once again hosting Justin Peter from Quest Nature Tours for a leisurely weekly ramble of 1 - 2 hours to watch for these birds and monitor the progression of migration from one week to the next. WHEN: Tuesday mornings at 7 AM on the following days:
WHERE: St. James Park, 120 King St. E. Meet at the Pavilion and bring binoculars if you have them. For more information contact: [email protected]  |
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