Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Regent Park Life - Summer 2013





Toronto's homeless population unchanged from 2009

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
======================================

News Release:  July 31, 2013

Toronto's homeless population unchanged from 2009

According to early results from the 2013 Street Needs Assessment, the overall homeless population in Toronto is estimated at 5,219, about one per cent higher than the 2009 estimate.

The estimate of the homeless population living outdoors increased by 24 per cent this year compared to 2009.

An interim report summarizing early findings of the point-in-time estimate and survey done by staff and volunteers on April 17, 2013 is available online. A staff report containing full data and analysis, as well as comments regarding impact on service provision and policy, will go to the Community Development and Recreation Committee for consideration at the committee's September meeting.

Key findings contained in the interim report include:

Toronto's population of homeless people staying outdoors, in emergency shelters, and in correctional and health care facilities in Toronto on the night of April 17, 2013, is estimated at 5,219. That is about one per cent higher than the 2009 estimate.

The number of seniors (aged 61 and older) within the homeless population has more than doubled since 2009 and now stands at 10 per cent.

Health care services, particularly hospitals and ambulances, are now the services used most often by homeless people in Toronto.

The vast majority of those experiencing homelessness want permanent housing, but continue to face barriers accessing it.

The most important supports are programs and services that help make housing more affordable, such as housing allowances.

Nearly 20 per cent of homeless youth identify as part of the LGBQT community, more than twice the rate of other age groups. This is the first time the survey asked about sexual orientation.

More than four out of five homeless people have lived in Toronto for more than a year. This is the first time respondents were asked about residency in Toronto.

The estimate of Toronto's outdoor population increased by 24 per cent.

More than a third of those sleeping rough self-identify as Aboriginal; in 2009, it was 28 per cent.

Sixteen per cent of those sleeping outdoors say they have served in the Canadian military. The question was not asked in 2009.

The interim report is available at http://www.toronto.ca/housing/SNA2013.htm.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Patricia Anderson, Manager, Partnership Development, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-4328, panders@toronto.ca

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Missing: distracted-driving campaign official launch, Reporters get to drive distracted-driving course

  
 
Media advisory, Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 10 a.m., 207 New Toronto Street, Missing: distracted-driving campaign official launch, Reporters get to drive distracted-driving course
Toronto Police Service
News Release
 

Media advisory, Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 10 a.m., 207 New Toronto Street, Missing: distracted-driving campaign official launch, Reporters get to drive distracted-driving course

Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 5:00 AM
Traffic Services:   416-808-1900

On Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at 10 a.m., at 207 New Toronto Street, the kickoff will take place of the Missing: distracted-driving campaign.

CAA South Central Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Toronto Police Service and members of the Traffic Safety Coalition will launch, for the second consecutive year, a four-week distracted-driving initiative called "Missing." The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of high-risk behaviours behind the wheel and encourage safe-driving habits in hopes of reducing collisions and fatalities.

The schedule of events for the day:

10 a.m.: news conference Missing: distracted-driving campaign official launch.

10:30 a.m.: Photo Op of distracted-driving obstacle course.

The media, accompanied by Toronto Police Service driving instructors, will be able to get behind the wheel and drive the distracted-driving obstacle course.

Every year we become more and more connected to our mobile devices. Break that connection this long weekend. Don't drive distracted. Help make our highways safe for all road-users.

 Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Monday, July 29, 2013

Holiday fun at Toronto's recreational sites on Simcoe Day

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
======================================

News Release:  July 29, 2013
 
Holiday fun at Toronto's recreational sites on Simcoe Day

The City of Toronto encourages local residents to make the most of Simcoe Day - Monday, August 5 - by taking advantage of the City's recreational attractions and activities. Many recreational attractions, as described here, will be open on the August 5 civic holiday. Community recreation centres and City offices will be closed that day.

Swimming: Residents can make a splash at the City's 58 outdoor pools, 106 wading pools and 93 splash pads. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/swimming or by calling 311.

Golf: All five City-run golf courses will be open at holiday rates on August 5, weather permitting. Rates vary among the golf courses, which are listed below with phone numbers to call for rates and other information:
Dentonia: 781 Victoria Park, 416-392-2558 Don Valley: 4200 Yonge St., 416-392-2465 Humber Valley: 40 Beattie Ave., 416-392-2488 Scarlett Woods: 1000 Jane St., 416-392-2484 Tam O'Shanter: 2481 Birchmount Rd., 416-392-2547

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm at 201 Winchester St. will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Simcoe Day. Families can enjoy a self-directed tour and meet the farmer at 11:30 a.m. for a farming demonstration at the lower Francey Barn. Zoo admission and activities are free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/riverdale_farm.htm or by calling 416-392-6794.

