Here are some great events in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Most events are FREE.
Are You Interested in Weaving?
Tuesday Afternoons from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
FREE Admission
Gibson House Museum
5172 YONGE ST
Toronto
Call 416-395-7432 for more info.
- Gibson House’s small but dedicated group of weavers has been making textiles for the museum programs and gift shops for years.
- Their products are so popular they need more hands to help.
- If you have basic weaving experience and are interested in helping them grow this group and their weaving activities at the museum – please join them.
- Please call to confirm your interest.
- After your initial orientation, you can drop in to weave any time (pre-arranged).
Saturdays and Sundays in January
Admission is by Pay What You Can
12 to 4 p.m.
Scarborough Museum
1007 BRIMLEY RD
Toronto
Contact Info: 416-338-8807 or shm@toronto.ca
- “Warm up with some cider, sample fresh baked treats and share what you love about Scarborough!
- Make your family a part of history!
- The Community Memories Kiosk is waiting to record individual and family stories.“
- Newcomers and long time residents welcome.
- Please click here for more info.
Factory Farms: Behind the Scenes
FREE Admission
January 8, 2014
6:30pm-7:30pm
Brentwood Library, 36 Brentwood Road North (Royal York and Bloor)
- Brentwood Program Room
- Speaker: Sonia Faruqi (www.soniafaruqi.com)
- What are factory farms? What do they do? And why are they concerning?
- In this talk, Sonia Faruqi will draw on industry information as well as her own experiences investigating and living at factory farms around the world.
- The talk will end with tangible, practical solutions and actions.
- Drop-In Workshop. First Come, First Seated.
- Please click here for more info.
Toronto Repair Café
FREE
January 11, 2014
10am-2pm
Skills for Change – 791 St. Clair Ave. W.
- Do you have a broken appliance, piece of furniture or item of clothing that you’d like to save from the landfill?
- That’s where the volunteer “fixers” at the Repair Café come in!
- Help combat waste and built-in obsolescence at this event!
- For more info about Toronto Repair Café, please click here.
Rouge Park’s 11th Annual Winter Bird Count
January 12, 2014
9:30am Top of the Vista trail from Zoo Road
2km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info
12:30pm Beare Wetland Loop from Zoo Road
5km
Meeting Point TTC and Parking info
Sheryl Santos
Stewardship Coordinator
Rouge Park
905-713-6007 (phone)
birdcount@rougepark.com
www.rougepark.com
Sheryl Santos provided the following details of this event:
- “Dig out your mittens and thermos.
- What’s a Bird Count?
- “Thousands of birds call Rouge Park home during the winter months, and we want to know who’s around.
- Volunteers, along with a brilliant bird expert, venture out to forests, meadows and wetlands and count all birds seen and heard.”
- There’s lots of ways to get involved:
- New to birding?
- No worries, no experience needed.
- Please be over age 12 and happy to spend much of the day hiking in any weather.
- Are you a birding expert?
- We can use your help.
- A group leader shares their knowledge on the importance of birds and their habitats.
- Come discover the resident birds of Rouge Park.
- New to birding?
- Prefer to stay warm?
- If you’re a Rouge Park neighbour, you can tally up visits to your backyard bird feeders.
- Connect with us to see if you’re in our bird count zone.
- How does the day go?
- Bundle up, this is a rain or shine event.
- You’ll meet up with your team and travel to your assigned counting zone in the park.
- Generally, the count will go from 8am to 1pm, but your leader will be in touch to work out the details.
- Then, we all gather together at the Toronto Zoo to see the results of our count.Who will find the bald eagle this year? The suspense is unbearable!
- What’s in it for me?
- Well, not only do you get to spend the morning in Rouge Park, which is always a treat, you’ll get to spend it with a very knowledgeable birder who can teach you interesting bird facts such as recognizing calls, or identifying features.
- We’ll reward your efforts with a delicious meal and warm drinks.
- I’m in! How do I sign up?
- This is a popular event in Rouge Park and space is limited, so connect with us early.
- Drop us an email birdcount@rougepark.com or give us a call (905) 713-6007 to register.
