​July 1st Festival in St. James Park to Include Musicians, Storytellers, Heritage Tours


TORONTO—June 24, 2023—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
The area’s political representatives will be present to bring greetings and the Land Acknowledgement. Our special guests 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:

• Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance
• Jim Adams – Indigenous Storyteller
• Alana & Leigh Cline – Celtic Fiddling
• Gloria Gift Nankunda – Ugandan Singer
• Sue and Dwight Folk Singers
• Adam Bunch – Heritage Talk and Walk
• Alan Cohen Jazz Trio featuring Tracey Gallant with special guest Ted Quinlan
• Ilsaiah Cade & Family – Indigenous Dance

We are grateful for the kind support of this event provided by: Heritage Canada/Patrimoine canadien, The Friends of St. James Park, Toronto’s First Post Office, St. Lawrence Market BIA, Berkeley Castle and BMO. A special note of thanks is extended to the many volunteers who have helped to put this event together. 

As announced earlier and in celebration of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association's 40th Anniversary, the Association has partnered with our local arts organization Jamii for the creation of a special Indigenous mural by artist Darwin Peters. This mural will honour the Indigenous heritage of this land and the sense of community and cultural diversity that the St. Lawrence neighbourhood is so well known for today.

The location of the mural is the exterior wall of the St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (230 The Esplanade).

If you’ve walked down The Esplanade recently you may have seen the beautiful images emerging as Darwin and supporting artists complete the enormous task of painting the mural.

All are invited to attend the mural unveiling ceremony that will be part of the annual Jamii National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations.

When: Wednesday, June 21st at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Processional event starts at The Esplanade and Princess St.

This event is a great opportunity to celebrate the work of Indigenous artists and deepen your knowledge of Indigenous people and their culture. 

• Hosted by Jim Adams
• ​Singing and Drumming by Circle of Cedar Singers
• Unveiling of a Photo Exhibition by Morningstar Quill (from Pikangikum First Nation)
• Unveiling of The Esplanade’s New Mural on the exterior wall of the St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre by artist Darwin Peters (from Pikangikum First Nations)
• National Indigenous food by Tea-N-Bannock Restaurant

​We would like to thank all sponsors who made this mural possible: Emblem Developments, and St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA, with support from Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des arts du Canada, Toronto Arts Council, RBC Foundation Group, Rama Gaming House, and Charitable Gaming.

On June 8th, 7:30pm, at the Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade), join your neighbours for a conversation with Indigenous artist Jim Adams to learn more about Indigenous cultures and practices. A highly acclaimed Storyteller, Jim Adams is a multidisciplinary artist and educator who has worked as an indigenous educator in schools and institutions for over ten years.

Jim’s mother was a first generation Canadian of British parents and he carries the DNA of the Swampy Cree and Innu from his paternal grandmother and the Mohawk from his paternal grandfather. This mix of nationalities gives Jim a great array of cultural connections to draw upon as he engages audiences.

Limited Spots - Register Now!



ULI Toronto Hosts Mayoral Debate on ​Housing Affordability


From Urban Land Institute Toronto

Anybody Home: How to solve Toronto’s housing crisis?
Virtual Registration Open
 
Housing Affordability: No issue will define the next mayoralty more than the deepening challenge of housing affordability. From attainable market ownership and rental to affordable housing and basic human shelter, the role of the next Mayor of Toronto will play a pivotal role in aligning the city’s resources and programs with allies across the region, the Provincial and Federal governments. 

This program is brought to you by the University of Toronto's School of Cities, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto, and the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) for a focused debate on Toronto housing affordability future.

​Toronto Public Library - St. Lawrence Branch Update

​