High Park Zoo: Located on Deer Pen Road, the High Park Zoo offers domestic and exotic animals, and many of them have babies this time of year. The gates open to visitors from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/ or by calling 311.

Toronto Islands: Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, the Toronto Islands offer a variety of fun for the whole family. The islands are a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and view the city skyline. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/parks/island.

Greenhouses: A wide variety of flowers are in bloom at Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave. The conservatory is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information about Allan Gardens is available by calling 416-392-7288 and online at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/allan-gardens.htm.
The conservatory in Centennial Park is closed for repairs.

Shared Path and other Discovery Walks: The Shared Path, the newest of the City's Discovery Walks, features 15 kilometres of trails through a series of park areas along the banks of the Humber River. The Discovery Walks program is a series of 10 self-guided walks linking ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Ranging from 1.5 to 18 kilometres, the walks showcase Toronto's outstanding natural features, as well as cultural and historical attractions. Information and maps are available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca

Friday, July 26, 2013

Public Safety Alert, Police request assistance with fraud investigation


 
Missing girl, Nicole Elie, 17   
Toronto Police Service
News Release

 
Public Safety Alert, Police request assistance with fraud investigation

Friday, July 26, 2013 - 2:54 PM
31 Division:   416-808-3100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an investigation into a fraud targeting elderly people.

It is reported that:
 - the suspect contacts the victim by telephone and poses as a relative
 - the suspect asks to borrow money, stating that it is required immediately
 - the suspect asks for the money to be sent using UPS overnight shipping
 - the suspect sends an accomplice to pick up the money

The public is advised to be aware of this type of fraud and to be cautious when contacted by anyone making a similar request.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Ashley Holman, 31 Division

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Summer with Friends of Berczy Park (FOBP)

Friends of Berczy Park (FOBP) invites you to enjoy these lazy summer days in our local park, including our very first family storytime event:

Enjoy a story in the park on Saturday, July 27 at 10:30am , at the first in a series of children’s storytimes, hosted by Dulce from the St Lawrence Branch Library. Visit our blog for details.
Browse the ‘Reflections on the Esplanade’ youth photo exhibit in the park before it wraps up at the end of July.
Cool off by the fountain at our cafe-style tables & chairs - enjoy an iced coffee, a summer novel, or catch-up with a friend;
*Take a ‘stroll’ through our blog – for news on the City’s park renovation plans, including a photo gallery of innovative small parks around the world. And, take our survey if you haven’t already.
Tell your friends and neighbours to visit our blog and click on ‘Join Friends of Berczy Park’ (So everyone has a say in upcoming park revitalization plans).

Stay tuned for other FOBP events for families, music lovers and pet-owners.


Your Friends of Berczy Park Working Committee.

The Secret World of Arrietty to The Esplanade this Saturday, July 27th

SNLA brings The Secret World of Arrietty to The Esplanade this Saturday, July 27th. The film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and was based on Mary Norton's novel The Borrowers. The film is about a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of a typical household, borrowing items from humans to survive. It won the Animation of the Year award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize award ceremony.

The film starts at 9pm at The Esplanade & Sherbourne. Feel free to bring some picnic food to share with others: picnic starts at 8pm.



Home Repair Scams Tonight at 9 on Twitter!!!

At 9PM ET will cover home repair scams w/

Discussion point #1: tip when dealing w/ home repair salespeople 
 
 
Missing girl, Nicole Elie, 17
Toronto Police Service
News Release
 
#Fraudchat covers home reno, repair and maintenance scams

Thursday, July 25, 2013 - 12:03 PM
Financial Crimes Unit:  416-808-7300

Tonight at 9 p.m. EST, the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit and the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services will offer tips and information on avoiding home renovation, repair and maintenance scams in an online Twitter chat (#fraudchat).

This chat, which is part of the #Fraudchat program, will cover the following:

• Common types of home reno, repair and maintenance scams
• Your rights when having work done on your home and
• What to do if you feel your rights may have been violated.

To follow the chat, members of the public simply need to log on to Twitter between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST tonight and follow the #fraudchat hashtag. An application such as "Tweetdeck," which allows users to separately view tweets containing this hashtag, is also helpful in following the chat.

About #Fraudchat

#Fraudchat is a weekly Twitter chat that takes place every Thursday between 9 p.m to 10 p.m. EST on Twitter. Launched in November 2012, this program seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and Detective Sergeant Cameron Field of the Financial Crimes Unit.