- We’ll need to know your birding skills, if you need to take public transit, and if you have a preferred birding area.
- I have children, can they tag along? I can’t commit for the full time?
- The Winter Bird Count can be a long day for little feet; therefore, we’ve limited the event to over 12 years of age.
- If you have someone under 12, but are still keen to participate, we’re offering birding hikes.
- These hikes are handy too if you can’t stay for the allotted time, or would find 4-5 hours of hiking a challenge.
- Learn more, and register here: http://rougepark.com/hike/_walks_january_2014.php
- Just how fabulous is the Winter Bird Count?
- Last year, we tallied 61 species of birds, over 7000 birds!
- We spotted the Trumpeter Swan, once close to extinction, Wild Turkeys that had once vanished from Ontario, the giant Pileated Woodpecker which needs large forest tracts, and some lucky ducks (no pun intended) found a Great Horned Owl and a Barred Owl.“
Promising New Developments in the Fight against Fossil Fuels
FREE Admission
January 13, 2014
7:00pm-9:00 pm
St. Michael & All Angels Church (south east corner of St. Clair and Wychwood, enter from Wychwood through wooden gates, come up to 2nd floor)
Green Neighbours 21 provided the following details:
- Speakers: Rob Shirkey, President, Our Horizon; and Stuart Basden, President, Toronto 350.org
- “Climate scientists tell us that to avert a global catastrophe we must stop burning the fossil fuels now powering our economies. Clearly this won’t be easy, given that most of us (as consumers or investors) are part of the equation that makes these fuels so profitable. However, thanks to some recent developments in climate science and energy finance, that equation may be changing. Are we approaching one of those “tipping points” where small but concerted efforts can trigger a major shift?“
- After a brief introduction from Paul Antze on the bigger picture, we’ll hear from two speakers directly involved in efforts of this kind — on the consumer and investor sides of the equation respectively.
- Rob Shirkey will tell us about Our Horizon’s ingenious plan to turn gas-pump nozzles into reminders of the harm caused each time we fill our tanks.
- Stuart Basden will report on 350.org’s ongoing campaign to persuade universities to drop fossil fuel stocks from their endowments and pension funds.
- Come and learn about these new developments and find out how you can help!
Pay-What-You-Wish Thursday Night Socials
Gibson House will resume its weekly Thursday get-togethers on January 16.
Admission is Pay-What-You-Wish
Gibson House
5172 YONGE ST
Open: 5 to 8 p.m.
Contact: 416-395-7432 or gibsonhouse@toronto.ca
- Enjoy a relaxing, social evening 1850s style.
- Have some tea and sit by the fire in the kitchen, play board games and chat with neighbours and friends.
- Drop by the community quilt group and see what they are creating – add a stitch or two, if you wish.
- Children may explore hands-on activities and crafts.
- Activities will vary each week and they welcome your ideas and suggestions for future Thursdays.
- Please click here for more info.
Community Quilt Group Get-togethers
FREE Admission
Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
Weekly meetings will resume Thursdays starting January 16.
Gibson House
5172 YONGE ST
Call 416-395-7432 or e-mail gibsonhouse@toronto.ca
- Relax and meet new friends while you improve your crafting skills. We invite members of all ages from North York’s diverse communities to join our informal evenings of learning and sharing.
- You’ll explore both historic and contemporary quilting techniques in a comfortable, social setting.
- Work on a group project or pay a small fee for materials and make your own piece.
- Even if you have never picked up a needle and thread before you are welcome to join in.
Staying Alive – Family Nature Walk
$2-$5/person, or Donate What You Can
January 18, 2014
1:00pm-2:30pm
High Park Nature Centre, 440 Parkside Drive, Toronto (Parkside Drive & Indian Valley Crescent)
Contact: 416-392-1748 x2 or E-mail
- High Park Nature Centre will be investigating the adaptations of squirrels, chipmunks, chickadees, owls and insects for tips on surviving a Northern winter.
- Please click here for more info.
