SLNA News - March 17, 2021

A Talk with Anishinaabe language specialist, Brian Outinen

Monday, March 22nd – 1pm to 2pm, OR Tuesday, March 23rd – 1pm to 2pm

Brian Outinen is a Professor at Algoma University, instructing Anishinaabe Philosophy of Language and Culture. 
He is Ojibwe from Serpent River First Nation, Ontario and a member of the Hummingbird Clan.

He is the author of “Ancient Ojibwe Teachings”, a facebook page dedicated to the education of Anishinaabe philosophy, world views, and of the original instruction of the language and structure of words. 

​Join us for 1 or 2 FREE online sessions with Brian on the subjects of language, sacred symbol writing, and petroglyphs. 


REGISTER at www.jamii.ca/talks

Jamii is an award winning arts organization that builds community & nurtures women in leadership.  Since 2011, Jamii (Swahili for “community”) has produced over 130+ memorable arts-based experiences that celebrate all people and lifts spirits in The Esplanade community. Jamii is the proud recipient of the 2020 Community Arts Award by the Toronto Arts Foundation.

Homes First - 45 The Esplanade

In the image above is information to help St. Lawrence residents to learn more about the Home First Shelter, the services provided and our our newest neighbours 45 The Esplanade.

If the document above is too small to read you can download a larger document by clicking here.

If you would like to donate items to help residents, the following list has been prepared by the Homes First staff at this location:

Items in need by residents:
- Winter Boots/Footwear/Slippers
- Pajamas
- PPE (Reusable/Washable face masks, sanitizer, disinfecting wipes)  
- Gift cards (Tim Horton’s, grocery, etc.)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Computer/phone equipment: USBs, chargers, etc.
- Socks, Underwear and Bras (must be new)
- Fitness equipment/sporting goods: skipping rope, balls, yoga mats, etc.
- Books or magazines
- Board games or puzzles
- Blankets
- Sewing, embroidery, knitting etc...
- Writing materials/art supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, colouring books)

To arrange to drop off any items, please contact Ryan Evershed - ryan.evershed@homesfirst.on.ca.


Local History Moment with Bruce Bell



By Bruce Bell


Berkeley Street JailBy 1832, the Parliament of Upper Canada had moved from Berkeley and The Esplanade to Front and Simcoe, and the former site became one of the horrific locations in our early history --  the Berkeley Street Goal (jail) with its menacing limestone walls surrounding a hanging yard.

While some prison reform was being practiced in Britain and the rest of Europe, the powers that be here in Upper Canada would have none of that humane stuff here.

Prisoners were strung up by their wrists, beaten with straps, shackled to walls, deprived of water, force fed disgusting concoctions and hanged for crimes as little as stealing a piece of bread to feed a starving family.

After being vacated in 1860 (the new Don Jail opened in 1865) the Berkeley Street Goal stood until 1887 as a silent reminder of the appalling old way of doing things.

The old goal was finally demolished and the site became home to the very engines of the Industrial Revolution: coal and gas.

The corner of the Esplanade and Berkeley at the beginning of the 20th century was dominating by two giants of Toronto’s early industrial era, the Elias Rogers Coal and Lumber Company and the mighty Consumers’ Gas Company. 

Their refinery yards were colossal, taking up the blocks bounded by Sherbourne, Front, Berkeley and The Esplanade and stretching across Parliament street over to Mill Street as far down as Trinity Street where the entrance to Gooderham and Worts is today.

WALKING TOUR - Click to Download: Join me for a walking tour of the Esplanade on Wednesday March 24 at 10am and Saturday March 27 at 10am.

From its beginning as a First Nations fishing locale to the coming of the British in 1793 and its heyday as an industrial powerhouse filled with coal heaps and furnaces, to shipbuilding to the coming of St Lawrence Market and eventually being one of Toronto's most sought after neighbourhoods.

This tour is limited to 10 people as according to the Ontario Government Covid 19 guidelines and is FREE however gratuities are welcome ($10 to $20 is suggested).

Meeting place: First Parliament Site at Berkeley & The Esplanade

Ending Point: The Tour ends at Yonge Street

This tour is wheelchair, walker and scooter friendly

Reservations are a must so please contact me at bruce.bell2@sympatico.ca to make a reservation or phone 647-393-8687 between 9am and 5pm.


SLNA Annual General Meeting - March 31
 
The SLNA Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be hosted on the Zoom videoconference platform. 

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88163151751?pwd=Yk5OYUV0V0hpVU05VHVtZVFJQVB5dz09

All Delegates please note:

MOTIONS FOR APPROVAL

That the members approve the 2020 AGM minutes:
Review 2020 AGM Minutes for approval

That the members approve the Financial Statement
Review SLNA Year End Financial Statement

That the SLNA appoint Hogg, Shain and Scheck as accountants to perform the financial review for fiscal 2021.

Join the SLNA Board of Directors

Due the expiry of the term of one of our Board Members there will be an opening on the SLNA Board of Directors. All SLNA building/condo/home association delegates are eligible to submit a nomination for this position.

The election will take place during the March 31st SLNA Annual General Meeting. 

The Board vacancy is for a 3-year term of service.

Board Member Responsibilities

In addition to managing the affairs of the Association, SLNA Directors are required to attend the SLNA monthly Community Meeting which takes place ten times per year.

Board members are also expected to participate in the monthly SLNA Board meeting which is held the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.


DOWNLOAD NOMINATION FORM (NOTE: deadline for submission of nominations is March 29, 2021 )
 

​Join the SLNA Group on Facebook

To support our efforts to share information, promote local events, and faciliate dialogue on issues and developments in our neighbourhood we have created an SLNA Group on Facebook. There is no cost to join - though you will need a Facebook account to join the Group. Click on the link below to join us online:

www.facebook.com/groups/slnagroup
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