Since November 2012 the Financial Crimes Unit has partnered with the Financial Service Commission of Ontario to educate the public about financial crimes and fraud through the use of social media.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans, Financial Crimes Unit





Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Mosquitoes in Toronto test positive for West Nile Virus

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  July 24, 2013

Mosquitoes in Toronto test positive for West Nile Virus

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received a lab report indicating mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first positive test for West Nile Virus in Toronto this year.

"This is a timely reminder to the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water from their property where mosquitoes can breed," said Elaine Pacheco, Healthy Environments Manager for Toronto Public Health.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, protection against mosquito bites can further reduce this risk. TPH reminds residents to take precautions now and throughout the summer to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and a hat when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions.
- Remove standing water from property where mosquitoes can breed.
- Maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

TPH has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week. As part of the City of Toronto's West Nile Virus mosquito-reduction program, catch basins and other areas of standing water are treated with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.

West Nile Virus was first discovered in Toronto in 2001. In 2012, TPH reported 100 positive mosquito pools and 94 human cases.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/westnile or by calling 416-338-7600.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Rishma Govani, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-8020, rgovani@toronto.ca

2013 Caribbean Carnival Kick-Off - Thursday July 25, 2013










Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Live Green Toronto Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  July 23, 2013

Live Green Toronto Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday  

The Live Green Toronto Festival will take place at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Toronto's largest outdoor celebration of all things green will feature a marketplace with more than 100 vendors of green products and services, live music on two stages, a Kids' Zone, CD/DVD/Book Swap, Beer Garden, outdoor yoga class, live demonstrations and more. 

“The Live Green Toronto Festival provides a great opportunity for residents to learn even more ways to green their lives and support local businesses, while enjoying a full day of music, food and fun for the whole family," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee.

Yonge Street will be closed to traffic from Dundas Street to Queen Street to accommodate the marketplace. People are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transit to the event.

Performers on the Main Stage (Yonge-Dundas Square)

Noon: Thought Beneath Film
12:30 p.m.: Andria Simone
1 p.m.: The Abrams Brothers
2 p.m.: Alex Cuba
3 p.m.: Anjulie
4 p.m.: Victoria Duffield
5 p.m.: The Parachute Club
6 p.m.: Treble Charger
7 p.m.: Kardinal Offishall
8 p.m.: Shawn Desman

Festival visitors can also pedal a bike to help power the Community Stage, sponsored by Chipotle Mexican Grill, which will showcase local indie artists including Mama D, James from the Songs, Jaydahmann featuring Krystle Chance, Christian Bridges & Philip Nozuka, Womyn of Indigo and the Bloor Street Finishing School.

The Live Green Toronto Festival will be green-powered courtesy of Bullfrog Power. Festival sponsors include Chipotle Mexican Grill, TD, CP24, Toronto Star, Metro, Metroland Media, The Grid, Goodlife Fitness, Me to We Style, House of Marley, car2go, Steam Whistle, Eaton Chelsea Toronto and EcoParent Magazine.

A list of the marketplace vendors and more information about the festival is available at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Nancy Ruscica, Environment and Energy Office, 416-392-2984 (office), 
416-707-5856 (cell), nruscic@toronto.ca 

Live Green Toronto Festival

Toronto's largest outdoor celebration of all things green hits the streets at Yonge & Dundas on Saturday, July 27.
Performers on the Main Stage include:
Shawn Desman
Shawn Desman
Kardinal Offishall
Kardinal Offishall 
Treble Charger
Treble Charger

Victoria Duffield
Alex Cuba
Alex Cuba
Anjulie
Anjulie
 


Monday, July 22, 2013

Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed

News Release

Province Expanding Summer Learning Programs

July 22, 2013

Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed

Ontario is expanding its support for summer learning programs to help 1,000 more elementary students across the province improve their reading, writing and math skills this summer.
The programs help students who may be struggling by providing a mix of classroom learning and recreation programming that builds upon and improves their reading, writing and math skills while boosting their self-confidence. With this expansion, a total of about 2,500 elementary students across the province will be better prepared to go back to school in September.
Helping every student succeed is part of the Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair society while ensuring a bright future for the province's young people.



QUICK FACTS

  • The 2013 Ontario Budget announced that the funding for summer learning programs in 2013-14 will be doubled to almost $3 million.
  • Originally called summer literacy programs because of their exclusive focus on literacy skills, the programs were renamed summer learning programs in 2012 when they expanded to include numeracy skills and First Nations, MĂ©tis and Inuit programs.
  • Summer learning programs support Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.