Winter Fun Day at Colborne Lodge
FREE Admission
January 19, 2014
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
South end of High Park on Colborne Lodge Drive
Limited free parking
- Fun wintery activities including taffy pulling for kids take place inside Colborne Lodge and roasting marshmallows, eating roasted potatoes and sipping warm cider in the great outdoors.
- Dress warmly as most of the activities are outside.
- Please note that small fees apply for taffy-pulling, potatoes and cider.
- For location and hours, click here.
Lost Rivers Walk – On the Waterfront, Western Edition
FREE
January 19, 2014
2pm
Meet at Bathurst & Front
- Discover Toronto’s west-central waterfront on this winter walk.
- Please click here for more info.
Harbourfront Centre
Presents
Lunar Palaces 2014
FREE Admission
January 25-26, 2014
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, Ontario
Map & Directions
Terrarium Workshop with grOCAD
FREE
January 29, 2014
6:30pm
Onsite [at] OCAD U
230 Richmond Street West
Toronto, Ontario
416-977-6000 ext.265
www.ocadu.ca/onsite
onsite@ocadu.ca
- “Want to make your own little green world?
- Join us and create your personal, creative terrarium, a little piece of oasis in jars for your indoor spaces.
- Learn the tips and tricks on growing moss, lichen and air plants. Best way to grow for beginners or Black Thumbs as they are super low maintenance varieties!“
- Hosted by Che Chi Liu, Tom Doughty and Mary Ma of grOCAD.
- Please click here for more info.
Istituto Italiano di Cultura
presents
Matteo Ragni: Almost 20 Years of Design
Exhibit Runs Through January 31, 2014
FREE Admission
Istituto Italiano di Cultura
496 Huron St., Toronto
Infoline: 416.921.3802 ext. 221
- Gallery hours: Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 1:00pm; 2:30pm – 5:00pm (and by appointment)
- Please click here for more info.
Istituto Italiano di Cultura, In Collaboration with the University of Toronto,
presents
ITALIAN PIANIST ROBERTO TURRIN in Toronto
Lecture and Piano Recital
FREE Admission
January 27, 2014
Walter Hall, Faculty of Music (north) Edward Johnson Building 80 Queen’s Park, Toronto
- There is a piano recital and a lecture by Italian pianist Roberto Turrin as part of the New Music Festival 2014.
- Here is the itinerary:
- 12-1 pm: Lecture: Humour in Twentieth Century Music
- 7:30 pm: Piano recital: Does humour belong in music?
- Festival webpage: http://www.music.utoronto.ca/events/nmf.htm
- Please click here for more info.
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014
January 27 – February 2, 2014
Faculty of Music (north)
Edward Johnson Building
80 Queen’s Park, Toronto ON
(Museum subway stop)
reception number: 416-978-3740
Festival webpage: www.music.utoronto.ca/events/nmf.htm
- FREE: January 26, 2014: Walter Buczynski Birthday Concert
- Celebrating the 80th birthday of Canadian composer and Professor Emeritus Walter Buczynski, the concert features his violin sonata, Suite 1;2;3, vocal works and the premieres of his piano sonatas nos. 8 and 9.
- Performers: violinist Mark Fewer, pianists William Aide, Walter Buczynski, Richard Herriott, Ilya Poleteav, Peter Longworth, vocalists Melanie Conly, Geoffrey Sirett, and the Talisker Quartet.
- 2:30 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: January 28, 2014: Conversation with Paul Chihara
- Louis Applebaum Distinguished Visitor in Film Composition.
- 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: January 28, 2014: NONCLASSICAL Night with Gabriel Prokofiev
- Presented by the Canadian Music Centre.
- Powered by Audio Blood.
- 9:00 pm. Canadian Music Centre Performance Space.
- FREE: January 29, 2014: New Music for Bassoon and Percussion featuring Nadina Mackie Jackson and Beverley Johnston in works by Theodor Burkall, Alexandre Ouzounoff, David Lang and others.
- 12:10 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: January 29, 2014: Chamber Music of Gabriel Prokofiev I and the winning work of the first annual University of Toronto String Quartet Composition Competition performed by the Cecilia String Quartet.
- 7:30 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: January 30, 2014: Chamber Music of Gabriel Prokofiev II performed by faculty and guest artists.
- 12:10 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: January 30, 2014: Encounters
- U student composers take a comic turn, with five miniature operas based upon librettos by Michael Patrick Albano.
- Made possible by a generous gift from Marina Yoshida.
- 5:00 pm. MacMillan Theatre.
- FREE: January 31, 2014: Electroacoustic Music
- A concert featuring multimedia works with electronics, images, and surround sound by graduate students and festival guest composer Gabriel Prokofiev.
- Presented by Dennis Patrick.
- 12:10 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: January 31, 2014: Karen Kieser Prize Concert
- A concert featuring the 2013 Karen Kieser Prize winning work Walking by Chris Thornborrow, recent pieces by previous winners Katerina Curcin and Kevin Lau, as well as works by Cecilia Livingston and festival guest composer Gabriel Prokofiev.
- Presented by Dennis Patrick.
- 7:30 pm. Walter Hall.
- FREE: February 1, 2014: Master Class with the Composer
- New Canadian art songs from the Plangere catalogue, performed by Canada’s next generation of singers in a master class setting led by the composers themselves.
- 12:10 pm. Walter Hall.
- By Donation at the Door: February 2, 2014: Choral Concert featuring the MacMillan Singers and Women’s Chamber Choir Concert conducted by Hilary Apfelstadt.
- Includes music by Gabriel Prokofiev and a premiere of the winning work of the Faculty’s 2012 choral composition competition.
- 2:30 pm. Church of the Redeemer.
- FREE: February 2, 2014: U of T Jazz Studies
- Jazz Studies presents a program of challenging original music.
- 7:30 pm. Walter Hall.
- Please click here for more info.
Toronto & Ontario News
Reminder: The TTC commuter parking lot located at Yorkdale Shopping Centre will be demolished early in the new year for redevelopment.
- As a result, starting January 6, TTC commuter parking at Yorkdale will be closed for approximately 18 months, and re-open in the fall of 2015.
- The TTC commuter lots at Wilson, Downsview and Finch stations are alternatives during construction.
TTC Makes Route Changes to Reduce Crowding, Improve Reliability
- The TTC is making many improvements to routes and services starting on Sun., Jan. 5, 21014.
- These changes are part of the TTC’s regular ongoing review of ridership, service levels, and route reliability.
- Four bus routes will be split, shortened, or simplified, to improve service reliability:
- 72 Pape – The route will be split into two services.
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The 72 Pape route will operate from Pape Station to Commissioners Street & Cherry Street, where it will connect with a new 172 Cherry Street route operating from St Andrew and King stations.
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- 97 Yonge – The route will be split into north and south sections.
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Buses on the northern section will operate from Steeles Avenue to Lawrence Station.
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Buses on the southern section will operate between York Mills Station and Davisville Station, with peak period service to Queens Quay.
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- 90 Vaughan – The peak period service west of Oakwood Avenue will be discontinued because of delays resulting from LRT construction on Eglinton Ave. W.
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All buses will operate on the main service between St Clair West Station and Oakwood.
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- 34 Eglinton East – The route will be simplified to operate between Eglinton Station and Kennedy Station at all times.
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The peak period service east of Kennedy Station will be replaced by additional service on the 116 Morningside route.