LEARN MORE




QUOTES

"We are committed to supporting student achievement across the province and closing the gap for those who are struggling. The expansion of summer learning programming will ensure a greater number of students are able to build upon essential skills to prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond."
 — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education




CONTACTS

Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
416-325-2454
gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca
Lauren Ramey
Minister’s Office
416-325-2503
lauren.ramey@ontario.ca
Ministry of Education
http://www.ontario.ca/education

Toronto's special garbage collection completed

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  July 22, 2013     

Toronto's special garbage collection completed

The City of Toronto has completed the special garbage collection for materials damaged by flooding following the intense rainfall on July 8.
 
Solid Waste Management Services collected approximately 4,100 tonnes of flood-damaged material across the city.

Regularly scheduled garbage, Blue Bin (recycling), Green Bin (organics) and leaf/yard waste collections will resume on Tuesday, July 23. Residents should follow their collection calendar and are reminded about basic set-out requirements:

• If you have more garbage than will fit in your bin, you can leave extra garbage bags beside the Garbage Bin for collection with a City-issued bag tag attached to each garbage bag. Garbage-bag tags can be purchased in packages of five for $15.50 ($3.10 each) at local Canadian Tire stores.

• The City will continue picking up oversized/bulky items such as box springs and mattresses, furniture, lamps and luggage. These items can be placed out next to your Garbage Bin for free collection. No tags or special arrangements are needed. The City regularly collects these items in a separate truck for reuse, recycling or disassembling at no cost and keeps them out of the landfill.

• Carpeting should be tied in rolls measuring no longer than 1.2 metres (four feet) and weighing less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

• Electronic waste will be collected separately on your regularly scheduled garbage day. Set these items out for pickup half a metre (about two feet) away from your Garbage Bin.

The City cannot collect household hazardous waste (such as paint cans, fluorescent lighting tubes/bulbs). These items should be taken to a Drop-off Depot or your local Community Environment Day for safe disposal. Toxic Taxi also provides free pickup of 10 to 50 litres/kilograms of hazardous materials. Call 311 to book an appointment.

Construction/renovation waste (such as drywall and wood) should be taken to a Drop-off Depot or residents can arrange for removal by a private waste disposal company.

Check Waste Wizard, the online search tool at http://app.toronto.ca/wes/winfo/search.do, or call 311 if you are unsure of how to properly dispose of waste materials.  

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Siobhan Ramsay, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5001, sramsay@toronto.ca


Province Expanding Summer Learning Programs


News Release

Province Expanding Summer Learning Programs

July 22, 2013

Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed

Ontario is expanding its support for summer learning programs to help 1,000 more elementary students across the province improve their reading, writing and math skills this summer.
The programs help students who may be struggling by providing a mix of classroom learning and recreation programming that builds upon and improves their reading, writing and math skills while boosting their self-confidence. With this expansion, a total of about 2,500 elementary students across the province will be better prepared to go back to school in September.
Helping every student succeed is part of the Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair society while ensuring a bright future for the province's young people.



QUICK FACTS

  • The 2013 Ontario Budget announced that the funding for summer learning programs in 2013-14 will be doubled to almost $3 million.
  • Originally called summer literacy programs because of their exclusive focus on literacy skills, the programs were renamed summer learning programs in 2012 when they expanded to include numeracy skills and First Nations, MĂ©tis and Inuit programs.
  • Summer learning programs support Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.



LEARN MORE




QUOTES

"We are committed to supporting student achievement across the province and closing the gap for those who are struggling. The expansion of summer learning programming will ensure a greater number of students are able to build upon essential skills to prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond."
 — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education




CONTACTS

Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
416-325-2454
gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca
Lauren Ramey
Minister’s Office
416-325-2503
lauren.ramey@ontario.ca
Ministry of Education
http://www.ontario.ca/education

Friday, July 19, 2013

Charged for fake IDs: Officers in 51 Division seized hundreds of pieces of illegal identification

20130718_d51_fake_ids.jpg
IDs seized by police, Photo by Malik Manning
Officers in 51 Division seized hundreds of pieces of illegal identification from a Yonge Street store this week, charging three people. 

The investigation, which began in January after a Crime Stoppers tip, found that the IDSHACK store had been selling the identification, from all provinces except Ontario and all U.S. states, as novelty items.

Det. Barry Radford said the market for the identification spans from teens trying to get into bars to criminals trying to commit fraud.