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- These routes will have service increased to reduce crowding, or schedule changes to improve service reliability:
- 9 Bellamy – Afternoon peak
- 11 Bayview – Morning and afternoon peak
- 16 McCowan – Saturday and Sunday afternoon
- 17 Birchmount – Saturday morning and Sunday daytime
- 21 Brimley – Afternoon peak
- 22 Coxwell – Saturday evening
- 25 Don Mills – Afternoon peak
- 34 Eglinton East – Saturday afternoon
- 31 Greenwood – Monday-Friday evening
- 36 Finch West – Saturday and Sunday afternoon
- 41 Keele – Monday-Friday morning peak, midday, and afternoon peak
- 47 Lansdowne – Morning peak
- 56 Leaside – Morning peak
- 60 Steeles West – Monday-Friday morning peak and evening
- 63 Ossington – Morning peak
- 66 Prince Edward – Morning and afternoon peak
- 68 Warden – Saturday and Sunday evening
- 70 O’Connor – Monday-Friday evening
- 73 Royal York – Monday-Friday evening
- 77 Swansea – Morning peak
- 85 Sheppard East ¬– Afternoon peak and Saturday/Sunday afternoon
- 86 Scarborough – Monday-Friday midday and Saturday evening
- 89 Weston – Morning and afternoon peak
- 90 Vaughan – Morning and afternoon peak
- 100 Flemingdon Park – Monday-Friday midday
- 116 Morningside – Monday-Friday midday and Saturday evening
- 124 Sunnybrook – Morning peak
- 134 Progress – Monday-Friday morning peak, midday, and afternoon peak
- 167 Pharmacy North – Monday-Friday midday
- 191 Highway 27 Rocket – Morning and afternoon peak
- 504 King – Morning peak
- 310 Bathurst – Sunday morning
Go Online for Government Services
- Ontario offering more than 40 services over the Internet at ServiceOntario.ca, including:
- Did you know?
- Ontario is the first province in Canada to provide drivers with an online driver’s licence renewal service.
- The Government of Ontario is committed to ensuring the privacy of personal information.
- Online government services automatically encrypt all confidential information to ensure the highest level of protection possible, similar to online banking systems.
- Many services are also available by phone or in-person at one of the nearly 300 ServiceOntario centres across the province.
Drivers to Pay Less for Drive Clean Test
- Starting April 1, vehicle owners will pay five dollars less for their Drive Clean emission tests.
- After 12 years in deficit due to start-up costs, Drive Clean went into surplus in 2011. The province is reducing the test fee from $35 to $30 to make sure the program does not take in more money than it costs to run.
- Did you know?
- Drive Clean has kept more than 335,000 tonnes of smog-causing pollutants from entering the air since 1999.
- Drive Clean fees for heavy duty vehicles are set by individual facilities at market rates and are not covered by this fee reduction.
- Drive Clean has reduced light duty vehicle emissions of carbon monoxide, an air pollutant, by about 3.2 million tonnes.
- Smog can lead to serious health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and death.
- Contact information for the general public
- 416-325-4000
- 1-800-565-4923
Improved Services Across Ontario in 2014
- Changes coming into effect on Jan. 1 would:
- Protect vulnerable people by giving fire officials the power to carry out at least one annual fire safety inspection in every regulated retirement home, long-term care home or other specified residence.
- Improve patient care by authorizing registered nurses or registered practical nurses to dispense drugs under certain conditions.
- Regulate the construction, demolition, change of use and renovations of buildings in Ontario by bringing into effect the 2012 Building Code.
- Facilitate the restructuring of pension plans affected by reorganizations while protecting benefit security for plan members and pensioners.
- Promote smarter energy use through new or enhanced energy efficiency requirements for 25 products, such as water heaters, household appliances, televisions and fluorescent lamps.
- Change rules for civil, small claims and family law cases to allow the hiring of lawyers for only portions of cases, allow paralegals to accept court documents on behalf of their clients and streamline various court processes.
- Fee changes effective Jan. 1 include increases for fishing and hunting licences, registering off-road and snow vehicles, and car camping in provincial parks.
- In addition, changes to the Employer Health Tax (EHT) Act mean that over 60,000 smaller employers would pay less EHT, including more than 12,000 employers that will no longer pay the tax.
Ontario Providing Free Dental Care to More Kids
- Ontario is expanding eligibility for free dental care to 70,000 more children and youth in low-income families, to help break down barriers and provide them with more opportunities for success.
- Starting April 2014, the province will increase access to oral health services such as cleanings, diagnostic services and basic treatment by expanding eligibility for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program.
- The province will also streamline six existing dental programs into one starting in August of 2015, making it easier for families of eligible children and youth to access timely dental care.
- This expansion is part of Ontario’s five-year Poverty Reduction Strategy.
- The 2013 Annual Report released today, highlights progress made since the strategy was launched in 2008.
- It also outlines the results of recent consultations that will help shape a new five-year strategy, to be released in early 2014.
Ontario’s progress on poverty reduction includes:
- More than 47,000 children and their families were lifted out of poverty and 61,000 were prevented from falling into poverty between 2008 and 2011.
- Over one million children in 530,000 families are being helped by the Ontario Child Benefit.
- Almost 184,000 four- and five-year-olds and their families have benefited from full-day kindergarten at approximately 2,600 schools across the province.
- Providing free dental care and helping to break down barriers for low-income children and youth is part of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and delivers on Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, by providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
Did you know?
- The child poverty rate in Ontario fell from 15.2 per cent in 2008 to 13.6 per cent in 2011.
- Though preventable, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 57 per cent of children and 59 per cent of adolescents.
- In young children, cavities can contribute to poor nutrition, affect their ability to speak clearly, and impede the growth of healthy adult teeth.
- Last year, an estimated 300,000 children and youth were enrolled in or were treated by Ontario’s low-income programs.
Here is the update to the previous blog, Ice Storm Updates of Toronto & Ontario: Torontonians Get Grocery Gift Cards Dec.31-Jan.2, 2014.
City Begins Cleanup of Ice Storm Tree Debris
On January 2, 2014, the City of Toronto announced its plan for cleaning up the thousands of downed tree limbs that fell as a result of the ice storm on December 21 and 22.
- While City forestry crews continue to tend to overhead branches that are a safety hazard, Solid Waste Management will lead the collection and chipping of wood debris piled on city streets.
- The cleanup operation, which is expected to take approximately eight weeks, will begin simultaneously in wards across the city.
- Up to 125 three-person crews made up of both City staff and contractors will clear tree debris from roadsides using chain saws and chippers while another 120 two-person forestry crews will focus on removing hanging branches that threaten power lines and walking areas.”
- The City will haul away all tree branches from front yards and roadsides and will include those that have fallen on private property if they are less than 15 cm (six inches) in diameter and have been taken to the curb.
- Residents should neatly stack limbs/branches at the front edge of their properties without blocking either sidewalks or roads and with the butt ends of branches towards the road.
- City crews will not collect large limbs (more than 15 cm or six inches in diameter) from private trees that have fallen on private property.
- Property owners should contact a private contractor for this.
- A City permit is not required to remove damaged or downed trees that are hazardous, however many trees can be saved with proper care and pruning.
- For residents that live in the Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) quarantine area in Etobicoke, City crews and private contractors will dispose of this debris in an appropriate manner.
- Residents are advised not to take this wood out of the Federal quarantine area. Check toronto.ca/trees for more information.
- Residents may monitor the debris removal progress by checking a detailed map (pdf) on the City’s web site at http://www.toronto.ca.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Contact Info
- Information on fares, routes, schedules and service.
- 416-393-4636 (INFO)
- Recorded information available 24 hours daily.
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Operator-assisted service is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, except statutory holidays.
- TTY Hearing Impaired Service, 416-481-2523, Daily, 8:00am-6:00pm; except statutory holidays.
- Main Switchboard
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416-393-4000
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Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
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City of Toronto Contact Info
Phone within Toronto city limits: 311.
Phone outside city limits: 416-392-CITY (2489)
(can be used within Toronto if you can’t reach 311).
TTY customers: 416-338-0TTY (0889)
Fax: 416-338-0685
E-mail: 311@toronto.ca
If your matter is urgent, please call them. They are open 24/7.
Ontario Thanks Hydro Workers and Canadian Tire for Generous Donation to Red Cross
- Today, Jan.4, 2014, Premier Kathleen Wynne expressed her gratitude to the Canadian Tire Family of Companies today for its generous donation on behalf of Ontario’s hydro workers for the ice storm relief efforts.
- The Canadian Tire Family of Companies has donated $500,000 in cash and in Canadian Tire gift cards to the Canadian Red Cross (Ontario branch), which is directing the $250,000 cash amount to Ontario’s food replacement initiative and the $250,000 in Canadian Tire gift cards to use in future disaster relief initiatives.
- This donation almost doubles the reach of the existing food replacement program, and will help those most in need in impacted municipalities across Ontario as the initiative rolls out beyond Toronto.