“We have proof that criminals are using them for criminal activities,” said Radford, noting a man was arrested in another case allegedly using the identification to commit fraud.

“They can get other cards that are legitimate. The ramifications are endless,” Radford said, of fake identification being used to get student identification or even a driver’s licence.

He said that under age drinking should not be tolerated and can lead to injuries for teens.

Police seized identification they believe belongs to customers, computers and printers used in the business as well as close to $2,000 cash.

Radford said the business was not picky about who they sold to, noting they allegedly sold to an undercover officer online and at their store front location and were willing to make an identification with a picture of another person.

“They didn't care who they sold to,” Radford said.

Maria Pereda Martinez, 29; Julie Jimenez, 27; and Andrew Dnieper, 42; all of Toronto, have each been charged with Identity Theft, Illegally Possess Government Identity Documents, Expose Counterfeit Mark, Instruments of Forgery, Uttering Forged Document and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (under).

Anyone with information about this ongoing investigation is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Mural of collaboration: Justice & Artists at 311 Jarvis Street


20130719_mural_003.jpg
Collaborators stand in front of the mural
In a matter of a few weeks a group of young people, judges, community art leaders, Service members and a charity created a beautiful canvas on a drab city wall once used to house young people before their trials. 

The “Justice & Artists” mural was unveiled on July 18, in the rear courtyard of the Jarvis Street Youth Court, at 311 Jarvis Street.
The mural is the final step in converting the unused space between the courthouse and the currently non-operational York Detention Centre into a common area that is used by the employees of the court. Previously the courtyard had been a part of the detention centre's security perimeter. The wall is symbolic of a significant reduction in youth incarceration.

Court Officer Susan Klonoski said she’s seen a dramatic drop in the number of young people coming through 311 Jarvis Court and was pleased to be asked to help find a way to make the courtyard a beautiful place for those who work at the courts.

“These kids are phenomenal and mature beyond their years,” said the 20-year court officer, of the artists made up of OCAD University students as well as students from Central Technical School.
“I think it’s so important to keep in touch with the youth of today.”

Justices Brian Weagant and Penny Jones kick-started the project to turn the courtyard into a gathering place for the building. Weagant said the collaborators worked hard to make it a reality.

“We could turn it into something with a little bit of energy,” he said, of the courtyard, before handing letters of appreciation to the young people involved.

20130719_mural_002.jpg“The reason we could that was because the Toronto Police Service, local artists, the judiciary and court staff all worked together to make something happen and it’s just been a matter of weeks so you can imagine my delight.”

The project was funded by ProAction Cops & Kids, a charity dedicated to linking youth with police officers.

“Our goal is to build stronger relationship between youth and police officers… so kids aren’t afraid to talk to cops, work with cops and make the community safer,” ProAction Special Events and Communications Coordinator Sabrina Holmes said.

“It’s a little bit more than just a beautiful picture. It does make the court look wonderful, but to us it is an indication of young people working with us, working with the officers to make the community more beautiful and safer.”

The mural project was a unique collaboration between artists from OCAD University, Central Technical school art program, community youth volunteer artists from the ProAction Cops & Kids Cross Fit Graffiti Art program that operates with Toronto police in conjunction with local mural collaborators Steve Ferrera and Lisa Martin of Well and Good – a volunteer organization supporting art in the city.

The artists, youth, judiciary, police and court staff involved all had roles being creators, manufacturers, producers, and supporters of contemporary art, including working with many artists who are supportive of art forms on margins like graffiti and street art.
20130719_mural_001.jpg

The launch included participating artists Erika Ogilvy, Iago Mcevenue, Stephanie Kenzie, and Nicole Dobrowney, City of Toronto Project Lead for the Graffiti Management Plan Team, Jodi Callan, Youth Court Justice Brian Weagant and Justice Penny Jones, Court Services manager Susan Walker-Knapper, Court Officer Susan Klonowski, Court Shift Supervisor Carla Corsi, Const. Scott Mills and S/Sgt. Steve Pipe of the Toronto Police Service, Jean Milligan and Sabrina Holmes of ProAction Cops & Kids, and Toronto Police Youth In Policing Initiative students Nicholas Fraser and Malik Manning.

The organizers are working on the possibility of engaging more artists for more projects, at and around the court, that engage youth in positive community building endeavours that lead to marketable skills for the involved youth.

Jodi Callan, of the Graffiti Management Plan Team, said the collaboration is something the city encourages throughout the city through grants.

“The grant program is to support projects such as this. We just love to see stuff like this around our city.”

Story and Photos by Malik Manning