- More gift cards will also be distributed in the coming days to people who lost food and are unable to replace it without financial assistance.
- In total, the Canadian Tire Family of Companies, through Canadian Tire and Mark’s, has donated $1,000,000 in cash and Canadian Tire gift cards to the Canadian Red Cross on behalf of hydro workers from Ontario and other provinces who worked to restore power and helped with other response efforts.
- Originally offered to hydro workers for their tireless efforts over the holidays, the donation was redirected at the workers’ request to support the Red Cross’ ice storm response efforts and future emergencies.
- The government is still encouraging more sponsors to donate to the efforts, and it will continue to match donations to amplify the generous corporate contributions.
Did You Know?
- Those affected by the ice storm should contact their insurance companies first to find out about their coverage and compensation for lost food.
- Other corporate donors for this initiative include Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart, Metro, Sobeys, Bruce Power, Costco, Northland Power, Louie Coppa Family – A Coppa Family Tradition, CUPE Local 416, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793.
This CityNews Toronto video presents “Wynne defends grocery gift card giveaway on final day.”
- January 3, 2014
- “The last day of gift card giveaways was more orderly than others, but reporter Amanda Ferguson asks if the cards are really going to those who need them most.
- Meantime, Premier Wynne defends the program, saying it’s better to do something than nothing.“
Ontario, Canada
NEWS RELEASE
Food Gift Card Distribution Wraps in Toronto
Initiative Set to Roll Out in Other Municipalities
January 4, 2014 11:55 a.m.
Office of the Premier
Over three days this week, Ontario and its private sector partners distributed $842,600 in food gift cards to more than 8,500 Toronto families and individuals who lost food due to the ice storm. The Toronto distribution is now complete.
The province worked to distribute the cards quickly to help those in need as soon as possible. The response to this initiative has been overwhelming, and exceeded the anticipated demand.
The Ontario government would like to extend its thanks to the City of Toronto’s Employment and Social Services Branch, and in particular to frontline staff at Ontario Works offices who rose to the challenge of delivering this important initiative to the people of Toronto. While the program has had its challenges, it helped thousands of people in need who would not have received this support without it.
Ontario continues to work with affected municipalities to expand the initiative outside of Toronto. More details on the expansion of the initiative to other municipalities will be announced soon.
The gift card distribution has been made possible through the generosity of Ontario’s corporate sector, who worked with the province to quickly deliver food aid to those who need it most.
Quick Facts
- More than 21,664 cards have been distributed.
- Over $1 million, including provincial matching, has been raised.
- Corporate donors for this initiative include Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart, Metro, Sobeys, Bruce Power, Costco, Northland Power, Louie Coppa Family – A Coppa Family Tradition, CUPE Local 416, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Ontario Provincial Police Association, the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793, Canadian Tire Family of Companies, BMO Financial Group, Scotiabank and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario.
- Those affected by the ice storm should contact their insurance companies to find out about their coverage and compensation for lost food.
- More than 600,000 households in Ontario lost power due to the ice storm.
Quotes
“I am glad this important initiative has helped thousands of families affected by the ice storm, and I am grateful for the generosity of our corporate partners, as well as workers at the City of Toronto and Ontario Works offices. We are working to improve our distribution system as we roll this program out in other municipalities to help even more families across Ontario.”
Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario“Following the ice storm, we had an option to do something and an option to do nothing when it came to helping those most in need. We took action and, as a result, over 8,500 Toronto families and individuals have so far received assistance helping replace food they lost due to the ice storm.”
Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario
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- Life on the Grid Exhibit: 100 Years of Toronto Street Photography (Exhibit continues to May 2014 from Monday to Friday; Exhibit on Saturdays: from October 19, 2013 – April 12, 2014)
- 20 Key Accomplishments to Protect the Health and Safety of Canadians: Health Canada’s Review of 2013
- You’re Invited: Toronto Alerts & Events Nov.9-Dec.15, 2013 + News + Ontario’s Music Funds (Deadlines: Music Futures-Jan.6, 2014; Music Industry Development-Jan.31, 2014)